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By Margaret M.L. Byrnes
What is an Official Budget Committee?
No town is required to have a budget committee, but many towns do. If your town does have a budget committee, understanding the committee's role starts with determining whether the budget committee is official or advisory.
Whether the committee is referred to as a budget committee, an advisory budget committee, a finance committee, or another name, unless it was adopted by the voters pursuant to RSA 32:14, it is not an official budget committee. Non-official budget committees serve in an advisory capacity to the governing body, which is in control of the budgeting process.
However, if the voters did adopt an official budget committee under RSA 32:14, the responsibility for budgeting has been delegated from the governing body to the official budget committee. In addition to the three to twelve members-at-large, an official budget committee must have one governing body ex officio member, and one village district and/or school board member ex officio, if there is a village district and/or school district that lies wholly within the town. RSA 32:15.
Therefore, while sections 1 – 13 of RSA Chapter 32 apply to all towns, village districts, and school districts that adopt an annual budget, sections 14 – 24 apply only to those with official budget committees.
Overview of Official Budget Committee's Roles and Responsibilities
The purpose of the budget committee is to assist voters in the prudent appropriation of public funds. RSA 32:1. RSA 32:16 enumerates the four essential functions of the budget committee.
Reviewing (not controlling) expenditures: In conjunction with budget committee's responsibility to prepare the budget, the committee also has the authority to review current expenditures by acquiring a "comparative statement of all appropriations and all expenditures by them made in such detail as the budget committee may require." RSA 32:22. In fact, RSA 32:22 says that the budget committee "shall meet periodically to review such statements."
The purpose of this review is to determine whether the budget is meeting the needs of the town or school district, as the case may be, and to assist the budget committee in putting together a budget. In other words, reviewing current and past expenditures assists the budget committee in preparing future budgets, but it does not give the budget committee authority to control expenditures. See RSA 32:22.
Therefore, the basic process should work as follows: First, all officers and departments submit statements of estimated expenses and receipts to the governing body. Then, the governing body submits its own recommendations to the budget committee, together with all information necessary for the preparation of the annual budget, including each purpose for which an appropriation is sought and each item of anticipated revenue. In towns with a town manager, all officers and department budgets are submitted to the manager. The manager prepares a recommendation to the select board by January 31 of each year. RSA 37:6, V.
However, RSA 32:16 and RSA 32:17 also make it clear that the budget committee has the authority to request information directly from department heads and other officials. While necessary, requested information should be provided to the budget committee, the committee must remember that it has no authority to direct municipal staff work duties. Requests should provide a reasonable time frame and a reasonable format for producing the documentation. A careful balance must be attempted between acquiring information necessary for budget preparation and not interfering with the duties of other employees or officials.
The 10% Limitation
In towns with an official budget committee, the total amount appropriated by the meeting, including amounts appropriated in separate and special warrant articles, cannot exceed the total recommended by the budget committee by more than 10 percent. RSA 32:18. The 10 percent calculation is computed on the total amount recommended by the budget committee (including separate warrant articles), less that part of any appropriation item which constitutes "fixed charges." Fixed charges include appropriations for principal and interest payments on bonds and notes, as well as mandatory assessments imposed on towns by the county, state or federal governments.
In official ballot referendum (SB 2) towns and districts, the 10 percent limitation is calculated based on the initial recommendations of the budget committee prior to the first session, even if the budget committee changing its recommendations after amendments are made at the first session. RSA 32:5, V(b).
Exceptions to the 10% Limitation:
As a final point, remember that an individual budget committee member has no authority to act on his or her own. The duties and authority described in RSA Chapter 32 are granted to a budget committee, not a budget committee member. Therefore, official action on behalf of the committee must be conducted through a quorum of the board.
This is just an overview! For more information on municipal budget law, refer to NHMA's publication, The Basic Law of Budgeting.
Margaret M. L. Byrnes is Staff Attorney with the New Hampshire Municipal Association. She may be reached at 800.852.3358 ext. 3408 or at email@example.com.
< Back to Town And City Home


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Clarity Inc. is more than just a company, but rather a way of life–a little bubble of Macedon filled with intellectual pursuits and lofty ideals. While at its heart, Clarity is a for-profit business, the house has lifted the entire city through its capitalistic model. Through targeted donations, scholarships, and social programs, Clarity has used its profits to swell the Macedon economy and make the standards of living higher across the board. This goodwill has mostly overshadowed the morally questionable advancement of Clarity's research.
Though accidents and casualties have been rare, at least in the public eye, the murmur of strange mutilations, demented experiments and lab-created monsters has been the hushed undertone of the company for many years. The recent appearance of human-looking plant creatures has brought a great deal of scrutiny towards Clarity Inc., and could hurt the company's growing profits.
The Board of Directors
Shortly after Lain Cochrane established Clarity Enterprises, he had the realization that he was creating something big–gigantic, even. If his goals were met, the Council would be the only organization as influential as his. Lain came to the conclusion that incorporating his company was the only way to ensure its legacy. He divided 60% of the company among his contemporaries, 20% each to the head of the major sciences: Botany, Medicine, and Biology. Ethan Lonsworth, Selina Vargas and Gerry Remer, respectively, were the original board members. After Remer was deemed to be a poor fit on the board, Kyle Milligan took his place as head of biology, and was allotted the board seat.
Team Briar
Having received their name from "diving headlong into the briar patch," Team Briar is always at the forefront of new technology on Skellium. When Ethan Lonsworth started the task of identifying the millions of different bizarre and native plant species on Skellium, he found he needed help. Not only did he need help from brilliant botanists, he needed top minds in medicine, biology, construction, chemistry and electronics, in order to quickly find suitable plants to meet the colony's needs. Innoculations to spreading illnesses, how to classify new plant life, finding suitable replacements to common materials like gunpowder, plastic, metal and rubber: these were some of the tasks Team Briar took on. The founding members are responsible for many of the discoveries that the new planet had to offer. When child prodigy Colene Latt joined the team, their creation of new and interesting products had no limits. Plasteen, Ecosteel, Ecografts, Gravity-glue, and Super-seeds are only a few of the miraculous and widely-used materials put forth by Team Briar, and they aren't showing any signs of slowing down.
Solerium Enterprises
When Alana Gold started making a name for herself in the private sector, Lain Cochrane took notice. When her third company, Solerium Enterprises ate up all of its competitors aside from Clarity Inc., Cochrane was determined; that kind of business savvy was what he needed. While Clarity Inc. was the first large for-profit conglomerate in the city, they weren't the most successful, not in all areas. The profits of medicine and inventions like Ecosteel were propping up losses in other areas, such as education and solar power research. When the board of Clarity Inc. saw Alana Gold turn three separate middling solar technology companies into one profitable household name, they started throwing offers her way to buy the company out and have Gold work for them. However, the CEO held fast, and continued growing her fledgling company.
After years of research and spent profits, Gold was hitting a brick wall: newer and better products were needed to compete with her previous lines. Her company owed more than it could make in a year, and she was trying hard to keep that secret until a new offer, or a breakthrough could keep them afloat. Two days before Solerium Enterprises would close its doors, a final offer from Clarity Inc. came in. Not only did it cover her debt, but she was being offered an honorary seat as an advisor to the Clarity Board of Directors. After a brief negotiation, Alana Gold accepted the offer and now oversees large portions of Clarity Inc. Her business sense has made her invaluable with the board, while renewed funding has helped Solerium Enterprises create bigger, better, and more efficient products than ever.
Major Heroes of Clarity, Inc.
Khaleid Al-Far
Khaleid Al-Far was born from a military legacy, son of two high-commanders among House Canary. Khaleid was sculpted for a life in the Canary's new regime, the Journeymen Order. At age 18, he joined the Order and fulfilled his familial duties and destiny. However, the stagnancy of the militaristic house left a sour taste in the young man's mouth. After over five years trying to climb the Journeymen ladder, he found that he was simply waiting for his predecessors to die or retire, and no matter how exemplary his performance, how good his ideas, nothing could change unless he replaced his superiors. They were too entrenched in the Order, and too comfortable with their tried and true practices.
When Khaleid was honorably discharged from the Order, then, unsure where to go next, Lain Cochrane was there to intercept him. Clarity Inc. offered the disenfranchised serviceman something he was desperately craving: control. He had the freedom to structure all of Clarity Inc.'s security force to his liking, enforcing the best practices rather than the ones traditionally established. Al-Far was even offered genetic improvements, making his body and mind better, sharper, and stronger. Clarity Inc.'s investment has paid off, and the security of their compound has been unparalleled among the colony thus far.
Dalia Meir
The daughter of a lowborn father, and a mother who abandoned her, Dalia Meir has fought for every moment of freedom, every achievement, every scrap of something she could call her own. She possesses the ferocity of a Lilac Dandy in her dealings, and found a way to the top early in her career, whether she had to negotiate in the open, or slit a throat or two behind closed doors.
When Alana Gold stepped in to negotiate the purchase of Solar Refurbishing Inc., the company Dalia built from the ground up, Dalia was surprised the merger turned into a mutually beneficial relationship. The two women became close friends. They helped build Solerium Enterprises to its glory side by side. Though not on the Board of Directors, Dalia negotiates on behalf of Alana, having a hand in decisions that would affect all. Knowing Alana's soft spot for the working class, Dalia handles all of Alana's more nefarious dealings—whether signed in ink or blood, the job gets done. Well spoken and sophisticated, Dalia often attends the Council's many gala's, though she also is able and willing to rub elbows with the lower criminals of Macedon. She is a woman of many talents, striving to have a better life for her son than she ever did growing up.
Gerry Remer
Gerry Remer became the head of House Parakeet on the Dorchester voyage. When Lain Cochrane's stasis cell was found to be damaged, they took great time and care in reviving the prestigious scientist, giving Remer a longer run as head of house, as well as a seat on the original council during the colony's formation. When Cochrane was successfully revived, the once-prominent biologist was demoted to just another researcher. After years of being in the shadow of the brilliant Doctor Cochrane, and quickly becoming obsolete in biological breakthroughs by his own prodigal student Kyle Milligan, Remer became a bitter and desperate man. His legacy greatly diminished, and his life nearing its end, all of his focus became directed toward one goal: extending his own life, and becoming renown for his work. Ol' Gerry is on the verge of a breakthrough, but what will it cost?
Recent Stories about Clarity, Inc.
See All Clarity, Inc. Related Stories

subset: commoncrawl


text: Third of US Faces Floods This Spring Rains, wet winter, expected El Nino delivering deluge By Mary Papenfuss, Newser User Posted Mar 22, 2010 4:54 AM CDT 3 comments Comments The city of Halstad, Minn., drowns in flood waters from the Red River yesterday. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) View 1 more image (Newser) – In the latest climate calamity to cause misery, a third of the US is expected to be hit with flooding this spring. The Midwest, followed by the East Coast, will likely bear the brunt of what could be record flooding, brought by heavy rains last autumn, a wetter-than-usual winter, and a predicted El Nino weather system. "We are looking at potentially historic flooding," said a top official of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "It's a multi-year problem," said a NOAA forecaster. "We've been in an extreme wet pattern since this fall." Residents in and around Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, are already battling flood waters from the swollen Red River and its tributaries. Flooding is the deadliest weather hazard in the US and claims some 100 lives a year, reports ABC News. (Read more flooding stories.) View 1 more image My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 0% Annoying 12% Hilarious 12% Intriguing 6% Depressing 18% Brilliant 53% Scary


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Woweeee. It's been almost a year since I've written on this baby blog of mine. I've missed it tons. I've been so busy over the last few months, 10 of them to be exact.
There was my final semester at my community college. A full time schedule, part time job, teaching assistant volunteer gig, and the task of applying for transfer into 10 schools. I was the epitome of busy.
It all paid off however, because at this moment in time, I've transferred to the most writer friendly undergraduate school in the country. In my opinion anyways. Sarah Lawrence College is the place to be. It's a writing intensive school in so many ways. All classes, regardless of discipline rely heavily on writing in practice, not just theory.
So, now rolling into my second semester as a transfer, with a very well known MFA program nearby, I'll explore this world as I chronicle my days as a student. I've taken writing classes with phenomenal faculty, many of whom are authors of books in Barnes and Nobles. It's the real deal. Anyways. Stay with me on my adventures.


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Tell Congress to pass the Automatic Voter Registration Act
Voting rights are under attack. Donald Trump and extremist right-wing Republicans relentlessly perpetuate the myth of voter fraud to cast doubt on the electoral process and lay the groundwork for laws that suppress the vote. In states across the country, Republicans are doubling down on their efforts to steal elections by enacting discriminatory photo ID laws, cutting back early voting, eliminating polling locations and doing anything else they can think of to make it harder for people to vote.
The 2018 elections will be a massive opportunity to reject Republican extremism and stand up for progressive values. We have to do everything we can to make sure that as many people as possible are able to participate.
The Automatic Voter Registration Act would create a pathway to voting for up to 50 million new voters1 – but it won't gain traction in Congress without grassroots support. Can you help put pressure on Congress to act?
Tell Congress: Pass the Automatic Voter Registration Act.
With Trump in the White House and extremist Republicans trying to advance their dangerous agenda, we need to make sure that as many of people as possible register and everyone's vote counts, especially this year. The Automatic Voter Registration Act would expand automatic voter registration nationwide by requiring states to automatically register eligible voters when they interact with certain state and federal agencies. Everyone would have the chance to opt out, and no one would be registered against their will.
Courts in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Kansas have blocked Republican voter suppression laws,2 but Trump is not going to give up trying to rig the system for his Party's benefit. We have to do everything we can to block his extreme agenda and stop Republicans from passing laws that keep people from voting. And we also have to work hard to pass good laws that help expand registration and bring more people to the polls.
Eight states have already passed automatic voter registration.3 It is time for Congress to act to make sure that voters in every state have the chance to get registered. The Automatic Voter Registration Act will eliminate many of the barriers that make it harder for people to register and help ensure that we truly have a representative democracy.
Can you add your voice today to tell Congress to pass the Automatic Voter Registration Act?
Thanks for everything you do to protect the right to vote.
- Adam Gitlin, "Going national with automatic voter registration," The Hill, June 20, 2017.
- Mark Joseph Stern, "Voting Rights on the March," Slate, Aug. 1, 2016.
- Brennan Center for Justice, "Automatic Voter Registration," Dec. 4, 2017.


text:
Safety is Our Full-Time Job
Trust Cintas, the nation's leader, to protect your employees, protect your company and protect you.
Online Training Course List
First Aid & Safety Solutions
Fire Protection Services
Request More Information
Every year fires cost businesses more than $10 billion in damage and injure more than 17,000 people. Are you prepared to protect your People, Property and Productivity?
Since fire is one of the most common hazards in the workplace, it is important for your employees to know how to properly use a fire extinguisher if a fire should break out at your work site. Cintas has solutions that will help you develop effective fire prevention methods and teach your employees how to calmly and effectively deal with fires.
*October is now over and we are no longer offering free online training. Explore the links below for more information.
FREE Online Fire Extinguisher Training Course
Take advantage of our FREE Online Training offer during October, National Fire Prevention Month.


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Shrouded Island
Secret conspiracies, an evil cult and human sacrifices might sound like a good backdrop for a point-and-click adventure game, but here the player isn't some foolhardy investigator. In this game you play as the cultists in a resource management game that has an art style straight out of Darkest Dungeon.
Ghost Song
I'm not a rabid consumer of 2-D Metriovania games, but the idea of crash landing on an alien world filled with all sorts of strange flora and fauna has a certain appeal. The art style and overall mood are also top notch, which for me is a must have in games that reach back to old-school video game design.
I've played my share of submarine sims over the years, but I have yet to sink my teeth into one that really floats the best aspect the setting a genre have to offer. This particular take on WW2 naval warfare might do the trick though...at the very least the 3-D cutaways of submarine internals is a nice touch.
A.K.A. "Gladiator Stable Simulator 2017" surprisingly isn't as original a concept as one might think (several other games have tried the idea before in recent years). However this particular take on ancient Roman blood sports standout from the rest by way of a distinctive pixel art style.
Rain World
There are a lot of games out there where players can take the role of an animal. This game promises a similar idea, but with a twist; the animal is an alien creature somewhere between marsupial and primate. Equally fascinating is its (un)natural habitat which is also swarming with exotic lifeforms.
This long delayed civil unrest strategy game might have a timely release considering the recent political climate in the United States. Allowing players to take the side of the protesters or the police might lead to this game being more educational than entertainment for some would-be activists.
This isometric dark fantasy game has players filling the shoes of a lone shield maiden. In the most reductive terms possible, it's a Soulsborne clone. However, I think calling it that would be a disservice due to the distinctly Norse themed enemies and environments (plus the art is top-notch).
A first person horror title that shares DNA with SOMA but swaps the sci-fi trappings for hell, Hades, the underworld, or whatever word best communicates a fantastically awful land of absolute misery and suffering. Unsurprisingly, the central goal of the game is to escape from that place and the terrifying creatures that infest it.
At first glance one might be tempted to call this game a Soulsborne clone trying to differentiate itself by drawing on Asian, rather than European, imagery and myths. However, I more inclined to see this as a rebirth of the Onimusha series except with more Action RPG elements.
Tiny Metal
Turn-based strategy games are few and far between these days. As a fan of the subgenre it's a bit saddening. That said, this little indie project appears to be a love letter to people who have played and enjoyed the Advanced Wars series. Everything from the slightly cartoonish look to the rock-scissor-paper tactics rekindles feelings of an era where war games weren't grey/brown and gritty.
This could almost be a companion piece to Agony, in that it's another first person game filled to the brim with haunting imagery. In this case the environments are bio-mechanical landscapes that feel like they were ripped straight out of a H.R. Giger art exhibit. I'm not sure if the game will support VR, but even if it doesn't it's still going to make more than a few people nauseous.
A top-down rogue-like with an emphasis on scale (as in you are tiny and the world is huge). Multiplayer also seems to be in the cards, although perma-death is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the layout doesn't change unless the player opts to start over from scratch.
Death's Gambit
Here we have a side-scrolling hack'n'slash fantasy game that, visually speaking, has a lot in common with 16-bit era titles like Ghouls'n Ghosts. While one only needs to look as far as last year's Slain! to see a similar title, here's hoping this particular entry in the genre has a smoother launch.
I tend to refrain from team-based competitive online multiplayer shooters because of their repetitive nature. On the other hand I have a deep and (at times) irrational love for space navies, especially when it features huge capital ships hammering away at each other. Put simply, this is World of Warships in spaaaaaace!
This is one of those weird retro-future games that has a visual aesthetic based on what people living in the 1970s and 80s thought the future would look like. Details are scarce, but it's supposed to be a first-person rogue-like set on the moon with perma-death and a strong horror vibe.
Another space sci-fi game, another crashed starship, although this one subjects multiple marooned crew members to a survival situation on a cold, desolate, seemly abandoned planet. The graphic style is deliberately minimalistic and the developers have hinted at difficult moral choices as well as deeper underlying mystery to unravel.


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Thanks to funding from the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, the African Braille Centre has been able to train staff at area schools to undertake minor Brailler maintenance and repairs.
"Children in school will not have to go for days without accessing their Brailler due to minor defects. The blind children will be able to learn side by side with their sighted peers and using a 'pen' that is equally reliable," said ABC Production/ Development Manager Kiprotich Juma.
Kiprotich explained that when children who are blind take examinations, it is impossible to share Braillers. He further reckons that, what blind children need is to be given equal opportunity so they may perform well in class and during examination.
Kiprotich explained that when children who are blind take examinations, it is impossible to share Braillers and this can make it harder for teachers to keep up with curriculum goals.
"Education is the key to a better future life and this will not be possible without braille literacy for a blind person," Kiprotich said.
Braille literacy, Kiprotich said, permits greater independence for children who are blind when they go on to college and careers. For instance by knowing braille, individuals who are blind can give presentations or speeches without memorizing the content, and they can take notes for future reference.
By supporting braille instruction programs and providing Perkins Braillers® to those in need, Perkins, the Kiliminjaro Blind Trust, and the African Braille Centre are creating new possibilities for children who are blind in East Africa.


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Not often you see new pornstars debut with an anal scene! Adrianna Lily didn't feel the need to save it for later in the career, so here it is!
This scene starts off with some nice warm up photos, a few selfshots and a few pics of Adrianna in a blue thong. She even shows her sexy asshole, I really appreciated that! So when outdoors she pulls down her boyfriends shorts and starts sucking his large meat. It's not safe outside, the neighbors can spot them so she continue the blowjob indoors. Her pussy is nice and wet now so she rides his boner for a while then it's time to fuck her last hole; the butthole. He starts to fuck her ass slowly in doggystyle position then flips her around and penetrates her so hard that she screams out load! A nice anal scene indeed! :)


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|Colin Hunt
|Voice Actor
|Bruce Greene
|Eugene Black's Clan
|First Appearance
|Last Appearance
|The Big Bang
|Alive (Incarcerated)
|Online Status
- "We're all a little fucked. "
- — Colin in "Descent"
Colin Hunt was the secondary antagonist of season 7.
Unlike Eugene and Tyler, Colin is shown to be more level-headed, calm and (being a Homebrew engineer) is very intellectual. Whereas Tyler and Eugene are seen harassing other players or misleading them, Colin is usually very quiet and keeps to himself while in an in-game match and does not tolerate Eugene's short patience or attitude. Colin is also very stern about his role in Eugene's clan and does not tolerate disobedience when he gives orders.
However despite his mature attitude, Colin's general nature is unsettling and he is shown to be very paranoid once his software begins being used by the clan and is shown to be short of patience with anyone that talks to him. For this reason, unlike Eugene and Tyler, he finds both Arbiter and Master Chief to be a great nuisance. He is also frequently shown to be extremely arrogant and self-important.
It is later revealed that Colin is a pedophile, as evidenced by him goading under aged children online into joining private IRC servers to socialize. This explains his overall unsettling nature and Michelle's atmosphere around him. It was also revealed by Colin that he had gotten himself into legal trouble, possibly due to his pedophilia, and was saved thanks to Eugene's connections, which ultimately may be what made him join Eugene's clan in the first place.
Season 7Edit
Colin was one of the co-moderators of Eugene Black's clan, alongside Tyler King, as well as a homebrew and software engineer. Several years prior, Colin was involved in a legal issue, which was dissolved due to the actions of Eugene's clan, which is what lead to Colin trusting Eugene.
After the Online Multiplayer Network was updated after Chaos Theosis attempted to bring down the network using Fragban, Colin attempted to create an updated version for use by the clan. While it was being developed, he referred to it to Eugene as his "project".
When Colin finally finished the development of Fragban, he presented it to Eugene and Tyler, explaining every detail about it to them. He then uploaded the file to a secure server which Eugene could download it from, and would have to provide another copy to Tyler using a USB. Along with Eugene, though not Tyler, he then immediately proceeded to wreak havoc over Xbox LIVE with it.
However, Colin became worried that if the program could be tracked, the response from law enforcement would be severe. He told Eugene he would regulate its use until knowledge of the program's security. When Tyler refused to stop using it, Colin threatened to ban him, if he did not comply, also informing Tyler that he didn't trust him.
After the incident with Tyler, Colin told Eugene that he would allow nobody else beyond the trio to use Fragban. However, at that moment, Arbiter and Master Chief, who Eugene had already told of Fragban, even offering them a copy, arrived at their server at that precise moment, to tell Eugene they had decided to use it. Colin didn't trust them, and decided to ban them. Eugene convinced him not to do it, by reminding Colin that he still owed Eugene for his help years ago. Later, Colin told Eugene of a plan to ban both the Arbiter and Master Chief by surprise, but was talked out of it by Eugene once again.
When Colin was confident that they couldn't be tracked, he allowed the others to freely use Fragban, after which they proceeded to begin a banning spree across the network.
Six weeks later, the clan targeted an online in-game funeral for a player called blumpkinbeast666. Ten minutes before the funeral began, Eugene and Colin's server was infiltrated by Brody and Kyle, two players from Eugene and Tyler's school who wanted revenge on them for an incident earlier, and had acquired Colin's Fragban software by making a copy from Tyler's USB without him knowing. They tried to frag Eugene and Colin by assassinating them, but Colin noticed them despite their use of active camoflague, and, after they retreated, Colin questioned Eugene on who they could be. Eugene figured out that they were Brody and Kyle, and decided to try to get Fragban out of their hands after the funeral.
The clan then entered the funeral. While Eugene distracted the moderators, Colin fragged one of them. The rest of the clan proceeded to crash the funeral by fragging everyone attending it, while Colin fragged the remaining moderators.
Over time, Colin gained some degree of respect for Arbiter, though he still disliked Master Chief and considered him to be a moron. During a match, Arbiter asked Colin what Eugene meant when he convinced him to spare Arbiter and Chief a month and a half ago. Colin told Arbiter of Eugene's actions years ago, though without going into detail about what legal trouble he was in.
Some time afterwards, Colin met a nine year old boy online, and gave him his email, telling him "I think the world of you, and I feel we have a connection that's very special." and "I'm eager to learn more about you.". Master Chief observed their conversation, and concluded that Colin is a pedophile, which he told Arbiter.
Chief, however, managed to get Colin's messenger credentials from the boy, and posed as him to frame him. With the information, Arbiter and Chief called the police.
When Arbiter and Chief returned online with the new Xbox that they ordered, they confronted the clan. Colin managed to corner them with his sniper rifle while contacting Eugene, but at that moment his house was raided by the police and he was arrested. The Arbiter then fragged him with a plasma shot and his DMR rifle while a police officer was in the middle of reading his Miranda Rights to him.
In episode 24 of season 7, it was later speculated by Aribter that since he was a "white introverted, software nerd and a kid fucker" he would most likely be sold as a "cell bitch for a pack of smokes." This seemed to be confirmed when Arbiter was informed by Tyler in person later in the season.
- In The Big Bang, his armor has taken a change of color. This can be spotted in several scenes.
|Eugene Black's clan


text: Does anyone have pictures of the Model S "Alpha" during its cold weather testing? Have there been any other pictures of the "Alpha" in the wild? Does anyone have pics of the "Alpha" test fleet as a group? Are there any pics with the third row of seats? Are there any pics with any "Alpha" on a dyno?


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Interesting story this week in the Chicago Tribune on use of smart phones for travel. An excerpt:
Some early data suggest that mobile consumers are developing distinctive travel habits. Priceline.com, which has an iPhone app that allows users to book hotels and rental cars, studied a two-week sampling of its app activity and saw that 82 percent of customers with mobile devices booked their hotel rooms within one day of arrival. The figure dropped to 45 percent among people using Priceline's nonmobile "Name Your Own Price" feature. "As technology enables us to provide tools like this, we're both filling a need for last-minute rooms and also enabling a behavior change that lets people look for these last-minute rooms," said John Caine, Priceline's senior vice president of marketing who also heads the company's mobile development. In some cases, Priceline observed that customers may be waiting until they arrive at a destination before choosing a hotel. The company said 58 percent of customers with mobile devices were within 20 miles of their hotel when they made the booking — and 35 percent were within just a mile.
Some companies in the travel and hospitality industries also are experimenting with social media platforms as a new way to connect with tech-savvy clientele and enhance customer service. JetBlue Airways and United Airlines offer limited-time deals on Twitter in which users have to act quickly because the promotions can expire within hours. Hyatt Hotels has a Twitter concierge account, staffed around the clock, that answers questions, resolves problems, and even makes spa and restaurant bookings for guests. At Expedia, which launched a mobile booking site and iPhone app this year, the marriage of mobile phones and travel seemed inevitable. Joe Megibow, the company's vice president of global analytics and optimization, said a small but noticeable number of Expedia customers were booking travel through their smart phones even before the company had a Web site optimized for mobile devices. Mobile and travel "are just made for each other," Megibow said. "The mobile device is always with us; it's always on. When you're traveling, you're out and about and often in uncertain scenarios. … They're built for each other, and it's something we take very seriously." Travel companies with mobile offerings say ease of use and good design are crucial for attracting customers, especially as smart phones become more mainstream.
The expected proliferation of tablets presents another opportunity. "This is a customer that may well be running like mad down the jetway, trying to grab that hotel before they have to turn off their device on the plane," Caine said. "We're shooting to be the simplest, the fastest, the best-priced and really try to keep our customer in mind."
Although advances in mobile Web browsing have made e-commerce easier, not all travel services seamlessly translate to a hand-held device. Megibow noted that the popular grid layout used by travel sites to display flight options, for example, can be tricky to replicate on a small screen. Most booking is still done via computers rather than Web-connected phones.


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Birthdays are weird things, love 'em, hate 'em. I oscillate between the two. What I hate is the expectations. It's your 40th you MUST do something. Nope, nope, nope I want quiet.
This one however is overshadowed by big black clouds. When there is a family member gone, and the reality is that they, unlike you, are never going to celebrate a 40th birthday it taints the day.
But the sun shone gloriously, a reprieve from all the rain and the wild weather as winter gentles into spring. I walked in spring sunshine in the company of majestic trees. The clatter of heron's are preparing their nest in a Cyprus of Lebanon sounding like Teridactyls, taking part in the return of ancient cycles: winter into spring, regrowth from death.
So far 40 has been realising your eyes are getting strained while doing wee close up work, leaving the iron on and having to phone someone to go round and turn it off – and having one thin slice of birthday cake gives me this almighty sugar rush like being on drugs at 10 am in work. Sad, eh?
It was a good day inspired by trees and lichen. I'd love to somehow replicate this lichen in felt, creating those little pods. I've been trying to make tree trunks out of felt with some french knot lichen, i'd love a little forest of them.Maybe I should try them in grey or brown.
I laughed at small children trying to fit 40 candles onto a cake and basked into wonderful moonshine which somehow seemed brighter than usual. As I stood watching the clouds to clear from her face I felt rooted. She emanated a deep hush, and I felt calm, silent and tree like.


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Broncos' Skinner named WHL Goaltender of the Week
Swift Current, Sask. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Swift Current Broncos goaltender Stuart Skinner has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week and league nominee for the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending May 13, 2018.
Skinner, who was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round, 78th overall, of the 2017 NHL Draft, compiled a 3-1 record, 1.49 goals-against-average, and stopped 134 of 140 shots for a .957 save percentage while also recording two shutouts as the Broncos claimed their first WHL Championship since 1993.
The Edmonton, Alta. product began his week with a 37-save performance in Game Three of the 2018 Rogers WHL Championship Series, helping the Broncos gain a 2-1 series advantage with a 3-2 overtime victory. The next night, he delivered the first of his two shutouts in the week, stopping all 32 shots in a 1-0 victory. A 34-save performance followed in Game Five as the Broncos went down to defeat, but Skinner bounced back in Game Six at home, posting a 31-save shutout to clinch the series victory.
Skinner's performance in the 2018 WHL Playoffs featured him recording a 16-10 record with two overtime losses, a 2.20 GAA, .932 SV% and six shutouts. His 26 games, 1609 minutes, and 811 saves set a new WHL Playoffs records while his six shutouts also tied the current record. Overall, Skinner has appeared in 50 WHL Playoffs games, posting a 27-23 record with five overtime losses, 2.66 GAA, .922 SV% and six shutouts.
Monday morning, Skinner signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers. Originally selected in first round, 17th overall, by the Hurricanes in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Skinner has appeared in 207 WHL regular season games, maintaining a 104-72-9-6 record, 3.22 GAA, .908 SV% and 12 shutouts. This week's honour marks the sixth time Skinner has won the award since a mid-season trade brought him to Swift Current.
Skinner and the Broncos will now compete in the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup, which is scheduled to begin Friday, May 18 (8:00 p.m. CT). The Broncos first game will come on Saturday, May 19 (2:00 p.m. CT) when they take on the QMJHL champion Acadie-Bathurst Titan at the Brandt Centre.
WHL Goaltender of the Week/Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week nominee
May 7 – May 13: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Apr. 30 – May 6: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Apr. 23 – Apr. 29: Logan Flodell, Lethbridge Hurricanes
Apr. 16 – Apr. 22: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Patrick Dea, Tri-City Americans
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Patrick Dea, Tri-City Americans
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Shane Farkas, Portland Winterhawks
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Riley Lamb, Red Deer Rebels
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Brody Willms, Moose Jaw Warriors
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Riley Lamb, Red Deer Rebels
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Ethan Anders, Red Deer Rebels
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Stuart Skinner, Swift Current Broncos
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Nolan Maier, Saskatoon Blades
Dec. 27 – Dec. 31: James Porter, Kelowna Rockets
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: David Tendeck, Vancouver Giants
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Brody Willms, Moose Jaw Warriors
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks
Oct. 23 — Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Dawson Weatherill, Spokane Chiefs
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell, Swift Current Broncos
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tavin Grant, Prince George Cougars
Sept. 22 – Sept. 24: Griffen Outhouse, Victoria Royals
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world's finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada's National Junior Hockey Team.


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So You Want to Write a Book: Part 2
Posted January 31, 2013 by Marcy Twete in On the Ladder
In December, I gave you all an insider look at the process I was undergoing in writing my first book with "So You Want to Write a Book." Now that my book is officially finished (HUGE sigh of relief), I'm following up with Part 2!
- Avoid rewriting as much as possible. I've spoken to numerous writers and authors in the time I've been writing my book, and all of them say the same thing. If you get into the annoying minutia of writing, rewriting, writing, rewriting, writing, rewriting, your manuscript is going to take much longer to complete than if you trust your instincts and allow yourself to say "done" on a chapter or a section. Ultimately, if you followed my advice in Part 1, you'll know to hire a great editor. It's their job to find those needed rewrite sections. Not yours!
- Let people read it! It completely depends on your personality whether or not you want people to read the book and give you specific feedback, or whether or not you just want thumbs up/thumbs down reactions. I truly wanted the ladder and not the former. I let a few key people in my life read the book unedited so they could tell me if I was totally nuts or right on in my writing. Do this throughout your process, not just at the end. It might seem scary to give it up to someone else to read, but it can help immensely in your process.
- Don't back down on what you want. Whether you're traditionally publishing or self-publishing, your publishing company, your editor, your agent, and anyone else on your book team, will try to convince you of thing A or thing B. Perhaps they love one specific book cover, and you hate it. Maybe they feel strongly about a gloss cover and you love matte. No matter how small the decision might be, don't back down on what you want. You are the person who has to live with your name on this book forever, not them.
- You will forget something. One of the hardest parts of the book to write, for me, was the acknowledgements. I was so afraid I would forget someone instrumental in the process. In the more meaty part of the book, too, I realized at the end that I had completely neglected a tactic I definitely wanted to talk about in the book. I solved that problem by conducting a last-minute interview, and adding it in. The fact of the matter is, you can't cover everything on your topic in one book. You just can't. There are 150 books in the world about travel to Paris. All of them have similar information, but some have information the others don't. You can't cover it all comprehensively in one book. Let it go! It's OK if you forget something.
If you're interested in writing a book and have additional questions, feel free to check out Part 1 of this series or contact me directly!


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Melody, from Bespoke
Jules, from A Little Crafty Nest
Taisa, from Small Wonders
Sarah, from Our Island Home
Oh, yes, Tonya...we do love our chickens, too! As we speak, we are going to town to pick up more chicks and it seems we are juggling space for various stages and ages of our girls. My kids are also very attached to the chickens, though we do cull roosters. I think your girl is sweet to shower affection on your chickens...it is definitely how animals should be raised, with kindness and compassion and respect.
xo Jules
Isn't it lovely when children show affection toward animals. Makes them grow up with a bigger heart as someone said. What a great idea crushing the egg shells and adding in the feed for calcium. PamReplyDelete
I am fond of our chickens, they are so cute .. They come immediately when i start working in the garden, i don't know how they know .....ReplyDelete
Your Sarah is always so sweet to her chickens!
Finally, soon we can get our chickens too!!
Great post Tonya! We are also very fond of our hens and although we eat a mainly plant-based diet, we do enjoy our fresh eggs.ReplyDelete


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BoomBox @ The Vogue Theatre – WIN TICKETS!
EventsThe Hookup March 28, 2016 Matt Ramsey 13
* BoomBox
Muscle Shoals, AL
BoomBox is two versatile producers, DJs, songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and longtime friends Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux. Together they develop an electronic blend of vintage Rock and Blues made to move dance floors while incorporating their signature Backbeat, Psychedelia and Funky House sounds. Applying a multi-track platform, they are free to create their hybrid style on the fly with a rhythm that moves fans and opens them up to Godchaux and Randolph's overall vision. Derived from the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals, AL, to the psychedelic rock and underground electronic scenes of the west coast, their unique approach can only be achieved by the blending of sound and culture.
BoomBox's first release, Visions of Backbeat, contained the breakout song "Stereo" that built the foundation for their rapidly growing fan base. After years of steady touring and honing their sound, they released their sophomore effort, downriverelectric, and was hailed by critics as a progressive follow up effort. BoomBox are continuously working on new releases, using a blend of programming and live instrumentation with both members on drums, Randolph on keys, and Godchaux on guitar, bass and vocals.
Each live show is unique to the venue and the crowd, who are the driving force of the rhythmic BoomBox experience. "It's all natural, it's all in real time, and that's why it's Rock 'n' Roll", says Godchaux. Traditional set lists are never created prior to shows, instead, BoomBox chooses the music based on the atmosphere, to create a one-of-a-kind experience for fans. Randolph adds, "We just want to go out with no game plan. That way it's fresh for us, and we can follow the energy of the crowd. We're down to get down, and we hope that people are down with us."
Check out their new album before the show:
* Ramona Wouters
Antwerp, Belgium
Thursday, March 31st
Doors 8pm
Show 9pm
$15 Advance
$18 Day Of
On Sale – Friday, Jan 29th
Get tickets: http://ticketf.ly/1K8ofGm
Follow IndyMojo.com for more great show in Indy!
________________________________
Want to win free entry to this show? All you have to do is follow these easy steps:
1. Reply with your full name in the comments below why YOU deserve to win! Bonus points for creativity! Make it good people!
2. Repost this blog to your Facebook and/or Twitter – be sure to make it public and tag IndyMojo's page so we can see it! Find us: Facebook!
Winners will be Announced by March 31st! Be sure to check back to see if you've won! Good luck!
Gloria poncianoMarch 28, 2016 #1 Author
Well I deserve to win because due to some unfortunate circumstances I haven't been able to do anything fun in the last 6 months, I've worked so hard lately that I think I earned this night out! I love indymojo and always promote when there's a chance! I'm so excited to lay it all out on the dance floor! It would be amazing to win tickets to see such a groovy show!!
Bradley RoellMarch 29, 2016 #4 Author
This show is always a good time! Thx for bringing them again indymojo! <3
Brittney BradleyMarch 29, 2016 #6 Author
Thanks, IndyMojo
Evan WareMarch 29, 2016 #8 Author
I have been a fan of boombox for years I have never been able to see them live my girlfriend and I are celebrating our anniversary and I would love to surprise her and take her to this show
Samantha ShultzMarch 29, 2016 #10 Author
I've never got the opportunity to see BoomBox and it would be so awesome to enjoy a show by them after a long week or work! They have such groovy beats that make me want to Boogie all night long !
Deja SwanbergMarch 31, 2016 #12 Author
I want to see Boombox again! Any more tickets to give away? I'll dance and smile all night!
Alex MarekMarch 31, 2016 #13 Author
I've seen BoomBox a couple times now and with each time I grow to love them more and more. I especially love seeing them groove on stage as much as I am in the crowd with their boas. My boyfriend hasn't seen them yet, I'd love to take him if I could.


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The New Trend this Summer : Night Pool
Many young girls are spending time at a Night Pool to take selfie photos for SNS (especially for Instagram).The participants are mostly young women in there teens and or their 20's and instead of swimming in the pool, they pose for pictures. Many Hotels and pool facilities are catering to this latest trend by providing appealing illuminated floats that create nice backgrounds for their SNS pictures. Some places also provide colourful cocktails and music played by DJs.
>> Video by 大阪城ウォーターパークbyハウステンボス特派員
>> Night Pool #ナイトプール Instagram


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Tropical Cyclone Rainfall: Forecasting and Communication
- Languages: English
- Completion Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
- Topics:
- Enrollment Information:
Tropical cyclones (TCs) can bring excessive rainfall and create large precipitation gradients within very short distances. The excessive rainfall can lead to long-term flooding well beyond the TC impact period. This requires forecasters to issue specific flood products to increase public awareness and initiate protective action.
When a TC threatens communities, National Weather Service (NWS) and Weather Prediction Center (WPC) forecasters share information with local decision-makers regarding plausible rainfall scenarios, uncertainties, potential threats and impacts.
This course will introduce forecasters, decision-makers, and others interested in TC rainfall to:
- the challenges in predicting precipitation associated with TCs
- the deterministic and probabilistic rainfall forecast products issued by the WPC to forecast TC-related precipitation
- the different interpretations of probabilistic products from the WPC and National Hurricane Center
- the need for collaboration between national centers to ensure a unified message
The lessons in the course provide practice in:
- assessing the heavy rain potential and identifying the areas most likely to be affected
- interpreting national center and local Weather Forecast Office (WFO) forecast guidance correctly and communicating the precipitation threat
- identifying situations when a Flash Flood Emergency should be issued
- collaborating with WPC and other WFOs in issuing TC rainfall forecasts
Goals and Objectives
The main goal of the course is to introduce forecasters, decision-makers, and others interested in tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall to the factors contributing to heavy TC rainfall, the deterministic and probabilistic forecast products used to predict it, and how to best communicate the forecast guidance.
Learners who complete the course will be able to:
- Describe the unique challenges of TC quantitative precipitation forecasting.
- Explain how TC characteristics (track, intensity, forward speed) and terrain can affect TC precipitation distribution and magnitude.
- Differentiate between the way WPC and NHC use probabilities in their products.
- Use WPC QPFs, PQPFs, and Excessive Rainfall Outlooks to determine the location and amount of greatest precipitation, and the confidence in these forecast parameters.
- Determine the potential flood impacts of a TC upon a WFO's local area of responsibility.
- Craft clear and concise communications for decision support based on deterministic and probabilistic forecast guidance.
The knowledge and skills covered in the course will assist forecasters in providing better decision-support. Emergency managers and others will become familiar with the deterministic and probabilistic forecast products, and the uncertainty associated with TC rainfall forecasts.
In addition, all lessons offer their own specific objectives which can be found on their respective description pages.
This course has two lessons. The first lesson, "WPC Rainfall Guidance for Tropical Cyclones" introduces learners to the challenges in predicting precipitation associated with tropical cyclones (TCs). It also provides an overview of the deterministic and probabilistic rainfall forecast products issued by the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) to forecast TC-related precipitation. The second lesson, "Local Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Forecasting and Communication" introduces learners to the challenges in predicting and communicating localized TC rainfall threats. The lesson discusses the key ingredients conducive for heavy TC rainfall, and the tools used by the National Weather Service to forecast it.
Each lesson has an accompanying assessment that learners must pass in order to receive credit for the particular lesson. The course includes between 1.5 and 2 hrs of instructional time (not including the assessments).


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32991 Hamilton Ct.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: 248-737-0300
1328 S Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734-213-1515
1712 West Maple Road
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-723-4800
6450 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Phone: 248-406-8905
37100 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: 248-530-7401
1420 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-309-9980
30095 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: 248-865-1300
30201 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: 248-737-1110
22635 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248-414-6500
2355 Burton St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: 616-827-4400
20550 Haggerty Road
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: 248-380-6590
44350 W. 12 Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377
Phone: 248-735-1000
43683 Schoenherr Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: 586-412-1800
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A checking account with added benefits for veterans or those who are active in the military. Save money nationwide with coupons, cell phone protection, prescription discounts and more. Get cash back every time you swipe your debit card and choose credit. Take advantage of the largest free ATM nationwide network in the U.S. with no fees at any ATM, anywhere in the country.
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All USA Military Veterans, current USA military personnel, USA military reservists and immediate USA military family members residing in the same household are eligible for the Veteran Checking Program. Military branches include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, National Guard, Coast Guard and Border Patrol. 1 Mobile banking, including mobile check deposit, is free. Internet and data usage may apply. Some services within mobile banking and bill pay may be assessed a fee. 2 Must choose credit at time of purchase. Eligible accounts receive eligible credits at end of statement cycle. Credits may carry over to the following statement cycle. 3 Only applies to the Veteran Checking standard check design. Other check designs are available at full retail price. 4 Credit available to new and existing Level One residential mortgage customers. Credit available on conventional loans, government loans and jumbo loans. Not available on High LTV, construction, equity loans or lines of credit, or classic portfolio loan products. Credit will be reflected as a lender credit at closing on the Closing Disclosure. Loan must close to receive credit. 5 Included with optional BaZing Full Membership package. Insurance products are not FDIC insured, not a deposit, not an obligation of or guaranteed by Level One Bank, its affiliates, or any government agency. Level One Bank is not an affiliate of BaZing or its associates. Level One Bank reserves the right to change this account at any time. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
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Apple Pay available for
iPhone 6 and later
iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, or iPad mini 3 and later
In the US: iOS 8.1 or later
In Canada: iOS 9 or later
In the UK: iOS 8.3 or later
In Australia: iOS 9 or later
How to add payment methods and setup Apple Pay
First, please make sure you have set up the fingerprint scanner, go to Settings, Touch ID & Passcode, and select Add a Fingerprint. In that same setting area, make sure Touch ID is toggled on for Apple Pay, which appears toward the top. Now let's continue
- Tap setting - general - language®ion, change region to United States. If you are living in USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, it's no need to change.
- Launch the Passbook app.
- Tap on the plus sign.
- Tap on Set Up Apple Pay.
- Log in to your iCloud account when prompted.
- Tap on Use Card on File with iTunes.
- Verify the three digit security code on the back of your credit card.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- You're done!
How to change your default credit or debit card for Apple Pay
- Tap Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on Passbook & Apple Pay.
- Tap on Default Card.
- Tap on the card you want to use as your default.
How to delete a card from Apple Pay
- Click Settings.
- Tap on Passbook & Apple Pay.
- Tap on the credit card you'd like to delete.
- Tap on Remove Card.
Best VPN for Apple Pay
Concern about the security when make payment via Apple Pay or simply desire extra privacy and want complete security solution. The easiest way to protect yourself when making payments is using a VPN. A VPN service is especially useful when accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots because the public wireless services might not be secure. Get in the habit of regularly connecting online via a VPN connection will ensure your online activity safe.


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Commercial Sewer and Water Line Services
Almighty has been meeting the commercial plumbing and sewer needs of Chicago's businesses for more than fifty years. We specialize in water line installations and water line repairs and our plumbing business takes pride in a job well done. Many of our largest industrial plumbing customers have been with us for more than a decade. You can depend on Almighty.
Commercial Sewer and Drain Services
Regular maintenance of your facility's sewer lines and drains is a great way to reduce or eliminate emergency plumbing repairs. We'd be happy to discuss service agreements that help you manage costs and reduce downtime.
24 Hour Emergency Sewer Line and Water Line Repair
When you get a call in the middle of the night or early morning you know it can't be good. Water everywhere, drains backed up and nowhere for waste water to go. That's where we come in. Our experienced commercial plumbers will respond to your sewer line repair needs as soon as possible.
We Can Help With Water Line Installations And Repairs
Call Almighty Rooter and we'll take that problem off your hands quickly and expertly. Our industrial plumbing pros have years of experience and the right equipment to make your water line plumbing and sewer problems disappear.
Our phone is answered by a real live person 24 hours a day and 7 days of every week. We work nights, weekends and holidays. Industrial plumbing emergencies don't take holidays and neither do we. Give us a ring. We're here and we're ready to help you through your commercial sewer and water line issues. Call 773-645-1113 to learn more about our water line repair services today.
No complaints in the 10+ years of service.
Almighty Rooter is a good company. They've always been reliable, no matter what time it is when I need them. They handle their business well. I've been depending on them since 2003 and have no complaints.
Chicago, IL
08 2015
This is a great company.
I have never used another plumbing service other than Almighty Rooter because they are the best. When you call in for service they actually know you, and your company. They know my name now whenever I call. They are ready to work within 24 hours after a call, and they do good work. Their tech guys are nice and professional, but at the same time they make you feel comfortable. They are wonderful!
Chicago, IL
07 2015
Technicians were clean and very efficient workers. I will definitely keep them in mind for future issues. Highly suggest giving their business a call if you're searching for some plumbing getting fixed.
7 2015
Great service
Almighty Rooter has done all kinds of plumbing jobs for me over the last six years. I can call them for anything and they are always responsive to my needs at a very fair price. The technicians are dependable and they do great work each time. I recommend Almighty Rooter for any job.
Chicago, IL
06 2015
Good company to have on board
I have dealt with Hector of Almighty Rooter for a year at least and his customer service is always excellent. I tell him what I need, and he makes a good effort to take care of emergencies immediately and schedule general maintenance for a time that works for us both. Hector is a good troubleshooter and his work is guaranteed.
Chicago, IL
05 2015
Great quality, good service, competitive cost
Almighty Rooter has serviced our business for five years and handles many of our accounts. Hector is proactive and contacts me to schedule regular service for hydro-jetting and clean-outs for our hydro basins. He always responds quickly in emergencies.
I recommend Hector's services all the time for his great customer service.
Deerfield, IL
05 2015
Did More than Expected
Gave me a fair price, a little below other estimates, showed up when promised and cleaned up after themselves. They did more than I expected and made sure to honor a discount coupon from their web page. I highly recommend them and will use them again. I had a catch basin cleaned and my main sewer pipes hydro-jetted.
5 2015
Water Heater Emergency
I was in Chicago helping my father move. His house was on the market and we were in a rush to sell and close on the house. The day of the open house the water heater started leaking all over the basement. We called and were pleasantly surprised to get one of the owners on the phone. Bob assured us they would be out fast. They got there a hour before the open house, had the basement dried out, and the water heater replaced before the first real estate agent walked through the door. Great job!
5 2015
Emergency Plumbing Problem Solved
After calling two other plumbers, we found the number for Almighty Plumbing online. We called as an emergency, and the plumber came fast. He was a very nice man and knew what he was doing. He explained why we had the problem in the first place, and what he was doing to solve it.
Every day you learn something new, and today was not an exception. Thanks Mr. Alex! You really did a great job, and we couldn't be happier with the result!
Chicago, IL
12 2014
I have used these guys before and had a great experience. They were quick, honest and professional. And I knew that they had a physical location that if I needed to call them back again, they would be around. Great office staff as well.
9 2014
Mike did a great job, saved the day
I had a kitchen sink where water was coming up through the drain on both sides of the sink. I learned that it was an issue with the building's plumbing and not my sink. A clog in the system meant whenever someone in my building used their kitchen sink or dishwasher, it would filter up through my sink.
The property manager called Almighty Rooter Sewer and Plumbing to come out and fix the problem. The serviceman, Mike, came out and looked at the sink and then the building's plumbing. He pinpointed the problem in 5 minutes, flushed the system and then cleaned out the pipe. I was impressed at a) how quickly he found the problem and b) how fast he fixed it.
Mike did a great job, was friendly, fast and explained everything throughout the service call.
Chicago, IL
7 2014
Fixed a problem I'd had for four years
These guys are great. I called them and they came out after some other company screwed something up years ago. Almighty came out and fixed my existing problem fast. The problem the the fly by night company created.
They were fair on their prices. After talking with the repair man, I found out that it was a family owned business were the owners still actually go out and meet the customers. Very impressed.
2 2014


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Web-Letter, Issue 34 Fruit Cozies
First there was the tea cozy. Then came the cozy for your boiled egg. Next was the cozy for your coffee mug. I've even seen a chrome jaguarthe one that points the way on the racey car of the same namesporting a cozy. Now, Kristen TenDyke brings us banana, apple, and pear coziesno joketo protect your fruit from the hazards of the lunch bag.
Sorry knitters, Kristen's fruit cozies are crocheted. This might be the occasion on which you get out a hook and try your hand at knitting's sister craft. Or perhaps you'll be inspired to pick up a set of double points and see if you can create a knitted version for the fruit of your choice. If you take on the challenge, send us a picture!
The Story:
How many times have you thrown a banana into your lunch bag only to find it bumped, bruised, and smushed by the time you get to eat it? This has happened to me enough times to inspire this week's project. It all started with the banana cozy. Then I thought, "Why not protect all my favorite fruits?" So, the pear and apple cozies were born.
To test the cozies before exposing the patterns to the world, I filled them with their intended fruits and carried them around for a few days. Of course, not all projects turn out to fulfill perfectly their original intention, and often other uses arise. This is what happened with the banana cozy. While the thickness of the crochet protected the banana from bruising, it also did something I didn't expect. It ripened the banana, too!
Now, you don't understand… my boyfriend and I eat bananas SO fast that they are rarely ripe by the time we eat them. Our supermarket rarely has anything but mostly green bananas, so we often have to wait a few days before they're ready to eat. We've tried using paper bags to speed up the ripening, but it never seemed fast enough. This cozy totally solves the banana dilemma, but I haven't noticed any speedy ripening of the pear or the apple.
Also, I've learned something interesting about the numbers stuck on supermarket fruit. A five-digit number beginning with a 9 means the fruit was grown organically. A five-digit number beginning with an 8 means the fruit was genetically modified, and any four-digit number means that the fruit was conventionally grown with pesticides. Thought you might like to know.
The Yarn:
Soft Linen 35% linen, 35% wool, 30% baby alpaca
Clara Parkes wrote up an informative review of Soft Linen on Knitters Review. She has a lot to say about the benefits of knitting with this beautiful transitional yarn, but Soft Linen has many crochet-worthy aspects that I think also need to be noted.
Soft Linen is a DK weight yarn. Thinner yarns can be used to create delicate and drapey fabric. Soft Linen creates a wonderful drape when crocheted loosely. I've been inspired to crochet more designs with this yarn. It has TONS of potential for beautiful garments and accessories.
It's smooth. The alpaca blended with the wool and linen helps this yarn slide easily through your fingers and around your hook, providing for fast hooking without worrying about splitting.
This yarn is versatile, and can be used for cool or warm weather garments. A lacy pattern crocheted in this yarn would provide enough ventilation to keep you cool. A garment in a denser stitch pattern would keep you a bit warmer but also allow your body to breathe.
The Stitches:
I opted to crochet these fruit cozies because crochet is generally a more dense fabric than knitted fabric. The delicacy of a knitted fabric might not be as protective as the density of the crocheted fabric. They are worked entirely using the half-double crochet stitch, which is sturdy, yet still works up quickly.
In both knitting and crochet, working in the round prevents a seam from being placed anywhere around your project. In the case of the fruit cozies, a seam might bruise the delicate skin of your fruit.
Learn more about crocheting in the round.
The Pattern:
Here are the free downloadable patterns:
Apple Cozy
Banana Cozy
Pear Cozy


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Digital Innovation Strategy
Happiest Minds has been in the forefront of using technology that promote employee productivity and collaboration. This time too, aiming for the same, the company launched a smart intranet called, 'SmilesCentral' that serves as a single platform for employees to perform their daily activities.
A collaborative platform backed by cognitive intelligence SmilesCentral allows easy access to policies, standard company collateral, skill and people search, proposal information, project related information, automation of workflows in leave and service desk management. It has a 'google search' like interface that gives personalized and promoted search results based on the user inputs and has the ability to trigger a chat bot if an interactive service is needed. It also highlights information, based on features like SEO and search tags and cognitive intelligence. If the search is for a java skilled person then the platform correlates information from the project management system, skill information in HRMS, documents created by users in SharePoint and OneDrive to locate the most appropriate talent to meet the requirement. This increases employee productivity and builds strong foundation for an open collaborative ecosystem.


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Guys Love to BBQ;
Now OPEN 6 days a week!
Prices subject to change without notice.
Our authentic homemade Polish Garlic Sausage recipe has been passed down from generations and is made with only the finest cuts of ham and spices.
All our soups are made from scratch; no artificial flavours or colours are used!
Potato Pancakes: Made with select locally grown potatoes, our old country style recipe is hand prepared daily and pan-fried to a golden crispy potato pancake. Enjoy with sour cream or plain!
We cater to all size gatherings. Give us a call!
Come in and try our delicious baked goods!
Hot Lunch Combo's
Lunch Extra's
Soups / Borscht


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Please welcome Somer (pronounced just like the season; I asked) Canon, an exciting new voice in horror and fellow refugee Samhain Publishing author.
SRW: What's up, Somer? Thanks for darkening my doorstep.
SC: Thanks so much for having me, Stuart! I wiped my feet on the mat, I promise!
SRW: SO…Vicki Beautiful. Your first published novella. When I read it, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Once I saw where it was going, I dang near fell outta my chair. Tell everyone what they're in for.
SC: When I wrote this, I printed out multiple copies and I wordlessly handed it to a couple of friends and my mom. They all had this really spectacular reaction and they said that it starts off looking like something you'd see in a Woman's Day magazine but then things go horribly, horribly wrong. I love that, and it is very accurate.
The story is about lifelong friends who are just getting into their 40s, so they've got quite a bit of history and affection between them. As life can tend to go, things go wrong and one of the friends ends up dead and she leaves behind a set of last wishes that are so bizarre and awful that the remaining friends have to decide if they want to fulfill those last wishes. They have to decide if they can even stomach the act.
SRW: Somer, I know you. You're a very nice person. But where in the world did this warped idea come from? Fever dream? Food poisoning?
SC: I'm a nice person?!? Stuart, you're going to kill my career with a slanderous declaration like that! But really, thank you!
This book came from a dream. It was a dream where I went to a fancy dinner party and I was there to see a dear friend, a lovely woman with a distinctive beauty mark on her cheek. I was sitting at this beautifully adorned dinner table wondering about my friend when a waiter in a white jacket placed a plate before me and on the plate was this pale, gelatinous piece of meat with a very recognizable beauty mark. That dream stayed with me for days and I eventually sat down and wrote out a letter to fictional friends stating last wishes that might explain how a crazy dinner party like in my dream might have come about.
SRW: I love how the book is played straight. Temptation would've led me to write it as a dark comedy. But I think the fact you wrote it seriously is why it's more effective. Extremely confrontational horror. Nicely done. Constantly, I found myself wondering what I'd do in such a surreal experience. Um, Somer, have you been to some strange dinner parties?
SC: I've hosted some strange dinner parties, Stuart! Are you angling for an invitation?
SRW: Depends on what's on the dinner menu. Somer, you've expressed to me your trepidation about Vicki Beautiful not being considered horror. Um, what else would it be? And if you didn't intend it as horror…WHAT were you thinking?
SC: There is almost no blood and gore to this book. The horror in this book is very cerebral and understated, I think. I'm working from a place where hindsight is telling me how wrong I was originally, but because of the sort of light touch this book takes, I was convinced that it wasn't good enough for the horror genre. I originally tried selling it as a thriller until an editor was nice enough to tell me that I was very wrong.
SRW: In today's culture where advertising beauty is the standard that we're being brainwashed by, Vicki stands out as a rather ghastly banner for artificiality. Honestly, in her quest for money-bought and surgeon-enhanced beauty, she's quite an ugly character. What are your thoughts on our superficial culture? Is the book a statement against enhancements?
SC: Not at all. I've known a Vicki or two in my life, and they were people who, despite that preoccupation, managed to still be wonderful people. Yes, it made an ugly side to them in terms of being judgmental towards others, but they were still PEOPLE. I think that if we're talking about the faults of our superficial culture, I tend to think it puts an awful lot of pressure on those of us who, at best, are just average people. There's a sort of nudge to look smooth and poreless and polished that throws any sort of natural features out of the equation. But I also think it's important for us lowly average people to remember that the people who buy into that look are still people with personalities and inner-selves. Books and covers, you know.
SRW: I loved the ending. A scene of Hitchcockian worthy suspense. We've discussed this before, but do you see the ending as satisfying?
SC: I know there are going to be people who yell at me about the ending. It's not the original ending that I had written, but I thought that ending it with a question, with a truckload of anxiety attached to it, was so much better than throwing an all-questions-answered ending in your face. You decide if they do or if they don't. I think that's better and much more satisfying leaving you groaning and yelling at your e-reader than just telling you what happens.
SRW: Okay, now I'm curious. What was the original ending?
SC: He did it. Sloppily and tearfully, juices going everywhere. He did it.
SRW: Alright, curiosity and appetite satiated. What's coming out of Somer's keyboard and mind now?
SC: I'm working on a book about a woman with questionable morals. She's rumored to be a witch and her new neighbor finds that title too cute by half and asks her about it. The woman admits to being a witch and to doing something horrible in her past to earn her hateful name. Yes, she did something horrible but maybe, just maybe, it was justified.
SRW: There you have it folks! Go buy Somer's book, Vicki Beautiful now! Thank me or curse me out later. Just don't eat while reading it.


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Call me lame but I finally figured out what the hashtag #ootd meant on instagram last week. Yeah, I'd say I am a little behind on the times. So, here is a post on my new found knowledge of "Outfit of the Day" Paisley style. Plus our day in a nutshell.
Coral & White Striped Top: Baby Gap // Coral Skinny Jeans: Baby Gap // Shoes: Denim TOMS
Hair Clip: Little Roo's Boutique
Such a gorgeous day in Oklahoma. I wish the weather would stay like this all summer.
Today we went to our good friends, Trevor & Chelsea's wedding shower! So happy that we've gotten close with them this year. Pretty excited that they will only be living about 10 minutes away from us too. I can't wait until their wedding in May!
After, we went to Chili's for a bite to eat and came home to lay around and enjoy each others company. I love these kind of Saturdays.


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Foundations of Maryland School Business Management
Purchasing for Maryland Public Schools
ASBO is about building leadership and management skills in our current and upcoming public school leaders which is critical to the efficiency of our profession. Now more than ever, with these uncertain economic times school business officials must synchronize the actions of business units and the goals of the educational institution so that our precious educational resources are expended in the most efficient manner possible, especially in the classroom.
This workshop was established for all school business officials, for aspiring leaders in schools and support services, bookkeepers and new employees engaged in the purchasing activities including decision making process of those activities and the need of a working knowledge of the rules, principles, and procedures for governmental purchasing as it applies to Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
Attendees will benefit by gaining an understanding of the purchasing requirements for School Finance Operations for Maryland School Districts.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to;
- Apply generally accepted practices and procedures in the purchasing process;
- Administer an integrated electronic management system to maintain the purchasing process;
- Formulate bid requirements for specifications, advertisements, and selection;
- Analyze e-procurement issues;
- Develop a system to manage and track inventories and distribution;
- Develop a program for the acquisition, maintenance, repair, and disposal of equipment;
- Develop a system for the financial analysis of life cycle costs and quality control;
- Ensure the management systems for tracking inventories are in place and identify effective internal controls.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration for a full refund by notifying our office in writing no later than 14 days prior to the date of the event. You may substitute an attendee in your place by notifying us prior to the event or onsite. Any non-member replacing a member registration will be invoiced for the balance due. Balance cannot be carried over to other ASBO Conferences or Events.
ASBO reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any Foundations Course that does not exceed 10 registrants. Registrants will be notified no less than 14 days prior to the course should this occur.


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Important Point Off Difference
Linton Estate focuses on community. When or before Peter Dickson the Founder and Managing Director passes away. Linton Estate will be put into a Foundation/Trust to help the Ballan Hospital and the GLBTI Community and the Moorabool Shire Community in general. It will help organizations that help elders of the GLBTI community, research, project, events for elders and the residents of Linton Estate too. "Its all about giving back and caring"
Welcome to Linton Estate
Linton is proud to introduce the world's first residential village for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex community and like minded people, with the flexibility to be a weekend retreat or a place to retire. It has all what a retirement village has and more. Plus it is more flexiable model than the Retirement Village Act. Linton Estate is a dream for a better life.
This award winning community is A Place To Truly Be You
Based in the rural township of Ballan, it's just 50 minutes west of Melbourne and a central stop over on the way to historic Ballarat and also a short drive to Daylesford and Hepburn - Victoria's spa country.
Situated in the heart of the Moorabool Shire, Ballan has so much to offer with all the conveniences including cafe's, a post office, modern supermarket, hardware store, boutique shops, hospital, GP SuperClinic, a large Community Care Center with a hydro pool and meals on wheels. Plus the Hospital is expanding in 2016 with the building of 2 Day Operating Theaters and an expansion of the Age Care Facility with a further 51 high care beds.
Ballan also has access to a fast train service.
Linton Estate is west of the main township and features extensive on-site facilities for recreation, entertainment and luxury living.
Linton Estate home designs are called "The Linton Girl's Home Designs" after Peter Dickson's (founder of linton estate) mother and his 4 Aunties. Plus a house design after Peter's father - Max. There are 6 floor plans and 4 different facades for The Linton Girl's Home Design's and for the Max House Design has one façade.
G.J. Gardner Homes been appointed as the builder for Linton Estate. They have been able to keep the standard but have been able to make to homes more affordable and value for money. G.J. Gardner Homes has made better deals with their suppliers and has then passed it onto Linton Estate purchases.
The starting prices on the homes with G.J Gardner Homes standard building façades are :
- Max $297,000
- Dorothy $336,000
- Val $355,000
- Sylvia $360,000
- Lorraine $364,500
- Joan $399,000
If you are interested all you have to do is put a $5,000 holding deposit.
Contract - Erin McNamara from Sweeney Estate Agents
Office (03) 5367 8388 Mobile 0403 599 477
Or your local Sweeney Estate Agents Office
For information about Ballan and "living local"
Call - Patrick Bonello - 0419 338 473
Linton Estate has has made it into The Guardian.
Click here to read the article online.


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Fringe art was in the frame when a Belton artist co-curated and took part in a new exhibition.
Expressionist work by artists from across the region went on display at Doncaster's Frenchgate shopping centre as part of the Yorkshire Contemporary, 15 exhibition - including Isle artist Neil Rands, known as Rama Ramski.
Karen Staniforth, Frenchgate marketing manager, said: "Following our latest round of investment, we have created a wonderful space which connects the centre to the town's transport hub.
"It's a busy thoroughfare, which offers dining and recreation facilities and is used by thousands of people every week.
"Local artist and co-curator Rama Ramski spotted the space and asked if we would consider an exhibition of work from a group of Yorkshire-based artists which seemed like an excellent idea to bring something new to Frenchgate while supporting our creative and cultural communities."
Rama Ramski, who has exhibited and sold work internationally, developed the idea of Yorkshire Contemporary in support of Doncaster's Arts Fringe which encourages contemporary artists to come together, collaborate and share ideas.
With assistance from co-curator Lewis Grimes and Adam Berry he has been able to turn it all around in a matter of weeks.
Artists who went on display were Rama himself, award-winning duo Grimes and Jones, sculptor Hilary Cartmel, Bruce Hardwick who works with ceramic stoneware and Adam Berry, who specialises in fine art paintings.
Rama said: "Like young British artists of the 1980s before us, we are often frustrated by what can appear to be a 'closed-door' establishment approach, so it is great to get such an enlightened response from the Frenchgate management. In addition to providing a dynamic retail offering, Doncaster's Frenchgate Shopping Centre hosted a contemporary art exhibition that we believe to be one of the most exciting in the region."


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Trends in Interior Design This 2014
Black is Back
Gray can always stay fashionable, however black is that the new color darling for 2014. In a very Houzz poll, seventy four percent of house owners admitted to being a lover of black rooms, from bogs and kitchens (with crisp white fixtures) to interior doors and exterior siding. We're even seeing individuals paint the skin of their house black as the way to modernize an older home.
Going Metal
Tile remains the foremost standard material for interior design in Singapore, however individuals are progressively choosing metal tiles and alternative sheet materials together with stainless-steel, glass, and stone slab—it appearance sleek and makes for simple improvement.
The Man Cave
The man cave is rising from the basement in several homes, typically serving as a useful house that may not hidden away behind closed doors. This area is usually receptive the remainder of the family, however continues to be the guy's domain to line up and use as he sees fit—hopefully with the amatory support of the ladies within the house.
Goodbye Real Lawn
Native groundcover plants and a lot of creatively improved inexperienced areas (yes, even together with artificial lawns) are progressively common as individuals opt for more ancient, water-dependent expanses of grass.
The Natural Look
One of the most interesting new and modern trends this 2014 for interior design is using Wood. This material is extraordinarily widespread as individuals skip the paint and pick natural beauty. In fact, slab was the third most well liked alternative for counters, and hardwood was the most well liked flooring recently. Expect additional live-edge wood (i.e., craft with natural edges) in 2014 for each piece of furniture and countertops.
Getting the Tech
As the lounge is turning into a virtual-reality center, folks square measure redesigning their areas consequently, with several skipping the cocktail table entirely so that they do not have to arrange piece of furniture once it's their intercommunicate bowl on Wii match.
The Smart House
"smart home" choices were restricted to one system that ran the entire house, however these days owners use their smartphones to manage a spread of freelance systems throughout the house. From lighting to locks to appliances, smaller systems area unit easier to upgrade and replace.


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This is the inaugural post in a new series called Question of the Month in which we highlight the many ways Atlassians use Confluence Questions. Read on for insight into Atlassian's culture, values, and our newest collaboration tool, Confluence Questions.
When we first introduced Confluence Questions internally at Atlassian, a few early adopters set the bar high with some really helpful and thought provoking questions. One developer asked, "Who moved my cheese?", while another employee wondered, "What happened to the nut bar in the level 6 kitchen?". Okay so yes, the questions started off a bit silly, but people soon began to see the value and they progressed to more serious and useful topics, ranging from engineering, HR, and IT, all the way to company-wide culture questions.
Questions started helping people pull the information they needed to get work done from Atlassian's 700+ employees across four continents. It also provided a venue for raising questions that led to significant internal conversations. The incredible diversity of questions inspired us to write this blog series highlighting the many ways we use Confluence Questions at Atlassian.
Sparking conversation with a question
Our first Question of the Month comes from Emily Posner, one of our designers in San Francisco.
She asked:
Thanks to the Confluence editor, it was easy for Emily to provide some background to better frame her question – links to other internal blog posts in Confluence and web articles – and pushed people to identify the areas where Atlassian excels and provide ideas for how we can improve.
Power to the people
Making use of our newest feature, other Atlassians voted up the question. It quickly appeared at the top of everyone's Popular stream, and answers started to pour in from women and men across the company in Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam. Atlassians added context to answers with comments, and a lively discussion ensued.
Company-wide visibility
All of this engagement through answers, comments, and votes propelled the question into Confluence's Popular stream so even more Atlassians discovered it, contributed answers, and voted on its many responses.
Why Questions?
This question caught my eye not just because it was important, but because of the high-quality back-and-forth discussion that resulted. It was also interesting to see the way that certain responses bubbled to the top through voting, despite the fact that it was not a question with a "correct" answer.
I asked Emily why she posted the question in the first place. She said she wanted to raise awareness for an issue that many talked about at an individual level, but was not always discussed company wide. Emily explained why she chose to ask a question rather than write a blog post:
I didn't want it to be my story. I wanted to hear others' thoughts…it's an open-ended question and [Confluence Questions] encourages a more open-ended discussion than writing a blog post and having people comment on it.
Emily Posner
Emily got the open-ended discussion she hoped for, and the conversation continues today. In addition to those that contributed answers and comments on the question itself, Emily said countless others have come to her personally to thank her, contribute an idea, or offer to help turn ideas into forward progress.
Be the change you seek with Confluence Questions
Emily's question wasn't technical, nor would answers to it help her accomplish her day-to-day duties as a designer. It does not have a right answer, but it helped spark a conversation to make Atlassian a better company. Indeed, it is a perfect example of two of our company values: open company, no bullshit and be the change you seek. Emily saw an opportunity for Atlassian to improve, and raised a sensitive issue with the entire company.
We have long used Confluence to communicate within the company, and gather momentum for new initiatives. But Confluence Questions provides a way to pull valuable opinions and information out of more reticent colleagues. Without it, this valuable discussion would have remained trapped in private and nothing would have changed. We believe these conversations make Atlassian a better place to work – one where the best ideas are shared, and a diversity of contributions is encouraged and valued, ultimately making our people more productive and our products better.
Learn more about Confluence Questions in our announcement blog and download it from the Atlassian Marketplace.


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SmashFly Recognized by Boston Business Journal as a 2016 Best Place to Work
CONCORD, Mass. – May 25, 2016 – SmashFly Technologies, the leading Recruitment Marketing Platform provider, today announced that it has been named one of Boston Business Journal's 2016 Best Places to Work. Companies named to the annual list received top scores on the publication's anonymous survey completed by employees. Measured factors included employee pride in the company, professional development opportunities, support and recognition of achievement, and relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This is the second year in a row SmashFly has been named a Boston Business Journal Best Place to Work.
Mike Hennessy, Founder and CEO of SmashFly, said, "It's truly an honor to be named a Boston Business Journal Best Place to Work for the second year in a row. SmashFly employees are the lifeblood of what we do and critical to our success. I'm humbled that they think so highly of the culture we've built, which is one that encourages collaboration and values mutual respect, diversity, transparency, innovation and integrity."
Hennessey continued, "SmashFly helps organizations market their employer brands to attract more qualified candidates, so we know how important it is to their recruiting strategy when they are recognized for creating a great candidate experience or being a best place to work. Creating a work environment where employees are passionate, enthusiastic and motivated is not by accident. It is strategically important to the success of our business."
SmashFly is headquartered at the historic Damon Mill building on the Assabet River in Concord, Mass. In January the company announced $22 million in Series B funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners and OpenView Venture Partners that will help it accelerate product development, open an office in Boston this year, and hire additional engineering, customer success, marketing and sales professionals in Massachusetts and nationwide.
SmashFly benefits and perks include:
- Competitive salaries
- Quarterly performance bonuses
- Health, dental, vision
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA), Dependent Care accounts (DCA) and Health Care Reimbursement accounts (HRA)
- Life Insurance / AD&D / short and long term disability benefits
- Flexible work schedules / employees can work remotely
- Stock options
- Open vacation policy
- Weekly happy hours and catered lunches, games, jam sessions, an outdoor BBQ, and a farm share delivery co-op.
Boston Business Journal will recognize this year's honorees — and count down each category's top-ranked places to work — during its 14th annual Best Places to Work event scheduled for June 23 in Boston.
To learn about our job opportunities, visit SmashFly's career site here.
About SmashFly Technologies
SmashFly's award-winning Total Recruitment Marketing Platform enables talent acquisition teams to find, attract, engage, nurture and convert candidates into qualified applicants using a centralized management system that automates and measures recruiting strategies and programs. Customers use SmashFly to unite their previously disconnected recruiting tools into an integrated software platform for Job Marketing, Web Sourcing, Candidate Relationship Management (CRM), Talent Networks, mobile-responsive and SEO-optimized Career Sites, Employee Referrals, Social Recruiting and Recruiting Analytics. Used to target pre-applicants in the front-end of the talent acquisition process, SmashFly integrates with any applicant tracking system (ATS) to provide unparalleled, real-time analytics on the sources that produce the best hires for the organization. Learn more at smashfly.com and follow us on Twitter @SmashFly.
Media Contact:
Hadley Weinzierl, SmashFly Technologies, 1.888.282.3092 x116 / firstname.lastname@example.com