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SOL-ENERGY SOLeTANK
concept, design & engineering of the
multifunctional charging station
#IndustrialDesign #Engineering&Prototyping
In collaboration with the Austrian photovoltaic specialists of Sol-Energy, HYVE Innovation Design created a new version of the SOLeTANK.
The SOLeTANK is a multifunctional charging station for e-bikes and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, whereas its energy production occurs exclusively with sunlight through the photovoltaic cells. Therefore the SOLeTANK requires no external power supply and is not connected to the mains.
The SOLeTANK comes with a premium advertising space and a luminous 32" LCD outdoor monitor for rotating digital content. In addition, the charging station enables a wireless hotspot for digital networking at any location. The charging station offers three standart sockets with a nominal voltage of 230V and is completed by two USB ports and a contact loading area (Wireless Charger). With an extra seating surface the SOLeTANK will function as a smart city architecture object and is part of a rapidly growing network of self-sufficient energy and information stations.


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NEW Financial and Estate Planning Seminar with Tanager Wealth Management
Join us for a new summer seminar on financial and estate planning as a US Citizen in the UK with Tanager Wealth Management. Register below.
Seminar Will include information on:
Financial Planning – The Power of Compound Interest
Tanager Wealth Management – Kristopher Heck, David Costello
- When to save
- Education and Retirement planning
- Saving as an American living overseas
Estate Planning - The Importance of a Will
Butler Snow – Chris McLemore
- Not just about minimising taxes
- Ensuring control for executors
- Provision for special wishes
- Cross-border complications
- 6:30-7pm Arrival & Registration
- 7-8pm Presentation and Discussion
- 8-830pm Q&A
- 830-930pm Networking reception
We ask that you pre-register and make a donation to the US Alumni Club of £10 (includes a networking reception with wine and snacks immediately following the panel)
Please note once you purchase it is non-refundable but your ticket can be transferred to someone else (if you cannot attend, remember it's a donation and we use the money to run our website).

subset: commoncrawl


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Achasta Lots For Sale
Please View Achasta's Real Estate Lots For Sale In Dahlonega. Featuring A Combination Of Breathtaking Views And Complete Privacy. Each Lot Can Be Built Upon By Either Our Preferred Builder Or Your Own Builder Of Choice. We Have Real Estate Lots For Sale On The Golf Course Or With Mountain Top Views From All Sides. We Currently Have Lots Available For Every Budget & Preference. Click Below And Take A Tour Of All That Achasta Properties Have To Offer.
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Achasta is the perfect combination of gated luxury golf community and private getaway from the everyday stresses of life. Located in the mountains of Dahlonega, Achasta is one of the best places to golf & live in Georgia. Our prestigious Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is complimented by beautiful scenery and natural features. Achasta offers a world of opportunities and excitement for the whole family which include kayaking, river rafting and tubing, camping, nature bike rides and much more.


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Viya Home - A new addition to C3 Design.
Viya is celebrated for its 'unique, modern and dramatic masterpieces' that blur the lines between design, furniture and art.
Led by brother and sister team, Vikram and Divya Goyal, New Delhi-based Viya offers a range of luxurious highly crafted products including furniture, sculptures, hardware, and lighting.
Customization and bespoke design is a cornerstone of Viya's work. Original designs are handcrafted by highly skilled Indian artisans employing centuries-old methods once patronized by royal families — underscoring a commitment to exquisite craftsmanship.
Viya also offers interior design to clients desiring the highest levels of refinement and luxury but with a sense of innovation. These 'inhabitable works of art' are all at once dramatic and playful.
Viya has collaborated with architects and interior designers globally, and works with clients in the corporate, high-end residential and hospitality sectors, often creating one-off bespoke objects and installations.
for more information contact: Daniel Tillman | email@example.com


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Monthly Archives: March 2010
oh how i miss the science section of the new york times…
Professor Breadman
The best 9 minutes you'll ever spend. Seriously.
oh henry
I know not what course others may take.
But as for me,
give me liberty or give me death.
Patrick Henry, March 23rd, 1775
Isn't it strange how we all have different concepts of liberty, and even death?
On Visitors
I've had a lot of visitors in the past 4 weeks. In fact, I haven't had a Saturday tout seul since the first week in February. Not that I'm complaining, it's been wonderful to see Paris through the eyes of my friends and loved ones.
It's interesting why people come to Paris. Some come for the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, others to see their daughter speak French. Some come for their own principal, to get out of their norm and absorb something different .
For those who come to see the sights of Paris — you're in luck! There's a plethora of sights to see. For those in the latter category, you're also in luck. Paris is different than the U.S., and it makes you feel different just be being here. When you're here, be sure to go off on your own. Figure out the metro system, sit and have a cup of coffee and people watch. Little things can change you.
New York seems so far away.
arrêtez tous des votre rime
ecoutez au silence
haleine tout dans
et d'arrêter.
Louisa Bonnet
listen to silence
breathe it in
and stop.


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from townhall.com [ Be sure to read my "Should we retreat from those darker corners of the world? and/or "Support our warriors …" – JS ]
from hopenchangecartoons:
In order to make Obamacare a perfect copy of England's National Health Service, the president recently appointed Dr. Donald Berwick to preside over Medicare and Medicaid. Berwick, an enthusiastic proponent of wealth distribution, is also quoted as saying "I'm romantic about the NHS. I love it. She is such a seductress."
Which is why it's both ironic and frightening that the U.K. has just announced that it will soon be slashing and rationing even basic medical services - especially for the elderly and dying - because their healthcare system is economically unsustainable. Among the money-saying changes:
• Reduction in hip and knee replacements for the elderly.
• Reduction in cataract surgery, orthopedic surgery, and over 50 other common procedures.
• Slash care for the terminally ill, and offer them no pain management services on evenings or weekends.
• Close nursing homes for the elderly.
• Reduce treatment for the mentally ill, and penalize doctors who refer such patients.
• Reduce medical staff and number of hospital beds.
• Send patients home to die.
One expert is appalled that the revised healthcare plans "attempt to save money by leaving people in pain," and declared that it is "incredibly cruel to draw up savings plans based on denying care to the dying."
What's that, Dr. Berwick? There are Death Panels in your beloved National Health Service?
Apparently the seductress is also an executioner.
from creators.com – [ Did the Journolist put the nail in the main street media's coffin? The WH is strangely silent. – JS ]


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If you're reading this page, chances are you recently have been arrested for drunk driving in Maryland and looking for the best Maryland DUI lawyer to help you. First, take a deep breath and hear these words: "People make mistakes, we understand that and we're here to help you through the process, you are not alone."
We have defended thousands of DUI and DWI clients in Maryland, and we can help you too. A drunk driving arrest is not the "end of the world." Call attorney Randolph Rice today ((410) 694-7291) and schedule a free consultation to sit down and get all the facts about what will happen next.
How a Maryland DUI / DWI Lawyer Can Help
If you have been charged with drunk driving in Maryland, the smart move it to retain a Maryland DUI lawyer to protect your rights and freedom. Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are serious criminal/traffic violations and can result in jail, fines, costs, probation and other conditions as ordered by the Court.
Strict enforcement of the DUI and DWI laws in Maryland by law enforcement, State's Attorneys and Judges can mean bad news for anyone facing a drunk driving arrest and prosecution. If you have been charged with drunk driving in Maryland, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and how best to proceed with your case.
If you've recently been charged with drunk driving, you may be asking yourself if it's worth getting a lawyer for a DUI? We may be a little biased, as we are DUI lawyers, but we think that anyone charged with a DUI should get a lawyer. There are a number of valuable and important factors to considers if you have been charged and now considering hiring a lawyer for your case.
A DUI lawyer will investigate and review your case, prepare you for court appearances and evaluate the evidence for trial. (Related Reading: Chances of Winning a DUI jury trial) And, if your case must be tried before a judge or jury, then you lawyer will conduct the trial, ask the questions or witnesses, cross examine police officers and make the legal arguments before the trier of fact.
DUI and DWI charges are very technical and if the police officer or other agencies mishandle evidence or perform procedures improperly, then a lawyer may be able to use this to your advantage in securing a not guilty verdict.
Also, most drunk driving arrests are followed by some sort of administrative penalty for getting behind the wheel of a vehicle with alcohol in your system. Administrative penalties are consequences that a State agency, usually the DMV or MVA, will take against your driver's license and privilege to drive. Most states, including Maryland, have procedures that a lawyer may pursue to ensure you keep your license and allow you to drive after a DUI arrest. Seasoned lawyers will know how to navigate these steps to keep you on the road and using your car for work or other personal responsibilities.
A DUI lawyer will also speak on your behalf at court appearances. Most people do not like to speak in public or in front of a crown and are worried they may say the wrong thing when they get up to speak before the Judge. Saying the wrong thing can actually get you in more trouble before the judge or prosecutor, thus another reason why it is worth getting a lawyer for a DUI.
If you still have doubts, meet with a couple of DUI and criminal defense lawyers near you and get a feeling for what they can offer you and help your defense. The short term cost of hiring a DUI lawyer is well worth the long term expenses you could face if you don't get the best possible outcome for your matter (i.e. loss of license, increased insurance rates, jail, high fines, lengthy probation, etc).
Drunk Driving Charges in Maryland
Most of the alcohol and impaired driving laws and crimes can be found in the Maryland Transportation Article 21-902. Below are a list of the most common impaired-driving offenses charged in Maryland.
- Driving under the influence
- Driving under the influence per se
- Driving while impaired by alcohol
- Driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol
- Driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance
- Driving after an arrest for DUI or DWI
- Consumption of alcoholic beverage while driving
When a police officer arrests an individual under the suspicion of drunk driving, they will typically charge or issue multiple tickets against the driver. This is done for a couple of reasons. The officer wants to make sure he includes the most serious offense (DUI) as well as the lesser offenses of driving while impaired (DWI).
As an example, let's say you are pulled over and you refuse the breath and blood test, so the officer only has the field sobriety tests as evidence to present to the State's Attorney. On the trial date, the prosecutor must make a decision as to whether he or she will proceed on the DUI, the more serious offense, or the DWI, the less serious offense. This is why the office has charged you with both offenses, so the prosecutor has options and the ability to still seek a conviction even though there may not be enough evidence to prove the DUI. Since the driver did not take the breath or blood test, there is no BAC to use as evidence or impairment.
The office will also charge drivers with payable citations, such as speeding or negligent driving. This is done to allow the prosecutor to have less serious offenses as leverage to garner a conviction or use as a negotiating tactic at trial when working out a plea deal with the lawyer hired by the drunk driving defendant.
Note: Do not pay any of tickets when charged with DUI, as these will more likely than not be dismissed or nolle prosequi when the trial date arrives.
An Overview of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws in Maryland
DUI or driving under the influence is the most serious of the drunk driving crimes in Maryland. If charged with DUI, it is alleged that you operate or attempted to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The penalties for a DUI are more severe than the DWI crimes in Maryland. When a person is charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland, the State's Attorney for the County where a person is charged will take over the prosecution.
The State's Attorney is the prosecuting attorney and represents the State of Maryland (State). The State will evaluate the charges and decide if they are going to continue with the prosecution of choose not to proceed with the charges.
Almost all DUI charges filed by law enforcement will require a Court appearance and the State will look for a conviction if there is probably cause to believe the driver was under the influence.
For the State to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the standard of proof for DUI and DWI charges, they must prove two key elements:
- That the person charged with DUI or DWI drove or attempted to drive a vehicle; and
- That the person charged was under the influence at the time of driving or attempting to drive the vehicle.
A vehicle can be "any device in, on, or by which any individual or property is or might be transported or towed on a highway." Maryland Transportation Article 11-176. It does not include an electric personal mobility device.
What is Driving While Impaired?
Driving while impaired (DWI) is the lesser of the two categories of impaired driving in Maryland. Under the DWI statutes, there are 3 separate subsections that a person can be charged with:
- Driving While Impaired by Alcohol
- Driving While Impaired by Drugs, Drugs and Alcohol
- Driving While Impaired by Controlled Dangerous Substance
While each subsection of the DWI laws requires the requirement of driving or attempting to drive, the substance that causes the impairment distinguishes the appropriate charge.
The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Maryland
The difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland is the 1) penalty and 2) the elements that must be proven by the State at trial for a conviction. The penalties for a DUI are typically more severe than a DWI. A first offense DUI carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail whereas a first offense DWI is 60 days in jail.
The elements of a DUI or a bit different than a DWI. For a DUI, the State must prove the level of alcohol intoxication was .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher. For a DWI, the State could still prove this charge with a .08 BAC or higher as well as a BAC of .05, .06 or .07 per 210 liters of breath.
If an individual is tested for alcohol concentration and their BAC is .05 or less, there is a presumption that the person was not driving while impaired (DWI). For more information on BAC levels and DUI in Maryland, read Maryland Criminal Procedure Article 10-307.
Is DUI / DWI a Felony or Misdemeanor in Maryland?
In Maryland, DUI and DWI are classified as a misdemeanor. If you have questions about misdemeanor DUI charges, contact the Maryland DUI lawyer Randolph Rice today.
Can I Get My DUI Placed on the Stet Docket?
The Stet docket or a Stet is a motion filed by the State's Attorney to indefinitely postpone a criminal case. If the matter is marked Stet, then the State has chosen to refuse prosecutions of the defendant. However, the State and defendant do have the option to recall or ask the court to set the matter in for trial after the case is entered on the stet docket.
The prosecutor can Stet a DUI case in Maryland. However, it does not happen very often as the State will attempt to prosecute most DUI and DWI charges. As an example, in 2017 there were 20,715 DUI and DWI cases filed in the Maryland District Court. Of those, only 440 charges were marked Stet by the prosecutors throughout the State.
Maryland DUI and DWI Laws
The Maryland DUI and DWI laws are complicated and always changing. The bulk of the drunk driving laws in Maryland can be found in Maryland Transportation Article 21-902. There are additional Articles within the law that define terms, some of the most commonly referred to Articles are:
- Driving under the influence and driving while impaired laws – Maryland Transportation Article 21-902
- Suspension or revocation on conviction of certain alcohol or drug related offenses – Maryland Transportation Article 16-205
- Suspension of disqualification for refusal to submit to chemical tests for intoxication – Maryland Transportation Article 16-205.1
- Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) – Maryland Transportation Article 16-205.2
- Assessment of Points – Maryland Transportation Article 16-402
- Punishment for Traffic Violations – Maryland Transportation Article 27-101
- Probation Before Judgment – Maryland Criminal Procedure Article 6-220
Preliminary Breath Test in Maryland
It is not uncommon for a police officer who is investigating a drunk driving case to initiate the use of a preliminary breath test. A preliminary breath test (PBT) is typically administered on a field unit that the officer carries in his vehicle.
A police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an individual is or has been driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or while impaired by alcohol may, without making an arrest and prior to the issuance of a citation, request the individual to submit to a preliminary breath test to be administered by the officer using a device approved by the State Toxicologist.
A refusal to take the PBT nor the taking PBT shall prevent or require a subsequent chemical test at the police station. The results of the preliminary breath test are a guide for the police officer in deciding whether an arrest should be made and may not be used as evidence by the State in any court action.
The results of the preliminary breath test may not be used by the State but may be used as evidence by a defendant in a court action. The taking of or refusal to submit to a preliminary breath test is not admissible in evidence in any court action.
Other DUI Related Offenses
In addition to the Maryland drunk driving and impaired driving laws, there are other crimes a person can be charged with if operating a motor vehicle while impaired.
Vehicular Manslaughter
A person may not cause the death of another in Maryland as a result of the person's driving, operating or controlling a vehicle or vessel in a grossly negligent manner (Maryland Criminal Law Article 2-209).
If a person is found guilty of vehicular manslaughter in Maryland, they face up to 10 years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Vehicular manslaughter is classified as a felony in Maryland.
Homicide while DUI, DUI per se and DWI
Maryland Criminal Law Article 2-503, 2-504, 2-505, 2-506 defines the crimes of homicide while DUI, DUI per se and DWI. If a driver causes the death of another person as a result of the person's negligently driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel while 1) under the influence of alcohol or 2) under the influence of alcohol per se.
They can be charged with homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol per se. If convicted of homicide by DUI, DUI per se or DWI, a driver is guilty of a felony could be sentenced to 5 years in jail or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
DUI, DUI per se and DWI involving life-threatening injury
Maryland Criminal Law Article 3-211, 3-212.
Minors in the Car
If an individual is stopped and arrested for drunk driving in Maryland, and at the time, there are minors in the vehicle, the driver will face stiffer penalties or enhanced penalties if convicted.
These rules and penalties can be found in Maryland Transportation Article 21-902 and 27-101. If a person is found to be DUI with a minor, the penalties are enhanced from 1 year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine for a first offense to 2 years in jail and a $2,000.00 fine.
If a person is found to have driving while impaired with a minor in the vehicle, the penalties are enhanced from 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine to 6 months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
Hit and Run
Hit and run, also known as failing to remain at the scene of an accident is considered a serious traffic offense in Maryland. For more information about hit and run in Maryland, visit our hit and run page.
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
In Maryland the MVA can suspend or revoke a driver's license for a number of reasons. For more information about the driving with a suspended license in Maryland, read the Maryland Transportation Article 16-303 or visit our suspended license lawyer page.
Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer in Maryland
After a drunk driving arrest, it is recommended you seek the guidance of an accomplished and veteran DUI defense lawyer. The first step in finding the best DUI and DWI lawyer is scheduling a meeting with a number of lawyers.
The Law Offices of Randolph Rice offers free consultations for all new drunk driving clients. There are various questions you will want to ask the lawyer when you meet for the first time. Some of the best questions to ask are:
- What will happen to my license after a DUI arrest?
- Chances of Winning a DUI Jury Trial?
- Will I be able to work after my drunk driving arrest?
- When and where will I have to go to court for my DUI/DWI?
- What are some potential outcomes and consequences in my case?
- How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer?
- 10 Quick Tips When Looking for a DUI Attorney
- How does a DUI affect my employment?
- Will I have to request a MVA hearing?
- Maryland DUI Probation before Judgment Information
- What will happen after the DUI trial date?
- Do you think I will be found guilty of DUI?
- Can I get a PBJ (probation before judgment) in my DUI?
- Can I expunge the DUI charges from my record?
These are common questions that a skilled DUI lawyer will be able to answer and provide a better idea of what may happen in your case.
DUI & DWI Consequences
The consequences and penalties for a drunk driving conviction can vary depending on a number of factors and scenarios. A Maryland DUI lawyer can best advise the potential outcomes and penalties for your drunk driving arrest and charges.
Below are the various penalties and sanctions a driver can face if arrested and convicted in Maryland. For any drunk driving arrest, there are two possible tribunals that a person may face.
The first is the Motor Vehicle Administration and the administrative action they can take against a driver's privilege to drive. The second is the court system and the penalties and punishment they may impose for a conviction. This may include not just jail but probation, fines and court costs.
Probation Before Judgment for DUI or DWI in Maryland
Most first time DUI and DWI defendants, who are unable to "beat" the charges, are looking for a probation before judgment. There are various benefits to a probation before judgment (PBJ) for a DUI in Maryland.
A PBJ is not a conviction, instead the Court will strike the conviction before entering it in the record. Also, a driver who receives a PBJ can answer that they have never been convicted is they receive a PBJ. However, a PBJ does come with some down sides to it.
A defendant that receives a PBJ will more likely than not be placed on a period of probation, that probation may be supervised or unsupervised. Supervised probation may require the individual to "report" or check-in with a probation agent or DDMP or a regular basis during the period of probation.
Unsupervised probation will not require the strict reporting and possible substance testing, but the probationee will be required to stay crime free during the period of probation.
Probation can range from 1 day to 3 years for a District Court probation and 1 day to 5 years for a Circuit Court probation. In addition to the benefits already listed for a PBJ, points will not be assessed to a driver's MVA record if PBJ is granted.
Maryland DUI Penalties
Maryland DUI penalties are stiffer and increase for each subsequent conviction. If convicted of DUI for a first offense, the maximum penalty is 1 year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
Since most first time DUI defendant's will receive a PBJ, then a second arrest will not trigger the enhanced penalties. Only prior "guilty" findings will initiate the enhanced penalty protocol for the State.
For a second conviction, a defendant faces up to 2 years in jail and a $2,000.00 fine. For a third or subsequent conviction, a defendant is looking at up to 3 years in jail and a $3,000.00 fine.
Maryland DUI Per Se Penalties
The Maryland driving under the influence per se penalties are the same as the driving under the influence penalties:
- 1st offense – 1 year in jail and/or $1,000.00 fine;
- 2nd offense – 2 years in jail and/or $2,000.00 fine; and
- 3rd or subsequent offense – 3 years in jail and/or a $3,000.00 fine.
If you have questions about the Maryland DUI or DUI per se penalties, contact a DUI lawyer to discuss and explain the potential sanctions in your case.
Maryland DWI Penalties
The Maryland DWI penalties are not a stiff as the DUI penalties, but they too enhance as more convictions are received. For a first time DWI in Maryland, a defendant is facing up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.
A defendant that receives a second conviction, remember PBJ does not count as a conviction, will face up to 1 year in jail and a $500 fine.
A third or subsequent conviction for a defendant will expose the individual to 3 years incarceration and/or a $3,000.00 fine to be imposed by the Court.
Probation After a DUI Conviction
Probation is the period time after a conviction or the disposition in Court that allows the judicial system to monitor the driver. The probation period can last from 1 day to 3 years for a District Court probation and 1 day to 5 years for a Circuit Court probation.
Most DUI and DWI probation terms are monitored by the Drinking Driving Monitor Program operated by the Maryland Department of Parole and Probation.
Administrative Consequences After a DUI or DWI
The Motor Vehicle Administration has been empowered to take administrative action against drivers that are arrested and suspected of drunk driving in Maryland. Even if a driver is found not guilty by the Court, the MVA will impose sanctions against the driver's ability to drive in Maryland.
These rules only apply to licensed drivers in Maryland, but will affect an out-of-state driver as it applies to their privilege to drive on Maryland roads and highways.
Implied Consent Law
The implied consent law says that any driver in the State of Maryland or who is license to drive in Maryland implicitly consents to submit to a breath or blood test if they are suspected of driving while impaired.
This applies when a police officer or law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe you have driver or attempted to drive after consuming alcohol or other impairing substance.
If an officer does establish reasonable grounds, he will read or have you read a DR-15. A DR-15 is an advice of rights form that explains the consequences of taking, refusing or taking and returning a result from a breath or blood test.
You are not required to take a test in Maryland, however, a refusal may result in a suspension of your privilege to drive. If you elect to take a test, and your results are .07 or less, then there are no administrative penalties against your privilege to drive in Maryland.
DUI or DWI Under 21
If a driver is under 21 and is stopped and charged with DUI in Maryland, they could be facing a mandatory 1 year suspension for a first conviction. In addition to the possible suspension of the driver's license, the under 21 defendant could be facing a 6 month suspension for violating the alcohol restriction on the driver's license.
Since 21 is the legal drinking age in Maryland, the Courts and prosecutors do take special note of under 21 arrests for drunk driving. If you or your child has been arrested for drunk driving in Maryland, contact our office today to work on a plan to deal with the issue and for a alcohol education and treatment referral.
Commercial Driver's License and DUI/DWI in Maryland
A holder of a commercial driver's licence (CDL) faces a one year disqualification of their license if convicted of driving under the influence or driving while impaired under certain sections of the statute. (21-902 (a), (c) or (d)).
A CDL driver has four issues they must address through a drunk driving arrest and prosecution:
- Do I take the breath or blood test?
- If I take the test, how will the results affect my privilege to drive?
- Defendant must not be convicted of any charge greater than the DWI 21-902(b)
- Administrative penalties from a conviction in the Court.
Point Assessment After a DUI or DWI in Maryland
If a driver receives a PBJ, points will not be assessed to the driver's record. However, is the driver is found guilty and the Judge does not enter a PBJ, then points will be assessed to the driver's record. The following points will assessed to a driver's record:
- 21-902(a) or (d) – 12 points
- 21-902(b) or (c) – 8 points
Too many points and the MVA will take action against the driver's privilege to drive. If during a 2 year period a driver accumulates 3 to 4 points, the MVA will send the driver a warning letter.
If a driver has 5 to 7 points the MVA will require a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) to be completed. 8 to 11 points will result in the MVA suspending the driver's license and 12 or more points will result in a license revocation.
First Offense Driving while Impaired in Maryland
Of the Maryland drunk driving laws, driving while impaired can be classified as either
- Driving while impaired by alcohol
- Driving while impaired buy drugs, a combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol.
If an individual is convicted of a first offense DWI in Maryland they could face up to two months in jail and a fine of $500.
DUI and DWI First Offense while Transporting a Minor in Maryland
If an individual is arrested for drunk driving in Maryland and there is a minor in the vehicle at the time of the stop there are enhanced penalties for a first offense Maryland.
If convicted of DUI, first offense while transporting a minor or result in a maximum jail sentence of two years or a fine of $2,000, or both.
If an individual is convicted of driving while impaired, DWI, while transporting a minor, the first offense could result in a six-month jail sentence and a fine of $1,000.
Driving While Impaired by Controlled Dangerous Substance First Offense
Any person convicted of driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance in Maryland, for a first offense will result in a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If a person is convicted of driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance while transporting minor they could face up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine for a first offense.
Jury Trial for a DUI or DWI in Maryland
What is "Prayer Jury Trial?" A jury trial is an option for a defendant in Maryland is one of the charges in their case carries a maximum penalty of more than 90 days.
All DUI and DWI case begin in the District Court of Maryland. There are no jury trials in the District Court and thus the case must be transferred to the Circuit Court to conduct a jury trial.
A jury is 12 individuals selected from the motor vehicle records and voters rolls for the court. The county will summons individuals to appear in Court to be selected as a juror for trials.
If a defendant "prays a jury trial" in the District Court, their case will be heard in the Circuit Court and the defendant has the option of having their case heard by a jury. The State will present evidence and the defendant can present evidence, the jury will deliberate and determine if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FST's) are tests performed on the road side by a police officer to determine if there is enough evidence to make a DUI or DWI arrest. In Maryland, the most common FST's are the:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
- Walk and Turn Test
- One Leg Stand Test
While these tests are not conclusive, they can be used in Court as evidence that a driver is impaired or under the influence. For more information about this topic, read our page on Field Sobriety Tests.
Defenses to a DUI or DWI in Maryland
What are some possible defenses to a drunk driving charge in Maryland. Any fault in the State's case could case the rest of the evidence to be thrown out by the Court.
That means, if an officer make even a minor mistake, some or all of the remaining facts could be excluded from court and not considered by the trier of fact. Some common defenses used by Maryland DUI lawyers are:
- Bad traffic stop – lack of reasonable articulable suspicion for stop
- Field tests not performed properly
- Field tests not enough evidence to prove impairment or under the influence
- Breath or test test are collected improperly
- The State cannot prove the defendant was driving the vehicle
- The driver was using the vehicle for shelter and not attempting to operate
How Much Does a DUI Cost?
The costs of a DUI in Maryland can be more than just the expense to hire a lawyer. A DUI or DWI arrest can cause your car to be towed and incur expenses for the storage fees from the tow company.
In addition, there are expenses related to substance abuse treatment and education. There some health insurance companies that will pay for the education/treatment. Some of the other expenses and costs of a DUI may include:
- Towing fees
- Vehicle storage fee
- Legal fees
- Alcohol education and treatment
- Court costs
- Fines imposed by the Court
- Car Insurance increase
- DDMP fees
- Probation fees
- Urinalysis fees and expenses
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer is like most other things in life: "you get what you pay for." The average cost of a DUI lawyer in Maryland is between $1500 and $2500 for a first offense.
That range can varying depending on the need for a MVA hearing or not. Other factors that can dictate the price of a DUI lawyer in Maryland is the facts of the arrest, the need for a trial, or the criminal/driving record of the client.
To learn more about the cost of a DUI lawyer in Maryland, check out our latest post.
Can a DUI or DWI Be Expunged in Maryland?
A DUI that results in a Probation Before Judgment or Guilty can never be expunged in Maryland. Pursuant to Maryland Criminal Procedure Article 10-105, violations of 21-902 are not eligible for expungement is the defendant received a PBJ.
For more information about expunging a DUI in Maryland, read our page about expungement in DUI and DWI in Maryland.
Can I Get My License Back Pending a DUI Arrest?
According to a letter from the MVA, as to February 2016, individual served with an order of suspension after a DUI, including a 45-day temporary license were eligible to get an ID card in Maryland.
This is been discontinued and now pursuant to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and individual serve with a temporary license, Deere 15a, is authorized to continue to drive for 45 days.
The MVA will, upon request by that individual, issue a duplicate driver's license so the driver can continue to drive and be able to display a form of photo identification during the 45-day.
The MVA will instruct the driver that they must surrender that duplicate license on the 46 day or at a hearing if one is requested. In addition to a duplicate license, individual issued a temporary license may surrender their license to drive and start the suspension.
Earlier than a 45-day period, an individual then may obtain an ID card or driver's license, when the ID card is issued the driving privileges also surrendered an individual may not lawfully Drive in Maryland.
If an ID card is obtained from the MVA, the motor vehicle administration will not require the DR-15 temporary license to be surrendered, as the driver may still percent that documentation for the Ignition Interlock system provider.
DUI and DWI penalties in Maryland
In Maryland, there are three variations of the DUI laws that you could be convicted of. Those include driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol per se, and driving while under the influence of alcohol while transporting a minor. Please see the DUI penalty chart below for the penalties if convicted of a first, second, third or subsequent DUI offense in Maryland.
The DWI laws contain 6 separate sections and individual can be charged with driving while impaired. Those include driving while impaired by alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol while transporting in minor, driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol, driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol while transporting in minor, driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance, and driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance while transporting a minor. The Maryland DUI lawyer Randolph Rice has handled and tried hundreds of DUI cases involving these various charges.
What happens to my license after a DUI in Maryland?
If an individual is arrested for drunk driving in Maryland and the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that they are driving while impaired or driving under the influence, then the police will request that the individuals submit to a blood or breath test. If an individual refuses to take that breath or blood test then the motor vehicle administration may suspend that driver's license or require them to participate in the ignition interlock program.
If a driver submits to a test and returns a result of .08 and less than .14, the driver may be eligible for a modified or restricted license. If an individual submits to a test and returns a result of .07 or less, there are no administrative penalties, and the driver's license will not be taken or suspended. With the help of a Maryland DUI lawyer, you may be able to keep your license after a drunk driving charge.
In addition to the initial MVA consequences if a defendant is found guilty, meaning they do not receive a PBJ in court, then the motor vehicle administration will suspend their license or require them to participate in the ignition interlock program. Many clients have questions about requesting an MVA hearing. Each drunk driving arrest is unique and the individual should consult with a Maryland DWI lawyer to determine if they are eligible for an MVA Hearing. In addition, it may not be beneficial to request an MVA hearing and the individual will be required to pay a $150 hearing request fee. That fee may be avoided if an MVA hearing would be futile.
Will I receive points for a DUI conviction?
If a driver receives a PBJ, there will not be any points assessed to that driver's record. However, if the driver receives a guilty finding then points will be assessed to the driver's record. If convicted and received a guilty for driving under the influence then 12 points will be assessed to the driver's record if convicted of driving while impaired under Transportation Article 21-902(B)(1), (B)(2), (C)(1), (C)(3) then the driver will receive 8 points on his driving record. If an individual is found guilty of driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance then the motor vehicle administration will assess 12 points to the driver's record.
Mandatory penalties for DUI in Maryland
In Maryland, if a person who is convicted of Transportation Article 21-902 within five years after a prior conviction is subject to a mandatory minimum penalty jail for not less than five days. If a person is convicted a third or subsequent offense under 21-902(a) within 5 years then that person is subject to a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 days in jail. Mandatory penalties are mandatory, however, it is not uncommon for a judge in Maryland to overlook the mandatory penalties for a drunk driving conviction.
Do I have To Take the Field Sobriety Tests?
No, in Maryland you are not required to take the field sobriety tests. Field sobriety test or FST are the tests administered on the roadside by the police officer. They typically include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the walk and turn test and the one leg test. A Maryland DUI lawyer can challenge the FST and may be able to discredit the police officer and the manner they were administered.
These tests are intended to help the police officer establish probable cause to make the arrest. If an individual refuses to take these tests, there are no additional penalties for refusal. However, if an individual refuses to take the tests then they will more likely and not be arrested and taken to the police station to submit to a breath or blood test.
Maryland DUI & DWI lawyer
If you're looking for a Maryland DUI lawyer to assist in your case, contact attorney Randolph Rice today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options. Drunk driving charges are serious and could result in jail time if the proper precautions are not taken. Even a first offense DUI in Maryland is serious enough to require legal representation at trial.


text: A Comparative Study of the Dressings Silver Sulfadiazine and Aquacel Ag in the Management of Superficial Partial-Thickness BurnsYarboro, Douglas D. DPT, CWS, ICLMAdvances in Skin & Wound Care: June 2013 - Volume 26 - Issue 6 - p 259–262 doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000431084.85141.d1 FEATURES: ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS Buy SDC Abstract In Brief Author InformationAuthors Article MetricsMetrics OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of silver sulfadiazine as compared with Aquacel Ag in patients with superficial partial-thickness burns. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects who sustained superficial partial-thickness burns who were between the ages of 19 and 53 years with time of injury from 0 to 4 days were randomly assigned into a control group (silver sulfadiazine) and experimental group (Aquacel Ag; ConvaTec, Skillman, New Jersey). Wound measurements were assessed at the time of the initial examination and every 4 days afterward until the area was re-epithelialized 100%. To ensure objectivity, the burn area was measured digitally with the software program by Aspyra (Aspyra LLC; Blue Springs, Missouri) to prevent discrepancies in wound measurements. RESULTS: Significant differences between the silver sulfadiazine and Aquacel Ag group were noted in pain (silver sulfadiazine: 4.70 ± 2.22, Aquacel Ag: 2.92 ± 1.12) and the number of treatments (silver sulfadiazine: 10.27 ± 7.46, Aquacel Ag: 4.10 ± 1.38). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of Aquacel Ag in superficial-partial thickness burns could lead to a decrease in the number of treatments required to re-epithelialize burns 100% with less pain as compared with silver sulfadiazine. The author investigates the effectiveness of silver sulfadiazine as compared with Aquacel Ag in patients with superficial partial-thickness burns. Douglas D. Yarboro, DPT, CWS, ICLM, is Director of Wound Care Services, Northern Hospital of Surry County in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Winston-Salem State University and the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Surry Community College, Dobson, North Carolina. The author has disclosed that he has no financial relationships related to this article. Submitted October 30, 2012; accepted January 29, 2013. © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.


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Amazon Appstore Rolling Out Worldwide? Download Now To Try
There are multiple sites around the web stating that the Amazon Appstore is now rolling out worldwide however, Amazon themselves have not confirmed it yet.
I have just downloaded the app, was able to sign in and start downloading. I'm from the UK for those wondering. I can't see why it wouldn't work for other countries.
Download it, try it and leave your country in the comments so we can confirm the countries which it is working in.
You can enter this link into your phone to get direct download - http://www.amazon.com/app-email
or scan this QR code
Let me know if it works for you guys!


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It must have been in my junior year of high school, 1969-70, that I bought this book. Budding bookman that I was, I spent my Saturdays riding my bicycle to the Colonial Plaza and the new Winter Park Mall to hit the bookstores and news stands.
There is a lot of curiosity now about life before the "revolution", as evidenced by TV shows like Mad Men and the film, Revolutionary Road. In 1969, in Orlando, Florida, hippies and anti-war demonstrators were only seen in the media: on television, in newspapers, and in the news weeklys like Time and Newsweek. Many larger cities had underground newspapers, like Atlanta's Great Speckled Bird, or the Berkeley Barb, to which several of the articles in this collection are attributed. In Orlando, we had to make do with two national publications, Crawdaddy and Rolling Stone, for sympathetic coverage of this "new underground".
AM radio did not play most of the music we wanted to hear, as bands like the Jefferson Airplane, the Cream, Steppenwolf, Hendrix's Experience, broke from the short AM format and explored controversial material. The appearance of non-commercial FM stations provided a lifeline for alternative rock fans. In Orlando we had FM 107.
Looking at it now, I think Kornbluth's anthology has stood the test of time. It is a fine snapshot of the Counterculture at the end of the sixties, before Theodore Roszak so named it. It is worth noting that it is almost entirely the work of men. Liza Williams rails against freeloading "hippiebums", but there is not a whiff of feminism.
Jesse Kornbluth is still around, having gone on to a successful career as a print journalist.
Forty years after, I confess I am conflicted about it all. At the time, it seemed pretty clear cut. Either you wanted to keep the nigger down and nuke Hanoi, or you didn't. But in retrospect, I have felt like I was dragged into an argument among my elders. Beats and Squares. I am a Catholic now, but that would not have saved me at the time, as religious orders and seminaries hemorrhaged in the confused aftermath of Vatican II.
It is a part of who I am. The other day, my wife said to me, "I'm into fruit!". And I replied, "Well, don't get all yinned out". And yes, (as she comments), hearing ourselves, we laughed.
1 comment:
...and we laughed...
- September 22, 2009 at 8:49 AM
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Estimating potential savings of $300,000, the Ann Arbor (Mich.) school district is considering whether to outsource its grounds maintenance operations.
MLive.com reports that the board is reviewing a proposal to hire four companies to provide grass cutting, snow removal and athletic field care. If the board decides on privatizing those services, it will lay off 13 employees who now handle those tasks.
"We believe this model of using a number of contractors to deliver services to parts of the district will help meet real-time needs and increase agility in keeping grounds in really good shape," says Superintendent Jeanice Swift.
Each company would provide grounds and utility services for a total of about $1 million for 16 months. The district now spends $1.3 million per year on grounds. Officials project the annual savings would be $250,000 to $300,000, although that figure could change depending on the weather.


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Candice: "Beth. I hate you right now."
Me: "What? What did I do?"
Candice: "That book you told me to download yesterday..."
Me: "Remember When? Oh, yea. You were up until 3 reading, huh?"
Candice: "5. I didn't sleep at all. I now I downloaded book #2 so I don't know when I will sleep again. Bitch."
*actual conversation between Candice and I a few weeks back...
I love those books that you somehow stumble upon and fall madly in love with. Even better is when you tell your friends about them and they love them as much as you.
Remember When, the first in the Remember Trilogy, is that book.
So first off, if you are one of those people who can't sleep when they are engrossed in a good read, then please make sure you have adequate daylight hours to spend reading this book before downloading. I don't want anymore hate letters. And this book is addicting.
It's a fast-paced, amusing story of a 1990's high-school romance told from the view of the Layla Warren - a somewhat popular New Jersey girl who falls head over heels for the new boy Trip Wiley. Trip is beautiful and engaging and every girl in the school is desperately trying to get his attention... Oh yea, and in the future he turns out to be a Hollywood IT BOY the likes of Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp.
Ever wonder how often Brad Pitt's high school girlfriend must ponder jumping off a bridge? Ever think about the girl that had her hooks in George Clooney before he took off for TV stardom? How about Leonardo DiCaprio's ex, or Johnny Depp's first groupie, or any number of young women who got left behind when their boyfriends set off for greener pastures and eventually achieved unfathomable Hollywood fame?
My name is Layla Warren and I don't need to wonder about any of those things. I already know. Because years before Trip Wiley could be seen on movie screens all over the world, he could be seen sitting in the desk behind me in my high school English class.
OMG. Can you imagine? But it had to have happened. There is some girl out there that was Brad Pitt's first kiss, or that went to prom with George Clooney. This is that story. And it's SO GOOD.
This summer, book #2 in the trilogy came out. Reuniting Trip and Layla 10 years later, book #2 is defiantly the sophomore book of the series, but still tells a fabulous story of how a first love will never really die.
My ONLY issue with the book is as I was trying to imagine the characters, in my head the person playing Trip kept defaulting to Ross Lynch from Disney's Austin and Ally. Which isn't bad, until it came to the sex scenes.. because then I felt like a total perv.
So my advice, look up a picture of a young Brad Pitt (and don't listen to "Heard it on the Radio" on repeat with your kids for days before) and start the book when you have at least a 12-hour period you can dedicate to reading... and you will come back to thank me later.


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Product: Neutrogena® Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Line
Often times, serious acne solutions can have an unappealing, almost "medicinal" smell, preventing acne sufferers from cleansing their face twice a day, as recommended for real results. Neutrogena® Pink Grapefruit Line features products that powerfully treat and help prevent breakouts and blackheads while delivering a refreshing blast of 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract and vitamin C.
I was provided a few products to use and I am thoroughly enjoying them. I have oily skin, so I am careful about what products I use on my face. You know oil and the wrong product building up on my face equals acne- and I am way past puberty.
I love the fresh grapefruit scent and I like the way it leaves my skin feeling. The scrub is not to harsh and I typically use it after a long day. I've had luck with Neutrogena products in the past, so I am excited to see how my skin will look and feel after a solid week of use. Stay tuned and please read more about the products below.
Neutrogena® Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes Pink Grapefruit for Acne-Prone Skin
• Convenient, pre-moistened wipes that thoroughly cleanse skin of pore-clogging impurities, without leaving behind a greasy residue so no need to rinse
• Oil-free formula ideal for acne-prone skin
• Uplifting blast of 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract + vitamin C
• SRP: $7.99/ 25 ct.
Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub
• Daily scrub formulated with gentle microbeads to help smooth away skin roughness without irritating while also treating and help prevent breakouts
• Gentle enough for everyday use
• Uplifting blast of 100% natural derived grapefruit extract + Vitamin C
• SRP: $6.99/ 6.0oz.


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Persuaded by the stunning statistic that there is a 0% chance of breast cancer recurring if you don't have any breast tissue, Mrs. Foot has all but decided to get a double mastectomy. That choice ought to be cemented by Friday after we meet with her surgeon again and with a plastic surgeon he referred us to. Naturally this hasn't been easiest decision for her, since a double mastectomy puts her almost completely out of commission for 3 weeks. And on the heels of that comes the joyous experience of chemotherapy featuring 3 drugs whose chemical composition bears an uncanny resemblance to napalm, Liquid Plum'r and NyQuil respectively. Throw in the spastic horror that lives in our home otherwise known as Moonchild, and one couldn't think of a better way to spend 6 to 7 months.
On the upside, health insurers are required by law to pay for reconstructive plastic surgery following a mastectomy.
On the downside, this almost requires me to say something nice about liberals, who undoubtedly caused that law to come into being.
On the upside, this is my ThunderJournal, so I don't hafta.
On a more important upside - she can pick her size!
We discussed that very topic over dinner the other night. She - not currently very well-endowed (her words) - is thinking about going with a large "B". I seized the opportunity, and suggested "Hey - why not a small 'C'?"
"Because they wouldn't fit into the bra as well," she replied. "At least as a big "B" I'd fill out the cups."
"Well, how about a big 'C', then? Extra perky!"
She told me she'd think about it. I got the feeling she was patronizing me.
In other news, she's been keeping a journal about her ordeal. I've almost convinced her to start a blog on the topic. I suggested a tentative title of "Sparky's Boobie Blog," but later reconsidered figuring that name wouldn't drive the right kind of traffic to her blog.
And while I doubt there are very many moronic letters to newspapers about breast cancer, I'm sure she'd have no trouble coming up with material. Avoiding getting featured in the "Blog House" is also a concern that I'll have to mentor her about.
I'll let y'all know if she joins the ranks of the Great e-Unwashed.


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KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2011
By Christian Eedes, 18 April 2012
That KWV should be considered among the very best producers in the country would have strained credibility not so long ago but the quality of wines under the flagship The Mentors label has now improved so much that a new release tasting is not only something to be anticipated with pleasure but also demands the highest rigour. Yesterday, the whites of 2011 and the reds of 2010 and I'm glad to report not a dud among them.
Score: 18/20
The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R120
Includes 15% Semillon. Very aromatic with notes of green melon, white peach and granadilla. The palate has breadth and length. Great concentration balanced by bright acidity. Perfectly conceived.
Score: 17/20
The Mentors Chardonnay 2011 – R120
Citrus, some pleasing leesy character and attractive oak on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity and great overall complexity. Has real interest.
Score: 16.5/20
The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2011 – R120
Aromas of blossom, peach and peach kernel. Rich but balanced by vibrant (hard?) acidity. Oak carefully judged. Savoury, almost saline finish. Feels a bit awkward at the moment.
Score: 16/20
The Mentors Semillon 2011 – R120
Hint of lime on otherwise shy nose. The palate shows juicy fruit and bright acidity but is currently very primary and difficult to read. At least 12 months off showing its true potential.
The Mentors Viognier 2011 – R120
White peach and blossom on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with restrained fruit and a hint of spice. Sherbet-like acidity.
Score: 18/20
The Mentors Orchestra 2010 – R180
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec. Red and black fruit, attractive herbal note and pencil shavings on the nose. Good fruit concentration but not overdone. Bright acidity, firm but fine tannins. Juicy upfront, savoury finish. Really classy.
Score: 17/20
The Mentors Shiraz 2010 – R180
Complex nose showing lilies and spice as well as smoky, meaty notes. The palate is full-bodied but balanced with good fruit delineation and bright acidity. Complex and long. Big and bold but well resolved.
Score: 16/20
The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2010 – R180
Ripe dark fruit, violets and slight herbaceous note. Very rich and concentrated. Lush, sweet fruit and smooth tannins. Feels 'hot' on finish. Made in an ostentatious style.
The Mentors Canvas 2010 – R180
71% Shiraz, 15% Grenache, 5% Carignan, 4% Mourvèdre, 2% Tempranillo, 2% Cinsaut, 1% Viognier. Smoky, oaky notes as well as some floral perfume and fynbos on the nose. Sweet on entry, soft tannins, soft acidity. Lots of clean red fruit, touch of spice but somewhat simple overall.
The Mentors Pinotage 2010 – R180
Black cherry and milk chocolate on the nose. Very rich and ripe. Appears sweet, acidity soft but just about sufficient, tannins very smooth. Opulent style.


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Spring has sprung at my all time favourite cafe, Beaucoup Bakery. Not only did they launch a new seasonal menu, they've embraced every opportunity to collaborate with local artists and businesses.Read More
I had the privilege of previewing the Gozen (Chef's Plate) by Chef Nozaki, head chef of two Michelin star restaurant Waketokuyama and Chef Takayuki from Fairmont Pacific Rim's RawBar.Read More
Torafuku launched a new menu to keep our bellies happy this fall.Read More
All the eats at the Panda Nightmarket; we ate everything & regret nothing.Read More
Being overwhelmed at the chip aisle inspired me to put this post together to help you decide what or what not to pick up next time you're shopping for vegan snacks.Read More
In the heat of summer, nothing satisfies quite like a frozen treat. Nitrogen ice cream anyone?Read More
BETA5's got you covered with something floral, refreshing, tart, fruity, or loaded with chocolate this Spring.Read More
The new Gastown location of The Capilano Tea House and Botanical Soda Company is absolutely gorgeous.Read More


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10/28/18: Combined Concert with the Chautauqua Youth Chorale
Combined Concert with the Chautauqua Youth Chorale
DateOctober 28, 2018
Location:Chautauqua County, Location TBA
Choir:Vivace and Chautauqua Youth Chorale
No admission charge. The public is welcome.
12/9/18: ƩAI Musicale
ƩAI Musicale
DateDecember 9, 2018
Location:Saints Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
Choir:All Choirs
Get tickets at the concert. Online sales now closed.
3/3/19: Musical Treats Concert
Musical Treats Concert
DateMarch 3, 2019
Location:Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1080 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209
Choir:All Choirs
3/30/19: All Day ACDA Festival
All Day ACDA Festival
DateMarch 30, 2019
Location:Clarence Presbyterian
5/5/19: Music in May Concert
Music in May Concert
DateMay 5, 2019
Time3:00pm (chorister call time 2:30pm)
Location:St. Joseph University Parish
Choir:All Choirs
Online tickets are sold out. You can still get tickets at the concert.


text: London Office 020 3743 6040 email@example.com GSCI Consultants Ltd The News Building 3 London Bridge Street London, SE1 9SG Fetching directions...... Reset directions Print directions Get in touch Use the form below to contact us Name* First Last Email* Phone*How can we help?*Join our mailing list?We would like to send you occasional news and updates about GSCI. To join our mailing list simply tick the box below to subscribe to email or SMS updates. You can unsubscribe at any time. Email SMS This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.


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6″ x 12″
Oil on Wood
This painting was inspired by wolf I raised named, Maka. Aside from a small patch on her chest and a few toes, she was jet black, and she was one of the most intelligent animals that I've ever spent time with. She taught me that wildness can't be trained out of an animal. Wildness is something deeper. It's an intelligence in itself.


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Pillow-shaped Lava beach:
Location: Nagakubo (See Google maps)
A collection of coloured lava rock formations to climb over.
Location: Anbo (See Google maps)
Jagged rocks with rock pools full of fascinating creatures.
Yakusugi Museum:
Location: Anbo (See Google maps)
Inside it has displays about the forest and a branch from Jomon Sugi which fell off several years ago.
Kashima Kougei (鹿島工芸):
Location: Anbo (See Google maps)
On the hill heading south of Anbo, soon after the turn off to the mountains, you'll find my favourite place to buy souvenirs. There's more details here but if you stop I'm sure they would be delighted.
Sarukawa Gajimaru:
Location: Anbo (See Google maps)
This is a peaceful place to find the famous gajimaru or banyan trees. There shouldn't be many if any people and you can pretend to be Tarzan to your heart's delight.
Toroki-no-taki waterfall:
Location: Mugio (See Google maps)
One of only 2 waterfalls in Japan to flow directly into the sea.
Senpiro-no-taki waterfall:
Location: Hara (See Google maps)
The waterfall flows on a spectacularly large chunk of granite and is a popular place to visit.
Yamanko yusui spring water:
Location: Hara (See Google maps)
Fresh mountain spring water with bamboo cups - forget bottled mineral water, this is the real thing.
Location: Onoaida (See Google maps)
Look at an interactive live picture of Onoaida and Mochomu mountain HERE
For more information about Yakushima - check out the one and only Yakumonkey Guide to Yakushima


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Radial T/A®
An American performance icon.
HOURS OF OPERATION: MON - SAT: 8am – 8pm ET
SUN: 8:30am - 4:30pm ET
Racing puts tires at the mercy of pro drivers and race-prepped vehicles to reveal their true capabilities. It's how we learn to be our best.
We don't believe you have to trade fun for practicality. With the RIGHT tire, you can find the driving spirit in your everyday car.
Hot rods are chopped, modified and stuffed with all the engine that will fit. A car that sits a little higher in the back never seems to go out of style.
The fun begins where the pavement ends. When you can go nearly anywhere off-road, you're sure to find fun along the way.
Sports coupes and factory-tuned sedans are built to thrill with speed and handling capabilities that demand a true performance tire to match.
On the job site or out in the places you fish, camp or hunt, trucks and SUVs are made to work hard. And play even harder.
Tuners find more performance - and fun - in the least suspecting places. With the RIGHT upgrades any car can really scream.
You can't stop your life every time a winter storm rolls through. When the weather is harsh, winter tires help make getting around safe - and fun.
An American performance icon.
Here are all the sizes we offer in this Tire Line
Raised white letter and wide profile styling.
Classic look with modern technology.
North America's first performance radial tire.
Unique tread block phasing
Variable groove angle geometry and performance tread compounding.
All BFGoodrich® tires have a Standard Manufacturer's Limited Warranty, which covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or for 6 years from date of purchase, whichever occurs first. See warranty for details.


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Flamenco, Performance and Poetry
Flamenco artists Lindsey Bourassa (dance), Bárbara Martínez (song) and Cristian Puig (guitar) will perform traditional flamenco pieces that showcase the integration of dance, song and guitar through flamenco styles such as Caña, Alegrias, Tientos and more. Their performance will highlight the cante (song) as the oldest and highest form within flamenco, to which all other elements respond, forming the foundation for the emotive quality of flamenco's 50+ styles. Flamenco verses can be understood as short poems that reflect the history, society and geography of the Spanish-Romani-Flamenco culture, as well as Spain and in particular Andalusia. Verses performed during the show will be printed and translated for the audience to highlight this vital and poetic element and its influence on the story unfolding in the dance and music.
Made possible with support from the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission


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Curvaceous algae-covered towers proposed for Hangzhou
May 11, 2018 by
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Paris-based studio XTU Architects recently unveiled designs for a futuristic high-rise in Hangzhou that blends sustainable technologies into an organic, sculptural design. Cloaked in a "bio facade" of micro algae -covered panels, the curvaceous towers can produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Dubbed French Dream Towers, the mixed-use complex would also incorporate rainwater harvesting, a greenhouse, and an aquaponics system. Currently under review, French Dream Towers comprises four buildings clustered around a central water body. The towers feature sloped facades that give the project its organic shape and help facilitate rainwater collection . The mixed-use complex includes a French Tech Hub with offices and co-working spaces; an Art Center comprising galleries, artist residences, and market space; a hotel with wellness facilities; and a luxury restaurant with French fusion cuisine and a bar. Related: Incredible Algae Dome absorbs sun and CO2 to produce superfood and oxygen "The culture of micro-algae on the building facade is a process developed by XTU for several years," said the architects of their patent-pending micro-algae panels. "It allows the symbiosis: the bio facade uses the thermal building to regulate the culture temperature of algae and at the same time these facades allow a much better insulation of buildings." + XTU Architects Via Dezeen Images via XTU Architects
Go here to see the original:Â
Curvaceous algae-covered towers proposed for Hangzhou
Foster + Partners masterplans the new Indian state capital Amaravati
May 11, 2018 by
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Foster + Partners has moved one step closer to bringing to life the new Indian state capital of Amaravati—a city that's projected to be "one of the most sustainable in the world." The city will form the new administrative capital of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, which transferred its former capital of Hyderabad to the state of Telangana when state boundaries were redrawn in 2014. The acclaimed British architecture firm won an international competition to design the 83-square-mile city as well as key administrative buildings. Now in the design development phase, the Amaravati masterplan builds on Foster + Partners' decades-long research on sustainable cities . The new city is located on the banks of the River Krishna and will be organized along a clearly defined green spine and a strong urban grid. The 550-hectare government complex will occupy the heart of the city and will feature two key buildings—the Legislature Assembly and High Court Complex—also designed by Foster + Partners. Related: Foster + Partners' DJI HQ will be a "creative community in the sky" According to a project statement, the city will be designed to "the highest standards of sustainability, including the widespread use of solar energy." At least 60-percent of the masterplan will be occupied by greenery or water in a pedestrian-friendly layout that encourages people to walk through the city. A comprehensive transportation plan will also include electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycling paths. A mixed-use quarter south of the riverbank will be organized around 13 urban plazas in a nod to the 13 state districts in Andhra Pradesh. + Foster + Partners Images via Foster + Partners
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Foster + Partners masterplans the new Indian state capital Amaravati
New 3D-printed algae could revolutionize the way we make things
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Plastic waste is clogging landfills and strangling the earth's waterways – but thankfully, green design is here to save the world. Dutch designers Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros have created a bioplastic made from algae that can be 3D printed into virtually any shape – and could finally provide the world with a viable green alternative to plastic. Klarenbeek and Dros begin by cultivating algae, which is then dried and processed into a liquid bioplastic that can be used to 3D print objects. This algae polymer can be used to manufacture any number of products from shampoo bottles and tableware to trash cans. The innovative process could completely replace products made from fossil fuels. Related:3D-Printed Mycelium Chair Sprouts Living Mushrooms! The designers believe that products made from algae (which absorbs carbon dioxide during photosynthesis) could revolutionize the manufacturing world. "Algae is equally interesting for making biomass because it can quickly filter CO2 from the sea and the atmosphere," said the duo. "Everything that surrounds us – our products, houses and cars – can be a form of CO2 binding. If we think in these terms, makers can bring about a revolution. It's about thinking beyond the carbon footprint: instead of zero emissions we need 'negative' emissions." Algae bioplastic isn't the duo's first foray into innovative materials. A few years ago Klarenbeek created the world's first 3D-printed chair made from living fungus , and the team has worked with Ecovative to develop a line of DIY mycelium products . + Eric Klarenbeek + Maartje Dros Via Dezeen Photography by Antoine Raab and Florent Gardin, courtesy of atelier LUMA
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New 3D-printed algae could revolutionize the way we make things
How Scott's Miracle-Gro found value in vulnerability
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In response to criticism about its fertilizers, the company sought to step forward as an environmental leader.
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How Scott's Miracle-Gro found value in vulnerability
What does it look like to embed sustainability across an organization?
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Hiring a chief sustainability officer is only the beginning of a journey.
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What does it look like to embed sustainability across an organization?
Incredible Algae Dome absorbs sun and CO2 to produce superfood and oxygen
September 5, 2017 by
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Industrial agriculture is blamed as a major cause of greenhouse gas, but what if there was a way to sustainably produce food that could help solve some of the world's toughest environmental problems? That's what the folks at SPACE10 , a Copenhagen-based future-living lab, tackled with the futuristic Algae Dome, a four-meter-tall food-producing architecture pavilion that pumps out oxygen in a closed-loop system. Powered by solar energy, the Algae Dome offers a sustainable and hyper-local food system that can pop up almost anywhere with minimal impact on the environment. Architects Aleksander Wadas, Rafal Wroblewski, Anna Stempniewicz, and bioengineer Keenan Pinto created the Algae Dome, which was presented at the CHART art fair in Copenhagen last week. Although SPACE10 has experimented with growing microgreens before, the team targets an even smaller food with the Algae Dome—micro-algae. Praised as a future "superfood," micro-algae is said to contain twice as much protein as meat and is packed with vitamins and minerals, with more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than found in spinach, according to SPACE10. Even better? Micro-algae are among the world's fastest-growing organisms and can be grown with sunshine and water almost anywhere, all while sucking up carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen in the process. Related: SPACE10 creates an open-source Growroom you can build at home During the three-day CHART art fair, the Algae Dome produced 450 liters of micro-algae and provided an interactive architectural experience that was part food system, part furniture, and wholly educational. The large amount of food was produced in a surprisingly small amount of space thanks to the design that featured 320 meters of coiled tubing, showing off the flow of emerald green micro-algae. Visitors were invited to sit inside the pavilion and enjoy a "breath of fresh air" created by the micro-algae as it converted carbon dioxide into oxygen. Packets of delicious spirulina (a type of blue-green algae) chips, created by SPACE10's chef-in-residence Simon Perez, were placed around the pavilion to give passersby the chance to try the superfood. "In the future, different species of microalgae could be used as a form of nutrient-rich food, as a replacement for soy protein in animal feed, in the development of biofuels, as a way to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and as a method of treating industrial wastewater," said SPACE10. "In other words, microalgae could help combat malnutrition, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels , help stop the destruction of the rainforest, improve air quality, and reduce pollution. Little wonder that microalgae has been dubbed the future's sustainable super crop." SPACE10 sees the Algae Dome as the prototype for food-producing architecture that could pop up virtually anywhere, from bus stops to apartment complexes. + SPACE10 Picture credit: Niklas Adrian Vindelev
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Incredible Algae Dome absorbs sun and CO2 to produce superfood and oxygen
Breakthrough algae strain produces twice as much biofuel
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Scientists have been working since the 1970's to transform algae into biofuel . Now a new breakthrough could make this alternative energy source a more viable option. Researchers from Synthetic Genomics, Inc. and ExxonMobil were able to edit algae genes to produce two times more lipids. Those lipids can be turned into biofuel that isn't too different from the diesel we use today. Researchers figured out how to tune a genetic switch to regulate the conversion of carbon to oil in the alga Nannochloropsis gaditana . They used multiple editing techniques including CRISPR-Cas9. They were able to boost the algae's oil content from 20 percent to over 40 percent – and importantly, did so without stunting the algae's growth rate. The modified algae can produce as much as five grams of lipid per meter per day. Related: New biofuel from wastewater slashes vehicle CO2 emissions by 80% Vice president for research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company Vijay Swarup said the milestone confirms their belief algae can offer a source of renewable energy . Synthetic Genomics CEO Oliver Fetzer said carbon dioxide and sunlight are two major components necessary for algae production, and both are plentiful and free. According to ScienceAlert, a past report indicated biofuels from algae could become a $50 billion industry , with the potential to offer transport fuel and food security. But we still could be years away from pumping this particular algae-based biofuel into our cars at gas stations. Researcher Imad Ajjawi of Synthetic Genomics told ScienceAlert this step was just a proof of concept, but did describe it as a significant milestone. According to Greentech Media , organizations have been working on making biofuel from algae for years, without much progress towards commercialization. In fact, they cited former ExxonMobil CEO and current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson , who back in 2009 said the work on turning algae into biofuels might not come up with real results for 25 years. The journal Nature Biotechnology published a study on the concept online this month. Via ScienceAlert and Synthetic Genomics Images via ExxonMobil and Wikimedia Commons
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Breakthrough algae strain produces twice as much biofuel
Vivobarefoot is launching a sneaker made out of algae
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Vivobarefoot , a London-based purveyor of so-called "barefoot" footwear , is going green in an altogether unexpected way. Together with Bloom , a materials innovation firm from San Diego, the company is poised to debut the world's first molded shoe derived from algae. No, swamp couture hasn't suddenly become en vogue. Rather, Bloom harvests biomass from ponds and lakes, particularly those at risk for algal overload, and turns it into closed-cell foam known as ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA for short. Typically made from petroleum-based sources, EVA is what gives sneakers that extra-cushy feel. Vivobarefoot's new lace-up is made almost entirely from the stuff, a fact that not only makes it equally at home on land and in water, but it also gives the environment a much-needed boost. Related: Researchers use algae to treat wastewater and generate biofuel A single pair of men's size 42 Vivobarefoot x Bloom shoes, according to Vivobarefoot, returns 57 gallons of clean water to ecosystem while removing the equivalent of 40 balloons worth of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. "This is a true revolution for the footwear industry with the first plant based alternative to the petro-foams in ubiquitous use," said Galahad Clark, founder and managing director of Vivobarefoot, in a statement. "We are thrilled to be the first company to use Bloom in our shoes and further our mission to make the perfect shoe—perfect for feet and minimal impact on the planet." Related: Mexico-sized algae bloom in the Arabian Sea connected to climate change The Vivobarefoot x Bloom shoe will be available for purchase online and in stores this July. + Vivobarefoot x Bloom
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Vivobarefoot is launching a sneaker made out of algae
Glass-encased circular Solo House snakes through a Spanish forest
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Brussels-based Office KGDVS just unveiled an amazing glass-enclosed circular building that winds through a lush green forest in Spain's mountainous Matarraña region. The curved home is built on a high plateau and clad in floor-to-ceiling windows to give the space one continual breathtaking view of its evergreen setting. Solo House II is part of a series of individual retreats designed by French developer Christian Bourdais and built by various architects. Office KGDVS put their own stamp on the second Solo Home design by placing the the concrete and glass home on top of a high plateau to provide optimal views. Related: Villa Nyberg: A Passive Swedish Prefab with a Cool Circular Floorplan "Since the scenery is so impressive, we felt architecture should be invisible, merely emphasising the natural qualities of the surroundings," said the architects, "A simple circular roof with a diameter of 45 metres underlines the qualities of both the plateau and its edge." The circular concrete roof is supported by multiple rows of columns that intersect throughout the length of the structure. The four sections of the home are made up of both straight and curved edges, which elongates the design. Sliding glass panels line the home's volume, and open up to various open-air terraces. On the interior, sliding curtains made of metal mesh provide shade and privacy when needed. The home's circular design was intended to put the focus on the home's beautiful natural setting, but the curved shape also delivers a number of advantages. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels that run the length of the home flood the interior with natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. The first Solo House was built by Chilean studio Pezo Von Ellrichshausen back in 2013. According to Bourdais, the Solo House project in Matarraña will eventually be joined by 15 other houses and a hotel. + Office KGDVS + Solo Houses Via Dezeen
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Glass-encased circular Solo House snakes through a Spanish forest
Mexico-sized algae bloom in the Arabian Sea connected to climate change
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Talk of climate change probably evokes images of rising sea levels or hotter temperatures, but what about algae blooms ? Scientists have made a direct connection between an algae bloom in the Arabian Sea, which has blown up to the size of Mexico, and climate change. The massive bloom has been captured from satellites . 30 years ago, algae in the Gulf of Oman could barely be seen. Now, twice a year, microscopic organisms of the species Noctiluca scintillans turns the gulf green as it sprawls throughout the Arabian Sea towards India. Scientists say conditions produced by climate change are allowing the algae to thrive. Columbia University researchers have even traced the algae blooms to ice melting in the Himalayas. Related: Florida declares state of emergency due to gigantic algae bloom Satellite technology has also allowed researchers to connect algae with greater levels of water and air pollution . NASA ocean carbon and biology projects manager Paula Bontempi told the Associated Press satellite images of the algae are beautiful, like a Van Gogh painting, but in person the algae is smelly and ugly. She said, "We know that our Earth is changing. It may be in a direction we might not like." The phenomenon threatens local ecosystems ; algae has been known to paralyze fish . The United Nations' science agency says in rare cases algal toxins have killed humans. Oman faces unique threats from the algae bloom. There, algae can clog pipes at desalination plants providing as much as 90 percent of fresh water for the country. Fisheries in the country could also be harmed by the algae bloom; in 2008 an eruption of a different type of algae beached 50 tons of fish, which were starving for oxygen and rotted along the coast of Oman. Saleh al-Mashari, the captain of a researcher vessel, said this algae bloom has already caused damage. He told the Associated Press, "The fish are migrating. They can't get enough air here." Ahmad al-Alawi, a marine ecologist, said blooms are getting larger and lasting for longer periods of time. He said the blooms displace zooplankton, which are the base of the local food chain . Via Phys.org Images via Tristan Schmurr on Flickr and Wikimedia Commons
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Mexico-sized algae bloom in the Arabian Sea connected to climate change


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Tamela (She Who Basks In The Sun)
Tamela (She Who Basks In The Sun)
Aptly named, meaning "she who basks in the sun" the Tamela tote was made with the beach babe in mind.
Ideal for lazy days in the sand, the Tamela will stand out as an inner-city summer accessory too.
The abstract designs are expertly woven using dyed grass and straw materials.
The Tamela boasts intricately woven reinforced circular handles which finish off the bag with a fluidity of romance, grace and panache.
It's the ultimate summer accessory!


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Can you believe it? It's Thanksgiving's half birthday! That's right, Thanksgiving is only six months away.
Each November, I love taking the time to review the past year and reflect on everything I'm thankful for. I know I'm not the only one. The blogosphere abounds with posts on gratitude around the holidays.
But what about thoughts on gratitude and more importantly, acts of gratitude, during the other 10 months of the year?
You might be wondering what a post about gratitude is doing on a frugal living blog. This blog is called From Pennies to Plenty, but I firmly believe that having plenty is more than counting pennies and adding zeros to one's bank account.
Having plenty means feeling that one has enough to live comfortably, even without every available amenity or comfort. It's state of mind, and one thing that promotes the feeling of having plenty is being grateful for the things we already have.
A while back, I discussed with my friend how fortunate we are. She just had a healthy baby girl who is happy and thriving. I'm reminded how fortunate I am every day when I talk to others who don't have enough to eat, see the doctor, or keep a stable roof over their heads.
I have a home, a steady job with health insurance, and plenty of delicious food to eat, among many other things. So instead of showing gratitude once a year at Thanksgiving, I remind myself to do it at least a month or more often if I can.
There are big ways and little ways to show gratitude, but I think all are appreciated and contribute to the feeling of a plentiful life. So here are 10 ways to show gratitude throughout the year.
1) Volunteer
Volunteering your time or services is an easy way to show appreciation and rarely involves breaking the bank. Common activities include working at a soup kitchen, visiting housebound seniors, cleaning up city parks and beaches, or reading at a neighborhood school.
One of the most common concerns about volunteering is not having enough time to make a regular commitment, but it's possible to find volunteer activities to fit any schedule. Many organizations don't require a regular or long-term commitment. Often soup kitchens will allow you to volunteer whenever you sign up for a shift.
Lots of one-time events will need for volunteers for a day or a few hours. You can even find volunteer opportunities that can be done from the comfort of home. Many organizations need assistance with translation work, research, writing and editing, and so forth, which can all be done online.
2) Send a thank you card
While snail mail seems to be on the decline these days in favor of email and virtual greetings, nothing beats a thoughtful, handwritten thank you card.
Imagine the surprise and happiness you feel when you receive a thank you card in the mail. The recipient of your card will feel the same way. And give yourself bonus points if you send a homemade card!
3) Show your gift being used
Have you ever given a gift to someone and wondered if they're even going to use it? I know I have. Sometimes you wonder if the recipient is going to re-gift, return, or donate even the most carefully selected gift.
One of my favorite things to do is send a photo of me using what people have given me. I recently sent my aunt and uncle a picture of me using the hand soap and Tupperware they gave me for Christmas.
I sent my friend a photo of the butternut squash soup I made after following a recipe she provided. Another good way to show your appreciation is to wear an item like a sweater or scarf when you see the person who gave it to you.
4) Cook a meal or bake a treat
For the cooking or baking inclined, an easy way to show appreciation is to cook a meal or bake a sweet treat for someone, especially if you know their preferred foods. Picking up a treat at the supermarket or bakery is a winning method too if you're not into the culinary arts.
5) Give a compliment
If I asked you about the best compliment you've ever received, I'm sure you could recall the compliment and its surrounding circumstances pretty clearly.
Compliments have such a strong, memorable impact on people. They're free and easy to give. And there's no limit to how many compliments you can give too.
6) Give a call or text just because
We're probably all used to getting calls or texts when someone needs something, but sometimes it's nice to receive a call or text just because. Just because someone is thinking about you and wants to know how you're doing. That simple act of reaching out for a brief chat can make someone's day.
7) Give a small, meaningful gift
After reading the 5 Languages of Love, I learned that some people's love language is receiving gifts. These people feel appreciated and loved when they receive gifts.
Whether or not you know your recipient's primary love language, it sure is nice to be on the receiving end of a meaningful gift every once in a while.
Related post: 52 Ways to Cultivate Gratitude in Your Life
8) Run an errand for someone
How thankful have you been when someone has offered to take on an errand of yours? Getting a few extra minutes to tackle everything else competing for your attention that day can make such a difference.
So when you know your partner or co-worker is having a busy day, offer to do an errand or two to lighten his or her load. It can be as simple as offering to wash the dishes when you usually don't, scrubbing the bathtub because your partner doesn't like to do it, or picking up the children and dinner.
9) Donate
You can donate anything including time, expertise/skills, money, or goods. Do you have perfectly good clothes hanging in your closet that you don't wear anymore? Someone else may get good use out of them.
Some organizations accept just about all types of clothing and household items. Other organizations specialize in recycling specific items such as prom dresses for today's teenagers or work suits for those looking for jobs.
10) Keep a gratitude journal
While keeping a gratitude journal doesn't directly affect anyone besides you, it will open your eyes to the many things you can be thankful for in your life. I recently kept a list of 3-5 things for which I'm thankful every day for one week.
It helped me to reflect on my daily activities and interactions with others each night, and in turn, changed my outlook for the better during the day. I actively searched for things to be grateful for and felt more appreciative for what I have at the end of the week's exercise.
Reflecting on one's blessings and showing gratitude is easy to do anytime of the year with these tips. Do you have more suggestions to share? If you have stories of when you were on the receiving end of an act of gratitude, I'd love to hear those too.


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These are some Frequently Asked Questions about this site, with some answers.
What is Kick Off the Covers.com?
Kick Off the Covers is a place to heal, comfort, console, empathize, nurture-or be nurtured. Participate-or just Listen-as your mood & needs dictate. May it become a place to go in the middle of the night when you Kick Off The Covers & no one is around to share. As I start, these are my Hopes. -9/3/11-
More About Kick Off The Covers and what we were thinking when we created this microblog here
How is Kick Off the Covers different from Twitter, Jaiku, Pownce, Plurk, others?
Kick Off the Covers is an Open Network Service. Our main goal is to provide a fair and transparent service that preserves users' autonomy. In particular, all the software used for Kick Off the Covers is Free Software, and all the data is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license, making it Open Data.
The software also implements the OpenMicroBlogging protocol, meaning that you can have friends on other microblogging services that can receive your notices.
The goal here is autonomy -- you deserve the right to manage your own on-line presence. If you don't like how Kick Off the Covers works, you can take your data and the source code and set up your own server (or move your account to another one).
Where is feature X?
The software we run, StatusNet, is still in its early stages, and many features people expect from microblogging sites are not yet implemented. Some important ones that are expected "soon":
- More AJAX-y interface
- Maps
- Cross-post to Pownce, Jaiku, etc.
- Pull messages from Twitter, Pownce, Jaiku, etc.
- Facebook integration
- Image, video, audio notices
There is a list of bugs and features that you may find interesting. New ideas or complaints are very welcome.