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Open Enrollment and Annual Benefits
Filed Under Health Costs, Insurance | Leave a Comment
This is the season of open enrollment. If your company, like most companies these days, does the annual health insurance dance, check with HR to find out when your open enrollment period is and make the necessary changes. You should also check to see if your plan operates on a calendar year or benefit year system, and plan your appointments and procedures accordingly.
Common Changes to Health Plans
During open enrollment, employers give employees the option to do several things. In some cases, the employer will also make changes to the plans that affect all employees. Some examples:
- Adding insurance companies to the list of options
- Changing insurance companies for everyone
- Removing insurance companies from the list of options
- Adding different plan types, such as HMOs and PPOs
- Adding FSA or HSA options
- Changing employee contributions
- Adding or removing spouses or dependents
If you receive notice that your employer is changing the options, review that notice carefully and be sure to act by the deadline.
For example, this year my employer for the first time is adding an employee contribution for spousal and dependent insurance. The charge per month for my husband would be $87. He has free insurance through his employer, so we have to decide whether secondary insurance is worth $1044 a year. Last year, it would have been because the secondary policy saved us $4000 in medical bills from his surgery. This year, it may not be worth it. We have to run the numbers.
You may also have to choose your FSA election soon. The rules are changing for 2011, so review them carefully, then total up your expected costs and choose a limit accordingly.
Calendar Year vs. Benefit Year Benefits
Once you make the necessary changes to your plan, also note which benefits are on a calendar year and which are on a benefit year. For example, if your deductible is on a calendar year, it runs January 1 to December 31. If you've used it up, then plan as many appointments as you can before December 31 to avoid incurring more costs. On the other hand, if your deductible operates on a benefit year and your benefit year starts November 1, then you only have until November 1. However, if you haven't used up your deductible, and need several appointments, you might be better off waiting until the start of your new deductible so you don't have to double pay.
If you're undergoing treatment, you should also confirm whether it falls under calendar year or benefit year coverage. If it's benefit year and your benefit year ends shortly, your provider can start billing your insurance again once the next benefit year starts. If it's calendar year, they can start billing your insurance again on 1/1.
If you're not sure when your open enrollment period is, or where to find out what your benefits include, you should first check with your HR department or manager. Next, look at the back of your card for a toll free number. They can confirm benefits. Finally, visit the website for your plan. You can create an account that will detail your coverage and claims.
All About Disability Insurance
Filed Under Emergency Preparedness, Health Costs, Insurance | 1 Comment
I've mentioned a couple times that my husband is receiving disability insurance while recovering from surgery. However, I was startled to discover recently that California is one of only five states with a state-run disability program. If you don't live in one of these states (California, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey), you should pursue other options for getting this insurance.
How State Disability Programs Work
In states that offer disability programs, your employer deducts your contributions through payroll deductions. Some organizations and government agencies are exempt, but may have a similar internal program. If you're self-employed, you may be able to buy benefits through the state program.
Once you have a disability, you apply for benefits through the disability program, which is usually operated by the unemployment department. The specifics vary by state, but in general, you're paid 55% of your previous salary per week, based on your highest-earning quarter out of the last five quarters. There is a cap, however. In California it's $987. Disability income is not taxable, so even though you receive about half your salary, you're not losing as much income as it seems. In California, there is a 52-week cap on benefits.
If you're unemployed when you become disabled, you may also qualify for benefits, which will be higher than your unemployment benefits. Unemployment payments are low to encourage workers to return to work quickly. Disabled workers obviously can't do that. You can't receive both benefits at the same time.
How Employer-Provided Disability Programs Work
If you don't live in a state with a government disability program, your employer may offer it privately as an employment benefit. Many employers provide it as a free benefit, but some ask employees to contribute. If your employer asks you to contribute, do it. It's much cheaper to buy coverage through a large group plan than through an independent plan.
Unlike state plans, which are the same for everyone in your state, you should check with human resources or your insurance provider for information about eligibility, waiting periods, and filing a claim. Most plans cover up to 60% of your salary. My husband's employer provides a state supplemental for 60% of his income. If your employer pays for the coverage as a benefit, the income may be taxable. Ask your employer.
How Private Disability Insurance Works
If your state or employer doesn't offer disability insurance, you can acquire it privately. You'll most likely be required to undergo medical underwriting as part of the application process. You may also be subject to a longer waiting period before benefits become available.
If you're a high-earner, you may want to supplement your existing state or employer disability plan with a private plan. Private plans will usually cover 70-80% of your income. It can cost $600-1800 a year, so review your plan carefully to make sure you have adequate coverage and that it includes an "own occupation" rider. Without that, benefits may stop if you can return to any work. You want to be covered until you can return to your current occupation.
How to Apply for Disability Coverage
In order to apply for disability, you and your doctor must complete the form that proves your disability. Contact your state, employer, or insurance company for the proper forms and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to notify the insurer when you return to work in order to stop the payments. Failure to do so is insurance fraud.
Worker's Comp vs. Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is for injuries or illnesses that occur outside the workplace. If you're injured on the job, then you should file a worker's comp claim. All employers are required to maintain proper worker's comp coverage. You don't have to opt-in or pay for the benefit. Benefits and the claims process will vary depending on your state, so contact HR for advice.
State/Employer Disability vs. SSDI
If you're disabled for more than a year, then you will most likely qualify for a Federal program known was Social Security Disabled Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is part of your FICA contributions. The benefit amount is based on your lifetime average earnings. If you expect to be disabled for more than a year, contact Social Security or speak to your doctor's office about filing a claim.
Sources of Disability Insurance
If you live in one of the five states that requires disability insurance through the state program, then you probably already have it. If you're employed and don't live in one of those states, ask your employer about it.
If you're self-employed, contact your insurance agent for information about applying. It's vital that a self-employer person by coverage because you'll have absolutely no income if you become injured.
If your employer doesn't offer insurance, you have a few options. If you're a member of a union or trade group, contact them to see if they have a group program. My husband bought a small, cheap plan through his professional organization. It has a 3-month waiting period, so we won't be tapping it for his current injury, but at $80 a year, it's worth it in case of future emergencies. If you don't belong to a trade group, contact your insurance agent for information and q
Recently Progressive Insurance has taken a tactic from Priceline and offered customers the option to "Name Your Price" for auto insurance. Now, it's one thing to name your price for a hotel or an airline ticket, neither of which really make a huge difference in your life, but naming your own price for auto insurance could be a gamble with your financial future.
Advantages of Naming Your Price
Certainly I can see the advantages of naming your price for insurance. First, you can make sure that your policy fits your budget. If you're in a tight financial situation, but don't want to cancel your auto insurance, then a lower-priced policy may be just what you need. Cancelling your auto insurance is always a worse option than reducing your coverage. Insurance is required in most states, and not having it could result in big fines if you're caught. You'll also be on the hook for the full amount if you cause an accident, and possibly if someone hits you and they don't have insurance.
Second, by choosing your own price, you can see all the options and decide which are best for you. Some insurance companies tack on a variety of additional fees and coverage options that you don't really need in order to jack up the rate. By choosing your own price, you can avoid these unnecessary extras.
Disadvantages of Naming Your Price
The price shouldn't be your primary concern when choosing auto insurance. First, you need to find the right coverage for your needs. Second, you need to find a reliable insurance company. Some companies are cheap, but the adage that you get what you pay for is definitely true with them.
Choosing your own price, which may result in a policy that offers less coverage than you need, could expose you to serious financial harm if you cause a major accident. While you might be able to get away with the minimum if you have no assets, make sure you're fully protected if you do have assets. Even if you don't have assets, you may want to choose more than the minimum because you can be sued and have future wages garnished if your insurance isn't enough.
Progressive is the only company that currently lets you choose your price, and they are a reliable company. My fear is that shadier insurance companies will jump on the bandwagon, leaving people with cheap policies that provide little to no coverage, or that are nearly impossible to file claims for.
If you get into a serious accident and your insurance doesn't adequately cover you, you could spend years recovering from the financial wreckage.
The Best Way to Shop for Auto Insurance
It's a good idea to shop for new insurance every couple of years to make sure you're still getting a fair price for the same level of coverage. Don't start with price, though. First, research reliable insurance companies. Next, contact them to get quotes for your current coverage level. Choose the one that offers the best price for the coverage you need. If the best price is outside your budget, see if you can reduce the cost by increasing your deductibles – make sure you can afford the deductible if something happens. For example, we have a $1,000 deductible on our auto policy and a $2,500 deductible on our homeowner's policy. By choosing high deductibles, we reduced the cost of each policy significantly.
If you're going to choose high deductibles, make sure you have enough money in your emergency fund to cover them should something happen.
No one wants to buy insurance. It feels like a waste of money, but it's necessary and worth it. So don't skimp on coverage to save money. There are better ways to save money that won't put your financial future at risk.
Why Cell Phone Insurance Isn't Worth It
Filed Under Insurance, Money Management, Personal Finance | 10 Comments
This has been a rather frustrating week. First, it's a deluge this week, so the roads are crazy here in Los Angeles (and also, we're floating away.) Second, the hospital where my husband was scheduled for surgery screwed up the schedule and it's been delayed. Third, as I mentioned before, the hinge on my cell phone broke. And that is what I'm going to discuss today: what a waste cell phone insurance is.
My Story of Cell Phone Insurance
I've been a loyal AT&T Wireless customer for several years, and I was a Cingular customer before AT&T bought them. Basically, I've had service with some division of their company for 13 years. In October, 2008, my husband and I bought new LG CU515 phones and agreed to a two-year contract. Now 15 months in, the hinge on my phone has cracked. When we bought our phones, they asked if we wanted insurance. I don't usually go for these things, but we've had phones break before, so we said yes. One monthly insurance charge was added to our monthly bill. Now I am told that the insurance only covers my husband's phone. We were not told the insurance would only cover one phone when we opted for it.
I called LG, but they've chosen not to recall the phone, despite numerous complaints on the AT&T forums and several review sites about the hinge cracking. They will apparently fix the problem free if it's in warranty, but my phone isn't.
I called AT&T for help, but my phone is out of warranty, they insist it's not insured even though we thought it was, and it's too soon for an upgrade so I can't switch to an iPhone at the discounted price. I was told my only option is to go to one of their stores to buy a cheap GoPhone and have it added to my account. She kept saying, "We have this option for people who might be short of funds."
I'm not short of funds, but I'm sure as hell not paying $200 for another piece of junk just to get me through the next nine months of my contract.
I explained to AT&T that my husband is scheduled for surgery and now is not a good time to be running over to the phone store. At the time of the call, his surgery was a mere 15 hours away. Yes, I can use his phone while he's under, but I also need to be reachable on my own number. I explained this to AT&T, but only got apologies and "Sorry, a GoPhone is your only option."
I realize that it's not AT&T's fault that my husband requires surgery at the same time my phone broke, but it is their fault that they sold me a phone that would not last the contracted two years. This was not a free phone – I paid $80 for it, plus the two-year contract. Without the contract, the phone would have been $200.
What the Worthless Insurance Cost Us
So far, we've paid $4.99 a month for 15 months. That comes to a total of $74.85. Over the term of the contract, the total cost will be $119.76. In addition, my particular model has a $50 deductible, if they were willing to replace it. Some phones have higher deductibles. Total cost to replace a phone: $169.76. I could buy a used, unlocked phone on eBay for less than that. Yes, it would be used, but it would get me through the rest of my contract. At which point, I'd have the cash to get a new phone with a new contract.
When Cell Phone Insurance Might Be Worth It
If you have a really expensive phone, one that would cost $600-$800 to replace, then yes, the insurance might be worth it. But you're also going to pay a high deductible, and your replacement phone will be a refurbished phone, not a new phone. So ask yourself, do you want to pay $120 for insurance plus $150 for the deductible for an old, refurbished model? And be warned that not all damage or losses are covered – so you could pay all that money and still be left without a phone.
A Better Alternative to Insurance
Next time we renew our cell phones, I'll be doing two things: 1. Considering switching my business to another carrier, and 2. Creating my own cell phone insurance plan. Rather than pay for crappy cell phone insurance, I'll simply add the amount we would have paid to our emergency fund each month. Then if something happens to our phones, we'll have the money to replace them. If nothing happens, that money is ours to keep.
Now I realize that a different carrier may be no better than AT&T, but I'm pretty ticked off right now. This phone is crap, and THEY know it's crap, but have chosen to do nothing about it. I may just be willing to sacrifice the iPhone in order to take my money elsewhere. I could get a G-Phone! By the time I can switch, they'll have all the G-phone kinks worked out.
When I was talking to my dad about how much life insurance to buy, he commented that they'd never bought it for my mom because she didn't work. He viewed it as income replacement. I've read, however, that you should consider buying life insurance for a stay-at-home mom because she performs tasks that would cost a lot of money if you had to hire other people to do them.
The Housewife's "Salary"
It's been calculated that a housewife's salary would be anywhere between $117,000 and $134,000 if she were compensated for all the household and childcare tasks she performs.
Reasons to Buy Stay-at-Home Mom Life Insurance
Many couples forgo life insurance for a SAHM because they assume that the surviving husband will be able to perform all the duties once performed by the stay-at-home mom. But will he?
Let's think about her major duties:
Child care
Grocery shopping
Errand service
Household bookkeeping
In addition to assuming all of these duties, the husband would still have to work a full-time job to maintain the family income. He may even want to take some time off work to grieve and spend time with his grieving children.
Unless a grandparent or helpful relative is available to move into the house and take over some of these tasks, the husband will have to hire people to handle at least some of them, especially child care. He may also need to find someone to help with housekeeping and cooking until the family develops a new routine.
Reasons Not to Buy Stay-at-Home Life Insurance
Buying life insurance for a SAHM may not be financially feasible if the family is already stretched thin. In addition, neighbors, friends, and relatives do typically rally around a family that has suffered the loss of a parent. They provide meals, household help, and childcare for free. The help may last long enough for the surviving parent to readjust the budget to afford additional costs and develop a new household routine.
How Much Insurance to Buy
If you do choose to buy life insurance for a SAHM, research the going rate for the needed household services. Multiply that by the number of years until your youngest child reaches an age you feel confident he or she would be safe home along after school. For many parents, that's 11 or 12 years old.
For example, if a nanny in your area costs $700 a week, you would need at least $36,400 a year. If you opt for daycare that costs $1000 a month, you may also need a housekeeper to come in once a week at $70 per visit for the first year. The amount you choose depends on the care/services you believe are best for your children.
Once you calculate these costs, add a pad of about 20% to cover funeral costs, medical bills, unanticipated costs, inflation, etc.
What Type of Insurance to Buy
Regardless of the amount of insurance you choose, opt for term life insurance, which has better rates and conditions than whole life insurance.
The tricky part is determining the term. Insurance is typically available in 10, 20, and 30 year terms. Since my husband and I both work and have roughly 30 years until we retire/the mortgage is paid off, we opted for 30-year-terms to lock-in low rates now. You may only need a 10 or 20 year term for a SAHM because the kids will be grown by then. You might consider buying a term that will cover her until the youngest child is 12, or simply canceling it when the youngest child is 12 (make sure your policy doesn't have surrender or cancellation penalties.)
A $200,000 10-year policy for a healthy young mom could be as low as $12 a month. If you can only afford life insurance for one parent, then the income-earning parent is the obvious choice. However, if you can make room in your budget for a policy for the stay-at-home mom, too, it's worth it.
This week we're finally adding our auto policy to our home policy. We waited for our original auto policy to expire to avoid dealing with refunds, overlap, etc. Now it's finally time to merge. I knew we'd receive a discount, but I didn't realize just how much until I called our insurance agent.
Multi-Line Insurance Discount
They call it the multi-line discount. By adding two cars to our home policy, we'll save nearly $600 a year on our combined insurance policies. Once our life insurance applications are approved, the savings will increase again, to around $850. In total, we'll receive the following discounts:
- 15% off auto for having a home policy
- 15% off home for having an auto policy
- 5% off each car for the life policy
- 5% off home for the life policy.
If you have additional policies, like boat, RV, or motorcycle insurance, you may also receive additional discounts, but you get the most benefit from the home/auto combo.
Which Policies Don't Qualify?
Two of our insurance policies don't qualify us for additional discounts. Our earthquake insurance is through Farmer's, but it's funded and operated by the state of California. Farmer's is merely a pass-through, so no discount there. Our flood insurance is funded and operated by the Federal government, so again no discount even though we purchased the policy through Farmer's.
Shop for the Best Deal
When we were choosing our homeowners insurance company, we didn't just get quotes for the home policy. We also got quotes for auto insurance. Even though we wouldn't be switching for several months, we made the comparison up front so we could choose the one company that would handle all our policies. I also considered the agent who represented the insurance company. We chose Farmer's because the insurance agent was easily reachable and very helpful. I didn't have the same experience with the insurance company where we've had our auto policies (individually and jointly) for more than a decade.
Ultimately, Farmer's cost $200 a year more for the combined policies, but we felt more comfortable choosing a company with a proven homeowners insurance track record. Our auto insurance company only recently moved into homeowners insurance and doesn't offer life insurance at all.
When it comes to life insurance, you should shop around for a reliable company with good 30-year term life insurance prices (less if you have less time until retirement), but consider the multi-line discount before making your final decision about where to apply. For my insurance, I had a cheap policy through AAA, but it could increase annually. Even though the Farmer's insurance was slightly higher, after the discount it was about the same. Factor in that it can't increase for 30 years, and it was an excellent deal.
Calculating the Benefits of Double Health Insurance
Filed Under Health Costs, Insurance | 12 Comments
I have generous health insurance through my employer, which covers me and my spouse (and dependents, were I to have any) without cost to us. My husband also has free coverage for himself through his employer. That's served us well in the past when our employers bought insurance through different insurers. My insurance counted payments from his primary coverage toward his deductible under my plan. They also covered the portion we would have paid as a deductible under his plan. They then covered the 30% gap in coverage, so we paid almost nothing for his care. Unfortunately, that will all change in January when we will both be covered through the same insurance company, but under different employers. Depending on how your coverage works, double coverage could save you a small fortune, or it could cost you one.
Choosing a Primary Insurance Provider
If you and your spouse both have coverage, you can opt for double-coverage under your plans. Some employers require you to pay to cover a spouse and dependents, some don't. However, there are some tricky aspects to choosing a primary insurance provider. Your employer's insurance is your primary, and the same for your spouse's insurance through his or her employer.
If you have children, you can add them to either or both plans. If you had them to both plans, the insurance for whichever spouse has the earlier birthday in the year will be primary. If you were born May 5 and your spouse was born May 6, your insurance would be primary. The year of birth or age of the spouse is irrelevant.
Paying Deductibles
Deductibles can be tricky. Some will use deductible payments under one plan as deductible payments under the other, and some won't. Now that my husband and I will have insurance from the same insurer, we'll have to pay two deductibles in order for him to receive coverage under both plans. That brings our total out-of-pocket from $500 to $750 if we use both plans for him.
The Co-Pay Gap
Typically, you'll pay the basic co-pay when you visit a doctor and the insurance pays the rest. This is true even with double coverage (only one co-pay is required, not two.) However, most plans only cover a portion of non-basic care, tests, etc. For example, my plan covers 90% and I pay 10%. My husband's covers 70% and he pays 30%. Under our old double coverage, my insurance picked up that other 30%, so we paid nothing. Under our new double coverage, my insurance will only pay the gap between mine and his, so they'll pay 20%, leaving us to pay 10%. Frankly, my employer is getting cheated on that one.
When Does It Make Sense to Use Both Policies
Since we've already covered our deductibles for the year, those will carry over to the new plan until the end of 2009. My husband can continue to use both policies to cover 90% of our costs. Once we get into 2010, we'll have to decide whether it's worth it to submit claims under the secondary insurance. So let's do the math:
Basic care: Same co-pay, same coverage. There's no benefit to using both plans for basic care.
Prescriptions: Same co-pay, same coverage. No benefit.
Expensive tests: Here's where it could get tricky. Let's say he needs a test that costs $1000. If it's his first test of the year, we'd owe $500 and his insurance would pay the rest (the 30% is included in the $500). If we also submitted my insurance, we'd actually pay $750 for it.
Surgery: What if he needed surgery, which could easily run into the thousands of dollars. We'll say $12,000 to be conservative. If his deductible hadn't been met, we'd pay $500 for that, plus $3100 for his contribution. If we then added my plan, we'd pay $750 for the two deductibles, but the secondary insurance would kick in an additional 20%, so our contribution would only be $1200. In this case, the double-coverage would save us $1650.
Alternative Care: Most policies will cover a portion of a certain number of chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, or mental health visits in a year. With double coverage, he can get covered up to the combined limit for both policies, so rather than 24 visits, he qualifies for 48. However, first we'd have to figure out whether the additional deductible would be less than or equal to the amount covered by the secondary insurer.
If you can get free secondary coverage from your or your spouse's employer, you should consider accepting during your next open enrollment period in case a major emergency arises, but be careful how you use it on a regular basis. Make sure that the coverage gap will cost more than the extra deductible before you submit that second claim.
Flood Insurance Policy Basics
Most people who don't live in hurricane regions don't think they need flood insurance. Then a plugged storm drain overflows into their home and they discover that homeowner's insurance doesn't cover it. Regardless of where you live, you should consider adding flood insurance to your policy.
Where to Get Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program. Although you buy it through your homeowner's insurance agent, it is administered by the program. Visit Floodsmart.gov to find a local agent if your insurance agent doesn't offer it. Renters and homeowners can both buy flood insurance, although renters would want to limit the policy to contents only.
What Is Considered a Flood
If your water heater breaks or your roof collapses in a rain storm, your homeowner's insurance usually applies. However, if the flooding comes from the ground, for example, from a rainstorm washing down a hill, a plugged storm drain running over, or water gushing from a broken water main, then your homeowner's policy typically won't cover it. Flooding can happen anywhere, anytime, even if you don't live in a high-risk flood zone.
Insurance Rates
Insurance rates vary depending on whether you live in a high-risk or moderate/low-risk zone. Your zone is determined by flood maps prepared by the government. You can also elect to cover the building only, the contents only, or both. Finally, the rate is affected by your chosen deductible and level of coverage. Policies range from $100 to $1500, with the average being $540 a year.
What's Covered
Different portions of the policy cover different portions of your home.
Building Coverage
Building coverage includes anything permanently fixed to the home, including:
Structure and foundation
Detached garage
Built-in appliances
Refrigerator and contents
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Contents Coverage
Contents coverage includes the things that aren't bolted down:
Personal belongings and clothing
Free-standing freezer and contents
Washing machine and dryer
Not Covered
Preventable moisture or mold damage
Currency or precious metals
Loss of Use
Basements receive only very limited coverage unless you add a special rider.
Although you may never need flood insurance, you should consider it if you live on or near a hillside or live in a city that is strapped for cash (which is most of them.) You never know how old those underground pipes are or when they might break.
A Reminder about Renter's Insurance
Yesterday while driving to work, I heard a report about some of the people who have lost their homes in the Georgia floods. They are renters and their rented homes are gone, along with their stuff. They went to shelters seeking money, but found only food and a place to sleep. The Red Cross can't provide vouchers until it gets government money and the state is strapped. If these people had renter's insurance, it would be a different story.
Why You Need Renter's Insurance
For the most part, renter's insurance covers the loss of your belongings due to fire and theft from your rented home or apartment. Your landlord's homeowner's insurance does not cover your possessions and typically won't cover your loss of use if the place is lost if in a fire.
What Renter's Insurance Includes
Renter's insurance primarily covers your possessions. Most policies also provide some money for loss of use, which will help you find a new place to live if your apartment is damaged in a fire. Once again, don't count on your landlord's insurance.
My renter's policy included a minimal amount for liability, in case a guest was injured in my apartment. This is included automatically, and you don't need to worry too much about it because this is one area where your landlord's insurance typically applies.
Additional Riders
As with most insurance policies, you can add riders to your policy if you have expensive computers, jewelry, or collectibles.
Flood and Earthquake Insurance
In California, you'll be offered the option of buying earthquake insurance in addition to renter's insurance. Don't do it. Earthquake insurance is designed to cover the structure and has a very high deductible. The cost of the insurance simply isn't worth it.
Flood insurance is something to consider, especially if you live in a flood zone, like those renters in Georgia. If your apartment floods and your possessions are destroyed due to a water pipes or appliances in your apartment breaking, your original policy should cover you if it includes "discharge of water."
Your landlord's policy may also apply if the flooding is due to improper or negligent maintenance, but you'd have to sue him or her to get any money. In the meantime, you'll have to cover your expenses out of pocket.
Cost of Renter's Insurance
My $20,000 policy cost $240 a year, or about $20 a month. I had it deducted from my checking account every month, and after a few years the price actually went down due to customer discounts.
True, you may never need to use your renter's insurance, but it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind in case anything every goes wrong. If you're floating down your street in a dinghy, you won't regret your insurance for a minute, I promise.
If you own a home with a mortgage, then your lender requires you to have fire insurance to protect your/their investment. However, many people find that they are underinsured after a fire. If you've had your home for more than a few years, you should call your insurance company and a few others to compare current rates at the current home value/reconstruction cost. The last thing you want to do is lose your home and then discover that your insurance won't fully replace your home, but you're still on the hook for the full mortgage.
What Fire Insurance Covers
I just received my first policy last month. Rather than the purchase price, which includes the cost of the land, the policy only covers the structures on the property. Specifically, my fire insurance policy covers: dwelling, additional structures, personal property, loss of use, and code enforcement. There's also a 10% overage included in case of construction cost increases. The dwelling figure is based on the square footage multiplied by the cost to rebuild per square foot. All other figures are extrapolated as a percentage of the dwelling value. So, the shed is insured for 10% of the dwelling value. My personal property is 25% of the dwelling value. The policy is written for extended replacement cost, not current replacement cost, to ensure that I'm covered for future values and costs rather than current values and costs.
Make sure that your policy includes code enforcement. Building codes change regularly, but the updated codes typically don't apply until the home is remodeled or rebuilt. For example, if you had a 1927 house with the original wiring, you wouldn't have to rewire the house unless you a. did extensive remodeling that required a building inspection, or b. your house burned down and needed to be rebuilt. Depending on the age of a house, bringing it up to the new code can be very expensive.
Why You Need Fire Insurance
Not everyone needs flood insurance, or earthquake insurance, or hurricane insurance, etc. Everyone needs fire insurance. If you live in a fire zone, then it's especially vital. One look at the fires that rage through Southern California every year should tell you that. But it's not just a SoCal problem. It's 100 years of bad fire policy nationwide. For a long time, firefighters stomped out every small lick of flame in a forest. They didn't realize that a forest needs to burn periodically to spread seeds and clear out overgrown underbrush. That means, unfortunately, that today's fires have huge amounts of fuel to burn through and sometimes firefighters can't stop fires that threaten homes and other structures.
However, even if you don't live in a fire zone, you'd have to live in a concrete bunker to avoid all risk of fire. A spark from a bad electrical wire, a dryer hose pulled loose by a pet, a cigarette ember hitting a dry tree in your yard, a lightning strike. Any of these things can set your house on fire. Although you can take reasonable precautions, there is still a very real danger of a fire in your home.
Even though fire insurance covers a much more expensive possession than a car, the cost is significantly lower. Our homeowner's insurance is 1/3 the cost of our auto policy, presumably because we don't drive our house around town where we might bash it into things. I've heard people argue that they don't need fire insurance because they don't have a mortgage, but unless they have the full replacement cost of the house saved up in cash, foregoing insurance is not a wise move. Spend the few hundred dollars a year. Even if you never need it, the peace of mind is worth something.
If you already have a fire policy, it's time to review it. Make sure it includes today's value, not the value eight years ago. Even your home price is the same, the rebuilding costs have most certainly gone up.


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Hello everyone, it's Astrid here with a new card, using the lovely Blackberry Penny from CandiBean.
I just love all the new images, it was so much fun to colour this beauty.
The papers are from Maja Design, Coffee in the Arbour.
I coloured her with l'Aquerelle Sennelier.
Around the image I used Frantage Enamel, Aged Scarlet.
Behind the image I used the Lovely View.
For more details, please visit my Blog.
Thanks for stopping by.

subset: commoncrawl


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How the USAA Car Buying Service Works
|Research and compare new vehicles or select from thousands of used vehicles.
|Choose from up to three USAA Certified Dealers to connect with based on their location and incentives.
|Present your USAA credentials at the dealership.
|Benefit from USAA offers on certain new and used vehicles.
|Submit your contact information to receive your USAA Car Buying Service authorization.
|Your USAA Certified Dealers will do their best to match your requested vehicle and your preferred options.
|Contact your selected dealers to schedule a test drive and enjoy the no-hassle experience.


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Job Title: CAR MECHANIC
Location: Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire
Hours: 7am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Salary: £10.5 per hour
We are currently recruiting a large number of vehicle mechanics with a range of exerience for work in the Banbury area.
If you have any previous experience of working within the automotive industry, or have experience of fitting out light commercial vehicles with ply lining and racking then please call us immediately.
The recruitment process will initially be done remotely, although you are very welcome to come to one of our offices, and it will take approximately 30 minutes.
Additional Information
Igloo Automotive is a leading complete recruitment solutions provider to the automotive sector and our client is a highly respected de-fleet centre. You will be working for professional companies with a long history of providing quality services to the Automotive Industry.
What to do now
Simply calland press "option 1" to speak to Chris who will be able to assist you further.


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Academic Year 2017/18
Welcome to Woodpecker Class
We are a class of year 4 children, taught by Mrs Wilson and supported by Mrs Wilkes, Mrs Donson and Miss Mort.
Class Information
It is suggested that you spend around 1 hour per week completing homework with your child. If you find that you are unable to complete the homework within this time, please do not feel that you must exceed this time.
Your child will be tested on their spellings every Friday. New spellings will then be stuck into their homework book. Once they have learnt their spellings your child can use the page in the book to practise using that spelling in a sentence, if you have time.
Mental Maths
Your child will be tested on their mental calculations every Wednesday. There is a range of 16 differentiated sheets of varying amounts of questions for your child to complete in an allocated time. This can also be sent home for you to practice with your child ready for their challenge in school. They are a mixture of multiplication and divisions questions. By the end of this year the children need to be able to recall and use all multiplication and division facts up to 12 x 12.
Your child will be heard read at least once a week in school by an adult, either as part of group reading or individually. Children are asked to read 4 x per week, as in the school policy. It is important for your child to read aloud to you, even if they are competent readers, so that you can question their understanding of what they have read. Your child should change their own book once they have read it, they have been shown how to do this. Please spend a little time talking with your child about the book and what has happened so far, what they predict might happen next, and check their understanding of the text.
On completion of a book your child will be given a ' I have just read..' sheet to complete, this will require them to summarise the story and characters, to check they have taken in what they have read We will help them with this as required.
Please ensure your child's book is available in school every day.
Other Homework
On Friday there will usually be a piece of either topic, science, literacy or maths based work for your child to complete or research relating to what has been learnt or will be learned in class.
Please could this be returned by the following Thursday.
Children who do not return homework on a Thursday will be expected to catch up the work at homework catch up sessions on Thursday lunchtime.
P.E Kit
P.E will take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Please ensure that your child has their kit in school on these days. It may be wise to have a pair of joggers too, as the weather gets colder, as we will usually have some of the sessions outside.
Please feel free to come and see me if you have any concerns or questions, I will be happy to help.
Thank you
Academic Year 2016/17
Summer 2017
This term we are learning about the Vikings.
We will find out about where they came from and why, about their lifestyles and will be visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre as part of the topic.
Spring Term 2017
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the Jungle !
Or perhaps, more accurately the Rainforest.
This term we will be learning all about the rain forests, their location and climate, the plants and animals that live there and how they are adapted to their specific habitat.
We are looking forward to a visit from Sam's Safari's in February so that we can meet a selection of creatures who are right at home in the rainforest.


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It Looks Like 20 Feet
If only I had this when I was still riding ramps!
How Deep is Your Photography? by Intel (and Jim Parsons)
The three cameras shoot simultaneously, then combine the overlaid information to create an image file that has many more capabilities than a standard JPEG. Once an image is captured, it is processed into a high-quality, depth-mapped file.
"It creates a fat JPEG," said Erhhung Yuan, system architect and lead developer for Intel RealSense snapshot. "It's essentially a JPEG with more metadata fields, including the computed depth map."
The ad is pretty cheesy, but the technology looks interesting. I can see smartphones having more cameras on the backside, and the "fat JPEGS" will require faster processors, more storage, and so on, pushing the limits of the devices even more.


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by Jann Brown
Janet Ragsdale, 88, and her husband, Ken, 95, work out at the gym with their trainer, Rusty Gregory, once a week. It is not easy.
In addition to their advanced age, the Ragsdales have a number of obstacles to overcome as they work toward their goals of mobility and healthy living. Janet is blind in one eye and uses a walker because polio left her with a nonfunctioning left leg 84 years ago. Ken has recovered from prostate cancer and is a diabetic.


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And finally, here are some shots of the Keeping Room (the room beside the kitchen) - I wanted to share with you how it's coming along! It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it's super cozy - I love waking up, making a latte and then coming in this room to watch the morning news shows! One thing we are going to change about the room is the wall color - it's a little bit too green for our liking, haha. We are thinking either a soft blue or soft grey. And we did order another chair that will go to the left of the sectional - I can't wait for it to come in but it doesn't even ship until December (grr)!
Happy Thursday, everyone!


text: Me Like Bees Share New Single Posted on March 23, 2016 by Meghan Sullivan in News // 0 Comments Me Like Bees, a quartet from Joplin, MO, has just shared their new single "Tundraland" via Daytrotter from their upcoming EP There Will Be Time which will be out April 8th. Check out the band's newest single here ! Me Like Bees: Website // Facebook // Twitter // Bandcamp Advertisements Share this:FacebookTwitterTumblrRedditMoreEmailGoogleLike this:Like Loading... Related Arts and EntertainmentBandblogdaytrotterjoplinMe Like Beesmusicnew musicnew singleThere Will Be Timetundraland


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The largest state owned hotel chain in Dubrovnik, Maestrali, has been sold to a company from the Czech Republic. The government has accepted a bid from the Czech company J & T IB Capital Markets for 114 million Kuna reports Dubrovacki Vjesnik.
Although the news is still unofficial the Ministry of State Property has reported the news and apparently it is only a matter of formalities and the contract will be signed.
The Czech company has offered 114 million Kuna for almost 60 percent of the shares in the hotel chain in Lapad which includes five hotels on the coastline.


text:
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|Learn > Beginners
|Colloquial French: The Complete Course for Beginners (Book, Audio CDs, and Audio Cassettes)
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French is one of the world's great languages. Besides being spoken in France, it is one of the official languages of Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. It is the official language of Luxembourg, of Haiti, of numerous African countries and of various French dependencies. It is the mother tongue of around 75 million people, with millions more speaking it as a second language.
Colloquial French features:
This major course concentrates on modern, useful French used by present-day native speakers. Language is presented in a lively and stimulating manner by the former director of CILT (The Centre of Information on Language Studies, London).
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Information for Restauranteurs and Food Service Operators - Kamaboko Products
This page is part of the Guidance Document Repository (GDR).
Looking for related documents?
Search for related documents in the Guidance Document Repository
Processed foods that are made from a paste of fish flesh and are cooked, flavored, shaped, and colored to look like other kinds of seafood are known as "kamaboko". These products can be made to closely resemble more expensive seafoods, such as crab legs, shrimp, or scallops.
Since kamaboko products usually cost less than the foods they imitate, when you serve a kamaboko product, you must be sure to let customers know that it is an imitation. It must not be called by the name of the food it resembles. For example, if you serve a kamaboko product that looks like crab claws, your menu should advertise it as "imitation crab claws" or as "simulated crab claws" to show that the food is only a likeness. The menu must not list this kamaboko product simply as "crab claws"
You must also be truthful when using kamaboko products in other foods, like salads. For example, a salad made with 100% crabmeat can be called "crabmeat salad". However, if it contains kamaboko as well as crabmeat, it must be called by an appropriate name which will indicate this fact, such as "crabmeat and seafood salad". If it is made without any crabmeat, it could be called "crab-flavoured seafood salad" or some other term to show that no real crabmeat is present.
Serious problems can also arise from misrepresenting kamaboko products because some people are allergic to fish, but not to other seafoods. If these people order a food they believe to be crab claws, and it contains kamaboko, they can become seriously ill. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has received complaints from restaurant customers who become ill after eating kamaboko products that they had thought were shellfish.
If you serve kamaboko products and are not sure how to describe them, you can check the labelling on the container in which they were received, as the shipping container must be clearly labelled with a description of the food.
- Date modified:


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If you've thought about getting in shape, reducing your body fat and gaining stamina and strength the two cheapest pieces of exercise equipment I can think of to get you in the best shape of your life is a jump rope and exercise mat. If you are seriously out of shape I recommend that you start walking. You'll want to develop stamina over a period of time before attempti ng to work with the jump rope.
Skipping rope is about three times more effective for your cardiovascular system than jogging. It has been confirmed that 10 minutes of jump rope equals a half an hour of jogging. If you make it a point to do 100 skips a minute for about 10 minutes you're on your way to being physically fit. I recommend you start off slowly, with a warm-up.
Start by doing jumping jacks slowly. Do about 10 to 15 then stop and twist your trunk with your arms outstretched at either side. Twist for about 10 to 15 reps before returning to another 10 to 15 jumping jacks. Do this for three or four minutes. This should definitely get the blood moving.
When you start working with the jump rope be sure to check that it is the right length. When you're standing on the rope it should be long enough to reach from armpit to armpit. There are many styles of ropes to choose from; some are beaded, or leather; others are wire inserted in plastic tubing. Whichever style you choose, be sure that it's the correct length. You'll find jumping to be frustrating initially but keep at it. Job only high enough for the rope to slip under your feet; land lightly coming down on the balls of your feet and be sure to wear sneakers wind jumping.
You're going to be easily winded at first but as you get used to the movements, you'll find that within a few weeks, you'll be able to keep up. Don't be too eager to get through the entire workout without stopping or missing a skip. When you feel winded stop and walk in place; move the rope from side to side. This regulates your breathing and allows you to get back to jumping once you're breathing gets back to normal. Your goal is to be able to jump for longer periods over time without stopping or missing a skip.
My favorite technique is to count from 1 to 25 initially; doing my best to avoid missing a skip before reaching 25. When that becomes easy I move the target to 30. Try for 100 skips a minute without missing a skip.
It can be quite challenging but fun to make up little things in your head to push you forward in your workout. You'll find fairly quickly that jump rope workouts actually incorporate your entire body. Your legs calves and thighs are getting a thorough workout as well as your shoulders back and abdomen.
Once you're finished with your session, cool down with a short walk. Never stop abruptly from intense exercises; this can cause a drastic fall in blood pressure. You can also finish your strenuous exercise workout by walking in place. This exercise routine is a great fat burner. You can vary the intensity of the workout and as you gain mastery over the steps, you can vary your skipping technique.


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Definition of out of the corner of one's eye
- I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye.
: in a direction away from the inside or center
: outside
: from among others
: eject, oust
: to identify publicly as being such secretly
: to become publicly known
used as a function word to indicate an outward movement
: situated outside : external
: out-of-bounds
: situated at a distance : outlying
: outside
: one who is out of office or power or on the outside
: an act or instance of putting a player out or of being put out in baseball
: in a manner that exceeds or surpasses and sometimes overpowers or defeats
: the point where converging lines, edges, or sides meet : angle
: the place of intersection of two streets or roads
: a piece designed to form, mark, or protect a corner
: situated at a corner
: used or fitted for use in or on a corner
: to drive into a corner
: to catch and hold the attention of especially to force an interview
: to get a corner on
: a specialized light-sensitive sensory structure of animals that in nearly all vertebrates, most arthropods, and some mollusks is the image-forming organ of sight
: all the visible structures within and surrounding the orbit and including eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows
: the faculty of seeing with eyes
: to fix the eyes on : look at
: contemplate, consider
: to watch or study closely
What made you want to look up out of the corner of one's eye? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
excessive admiration or flattery
Get Word of the Day daily email!
The story of an imaginary word that managed to sneak past our editors and enter the dictionary.
Can you spell these 15 tricky spelling words?Take the quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?Take the quiz
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.Take the quiz


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Camp Playland of Redding
- Camps
- Children's Activities
- Family Fun
- Recreation & Sports
Family owned and operated since 1996. Camp Playland of Redding where GOOD FRIENDS + GOOD TIMES = GREAT MEMORIES. We offer swimming, archery, arts & crafts, sports, nature programs, and much more.
Minutes from Route 7. Take Route 7 to Picketts Ridge Road. Travel 1.2 miles on Picketts Ridge Road; turn left onto Starrs Ridge Road; travel 4/10 of a mile and Camp will be on left at number 27.


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Pearl Harbor Tour - Pacific Aviation Museum & Arizona MemorialSALE
Instant Confirmation
Step back in time with a visit to Pearl Harbor. Walk aboard the Arizona Memorial, see history at the Pacific Aviation Museum and drive through Downtown Honolulu.
Book 3 days early and save up to 15% (until 2018/12/31)
This deeply moving experience begins with a visit to Oahu's Pearl Harbor to explore the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor's Center. Board a real Navy launch for a trip to the Memorial and take a guided tour of the Pacific Aviation Museum to delve into the intriguing history of military flight. As you leave Pearl Harbor, embark upon a journey through Honolulu's historic downtown, and see the impressive Iolani Palace. With so many sites and scenic locations visited, this tour is sure to be one island excursion you will not soon forget.
Please Note: The USS Arizona Memorial will be closed in the morning (and possibly all day) on December 7th to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor. Other sites will remain open (but may deviate from their normal schedule) and public events will be held throughout the day.
▼ Read more
Due to repairs on the visitor loading ramp, the USS Arizona Memorial is closed until further notice. Guests will continue to see the 25 minute documentary film followed by a harbor tour of Battleship Row. The National Park Service will provide live or recorded commentary during tours.
Gold Package with Lunch
GE Tax included
Book 3 days early and save up to 15% (until 2018/12/31)
Lunch Menu: Your choice of a Turkey & Ham Sandwich, Italian Sandwich with Salami & Pepperoni, or Tuna Sandwich with Chips and Beverage, or an Asian Chicken Salad or Garden Vegetable Salad.
- Duration (incl. transportation): 8 hour(s)
- Available: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Schedule: for all packages
- Pick-up:
Round-trip from Waikiki free x per personRound-trip from Waikiki free x per person
- Inclusion: Soft drinks / Juice / Bottled water / Lunch / Guide / Pacific Aviation Museum Admission
Package detail / Schedule Close
Standard Package
GE Tax included
- Duration (incl. transportation): 8 hour(s)
- Available: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Schedule: for all packages
- Pick-up:
Round-trip from Waikiki free x per personRound-trip from Waikiki free x per person
- Inclusion: Guide / Pacific Aviation Museum Admission
Package detail / Schedule Close
Schedule & Location
- Schedule
- Pick-up
Time & Location
- Drop-off
Time & Location
06:30 Pick-up from Waikiki Hotels
USS Arizona Memorial & Visitor's Center (3 hrs)
Pacific Aviation Museum (2 hr)
Drive through Downtown Honolulu (1 hr)You will see the Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace, Kamehameha Statue and more.
Drive through the Punchbowl National Cemetary (15 mins)
14:30 Drop-off at Waikiki Hotels
- All Packages
Required Items to Bring & Attire
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Due to enhanced security measures, the Navy has increased its security checks to enter the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. All guests must have a legal form of identification to enter the Pacific Aviation Museum.
- The WWII Valor of the Pacific has implimented a "No Bags Allowed" Policy. No purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, luggage, diaper bags and other items that offer concealment are not allowed in the Visitor Center or the Memorial. Strollers with pockets and compartments must be empty before being allowed in. Personal cameras area allowed.
- Wheel Chair Accessibility: A transfer vehicle equipped with a lift is available with prior booking and notification of at least 2-4 days Guests must not exceed the weight limit of 600lbs combined weight for both the passenger and wheelchair. Please indicate during booking to secure arrangements. All island stops and facilities visited are accessible.
- All Packages
Additional Note(s)
- A valid government-issued photo ID
FAQExpand allWhat am I allowed to bring with me?
- All Packages
Gold Package with Lunch
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
- Large luggage (skis, surfboards, non-collapsible wheelchairs, golf bags, etc.) are allowed for an additional fee
- Tickets will be reserved in advance for the USS Arizona Memorial program. This program includes a 23-minute documentary film about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial.
- The WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1).
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
Why can't I bring a bag or purse?
- Visitors may bring small items like cameras, cell phones, and wallets. Since no bags are allowed, you are encouraged to pack lightly.
Is this activity family-friendly?
- Strict security measures at Pearl Harbor prohibit purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags and/or other items that offer concealment. Guests can rent a locker at the Visitor's Center or bags are allowed to be left on the bus at your own risk.
What is our tour vehicle like?
- Definitely! This is a very educational and historic experience.
How far in advance should I book this activity?
- A comfortable 60-passenger Motorcoach that will be driving with "Aloha"!
What types of items are we allowed to bring inside Pearl Harbor?
- We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is often possible, but limited.
What types of items are we not allowed to bring inside Pearl Harbor?
Under Pearl Harbor's bag policy, the following items are allowed:
1. Lightweight, plastic type shopping bags, such as those sold or provided on-site.
2. Small bags, canvas and recycled material type shopping bags purchased in the secure zone. Use is allowed on the day of the purchase only.
3. Small form-fitting, single camera bags that only allow for carriage of the camera and additional small items such as a lens cap or cleaner.
4. Wheelchairs that have a fixed bag (no ability to remove).
5. Bags containing medical equipment unsuitable for lightweight, plastic, transparent shopping bags.
6. Strollers with a fixed pouch (no ability to remove).
7. Clutches, as opposed to purses with the distinction that a clutch is open on 3 sides, has a hinge-like function, or would only accommodate a cell phone or similar sized item.
8. Small wallet type clutches/purses that would contain credit cards, money, pictures and no other items.
9. Musical instruments and cases related to an NPS-issued Special Use Permit or similar partner document.
10. Firearms possessed by commissioned law enforcement officers. Must be declared to a law enforcement ranger.
*Note: Any bag that is determined to be allowed will be inspected and/or tagged as screened.
Please click HERE to send an inquiry about this activityPayment/Cancellation policyPayment type
Under Pearl Harbor's bag policy, the following items are prohibited:
1. All bags not listed in the section describing items allowed inside Pearl Harbor.
2. Glass containers other than baby food jars.
3. Musical instruments and cases not related to a permit.
4. Recreation or sports equipment such as skateboards, skate shoes, Frisbees and balls.
5. Flowers in pots, vases or containers.
6. Aerosol containers.
7. Knives and other weapons.
Credit card paymentCancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 17:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
From USD 112.76
From USD 112.76
Taxes & fees included
1% Reward Points
|Duration incl. transportation
|8 hour(s)
|Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
by: Mr. Anonymous
And a wonderful day
by: Cousin Loreta
I was moved by the whole experience from the museum, video and memorial... you can't help but feel proud of our man as well as sad for the loss of so many lives. I am honored to be a witness to the r...more
by: Bill & Caroline-PGH, PA
I'm far from a history buff, but this got my attention. The tour bus guide almost had me in tears before we arrived. Very somber when we left.
Added to Wish List
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Pearl Harbor Tour - Pacific Aviation Museum & Arizona Memorial
See all 2 options


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#HomeGrownStories – Jim Oda
August 10, 2017
Jim Oda is a fifth generation Miami County resident. Before working at the library, he owned an antiquarian bookstore in Piqua. Today Jim is the Library Director of the Piqua Public Library. In 2008, the library moved from its location in the former Piqua Men's Club to the Fort Piqua Plaza. The Plaza, built in 1891 underwent a 21 million dollar renovation. Today the Plaza not only houses the library but also Turntable Cafe, Mulligan's Pub and a Banquet Center.
On his connection to Miami County and the Piqua Public Library:
I live here in Piqua. I was born and raised in Miami County. I'm the fifth-generation in my family to live here. My family moved to the area in 1803. They keep trying to get rid of us but we keep coming back [laughs].
I've worked at the library for 26 years, so a while. I actually started working here when I was ten. My mother worked at the library so for one summer I shelved books in the children's department. That's when the library was the Flesh Piqua Library on Green Street. Before I worked at the library I had an antiquarian bookstore on Main Street. I had that for ten years. I've always worked with books and history.
About the history of the Fort Piqua Plaza:
The Plaza Hotel was built in 1891. It was Piqua's response to Troy getting the county seat of Miami County and the courthouse. The Miami County courthouse was built in 1885. It's one of the great courthouses of the state of Ohio. It's a wonderful place. Piqua was more than a little jealous, so two men, Orr and Statler, got together. They hired the same architect, Joseph W. Yost, to design this building. It had 101 rooms, which was too big for the community. We didn't really need a grand hotel. We had a lot of people coming through town with the east-west and north-south railroads, but it was overkill. The businesses on the ground floor are what kept this building going. They also had a lot of meeting spaces.
Over the years many famous people visited the hotel. Several presidents, including William Howard Taft, Teddy Roosevelt, and Warren G. Harding spoke at the hotel. They stood on the balcony out in front and people gathered on the square. We also had Houdini stay at the hotel. He was giving a performance at the Opera house a block and a half from here. The first meeting of the Piqua Anti-Saloon league at the start of Prohibition was held here. Then when Prohibition ended we had the first bar in Piqua in the basement. We went full circle on that issue. In 1946 the local chapter of the NAACP held a sit-in at the bus stop lunch counter there. That was the beginning of ending segregated seating in the community. Not only has this building been the hotel but it has also been a community center. We try now as the library, the museum, and the art gallery to continue that concept of a community center.
On the renovation of the Plaza Hotel:
Over time the hotel began to deteriorate. It's a big building and takes a lot of money for a renovation. The owners were not interested in putting big bucks into what were weekly rentals of the rooms. The first talk of renovations that I can recall was in the late the 1980s. Various people would come and look at it and see if they could renovate it. Return on investments was always the tough selling point. One person said they could put a helicopter pad on the roof and connect Piqua to Cincinnati and Columbus [laughs]. We weren't seeing much helicopter traffic so that idea didn't go through. [laughs]. It took a while. It was 1997 or 1998 when we started getting serious. A couple of committees were formed with Ruth Koon, Mainstreet Piqua, and the city. They started looking for ways to find the funding. That was the key. This was a 21 million dollar project. That's a lot of money in Piqua. The city could get certain funds and the library as a non-profit could get different funds. We had about 32 different funding sources. Some were big amounts, some were little. About 2 ½ million was private money from individual donations. One of the biggest donors to that was Jim and Connie Brown of Hartzell Propeller. A lot of people of said, "Why don't we tear it down and turn it into a parking lot?" We're glad they didn't do that. Even when the library was involved people thought about tearing it down and putting up a rectangular building. That would have been easier. There's a lot of compromises when dealing with an old building. But then there's no charm, there's no pizzazz to that rectangle building. We're very glad that it turned out the way it did.
On the upcoming tenth anniversary of the renovation:
The library moved in here in 2008. We're looking at our 10th anniversary next year. We're working on various things, having people come and visit us, giving tours, lectures and different displays. We're looking at trying to do something once a month. It will be a fun time.
On touring the Piqua Public Library and the Fort Piqua Plaza:
Every two to three months we offer a public tour. We do a lot of tours for reunions of various kinds. We will also lead a tour for a family coming through. Sometimes it's on the spur of the moment. If there's somebody available and we can do it. I know some people get upset with us because we do not take them up to see the grand dining room and the ballroom. It's a spectacular space but it's booked for weddings most Saturdays of the month. Brides don't appreciate it if in the middle of their wedding or reception we come in with a tour group. We tour from the fourth floor down to the basement.
What he loves most about Miami County:
I love the people. We have great people in Miami County. People that are cheery. If I say "hi" they will say "hi" back. People that will work with you, people that will help you out. People that are enjoyable to be around. The volunteers in Miami County are great. Every community has that group that if you call them you know they will come and help you out.
We have hundreds of different churches. A church is people to me. It's much more than a little building. All the people here make it a nice place to live. It's a nice place to grow up. It's a friendly, happy area. Now, do we have crime? Yes. Do we have too much crime? Yes. Do we have drug problems? Yes. But balanced against that we have people that will give you the shirt off their back and help you. People look out for each other. It's the neighborhoods and it's the communities here that all come together in the county.
His Miami County recommendations for out-of-town visitors:
Visit the small towns. Go to Covington's downtown. Go to Brandt. Drive around Bethel Township. They're beautiful areas with quaint downtowns. It's not a big city — it's not Rockefeller Center — but it's very nice. Most of our roads are straight because they're based on surveying lines. So you can go right, left, right, left and not get lost. Some of them are a little hog path. People think that a curve in a road is a "cow path." They're actually not. When a farmer calls in the cows, the cows don't wander about. They go straight to the barn. So the little curly cues and roundabouts in the rural areas of our county were formed because of huge trees. Rather than going to the effort of cutting the tree down and taking out the roots, they made the road go around it. It was a lot easier to do that. Of course, now that the trees are gone it looks like a bunch of curves in the road.
I definitely recommend folks from out of town come in and visit us at the library. Come and get a tour. Architecturally, the interior of the library is spectacular. You can see small town grandeur of the 1890s. Throughout the library, we have historical exhibits. Instead of putting everything all together for the museum we spread it out. You can wander around, turn the corner and there's something new to see. We have an art gallery up on the second floor. The library has about 150 to 160 different pieces in our permanent collection. We rotate that through the gallery. The Ohio Watercolor Society will hold one of their traveling exhibits here. Sometimes we'll have one person shows. There's a lot of our local art to see. It's definitely worth a stop to see how art in our county is preserved.
Piqua Public Library
116 West High Street
Piqua, Ohio 45356
Facebook: @piqua.library
Instagram: @piqualibrary
Twitter: @PiquaLibrary
Follow our storyteller and interviewer, Courtney Denning, at ThisOhioLife.com.


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Pros: Head Material, Balance, Construction, Weight, Handle Material
Cons: None
As a Wilderness Survival Instructor i use the SOG tactical tomahawk.
I use the tomahawk to chop limbs for lean-to, dead falls. I have used it as a hammer, as well as a digging tool. I have also used it to kill small caught in my traps. As a Wilderness Survival Instructor I strongly endorse this tomahawk. Thank you for an excellent tool.


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Karuna Sanctuary, Katoomba
December 2, 3 and 4 2011
Celebration of Reiki
by Susi
'Just for today, I won't get angry, I won't worry, I'll be grateful, I'll work hard, I'll be kind'.
We learned of the power of imagination which can help the real power of Reiki to grow. Of giving and receiving and the two fused into one. Of respect for the receiver of Reiki.
We imagined / discovered the life force in everything around us, and the movement of waves out from ourselves, and back into ourselves.
We realised the universality of healing across religions, all with one hand on the head, one on the heart, all caring, all healing. Children and animals give and/or receive Reiki intuitively . . . even trees, we found out as we leaned on them for support and life energy in the cool sunshine of Karuna's beautiful bush garden.
In Malcolm's meticulously prepared booklet, we found the power symbol, Choku Rei, the First symbol, the power of 'here and now'. And the love symbol, Sei He Ki, the Second symbol, the healing power of love and compassion. We drew both symbols as they appeared to us personally, each representation different, each one perfect in its individuality.
As we practised Reiki, the two symbols came together to open us to its flow. We rubbed our hands vigorously to energise them, visualised connection with the symbols, plugging into the life energy and compassion all around us. In the 'tunnel' ( lantern avenue, lighted way, fluorescent boulevard) of Reiki, our hands, like radiators, channelled our force through our companions.
We learned how Mikao Usui 'discovered' the healing powers of Reiki after 21 days of spiritual training. Almost as a by-product. He asserted that the ability to practice Reiki is innate in every person.
We remembered our friend Mark , and his untimely death from cancer, and the supporting role Reiki played in his gentle passing. He had everything to live for, but he let it all go, saying he felt 'complete', thereby giving great comfort to those grieving family members and friends who loved him.
I personally discovered the benefit of Reiki in accepting the transformation over time of some personal relationships. Giving Reiki to my retreat companions, I extended it further out to certain other persons in my life, and found I could bid a peaceful and loving farewell; freeing them, and myself, from old patterns which no longer applied, and letting them go to take a new form, or come to an end.
I humbly thank Malcolm for his dedication and hard work, his brilliant insights and guidance. And Nara for creating her usual magic in the kitchen, and everywhere else! And Karina, for her eternally gorgeous smile which is such a window into her soul. And all my other companions at the retreat for their friendship and support.
Hasta luego!!


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There's nothing we love more than hot new nerdy merchandise. Every week there are literally dozens of amazing and nerdy products released. The staff here at Word of the Nerd scours through them all each week to show you the best, the hottest and the nerdiest of the week's offerings. Check out this week's Nerd Pron for 3/16/2016.
Transform any room into a deadly alien breeding ground with this Life Size Xenomorph Egg, complete with its own eerie lighting and life size facehugger! As seen in the 1986 horror classic Aliens, this full-sized replica stands almost 36″ tall, and articulated flaps with a wire armature allow you to actually open the top folds of the egg. The included full-size facehugger has a bendable tail, so you can pose it anywhere… waiting to drop on unsuspecting prey from overhead, or simply lurking inside the egg. The Life Size Xenomorph Egg is made of detailed, hand-painted foam and stands on its own. A switch activates the LED lights inside the base to create a menacing, otherworldly glow effect. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.
From NECA
From Kotobukiya. A Kotobukiya Japanese import! The latest DC Comics ARTFX+ Statue from Kotobukiya adds another member of the "Batman Family" of characters from the pages of the New 52, Red Robin!The third assistant to Batman after Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, Tim Drake is famous for his detective skills; he actually figured out the Dark Knight's secret identity all on his own. But like those before him Drake eventually emerged from the shadow of the Bat to be his own hero and so became Red Robin, leader of the Teen Titans. That was his role in the New 52 era of DC Comics, and now that incarnation is joining the ever-growing lineup of ARTFX+ Statues! Brilliant and confident, Red Robin points at villains as though saying "I know all of your secrets!" The young hero is clad in his distinctive costume first seen in the New 52, a complex black bodysuit with built-in red armor panels and reinforced boots. On top of that he wears a black utility belt full of pouches, gloves with yellow accents, a red domino mask, and a yellow and blue chest harness that connects to his jetpack and segmented red cape that allows him to fly. Tim Drake's outfit has a great metallic, glossy sheen that really brings his high tech gear to life, and there are tons of cool details from his defined musculature to the Teen Titans logo on his shoulder, and much more. And despite the cocky grin on his face you know Red Robin means business as he holds his trusty staff at the ready! Sculpted by Naoya Muto, Red Robin stands just over 7″ tall (1/10 scale) and like all ARTFX+ statues he has magnets in his feet for extra stability on his included display base. The high flying teen hero looks great on his own and makes a perfect companion piece for the other Batman Family ARTFX+ statues like Red Hood, Nightwing, Damian Wayne, and of course the Dark Knight himself!
From KOTO Inc
From Koto. Tony Stark's hall of armors continues to grow with the latest incredible Iron Man suit ARTFX Statue from the Marvel Studios films. Following hot on the heels of the Mark 43 armor and blasting out of the blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron is the Iron Man Mark 45! Robert Downey Jr.'s iconic Stark has been very busy in the last few Marvel Studios films, cranking out dozens of different armor designs for any eventuality. And after fierce battles and the removal of J.A.R.V.I.S. (now reconfigured into the Vision) from his systems, Iron Man debuted the Mark 45 for the final fight against the evil robot Ultron in Sokovia. Throughout the Iron Man and Avengers films we've seen Tony Stark continue to modify and improve his armors, with Iron Man 3 really showing off the range of possibilities in purpose-built systems. InAvengers: Age of Ultron, Iron Man returned to more classically-inspired looks with his armors, first the Mark 43 and now the Mark 45. While they may appear similar at first glance, the two successive armors have lots of differences. The "45" has a familiar shape with segmented armor panels, outer plating revealing technological details underneath, reinforced sections on the torso, shoulders, and thighs, and repulsor units for flight stabilization and energy blasts. This new Iron Man suit stands out from previous versions with an even sleeker form, new designs on the chest and forearm armor, an updated helmet with more expressive eyes, and a first-ever hexagonal Chest Repulsor Transmitter! Iron Man shows off all of these great details in a powerful presentation, standing at the ready with a wide stance and both hands angled to reveal the palm-mounted repulsors. Of course, no matter the upgrades, the armor still shines in bright red and gold with additional accents in silver, black, and white. Sculpted by M.I.C., Iron Man Mark 45 stands 12″ tall (1/6th scale) on a special Avengers logo display base. No Iron Man collection would be complete without this ultimate expression of the armor from Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the Mark 45 looks fantastic alongside previous suits like the Mark 43!
From KOTO Inc
The battle lines are drawn as the heroes of the Marvel Universe are torn apart in the upcoming action-adventure film, Captain America: Civil War, and you can bring the battle down to size with these 3 3/4″ tall stylized vinyl figures of Captain America, The Winter Solider, War Machine, Black Panther, Black Widow, Agent 13, Crossbones, and Scarlet Witch. Window box packaging.
From Funko
The Risk: Star Wars Edition game lets players recreate the dramatic final moments of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Across a TIE fighter-shaped gameboard, players can determine the fate of the Star Warsuniverse through 3 concurrent, yet distinct, battles. The 3 battles going on simultaneously are: the attack on the Death Star, the shield assault, and the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Opponents choose to play as the light side or the dark side of the Star Wars saga, and use the classic Risk dice to control characters and ships. No matter which side is victorious, the game is sure to be filled with action and adventure! Includes 3 gameboard pieces, 20 X-wing fighters, 16 Y-wing fighters, 15 B-wing fighters, 56 TIE fighters, 6 Rebel fleet markers, 1 Millennium Falcon token, 1 Executor token, 4 hit tokens, 9 Stormtrooper tokens, 1 Rebel Strike Team token, 30 Empire order cards, 30 Rebel order cards, 5 dice, and instructions.
From Hasbro
Don't forget you can pre-order all these nerdtastic items through your local comic book shops or find them at a local retailer. Check out each manufacturer for retail locations.


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Ian McDougall sheet music (sales and rentals) is available from...
Ian McDougall/Barbarian Music
The following works can be rented or purchased directly from us. Please contact us for more information and to request a price quote.
Music for Big Band
The Pellet Suite
• No, Not Sir Henry
• Last Summer
• Back Bacon Blues
• B.B. Gun
Blue Serge Suit(e) Club
• Sirocco
• Somnamblues
• Blues Unblue
No Passport Required
Suite Composed for the BBC Big Band
Features trumpet/flugel and trombone as soloists, but any other two instruments could be featured
Other Works for Big Band...
Heading Back
Sea Jay
Breen (big band tutti ballad )
Lightly Turning
Cats Don't Have Eyebrows
Desolation Blues
Do You Mean It
Fuerte Como Toro
Greetings From McSlide to McValve
The Place of Shoaling Waters
You Better Believe It
Whenever I'm Alone With You
Music for Jazz Trombone Ensemble
Lightly Turning
Night After Night
Not All a Dream
Whenever I'm Alone With You
Music for Small Ensemble
Three Pieces for String Quartet
Cavatina for Brass Quintet
Music for Large Ensemble, Orchestra and Chorus
Beyond Struggle (A.D.2000); poem for Brass Ensemble and Percussion
Ojistoh; for female voice (soprano or mezzo-soprano) with chamber orchestra
Symphonic Suite for Jazz Band and Orchestra; for full symphony orchestra and jazz band
Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra
Unitas Fratrum; for symphonic band
Music, When Soft Voices Die; for two sopranos, chorus and orchestra
Three Canadian Folk Songs; for SATB choir, strings, and electric guitar
Available for digital download from...
Music for Brass.com
L's L; for solo trumpet
Conversations; for tuba and double bass
Bells; fanfare for brass quintet
Brass Trio in 4 Movements; for trumpet, trombone, and horn
In Memoriam; for 9 trombones (5 legit, 4 jazz) and rhythm section
Available from...
Warwick Music
Music for Big Band
One for Ed and Tony (trombone section feature)
Music for Symphony Orchestra
Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra
Solo and piano reduction of accompaniment
(Orchestral parts rental also available from us)
Available from...
Hal Leonard
Bells; for large brass and percussion ensemble
Skylark Young Jazz Classics; for big band
Available for rental from the...
Canadian Music Centre
Music for Small Ensemble
Conversations for Tuba and Bass
Music for Large Ensemble/Orchestra
Ojistoh; for female voice (soprano or mezzo-soprano) with chamber orchestra
Question – Oui ou Non; dirge and fanfare for brass; for large brass and percussion ensemble
Bells; for large brass and percussion ensemble (recording only)
Three Canadian Folksongs
For chamber choir, strings, and electric guitar
1. The Stormy Scenes of Winter
2. She's Like the Swallow
3. An Eskimo Lullaby
Piano part available as substitute accompaniment


text:
|Add Memory | Add To Friends
|lala91 (profile) wrote,
on 6-30-2004 at 12:26am
|oops i did it again
i played with your heart
got lost in the game
"oooh" baby baby
oops you think im in LOOOVE
that im sent from aboooovvveeee
im not that inecent (h/e you spell it)
you see mah problem is this (i think thats it)
im dreamin away
wishin that heroes they truly exist
i cry watchin the days
cant you see im a fool in so many ways
but to lose ALLLL myyyee senses
that is just so typically me!!
ooooooh baby baby
^^^ me n lacey wrote that song!! lmfao!!! i love you laceeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
ooh baby baby (she seems to say that a lot) (actually, we say it a lot b/c ya know.. we wrote it lmao)
how was i supposed to know
that somethin wasnt right here
oooh baby baby
i shouldnt have let you goooooooooo
but now your outta sight yeah
show me
how you want it to be
tell me baby cause i need to know now
what we got
my lonliness is killin me
"aaaannnnndddddd iiiiiii"
i must confess i still beleive
when im not with you i lose mah mind
give me a SIIIGGGGGNNNNN
^^^ n therrs another one
we decided to make a remix of one of britneys famous songs "im not a girl not yet a woman" (beleive it or not.. we didnt write that one)[[question by kayla:: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!]]
i used to think
i had the answers to everything
but now i know
that lyposuction doesnt always go my way
feels like im caught in the ________ (open for suggestions)
thats when i realize
im not a chub
not yet bulimic
all i need is time
a tiolet that is mine
while im releasing
im not a chub
there is no need to feed me
its time that i learn the new carb diet on my own
i've weighed so much more then you know nowww
so dont tell me im oversized
im not a chub
not yet bulimic
all i need is time
a toilet that is mine
while im releasing
im not a bulimic
there is no need to judge me
its time that i seek profeesional help before it kills me...
we're still workin on it.. but if you have ne suggestions please PLEASE let us know!!
thank you
the next... uhhh.. really big song writer people. yeah.
|Post A Comment
06-30-04 2:44am
Blink 182 kicks ass =]
Re:, 07-01-04 1:07pm
LMAO u guys r 2 cute


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Mt Retour Organic Bergamot Essential Oil 10ml
Mt Retour Organic Bergamot Essential Oil 10ml
- Certified Organic
- Vegetarian
Earn 15.36 points if you purchase this product (Members Only)
100% Pure Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil.
Bergamot has a fresh, sweet-tart scent, with a slightly spicy balsamic undertone. It is widely used in perfumes (together with neroli & lavender) and in oil blends to bring mental clarity and provide positive feelings against depression and low self esteem. It has powerful healing effects, relieving urinary tract infections and inflammations, and is excellent at treating skin conditions such as oily skin, acne, psoriasis and exzema. As it is an extremely powerful oil, it should not be apply directly on the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil.
Characteristics & Properties
- Relieves urinary tract infections and inflammations such as cystitis, boosts liver and stomach functions.
- Fights oily skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, as well as cold sores.
- As a natural skin toner and detoxifier it may prevent premature ageing of skin and has excellent effects on oily skin conditions and acne for some individuals.
- Helps relieve depression caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and frustrations.
User Guide / Precautions
- Multipurpose Liquid (1ml/1ml)
- Massage: 4 drops to 10ml carrier oil
- Bath: 5 drops
- Vaporiser: 9-10 drops in a bowl of vaporizer
- Store below 30˚c
- Do not apply directly to skin
- Keep out of reach of children
- Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on sensitive skin which is exposed to sunlight.
Size: 10ml Bottle
100% Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil
Be The First To Review This Product!
Help other Healthy Being users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.


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If your hair is in desperate need of a restyle, don't go to the salon until you've hit the Shangri-La this weekend for some advice from the professionals.
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October sees experts from all of the world descend on Dubai to show us what they're made of.
The internationally acclaimed myhairdressers.com team, which is made up of up of former Vidal Sassoon educator - and hair genius - Stacey Broughton, celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford, top colourist Tracy Hayes and rising colour star Bee Dixon, will share the latest trends and styles that are gracing the fashion world catwalks but adapted for daily living.
It will be the team's first time in Dubai and will provide an opportunity for the hair experts to share their knowledge and tips on how to look "en vogue" but at the same time practical and manageable in day to day life without having to run to a salon every five minutes to maintain the look.
The creative team, who list a number of celebrities amongst their clients will demonstrate the latest styles, cuts and colours on 12 models on stage before a live audience each evening, and you can watch them transform their looks before your very eyes.
Doors Open 18.00 and the show starts at 18.30 and is expected to finish by 22.00 (with interval
Tickets are Dhs300 per person from www.saloneducators.com (through Paypal) or Deborah Whitehead on 050 728 1795.


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I'd been going through some old Father's Day cards, all hand-written, all saying how I'm "the BEST dad!" and that I'm loved, and thought...
There's no such thing as a "best" dad -- or mom.
When we carry our babies home, no one hands us a how-to manual. We try, we make mistakes, we stay up nights to comfort and care, we try to chase away their fears.
And as they get older those nights get longer, and we worry and wait for the sounds that ease our own fears... and then we wrap our arms around them, sometimes wiping away their tears.
And sometimes we sit alone and shed our own.
In the end, all we can do is hope and pray that we did our "best," and that it's good enough.
Sometimes we're overwhelmed, our shortcomings get the "best" of us, and we pray for guidance, for forgiveness and hope that nothing we've done can't be undone.
But I'm learning the hard way (is there any other?) that life turns on a dime, and that no amount of prayer and hope -- even love -- can undo some of my mistakes.
Negotiating and balancing life while giving all I love my "best" are the hardest things I've ever done. Some days it feels like an impossibility.
And not a day goes by without my asking, "Can I do this? Am I enough?"
After all these years, I have no answer... though looking back I seem to have come up short far too many times.
As a dad and as a man, I guess the best I can hope for is understanding and forgiveness, trusting that those I love can find a way to appreciate my life -- maybe even love me for it -- and know that every moment of every yesterday, today and tomorrow that God grants they have my "best."
And that it will be enough...
So, Happy Father's Day, my friends. Enjoy your kids, love your fathers -- I miss you, dad, so very much -- and appreciate the blessing.


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Storm emergency kit essentials checklist
AN emergency kit can help save precious time in an emergency situation. Keep it in a waterproof container.
Pack these now:
Portable radio with spare batteries
Torch with spare batteries
First aid kit
Candles and waterproof matches
Important papers including emergency contact numbers
Copy of any Home Emergency Plans
Waterproof bag for valuables
Pack these when the storm hits:
A good supply of required medications
Any special requirements and supplies for babies, the disabled or elderly
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Fresh food and drinking water
For more information, visit HERE.


text:
The Thin Finn is a slim version of the Deluxe Dave for those who don't carry as much gear. This great quality product contains all the same pockets as its bigger brother just in a scaled down condensed version that doesn't compromise on functionality.
- Dimensions: 1060 x 210 x 175 mm
- Volume: 39 litres
- Heavu Duty, water resistant 600D Nylon
- Rucksack harness carry system
- Multiple gear compartment and stash pockets
Please Note: currency conversion is approximate. Please contact your credit/debit card issuer for exact rates.
Please complete/edit all elements of the form below and then click the Submit buttom.
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Nasdaq's Gains Contain Losses
MEXICO CITY -- Share prices fell Friday after a volatile session in which profit-taking was offset somewhat by a bullish Nasdaq index.
The market's key IPC index closed down 47.92 to 5943.33. Volume totaled a moderate 1.7 billion Mexican pesos on 88.1 million shares traded.
Bank shares were among top gainers Friday, with Class O shares of Banorte rising 1.16 pesos to 14.50 pesos. BBV-Bancomer 's Class O shares gained 8 centavos to 5.54 pesos.


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A Black Farmer Blows the Whistle on the Black Farmer Settlement
I have 200 acres in Arkansas and have raised hogs. Pigford is the biggest rip-off this country has ever known, and there are lots of people in positions of power that know it. Politicians are using it to buy votes.


text: Dear Kevin, That would probably be a good idea, but some may think something like you are stating, might be slanted. I actually believe Star Metro understands the problems very well; it is the other city departments who need to get on the same page to get the APS's, sidewalks, better lighting, etc., and we should probably make our views known by addressing the city commissioners, Mayor Marks, city manager, etc. Darla ----- Original Message ----- From: daviska9 To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 1:09 PM Subject: [tabi] Bringing all the issues together Good Afternoon All, I have been monitoring the discussions for and against NOVA 2010, first through Laurie, and now I have joined TABI. I wonder if some of you would be willing to help me get all of the points, both pro and con, put together in one posting. I will then forward that to the Transportation Advisory Committee(TAC), of which I am a part. The TAC is very interested in the safety issues involved, and have been reviewing these even before NOVA 2010 was presented to us. We are a part of the city commission, and not a part of StarMetro. We are due to make a recommendation one way or the other to the commission after the first of the year, and I want to make sure all of the information that can be is put on the table. I may not be perfect, but I am trying to be neutral and represent the interests if the visually impaired on the TAC. You should know that the new system provides Laurie and I with some VERY positive benefits. That interest is only one piece that I present to the TAC. If you are willing, a consolidated list of your views would be very helpful to me. Let me know what you think. There is a little known "be attitude" Blessed be the flexible, for they will bend and not breakJ. Hope to hear from you all soon Kevin Davis