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|The thirteen week scan
|Daisy on the inside
|The first picture that doesn't contain me, covered in blood!
|Mum and baby Daisy
As any expectant mother will know, going overdue is a real pain in the backside - a week or so before your due date, everybody and their dog begins the endless round of texts, Facebook messages and Twitter messages, enquiring politely as to 'how you are' and whether you're having any 'twinges'. Irritating enough before the baby is even due, more annoying once you've gone over by a couple of days, positively infuriating once you get to 40 weeks and 9 days. Which is exactly the point I was at when Miss Daisy decided to make her appearance.
At 41 weeks, I was a week overdue, and headed off to see my midwife for a stretch and sweep, which is known to help things along a little - she told me I was already 1cm dilated, which meant I left feeling far more positive than I arrived. My Mum and I went on a long walk, wandered round the shops, and then headed home - I was half expecting her to arrive that evening, simply because that's what happened with the Boy. So you can imagine my disappointment when, after a few niggles, I went to bed and nothing else happened. Friday arrived, and still nothing - we filled the day with activities (which you can see in this post - what is more cheering than yarn and beach huts?), and although I had a few contractions throughout the day, they were manageable and not terribly regular. By that evening, I was feeling thoroughly fed up, so we watched some television and went to bed early. By Saturday morning, after two days of stop-start contractions, all I wanted was to be left alone, so the Husband took the Boy to the park and then round to see his Grandparents. I'd had exactly the same experience with my son, so was loathe to believe that even the regular pains that started that evening were anything to pay attention to - so desperate was I not to have a labour that was a repeat of the last one, that I ignored them and went to bed instead.
Two hours later, I found myself wide awake, hanging onto the bedhead with every contraction, and I finally gave in and admitted to the Husband that things might actually be moving along. He went to pick up my Mum, and after a lot of persuasion, I rang the hospital - they told me to come straight in (second babies apparently have a habit of just suddenly 'appearing'), so we all piled into the car, and headed off. I'd decided to have my Mum as my birth partner (ooohhh, controversial!), as she knows me better than anyone, and is far more of a relaxing presence than my Husband (who tries, bless him, but was utterly hopeless when the Boy was born...), so she came up to the ward with me, while the others went home and back to bed.
I was shown to my room, and met my midwife, whose first words to me were, "I'm Sandy, now, what do you want, and what don't you want?" I instantly felt relaxed, and told her that I was concerned I wasn't actually in active labour yet - she told me she'd been a midwife for over twenty years, and could promise me that I was. Sure enough, when she examined me, I was 5cm dilated - I immediately felt better, and realised that this was a different baby, and subsequently a different labour, and that it might actually not be as long or terrible as the first one. I ended up standing, leaning on the bed using gas and air for the first couple of hours, with the lights dimmed and some music on - the whole experience was incredibly relaxing and far, far better than anything I had imagined. When I was examined again, I had only reached 7cm - I felt despondent, but Sandy was fantastic, and said that anything could happen. When I told her the gas and air wasn't working as well, she offered me a shot of pethidine, which I happily accepted, and suddenly felt like I could cope again.
What seemed like ten minutes later (but was actually an hour, or so I'm told), I felt the distinct urge to push, but was concerned I wasn't dilated enough - Sandy told me to have a little go, and then to my absolute joy informed me that she could see hair when I did. I was given the green light to start pushing, and thirty minutes later, Daisy arrived into the world. Sandy was amazing - she gave clear instructions and remained motivational throughout the whole experience, and despite my wee one weighing in at a large 8lb 11, I had only a couple of stitches.
The whole labour and birth was everything I wanted it to be (despite a stubborn placenta, and problems with a racing heartbeat and light headedness afterwards) - calm, relaxing and safe. Sandy was simply amazing - any lady who is in her care should consider themselves extremely lucky, and be assured that she knows exactly what she's doing, and will do everything she can to make the whole experience as positive as she possibly can.
Daisy is an extremely placid baby, happy to both sit in her bouncer while I clean, or sit and be cuddled up close - I'm exclusively breastfeeding (which is going well so far - something else that was an utter disaster last time!), so we have lots of bonding time as well. She sleeps well at night, only waking once or twice for food, and settles herself down again afterwards - the whole experience is so different to when the Boy was a baby, it's hard to believe they're even related!
It's safe to say I'm thoroughly in love, as is her brother - he smoothes her, kisses her and tells everyone about her, and although we're having some behaviour issues with him at the moment, I'm staying confident that he'll settle down soon.
Welcome to the world, little one!


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Basilicata flag
Buy the flag
The flag of the Basilicata Region was established in 1999. The flag is blue. The emblem consists of a central band of four waves of blue on a silver background. These four represent one of the four major rivers of the Basilicata.
Available versions of the flag of Basilicata
100% nautical polyester flags
Basilicata flag in 100% nautical polyester - HIGH QUALITY FLAG
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Basilicata flags stickers, click the following link to buy flag stickers
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Formal Country Name: Regione Basilicata
Local Country Name: Basilicata
Capital City of Basilicata: Potenza
Population of Basilicata: 600,000
Territory: 9,992 sq km

subset: commoncrawl


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Upcoming courses
NLP Sports Practitioner (8 days)
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1-3rd March 2019 (Fri-Sat)
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Course details
Courses will be held in Peterborough
Have you ever wanted to learn what is required to take sports performance to the very highest level? Have you ever dreamed of working with top level sportspeople to improve their performance? Or have you been looking to improve your own sports performance but have as yet struggled to make a real difference?
Wider|Vision Ltd provides comprehensive training courses in the field of Mental Performance Coaching for sports. Our courses.are for coaches, people interested in working in mental performance coaching and sports performers who are looking to improve their mindset when they are performing.
By learning the techniques, philosophies and methodologies that Wider|Vision Ltd provides in their training, you can make a significant difference to your own performance in all areas of your life, as well as be able to coach others.
Find out more about our courses
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Just found this article and I have a few things to say about it…
I always try to take into account what girls say they really want in a man, but it's really difficult to take them seriously in most cases.
Here's why…
I've never had a gf that would really put her foot down and DEMAND that I comply with any of these requests.
If I don't do x, y, or z, then what? What are you gonna do? Nothing? Then why should I even take this seriously? Your not going push it so, I'll just go back to doing whatever the hell I feel like doing. Okay honey?
Now being the modern in tune male that I am, I always strive to please these requests whenever possible. But, I also know there won't be any real consequence for me if I don't. My only motivation is too keep her happy IF I'm in the mood to do so.
I'll readily admit that's not exactly the most loving or caring answer I could give, but at least it's an honest one.
Too many girls seem way too invested or bonded to their boyfriends in an unhealthy way, which in turn leaves them vulnerable to being taken advantage of in many different ways by their boyfriends. I've experienced this in my own relationships, and every other relationship I see around me as well. Girls have to start taking some responsibility for this stuff, or it will never change. Guys will continue to ignore them whenever they please, and treat them poorly without much fear of any serious reprisal. Most girls will dutifully 'take' this poor treatment without really doing anything to stop it. Bad move. You're inadvertently TEACHING someone how they should treat you going forward. Do girls actually expect they guy to somehow have an epiphany? A moment of clarity, where they realize the error of their ways?
Good luck with that ladies…
These issues only seem to come to the forefront once the girl has reached her breaking point, and the guy has pissed her off one too many times. That's not a good thing, and that atmosphere does not lend itself to a achieving a positive and/or healthy resolution of these issues.
Girls seem to think it's 'better' to just let these things go in the early stages of a new relationship, but as a guy I can tell you that is a HUGE MISTAKE. Guys can and will push the boundaries of the relationship really early on, and if you don't quickly set some clear parameters on how far we can go, you're just asking for problems later on. And if you didn't participate in setting up these parameters in the very beginning (or when they started to occur), then I think you've all but relinquished any claim to be mad or pissed off about them later on.
Just my .02
1 Comment
Just found this article and I have a few things to say about it…


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1 x 3 and 1 x 2, Tis the Season... INSTANT DOWNLOADS, Christmas collage sheets for glass tile pendants,soldered pendants, dominos
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Celebrate the Christmas season with my newest altered vintage Christmas images are designed for glass tile pendants, soldered pendants, and bottle cap pendants, hair bows, Christmas ornaments and charm bracelets
I am happy to share these original images which are just perfect for altering with your own artwork and creativity.
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Wonderful graphics for any type of art project you are creating; collage,charms, atcs, jewelry, aceos, tiles, altered art or any mixed media art form desired.
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Deborah Savage


text: We paid more because we needed more and we got it. The fan is mounted on our dock so it must be built for operation in a constantly damp location. A cheap product just won't last in that location and I don't have time to waste on doing things over again because I like to go fishing.


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1007 Ilex myrtifoliaCommon Names: myrtleleaf holly, myrtle holly, myrtle dahoon, myrtleleaf dahoon Family: Aquifoliaceae (holly Family)
Myrtle holy is an attractive shrub or small tree with little bitty evergreen leaves about an inch (2.5 cm) long. The tree seldom gets more than 20 ft (6 m) tall, but the National Champion, near Lawtey in northern Florida, is 40 ft (12 m) tall with a crown spread of 35 ft (10.7 m). The tree is sometimes scrubby looking and branchlets tend to be borne perpendicularly from larger branches. The stiff, leathery leaves are about the size and shape of yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) leaves, but their margins are entire (smooth), not crenate (with rounded teeth). The little white flowers, produced in early spring, are about a quarter inch (6 mm) across, and have four petals. The berries (drupes, actually) are usually red when ripe, but some specimens produce yellow or orange fruits. They are about a quarter inch (6 mm)in diameter. Like many hollies, myrtle holly is dioecious: male and female flowers are on separate plants, and only the female plants produce berries. Myrtle holly is closely related to, and reported to sometimes hybridize with, dahoon holly (I. cassine). In fact, some authorities have listed myrtle holly as a variety of dahoon holly, rather than a species in its own right. Dahoon holly has much larger leaves.
Ilex myrtifolia occurs naturally in wetlands on the Coastal Plain from southeastern North Carolina across northern Florida, and west to eastern Texas. It is often found in bald-cypress, black gum and bay swamps, as well as wet savannas and depressions in pine flatwoods. In many little wetland depressions in the Florida Panhandle, myrtle holly is the only tree or shrub.
CultureLight: Myrtle holly usually grows in full sun, although it can take a little shade from tall cypresses or pines. Moisture: Myrtle holly is a wetland tree and certainly would thrive in a wet soil. However, like so many other wetland plants, it probably would do quite well in drier soils once it was well established. Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 - 10. Ilex myrtifolia occurs naturally only in USDA zone 8, but it probably will survive in zones 7-10. Propagation: Softwood cuttings can be started in spring. Seeds of most holly species require 2-3 years of dormancy before they will germinate. I'd go with the cuttings!
Ilex myrtifolia is rarely cultivated, but it deserves a chance in southern gardens. The berries are brighter red than those of American holly (I. opaca) or Savannah holly (I. X attenuata 'Savannah'), and usually more abundantly produced. No doubt, myrtle holly, like other hollies, would respond well to hedging. If you can find a source, try some myrtle holly bushes in a wet area where you want an evergreen screen or use for a formal hedge. The Association of Florida Native Nurseries lists five sources for myrtle holly. Birds (especially cedar waxwings) eat the berries which usually persist on the plant until the end of winter, no doubt because they don't taste very good to most other birds. Holly berries are notoriously bitter.
Myrtle holly is named for the resemblance of its leaves to true myrtle (Myrtus communis), a native of the Mediterranean region. There are over 400 species of hollies in the world, with about 20 species occurring in eastern North America.
Steve Christman 1/31/06


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|Difficulty Level
|System Fix
|Affected Operating Systems
Repair Difficulty : High
For Microsoft Windows 7 and later
1) Press "Win + R" and Type "Firewall.cpl" and Press Enter.
2) Microsoft Windows Firewall Window will Open.
3) Tap On "Turn Windows Firewall on or off"
Note: If you are logged in as Normal user you may be asked to enter Admin Password
4) Press "Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)" under each network location and then Click "OK"
Warning: You can activate Microsoft Windows Firewall after Office 365 installation is complete.
2. Type the command "inetcpl.cpl" and click OK.
3. Click on the "Security" tab.
4. Click "Reset all zones to default level" button at the bottom of the window.
5. Click OK button.
In most case 0-27 error code in Office 365 should be resolved by now, if however the problem still persists please get your system checked by an expert.
If you are not able to resolve the issue following above steps, you can contact our 24×7 Chat Support for help.
admin January 1st, 1970
Posted In: Office 365


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David Lowe
Chief Winemaker
One of Australia's leading wine industry figures, David Lowe represents the sixth generation of the Lowe family, graziers who settled in 1829 at 'Tinja' in the Mudgee region of New South Wales.
David attended the local primary school, and subsequently Hurlstone Agricultural High School in Sydney. From there David ventured to Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia where in 1979 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Oenology).
His passion for agriculture and wine was nurtured during his school years and holidays on the family farm where David subsequently established the LOWE vineyard (8 ha) in 1973.
Since 2003 it has operated organically.
The Rothbury Years
After graduation David was appointed Assistant Winemaker at the prestigious Rothbury Estate in the Hunter Valley working for two titans of the wine industry, Len Evans and Murray Tyrrell.
Through turbulent but rewarding times, David progressed to become Chief Winemaker and Group Vineyard Manager, significantly expanding Rothbury's production through innovative viticulture that included trellising, canopy management, fruit irrigation and water management.
At that time David also undertook vineyard risk management research that led to his identification of Orange as an alternative cool climate grape growing region. Today Orange supplies grapes for selected wines in the LOWE and TINJA portfolios.
A pioneering 'flying' winemaker with a penchant for Bordeaux, David is also a wine consultant and an accredited wine show judge, regularly participating at national shows including Canberra, Hunter Valley and Cowra.
During his 35-year career he has been the recipient of industry awards, trophies and medals, including Best Zinfandel at the 2003 International Wine Challenge (runner-up in 2004) and the Qantas Cup for the Best Australian Chardonnay (1985).
David Lowe is a prominent wine industry advocate and, during his career, has held several key positions including Vice President of the Winemakers' Federation of Australia; member of the strategic NSW Ministers' Wine Advisory Council, Vice President of the NSW Wine Industry Association and President of the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association.
In 2013 the NSW Minister for Agriculture awarded David the Graham Gregory Award for his contribution to the NSW Wine Industry. Following this, in 2014, Wine Communicators of Australia awarded David the 2014 Legend of the Vine Award.
David is a regular wine industry commentator and a passionate supporter of smart farming, rural land custodianship and regionalism. He claims he has no skills relevant to urban environments.


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Here you can find everything from an active nightlife to historical sights. The city is also one of the best places to shop in the Caribbean, and the hottest item on sale is the hand-wrapped cigars along with local handicrafts.
Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, was founded by Christopher Columbus' brother, Bartholomew, and it is the oldest European city founded by Europeans in the New World. It was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. Since then, Santo Domingo has been home to nobles and knights, soldiers, monks and slaves, pirates and damsels in distress.
Here you can find everything from an active nightlife to historical sights. The city is also one of the best places to shop in the Caribbean, and the hottest item on sale is the hand-wrapped cigars along with local handicrafts.
When the city was founded on the southeastern Caribbean coast in 1496, it was named New Isabella and was much later renamed Santo Domingo. Since then, it has had a long history, interspersed with glory and destruction. Even today, the city reflects its French, Haitian, and Spanish heritage.
Santo Domingo is located on the Hispaniola coast where it meets the Caribbean Sea, which makes it a great vantage point for trade, and sure enough it furthered the city's economic development during colonial times. The Ozama River, located to the east of the city, is the country's busiest port.
Santo Domingo is relatively low in altitude and the average temperature varies little in the city. However the country does experience two seasons, winter and summer. November to April is winter characterized by relatively lower humidity levels and low precipitation. December and January are the coolest months, while July and August are the warmest. The humidity makes it seem much warmer than it really is. The tropical climate however, makes the region very vulnerable to hurricanes.
Historical Overview
Before the region was discovered by European settlers in 1492, the Taino Indians lived on the island of Hispaniola. The modern city was founded on August 5, 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus. Christopher Columbus set up the first settlement here called Navidad after discovering the island in December 1492. He later established a community he called Isabela in the northwest, which Bartholomew later moved to present-day Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo became the first capital of the new territories, the first to have Spanish coinage, a fort, a monastery, a cathedral, a university, a hospital and a palace. It is where Madrid's rulers in 1512 set up the highest level of its judicial system since the Middle Ages, the Spanish Colonies' first royal appellate court.
Governor General Nicolas de Ovando arrived here in 1502 but the region was destroyed by a hurricane shortly after his arrival and he had it rebuilt on a different site nearby. The original layout of the city and a large portion of its defensive wall, many 16th century buildings and structures are today part of the Colonial Zone, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.
In 1586, Hispaniola was invaded and ravaged by Francis Drake weakening the Spanish dominion over the island which had served as a capital for over 50 years but was now abandoned and left to the mercy of the pirates. Then again in 1655, the island was invaded by the French.
Later on, in 1822, the Haitians commanded by Jean-Pierre Boyer, took over the entire island. Finally, in 1844, the Spanish part of the island regained its independence after 22 years of Haitian rule due to a group of patriots headed by Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez and Matias Ramon Mella. From then on, the Spanish part of the island became the Dominican Republic.
Since its new settlement, Santo Domingo became the launching pad for many explorations to the New World including the expeditions that led to Ponce de Leon's discovery of Puerto Rico, Hernando Cortes' conquest of Mexico, Diego de Velazquez's expedition to settle Cuba and Balboa's sighting of the Pacific Ocean. Serving as the base of exploration, the seaport soon became the center of Spanish activity in the Greater Antilles.
Santo Domingo celebrated its 500th birthday on August 1998.
Places to See
Santo Domingo is filled with places and monument of historical significance. El Faro a Colon or the Columbus Lighthouse is a 206 m tall monument built in the shape of a cross. In the heart of the edifice is a chapel that contains Columbus' tomb. The most outstanding feature here is the lighting arrangement made up of 149 searchlights and a 70-kilowatt beam that reaches out for nearly 71 km. When illuminated, the lights project a gigantic cross in the sky that can be seen as far away as Puerto Rico (reminds one of the Bat-signal that is lit up to call Batman!). Although the concept of the memorial was conceived 140 years ago, the first stones were laid only in 1986.
As long as you are visiting the Columbus Lighthouse, make sure to visit the Los Tres Ojos and then the National Aquarium. Los Tres Ojos is a 50-ft deep cave with three lagoons surrounded by stalagmites and lush vegetation. The National Aquarium is an aquarium where you can see sea creatures contained in the Plexiglas fish tank.
At the Parque Independencia you can see the two cities—ancient and modern Santo Domingo, meet. The big city square's most prominent feature is the Altar de la Patria, a national pantheon dedicated to the nation's heroes—Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella, who are buried here—who led the country's fight for freedom from Haiti in 1844. The square is also a popular meeting place. Then there is the El Conde Gate named for the Count de Penalva who resisted the British invasion. It is also the site of the March for Independence in 1844.
Many would agree that the city's most outstanding structure is the Alcazar de Colon, a palace built for Columbus' son, Diego. In 1509, when Diego became the colony's governor, Santo Domingo flourished as the hub of Spanish commerce and culture in America. For over 60 years, this coral limestone structure on the bluffs of the Ozama River was the center of the Spanish court. The palace holds nearly two dozen rooms and its open-air galleries are decorated with paintings, tapestries and antiques.
Right next to the Alcazar is La Atarazana, a fully restored section of one of the finest arsenals. Extending for a block, it has an array of shops, art galleries, boutiques, and some good places to eat. Another site not to be missed is the Puerta de la Misericordia, which was part of the original city wall. The 'Gate of Mercy' was once a refuge against hurricanes and earthquakes.
At the Columbus Square you will find a large bronze statue honoring the explorer and the Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. The cathedral is the oldest in the Americas, and was completed in 1540, although the first stone was laid by Diego Columbus in 1514. The golden-tinted coral limestone facade is stunning. The structure features Gothic and Spanish Renaissance styles of architecture with Romanesque arches. The church holds a magnificent high altar chiseled out of silver and an excellent collection of ancient art, woodcarvings, furnishings, funerary monuments, and jewelry.
Museo de las Casas Reales or the Museum of the Royal Houses traces the city's history from 1492 to 1821 through artifacts, tapestries, and maps. Its treasures include gilded furniture, arms and armor, and other colonial artifacts like replicas of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, and is also said to hold some of Columbus's ashes. The main attractions here are two galleons sunk in 1724 on their way from Spain to Mexico, and remnants of another 18th-century Spanish ship, the Concepcion.
Casa Diego Caballero was built in 1523 and is distinguished by two square towers and the inside is full of galleries composed of solid stone arches. Casa Sacramento was home to many important figures. These are two famous houses of Santo Domingo.
Around the city there are a few beaches where many flock to over the weekends. The principal beach resort is 31 km from the city at Boca Chica with clear, shallow blue water, a white-sand beach, and a natural coral reef. Another white-sand beach is that of Playa Juan Dolio nearby.
Make sure to visit the many museums celebrating all aspects of Dominican life, many of which, such as the Museum of the Dominican Man, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of History and Geography, and the National Museum of Natural History, are located in the Plaza de la Cultura.
Things to Do
Gambling at Santo Domingo is not very popular but if you want to try your luck, most casinos are open till 5am. The most glamorous casino is the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino with its brilliant flashing sign—the most dazzling light along the Malecon.
For the avid shopper, there are many delights to be found that include handcrafted native items, especially amber jewelry, Dominican rum, hand-knitted articles, cigars, ceramics, and mahogany pieces. Ever since John F. Kennedy was presented with what became his favorite rocker, visitors have wanted to take home a rocking chair from here. Some of the best shopping streets are El Conde and Avenida Mella.
The Amber World Museum attracts many visitors with a collection of plants, insects, and even scorpions fossilized in resin millions of years ago. Not all of the displays are for sale but you can watch craftspeople at work, polishing and shaping raw bits of ancient amber.
If you happen to be in Santo Domingo in February, you are in luck because it's when the people flock to the streets to celebrate the annual Santo Domingo Carnival every weekend throughout the month. Revellers dressed in the traditional devil costume with elaborate carnival masks lead a parade down the Malecon at the end of the month.
The Santo Domingo International Book Fair is another annual event that brings in a host of bookworms at the Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte around the months of April and May. The Festival of Dominican Song Eduardo Brito, named after the Dominican baritone, takes place in the National Theatre in an effort to encourage composition among Dominicans. It is an annual event that happens usually in June.
The Santo Domingo de Fiesta, or rather 'Party Time in Santo Domingo', is when the city doles out cultural shows and performances in the old Plaza Espana every Friday and Saturday.
Gastronomic Fare
Don't forget to try some of the delicious local cuisines while you are in town. The servings will leave you wanting more. If you are not sure what to order, try asopao (a tomato, rice, seafood or fish-based dish), batida (a fruit juice made with ice and milk), empanadas (small pastries filled with meat or vegetables), habichuela con dulce (sweet red beans made only during Easter week), mofongo (ripe bananas with grilled sesame), postulad (wheat pancake filled with seafood, meat or vegetables), sancocho (meat dish boiled with vegetables), filete a la criolla (filet mignon Creole style), pollo guisado (stewed chicken), and asopao de camarones (a thick rice soup with shrimp). These are just a few of the local specialties. Be adventurous with your taste buds and explore more delights!
Las Americas International Airport is Santo Domingo major international airport and currently the busiest in the country. The Aeropuerto Internacional La Isabela is a new airport servicing mostly domestic and charter flights as of now.
A 15 km underground and elevated Santo Domingo Metro is under construction, and once completed will make commuting in the city mush faster. Buses are now the best way to get around the city—they are inexpensive and have an extensive network.
Other modes of transportation are carros publicos (shared taxi) and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis).


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At Gray Reed & McGraw, we believe that effectively representing construction businesses requires an industry based practice. It's not enough to know the law—you need to know the industry, how it operates and how a project progresses. The Construction Law practice group consists of attorneys, including three who were named 2018 Rising Stars by Texas Super Lawyers Magazine (a Thomson Reuters company), with the experience and the expertise essential to effectively assisting you with the difficult and diverse issues that arise from conception through completion of even the most complex construction projects and business operations.
As a full service firm, Gray Reed is uniquely positioned to effectively represent and counsel construction industry businesses beyond routine or the most complex construction matters. We can assist with every aspect of operations, including: Corporate, Labor and Employment, Tax, Real Estate, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Bankruptcy, and Commercial Litigation Matters. We represent our construction clients "entirely", conveniently acting as their "one-stop shop" for legal services.
Our attorneys provide a broad range of services to contractors, state and local governments, and private parties engaged in construction transactions, dispute resolution and government procurement. We assist construction industry clients with acquisitions, project development and finance, contract formation, project management and "real time" advice, claims preparation and resolution, mechanics liens and payment bond claims, open account collections, OSHA, regulatory and licensing matters, labor and employment issues, environment compliance, MBE/WBE/DBE requirements, suretyship, mediation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and litigation.
Our scope of work is as broad as yours.
Our attorneys provide a full range of legal services to contractors and owners ranging from small, family-owned businesses to ENR Top 400 Contractors, state and local government agencies and Fortune 500 Corporations.
We have worked with clients on a wide variety of projects ranging from highways and bridges to airports and mass transit to power plants and cogeneration facilities to hospitals, hotels, golf courses and more. Our clientele and trade representation is just as diverse, including owners, developers, general contractors, specialty subcontractors, equipment and material suppliers, governmental and quasi-governmental entities, and municipalities. Trades represented include concrete, glazing, plumbing, electrical, roofing, construction management, civil construction, metal fabrication, remediation, site work and underground utilities.
Represented Developer in dispute with General Contractor regarding multi-million dollar hotel project, obtaining successful resolution of all affirmative claims and successful defense of all counterclaims asserted by Defendants.
Represented Pittsburgh, PA based OEM plumbing part distributor regarding a dispute with a Texas based sales representative company related to alleged unpaid commissions.
Obtained $1.25 million arbitration award of lost profits in favor of government subcontractor against prime contractor for wrongful termination of subcontract to provide hardware and software maintenance and support services to U.S. Air Force after three day arbitration trial as first and only chair.
Represented Ohio based metal roofing manufacturer in litigation with Louisiana material distributor and obtained a judgment in excess of $700,000.
Represented Houston based general contractors in breach of contract litigation against Project owner. Representation resulted in favorable settlement for general contractor.
Represented Houston based mitigation contractor in litigation against Oklahoma based subcontractor regarding a breach of contract dispute in excess of $500,000. Representation included the successful defense of client from the enforcement of a Oklahoma Choice of Law and Venue provision, affirmed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Represented Dallas based concrete contractor in the preparation and perfection of a Restricted Appeal which resulted in favorable settlement for client.
First chair prosecution of Oklahoma administrative appeal hearing leading to ten year debarment of contractor for substituting unapproved aggregates into defective pavement and submitting false information concerning use of subcontractors and subsequent representation during administrative review process.
Preparation and litigation of differing site conditions claim by Texas horizontal directional drilling subcontractor against prime and third party defendant Texas municipality to mediated settlement following equipment failures, production loss, and delay caused by unforeseen and unusual rock mechanics.
Obtained order and warrant to seize a vessel owned by a foreign entity on behalf of a Houston based engineering company.
Represented Environmental Subcontractor in dispute with General Contractor on massive waste-storage facility in South Texas, obtaining successful resolution of all claims prior to trial.
Obtained successful results on behalf of Owners, General Contractors, Subcontractors and Sureties in disputes regarding commercial construction Projects throughout the United States.
Defense of project owner / developer of $20M retail center in Alaska against multiple change order requests for extra work and delay and prosecution of counterclaims to mediated settlement.
Represented San Antonio based glazing subcontractor in a $30 million dispute in Bryan-College Station,Texas involving construction defects and delay claims
Arbitration defense of claim against state DOT arising from state directive to remove and replace $3,000,000 of defective asphalt pavement and subsequent prosecution of debarment action on behalf of state related to substitution of unapproved aggregate materials and false subcontract reporting.
Arbitration defense on behalf of prime contractor of a multimillion dollar claim by subcontractor for changes arising from a fiber innerduct installation contract, and prosecution of counter claims for defective workmanship by subcontractor.
Obtained dismissals and favorable resolutions for several defendants to preferential and fraudulent transfer claims arising out of Lyondell bankruptcy.
Litigation defense of multimillion dollar claim for delay/cover/fraud by prime contractor following termination of structural steel supply contract for expansion of a petrochemical plant, and prosecution of counterclaims on behalf of steel supplier.
Prosecution and analysis of prime contractor claims for return of liquidated damages and recovery of extras spent in constructing 450 megawatt cogeneration facility.
Successfully defended employee and current employer in temporary injunction hearing. The plaintiff's application for injunctive relief was denied.
Obtained a temporary injunction against former employees of an oil field services company for violations of covenants not to compete.
Obtained numerous successful resolutions on behalf of parties prosecuting and defending against covenants not to compete.
Obtained numerous summary judgments on behalf of construction suppliers against subcontractors who failed to pay for materials purchased on credit.
Obtained a dismissal of negligence and breach of contract claims against an electrician and an award of attorney fees against plaintiff in arbitration.
Obtained Summary Judgment on behalf of General Contractor in response to substantial bond claims asserted by a Subcontractor on a Project for the Trinity River Authority.
Represented design professional in dispute with Owner and General Contractor regarding services provided for the design and construction of the Venetian Phantom of the Opera Theatre Project in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Represented multi-million dollar Real Estate Developer in numerous lawsuits involving commercial properties across Texas, Alabama and Florida.
Defense of various OSHA citations for serious, willful and repeat violations, including citations involving job site fatalities (excavation, blasting and confined space).
Defended public official against citizen's defaming, libelous and slanderous remarks made in public forums and City Council Meetings.
Assisted District Attorney's office in sentencing of a Criminal Defendant who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from client/victim in a Ponzi scheme
Represented commercial tenant in numerous dispute with landlord, obtaining complete recovery for tenant.
Representation of low bidder during proceedings related to protest of award of $60 million pipeline construction contract by Public Works Department.
Represented developer in protracted negotiation of Project Contract Documents with General Contractor for construction of state of the art community welcome center in Austin, Texas.
Representation of low bidder in defense of protest of award of $40 million large diameter water main contract by North Carolina utility district.
Negotiation and drafting of favorable prime contract terms on behalf of owner of a $30,000,000 hospital expansion project.
Representation of Texas public hospital district in implementation of replacement hospital program with estimated cost in excess of $1 billion.
Leading three project teams of engineers, consultants and attorneys responsible for preparation and presentation of multimillion dollar claims for additional compensation in connection with the expansion of terminal facilities at two major international airports.
Representation of Houston based mitigation contractor regarding disputes on 15 different construction Projects resulting from Hurricane Ike. Representation resulted included the filing of mechanics and materialmens liens on each related Project.
Represented Canadian based contractor in the perfection and collection of more than 100 separate mechanics and materialmens liens filed against multi-story condominium complex.
Represented one of the nation's largest steel fabricators in payment dispute with defaulted prime contractor on interstate highway expansion project. Representation included the perfection of multiple payment bond claims and the negotiation of payment to client in excess of $12 million.
Negotiation of bond claim settlements with multiple suppliers and second tier subcontractors following termination and bankruptcy of first tier tunneling subcontractor for original contractor on Texas public works project.
Represented Hotel Owner in Interpleader Action in District Court, successfully negotiating settlements with numerous subcontractors and suppliers and obtaining removal of liens from Hotel property.
Representation of owner in resolution of over $7 million in lien claims filed against 20,000 sf restaurant space following abandonment of contract by prime contractor and prosecution of claims against owner's contractor, construction manager and design professionals.


text: If you're looking for a cheap way to improve your property's value and make your living experience more enjoyable and comfortable, consider solid, tinted or perhaps clear outdoor blinds. Avanti Blinds is your one stop shop – when looking for quality cafe blinds Sydney residents come to Avanti Blinds. Our excellent range of Australian made tinted, clear and shade screen cafe blinds provide a touch of class and completeness to your property, and do so on a variety of budgets. So if you want to browse a great range of outdoor blinds Sydney residents have come to the right place – Avanti Blinds.


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Mansion Monday: Garden District Condo
Mansion Monday: Garden District Condo
Gardner Realtors shows a two-story condo in the Garden District, which is listed at $1,495,000. For more information contact them by email at email@example.com or by phone: 800-566-7801.
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Ed cetera
Join the informed, opinionated journalists of The Times' editorial staff in lively discussions at our blog Ed Cetera.
Civil Disagreement: Should we have a Star Wars VII?
Photo: Chris Pizzello/Associated Press
Civil disagreements between two members of the Seattle Times editorial board is an occasional feature of the Ed Cetera blog. This one pits editorial writer Bruce Ramsey against editorial page editor Kate Riley.
Bruce Ramsey: Kate, Disney has bought the Star Wars franchise and plans a 7th movie . Really? A seventh one? Has this fantasy universe not been exhausted?
I enjoyed the original "Star Wars" movie in 1977. The scene near the opening in which Luke Skywalker gazes into the sky of Tatooine and sees two suns was a moment of wonder. This movie was going to be great. And it was. The cantina at Mos Eisley The Millennium Falcon The Death Star.. What a universe! And in 1980, "The Empire Strikes Back" was even better. "Return of the Jedi" (1983) had the fuzzballs in the woods, but it was not too bad.
Sixteen years later, in 1999, came "The Phantom Menace," the first prequel. The story line was so-so, and the characters were so-so, and Jar-Jar Binks was just dumb. The movie was a letdown.
Then "Attack of the Clones" (2002) is when I tuned out. There were the Republic and the Separatists. One had an army of clones and the other an army of droids. What were they fighting over? The story didn't add up to anything I cared about. There was a romance between Anakin and Padme that was worse.
In 2005 came "Revenge of the Sith". I think I sat through it, but I can't remember a thing about it. I look at IMDb.com and see reader comments like, "kiddie-pandering, muppet-populated, CGI-overloaded dreck" and "script worse than Godzilla."
It made money. No doubt that's why Disney bought this franchise and now plans a seventh movie. They're going to keep going until the cost of the computer-generated imagery meets the law of diminishing returns.
Advice to Disney: if you really must do a Star Wars VII, give us a plot that makes sense, characters that people care about, a script that tickles the ear and actors that can act. Have some action in it, sure; but set it up so that we know what they're fighting about and we care about who wins.
Kate Riley: Bruce, I have fonder memories of the first trilogy also, but as the mother of a son who is working on his reading, I'm grateful for Star Wars-related books that are geared to his reading level yet still capture his imagination. Then there's the cartoon series and the Lego sets that correspond -- all kinds of opportunities for children to engage.
The point is, the enduring popularity of the whole, um, empire, is something generations will continue to enjoy, even if you don't. Come on, Bruce, Jar-Jar does have his charms.
So what if there were three more Star Wars movies? The previous ones have all been commercially successful, so people want to see them. Apparently, the rumor that George Lucas always had a master plan to make three trilogies - for a total of nine films - was an offhand comment that became legend, he says.
You can bet, if there's a seventh, and it flops, Disney won't venture an eighth or ninth. And Disney might just bring something that will elevate the movies to a level you would enjoy and maybe leave you begging for Star Wars X.
I have to say, what I love most about this deal is that, finally, Disney will have a formidable action hero among its coterie of princesses. Princess Leia might not be a soprano who frolics with robins and bunnies or relies on a fairy godmother to make thngs right, but she's authentic royalty and can wield a light saber along with the best of the rebel forces. She won't wait for any prince to rescue her.
It's fitting that Leia joins the Disney princesses this year. In June Disney released the animated feature, "Brave", which introduced a heroine that any mother can be proud of her daughter emulating. Merida is the daughter of a Scottish king who resists her parents' intentions to betroth her to the winner of a competition among young men from allied clans. An archer, Merida wins the competition herself, saves her family from a curse and wins her freedom from an arranged marriage. She rides off on her trusty steed with no prince in sight -- at least not until she's ready.
Now that's a modern women for you. And so is Princess Leia, even if her story happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Jan 31 - 2:28 PM The Ed Cetera blog is now Opinion Northwest
Jan 31 - 8:03 AM Deer antler spray. What's so weird about that?
Jan 30 - 9:06 AM Is VW's Jamaica-themed Super Bowl ad racist or funny?
Jan 30 - 8:11 AM Hoping Microsoft gets Office 365 right this time
Jan 30 - 6:00 AM Cartoon: Immigration
Achenblog by Joel Achenbach
Antagonistic Ink
Daily Democracy
Postman On Politics


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October 10, 2014 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu (SPLM-N al-Hilu) denied reports that the delegates had been embroiled in a disagreement over the number of Blue Nile state representatives in the Extraordinary General Conference.
Nowadays, the rebel group is holding a an extraordinary conference to endorse its charter and constitution and to elect a new leadership after a rift last April over the right of self-determination for the Nuba Mountains.
Scheduled to kick off on 6 October, the meetings, however, began on Sunday amid reports of difference over the number of Blue Nile representatives in the conference. The reports insinuated that Nuba Mountains people wanted to have the upper hand in the conference.
However, Attiya Attroon Attiya the head of the Conference Media Committee refuted the claim, asserting that the meeting is taking place with the participation of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile delegates.
"Delegates for the Extraordinary General Conference have been chosen in accordance with the percentages agreed in the Election Regulations," Attiya said.
" We would like to assure the masses of the SPLM inside and outside Sudan, all the peoples of Sudan and forces of change in Sudan as well as SPLM friends, we assure that the conference has become a reality," he further added.
In a statement released on Sunday, the SPLM-N Nuba Mountains said held its general conference and elected 122 delegates to the Extraordinary General Conference.


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Budget cuts suspend tuition aid for Oregon Guard
SALEM — The automatic federal budget cuts that started taking effect this month have put a hold on a college-tuition aid program for the National Guard, cutting off assistance to 350 members in the Oregon Guard.
The Guard says 47 more soldiers were enrolled for class before the aid was cut off, but their benefits might not last past the spring term if the cuts remain in effect, KATU-TV reported.
Oregon soldiers received more than $2 million in tuition assistance in the last fiscal year.
"It's an incentive program," said Capt. Stephen Bomar, spokesman for the Oregon National Guard. "It's not a guarantee; it's not a part of people's contracts."
He called the suspension disappointing and testified to the program's importance.
"It paid for a good part of my master's degree program, and I truly appreciate it," Bomar says. "And I probably wouldn't have pursued that as far had I not had that opportunity."
Guard Capt. Van Zallee is a business consultant in his day job and wants to earn a master's in business administration. But if he can't get the assistance, going to school is "not an option."
"I've got kids that are in school. My wife is working," Zallee said. "We're trying right now to make sure that we've got enough to cover those bills."
Bomar said the Guard is pointing soldier-students to other options, such as the GI Bill and other military assistance, student loans, scholarships and federal student assistance programs such as Pell grants and other aid.
Information from: KATU-TV, http://www.katu.com/


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10 things to remember to budget for at university
It can be difficult to know how other students budget their money. Before you go to university, read our guide to find out about student discounts and other budgeting tips.
Four in ten first-year students said they'd found managing money trickier than expected, and a worrying 15% said they were struggling financially. Part of the battle is knowing what you need to budget for. We list our top 10 things below, plus ways to alleviate the pressure, such as an NUS card, and student travel card.
Once you've finished reading our guide, you might like to read our downloadable guide to student finance, which includes budget planners and money tips.
1. Course materialsStarting university comes with a fair few upfront costs, including course materials. 45% of the first-year students we spoke to told us they have spent more than expected on extras such as books and arts materials. Here are some of the ways you can save.
- second-hand book sales: Many universities run second-hand book sales, giving you the opportunity to buy books from older students (and to sell them once you've finished with them!).
- use the library: Which texts do you actually need to buy? Head to the library to see which ones you can borrow.
- student discounts: You may be able to get cheaper deals on course materials by buying direct from your uni department, and don't forget to make the most of your NUS Extra discount card.
2. Transport
- 16-25 Railcard: £30 a year for a third off rail fares.
- 18+ Student Oyster Photocard: Pay a £20 admin fee for 30% off London travelcard costs. You must live at a London address in term-time to be able to apply.
- National Express Young Persons Coachcard: £10 a year (plus £2.50 p&p) for a third off coach fares.
3. FoodIt's a myth that students live off baked beans – it is possible to eat normally and healthily whatever your budget. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- prevent impulse buys in the supermarket by making a shopping list – and sticking to it.
- cook in bulk and freeze. This way nothing gets wasted, it works out a lot cheaper and you always have a back-up plan when the cupboards are bare!
- make packed lunches for cheaper meals on the go.
4. EntertainmentFrom freshers' week to club subs, student nights, gigs, fancy dress, sport or a quick catch-up with friends at the union – the cost of socialising can soon mount up. Allocate yourself a certain amount for entertainment and try not to go over it. Being sociable doesn't have to be expensive – think nights in with housemates, free events at your union or two-for-one cinema nights.
Student-specific discount websites such as NUS Extra and Student Beans offer deals on cheap days and nights out including theme park visits, eating out, and cinema and theatre trips.
5. UtilitiesIf you're in halls of residence, utilities such as gas, electricity and water are usually included as part of your rent – but that might not be the case if you're heading into private housing. Along with your rent, you'll need to put aside a certain amount each month to cover utility bills. Setting up regular payments is a good way of managing the outlay.
If you're able to, see if you could save by moving to a different energy supplier or tariff. You can compare energy suppliers online (using a free service such as Which? Switch). Online deals are usually among the cheapest, plus you'll often get an extra discount if paying by direct debit. And of course, there are lots of steps you can take to use less energy in the first place.
Our Which? guide reveals how to cut your energy bill
6. InternetThis is another cost you'll often have covered in halls of residence, but will need to factor in if you're in private housing.
Don't forget that there are often a few costs involved beyond the quoted broadband price – the cost of installing a phone line and monthly line rental, for instance. Shop around for deals online to check you're on a good value package.
7. InsuranceYou might be surprised by how much your belongings are actually worth – try totting up the cost of your laptop, smartphone, TV, clothes, specialist course equipment and so on. According to Endsleigh Insurance, the average student owns £1,981 worth of hi-tech gadgets.
You might be covered as part of your parents' home insurance policy. If not, student contents insurance packages start at around £10 a month.
8. ToiletriesYou might not realise until you become a student how much things like toothpaste and shower gel cost. Set enough aside for the basics, making the most of special offers and value brands.
Are you ready to manage your money at uni? Test yourself...
9. ClothesIt's tempting once you get your loan to head straight to the shops but you'll regret blowing your clothes budget in the first week. Save money by:
- making the most of student discounts in shops (and online by checking out deals on sites such as MyUniDays).
- find extra discounts and money back by shopping online through cashback websites.
- consider clothes swapping – try online on websites such as Vinted, or host your own clothes swapping party for a fun, cheap alternative to shopping!
10. Extra study expensesPrinting, photocopying, library fines (avoid these, if possible!). The little costs can add up – here's how to keep them to a minimum:
- if you're taking a course where you're likely to be submitting lots of essays, it might be worth buying a printer (you can get a decent budget one for less than £50) rather than using university facilities.
- print double-sided and in black and white.
Watch: what other tips do students have to manage money?
The complete student finance guide
Download our materials for free to your device - perfect for printing and sharing with students and parents.


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(Press Release)
DENVER—Since nobody can bring the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served to their wedding, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., the oldest craft brewery in Texas, is bringing the wedding to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Saint Arnold plans to construct a chapel at its booth at this year's GABF and has put out the call for couples who would like to make a lifetime commitment while experiencing the premier U.S. beer festival.
A Saint Arnold employee who has officiated weddings in the past will preside over the nuptials dressed as Saint Arnold of Metz, the patron saint of brewers.
"One of my favorite toasts is, 'May your heart always be full and your glass never empty,' and I expect to hear that toast a lot at the GABF weddings," said Saint Arnold Director of Marketing and Events, Lennie Ambrose. "Saint Arnold is closely associated with the legend of the miraculous mug that never ran dry, so I expect he will be right at home at GABF."
Saint Arnold is scheduling weddings between 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Thursday October 10th through Saturday October 12th in booth number 134. Saint Arnold will also perform civil ceremonies and vow renewals.
"This will be a lot of fun and we expect there will be no shortage of people taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the love with thousands of fellow craft beer enthusiasts," said Ambrose. "While it is a relatively simple process to get married in Colorado, a Colorado marriage license is required, so this will require a little planning for those wishing to wed. Fortunately, the Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder, which provides marriage licenses, is conveniently located within four blocks of the chapel we're planning to build at GABF."
According to experts with TheKnot.com, Wedding.com and others, craft beer has been a leading trend in weddings this year. More couples are carefully choosing the beer offered at their wedding reception to pair with foods served, adding beer tasting stations, printing custom labels or brewing their own beer for the special day. In fact, the recipe for Saint Arnold Icon Green – an Amarillo hefeweizen – was inspired by a brewer's wedding gift for his sister and brother-in-law to be.
For more information about getting married by Saint Arnold at GABF, visit http://www.saintarnold.com/gabfwedding/.


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Payden & Rygel of Los Angeles, an investment firm with nearly $35 billion in assets under management, has announced that it is renaming its mutual fund unit. Formerly called Payden & Rygel Mutual Funds, the new name, Paydenfunds, will take effect immediately, the company said.
Ease of recognition is the main reason for the change, said Greg Brown, president of Paydenfunds.
"Payden & Rygel is well known on the institutional side, but not as well on the mutual fund side," said Brown. "The change is to make it simpler, easier for investors to recognize us in the marketplace. Payden & Rygel is a mouthful."
A new website has also been developed for Paydenfunds to provide information on the 21 mutual funds offered as well as the markets in which they invest, according to the company.


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Real Estate
Real Estate
Dates of Publication in the Chicago Tribune
Dear Abby
Scottie Pippen
Jim Edgar
Historical Landmark Emerges From Dark Side Of City's Past
By Robert Davis
Serbs Kill Vance-owen Peace Plan
By Thom Shanker, Chicago Tribune
1 Held, 1 Indicted In Slaying Of Athlete
Teacher Instills Love Of Music
By Maryann Mills
Cambodian Vote: Prelude To War?
By Uli Schmetzer, Chicago Tribune
Q. My husband suffers from chronic diverticular disease. I...
By Dr. Allan Bruckheim, (copyright) Tribune Media Services Inc
Senate Oks School Aid Bill
By Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune
Senate Oks School Aid Bill
By Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune
A New Lenox man reported to police that he was struck in...
Two portable public lavatories were set on fire over the...
Walkout concludes: The first legal strike in eastern...
An Aurora man was robbed of $76 at gunpoint Sunday in the...
Way Cleared For A New Gop Leader
By Thomas Hardy, Chicago Tribune
Du Page Administrator Finalists Picked
By Linda Young
Hand tools valued at about $500 were reported stolen from...
Thieves apparently abandoned plans to steal a $250 color...
Items worth more than $2,700 were reported stolen last...
Irs To Offer Free Help To Those Who Didn't File
A Frankfort man reported the theft last week of a wallet...
Deficit-cutting Plan Would Include Shutting 2 Schools
By Leonard N. Fleming
Senate Oks School Aid Bill
By Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune
Retirement Village Gets Ok To Grow Prairie Plants
By Suzanne G. Hlotke
Am writing to comment about the 29-year-old male who...
By Dr. Ruth Westheimer, (copyright) 1993 Karola Inc., All Rights Reserved Distributed by King Features Syndicate
Police are investigating the reported theft of $350 worth...
College Of Du Page Faculty Holds Off On Strike
By Casey Banas, Education writer
A Lake County sheriff's deputy was the victim of a theft...
Residents Ask Schools To Find Home For Teen Center
By Margaret Van Duch
Legislative Package Set For Rapping
By Tim Jones and Thomas Hardy, Chicago Tribune
Health Insurance Cost For Village Workers To Rise 10%
By Leonard N. Fleming
School Aid Bill Boosts Great Lakes
By Christi Parsons
c8 Carpeting in an apartment in the 200 block of Franklin...
Earnings improve: Eagle Food Centers Inc. said Wednesday...
Bond Sale Authorized For Stevenson Addition
By Steve Toloken
Drivers To Face Close Scrutiny Around Holiday
Police recovered a small bag of crack cocaine after one of...
Sound equipment and candy were among the estimated $1,435...
Insurance Mandate Proves Its Worth
Eight mailboxes in the 100 block of Darlington Road...
A job applicant is suspected of stealing a jacket, vehicle...
`Morbid Curiosity'
By Mark Rubenstein
Gop Power At Heart Of Airport Tiff
By Robert Becker and William Presecky
Lack Of Treatment
By Melinda Stengel
U.s. Offensives
By H.J. Oettinger
`Gentleman's Club' Sues To Remain Open
Mr. Manners, Too
By Carlotta Olson
Trustees Want Politics Kept Out Of Appointments
By Rob Thomas
Working up a sweat during exercise will not...
Police said officials of the Kmart at 1500 W. Maple St...
Different Patriotism
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A 13-year-old Joliet youth was charged with criminal...
City Weighs Motel Plan
By Fred Tannenbaum
Aerosol Cans, 6-pack Rings Added To Recycling Program
By Joanne von Alroth
Support Libraries
By W. Randall Wilson, ILA president (and) Jan Ison, Chair, ILA Public Policy Committee
New Lenox Township Park District officials reported that...
Branagh's Film Gives Boost To Theater Group
By Allan Johnson
Home Painting Project For Seniors Short On Help
By Brian Peters
Decision Time On Nuclear Testing
Rivera's Defense Gets Report
By Andrew Martin and Robert Enstad
An alleged arson to a car Monday night on the 0-100 block...
Volunteer Becomes Buddy To Teenager
By Sara Pearsaul
Drug Abusing Moms' Custody Targeted
By Christi Parsons
Tammi S. Bowers, 32, of 1722 Poplar Pl., Schaumburg, and...
Daniel A. Murdaugh, 32, 222 N. Eastern Ave., was charged...
Museum Curator Knows Town's History Up Close
By Jeffrey Steele
Locks Back In Full Swing
By Charles Mount
When The Gifts Are Given Out, Edgar Finds It Can Be Good To Be Governor
By Rob Karwath
Fox River Gets Glitzy
By Hal Dardick
Then There Was The One About . . .
Clinton Backs Off Bosnia As America Sighs In Relief
By Terry Atlas, Chicago Tribune
Volunteer Gets Special Reward
By Jody Temkin
District 47 May Turn To Bigger Class Sizes
By Phil Borchmann
Neighbors Decry Home Conversion
By Suzanne G. Hlotke
A 22-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly began to...
Airline cutbacks: American Airlines Inc. laid off 412...
City Schools Wave Red Flag
By Jacquelyn Heard and Rick Pearson
Palestine Long Ago
By Moshe Kohn
Hospital Volunteer Stays Cool
By Pamela McKuen
City Ready To Throw Wrench At Unlicensed Auto Repairers
By Robert Davis
Facing Future In 2 Directions
By David Elsner
Keith Miller
By Kenan Heise
Confusing Messages On Sexual Values
By Martha T. Murphy
Staff members of the Arboretum Golf Course, 401 Half Day...
Ex-cha Chief To Take Du Page Post
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Well-heeled Gala
By Dave Kehr, Movie critic
Five youths were arrested and one was charged last week...
Officer Hits Classes In War Against Drugs
By Pamela McKuen
Daley Picks Mr. Clean As New Clerk
By John Kass
For All Its Faults, `Star Wars' Had One Overriding Virtue: Superpower-sized Deterrence
By Adrian Hamilton, deputy editor of The London Observer, (copyright) 1993, London Observer Service
18-year-old Indicted In Grisly Death
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Math Tutor A Big Plus At College
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What Can a Business Strategist Learn About Marketing From a Spider?
The path to creating an outstanding online business presence today is far from being a cut-and-dried procedure. While there are certain basics to be considered and a few guidelines to follow, the online marketing game really is one of continuous change and upkeep.
Creating an online presence in order to market your business should include more than relying on one great website to augment your in-person traffic and sales team. A business today needs to be creative about building multiple channels of communication with would-be customers. The creation of an online marketing platform today, you might say, is akin to weaving together a number of well-developed touch points that result in a highly-impactful network of customer communication and conversion opportunities.
The art of creating this online tapestry might be likened to the web-building skills of the Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini). Picture yourself walking through a forest when suddenly you meet up with a spider's web that is stronger in tensile strength than any other web around, and is as large as two big screen televisions put together. Or, more interestingly, picture a web that spans the width of a river and is seemingly suspended in mid air from bank to bank. This spider's web just might be the envy of all the other spiders around. To this spider, the only size that matters is its web size. This spider itself is merely the size of a coin, yet it is skilled at creating a huge web that captures more prey, at one time, than any other spider.
So what does the Darwin's bark spider's web-building skills have to do with a business person creating an online marketing strategy? Well some of the goals are similar:
A Clear Goal: Both the spider and the business strategist have a clear goal which is to catch as many prey as possible. The spider doesn't set out just to build a pretty web, and a business strategist should do more than build a pretty website. It needs to have interconnections and be effective.
An Identified Location: For the spider, location is everything. Location should be well targeted for the business strategist too. The spider looks for a high prey traffic area to build its web. High traffic areas for the business strategist might look like the social media sites, forums, etc. that its customers and would-be customers frequent.
Good Resources: The spider uses its inborn tools to expertly craft its web. The business strategist might prefer to use an online marketing specialist to develop his marketing web. Alternatively, he can do his own network building by using the many online tools that are available either for free or for a fee, such as easy-to-use business planning and marketing software, website and blog building templates, social media profile building pages, analytics, and so forth. He can even create free podcasts and upload home-made or professionally created videos.
A Unique Angle: No two webs built by the Darwin's bark spider will be identical, and you can bet that, as the wind changes, the spider will alter its web so that it's even more effective. It is also valuable for a business strategist to create a unique marketing platform rather than copying others around him. Finding just the right angle for his business marketing plan is crucial, but it should also be flexible enough to bend with the winds of change.
A Firm Anchor: The spider's web is firmly anchored. The business strategist should also start with good anchors: a solid website, a solid team of professionals, solid products and excellent customer service. The branding itself is also a major anchor.
Multiple Intersections: The spider spins multiple points of intertwined silk that, when combined, makes the web strong enough to catch and hold multiple prey coming from several directions. The Darwin's bark spider is said to catch up to thirty prey at a time. The many intersecting points of business networking include the number of places links to the business appear online. Connecting points can be created through adding links in posts, joining in on conversations on discussion boards or social media sites, adding comments to outside blogs, article marketing that includes a biographical reference, and affiliations with other businesses. Once simple pages and profiles are created, they can be interlinked easily by using apps and widgets.
Ongoing Upkeep: The Darwin's bark spider is vigil. Not only does it enjoy its prey, but it maintains and rebuilds weakened areas of its web on an ongoing basis so that it has a continuous supply of food. The business strategist should be careful about how much time he will devote to maintaining online marketing. It is far too easy to become entangled in the social media web to the point that time is wasted. Then again, it serves no purpose to create a blog, Facebook page or Twitter account and then fail to update it. Posts should be updated regularly, contain factual information, and be written with proficiency. Remember, the basis of online marketing is conversation creation with the goal of customer conversion. It's important to keep the conversation going.
- Rewarded Effort: At the end of the day, the Darwin's bark spider is free to consume the plentiful amount of prey his web has caught in a day. The business strategist's goal is, of course, to also catch prey. He can tally his followers and check for comments, likes and Retweets, but more accurate statistics can be gleaned through the use of analytic programs that are tied to his many online tools. Analytics will tell him where his customers have come from and what they searched for that got them there. Analytic information is vital to knowing how to better target a program. The goal of online marketing, however, is not just to catch the interest of would-be customers, but to make converts that result in sales. The process can be tedious. In the meantime, the business strategist may need to nibble on a few appetizers first while building loyalty. When a new person joins his network, the business strategist should greet him and make him feel special. Building loyalty can be done by posting brilliant and value-added information such as how-to tips, coupons, news updates and whatever else it takes to keep a would-be customer's interest. Always look for ways of building two-way communication perhaps by asking for feedback.
The goal of the Darwin's bark spider is to create a cleverly crafted web that will sustain the high impact of the many prey it catches. The goal of the business strategist is to create an impermeable impact-oriented platform that will capture the attention of as many Internet surfers as possible, with the goal of converting them into customers. Every business strategist should seek to develop a robust plan that is broad reaching, systematically managed and regularly measured, and that is just the beginning.


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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has just 24 hours to get his squad up to standard before the transfer window shuts at 11pm on Monday night.
He's already brought in a host of players this summer, but after having failed to win any of his competitive matches in charge, Van Gaal will no doubt be looking to add yet more new faces - and ship out some of those who aren't in his plans. Follow all the Old Trafford deadline day transfer rumours and deals in our live blog, but here's how things are shaping up.
Shinji freed!
Shinji Kagawa has left Manchester United to return to Borussia Dortmund after a disappointing two-year spell at Old Trafford.
The Japanese international playmaker arrived at United in 2012 for a fee in the region of £16million.
But the Red Devils have taken a considerable hit on the 25-year-old, who returns to the Bundesliga in an undisclosed deal - reckoned to be around just £6.3million.
"The chance presented itself in the past few days to sign Kagawa from Manchester United for the first time" BVB sporting director Michael Zorc told the club's official website on Sunday.
"Of course we opted to bring the enormous talent back to us to win more trophies."
Kagawa has signed a four-year deal on his return to the Bundesliga, but his departure isn't expected to be the last from Old Trafford in the coming 24 hours.
Chicharito next?
United are in talks with Real Madrid over a loan move involving Javier Hernandez.
Hernandez has been told by United boss Louis van Gaal he can leave, and Old Trafford sources have confirmed are in talks with their Real counterparts.
United are understood to want Real to foot the bill for Hernandez's £90,000-a-week wages for the duration of the proposed season-long loan deal.
Mexico striker Hernandez joined United for around £7million in 2010 and started the 2011 Champions League final, which the Reds lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.
But he fell out of favour under former United boss David Moyes and has endured the same fate under Van Gaal.
Real have been careful to keep their options open, and have also been tracking out-of-favour Spurs striker Roberto Soldado as well as Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo , who is surplus to requirements at the Etihad.
Soldado was left out of the squad for Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool with the White Hart Lane club ready to cut their losses on the £26m striker.
With Hernandez now the most likely option for Madrid, City are unlikely to make a deadline-day dash for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao.
They had considered a move for the Colombia striker, but only if they could offload Negredo.
But the lack of interest in the injured forward means City are likely to keep the Spaniard, although he faces being omitted from their Champions League squad due to UEFA's overseas player restrictions.
Blind faith
Manchester United will complete their fifth summer signing with a £14million move for Daley Blind.
The club confirmed they had reached an agreement with Ajax for the Dutch international, who flew to England for a medical on Saturday.
Blind, speaking at Amsterdam airport, said: "It's a very exciting time and I am going over to England for the final details.
"I have had contact with Louis van Gaal in the last few days about the role I am going to play at United but the conversations which took place stay between him and me."
Januzaj fears for future
United winger Adnan Januzaj has expressed fears over his Old Trafford future, writes Dean Jones in the Sunday People.
The Belgian emerged as a shining light for the club during David Moyes' disappointing reign last term and signed a five-year contract in October 2013 .
But the 19-year-old now seems concerned about how he fits into boss Louis van Gaal's masterplan.
Sunday People Sport has learned that Januzaj refused to hand over his top after the MK Dons defeat, saying: "Sorry, I want to keep it, as it might be my last game."
He came on as a late substitute in yesterday's draw with Burnley with the arrival of Angel Di Maria adding further doubt to where he will fit in.
Did you know we now have a Manchester United Facebook page?
White Hart Lane for Welbeck?
Tottenham are confident of tying up a loan move for Manchester United and England striker Danny Welbeck tomorrow, writes our man Dave Kidd.
Sunday Mirror Sport exclusively revealed last week that Welbeck, 23, favoured a move to the north Londoners , after being told he could leave the Old Trafford giants .
It is believed that Welbeck's representatives have also spoken to Arsenal as well as interested clubs from abroad, including German club Schalke, but the player wants to stay in the Premier League.
Tottenham's other chief striking target, QPR's French hitman Loic Remy, has signed for Chelsea leaving Welbeck – who wants consistent game time – as the clear option for Spurs on deadline day.
Sunday's Manchester United stories from other newspapers and websites
Wielding the axe
According to the Daily Star, as many as 11 PLAYERS could either arrive or leave Manchester United before tomorrow's deadline.
Louis van Gaal is keen to follow up the signing of Daley Blind with another Dutch star in the shape of Nigel de Jong.
Should that deal fall through, United could splash the cash on either Arturo Vidal or William Carvalho but even more players are set to go.
Joining Welbeck and Hernandez could be Shinji Kagawa, Anderson, Anders Lindegaard and Marouane Fellaini, while Tom Cleverley is certain to go.
Scholes unconvinced
Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes has questioned United's signing of Daley Blind.
The Dutchman is likely to be deployed as a midfielder by Van Gaal but Scholes - a mainstay in that position for years - isn't sure he is the answer.
He told BT Sport: "The only place we can seem to get him into the team is in central midfield. He's a very good footballer but is he the answer? We will wait and see.
"We don't really know what position he is. United are not in a position now to be taking risks."
Make your mind up time
England midfielder Tom Cleverley now has a decision to make on his next move after Hull made a bid for his services.
Aston Villa held talks with the 25-year-old last week and had been favourites to land him, although Steve Bruce admitted the Tigers' interest.
And Bruce confirmed a bid has now been made for Cleverley ahead of Monday's deadline.
He told Sky Sports News: "If there is a deal to be done to try and get somebody like Tom then of course we would be interested.
"There has been conversations between the two clubs and we did have some sort of offer."
In pictures: Manchester United ins and outs
Do you expect United to finish in the top 4?


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According to the creators of the Death Star Tea infuser, "A true Jedi Master does everything to keep both his mind and body in good health, and this includes consuming plenty of tea." Honestly, we couldn't think of any possible way to say it better. This tea infuser looks just like the death star, and is made of stainless steel. Buy it for $19.99 on ThinkGeek.
[via HiConsumption]


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Over the last two years my company has had the privilege of talking with hundreds of building owners, managers, and project stakeholders through the Noesis community about energy efficiency in their facilities. Primarily we were looking to understand how they perceived their energy usage and if/how they could be helped to achieve greater efficiency. In parallel, we were hoping to learn the reasons why they weren't doing energy efficiency projects, especially in a time when the economics seem so strong.
Over the course of our dialog with our community members we found common themes around the challenges that face the building owner:
- "I believe that there are energy savings that can be achieved within my buildings. But the path to get there is more complicated that I would like."
- "I can't buy energy efficiency. I have to buy products and services and hope that the savings materialized as a result."
- "I am not an engineer. This means when it comes to making building infrastructure investments, I don't have a deep understanding of all the unconnected pieces of the system and therefore, I am going to need to reach a certain level of comfort before making a decision."
- "A data dump from an audit report does not help me get any closer to making a decision – there is a reason these often end up collecting dust."
Building a Tailored Solution:
We analyzed these challenges and looked for ways to help get passed them. We looked for solutions that would be make the most impact and make the process of taking on energy efficiency easier. We tested these ideas with them to determine what a solution would look like.
Again, a trend began to emerge. Here's what we heard from these conversations as the right way to address the challenges:
- "I don't need a list of 100 things that I could do to improve my building's energy usage."
- "I need a short list of the things that I must do that will get me the most gains for my investment."
- "I need data – help reassure me that these projects are going to work. Prove to me that these efficiency improvements have been done before at buildings like mine."
- "Give me options – I may want to fund these projects, I may want to finance them. Help me understand and compare these options."
- "Bonus points – find a way to decrease my level of uncertainty throughout the process. I love hearing that your analysis is standards based but I don't need more linear regressions."
In short, make it easy for the stakeholder to determine what options are going to provide the most bang for the buck, increase the level of trust in the recommendations, and give me options on how to pay for the project.
When you put it like that, it almost seems simple.
Delivering data and insights are the starting point for evaluating any energy efficiency effort. However, if you can't focus the options on the most impactful and build trust by providing insights into past efforts, more often than not, the project isn't going to happen.
Without a path to action, it doesn't matter how attractive the opportunity is, there are too many barriers that will get in they way that are going to prevent the energy efficiency project from getting done.
Josh Duncan is vice president, product management, for Noesis. He has been building and managing software products for more than 16 years. Josh has held product leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America and Dell and at growing technology start-ups. Prior to Noesis, Josh was director of product marketing at Zenoss, one of the fastest growing Inc 500 startups in 2010 and 2011. Josh began his career as a technology consultant at Andersen Consulting (now called Accenture) working on some of the first online eCommerce products. Josh graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in Material Science Engineering and received an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management.