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Free Realms
I have not had a chance to explore all that this game has to offer, but I have played enough of it to tell that the name most definitely does not refer to the cost.  I would go so far as to say that for the target audience this game is not free to play.
Ok, ok; that is not entirely fair you can actually run around and take part in many activities without spending any money. Yet, at its heart this is a game that so heavily tempts its target audience to pay, that I have a hard time believing it is free to play.  Three examples below after the break.
- The very first quest after the tutorial sends you to talk to the Pet Trainer. There you get another quest to learn about pets, and you can try out a pet. The pets that are cute, and I suspect every kid will want one, but the kicker is you can only keep a pet if you pay $4. That's right, there is no option to buy a pet with in game currency, you can only buy one for real money. Also while the pet trainer job is free, you can not level it up unless you own a pet.
- As you run around the world following the quest helper, you will be guided passed many other quest givers and job trainers that you can not access unless you have a membership.
- A part of the game I have yet to actually experience is the Trading Card Game. From what I understand the only way to get new packs of cards is with real money. I will check this out today, but as a player I would rather there be an option to buy cards with in game currency.
Now with all that free to pay (yes I said pay), out of the way, the game launched with a nice level of polish that I feel the devs tried to hide some flaws.
- Very limited UI and control customization. Yes I know the game is targeted at kids, but I don't believe that in any way should stop you from building an advanced menu that allows for additional customization. An option for Inverted Camera controls, at the very least.
- Friends list issues. I could only add someone to my friends list if they were online and on the same server as I am. Since they allow you to move from server to server (a great idea), they really should queue friends requests and send them across servers.
- Chat is a mess. This goes along with number one, but there is no way to customize the chat interface. No way to create new tabs or windows, and no way to filter chat messages. This is a fail.
- With a dozen jobs comes a whole lot of gear and equipment. The game's inventory system is easy to access and use, it offers very little in the way of filtering. It also does not offer, at least I could not find, a way to quickly compare currently equipped items to non equipped ones.
- Edit: I just discovered that if you select "equipment" while on the "jobs" page the game filters the list of items down to only those applicable to your current job. That solves much of my troubles I had before, but I still wish I could filter the main equipment list by job.
You might think that all this means I hate the game, but that is not the case.
In fact I think the game is fun, cute and benign enough that if my daughter were a bit older (and could control a mouse)I would certainly let her play.
[slideshow id=2]
Heck, throughout the day yesterday I found myself continually wanting to pop back in and play just a little bit to get one more quest done, or try and get one more level in a job.   The mini games were more fun than I expected, a few even challenged me, and I thought they did a great job integrating them into the game world.
Oh and one last thing; it looks like they they have plans to enable built in video recording and uploading to youtube.  The video recording is available now, though the uploading part is not.  Also accessing the .avi files was causing some errors on my computer, but I was able to work around the errors and I am manually uploading a test video now. I will post it here when it is complete. (Edit) Here is the video:
Since it has fairly low system reqs, loads from your browser, does not take long to get to playing and has has some fun to offer, I suggest (if you have the willpower to not spend real money) you give the game a try.


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One Penny at a Time
One year I thought I'd try something to drum up some new business. I'll try a cash discount for large jobs. Maybe this will bring in those new customers. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but as they say, "The best laid plans of mice and men…." certainly got involved on this little adventure.
The cash discount was going to run for a month, just to see if it was going to work. All expectations looked promising. Jobs from a few weeks earlier had been contacted and informed of the new promotion to see if they'd like to reschedule that big job they were putting off. Almost all of them set an appointment before the promotion deadline. Soon, the shop was bustling with new activity and jobs were getting stacked up waiting for an open service bay. Unfortunately, as usual, there's always one sourpuss who has to ruin all the fun for everyone else.
Mr. Gripey came to the shop for an engine swap. He was your typical bargain hunter/never going to be a regular/always had a complaint type customer. As he put it, "I'm going to be your number 1 customer, if you can get me done on time." I assured Mr. Gripey that everyone is our number 1 customer here and we would do everything we could to get him done, within reason, in a timely manner.
It was just another Ford Ranger V6 engine swap. Nothing different from any other V6 Ranger we've done. That is except for Mr. Gripey, of course. His periodic snooping and interrogating questioning of the mechanic (and his mentor) about the job was relentless. It never fails, you get a snoopy-arrogant person barging in on the work the outcome is the same. It spells d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r every time something like this happens. I was prepared for the inevitable and personally took on the job of double checking every part, every fastener, and every existing blemish on the vehicle just to be sure there was nothing Mr. Gripey could question once the job was completed.
The engine slipped back in place without a hitch, and every nut and bolt was torqued down to specs. Everything was going as planned, except for one small detail. The promised date of delivery. Because of the work load and the arrival of the replacement engine, we missed his scheduled time of departure from the service bay by one whole day. This was all the fodder Mr. Gripey needed to begin his wrath of expletives and insults as to how awful we've made the entire experience. Was I surprised? No, not at all. Now he wanted an even bigger discount than what the promotion had offered. I offered my condolences and gave a bit more off the top of the cost of the job. That wasn't good enough. He wanted it for free now. Of course, that's not going to happen. Now, he has decided to refuse to pay for the job.
Several days passed between unanswered phone calls and messages left for Mr. Gripey to return for his vehicle. The daily reconnoitering of the service bay when his truck was being serviced came to an end too. The mechanic and his apprentice mentor were relieved to move onto the next project. Me, I was still stuck with the task of collecting the balance on the job. Which, is usually a rather pleasant experience filled with smiles and thank yous followed by a check, credit card, or cash. But, not this time.
A week has gone by and Mr. Gripey hasn't made an entrance yet. Time for one more phone call, but this time with a little added incentive. Mr. Gripey is going to be informed about storage charges for keeping his little pickup behind locked doors and that the charges would keep adding up until he showed up. He was given a grace period until the end of the week, and if we didn't hear from him by then… the storage charges would start from the day of this phone call.
It's no surprise, Mr. Gripey managed to show up at the shop that very afternoon. "I'm here to pay my bill and get my truck out of your $&^#*!!! shop," he said, in a very disgruntled manner. I gave him the total and said, "That'll be cash, sir." I wasn't about to give this guy a chance to walk out with the keys with anything less than a paid in full with good ol' "American currency" and a completed repair singed off. Mr. Gripey turned around and went out to his car and returned with three large bank bags. He tossed the bags onto the counter and said, "Here ya go. Count it if you feel like it." The bags were full of good old American currency alright, all of it … … … entirely pennies.
"I'll take my truck now. If you don't mind," Mr. Gripey said. I looked at the pile of coins starting to pour slowly out of the split open bag and looked back up at Mr. Gripey, "Uhm, sir, this is legal tender alright, but this is no way to pay your bill. But, in your case I'll accept the payment only after it has been fully counted," I said to him, trying to stare down his angry gaze, "So, just have a seat and I'll get this counted and when it has been counted I'll gladly hand the keys over to you." Mr. Gripey hadn't planned his little caper out as well as he had thought. He thought I was just going to hand the keys over and I'd be stuck with several hours of counting pennies while he was long gone with a smirk on his face thinking he just pulled a fast one on a repair shop. The fact is, he wasn't getting the keys until I had every last penny was counted.
With some help from the crew, we sat in the front office counting each and every penny one after another. And no, I wasn't about to give the guy the satisfaction of taking the bags to the bank and have them counted. I wanted him to sit there waiting the hours it took to have it all hand counted. It was by far the best bonding time I had with the crew. As we counted we talked about jobs in the shop, what was coming up next, tools, where we wanted to be in the next few years, our families, kids, and pastimes.
Indirectly, Mr. Gripey did us all a huge favor by allowing us all to have a few hours of time together away from the wrenches. We kept at it until we finished and never once did we remain quiet or stop for breaks. By the time the last penny was counted we were all tired of stacking pennies. We could finally get up from our chore and get Mr. Gripey out the door with his truck and warranty paper work. His warranty has expired a long time ago and if it was no surprise, he never did come back for even an oil change.
I've been paid with all kinds of things over the years. From a stack of Susan B Anthony coins to a case of beer. But, this was the first time anyone paid for an entire job with sacks full of pennies. Just for the record, if there is a next time… I'm not counting all those pennies again. I'll let the bank to do it and make the guy come back the next day. Just don't tell Mr. Gripey that. He still may need another lesson or two on how to act civil at a repair shop. Even if it is one penny at a time.

subset: commoncrawl


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Your guide to the Dolomites in summer
The Dolomites are like no other mountain range - enormous hulking peaks that take on a pinkish tinge when the sun hits them.
Their beauty is otherworldly and even the regions where they reside (South Tyrol and Trentino) are unlike other parts of Italy.
Thanks to its Austrian legacy and mix of languages, including its own regional language of Ladin, it's an enchanting blend of cultures and cuisines. Surrounding these UNESCO-listed rock stars are some of Italy's loveliest villages, valleys and lakes, starting with these five.
Getting to the Dolomites: TUI Lakes & Mountains offers holidays throughout summer to destinations across the Dolomites, departing from a number of UK airports; check out the latest online deals*.
Selva Val Gardena
Skiers will know the famous World Cup downhill black run at Val Gardena, but the villages in Gardena Valley really come into their own once the snow disappears.
Selva, Ortisei and Santa Cristina all cluster around the imposing 3,181 m Sassolungo peak, one of the highest in the Dolomites.
Hikers have 800 km of trails to explore, from easy walks through mountain meadows to seriously challenging treks. You won't go hungry either - plan a route that takes you past one of the many mountain huts and fill up on a fantastic melange of Italian and Austrian food.
Ski lifts and cable cars stay open all summer, so you can also take your bike along and bomb down some of the mountain bike tracks.
Get a glimpse into the area's history with a walk around the evocative medieval ruins of Wolkenstein Castle, which cling to the Stevia Mountain overlooking Selva.
Meanwhile, a stroll through the Tyrolean streets of Ortisei reveals the work of the village's highly skilled craftspeople, with beautifully carved wooden sculptures adding an artistic note.
Val di Fassa
Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites, towers over the Val di Fassa and its enchanting collection of pretty alpine villages.
Along with a huge network of hiking trails, there are plenty of paths for mountain biking along the Dolomites Cycling Route as well as bike parks where you can hone your skills.
While the Sella Ronda circuit is one of the ski world's greatest routes, it's just as exhilarating in the summer when you explore it by bike.
For something a bit less challenging, take advantage of the many charging stations around the valley that are used for electric bikes.
And there's always the option to do a "hike & bike": a special lift pass allows you to take your mountain bike on a circular route from Alba di Canazei or Pozza di Fassa and walk through the lush landscapes between the villages of Buffaure and Ciampac.
If you want an unforgettable way of exploring the whole Val di Fassa, soar across this extraordinary landscape in a tandem paraglider.
Madonna di Campiglio
With its luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most glamorous resorts in the Dolomites.
Once you tear yourself away from the sophisticated shops, discover the area's intoxicating beauty on a summertime hike.
Easy routes take you round exquisite mountain lakes such as Nambino and Valagola, many of them via mountain huts for scenic refuelling stops. Adventurous types can get into the heart of the mountains along a Via Ferrata, a network of climbing routes which winds all through the Dolomites.
Join a guided hike along one of these breathtaking climbing routes and you'll be fully kitted out for a safe but challenging trek. And if you're in the mood for a change of scenery, take advantage of the Dolomiti Garda Express, which can take you to Lake Garda for the day.
Lake Molveno
While Italian lakes such as Como and Garda get all the attention, just a bit further north is the relatively undiscovered scenery of Lake Molveno. Its glittering waters at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites offer many ways of having fun, starting with 30 acres of Blue Flag beach.
Here, you'll find a water park, children's play areas and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Try some of the watersports on offer including paddle-boarding and sailing, or rent a canoe for a gentle glide across the lake. Take a boat tour and let someone else do the work for you.
Hop on the cable car and whizz up to the Pradel plateau for astonishing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
You'll also be well placed to tackle the mountain bike trails and climbing routes that twist through the Natural Park Adamello-Brenta.
If you enjoy exploring the Via Ferrata, the Brenta Dolomites have more routes, nearly 50 km, than any other part of the Dolomites. And if you want something less taxing, walk along the footpath that takes you all around the lake.
Lake Levico
Looking more like a fjord than a lake, and with gorgeously sparkling clear waters, Lake Levico is one of the most laid back corners of the Dolomites.
Follow the footpath that curves around its Blue Flag beach surrounded by thick pine forests. If you're feeling energetic, have a go at some of the watersports - the sight of the trees reflected on the waters is even more impressive when seen from a paddleboard or a canoe.
Tucked into Lake Levico's southeastern corner is the spa town of Levico Terme, whose thermal springs are a wonderfully relaxing place for a long, therapeutic soak. There's also a lido on the lakeshore that's popular with families.
If you're keen for more exercise, follow the hiking trails that take you past First World War forts, or cycle along the 80 km Valsugana cycle path, part of which follows the path of an old railway line and will be a bit easier on the legs.
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Given the altitude, the weather in the Dolomites is quite different to that of the Italy well known further south. Expect warm, sunny summers and cold, snow-laden winters.
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When you think of reasoned debate, The Trace isn't the place you go to look. There's a reason for that and it didn't change overnight. The one positive I can say about The Trace is that unlike many places that bill themselves as journalism sites, it wears its biases on its sleeve. You know its content is going to be anti-gun because it's an anti-gun site. The Trace exists to push for gun control.
I can respect the honest, as opposed to supposedly unbiased news organizations that push gun control habitually.
Over at The Trace, though, it has a Fudd who's talking all about how more states need to pass age limits for long guns.
Age requirements — and the gaps in federal law — entered the spotlight in February of last year, when a 19-year-old man used a legally purchased AR-15 rifle to murder 14 of his classmates and three school staffers in Parkland, Florida. Research shows that while most mass shootings involve handguns, rifles contribute to higher casualty counts. Furthermore, there are 30 states where individuals may buy guns from a private seller without any background check or even verification of age.
Like most policies that restrict a segment of the population from owning guns, age restrictions garner stiff opposition from gun rights groups.
As a proud and longtime gun owner, I believe in the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. But I also believe that this right is one the government has both the authority and obligation to regulate in the interest of public safety. Increasing age requirements is an important strategy to consider.
While an 18-year-old's brain is similar to that of a fully mature adult, key cognitive processes continue to develop until age 26. These include impulse control, which can affect an individual's ability to safely and appropriately use a gun.
Gun rights advocates argue that while such restrictions might successfully target and prevent dangerous actions by a few, the majority of those who would be affected are responsible gun owners. This argument lacks an understanding that owning a gun comes with unique risk. While gun ownership improves the lives of some, irresponsible gun use, including actions of those thought to be law-abiding citizens, can dramatically infringe upon the lIves of others. We must bear in mind that not only do guns have the potential to cause harm to living creatures, they were designed for that purpose.
Let's consider a number. That number is 2.4 million. That's the number of people who defend their life with a firearm each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now, let's talk about age limits for a moment.
At the age of 18, our society accepts that these individuals are mature enough to operate a motor vehicle, enlist in the military, get married, sign contracts, live on their own, and any number of other things. We treat them as adults.
Now, as someone who survived being 18, I'll agree that they're generally not particularly bright adults, at least compared to who they will be later on, but they're still treated as adults.
What this proposal does is say, "Sure, you're an adult…but you're going to be subjected to any violent crime that may befall you simply because a handful of bad actors made it so you can't have a gun."
At this point, people age 18 to 20 are already barred from having a handgun, which is a problem for me, but it's already the law. Instead, they can only have a long gun.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), only 248 people were murdered with a rifle. Another 262 were killed with a shotgun. That's just a hair over 500 people in a nation of around 330 million.
In other words, long guns aren't a problem.
By trying to push for age limits, however, anti-gunners are looking at a problem that simply doesn't exist and blaming an entire age category of people, most of whom have done nothing wrong.
While the writer's correct that guns being misused can cause problems, this isn't a solution. Instead, a better solution would be to push schools to include firearm safety courses as part of their regular curriculum. People who know and understand about guns are less likely to be careless with guns. Surely educating people on safe firearm handling practices should be non-controversial, right?
But trying to discriminate against legal adults because of the actions of a minute fraction of their age group isn't just wrong, it's ridiculous.


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Featured Exhibit
Poverty and Homelessness: Stigma and Relief Policies
The following exhibit will discribe poverty and homelessness. The exhibit focuses specifically the stigma around poverty homelessness and those who...
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Jane Addams Hull House.
Image of Jane Addams Hull-house museum. The museum and the building of Hull house. The house was founded by Jane Addams.
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River and Clouds, Emil Armin, 1941, WPA, screenprint printed in brown ink on wove paper, 11 7/8 × 15 7/8 inches. Gift of the Works Progress…


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Democrat Abigail Spanberger of Henrico heads to the podium late Tuesday night to claim a razor-thin victory in the 7th Congressional District contest against incumbent GOP Rep. Dave Brat.
Stories this photo appears in:
Dems take the House
Voter enthusiasm, coupled with rejection of Trump policies, results in Democrats regaining the U.S. House of Representatives in midterm election
Voters brought an end to one-party Republican rule in the nation's capital in Tuesday's election. Propelled by a surge of rank-and-file enthusiasm and widespread urban and suburban dissatisfaction with President Trump, Democrats took control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2011.


text: Search Other Collections All Collections All Interviews A-Z Agriculture in Illinois AV Barn Modern Era School District Reorganization Illinois Statecraft ERA Fight in Illinois General Interest Governor Dan Walker Project Governor Jim Edgar Project Governor Jim Thompson Project Journalists View Legislators Project Obama in Illinois Pension Crisis in Illinois Ronald Reagan In Dixon Veterans Remember World War II Korean War Cold War Era Vietnam War Gulf War War On Terror African American Chronicles Civil Rights Stories Delta Sigma Theta Springfield African-American History Foundation Architectural Gems Community Stories Rochester Williamsville Sangamon County Education is Key Alternatives in Education Civics Education Community College Project Educational Reform Act 1985 General Interest Higher Education Public School Funding School District Reorganization Family Memories Historians Speak Immigrant Stories Organizations and Agencies IHPA legacy Illinois State Museum Looking for Lincoln People of Faith Sport Stories Baseball General Interest Girls Basketball IHSA Take me back to the Oral History landing page. Joseph Flynn - World War II The son of Irish immigrants, Joseph Flynn was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 7, 1920. Joseph and his brother were drafted into the Army prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thinking he was going to fulfill his service in fourteen months, Flynn ended up serving as a medic for nearly four years. He was assigned to the 941st Field Artillery Regiment, part of V Corps of the 1st Army when the unit landed on Omaha Beach only seven days after D-Day in June 1944. Interview Links Abstract Interview (Audio) Transcript Photos CaptionTechnician, Third Grade (Staff Sergeant) Joseph Flynn and several military buddies taken in Germany at the end of the war, in August of 1945. From Left to Right (back row) are Barnes, Bingham and Ashley; (front row) Flynn, Zucco and Morvis.Where:UnknownWhen:August of 1945Ownership:Narrator's Photo CaptionPhoto of Sergeant Joe Flynn during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944.Where:UnknownWhen:December of 1944Ownership:Narrator's Photo CaptionPhoto of Sergeant Joe Flynn (on right) with an unknown soldier during the Battle of the Bulge.Where:UnknownWhen:UnknownOwnership:Narrator's Photo


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Album Review – Grace Basement's "Mississippi Nights"
Mississippi Nights is a fun record, really easy to get into, hard to let go of, and giving of musical enjoyment regardless of your roots music preferences. Sometimes an album, artist, or song speaks to you, and you're not exactly sure why. There's just something about it that makes it "cool."


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Over the last few years of writing this blog and recording my podcast, I've repeated myself more than a few times.
In this post, I'd like to consolidate all the most common advice I seem to keep repeating into one place. I've included lots of links below in case you'd like to learn more about any of these ideas.
Don't want to read this post? Listen to the podcast instead:
This episode of the Paul Minors Podcast is sponsored by TextExpander.
[toc]1. Block out time for tasks on your calendar
I seem to talk about this all the time, so let's get it out of the way first. Time blocking is the most useful method I know to plan your time. It helps you to take all your tasks and actually plan WHEN you're going to do them, down to the hour (this is why I rarely struggled with procrastination).
It's quite an involved way of planning your time and requires a bit of extra effort, which is exactly why it works. You have to think. You have to be intentional.
While it seems like a very strict system, it's actually very flexible. As I've said many times before, I keep my calendar in view at all times on my MacBook screen to the right of my primary display. This allows me to quickly change and update my plan throughout the day.
» Click here to learn more and watch my video about time blocking…
2. Archive your email (email is not a todo list)
It still amazes me how many people DON'T do this.
The premise is simple. When you're done processing an email, archive it. Even if you're waiting for a reply. Archiving is not the same as deleting. Archiving simply means the message is no longer in your inbox.
This helps to make your inbox a lot less overwhelming and easier to focus on new or important messages you still need to process.
» Click here to read about how I got email down to 30 minutes per day…
3. Stop switching tools
A lot of people think the solution to their productivity problems is to find a better task management tool or email application.
I hear from people all the time who have tried countless different apps but nothing quite worked the way they want. Let me save you some time… The perfect email/notes/calendar tool doesn't exist. Each one has their pros and cons but at some point, you need to find a system of tools that works well for you and stop trying every shiny new app that gets released.
I've been using the same tools for years now. Occasionally, I'll make a change (like when I switched from Evernote to Apple Notes) but I think very carefully before I do to make sure it's worth learning something new.
4. Do what works for you (and stop comparing yourself to others)
Along the same lines, stop trying to copy other people. Everyone's work is different and the tools and process you use to manage your work is likely to be different as well.
My advice… look at what other people do and incorporate the bits that you like into your own system.
5. Sleep lots, exercise often and eat well
I've talked before about how sleep, diet and exercise are "productivity multipliers". Meaning if you keep everything else unchanged and you improve these three things, you'll notice an improvement to your focus and output.
CTT: Keeping everything else unchanged, optimising these three "productivity multipliers", will drastically increase your focus, efficiency and output with no other changes to your routine or productivity systems required.
It's pretty simple:
- Go to bed around the same time each night and aim for 7-8 hours minimum. Getting good sleep should be a non-negotiable.
- Exercise 4–5 times per week. Run, walk, swim, cycle, lift weights, join a class, play a sport. There's no hard and fast rule. Just move your body in a variety of ways and get a good mix of cardio and strength work in.
- "Eat food, mostly plants, not too much" – i.e. Eat whole food and avoid processed foods. Eat lots of fruit and veg and not too much meat or dairy (a bit is fine). And don't stuff yourself at each meal.
» Read more about how to multiply your productivity…
6. Learn how to automate things
Whatever you do, I bet there are dozens of little things you do each day that a computer could do for you.
My business wouldn't be where it is today without the automation that I have in place. I save dozens of hours each week by using tools like Zapier, Hazel, Keyboard Maestro and Alfred. These tools are like little robots that do things for me and make my life easier.
Learn how to use these tools and it's amazing what you can achieve.
» Keyboard Maestro field guide by Mac Sparky (I've purchased this and can vouch for it)
» Hazel field guide by Mac Sparky
7. Learn as many keyboard shortcuts as you can
An easy way to do things faster on your computer is to learn as many keyboard shortcuts as you can. Your goal should be to touch the mouse as little as possible.
Recently I started using Keyboard Maestro to string together a series of shortcuts so I can execute a series of steps with a few buttons.
I also highly recommend TextExpander (affiliate link) for spitting out blocks of text for things like email templates and saved links.
» Click here to read more about my computer hacks…
» Sign up to TextExpander with my affiliate link to save 20% on your purchase
8. Build discipline to overcome procrastination
A huge part of good productivity comes down to personal discipline, plain and simple. When I hear from people who struggle with procrastination, they often turn to website blocking tools so they can't go on sites like Facebook during work hours. To me, this feels like putting a bandage on the problem. Instead, focus on building self-control and solve the problem at the source.
Again, this is why time blocking (mentioned above) is so powerful. By creating a clear plan of when you're going to do things, it's harder to procrastinate.
9. Organise in "real-time" (instead of catching up later)
When it comes to organising email, tasks, your calendar, files or notes, a lot of people wait until the end of the day or week to "clean up" their stuff. This creates situations where your calendar or your todo list is out of sync. It's not up to date and so it looses some of its value.
Instead, keep things organised in "real time". For example, when you download an email attachment, decide if you'd like to keep it (if so, file it away) or delete it. Don't just leave it on your Desktop.
What many people don't realise is that taking the extra time to be organised now improves your efficiency later on.
» Click here to read about developing an organised mindset…
10. To get more done, have less to do
I love this saying as it highlights the importance of prioritisation and focussing on concepts discussed in books like Essentialism and The ONE Thing.
Instead of being "busy" with lots of little things that have a small impact, you should be focussing your time and attention on the one big thing that's going to have the biggest impact on your goals.
Often I'll spend time on things that I later realise were a complete waste of time. Now my goal is to try and catch myself before I do something so I can put my energy to better use or not work at all.
11. Follow "just in time learning"
In today's fast-moving world, there's an overwhelming amount of new books, articles, email newsletters, videos and online courses out there.
We often consume this content to trick ourselves into feeling productive when really we're using it to put off more difficult tasks.
Instead, you should follow a "just in time" approach to learning and only read a book or take a course if you have a need to do so. For example, I just signed up to Brennan Dunns new ConvertKit course because I've just started using this platform and I'd like to learn how to take advantage of the tool.
» Click here to hear why you shouldn't read too much…
12. Set your future self up for success
I like to "set myself up for success" as much as I can. For example:
- I keep good notes about the clients I'm working with so I know where each one is at and what I need to do next. This means it's faster to pick up where I left off without having to dig through emails or refresh my memory.
- For recurring work and tasks that I have to do on a weekly or monthly basis, I include instructions on what to do and useful links so it's easier to follow the same process each time.
- At the end of each day, I review all my tasks for tomorrow and set them up in the order I'm going to do them so that in the morning I can get started on the first one without any input needed.
What have I missed from this list? What productivity advice do you follow that I haven't included, leave me a comment below!


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European new car sales continue YOY growth – JATO Dynamics
JATO Dynamics' latest report suggests that the European new car market is showing no sign of slowing down. July sales are up 5.4 per cent year-on-year, with the majority of Europe's bigger markets in positive growth for the month. The five largest markets have all grown year-to-date.
Spain saw the best performance, where government incentives led to double-digit growth of 11.3 per cent for the month. Great Britain (+6.6 per cent) and Italy (+5.3 per cent) also performed well during July, while Germany returned to growth of 6.8 per cent following a slight fall in June. France saw a sales drop of 4.3 per cent in July, but growth remains up 1.9 per cent on year-to-date sales.
Out of the countries studied, 22 of the 29 registered growth compared to July last year. Sweden continues to impress with sales growth up 12.7 per cent on the same month last year and a 17.1 per cent increase year-to-date. Elsewhere, the Czech Republic recorded another month of double-digit growth, with sales increasing 21.8 per cent year-on-year and Switzerland started to reverse its year-on-year decline with growth of 4.3 per cent compared to July last year.
Monthly sales for July increased considerably from last year in Ireland (+61.6 per cent) and Portugal (+30.6 per cent), although both markets started from a low base. Ireland benefitted from a split registration system, which gave consumers a better choice in buying their new car mid-year rather than during the busy first quarter.
The Volkswagen Golf remains the top selling model in Europe and led the way for Volkswagen with a sales increase of 10.9 per cent for July and 13.7 per cent year-to-date. Audi's A3 recorded a 23.0 per cent increase in sales for the month, putting its year-to-date sales at +29.3 per cent.
Other strong performers included the third-placed Renault Clio (+11.9 per cent) and Opel/Vauxhall's Corsa (+16.7 per cent) in fifth place.
Outside of the top 10, Skoda's impressive month saw a sales increase for both their Rapid and Yeti models while the Fabia also performed well, with sales almost level with last year despite serious competition in the B-segment.
Compact crossover vehicles such as the Dacia Duster (+85.5 per cent) and the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka (+62.4 per cent) proved to be popular choices during July. This segment also saw another surge in demand for the newly introduced Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.
Gareth Hession, Vice President of Research at JATO Dynamics, commented: "Based on this month's performance there are no signs that the European new car sales recovery is slowing down. Gains remain steady across most European countries, particularly amongst a number of key larger markets, and I expect this to continue in August, therefore delivering a full year of overall sales growth."


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Our mission at mySidewalk is to democratize data. We believe that data in the right hands can change the world, so we're working every day to make data more accessible for everyone. Just like we can't imagine a government building in 2022 not having wheelchair accessibility, we believe everyone should have equal access to the information we enable our clients to share publicly. Nearly one in five Americans is living with a disability, such as vision loss, hearing loss, or mobility impairments, and mySidewalk is committed to designing products that are accessible for all.
Our entire platform and all of our shareable documents are fully ADA-compliant, meet WCAG Version 2.0 Level AA accessibility guidelines, and are built with consideration for physical and visual impairments.
mySidewalk is committed to not only meeting accessibility standards but to continually improving the user experience for everyone. Read more about our commitment to accessibility here. Or check out some of the ways we have made our platform more accessible to everyone below.
Fully Responsive Shared Reports and Boards
Our shared reports and dashboards work at any screen size and text can be magnified without breaking the site layout.
Compatible with Assistive Technologies
Shared reports and dashboards are compatible with keyboard-only navigation and assistive technologies such as screen readers, text-to-braille software, and switch access devices.
Accessibility-friendly Data Tables
Charts can be viewed as an accessibility-friendly data table.
Accessibility Visualization Descriptions
App users can provide descriptive text to all charts and maps describing the intent of the visualization.
Data Export
If an app user decides to enable data export, all maps and charts can have their underlying data downloaded as a standard CSV file for easy consumption.


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CAIRO (AFP) - A dawn collision between two vessels in the Gulf of Suez left at least 11 fishermen dead and 18 missing on Sunday, Egyptian officials said.
The vessel that struck the fishing boat carrying 40 men failed to stop following the accident, said Bakri Abul Hassan, the head of Egypt's main fishermen's trade union.
The accident occurred in the Gulf of Suez between Ras Ghareb on the Egyptian mainland and El-Tor on the Sinai Peninsula, he told AFP.
The bodies of 11 fishermen were retrieved from the Gulf, which links the Red Sea to the Suez Canal and Mediterranean.
Another 11 fishermen were pulled from the water and a search and rescue operation was underway for the 18 still missing.


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E-waste disposal properly retires computer hardware and takes special steps in the areas of security, legal compliance and accountability. For example, we protect you from liability by taking title to equipment. We add an extra layer of security and is ideal for companies with highly sensitive data, including hospitals, banks, financial institutions and government agencies.
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Our commitment to the environment and rigorous approach protect our clients' valuable brands is paramount.
Environmental sustainability is in our DNA. Our mission is to leave this planet in a better place than we found it.


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According to an email from Cobb County Communications Director Ross Cavitt, Cobb's parks will reopen on May 11. with some restrictions.
The county had already opened multi-use trails, including the Silver Comet Trail, and passive parks on April 25.
The emailed announcement stated:
COBB'S OUTDOOR PARKS TO REOPEN – Cobb PARKS will reopen their outdoor facilities on Monday, May 11th. Trails and passive parks have already been open to the public, so this will reopen the remainder of our outdoor parks. Due to continuing health concerns surrounding the coronavirus, the following restrictions will remain in place:
- Playgrounds and restrooms at park facilities will remain closed.
- No organized athletic activities will be allowed.
- Park Rangers and PARKS personnel will monitor the parks to ensure park patrons maintain proper social distancing.
- Flagrant violations could result in the closure of part or all of that facility.
- Indoor facilities, such as aquatic centers and arts centers, will remain closed.


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Website Ministry of Justice
Bailiff – Stoke County Court – 65699
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
This is an operational role that is customer facing, requiring successful applicants to be office based to provide HMCTS services to the public. HMCTS offers a flexible working system in many of its offices, subject to business needs being met.
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice. We provide support for the legal system across England and Wales, ensuring justice works for everyone.
Our Justice system defends our fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a cornerstone of our modern society. It protects some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, from families in crisis to claimants and commercial businesses. We have a responsibility to deliver a Justice system that is accessible to everyone and operates efficiently.
We asked some bailiffs what they loved about their job, and here are their responses:
"The abilities you need as a bailiff is the ability to listen, to be a good communicator and you need a persuasive manner to explain that it's an order from the Courts that has to be carried out, whilst, showing great empathy for customers.
I do love this job, Its only my 3rd job since I left school, I'm 58, my first job I had for around 39 years, I probably haven't got another 39 left, but if I did I'd hope I'm still a bailiff."
"Being a bailiff is incredibly rewarding…you are part of a select group within HMCTS, you can draw on the experience of colleagues who will always be on hand to give advice or support you when needed. It's not just a job- its who you are and how you deliver it."
As a bailiff you will play a vital role in the UK's Justice System working on the front line, dealing with people who are at some of the most challenging points of their lives. We understand that this role will not suit everyone, but if you like a dynamic job that has different challenges each day a bailiff role may suit you.
To be a successful bailiff, you will be an excellent communicator. You need to be able to swiftly assess circumstances, adapt accordingly and be a confident leader in emotionally charged situations.
As a Bailiff you will be visiting people in their homes and businesses, you must be able to calmly explain why you are visiting and what options are available to help resolve matters. You must be able to demonstrate empathy for court users, be non-judgmental but focussed on carrying out your role whilst fully respecting the customers that you meet.
You will be able to plan your days to manage your workload but be able to cope and adapt with plans changing at short notice.
We give you the option of using your own car or a lease car, so a driving licence is essential. Fuel allowances are paid. You will receive full PPE and safety training to give you the knowledge and confidence to conduct your bailiff duties successfully. You should be familiar with using IT and be comfortable with receiving training on the courts case management systems.
If you have excellent customer service skills, prefer working away from an office, enjoy working by yourself or in a small team and like your days to be varied, then working as a bailiff may be the job for you.
This role gives you the opportunity to make a difference in HMCTS and gives you the benefits of working within the Civil Service.
We're passionate about delivering Justice for everybody in the UK. That means having a diverse workforce that fully represents the people we serve so if you have the confidence and desire to make a difference and are interested in applying for this role, please see the Bailiff Job description.
For a full outline of tasks please see the Job Description when you apply
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
- A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or e mail email@example.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (firstname.lastname@example.com);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Report Job


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Fisher-Price Jonathan Adler Collection Projection Mobile, White DMK17
Baby (and you) will be delighted by this fresh and stylish projection mobile, designed in partnership with Jonathan Adler. Soft music or sounds, three plush pals gently spinning overhead, an enchanting scene projected onto the mobile canopy and a soft glowing amber light are the perfect calming combo for your newborn's bedtime or naptime. And don't worry about disturbing baby to turn the mobile on or off - that's what the remote is for. (You're welcome!) As your little one gets older, remove the mobile to project the sweet scene onto the ceiling so the soothing can continue and you can maintain that hard-won sleep routine. This 2-in-1 mobile is truly a dream-come-true for new moms and dads!
The enchanting projection, gentle sounds & music and soft friends dancing overhead help baby to understand when it's time to wind down and go to sleep. All of these calming features surround baby with sweet tranquility and help provide a consistent bedtime routine.
- 2-in-1 - full color projection grows with baby
- 3 plush animal pals with high-contrast B&W bellies gently rotate overhead - perfect for eye-tracking
- Up to 30 minutes of calming music, sounds or white noise
- Softly glowing amber night light
- Shah Remote control starts or stops the mobile without disturbing baby
- 17 x 10.5 x 24.8 inches
- Battery life: 218 hours


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Georgia Southern University provides nearly 400 student-athletes who play in one of the 17 Division-I varsity programs with not only the opportunity to earn a college education but to also grow as an individual, give back to the community and positively represent the University for a lifetime.
With some of the highest grade point averages in the history of Georgia Southern athletics, students have found a way to balance playbooks and textbooks. Their academic accomplishments have gained nationwide recognition and were recently honored by the Golf Coaches Association of America, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, College Sports Information Directors of America, National Soccer Coaches Association of America, College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America and Women's Golf Coaches Association.
However, these honors aren't possible without scholarships. To ensure the successful trend and to maximize student-athletes' potential, the Athletic Foundation has introduced two new initiatives, the Champion Society and True Blue 120.
The Champion Society is the Eagle Fund's highest giving level. As a five-year commitment, members of the Champion Society have pledged a minimum of $50,000 to the annual fund. To celebrate their dedication to the athletics program, members receive a tailored Champion Society jacket. With five members the inaugural year, the Society grew to 15 members in 2016 and already has new members committed for 2017.
While giving to the highest level isn't a viable option for everyone, the Foundation introduced True Blue 120 to raise awareness of the Eagle Fund. True Blue 120 encourages current members to continue their commitment or give the gift of the Eagle Fund and invites new members to invest in the future of student-athletes by giving a minimum of $120 a year.
Learn More About How Giving To The Foundation Impacts The Lives Of Student-Athletes,
visit GSEagles.com/Foundation and sign up to be an Eagle Insider at GSEagles.com/Insider.


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I Am Power brand is for you who have made a commitment to use The Guiding Principles of Peace and Unity as a guide to your efforts to develop self-reliance and wealth.
Our Brushed Twill Low Profile Cap is a great take on a classic and relaxed hat meant for everyday wear. It is unstructured, which means the crown of the hat is soft, giving it added comfort and a more easygoing style. The six panels offer minimal difficulty to personalize with one or more logos. The open back fabric closure has an adjustable buckle for one-size-fits-all measurements.
Features include:
-100% brushed cotton twill
-Low Profile
-Self-fabric adjustable slide closure with buckle


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Divergent and convergent plate boundaries
Mr. F is a teacher with too many...
11 years ago
Simple overview of plate boundaries, the title says it all.
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text: Humans are far from perfectly logical. There have been a slew of new books out there linking what Psychologists have known for years with our everyday behavior. However, we're only just beginning to use some of these principles effectively online. Find out what the principles are, and how you might be able to put them to work for you. What You Will Learn: • What is persuasive design? What are keys to being persuasive? • What is the business benefit of using Persuasive Design? • How do I get started? • How will I know if I'm successful? • Where can I learn more?


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Tanks, Bombs and 9/11 Retribution - women and children pay
Archie's Creek Sat, 07/21/2012 - 1:50pm
Canada's (NATO) 9/11 Retribution continues today in Afghanistan, according to a UN report, last year, claiming more than 3,000 Afghan civilians were killed in the violence; 14% of which is attributed to international and Afghan troops. Most recent 18 civilians mostly women and children were reported killed in NATO air strike June 2012. ARIANE JANSON MNM JUNE 6, 2012
Scaring children with military tanks during an Edmonton parade, prompts publisher of youtube to remind Canadians of the promised 9/11 retribution that's still killing Afghan women and children today.
- Archie's Creek's blog
- Login to post comments


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Do you have a difficult time keeping your houseplants alive? Rest assured that you are not alone!
There could be dozens of speculations that contribute to the lack of growth and bloom in your plants, such as under-watering, over-watering, excess sunlight, or insufficient sunlight. However, to keep your houseplants well-fed is not one of them.
By including well-trusted fertilizer in your plant watering routine, you can boost your houseplants' growth by providing the essential nutrients they need to bloom. Additionally, the
fertilizer for houseplants will keep each part of the plant from roots to leaves healthy and protected from pests and insects.
Let us explore the realm of best fertilizers for houseplants. This article will discuss the usage and types of fertilizers for houseplants and provide you with the best fertilizers you need to boost your plants like never before.
Table of Contents
What Is The Best Time To Fertilize The Houseplants?
Houseplants will fade and wither when they require water. The leaves will grow pale when they are not exposed to enough sunlight. And when there is low humidity, they might turn hard. However, you may never know if it's the best time to fertilize your houseplant as there are no clear signs.
Therefore, instead of waiting for decay signs, you have to plan a fertilizer schedule according to their growth cycle. Given below is the schedule which is typical for most houseplants.
Fertilizer Schedule for Houseplants
With the season, the requirement of fertilizing your houseplants also changes. Therefore, you should alter the fertilizing applications according to the season and your plant's growing stages.
Summer Fertilizing Schedule For Houseplants
During summers, houseplants are more active as they receive sufficient exposure to sunlight. Therefore, you need to shift to a repetitive routine for houseplant fertilization.
Firstly, focus on what type of houseplant fertilizer you are using. For instance, if you use liquid fertilizer, you can repeatedly apply it, like monthly or weekly. However, in the case of granular fertilizer, you should use it once in two months.
The slow-release filters break down slowly to release nutrients further in small amounts. Therefore, one application of slow-release fertilizer can last for 3-4 months.
Spring Fertilizing Schedule For Houseplants
During the spring season, it would help if you began fertilizing your houseplants eight weeks prior to the last estimated spring frost. That means you should start the application in mid-March for the optimum results. During this time, the days are long, and the houseplants will transform from a semi-dormant state into an active growing stage.
For granular fertilizer, apply half the amount as directed on the instruction label. And for liquid fertilizer, mix the fertilizer to half its strength. As the fertilizer only feeds the plants when they are ready for active growth, the plants do not require an enormous amount of nutrients from fertilizers.
Winter Fertilizing Schedule For Houseplants
Houseplants should not be fertilized during the winter season, as they are not in a state of active growth. Precisely speaking, the houseplants are inactive in winter.
If you fertilize the houseplants during winter, the fertilizer can turn the leaf tips into brown color and burn your plants.
Autumn Fertilizing Schedule For Houseplants
Fertilize your plants eight weeks prior to the first expected fall frost. After that, you should gradually stop the fertilization and tapper off the frequency.
The best time is from mid-August, apply half the amount of fertilizer, and extend the time between fertilization up to 3-4 applications, which will lead to the beginning of winter.
Two Exclusions To The Schedule
- You can continue following the summer fertilization schedule in a tropical climate as the weather is warm throughout the year.
- You can fertilize even in winters if you live in a climate which does not receive estimated winter frost. However, apply it half the frequency and strength of summer applications.
What Are The Nutrients Required For Essential Growth Of Houseplants?
Soil is home to essential nutrients required by plants for active growth and development. However, the plants require three primary nutrients in high amounts, including, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The three nutrients make up the NPK ratio.
Other secondary nutrients that are essential for plant health are magnesium, sulphur, and calcium. Additionally, houseplants require small quantities of zinc, manganese, copper, molybdenum, boron, and iron. They are known as traces and play an essential role in plant growth.
Let us discuss the essential nutrients required by houseplants in detail.
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients responsible for plant growth. It is found in plant proteins, hormones, cells, and chlorophyll.
The source of soil nitrogen is atmospheric nitrogen. Many plants, like legumes, stick the atmospheric nitrogen on their roots. However, fertilizer factories use atmospheric nitrogen to make ammonium nitrate, urea, and ammonium sulfate. When applied to the soil, the nitrogen converts into nitrate for the plants to absorb.
Potassium (K)
Potassium aims to improve the overall strength and health of the plant. It enhances the plant's ability to handle extreme temperatures and also eases the stress from drought. Additionally, it helps the plants to resist diseases.
Phosphorus (P)
Plants require phosphorus in large amounts for root development and growth. Flowers with a sufficient phosphorus quantity will result in more blooms, and the fruits will ripe faster.
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium promotes the growth of young shoots and roots and is essential for plant vigor. On top of that, it supports the cell wall building of the plants.
As calcium is immobile, the plant cannot transfer the nutrient to the area affected by the deficiency. Therefore, you need external calcium sources such as Dolomite, lime, superphosphate, and gypsum to make up for the deficiencies.
Sulphur (S)
Sulphur is essential to maintain the dark green color of the plants, which enhances the vigorous growth. In addition, it is a crucial nutrient after phosphorus, which is required to manufacture chlorophyll.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium aids the plants in nutrients uptakes and seed formation. As it is present in the chlorophyll, it is also responsible for the houseplants' dark green color. Plus, it can convert sunlight into food for plants.
What Are The Different Ways To Apply Fertilizer?
Soil does not always contain sufficient nutrients as most of the nutrients are already exhausted by plants. Therefore, you need the best fertilizers for houseplants to retain their active growth and liveliness.
Once you have got your fertilizer, it is time to apply. However, there are not one but many ways to apply the fertilizer.
Soil Application
In this process, you will directly apply the fertilizer to the soil so that the plant's roots take up the essential nutrients required for their growth.
You can use a dry mix or liquid fertilizer to dissolve in a water-based solution to saturate the soil and control the dosage eventually. Dilute about half the formula's strength as you do not want to burn your plants with over-feeding.
To avoid shocking your plants with high concentration, make sure you water the soil before applying fertilizer. It is necessary because if the soil is dry, the plants will extract the moisture and overfeed themselves with fertilizer.
Foliar Feeding
The second method to fertilize houseplants is to spray the fertilizer directly on the leaves. Foliar feeding enhances high nutrient intake as compared to soil fertilization.
Things to know about Foliar Feeding:
- You should experiment with foliar feeding after dusk and before dawn. During this time, the leaf stomata are open.
- The absorbing stomata are beneath the leaf so ensure that the fertilizer reaches the place properly.
- Ensure there is a good amount of airflow around the leaves to prevent moisture-related problems and the growth of fungus.
- Use a sprayer that delivers a fine mist that allows better absorption.
- Always fertilize leaves before the temperature reaches more than 72 degrees as the heat results in the closure of stomata in some houseplants.
Mistakes To Avoid While Fertilizing Houseplants
Fertilization can be simple for some and challenging for others. If this is your first time, you should be careful while following the instruction and its application.
To help you out, we will guide you through the possible mistakes you can make while fertilization and how to avoid them.
It is common to over-fertilize your houseplants. In order to enrich your plants with nutrients, you unintentionally overfeed them. However, plants can only handle the required amount at once.
Here is how you over-fertilize your houseplants:
- Continue to fertilize during dormancy
- Poor soil drainage leaves the fertilizer residue in the soil
- Extreme use of slow-release fertilizers
- Applying a different combination of fertilizers
Over-fertilization leads to yellow leaves, and excess salt build-up from fertilizers can weaken the plant roots.
The first thing you can do is to moderate your fertilization process. Besides diluting the fertilizer, try to avoid feeding your plants that have slow-release fertilizer in the soil.
Flushing the soil is another practice for plant maintenance. The process is quite simple: all you have to do is pour the water over the soil until it flows down to the drainage holes. Repeat the step multiple times and allow the soil to drain in between.
Under-fertilization is not as common as over-fertilization. However, you can rule out the signs of under-fertilization if the plant shows weak stems and pale leaves.
Other signs of under-fertilization are visible on older leaves that appear yellow or drained. Also, the plant may appear to be stunted and indicate slow growth. An under-fertilized household plant cannot resist pathogens.
The symptoms are due to a lack of essential nutrients in the plants resulting in nutrient deficiency.
If the plant has begun to flower but struggles to bloom, try providing potassium and phosphorus to give your plant an extra boost. However, make sure that you also include other elements, such as calcium, sulphur, and magnesium.
Under-fertilization can be easily solved by providing your plants with enough nutrients to make up for the deficiency.
How Often Should You Fertilize Your Houseplant?
The frequency of the fertilizer application depends on several factors, which includes:
According To The Season
Summer and Spring are considered as the growing season where the houseplants require regular fertilization. However, the frequency of application entirely depends on the plant's growth rate. Some houseplants have an intense growth rate and require fertilizing after every 2 weeks, while plants with a slow growth rate need fertilizing every 3-4 months.
According To The Fertilizer
In most cases, the quantity of fertilizer your plants require depends on the type of fertilizer used. The instructions are provided on the label indicating how much and how often you should fertilize the plants.
Granular fertilizers can be used more often than it is directed on the product. You can even use the fertilizer once every two weeks. That is because; granular fertilizers are quick to release in the soil. As soon as the plants absorb the fertilizer, the soil is ready to receive more.
The slow-release fertilizers should be applied only as directed on the instruction label. As they slowly release nutrients in the soil, they can last for more than two months after one application.
In the case of liquid fertilizers, you can add them as regularly as you water the plants. However, it also depends on the size and growth of your plant.
What Are The Different Type Of Fertilizers?
Before you start fertilizing, it is crucial to know the different types of fertilizers and which one will improve your houseplant's overall growth.
The best fertilizers for houseplants is divided into two categories: Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers.
Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are made from animals and plants, including fish emulsion, worm castings, bone meal, kelp, and compost. They provide a wide variety of nutrition to plants to enhance their growth.
In addition to nutrients, they can also feed beneficial bacterial to help the plants in nutrients absorption. With organic fertilizers, there are low chances of overdose as the NPK offers a lower concentration.
Synthetic Fertilizers
Processed in laboratories, synthetic fertilizers are available in the ready-to-apply form. With synthetic fertilizers, you will know the exact percentage you are getting to prepare the dose accordingly.
Another thing is that they are quick-releasing fertilizers, which provide an instant boost to your houseplants.
Different Forms Of Houseplant Fertilizers
Both Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers come in different varieties, including liquids, slow-release, granular, sticks, and tablet forms. Among all of them, liquid and slow-release fertilizers are best suited for houseplants.
Sticks and pills fertilizers are also convenient, but they do not distribute the nutrients evenly in the soil.
Before making a decision, let us take a look at each category of fertilizer in detail.
Liquid Fertilizers
The liquid fertilizers include ammoniates, anhydrous liquid ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and nitrogenous fertilizers. They are convenient and necessary for houseplant fertilizers. They are helpful as they can provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plants, which you can control.
During winters, you can easily stop the feeding when the houseplants become dormant and increase the feeding when your plant is ready for new growth.
Granular Fertilizers
Granular Fertilizers are available in two different formulations: granular and loose pellets and other as compressed fertilizer spikes.
With pelletized granular fertilizers, you need to distribute them on the soil's surface evenly. Whereas with compressed fertilizer spikes, you need to push the spikes down into the soil to come in contact with the roots.
The best thing is that the pelletized and compressed granular fertilizers are comprised of natural components. The components are worm casting, limestone, bone meal, rock phosphate, sulfate of potash, animal and plant-based ingredients.
Slow-Release Fertilizers
As the name suggests, the slow-release fertilizers release a steady and small amount of nutrients into the plants' soil to absorb over time.
Slow-release nutrients are organic as the nutrients naturally break down and decompose. You can use them for both outdoor and indoor plants. Moreover, the fertilizers are generally coated in time-release shells, which slowly release the nutrients.
Best Fertilizers For Houseplants – Reviews
Now that you have gained enough knowledge about the fertilizers for houseplants, it is time to read our best products' detailed reviews. After reading the reviews, we hope you will select the best fertilizer for houseplants that meet your requirements.
1. Easy Peasy Liquid Indoor Plant Food
NPK Ratio: 4-2-4
Houseplants add life to your bedroom, living room, or any room in the home or office, for that matter. However, to keep them in healthy condition for a longer period, you need to care for them, and Easy Peasy Liquid Indoor Plant Food takes care of the plant's nutrition.
In an 8 oz bottle, the fertilizer contains long-lasting NPK liquid nutrient formula. The sulphur nutrient works faster than regular plant foods and fertilizer spikes. The 4-2-4 houseplant food concentrate promotes the growth of small plants.
The nitrogen quantity is sufficient enough to boost bright colored new leaves. At the same time, potassium helps in flowering for about two years, and phosphorus will enhance the root growth and protect the plant from root rot.
- Promotes colorful blooms and leaf growth
- Specific NPK ratio with added sulphur to promote better nutrient intake
- High concentrate helps to reduce the use of plastic bottles
- Easy to follow instructions
- An excess amount can burn your houseplants
2. Perfect Plants Liquid Indoor Plant Food
NPK Ratio: 9-3-6
Instead of growing plants in the yard or garden, grow them inside your apartment. However, with such extensive choices of houseplants, you require a fertilizer that can nourish the wide variety. Perfect Plants have formulated a liquid fertilizer to provide the ideal nutrients to different house plants immediately.
With Liquid fertilizer, the key benefit is that it rapidly penetrates into the soil. As the fertilizer is already liquid, the roots can absorb the nutrients instantly.
You can simply add the liquid fertilizer into your regular watering can to increase your plants' overall growth and health. Immediate nourishment is the key to promote healthy foliage and tough roots.
Being a liquid fertilizer, it is straightforward to use to avoid over-fertilizing and overwatering the plants. You can control the exact amount of nutrients which is required by your houseplants.
- Promotes vibrant growth and healthy plants
- Can be used for a variety of houseplants
- Comes with a concentrated mix
- Re-sealable bottle keeps the effectiveness intact
- Should not be applied during winters
3. Jobe's 5001T Houseplant Indoor Fertilizer Food Spikes
NPK Ratio: 13-5-5
Keeping your houseplants healthy has never been easier than with Jobe's Houseplant Indoor Fertilizer Spikes. With the right amount of nutrients, the houseplants will thrive in any given condition.
The fertilizer spikes offer a continuous release of essential nutrients to the plant's roots. This is where the plants require nutrients the most, and it spreads all the way up to the leaves. Its one-time application can last for about eight weeks.
Comes with pre-measured concentration, the formulated spikes can be directly inserted into the soil around the plant. Unlike other granular or liquid fertilizers, the Jobe's Houseplant Spikes helps eliminate smells, hazards, and mess. Moreover, it cannot be washed away if you water the plants.
- Supports blooms and plant foliage
- Does not include any hazardous material
- The fertilizer is odorless
- Does not leach the nutrients upon watering
- Excess use might lead to overgrowth of the plants
4. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food
NPK Ratio: 1-1-1
Some fertilizers come with complicated instructions of applications, and if misapplied, they can harm your plants. Miracle-Gro comes with ready-to-apply foam, which makes it easy and straightforward to use.
Great for all kinds of houseplants, the fertilizer contains all the necessary nutrients for their healthy growth and development. You need to pump the fertilizer twice a week on small plants and five times on large plants and water as usual for best results.
If you are new at gardening, this is the best fertilizer to start with as it does not involve measuring or mixing. Just simply apply the foam directly to the soil, and your plants will grow to their full potential.
- Feeds all the indoor houseplants instantly
- Can be used on edibles, cacti, and succulents
- The foam dissolves into the soil as you water
- Easy-to-apply formula
- Overuse can kill or burn your houseplants
5. All-Purpose House Plant Fertilizer By Aquatic Arts
NPK Ratio: 3-1-2
It doesn't matter if your houseplants are placed in a pot, hanger, or a holder; the All-Purpose Fertilizer formula can provide nutrition to plants anywhere at any time. Promoting healthy and robust growth, the fertilizer eliminates plants' wilting more efficiently than granules or pellets.
Use a teaspoon of liquid for every 2 cups of water to provide your plants with sufficient phosphorus, nitrogen, and vitamins. They are necessary for better production of roots and leaves. With an 8 oz bottle, the fertilizer can last for a year.
The durability of the fertilizer is another excellent feature. You can use it on virtually every indoor herb, including orchids, cactus, mums, daisies, Gerbera, poinsettias, and African violets.
- Feed any type of houseplants
- A small quantity can boost plant growth
- The bottle can last for about a year
- Revives dying plants
- Fertilizer is gentle on your plants
- Not suitable for starting seeds
6. Osmocote 274150 Plant Food
NPK Ratio: 15-9-12
Osmocote Plant Food works perfectly in different growing conditions and plant varieties, making it an all-in-one solution for all professional and beginner gardeners. Comes in granular form, the smart-release plant food is ideally formulated for various houseplants.
Strengthened with eleven necessary nutrients, it can be applied indoors as well as outdoors for thriving growth required in different growing conditions of the plant. Additionally, the granules are generally coated with resin that steadily releases the nutrients as you water the plants.
Another best thing about plant food is that its one-time application lasts for over six months. Moreover, the application is relatively simple. You can measure the desired amount with a measuring scoop. One scoop of plant food is sufficient for two gallons of water to cover four sq. ft. area.
If you apply the fertilizer as instructed, it will result in the exceptional growth of plants' roots and leaves. For that, you need to mix the granules into the top 3 inch layers of soil and water the plants as usual.
- Stimulated with 11 essential nutrients
- Feeds for about six months after one application
- Does not burn the plants
- Works well for indoor and outdoor plants
- Can damage the plants if not applied as instructed
7. Espoma Company INPF8 Organic Indoor Plant Food
NPK Ratio: 2-2-2
Easy to use organic and natural fertilizer, Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food is equipped with essential microbes to provide exceptional results. The natural formula enhances the vigorous, healthy, and vibrant growth of the plants.
The application process of the fertilizer is relatively straightforward. You have to shake the container and turn it downwards by ensuring that the lid is closed. After that, turn the container upright, remove the lid, and you can use the pre-measured dose on the plants.
The blend is enriched with humic acids, beneficial microbes, and kelp extracts. Moreover, the liquefied nature of the mixture ensures instant availability of nutrients to the houseplants through leaves.
If you are more inclined towards organic gardening, this natural plant food is the best choice for you.
- Pure organic food
- Easy to use and apply
- Boost your plant growth
- Liquid formula with readily available nutrients
- Release intense smell when applied
8. All-Purpose Ready-to-Use Fertilizer For Houseplants
NPK Ratio: 3-1-2
Houseplants require a steady supply of nutrients to grow in their healthiest forms. Specially made for a houseplant, All-purpose Ready-to-Use Fertilizer can guide your plants to live a long-lasting and nourishing life.
Comes with a pre-mixed formula, the plant food requires no mixing as you can simply add the food into the watering can to apply on your houseplants. Let your houseplants boost steady growth, a healthy root system, and green leaves with All-Purpose fertilizer.
Created to be gentle on your plants, you can use the Indoor Plant Food every time you water your plants. It will not burn or harm your plants in any situation. Moreover, your plants will receive a steady supply of nutrients without being shaken by solid fertilizers or harsh concentrates.
The Plant Food contains the micro-nutrients which promote healthy growth and protect the plants. Additionally, it is perfect for all types of houseplants, including Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, Cast-iron plant, Cactus, and many more.
- Contains no harmful chemicals or urea
- Ready-to-use fertilizer
- Gentle on all the houseplants
- Delivers a steady supply of nutrients
- It might not effectively work on Chinese evergreens
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Use Coffee Grounds For Houseplants?
Yes, you can use coffee grounds to fertilize houseplants. However, it is best to make compost first rather than directly applying them to the soil. Direct application can result in extreme moisture retention, impair plant growth, and fungal overgrowth.
2. Can You Use Used Tea Bags To Fertilize Plants?
Yes, composting tea bags is an environment-friendly disposal method and excellent for the plant's overall health. It provides organic matter, which increases drainage and oxygen levels, maintains moisture and soil structure for the beautiful growth of your plant.
3. Can You Use Banana Peels To Fertilize Your Plants?
Banana Peels are suitable for plants as they contain 42 % potassium, among the major nutrients required by plants. Potassium helps the plants move water and nutrients between the cells and strengthens the plant's stems.
You can cut the banana peels into small portions to mix with the potting soil and apply them to the soil, or you can directly lay banana peels on the soil. The banana peel will decompose while releasing essential nutrients for the houseplants.
4. Is There Any Harm To Use Baking Soda For Houseplants?
Baking soda does not cause any harm as it helps to eliminate the growth of fungal spores on the houseplants. Also, regular applications can minimize the bloom of foliar or powdery mildew during Spring.
5. Can You Use Sugar Water For Plants?
When you add sugar water to the plant, it will manipulate the plant's ability to absorb water. In some cases, it is helpful when the plant is dying. However, if you add sugar water to a healthy plant, it will not accept the water and die.
6. Do You Need To Water Plants Before Applying Fertilizer?
You should water your plants a day before applying fertilizer. If you apply fertilizer when the soil is dry, it can burn your plant roots.
Final Thoughts
Houseplants can bring liveliness and positivity wherever you place them. Therefore, to keep their spirits alive, you need to take care of their nutritional requirements. Only sunlight and water cannot fulfill the nutritional requirements; you need a fertilizer for houseplants.
The best fertilizer for houseplants contains the proper balance of nutrients and minerals to ensure that your plants have lush foliage, beautiful flowers, and healthy roots. Therefore, choose the best fertilizer from our selected products and boost your houseplants to live more beautifully as time goes.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.


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Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Victoria?
- 2 How Does the Water in Victoria Affect Your Plumbing?
- 3 How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Victoria?
- 4 Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Victoria?
- 5 When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Victoria Vs Hire a Plumber?
- 6 When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Victoria?
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Victoria?
Located just half an hour inland, Victoria is at moderate risk for hurricanes. Although the city is somewhat less likely to experience severe hurricane damage than the coastline, Victoria has experienced 37 hurricanes of varying sizes since 1930. Hurricanes can cause leaks, water heater malfunction, and problems getting toilets to drain appropriately if strong winds and flooding damage get debris into your plumbing.
However, there are other issues that are far more common, and those are what we're going to address below:
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues in Texas. Typically caused by a slow buildup of hair, food, soap, toothpaste, and other materials in your drains, coupled with hard water, over time, clogged drains can lead to various issues. Blocked drains can range from a minor annoyance to a plumbing emergency. Some DIY options for dealing with a minor clogged drain instead of immediately calling us include boiling water, baking soda, and a plunger. Still, it is usually best to contact us so we can help you with it.
Low Water Pressure Due to Mineral Buildup or Leaks
Hard water has a surplus of minerals that get deposited inside of pipes over time. This buildup restricts the flow of water from the source to your tap, and that leads to low water pressure.
However, low water pressure could also mean that you have a leak. Leaks can decrease the efficiency of your home's water use, run up your utility bill, and potentially damage your sinks, floors, or your belongings if they go undetected and unfixed for long enough. Although most leaks do not immediately cause significant damage, they will need to be repaired within a reasonable amount of time to prevent further problems. If you can't find the leak yourself, let us help you.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Mineral buildup can also occur inside appliances, which makes them less efficient and shortens their lifespan. If you've noticed a spike in your energy bill and if some of your appliances, like your dishwasher, washing machine, and heaters malfunction occasionally, then this is probably the reason why. With heaters, a layer of sediment can form that makes it more difficult for the water to heat up. Additionally, this layer also prevents heat from escaping when it needs to, causing the heater to overheat.
How Does the Water in Victoria Affect Your Plumbing?
Hard water is a common problem in the Victoria area that can adversely affect your body and your plumbing. Hard water contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, and other elements that can lead to excessive buildup inside your pipes, water heaters, and other fixtures over time. This white or yellow flaky buildup is a significant cause of various common plumbing problems, such as corrosion, leaky pipes, clogged drains, and low water pressure. Many of these problems can cause your water heater to fail or lead to other permanent fixture damage over time if they are not taken care of, and hard water can also be rough on your skin, hair, clothes, and dishes.
Fortunately, adding a water softener to your home is a simple way to combat this problem. Water softeners use a particular salt to minimize the presence and effects of calcium, magnesium, and other foreign materials that lead to hard water. Although it is possible to install a water softener yourself, it is often better to have this done by a professional to ensure that it is set up correctly. We can even restock your salt for you when you run low to keep your results consistent.
How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Victoria?
Plumbing in Victoria generally ranges from $88 to $635, with an average cost of $361 per repair or new project. These figures cover labor costs, materials and equipment, project costs, and cleanup needs associated with plumbing service. However, they do not cover any permit or inspection fees, as these are paid directly to the City of Victoria.
Type of Project
Basic repairs that are easy to reach tend to be cheaper than repairs that are hard to get to or major overhauls of your plumbing equipment. Quick fixes that are easy to do and do not require specialized equipment require lower labor costs than complex projects. The type of plumbing work you need to have done also affects whether you need to purchase a permit and building inspection from the City of Victoria or not, and projects that require these additional costs can be much more expensive than repairs that do not.
Materials Used
We usually provide any materials needed for repairs and include the cost of them in our services, but you may also purchase your own if you choose to. This may be a practical option if you're particular about the materials that you want and we can't offer you an alternative that you like.
Timing of Repair
We usually have someone on call 24/7 and will fix your burst pipe as soon as it floods your kitchen, but it isn't going to be cheap. Regular maintenance of your pipes and fixtures can help you minimize costly emergencies that you could have avoided if you had noticed a potential problem a few days earlier.
Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Victoria?
Better plumbing can save you money in Victoria, especially when you have more efficient fixtures. The EPA recommends WaterSense-labeled fixtures, and guarantees that it uses at least 20% less water than regular ones.
The average family spends over $1,000 per year in water costs, but with the use of WaterSense and Energy Star qualified appliances, you can save over $300.
Quality plumbing service is an essential aspect of saving money in the long run. Having minor issues taken care of while they are still relatively easy to manage increases the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures and decreases your likelihood of experiencing major plumbing emergencies. Hiring us may cost a bit more upfront, but we are more thorough and less likely to cause additional problems that come from shoddy work.
When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Victoria Vs Hire a Plumber?
Knowing whether to call us or your water utility company is a must for receiving timely service and avoiding unnecessary fees. In general, we handle problems that are confined to your property. If you notice a sudden unexplainable spike in your water bill and can't find the source, then we can help you.
In contrast, the City of Victoria Water Utilities addresses issues located somewhere other than your property and affects multiple homes on your street or in your neighborhood. If you give them a call and it turns out that the problem is on your side of the water meter, the water utility company may charge a fee for sending their team out.
When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Victoria?
Because plumbing services and certain other types of home improvement projects can have an impact on the quality and amount of city resources your home uses, several categories of projects require a permit before getting started. In plumbing, work that is done poorly may not follow local code requirements and could result in additional problems for the homeowner. For this reason, the City requires permits regardless of whether you intend to work on a project yourself or work with our team.
In Victoria, residents need to obtain a building permit from the Development Center before beginning any major plumbing work within the city limits. You will need to submit specific details about what you plan to do so the City can ensure that your plans align with local code requirements. Certain types of minor repairs are exempt from this requirement, such as repairing or replacing your faucet or other plumbing fixtures and repairing your water, sewer, or drain line as long as your project does not involve replacing the entire line. These requirements and exemptions apply to plumbing companies, independent contractors, and homeowners working on projects in their own homes.
The building permit also covers electrical and mechanical work, natural gas, pools, irrigation systems, driveways, and several other categories. This makes it easy to use the same type of permit for major remodeling projects that utilize multiple classes as long as we complete all the work at roughly the same time.


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Siddhartha Dhakal plans to apply for graduate school soon, and he knows he's got a lot of work to do.
Dhakal, a junior biology major, attended ULM Culture Connection lecture "Taking Ownership of Professional Development in Graduate School," last Thursday to
help himself prepare.
Shyam Sharma, assistant professor of English at Stony Brook University in New York, visited campus to give the lecture aimed at preparing students to plan out their professional career.
Sharma has studied how international students transition and succeed in U.S. institutions. While in graduate school at the University of Louisville, KY, Sharma developed a "PLAN" for all students who wish to develop professionally.
Sharma's PLAN was presented at his lecture Thursday. In it he highlights how students should aim to grow in more ways than just academically in order to achieve their goals.
Sharma said students should focus on growth in 4 different categories: professional development, life skills, academic development and networking.
Sharma gave several other pieces of advice to students who attended his lecture. He instructed students to plan backwards, to write their plans down and to be "searchable" on the internet.
Dhakal found the lecture to be very helpful.
"I liked the way he emphasized backward thinking as a necessary component for professional development," Dhakal said.
Sharma was invited by Kris Bista, assistant professor of Education, to come speak at ULM.


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University Scientific Research
Microscope servicing, sales and repairs.
We offer on-site microscope servicing & repairs for your routine stereo & high-power microscopes. Bring out the full potential of your existing microscopes & ensure users are able to work efficiently, with clean, well prepared equipment.
More complex Instruments with fluorescence, Normarski DIC, Modulation contrast HMC etc, will benefit from being expertly serviced and precisely aligned for the most critical observations & image recording.
Microinjection & recording rigs are "home territory" for us. When you are working with difficult specimens on the edge of an instruments resolution, we have the knowledge & experience to make a difference. We also service & repair mechanical micromanipulators & re-fill water hydraulics.
Contact us for a quotation or more information about the products and services we offer.


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Samsung Galaxy S4 with superfast 4G - available to pre-order today
EE, the UK's most advanced digital communications company, today announced that the Samsung Galaxy S4 with superfast 4G is now available for pre-order in 'black mist' and 'white frost' colours. *All customers who pre-order the Galaxy S4 via EE stores, EE telesales or the EE online shop before the 26 April 2013 will also receive an exclusive free Samsung accessory pack worth £54.99.
From today, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is available to pre-order on a range of 4GEE price plans starting from £31 per month, and as a special launch offer is just £79.99 on £41 a month, 24 month plan which comes with unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of mobile data a month. The Galaxy S4 is also available 4G-ready on Orange and T-Mobile plans.
All customers who pre-order from EE before the 26th of April will also receive a free Samsung accessory pack worth £54.99. The pack contains a coordinating black or white Samsung smart cover to match the colour of their phone, a 16GB MicroSD memory card, giving them twice the amount of on-board memory, plus an in-car charger – so they can make the most from their Galaxy S4's 4G access on-the-go.
EE's superfast 4G service provides speeds approximately five times faster than 3G. With a 4GEE plan customers can watch live TV on the move without buffering, play live multiplayer games on the go and download large email attachments quicker than ever.
Paul Jevons, Director of Products and Devices, EE, said: "The Galaxy S4 is an innovative and feature rich handset, but most importantly, it is a device built with 4G in mind.
"4G helps to enhance the Galaxy S4's unique features, ensuring it offers customers an incredible combination of speed and design that will only enhance everyday life on the move."
In addition to superfast speeds and EE services, customers with a Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone on a 4GEE price plan will also benefit from:
- EE Film – the only service in the UK which combines 2 for 1 cinema ticketing, listings, trailers and film downloads or streaming in one place
- A discount of £5 per month on EE superfast Fibre Broadband – so they can get blistering speeds at home and on the move
- Fast track customer service by dialling '33' from their handset
- Clone Phone Lite – giving people 500MB free storage to back up the content that matters most
- Choice of an add-on – customers who take a 4GEE phone plan from £41 per month can also choose from a music, games or TV add-on to enjoy
4G from EE, the first and only 4G network in the UK, currently covers the homes and businesses of 50% of the UK population. Further to the 50 towns and cities 4GEE is already live in now, EE has also committed to switching on at least 30 more by June, bringing the total to 80 towns and cities by the summer.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is also available to pre-order from today on the UK's biggest 3G network with Orange and T-Mobile.
For further information on the Samsung Galaxy S4 on EE, including full details of all EE's price plans and terms and conditions, please visit http://www.ee.co.uk/galaxy
Notes to Editors
* Available whilst stocks last
For more information, please contact the EE press team on:
0845 373 7070
About EE
EE is the UK's most advanced digital communications company, providing mobile and fixed line services to 27 million customers, and on 30 October 2012 it became the first company in the UK to provide 4G mobile services alongside fixed-line fibre broadband.
EE is the company that runs the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK, and the new superfast 4G brand – EE.
EE's mobile service currently provides coverage to 99% of the population with 2G and 98% of the population with 3G.
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