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When you're a startup and don't have a budget
Hiring top talent and the experienced professionals you need when you are a small company is hard. It's also hard to really stand out in this candidate-driven market when you don't have a big recruiting budget. Let's face it – you can't foot the bill for weekend house hunting trips, 4-star hotels and team dinners to court your next hire. Every dollar is precious!
But there are some simple ways to go the distance for a candidate to make sure they know you want them on your team.
1. Set the agenda in advance
Make sure your candidate gets the interview schedule, directions to the office, check-in instructions and title/position for each interviewer in advance. Then, on the day of the interview, print a copy of the day's agenda, along with any supporting information about the company, benefits and other great information about what makes your team great. Present it to the candidate when they arrive and include a notepad and pen for notes. Start the interview with a tour of your facility to help put them at ease.
2. Pick them up at the airport
This is a great way to get some casual time with your candidate. If you don't have time to pick them up, send a team member – or someone on the sales team. Make sure whomever they are making the trip with is a fan and will help set you up for success in the interview.
3. Include a breakfast or lunch as part of the interview
Having a meal together as a team is a great way to let the candidate see, feel and experience what it would be like as a member of this group. Select a restaurant with a good menu and one that's gender neutral – no BBQ or breweries. The menu should have Gluten free, vegetarian and healthy selections. This delivers a subliminal message that you care about your team and their health.
4. Give a product tour
If you are a product company, make time during the interview day to give the candidate a behind-the-scenes tour of your product suite. What better way to help them feel special than to let them see what you're really all about? Share the product roadmap and plans for the future – ask for their input.
5. Don't rush the day
There is nothing that says "you are just another interview," more than 30 minute back-to-back interviews for four hours. Make time for breaks, idle chat and the opportunity to regroup during the day. Your candidate will feel honored and respected – and you will reap the benefits!
6. Plan your follow up
At the conclusion of the interview, make sure your hiring manager closes out the day with your candidate. This should include a commitment for follow up and next steps. Be honest and authentic. If you have two more weeks of interviews, then let the candidate know. And if you say you'll follow up by a certain date, then make sure you do it.
Finally, I firmly believe that when you meet with a candidate in person then you are obliged to phone the candidate personally if they are not selected. There is NOTHING worse than getting an impersonal email from HR after an onsite interview. After all, you will want the candidate to feel good about your company whether they are hired or not – right? For more thoughts on how to deliver an outstanding candidate experience visit us here!


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INTERVIEW: Zo! creates a SunStorm at CMJ
Written by: sondai
If you see me walking down the street with these bright green and blue earbuds on I am more than likely listening to one of two play lists (not that the others on the iPod are garbage but I am just in this mood…). The first being a recently acquired dedication to moi from a certain BK producer and the second being my tried and true "nothing can touch me when this album is playing" album. That would be the latest from Detroit area native Zo!, SunStorm is on constant rotation. 12 full bodied tracks of nothing but good music with some major voices from Lady Alma, YahZarah, Darien Brockington to Monica Blaire and Phonte. I was fortunate enough to get on this brother's dance card and ask him a few questions about his musical decisions that have lead him to this space in time.
So how did a Michigan native migrate to the DMV? What was the deciding factor for your move?
Before I moved, I was contemplating either coming to the East Coast or moving out west. I decided to move east because there are so many different markets and cities up and down I-95 that I felt it would be beneficial to advancing my musical career. The fact that I have a ton of family in Maryland made the move a bit more natural… It was fairly easy to get adjusted out this way.
Coming from such a historic place in the music game do you feel like there are different standards that you must adhere to?
Well, I know that I am my own worst critic… I don't like too much of anything. I think that the area I'm from has an influence on my standards, yes….But it also has to do with the company I keep in The Foreign Exchange family and the way that I want to have my music presented as well. The standards are sky high, and that's how I like it. It keeps me not only grounded as an artist but heavily motivated to continue to raise those standards with each piece of work.
What or who have been your musical influences/inspirations?
My first and major influences are my parents, they are the ones who brought me up around great music as well as the ones who pushed me to play piano growing up although I absolutely HATED it. It was their push and support that has gotten me to this point and that's huge because on too many occasions you hear stories of artists' loved ones not supporting them in their careers, so I consider myself extremely blessed to have had them in my corner from day one.
On your latest endeavor, SunStorm, you have a host of talent that you have worked with… How hard was it to coordinate schedules to work on this project? What were your biggest challenges?
I think the fact that there were TWO people (Phonte and I) making sure things ran smoothly rather than just me helped a WHOLE lot in regards to coordinating schedules and making sure that deadlines were honored, etc. Schedule conflicts were definitely the biggest challenges, I mean… we were working with some of the best out there, artists who are in high demand. So kats were on the road, in the studio working on other things, or just caught up in general. But the fact that they ALL came through and recorded for my album as if it was a lead single for their own was absolutely flattering to me. Even now, three months later I sit back and kinda shake my head at that because as a producer, I feel like I've done my job, which is bringing the best out of the artists you work with… and vice versa of course.
How did your connection to Phonte and Nicolay, Foreign Exchange, develop?
It came directly through Phonte who I met back in 2005. Right after I finished working on the "If She Breaks Your Heart" record for Leave It All Behind, Phonte kept telling me that when FE goes out on the road to tour the album, he wanted to include me. I ended up pulling together my kats from here in DC to complete the full band and about a year and a half later, we were all on stage in NYC playing the first of many FE shows to come.
I must say as a listener I am in love with SunStorm. Which tracks did you enjoy creating the most? Which tracks have the most stories behind them? I really can't say which ones I enjoyed the most… I have too much of a personal connection with every last track on the album. But the most involved story would DEFINITELY be "All Is Well With Love" with Chantae Cann. We went through so many changes behind that song that it almost didn't even make the album… As a matter of fact, I wrote about this in my blog.
It is obvious the talent is within you down to the pinkies… with that have talent will travel… is there anyone that you would love to collaborate with musically to see what comes to fruition?
I've always wanted to work with The Roots in some form or fashion. Whether in the studio, or performing with them on stage… That would be a dream come true. i would love to work with Faith Evans, Adriana Evans just to name a couple. And another dream of mine would be to sit in the studio and create with Rod Temperton… THAT would be crazy.
Chapter 3 verse 5 of which Book?
Ahhhh, you're getting too deep… '35′ was my uniform number in high school and college when I played baseball. So it isn't a particular chapter and verse in the Bible, although it may have looked better if it worked out like that huh?
Who is coming out of the "D" that we need to check for?
Keep your eyes open for Monica Blaire, who appears on SunStorm ("MakeLuv2Me"), Nick Speed, Big Tone, T. Calmese (Illite of Subterraneous), Asylum 7, who I did the Overdue Process album with in 2009, and Finalé.
I was chatting it up with a friend in NY who mentioned you name and GRAMMY in the same sentence. How do you feel about that?
I'll tell you this, I'll be playing it cool now and give some answer like, "Well, It's an honor… a blessing, blah, blah, blah…etc." Which it IS…. BUT, if this album happens to get nominated for a GRAMMY, I may lose it…. I can't lie.
If you are in New York on Sat Oct 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM it would BEHOOVE you to make that move to the CMJ Music Marathon " Authenticity" Release Concert at B.B. King's Blues Club. Zo! will be with The Foreign Exchange, Darien Brockington, Chantae Cann and special guests!

subset: commoncrawl


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Afghanistan bombing: At least 24 killed including teenagers in suicide blast at Kabul education centre
Most of the victims were aged between 15 and 26 and the number of casualties could rise, officials say.
Sunday 25 October 2020 05:38, UK
At least 24 people have been killed including teenage students following a suicide bombing at an education centre in Afghanistan.
Another 57 people were wounded in the blast which struck in a heavily Shia neighbourhood of western Kabul on Saturday.
Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Adrian said the attacker was trying to get into the centre before he was stopped by guards.
He added that most of the victims were aged between 15 and 26.
Hospitals are still being searched for victims of the blast, so the number of casualties could still rise.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, but did not provide any evidence to support this.
The Taliban has rejected being connected to the explosion.
A group associated with Islamic State claimed responsibility for a similar suicide incident in August 2018, which killed 34 students.
In February, the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban as America looks to withdraw troops from the region.
Separately on Saturday, a roadside bomb killed nine people in eastern Afghanistan after a bus full of civilians was struck.
A police spokesman added that a second device was triggered and killed two police officers who were making their way to the scene of the devastated bus.
No-one claimed responsibility for these blasts either, although local police have blamed the Taliban.


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Floating speakers have become an extremely popular item among audiophiles and gadget enthusiasts. Offering an audio quality that exceeds expectations and an innovative and fascinating design, this new type of Bluetooth speakers are truly revolutionary. If a levitating speaker has raised your interest, then you should know a thing or two about these devices. If you are still contemplating whether or not to purchase this type of gadget, here are a few details that might help you decide.
Audio performance
The first thing you are probably wondering is if the audio performance offered by this type of speaker is really worth the hype. Although, this gadget is one of small dimensions, the sound delivered is certainly one that can impress any audiophile. Due to its circular design, a 3D surround effect is created, which offers a different type of music experience. Despite the common belief that floating speakers are popular only for their design, in reality the audio performance can raise up to anyone's standards. If you research the topic, you will be able to learn more about this device performance capabilities.
The first thing that catches the eye, when it comes to levitating speaker is the design, which is certainly out of the ordinary. This detail is probably the reason why this small gadget has become such a hit in a short period of time. The futuristic way in which the gadget is build is extremely appealing for consumers, especially those who are trying to constantly keep up with the latest gadget trends. The overall design includes two elements, the circular orb and the base. The mystical effect is created by the orb, which floats above the base, practically defining gravity. The orb can also function as a stand alone speaker, being extremely easy to carry it around. With such a spectacular design and a reasonable price, you should definitely decide to purchase this item.
The prices can vary from one brand to another, depending on their features and audio performance. However, being such an innovative gadget with numerous performance capabilities, the price seems affordable for most audiophiles. On a price performance ratio, the price is more than affordable. With a revolutionary design, and impressive audio performance, the standard price of a standard Bluetooth floating speaker is reasonable. Therefore, if you are interested in one of these smart and fun gadgets, you should know that the investment is certainly worth it, if you choose the right brand and model.
As you can see, a floating speaker is a fascinating and interesting device that any audiophile should own. If you are interested in purchasing this type of device yourself, you should be well informed regarding the device's features and audio performance. It is best advised to read a few reviews online before making a purchase. Search for an informative website that offers more details on the subject, and carefully read the review of the floating speaker that has drawn your attention. This way, you will be certain that you are getting the best product for your money.


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Meaningful Lessons I'm Learning in French West Africa
There are so many meaningful, valuable and beautiful lessons to be learned from living in French West Africa.
Every day provides a lesson of some kind, a new way of looking at things and a different approach to a certain situation or event.
I remember one of our first days in French West Africa. We'd been using rental cars while we waited for our truck to arrive and the rental cars repeatedly broke down or needed something fixed or fell apart while we were driving them.
That day, we were driving on a narrow, sandy path to get to our house and our bumper literally fell off in front of us. Jeremy hit the breaks and was getting out of the car when a man ran out from the little shop next to us and waved his hand as if to say, "Just wait! I'm coming!"
He proceeded to cross the road, dig into the trash on the side of the road, find a length of rope and walk back to where Jeremy was watching from the front of our car.
The man spoke with Jeremy and I watched as they worked together to get the bumper back on the car and then, tied the bumper in place with the rope. The man smiled, they shook hands and off we went.
I'm quite sure that Jeremy's first thought was not to dig through the trash on the side of the road to see if he could find a car repair tool.
We learned something that day.
One of the first of many, many lessons to be learned in French West Africa.
But, let me make this clear from the beginning.
These have not been nor will they be easy, calm lessons to learn.
Oh, I can write and make them sound amazing with carefully woven words.
Yet, the actual learning of these lessons has been days of high tension, hard work, fear, fought out faith, brutal heat, pouring sweat, and for sure, many tears.
Words can't quite do the job of sharing the dramatic days of learning on the ground in Africa.
Lessons Learned in French West Africa
1} Ca Va – This is a phrase we use many, many times each day as we greet the people around us. Literally translated into English, this phrase means "it goes." When we see someone we say, "Ca va?" and they say, "Ca va. Ca va?" With those little words, we can ask, "How are you?" and they respond with the same phrase meaning "Good. How are you?" The lesson here is the literal translation. It goes. However it is going, it's going. Life is going. It's going to keep going. Good or bad, things are going and they will continue on.
2} C'est la vie – This is life. It truly is. Whatever is happening, it's real, raw, unrelenting life. Not only is it going, the very process of going is life. Embrace it. All of it. Embrace the chaos, the struggle, and the challenges. It's all part of this thing we call life! It means we are alive, we are working, we are moving through towards a much, much better place. Just keep going.
3} Bonjour! – Hello. Greetings are incredibly important. Even the smallest children are taught to greet the people they meet and see each day. Walking into a store or a doctor's office or gas station… always say hello to the person behind the desk, those waiting in the store with you or sitting in the office around you. Shake hands, make eye contact, smile, and ask questions about family and work and life. Say hello. Greet those you meet. Offer a smile. Slow down enough to say bonjour to all.
4} Thumbs up – (This can have different cultural meanings depending on where you are in the world so this does not apply everywhere.) But here in Senegal, a thumbs up is a huge part of communication with those around you. If you pull out in front of someone or need to cut in line, give a thumbs up. It says, "I'm sorry. Please understand. Thank you." all rolled up into one small gesture. You'll see this a hundred times a day. A taxi driver sticks his hand out the window and gives you a thumbs up. You have to smile and let him cut in front of you. Somehow his thumbs up makes you slow down, not be angry and just keep going with your day. Whether you give the thumbs up or receive a thumbs up, a whole conversation can be had with one motion. Accept it, reciprocate it, understand it and keep going.
5} Speed bumps – Sometimes called "zebra crossing" or "dos-d'âne" which means "donkey's back", these annoying, frustrating speed bumps are everywhere. One stretch of road can have a hundred of them. They are well-placed to literally slow you down as soon as you get up to speed. They make a trip take entirely too long. They are not well-marked which makes them incredibly dangerous in the dark or at higher speeds. They can be out in the middle of a highway for no reason at all. Speed bumps are everywhere. They are a part of life here and you must always be on the look out for the next one. The lesson? Keep your eyes open for speed bumps, stop hurrying and be okay with going slow. Life is bumpy. Sometimes a speed bump shows up out of nowhere just as you're getting up to speed on the situation. Be ready. Slow down. Go over the bump. Watch for the next one because there will be another speed bump ahead. Don't let that make you anxious or annoyed or frustrated. There are too many speed bumps to let one ruin your day. C'est la vie.
6} Pause – The hours of pause happen every day. From noon to 2pm or 1 to 4pm or whatever times the pause occurs where you are, the pause will happen. Offices close, stores close, and people rest. Even some schools send kids home for pause each day. This is a huge chunk of down time every afternoon that takes some getting used to when you are first learning to live in a French culture. Then, when you add in a slower paced West African culture, you have very few hours each day to actually get things done. Need to go to the post office or bank? Time it right or it won't happen. Get stuck in traffic too close to 1pm? You'll arrive and they'll be closed. Not just for 15 or 30 minutes. But they'll be closed for 2-3 hours. So many lessons to learn here. Be okay with pauses. Be okay with not getting the job done. Be okay with resting. Be okay with long lunches. Be okay with things not happening at all like you planned. Pauses are built into each day, just like the speed bumps. Learn to work with them and don't fight against them. You can't. You'll lose.
7} Holidays – This continues the speed bump and pause lessons only in greater magnitude. Is a holiday coming? Be prepared. This means days or weeks of closures, changed schedules and waiting. Don't start a home project around a holiday. It will take forever to complete. Don't plan an event on a holiday. You'll sit in traffic forever. Don't plan to pay a bill or wait to go grocery shopping within a few days, either way, of a holiday. Restaurants can close for a whole month around Ramadan. Businesses often close for a month during rainy season. I emailed our doctor the other day and she emailed me back to tell me to call her in September. She'd closed her practice for all of August. ALL OF AUGUST. So, I wrote on my calendar to call her in September and then moved on to the next thing. Learning to hold, to wait, to breathe, to go with the flow, to let go of my schedule and embrace the slow.
8} There is a schedule within the pauses and holidays and speed bumps. Slowly you learn that there is a quiet rhythm to the slowness. It's a schedule very different from my own, but there is a schedule if you look for it. It means learning to do things differently. Going about the day in a different way. As much as I want to go out for a quick dinner at 5pm… in most restaurants, that's not even on their radar. Every day is a slow dinner at 7pm. Find the schedule and adapt.
9} Quiet, soft and polite – Americans are often loud, direct, and rude. Even the quietest personalities can seem loud here. We tend to feel like we own the place or run things regardless of where we are. Learning to live in French West Africa means learning to live a little quieter, softer and more polite. It means learning culture, behavior and mannerisms. It means being watchful, careful and willing to take a step back. It means not asking a question even if it's burning inside of us. It means accepting the slowness without a fight. It means nodding your head and a quiet handshake rather than a loud hello and slap on the back. This is a lesson of learning to speak and act more slowly… a lesson greatly needed in our world today.
10} Everything to the fullest – Nothing gets thrown away or wasted here. Everything has purpose for as long as possible. Things are sewn, taped, tied, repurposed and reused over and over again. You don't just go buy a new one. You fix and repair the one you have. You don't just throw something away. You figure out a way to use it for something else. Bottles, jars, buckets, rope, clothing… we see the most creative, amazing re-purposing of things as we go about our day. Everything has a purpose. Everything can be remade. Everything is valuable.
11} Nothing lasts – In contrast to the above statement, nothing lasts. Nothing can hold up to the dust, the heat, the humidity, the intense environment of French West Africa. We have to hold everything loosely knowing that it can be here today and gone tomorrow. Working today, broken tomorrow. Usable today, moldy and dry-rotted tomorrow. Stale, full of bugs, falling apart, crumbling and disappointing. It definitely helps you learn that Jesus is the only thing that matters. He is the only thing that lasts. He is all we have and all we need. At the end of the day, Jesus is still there. Still good. Always the Good News and our ever-lasting hope.
12} Joy in the midst – West Africa is full of poverty, need, desperation, harsh realities and deep brokenness. Oh, we see laughter, music, dancing, thankfulness and playing. It's there all around us. When it's time to party, they know how to party! Yet, we pray for true Joy to be made known. We know that only Jesus can transform the poverty, need and brokenness. Only Jesus can bring joy, healing and hope to this very difficult place. We pray for this daily. We ask Him to help us to be Joy for the world around us, the people we meet each day and the situations we find ourselves in again and again. A lesson to pray for joy each time we step outside our door.
There are so many more lessons. Every day is an opportunity to learn, to listen, and to grow.
All of these lessons are why we are fighting culture shock years into living in a new country. Why we are physically exhausted and mentally tired on a daily basis.
These lessons remind us that we weren't told that this life would be easy or without struggle.
These lessons help us hold onto Hope on our most tired days.
These lessons teach us meaningful, valuable, and beautiful life lessons when we need them most.
What have you learned in your life overseas? What lessons are you learning that are meaningful and valuable?


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There are ways to receive free LPN training or ways to make the cost of becoming an LPN very affordable. The Washoe Health System in Nevada, for example is encouraging more individuals to become nurses. As such they are offering tuition reimbursement opportunities. Students can receive the financial help they need to be able to become a practical nurse. The health system works with a couple colleges in Nevada. Of course, students must then agree to work within the Washoe Health System for awhile as a result of having received help with their tuition. You might be able to find additional opportunities like this with other hospitals in the state.
If you do not find tuition reimbursement options, you will want to apply for a financial aid package. It is also a good idea to apply for as many scholarships as possible. These can really add up quickly. A few scholarships can knock down costs quite a bit. You will want to look for any programs that can help people in special circumstances. For example, there are often programs to assist single parents or to help adult students. Take the time to evaluate more than one option so that you can add up enough money to pay to become an LPN.
carry on scrolling to view options in Nevada or click from the below list to see options in other states.
Via Scholarship Opportunities:
The best thing about government grants is that you can remain in your county and still be able to take full advantage of the grant, this is because grants are acceptable state wide and you dont have to move to a specific college to pursue your education so you can be in Las Vegas, Carson City, Yerington, Elko, Minden, Tonopah or any other state and still stand a chance to get free lpn training through a scholarship opportunity.
Nevada Healthcare Access Program
This program is for individuals who are pursuing healthcare degrees including those in nursing. There are not enough well qualified healthcare professionals in Nevada. As a result, the state is taking steps to encourage more people to enter LPN and other healthcare degrees. Students can receive student loan repaying assistance and other financial aid to help pursue their career goals. In exchange for this assistance, they will need to work for no less than two years in a healthcare location for the state of Nevada.
University of Southern Nevada-CNS Scholarships – 6375 W. Charleston Blvd-Las Vegas, NV 89146
As do many universities and colleges in Nevada, the University of Southern Nevada offers foundation scholarships. These scholarships are funded from donations and are granted to students with financial need or who meet other requirements. Students can complete a single application to be considered for any of the foundation funds that would apply to them. Students can now access the application page from the financial aid website making it easier than ever to apply for funds to help reduce the cost of college.
Nursing Home Abuse.Net Scholarship
Nursing students can apply for this scholarship is they have and are going to continue to have a commitment to doing their part to prevent and stop abuse of residents in nursing care facilities. This scholarship can be in the amount of $5000. It is possible to use this for expenses that are not part of tuition. This could include things like transportation to nursing school and childcare for students with young children at home. Apply to: http://www.nursinghomeabuse.net/scholarship/.
Via WIA Approved Colleges:
Great Basin College – 1500 College Parkway – Elko, Nevada 89801
This school is among the approved WIA providers within the state of Nevada. This college is able to offer a range of degree and career training programs. Their nursing programs are listed among the program options for individuals receiving WIA benefits. The school offers an AAS of Nursing Degree in addition to a Bachelor's Degree. Students must apply not only to the college but also to the nursing department directly. The students who are considered first are those from the 6 counties serviced directly by the college.
Kaplan University – 3535 West Sahara Avenue -Las Vegas, NV 89102
It is possible for some students to receive the aide they need to pay for all or part of a program at Kaplan University though funds from the workforce investment act. This could even include a licensed practical nursing program. The Kaplan LPN program provides state-of-the-art facilities and clinnical experience at local healthcare providers. The collge hash a long history of providing excellent academic services for healthare and other career related programs of study. Their licensed practical nursing program is no exception.
Nevada Career Institute – 3231 North Decatur Boulevard #119 Las Vegas, NV 89130
This school offers a range of healthcare related career training programs. The programs could easily help someone to become well employed if they have been down on their luck in terms of employment. For this reason, students who qualify for WIA benefits should determine if any of these benefits can be used for the LPN training program. The practical nursing program will expose students to a range of clinical fields of experience during their rotations. Students will be well prepared to begin working in an exciting nursing career after graduating from the program.
Via Job Corps:
Sierra Nevada – 14175 Mt. Charleston Street Reno, NV 89506 | (775) 789-1000


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About LAST CHANCE FAMILY
Buy Links
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FapmNm
Books-A-Million: http://bit.
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uOlCA8
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book. Please check out my Review!
About Hope Ramsay
Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.
Hope's social media
Top 5 Favorite things about the holidays
1. Family
2. Christmas Trees
3. Decorating the house
4. Christmas Eve dinner with friends and family
5. The new flannel PJs that Santa brings me every Christmas Eve.
Charlene stood in the kitchen doorway, her hair wet, her stomach empty, and her heart suddenly racing. Mike leaned against the counter, his head hung low. He seemed to be struggling to draw breath.
She crossed the room and put her hand on the middle of his back. His T-shirt was soft, the body beneath it hard and warm.
He straightened and let out a big breath. "Sorry."
"What's wrong?"
"Killer heartburn," he said, then immediately changed the subject. He moved toward the coffee maker, shaking off her touch. "You want some coffee?"
He turned and gave her a quick glance. That's all it took.
Her heart wrenched, and she responded the way she always did when confronted with unspoken pain. She encountered it often, usually in the eyes of animals. But it was there, beyond that mild-mannered expression he tried to wear. He was hurting. She reached up to stroke his cheek. Her fingers encountered his warm skin and rough stubble. That touch flipped her switch. Electricity flowed inside her.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as her fingers moved over his face to his ear and up into his bright red hair.
"Don't," he whispered, but he made no attempt to move away. He reminded her of an abused animal that growls when all he wants is a little kindness. She cupped the nape of his neck and pulled him down as she rose up on tip-toes.
She gave him a soft, gentle kiss. Nothing deep or sexy, just a little kiss, intended to comfort. But it didn't stay that way. Mike grabbed her by the cheeks and pulled her up into it like a man starving for love. His tongue stroked hers. His right hand dropped to her hip, and he yanked her forward and into his chest.
Her knees almost buckled. But she didn't fall, because Mike had her. His hand found the small of her back as he sagged against the counter. They leaned together, thigh to thigh, chest to chest. The kiss turned utterly carnal. His hand wandered up over her spine to her breast. He palmed it. Her nipples came alive. He groaned.
His words ignited a bad-girl fire that pretty much torched her reservations about him. "Okay."
His gaze widened. "I'm not a reliable bet," he said.
She laughed. "You think I don't know that?"
She could almost feel him having second thoughts. And she had no intention of allowing that. She'd have the rest of her life to regret this choice. Or not.
Which would she regret more? Letting her reservations about him put the kibosh on this? Or spending the rest of her life wondering if maybe she should have bet on Mike Taggart?
Heartbreak was her middle name. "I'm a gambler," she whispered. "And sometimes the long shots pay off."
"Not usually," he said.
"Maybe not. But I'm the eternal optimist."
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Mining Pumps
Our impressive range of mining pumps are designed to meet the extreme demands and toughest challenges in the mining industry.
Mining Pumps
Mining Pumps
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U16 Girls: STB Vs Wolstanton
Posted: December 11th, 2014
STB played their second District match against Wolstanton on Thursday 11th December in freezing cold conditions. Jade Thornhill was named captain, due to the absence of Beth Askey through illness. Wolstanton dominated the early part of the game and Evie Holt was kept busy in the STB goal. Chances were few and far apart for STB, who seemed to struggle to get the ball out of defence. Charlie Awde and Abbie Rathbone made some good runs up front, but saw few opportunities to add to their recent goal scoring form. Eventually the pressure tolled and Wolstanton made the score 1-0 at half time.
In the second half, STB tried to push up more but that left Wolstanton with more chances and they scored 3 more times to make the final score 4-0. STB go into their final game in the New Year against Madeley needing to win to get at least 2nd place overall. Player of the game goes to Abbi Roberts who worked tirelessly in defence.
Well done to: Evie Holt, Abbi Roberts, Caitlin Phillips, Meg Hall, Libby Fallows, Tilly Jones, Charlie Awde, Abbie Rathbone, Jade Thornhill.


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Contact: Beth Stone (508) 584-8120
BROCKTON – The Massachusetts Appeals Court has affirmed the conviction of a former Hingham Police sergeant who was found guilty for misleading police officers and attempting to receive benefits for a false injury he claimed happened on the job, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced today. In December, 2016, after a three-day trial in Plymouth Superior Court, a jury deliberated two hours before finding Kris Phillips, 56, of Hingham, guilty of one count of Misleading a Police Investigation and two counts of Filing a False Insurance Claim. Judge Gary Nickerson sentenced Phillips to two years in the Dukes County House of Corrections with six months to serve and the balance suspended for three years. As part of his sentence, Phillips was also ordered to pay $1,900 in restitution and was forced to no longer represent himself or work as a law enforcement officer. Phillips cannot possess firearms and had to surrender his license to carry firearms. On July 17, 2015, Phillips, a veteran Hingham Police Officer, was working a police detail at the Hingham Shipyard retail complex. At closing time of the Hingham stores, while Phillips was on foot patrol, he alleged that he was struck and sustained significant injuries by a person backing a car out of a parking spot. A police investigation revealed that Phillips' claim of being struck and the manner of the incident were fabricated. The investigation found that Phillips, who was out on administrative leave at the time, misled Hingham officers responding to the accident, filed false reports of injuries as a result of the accident, and fraudulently received health insurance coverage for treatment from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In an unpublished decision today, the Appeals Court held that the evidence presented by the Commonwealth was sufficient to prove that Phillips staged the accident and intentionally lied about it in an effort to present a fraudulent insurance claim and collect workers' compensation benefits. "We are pleased that the Massachusetts Appeals Court has affirmed the conviction of Kris Phillips," DA Cruz said. "Each day, our police officers choose to put the uniform on and risk their lives to protect us and keep the public safe. Mr. Phillips's unlawful actions and betrayal of trust is an affront to the hardworking, exemplary members of the Hingham Police Department." Assistant District Attorney Mary Nguyen handled the case before the Appeals Court while Assistant District Attorney Russell Eonas prosecuted the case at trial. It was investigated by Hingham Police.


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The more responsibility you take on at work and in life, the more often you face gray-area problems. These are situations where usually you have done a lot of hard work, on your own and often with other people, to understand a problem or a situation. You've assembled all the data, information, and expert advice you can reasonably get. You've analyzed everything carefully. But critical facts are still missing, and people you know and trust disagree about what to do. And, in your own mind, you keep going back and forth about what is really going on and about the right next steps. These problems come in all shapes and sizes. What they all have in common, whether they are major or minor, is how we experience them. But how do we resolve them?
Gray areas are particularly risky today because of the seductive power of analytical technique. Many of the hard problems now facing managers and companies require sophisticated techniques for analyzing vast amounts of information. It is tempting to think that if you can just get the right information and use the right analytics, you can make the right decision. It can also be tempting to hide out from tough decisions or disguise the exercise of power by telling other people that the numbers tell the whole story and there is no choice about what to think or do. But serious problems are usually gray. By themselves, tools and techniques won't give you answers. You have to use your judgment and make hard choices.
These choices often come with serious emotional and psychological risks. When you face really hard decisions, there is no way to escape the personal responsibility of choosing, committing, acting, and living with the consequences. An MBA student presciently described this challenge by saying, "I don't want to be a businessman claiming to be a decent human being. I want to be a decent human being claiming to be a businessman."
So how do you deal with these choices and risks if you are facing a hard gray-area decision and don't want to bypass your basic human obligations? The challenge is to see yourself as "the other," as one of the outsiders or victims, and not as the insider, the decision maker, the dominant party. And the harder challenge is to grasp and feel the experience of the other in a way that vividly highlights your core obligations as a human being.
A practical way to do this is to spend a few moments trying to answer a very old question. It was articulated by Hillel the Elder, the ancient Hebrew philosopher and theologian. He spoke with a man who was willing to convert to Judaism but only on one condition: that Hillel explain the entire Torah to him during the time that he could stand on one foot. Hillel met the challenge easily. He simply said, "That which is hateful unto you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary. Go and study it."
Excerpted from
Managing in the Gray: Five Timeless Questions for Resolving Your Toughest ProblemsLeadership & Managing People BOOK35.00
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The striking word here is "hateful." Hillel is asking us to pay attention to what we would really care about, deeply and urgently, if we were in another person's situation. In practice, this means finding ways to ask yourself and others what you would be thinking and feeling if you were among the people hit hardest by the decision you might make. Try to imagine how you would react if your parents or children or some other loved ones were in this vulnerable position.
The familiar version of Hillel's guidance is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In the West, most people view this precept as a teaching of Christian religion, which relegates it to occasional sermons in certain houses of worship. But that view misses the full force of the question Hillel wants us to ask. The Golden Rule isn't simply a precept of Christianity. Versions of it appear in almost every major religion. Some philosophers have argued that the Golden Rule is part of the foundation of important moral theories. And it is easy to hear it echoed in everyday, practical moral guidance, such as the Native American recommendation to "walk a mile in the other person's shoes."
Dismissing the Golden Rule as Sunday sermonizing, rather than seeing it as an almost universal humanist insight, is a serious mistake. The moral imagination is basically a secular version of it. And Hillel's version — which asks what we would find hateful — has a sharp edge. This question has endured for two millennia because it prods our dormant moral imaginations. It pushes us to think imaginatively and sympathetically about the experiences of others as a way of understanding what our core human obligations require in a particular situation.
Asking the question is valuable, but awakening your moral imagination on your own is hard. This is another reason why process — working with and through others in the right ways — is so important. That's why it is particularly valuable for managers and teams working on gray-area problems to find ways to escape their organizational bubbles and hear directly from people whose livelihoods and lives will be affected by their decision or from people who can represent their experience in direct, concrete, forceful ways. Unless you find a way to do this, you may unwittingly buy into Joseph Stalin's observation that "a single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic," and harden yourself to individual hardships and tragedies by focusing on statistical aggregates.
Another approach is to ask someone to play the role of the outsider and victim and to do so as vividly and persuasively as they can, so everyone else hears at least some version of the urgent, basic needs of the people a gray-area decision will affect. This approach is sometimes described as making sure there is a "barbarian" at every meeting — someone who will speak awkward truths clearly and urgently.
All these tactics are ways of working hard to awaken your moral imagination. They remind us, in effect: Don't think your position in society or in an organization exempts you from basic human duties. Don't get trapped in your own interests, experiences, judgments, and ways of seeing the world. Do everything you can to escape from your egocentric prison. Try hard, on your own and with others, to imagine how you would feel and what you would really want and need if you were actually that person.
This post is excerpted from the Harvard Business Review Press book Managing in the Gray: Five Timeless Questions for Resolving Your Toughest Problems at Work.


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"Let loyalty to Christ, full, unflinching, wholehearted loyalty, become the keynote of [our] praying and [our] preaching. Let a few band themselves together to ask God for this one thing — the full insight into the terrible condition of a Church in which so few members are won to Christ by the preaching of the Word. Let them offer themselves to God for a new baptism of His Spirit, and a new power to preach the day of the Lord and His presence in the midst of His people. Let them not rest until they begin to gather together, however few they be, the souls who are willing to be the living witnesses that Jesus Christ does indeed save from the power of selfishness and the world. He does indeed enable men and women in the ordinary walk of life to live with His life so in their heart that the conquest of the world for Him shall be the greatest reality, the all-absorbing object of their life and their love."
A.M. from The State of the Church
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September 2023


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All participants are invited to attend the Congress actively by presenting their work in the form of a short lecture or poster. Contributions to the Congress should be sent no later than October 19th, 2018 through the form below.
Instructions for Authors
Contributions can be in the form of a structured article 2 pages long with up to 5 references or in the form of an abstract with 250 words.
Detailed instructions for authors and both templates are available through the links bellow. Please send us your contribution by completing the form provided on this site.
The Programme Committee will select from submitted abstracts several that will be invited to present their work in a form of a short lecture. All other works will be presented on the Congress in the form of posters.
All abstracts will be published in the proceedings of 7th Slovenian Veterinary Congress, which will be published as a special issue of Slovenian Veterinary research journal.
Additionally, all authors submitting an abstract to the congress are invited to submit original scientific or review articles for publication in the Slovene Veterinary Research journal. Such articles will go through the usual international peer-review process and, if accepted, will be published in the regular number of the Slovenian Veterinary Journal (the impact factor for 2017 is 0.250). Articles must be prepared in accordance with the instructions for the authors of the articles of the Slovenian Veterinary Research journal.
Click on the link below to download the contribution draft to your computer.


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Videos Being Watched Now
Lorelei Lee, Maestro
Stars: Lorelei Lee, Maestro
Added: 5th of November 2008 | Views: 3861 | Runtime: 00min 39sec | Category: Pissing
Lorelei Lee was invited over to have some lunch with Isis. But Isis has something a little different planned for her friend. Right on the stairs with people walking by we corner Lorelei and give something she has wanted for a long time. Lorelei has so much fun splashing around in warm liquid gold. We soak her sexy body and watch beautiful droplets of piss trickle down her breasts. She rubs the pee into her skin and uses it as lube to masturbate her clit. One thing is for sure, Lorelei loves piss.


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PICS: Liberty and Prosperity Fundraiser at Irish Pub.
Our well attended Washington-Lincoln wine and cheese fundraiser at the Irish Pub in Atlantic City was a big success. We depend on proceeds from this event to fund our activities for the next eight months. Our keynote speaker was active farmer and retired Cumberland County Judge Paul Porreca, a Constitutional conservative who began his career as a John F. Kennedy "New Frontier" Democrat.


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Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bartram's Marsh-pink - Sabatia decandra (syn. S. bartramii)
4 comments:
- AnonymousApril 19, 2012 at 8:44 PM
Is the pink sabatia the wildflower on the I-10 and I-75 side roads? Oh, my goodness, they are spectacular right now!!! If that's them, SOMEBODY has collected and sold the seed to the highway dept. Maybe they are phlox? I had "discovered" a pink sabatia on our Mississippi hill land back in the 1980's and fell in love with it! The fragrance is special too. I also fell in love with my musician husband, and we love house concerts. Thank you for hosting them!ReplyDelete
Thanks for the post - not likely a Sabatia. The Highway Dept. has been sowing wildflower seed in a lot of locations over the years. Not sure what uis up your way, but the most likely pink flower is the non-native annual phlox - Phlox drummondii. Thanks for reading my bolg - and interesting that we both have House COncert connections.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 22, 2012 at 8:06 AM
Is it possiable that you could collect some of the seed pods from the Marsh Pink and ship them to me. I am willing to defary time and shipping costs and not look for any guarntees of germination. George Brisbin (email@example.com)ReplyDelete
Normally, I am happy to share seed of plants I come across and don't need for my nursery. In this case, I doubt if I will come across it in seed. The plants I took these photos of are on private property that I was once doing work on. I no longer have access and I have not run across it since. IF I see it again, I will keep you in mind.ReplyDelete


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In partnership with ActionAid International, WeDpro is continuing to develop its emergency response and recovery programme in Palo, Leyte and Culasi, Antique to support the recovery and reconstruction following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Through the Padayon sa Paglaum (Hope After Haiyan) Project, WeDpro uses human rights-based and community-driven approaches to work with local partners in delivering the aid and support that is needed. While our work includes basic relief items, such as food and non-food items, we'll be concentrating on long-term recovery, restoring lives and livelihoods and policy advocacy. We also focus on working with women and girls and the most vulnerable communities – in particular fishing communities, small farmers, sharecroppers, and tenant farmers. Our aim is to also strengthen community participation in the relief process so that local people are able to take leadership, enhancing the overall standard of living in their local areas.
We are currently looking for a committed professional to be part of our team and use their passion and talents to make a positive difference to people affected by this disaster. If you want to make your mark and develop your skills in a challenging role, join us now.
Position: Field coordinator
Dates: April/May to June
- Experience in coordinating a disaster response program is ideal
- Previous experience in coordinating with LGUs and CSOs
- Good writing and communications skills, and ability to write detailed reports of project activities
- Able to travel at short notice to Yolanda-affected communities
- Knowledge of and experience with NGO work.
- Must be fluent in Tagalog at a minimum. Though not necessary, ability to communicate in Waray and/or Kinaray-an would be an asset
Deadline: April 10, 2014. Please send your CV and cover letter to firstname.lastname@example.com and address it to Aida Santos. Include at least 2 references.
Salary open for negotiation.
For more information about WeDpro, please visit our website at www.wedprophils.org


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We'd like to thank Brides magazine for the shout-out in their recent article, "Friends Officiating Weddings 101: Everything You Need to Know."
Along with noting that having a friend or family member perform your marriage ceremony can be more intimate and personal — not to mention cheaper — than hiring a professional Wedding Officiant, the article also importantly points out that there are pitfalls, not the least of which is that all Officiants — whether friend or pro — must be ordained in accordance with all state and local laws.
While you may be concerned about the elements of your wedding ceremony (which we cover here), two key elements in the process of getting married are your marriage license and if your Officiant is legally authorized to perform your ceremony.
You'll have to take care of obtaining your marriage license on your own, but we're here to make sure that your Wedding Officiant is legally authorized in compliance with the laws in the location where your ceremony will take place.
In most states, it's a very simple and inexpensive process to get your chosen Officiant ordained and licensed to perform your ceremony — the fee for a one-day, single-ceremony license is less than $11 and is valid in all but a few states.
(To see if single-ceremony ordination is available where you're getting married, select your state from the listing here.)
There are a few states where your Officiant will have to go through an extra step or two, but it's not complicated and it's not a huge hassle. For example, in Ohio and Massachusetts, Officiants must register with the Secretary of State's office prior to performing the marriage ceremony. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Minnesota have Officiant registration requirements, while Vermont and New Hampshire only require ceremonial ministers to register if they do not reside in the state.
New York has a slightly tricky twist: if the ceremony is taking place in one of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island or The Bronx) then your Officiant must register with the city's Marriage Bureau in Manhattan. Again, it takes a few extra steps, but it's not a difficult process — we make it as practically painless as possible. (Click here to find out more about New York ordination.) The Brides article is slightly incorrect, however, in one regard: the Officiant does not have to appear in person at the City Clerk's office to register if he or she resides outside of the five boroughs; the process can be completed online if you live elsewhere.
Two states that make it excruciatingly difficult for Wedding Officiants are Nevada and Virginia — but there are simple ways around the roadblocks they put up. (We cover that subject elsewhere.)
Another important point to remember is that you must obtain your marriage license in the state in which your marriage ceremony will take place — for example, if you live in New York but your ceremony is taking place in Vermont, you must obtain your marriage license in Vermont (not New York!) and your Officiant's ordination must comply with Vermont's laws and regulations.
(You may be wondering about that marriage license from a state you don't live in, but don't worry: if the marriage license is properly completed after the ceremony and returned in a timely manner to the clerk's office that issued it, your marriage will be recognized as legal and valid everywhere.)
Here's the bottom line: if you want a friend or family member to perform your marriage ceremony, go for it! Click here and select your location to learn more, and if you have any questions, get in touch with us today — we're always here to make your wedding day worry-free!
The magnificent feature photo (top) is by Nirav Patel of San Francisco. Learn more about Nirav here.


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SON'S OUT: The new full-length album by Son & Thief comes out Friday, Apr. 21, and a release show is happening at the 40 Watt Thursday, Apr. 20 with Wanderwild. The new record is named Repair and spans 12 tracks. As with bands like Talk Talk, I've always had a slippery time with Son & Thief. Part of me wants them to be more explicitly part of a genre or style, while another part wants to excoriate them for sounding too much like something I can't put my finger on. Everything on Repair is familiar and recognizable, but not exactly place-able. It's airy without being arid, expansive without being weightless and moody without being petulant. There are distinct moments of sheer beauty ("Close Your Eyes"), needless place-holding ("Spaceman," "Where Am I to Hide"), and audio coolness (the applause on the title track sure sounds a lot like rain to me). The frustrating thing about the album and the band is that I'm sure there's a clear personality just under the surface that's trying like hell to come out, but it's being held back by musical trends and studio fashion. Harsh as that sounds, it's much better than being clearly devoid of personality, which Son & Thief is most definitely not. Keep up to date at facebook.com/sonandthief.
THROW YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR: Joseph Napoli, conductor and founder of the Athens Master Chorale, was recently honored by that group for his decades of choral conducting. Napoli's performing history extends back to the mid-1960s, when he sang with the Metropolitan Opera National Company during its first tours of the United States. He is also a noted horticulturist and former schoolteacher. In his honor, the past and current members of the Athens Master Chorale presented Napoli with a commissioned work from Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen. It is a new version of the antiphon (e.g. call-and-response) "Ubi Caritas" titled "Ubi Caritas et Amor." The group's next concert happens Saturday, May 20 at UGA's Hugh Hodgson Hall, where the performance will be Felix Mendelssohn's "Elijah." The concert begins at 8 p.m., and Napoli will present a pre-concert lecture at 7:40 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for students. See athensmasterchorale.org for more information.
DIG IT: Ian Hemerlein (Kwazymoto) has a new EP titled Entertainers out under the name Saint Syzygy. Yes, it's a side project completed at home with an acoustic guitar, but that's where the similarities between this and a million bad ideas ends. While the EP only contains four songs, they're all really well composed and have a depth of feeling and consciousness of process that can't be ignored. This quality is most obviously present in the breakdown toward the middle of "Cold Snap of March/A Plea," with its needly guitar and heartbeat-like bass-drum beat. The mariachi-esque Dylan-isms of "Untamed Ego" are more welcome than not, and the heart-on-sleeve lyrical admissions of the title track do justice to its whimsical melody. Check it out at saintsyzygy.bandcamp.com.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: The UGA Music Business Program is hosting a daylong show at The Foundry Sunday, Apr. 23 named The Spring Thing. Beginning at 1 p.m., a full bill of 23 artists is planned, with sets from Jasymn Alexis, Gerkey, Kayla Berrie, Jaydin, The Fine Hunnies, 7:12, Hart Cracka Pack, Sojourn, Julie Holmes, Blanko, Three Twenty-Threes, Saline, Harlot Party, Survival Kit, Honeywheel, Emily Elrod, Sean C, The Gravy Boys, Mister Tie Die, James & Mackalie, The Southern Social Experiment, the MBUS Faculty Band and members of New Madrid playing alongside MBUS Director David Barbe as Barbe & Band. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Head to thefoundryathens.com for more information.
ZONE DEFENSE: Athens' Null Zone label is releasing a new batch of recordings this week and will celebrate this group birthing at Go Bar Wednesday, Apr. 19. This new batch features Camouflage Music from Future Ape Tapes, Dank Hell from Leisure Service and Drinking Under the Table from Smokedog. Unfortunately, I've not had a lot of time to really sink my teeth into any of these, but I trust the artists involved to always be challenging and mostly rewarding, and I trust the label to perform the same way. Head to nullzone.bandcamp.com and spend some money.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.


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Landscape architect and longtime Council Board Member Art Traver works for Wendel Companies out of their Buffalo office.
Were there childhood influences foreshadowing your career?
Art Traver: I think I first noticed the "environment" when I was in Boy Scouts. Our troop had their own camp in Wyoming County. My interest really kicked in when our family took over the camp property in the 80s. As we started to manage the property, I began to notice the stands of hardwoods, softwoods, and evergreens.
What has been your educational trajectory leading to arboriculture?
AT: I would say I fell into arboriculture. I worked at local nurseries and garden centers growing up. When I started college at Alfred State, I studied architecture and then civil engineering but at the time, neither of these seemed appealing enough to pursue. I took some time away from school and worked for myself in the landscape design-build world. I found my way to Niagara County Community College and received a certificate for horticulture. Getting back into school got the learning bug going, so I found myself back at Alfred State, this time in the horticulture/landscape development program. After receiving my associate's degree from Alfred, I enrolled at SUNY-ESF for landscape architecture and received my BLA.
What has been your career trajectory?
AT: After I earned my BLA I found myself back in the landscape design-build world. After some time in the field again I was offered a position as an LA with my current employer, Wendel Companies, in 1998. In 2001 our firm was assisting then-Buffalo City Forester Andy Rabb with contract management and some service calls. I was tasked with inspecting trees; recording species, DBH, and condition; and recommending potential work.
In 2005 the City of Buffalo released an RFP for urban forest master plan administration. At the time most of the operations of Buffalo Parks and Recreation were being delivered by Erie County. The County forester was responsible for all of the County roads and parks as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the City of Buffalo Bureau of Forestry.
Our firm was selected for the project, which is why I say I fell into arboriculture, and more particularly, urban forestry. I had a strong horticulture background, so had the understanding of plant biology, and I had LA training, which in its basic form is systems-based. I worked with retired City Forester Ed Drabek on updating the tree inventory and developing a work order system that worked for the County.
In 2006 western New York experienced the "October Surprise" storm, which was basically two feet of heavy wet snow on full-canopy trees. Aside from the damage that resulted from the storm, it led to a vigorously renewed commitment to trees and the urban forest in this part of the State.
My first involvement with the NYSUFC was by way of the ReLeaf Conference that took place in Saratoga Springs in 2007. It wasn't long after that that I was asked to serve as a Council Board Member.
What is cool about urban forestry in Western New York, and what is challenging?
AT: I would say the coolest thing is the interest in planting and maintaining public trees. After the October Storm the ReTreeWNY effort began, which to date has engaged thousands of volunteers and planted over 30,000 trees. The City recently modeled a CommuniTree Steward program after Onondaga County with the first training completed in 2016 and a new class of Stewards coming in for training in spring 2017. From the interactions I have had with many public officials there has been a noticeable change in attitude from trees as being a "leaf and sewer" nuisance to trees being a benefit to the community. The largest challenge is still education. While there are numerous programs across WNY, from workshops to garden shows, we are finding the general public is woefully ill-equipped to make informed decisions about trees.
What are your interests in your free time?
AT: I don't have much free time with a two year old. A few years back my response would have been "to brew beer and build furniture." Most of our house is filled with pieces I built over the last twenty years. When our family can get away, we go to my father-in-law's place at Isles of Capri and try our best to do nothing at all. We enjoy our boat and we spend a fair amount of time on the Niagara River.


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To Be Heard, You Have to Be on Radio
In an interview with "A Taste of Country" Ronnie Dunn said he realized during his short stint as an independent artist that radio airplay...
Univision Ad Revenue Drops 2.7% – Radio Down 6.9%
Univision reported company-wide advertising revenue for the third quarter was $517.7 million, down from $531.9 million a year ago. However total revenue for the third quarter increased 10% to $801.5 million compared to $728.9 million in 2014. Non-advertising revenue increased 44.1% to $283.8 million from $197.0 million. Q3 Advertising revenue for Univision's 67 radio stations decreased 6.9% to $70.4 million from $75.6 million.
Listeners To Design Billboard Campaign
This is taking listener input to a whole new creative level. Hubbard's 106.5 The Arch in St. Louis is asking listeners to help them...
The Sound In L.A. Is Best Classic Rocker
Entercom's KSWD-FM "The Sound" in Los Angeles has been chosen as the best large market Classic Rock station by Team Rock, Classic Rock magazine, and KMG Networks, a division of Krantz Media Group.
Beasley Q3 Revenue Up 7%
The Beasley revenue is not exactly comparing apples to apples just yet, as the company continues to integrate 14 stations it received from CBS in Philadelphia, Charlotte and Tampa for five stations it owned in Miami and Philadelphia. The company must report the five stations in Philadelphia that CBS now owns as discontinued operations despite having owned them a year ago.
CBS Station Integration Harder Than Expected
Beasley CFO Caroline Beasley told investors integrating the 14 stations it received in a swap from CBS was harder than originally expected. That process started about 11 months ago. First, the revenue in those two markets was down 9% in Charlotte and Tampa and the company reduced expenses by 7%. Beasley has cut expenses in the two markets it picked up stations from CBS in by $700,000. Beasley says the company hopes to see the benefits from swap mid to late 2016
Not All CEO's Are On The Programmatic Bandwagon
Liggins says he doesn't see the demand for programmatic in radio. "Advertising agencies want it because it will allow them to do their job with fewer people. And, this also means we don't have to pay a seller which should save us commission." Liggins also said the folks at iHeartMedia, CEO Bob Pittman, building the programmatic platform are smart people, so if you can save money it's a net positive.
Townsquare Ad Revenue Flat in Q3
There's a lot to unjumble in the Townsquare earnings report but the bottom line on local ad revenue was that it was up $600K or .7% to $79.6 million. Other Media and Entertainment net revenue increased $4.1 million, or 55.8%, to $11.5 million, driven mostly by digital.
Analysts Concerned About iHeart Liquidity
iHeartMedia SVP and Treasurer Brian Coleman even joked that he was getting more love from analysts this quarter with many more questions being tossed his way. Those questions were on the future liquidity of the company, something Coleman said he's comfortable with because there are "a host of things to look at to generate liquidity."
Visotcky Joins West Virginia Radio Corporation
Visotcky is the new Market Manager for the company's Charleston seven-station cluster. Visotcky started his radio career with WVRC while still a student at West Virginia University in 1979. He comes to Charleston from San Diego where he revamped sales for the Padres Radio Network and led a staff of ten multi-media sellers this past season.


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Wonderful leggings! Comfortable and excellent style.
These are the most comfortable jogging tights I've ever had. I ordered the matching jacket and it's my favorite outfit. Fits so nicely and looks amazing. Excellent quality material.
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Streamlining Business Finances: The Power of Pegasus AP Automation Unveiled
Event date passed - Available on demand
At first it was locky, which transformed into Zepto, now we face the latest in ransomware strains – Odin. Aptly named after the Greek god Odin – known to seek greater knowledge in disguise.
The victims targeted by Odin will see that Locky is still very much present when it comes to the dark web "Ransom page" where you are instructed on how to pay up. As with many other malware attacks the email attachment that the crooks are hoping you'll open is a Java script programme.
When this is opened, the Odin Ransomware program is launched (without warning) and boom! Goodbye valuable business files.
Once encrypted your files will have .odin added to the end of each file name, of course at this point these files are no longer accessible. This is where the panic sets in and your money comes in handy – or so many people believe.
Unfortunately there is no guarantee that if you pay the ransom you will regain access to your PC/files. You are very likely to be left out of pocket. TSG recommend a prevention over cure perspective when it comes to IT security, and we urge you to consider a robust back up strategy that will protect you from these attacks.
Book your place on our Sophos Security Webinar here.
Ransomware is an incredibly fast growing form of malware, and it's taking the IT security world by storm. Its rapid growth and unpredictable nature is forging a new breed of IT security products to combat these wicked attacks.
Research has shown that the UK is under serious threat with 25% of all cyber-attacks being Ransomware. –ESET
The impact that Ransomware has had on a global scale is huge and it's only going to get bigger here in the UK. Back up your data before it's too late.
1. Users are targeted via a spam email, this looks very realistic and encourages the user to open an attachment
2. The user then opens the email attachment, as this is done the odin programme is launched and all of the files stored on the PC (starting with most used) are encrypted
3. A file that was once named test.jpg would appear as a series of symbols followed by .odin
4. The victim is then given instructions on how to regain access to their files which is usually a request of payment via bitcoin (these instructions are then set as your desktop wallpaper, to ensure there is no confusion, you are well and truly out of control)
1. Back up your data
Establishing a data backup strategy is a sure fire way to guarantee you won't be unprotected and powerless, not to mention out of pocket, when Odin comes knocking. There are countless technologies available to ensure your data is backed up. Talk to TSG about your data strategy.
2. Implement a security solution
There is no denying that ransomware attacks are growing and that UK companies fall into a high risk category. By implementing a security solution you will be protected against these malicious attacks that, once launched can't be reversed. Products like the NEW Sophos Intercept X can protect you against malicious Ransomware attacks. See what security solutions are available.
3. Understand the risk and act
Knowledge is power and the more you understand about malware, Ransomware and all the variations (the list grows daily) the better protected you and your workforce will be. Read our blog about Zepto.
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Higher education website design needs to be responsive
A lot of information architecture, user experience and content design knowledge and effort are deployed in crafting homepages for higher education websites. Nevertheless, there is often a feeling these pages are generic or don't always deliver as planned. And, with the world having gone mobile, the same presentation and layout concerns may even be heightened for smartphones.
One way of addressing these concerns is to check homepage images as they appear in different browsers on various end user device types.
For this article we set our software to scan each institution's homepage in desktop and mobile modes. And, as we did in two similar exercises for the UK's universities and colleges and Canada's post-secondary institutions, the resulting images have been assembled into galleries, allowing higher education web developers, designers, content strategists and UX specialists to verify designs, layouts, mobile friendliness and user experience.
The same exercise could be replicated across a single institution to check the content design, information architecture and user experience of faculty, department and research institutes. And, detailed webpage scanning also facilitates digital governance, through reviews of key institutional sub-site and microsite pages for brand, policy, style and preferred practice compliance.
However, the current image set more readily supports competitive research: for example, by comparing and contrasting different institutional approaches to navigation and content hierarchies.
Higher education website design: the desktop and mobile views
In this article we put 42 Australian and eight New Zealand university website homepages under the scope. The images are shown in two separate galleries, below.
We've combined the desktop and mobile screenshots into a composite view to illustrate how well the desktop designs translate to mobile layouts. The scans confirmed that almost all the universities had responsive websites, with over half the sites favouring carousels as their main feature.
As in our previous webpage scanning exercises our software has to contend with and respond to cookie warnings. Otherwise, the snapshots are partially obscured by pop ups. These messages are particularly intrusive on mobile devices. It turns out that we are not the only ones concerned with this UX problem: Paul Boag recently published an article on LinkedIn addressing this issue: A UX Disaster: Can We Solve the Cookie Crisis?
The desktop images show webpages as they appear on standard 1920 x 1080 monitors and as rendered by Google Chrome. The mobile images were captured at 375 x 667 as displayed in iPhones 6/7/8 running Safari. For the composite images the mobile screenshot was scaled up to 607 x 1080.
Categorising ANZ university website homepage designs
As in our earlier UK and Canadian higher education homepage design review exercises, we've tagged each screenshot to capture its most prominent visual design features, including any headlines, straplines or taglines used.
We've stuck with the same tagging scheme for each exercise and while we selected the tags judiciously (and after looking at a lot of homepages), we recognise reducing complex website design ideas and messaging to a small set of categories will lack nuance.
Most pages require more than one tag, so will show up more than once. The tags are:
- buildings – an on-campus building
- choices – no single focus but visitors can click links to execute defined tasks
- individual – student, faculty or alumni profile
- news – breaking or recent news and events
- ranking – ranking or other institutional statistics
- research – an example of current research
- statement – a headline, mission or similar institutional statement
- students – two or more students
- work – a focus on career or work possibilities
Interestingly, unlike UK university websites, fewer than 10% of homepages for Australian and New Zealand universities had embedded video as the homepage feature. The stronger preference was for carousel images.
The Content Management Systems Australia's and New Zealand's universities use for their homepages
While UX specialists, developers, designers and content strategists all contribute to how a webpage looks in a browser, so does the content management system (CMS). Consequently, we've added tags for the main CMSs the institutions in our study use to render their website homepage. All CMS tags are in upper case. AEM is Adobe Experience Manager.
Clicking on a tag filters and re-orders the gallery images to show the range of homepage design and content strategy approaches.
Australian University Website Homepage Design Gallery
New Zealand University Website Homepage Design Gallery
If you had a vague concern about the homogeneity of university website designs or how well they perform on mobile, our gallery may have provided relief, consternation or both.
We collected this article's underlying data using our higher education web estate management solution. Homepage images are just one example of content, user experience and risk insights obtained by analysing data from comprehensively scanning college and university websites.


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Know Thy Bias
by Gabriel Gasque, PhD
We are biased. When evaluating someone's competence in a professional setting, we tend to consider other factors beyond qualifications and achievements. One particularly troubling example is gender bias. We still see women as less competent for certain professional tasks, and there is evidence to back up this claim. Smart research done by Corinne Moss-Racusin and colleagues at Yale University elegantly supports the existence of gender bias in science.
The experiment was elegant due to its simplicity. The authors objectively tested faculty from research-intensive institutions for their gender bias. The scientists conducting the study made up a resume and asked 127 faculty scientists to rate the qualifications of the fictional student (the volunteer scientists did not know the student was fictional) who was applying for a research assistant position. A female name (Jennifer) was assigned to half of the faculty participants, and to the other half, a male name (John) was assigned. Otherwise, the CVs were identical. Probably not surprisingly, the male student was rated higher for competence and hireability, even by female faculty. In addition, faculty would be willing to give the male student more mentoring and a higher starting salary.
I wrote "probably not surprisingly" because the gender gap in Science and Engineering (S&E) fields is still alarmingly large, suggesting discrimination against women. By 2010, only 21% of full-time faculty positions were held by female scientists. But correlations do not imply causality, and the gap between male and female scientists in faculty positions has been attributed to factors other than discrimination, including a lack of women who desire advanced scientific positions or who are as equally skilled as male applicants. Harvard's ex-President Lawrence Summers endorsed both arguments in his remarks at an S&E conference several years ago.
The "lack of skills" argument has been built, in part, upon the fact that over the past 20 years, more male than female high school students have performed at the top 5% in math tests. The reasons for this difference in performance has been extremely difficult to pin down. One tested hypothesis is that males and females respond differently to testing, and thus math tests results may not be predictors of actual math skills.
So why was 'Jennifer' rated less highly than 'John' by the Yale faculty who participated in this study? Most scientists consciously strive to be objective. We are trained to consider hard facts, and to move beyond emotions when making judgments and statements. But research has shown that people who highly value objectivity and fairness are particularly prone to express biases. This probably happens because "objective" people overestimate their invulnerability to hidden bias and fail to monitor its influence on behavior [1, 2].
In this context, I felt a responsibility to test myself in an Implicit Association Test (IAT) for gender-science association. IAT is a computer test that measures the strength of association between classes of concepts (like male-female vs. career-family) by observing response times in categorization tasks. The idea is that it is easier to make a decision when concepts that we think belong together share the same response key. For example, faster responses for the {male career/female family} task compared to the {male family/female career} task indicate a stronger association of male and career over female and career.
IAT is a robust test; it displays internal consistency, independence towards familiarity of the subjects with the method, and resistance to faking (reviewed in ref. 3). More importantly, IAT is predictive of behavior. In socially sensitive topics, IAT is a better predictor than self-reported attitudes [3].
So, I tested myself, and I think that everybody interested in being egalitarian should do it too. I tried two different tests, several times: (1) male, female vs. career, family and (2) male, female vs. science, liberal arts.
I found some variability in my results, which is not unexpected. The average of my tests could be summarized as a very slight association of male with career and female with family, and male with science and female with liberal arts.
Would I have rated Jennifer lower than John in Moss-Racusin's experiment? Probably yes. As shocking as this might sound, I am not discouraged. Being aware of our hidden biases is the starting point to gaining control over them and to minimize their influence on our behavior. If you obtain an implicit preference you don't like, well, you might choose to remember that IAT is not perfectly accurate, and move on. Alternatively, you could accept the fact that you might actually show bias and then try to undo it. For example, avoid situations that reinforce the stereotypes.
As a final remark, I would love to read similar research about underrepresented minorities in S&E. African Americans and Hispanics, who represent 30% of the American people, account for only 5% of the work force in S&E. In addition, African Americans are 10 percent less likely to be awarded NIH RO1 funds compared to whites. Could these statistics reflect another implicit bias that we need to acknowledge and fix? I think they do. How about you?
- Monin, B. & Miller, D.T. Moral credentials and the expression of prejudice. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 81, 33-43 (2001).
- Ulmann, E.L. & Coehn, G.L. ''I think it, therefore it's true'': Effects of self-perceived objectivity on hiring discrimination. Organ. Behav. Hum. Decis. Process. 104, 207–223 (2001).
- Greenwald, A.G., Poehlman, T.A., Uhlmann, E.L. & Banaji, M.R. Understanding and using the Implicit Association Test: III. Meta-analysis of predictive validity. J Pers Soc Psychol 97, 17-41 (2009).
About the Author
Dr. Gabriel Gasque was born and raised in Mexico City. He has been a little of a globetrotter and has lived and studied in Mexico, Denmark, and Chile, until he found home in New York City. He obtained his Ph.D. from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and has postdoctoral trainings from Columbia University and The Rockefeller University. When bench science stopped being enough to satiate his desires to understand the natural world, he turned into publishing and science communication. He loves cooking and eating, and is a devotee of yoga and introspection.


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Just yesterday I returned from an epic journey of love and learning in beautiful Turkey and Lebanon. First, I was witness to Love is Calling, a magical Sema gathering in Yalova, Turkey with over 400 beautiful souls who came the world over to participate in whirling, sacred music, songs, chanting, poetry, rituals, dance, and prayer over three days! From there I traveled to Lebanon to greet another group of souls who came from world over for workshops in Sufism, Persian mystical dance, and ancient Iranic rituals. I wish to express my gratitude to all who made these amazing events a success, to all musicians and mystics, and to all who shared their love.
My classes in the Bay Area resume on Thursday November 14 with Persian and Silk Road Dance. Join my students and learn Persian dance as we prepare performances for Journey of the Simorgh, our next Simorgh Dance Collective production debuting in Menlo Park in January 2020. This production retells the Persian epic Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar with live music, lavish costumes, and featuring Persian sacred, classical, and folkloric dance.
Next year I am excited to announce our next production, Tarsa, a dance drama performed by the Simorgh Dance Collective. This is an epic tale befitting Romeo and Juliet, a tale of love between a Sufi Shaikh, a Christian maiden, and a simple love that grows between them despite the divisions of their beliefs. It debuts February 22 in San Jose.
Finally, on Nov. 20 attend my next Dance of the Soul workshop in Mountain View to discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement, music, and meditation.
Where ever you are I hope to dance with you soon.
Prayer for Musicians
Please God, offer honey to musicians who bring us such joy!
Give them strong and untiring hands to keep playing their music.
Give them vision so, like birds in love, they can bring Your message to our ears.
Let them drink plenty from Your river and grace them with Your strength
so their music becomes the pillar of Your glory.


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SEO and SMO Ready
Yes, exactly! I am here with a very stunning announcement that mythemeshop has listed a FREE version of sociallyviral wordpress theme costing 69$ for FREE now. You can download this theme on wordpress.org now.
Check out some stunning features that will make you stick to this FREE wordpress theme. This theme is available in both the versions. PRO theme comes with a few more features that enhances your website design to increase the chances to go viral.
Features of FREE Version of the theme
Now I am using this theme on one of my niche site which is getting some hits nowadays. It is a pleasure being on a site hosted and running on this theme. Soothing Blue with simplified content focused layout is quite impressive. You can customize this theme right from one place and start writing content or curating from other sites.
in my views, if you ever thought of starting a site like viralnova or something else with viral content, this theme should be there in your wordpress. Appearance has the potential of making a site viral.
I won't press you to download and use this theme. And won't ask you to believe me. Just try it for free and if you like the performance, go for the Pro Version.
- Also Check : Schema wordpress theme review – The Best SEO Ready wordpress theme ever built
- Must Read : Top 10 Premium WordPress magazine themes
What can you do with sociallyviral PRO Version
there are tons of things that you can do with the professional version of the theme which is available for $69 on mythemeshop and you'll get it for $59 with this link. So, let's see what special can be done
advantage #1 : In built social sharing optimization
I would say that the theme is named sociallyviral specially because of this feature which makes it a perfect theme for a site which has an objective of getting viral on social media. Builtin social media sharing buttons makes it easy for your visitors to easily share things with their friends and moreover it is a big plus for your website speed because there is no addition to the number of requests.
You have to install a separate plugin for social media sharing buttons in other themes which increases and affect the page speed insights. but this is not so in case if you're using this theme.
advantage #2: Ultra-fast Speed
🙂 yes. mostly themes made to make a site viral on social media are stuffed with large requests that slows down the speed of your site while this theme is one of the fastest wordpress theme for a social media content site. Moreover, it is a perfect match for your blog also.
A big list of features and claiming to be the fastest theme. Its totally insane right!
I never ask you to go on my words. I can also say that sunny leone is my girlfriend. Better check this out yourself. And here I have a good news for you. Demo is absolutely FREE. 🙂
advantage #3: Advanced TypoGraphy, 630+ Google Fonts, Unllimited colors and Widgetized homepage
You will get an option to customize your site's fonts with 630+ Google fonts with the upgraded version while the FREE theme is loaded with Roboto font scheme and blue color.
With the Upgraded version, you can do it like Oswald for Headings and lato for paragraph, Raleway for headings and open sans for paragraph. It is upto your choice that which font scheme you like for your socially viral site. Above font schemes are of Eleven pro Genesis child theme and Focus Pro Genesis child theme.
The story does not end at fonts only. There is lot more to do with theme options. Thousand of colors and 630+ Google fonts say that you can make yours a unique and stunning website anyone ever would have landed.
advantage #4: Ad-Management for Monetization and Support for Mega Menu
Hey, now you can't say that you will make a sociallyviral site just for fun. It is always a way to make some cash out of that. And the theme comes with in-build ad management option so that you can display advertisements in different places(ad slots) on the website.
You can make good revenue from Google adsense as well. There are so many ad spaces on the site that would generate you some bucks without annoying the readers.
Mega-Menu is supported but not in-built which means you need to install additional wordpress plugin to get mega menu in your site. And you can get this even if you're using FREE version of the theme.
This list of features won't end. It is Rich snippets, Schema ready, Reviews Ready and responsive too. Check out the theme here.
A Few things i won't stop talking about the theme : Some cons
Where the theme has a potential of getting a site viral, the FREE version lacks major customization options. At-least header ad-management option should have been there in the FREE version of theme.
Talking about other free themes on mythemeshop like Point, Just Blue and Playbook, they have a options panel where the site is decorated and this one (sociallyviral) does not have themeoptions panel. A bit disappointing for Freeware users.
Overall, SociallyViral Pro does not lack anything that a perfect theme should be loaded with. It's a High Quality theme with elegant layout and colors.
Incoming Search Terms : SociallyViral WordPress Theme FREE download, SociallyViral Pro


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Philadelphia is a city that has great advantages to living there (and these aren't limited to Philly Cheese steaks and Rocky) and maybe people don't fully realize them. But first, let's talk about the city basics:
Philadelphia is located in the northeastern of the USA, and with an estimate of nearly 6 million residents in its metropolitan area, it is considered the country's fifth largest cities. Locals and tourists love walking around the streets of the City Center, and taking the metro to move around the city areas.
Definitively though, Philadelphia is much more than just a good metropolis. Here are some insights into the reasons to move or take a vacation there, based on the input of locals and tourists alight:
1. Amazing Location
It is a huge advantage living in a place which has two big cities really close. People who live in Philadelphia say that it is pretty cool having the chance to spend the day or the weekend in New York or Washington DC with only a couple hour's drive.
In fact, for those who are flying to the Big Apple, it is highly recommended to book a day for Philly, because they are 2 incredible cities that are totally different and you can easily reach them even by bus (which is pretty cheap by the way).
2. Wealth of Parks, Nature Attractions, and Green Areas
Philadelphia has it all; there are wineries, gardens, parks, even a canal, and river! You probably have heard about the famous Fairmount Park (the largest city-owned park in the nation); this marvelous place is home to more than 9,200 acres full of trails, hills, a waterfront and green areas in which people love to visit for events and expositions, exercise and relax for a while. And as with all big cities, you won't be disappointed with the museums or zoo.
3. Recognized Educational System
This city is the home of some of the best universities and colleges in the nation (like UPenn, Temple University, Drexel University, and Moore College of Art & Design), and that's because this place is known for having a high proportion of young people. Graduated students are well-prepared professionals who don't have trouble finding a proper job and starting their own society rolls. That's why many families decide to live in Philadelphia.
4. The Cost of Living is Significantly Lower than Other East Coast Cities
This is true! Many east coast cities tend to have a high cost of living and all the services can be pretty expensive. It is really important that you consider how low or high are the city's cost of living. You can get an idea by knowing the costs to owning a home or an apartment.
Home values are not in the skies like in other places and homebuyers can still get great deals while their property's value increases. If you are trying to relocate and move to Philly or to another place, you can find many companies and agencies who sell and buy houses for cash in Philadelphia. You will probably be surprised by the incredible opportunities you'll get.
The costs of entertainment and food are also pretty affordable, you can have some meals out at nice restaurants and attend to local events without spending your entire paycheck.
5. Great Public Transportation System
This is a great advantage that many people look for while traveling or moving to a new city. Philadelphia's transportation system is great, it is not only the 6th largest public transit system in the country, it also has many helpful routes, rails, and lines to relevant points in the city (like to the airport, sports stadium, downtown, etc.).
You might not realize how important is to have a proper transportation system in a city, but some of the key benefits are:
– It promotes the tourism.
– It reduces the pollution levels.
– It reduces traffic congestion and can help reduce certain types of accidents.
And lastly, you should know that Philadelphia ranks as one of the best cities for millennials to work & live because of its low average of unemployment rates, its affordable housing opportunities and the fact that is now considered as a 'safety city' in the nation.
Featured photo credit: https://www.sparefoot.com/moving/moving-to-seattle-wa/seattle-national-moving-day-2016/ via sparefoot.com