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This use to be a VERY active group. I don't know where all the gals have gone.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in December 2011. I was offered a lumpectomy with radiation or bilateral mastectomies (BMX) without radiation. I chose the BMX. For some strange reason I was afraid of radiation. I know many gals on here have had radiation and had no problems with it. I didn't want it.
I had the BMX in March 2012 followed by 4 chemotherapy sessions 3 weeks apart. It was difficult but certainly doable.
DO NOT beat yourself up about checking or not checking for lumps, etc. My surgeon said that the cancer is probably not detectable until it's there for 2 years. I had mammograms every 6 months with biopsies. I monitored myself closely and I still had cancer.
Please come back and post your progress. This site really was hopping 6 years ago. I would love to see it come back. It saved me emotionally during my journey.


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A reliable, functional and attractive end result will provide you with years of use. We use only top of the line components. Smart technologies work better together. An integrated system simplifies your daily life by making your home more efficient and simplifying your control over electronics. Depending upon how you want to use your system and the budget that you have, we can design a system that fits your lifestyle and performs for years to come.
Each system we design is customized to your home and lifestyle. We choose components that blend into your decor and we can hide multiple light switches, volume controls, thermostats, security keypads and other necessary devices, by integrating these systems together. This will eliminate "Wall Clutter" and focus attention on the beauty of your home.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tesla Semi
Gas prices are getting a bit ridiculous lately. Something needs to be done about that. The BAMF's over at Tesla have. At a press conference, they have revealed the Tesla Semi. Something they have been talking about for a while, and honestly I expected it to be more of a short distance work truck, but its not. It is absolutely a long haul semi truck, and its better than a diesel in every way.
To start, the performance of the semi is insane. Yeah, its a semi, you don't buy it for performance, but time is money. 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5 seconds empty trailer and 20 seconds full load (80,000 pounds), compared to 15 seconds in a diesel empty trailer. A lot happens in 15 seconds on a highway, and in a conventional diesel semi with 18 gears thats a lot of shifting gears. In a Tesla semi you just go, being electric there are no gears to shift, you get up to speed a lot faster and you don't have to work nearly as hard to get there. And if something does happen while accelerating where you have to slow down, you don't have to shift 18 times to get back up to speed.
We have also all been stuck behind a slow semi, hazard lights flashing, going slow up a hill. For a diesel, that is a fact of life, as with a full load they have to stay in a lower gear and be careful not to overwork the machine. A typical diesel on a 5% grade hill (5 feet vertical change in height for every 100 feet forward) has a maximum speed of 45 mph (72 km), that isn't slow, but 5% isn't that steep either. Compare that to a Tesla Semi that can do 65 mph (104 km/h) on a 5% grade, thats full highway speed still.
However, the most important part is range. As if this truck was only the short distance work truck, it wouldn't matter. But it isn't a short distance work truck, this is a full long haul Semi. To start, the battery from full charge has a 500 mile range, thats plenty far enough. On top of that, Tesla will have a dedicated "megacharge" network similar to the superchargers for their cars, where they can get a 400 mile charge in 30 minutes. Yes, that is not a full charge, but thats hours of driving you can recharge in the legally required half hour lunch break a driver must take. For comparison, Google says it is 602 miles from Vancouver to Calgary, that is as far as a truck driver would legally be allowed to drive in a day, and its doable as long as they take their required half hour break at a Tesla charger with lots of charge to spare. Tesla being Tesla, the megacharger will be solar powered.
Gone are the days of your basic groceries going up in price because gas prices went up and its now costing the truckers more to get your milk to the store. With the truck being electric, its dirt cheap to run. It is actually 20% cheaper to run per mile to operate than conventional diesel semi. Tesla has also built in their autonomous driving capabilities, suddenly one person can pilot one truck and have two autonomous trucks traveling as a convoy following, that cost per mile to operate drops even further.
With deliveries planned for 2019, it wont be long before the conventional semi truck manufacturers have to attempt to compete with this. The diesel semi will not be around for long.


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Miriam Sidler
A brand of quality and culture, Miriam Sidler's passion of exotic textiles comes to life in her personal brand, Miriam Sidler Collection.
At Miriam Sidler, cashmere is considered as valuable as gold! Imported cashmere from the high mountains in Asia, Miriam Sidler stands for quality and sustainability. We caught up with Miriam to see what makes her tick!
Job Related
GG: What, or who, inspired you to enter the field of work you are in now?
Miriam Sidler: I've been driven by love of textiles, passion for a creative process as well as my inborn curiosity to work with other people and different cultures!
GG: Tell us about your latest projects…what are you working on at the moment?
Miriam Sidler: I'm thinking of my next steps!
GG: When are you most inspired?
Miriam Sidler: In WATER! Whether it's a nice bath or a short getaway at the sea or near the lake.
GG: What are some favorite beauty products that you cannot live without?
Miram Sidler: Red Lipstick from Chanel, Mascara form Yves Saint Laurent, my favorite Perfume from Sante Maria Novella Angeli Florence, Haarcreme R&B form Lush, Mineral powder form Clinique.
Local Tips
GG: Tell us about you out on the town…any favorite restaurants or boutiques we should check out?
Miriam Sidler: Boutique Mon Amour in Zurich for nice clothes, Japanese Food Restaurant Sala of Tokyo, for a nice Coffee always loving to go to the Coffee Bar La Stanza, For my favorites Perfume the shop from Ines Boesch & Co.
GG: Favorite restaurant/cafe in Zurich?
Miriam Sidler: At the moment I love Japanese Food my favorite: Sala of Tokyo.
GG: How do you keep organized?
Miriam Sidler: Time is an important factor, I find setting strict deadlines highly effective to reach my goals.
GG: What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Miriam Sidler: "The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are arms of the man she loves."
GG: Favorite blogger to follow?
Miriam Sidler: lesparisiennesdumonde and topthatpose.
GG: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Miriam Sidler: Stay faithful
Miram Sidler


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The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is a group of 150+ singing members who strive to inspire hearts and change minds through the power of music. GMCSF uses a blend of inspirational concerts, outreach performances, meaningful education programs, and community service activities to best serve the community.
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This morning a friend posted something on Facebook that really spoke to me. She said"we find small enduring unless it is connected to our personal life. We want a bigger circle of friends, more influence, bigger cars, more money when we should really be content with where God has put us at the moment."
Contentment. Something that I have a difficult time with. I remember the first lesson God taught me about how to be content. I had been married about 3 or 4 years and we had to move from Germany to Ft. Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Oklahoma is not a bad place just was a huge adjustment to go from mountains and trees to tumbleweeds and dirt and I didn't like it. The other thing that made this more difficult was the time of year of our move. My husband, who was in the military, had to attend a school for about a month and it was in the middle of winter. Basically we moved and I was left with 2 babies alone. I didn't know anyone. We didn't even have time to find church. So it was like someone dropped me off in the middle of nowhere.
I am a flexible person and don't usually have trouble making friends but that was different. It was in the middle of winter and everything was dead. The trees and grass were brown and it was very cold. I felt very alone. Looking back at that time in my life, I am sure I was sad and depressed. I missed my family and living in Germany. I remember when being content became clear to me. I was walking to a little convenience store that was a couple of blocks from the house, when God spoke to me. He reminded me of the scripture where Paul says, in whatever state you are to be content. I took this literately to mean the actually state I was living in. So from that day, to the rest of the time I lived in Oklahoma, I tried to find things I liked about living there.
Fast forward to today and I still have a problem with contentment. I moved to Phoenix, Arizona about 3 years ago. (ALOT more dirt and tumbleweeds) I'm okay with living in Phoenix until it gets 115 in the summer and then not so much. The discontent comes with other things in my life. The church I have attended for the last 3 years, I have never made any close friends. This was very unusual for me. In all the moving I have done being a military wife, I've never had trouble with this until I moved to Phoenix. Actually, sitting here thinking about this issue, that's not completely true. In the last couple of tours we did, one in Georgia and the other in Italy, the "friend" thing was controlled by my ex-husband so that has probably made it hard for me to find friends.
At first, I was hurt and sad that I didn't have any friends in Phoenix. I have friends in other parts of the country but just not here. I think that maybe God was trying to get my attention. Instead of focusing on something I didn't have, I need to cast my attention on him and be content with where I am. It is a hard lesson but I have learned it. I can sit here today and feel content in myself in this aspect.
But God isn't done with me. Now I'm learning how to be content in my work. This is seemingly more difficult. I work for the federal government. In that job, it affords me the opportunity of changing jobs without losing a job. I can take a job in another state or country and move without any penalties. This works good for me because I love to travel. But the kicker to this is listening to God when I'm considering jumping out to do something else. This has nothing to do with my current job. I have a fantastic boss and work with great people. It's just the ambition and discontent of wanting something more. There's nothing wrong with wanting more. I just have to follow God's leading and pick the right "more". If I can just grasp the fact that once I become content with the place I am right now then God will open the doors to something new. I know this but applying it is more difficult.


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Well, it's chilly California December and school Volleyball is done, over, finished, and we can have beautiful self-manicures and regular shaving routines again! …Or can we?
It's time for Club Volleyball. Yes, I'm about to explain. Club Vball is the BIG mamma of all competitive sports teams outside of the sissy Public Education System sports. You've got MJB, Comp Soccer, and Little League all helplessly lost in the shadow of Club Volleyball.
High School volleyball is quiet behaved. Cliques hang with cliques during water breaks, there's about a teaspoon of team spirit, and the coach is a fifty-year-old, belly scratching, ex-setter from the eighties who sits in a camping chair hollering, "USE YOUR APPROACH WOMEN!" (In most cases.)
But CLUB is down, down deep to the core, down to blood and shoe skids on the court… extremely fit coaches screaming, purple neck veins bulging, stomping like fire-breathing ogres yelling commands to girls and at the poor poor refs. Parents with bullhorns and Subway sandwhiches, players ramming each other and getting the most Be•AU•tiful kills and dives this planet has ever seen all while Gatorade bottles litter the sleek golden floors. Oh, and college scouts infest the stands, with their noses in their little notebooks scribbling down, we hope and pray, OUR jersey numbers.
Well I am here at open gym which is some middle-school gym somewhere with it's doors open. This gym is filled with a hundred nervous girls with their spanking-new white kneepads. Our supportive parents mingle with checkbooks in hand. I spot familiar faces from schools of present and old, neighborhood… and I'm slowly getting comfy with the insanity.
FLASHBACK to three months ago, (If that's alright with you.)
I'm at BYU volleyball camp. Walking across campus with my water bottle and gym bag with a few chatty friends. Checking the time. Running across campus. Hitting lines and ten-second water breaks. Diving Liners (BLEch.) and peppering with a sweet new friend. Finding another sweet friend to walk to dinner hall with. Gathering sweet friends to eat with. Inhaling AMAZING food. Eyeing lacrosse camp boys across the room. Going back to dorms with sweet roommates… passing out five sweet nights in a row. Alarm going off and painfully raising my stiff sore body from bed, not at all ready for another day of hitting lines and diving liners (blecheddy blech).
Absolutely the best camp ever known to volleyball obsessants.
I still keep in touch with my amazing roommate. Nessy lives in the potato and snow state and I live in the state of Palm trees and really good Mexican food. So we haven't seen each other in person for three months. (Which really hurts when this is your long-distance bestie) Pen pals are a dying breed and we, the next generation, are "texting pals", which is which is a million times more convenient than finding a stamp. And so that's what Nessy and I do. We text each other frequently about, well Volleyball.
So Ness shot me a text during open gym and told me that she jammed her thumb during practice that day and was really bummed (I'm not sure how she sent that text then…) but I sent back words of sympathy and comfort anyway and went back to practice, watching my thumbs a little more cautiously.
And in case you're eyes got lazy and you skimmed to this point:
•Club is downright dirty but incredible.
•Sweet friends can prevent injury to your thumbs.
•When I'm done here a new quote's going on my wall:
"Give a girl a volleyball, and she will be merry!"
(Unless she likes golf or something)
It was incredibly worth it :) Love you Cyclone Women!


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Insurance, brokerage and advisor trade groups rushed to file comments before the midnight Tuesday deadline set by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on the agency's proposal to apply a fiduciary standard of care for advisors dealing with retirement accounts.
Petitions, individual letters and detailed explanations — some as long as 55 pages — from trade organizations poured into the DOL as voices numbering in the tens of thousands made themselves heard before the bell tolled at 11:59 p.m.
Even among trade lobbies and individuals who supported the department's stated goal of removing conflict of interests real or perceived, many were opposed to the way the DOL proposed to execute and impose a fiduciary standard.
What follows is a roundup of some of the voices for and against the DOL fiduciary rule proposal issued in April. The list isn't meant to be comprehensive but offers a balance of viewpoints around salient issues noted by the industry.
The points are presented in a "for-and-against" format.
Restricting Access and Choice
"It is simply not credible that advisors and their firms will stop serving middle-income Americans and walk away from providing services to retirement investors who have a collective $14.4 trillion in 401(k) plans and IRAs."
— Financial Planning Coalition
"While we appreciate and agree with the DOL's interest in advancing the well-being of worker and retiree savings, we're concerned that the proposal, as it stands, would lead to unintended results that would limit consumer access to products, services and information."
— Voya Financial
On Retirement Fund Rollovers
"There are at times, however, reasons it may be in the investor's best interest to roll out of a 401(k)-type plan: if the plan is poorly run, has high costs and a poor array of investment alternatives; if a retirement investor wishes to consolidate a number of 401(k)s into one IRA for administrative ease; or if they desire to move their assets to the care of a fiduciary who is managing other assets. In this comment, all the rollovers would be advised by a fiduciary."
— The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard
"Today I helped a client decide what to do with his 401(k) account when he terminated employment. The decision was made that rolling the assets into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) was the best choice for him. I helped him decide how to invest the IRA account to best meet his risk tolerance, financial situation, tax status, investment objectives, liquidity needs and risk tolerance. I was able to combine these monies with existing accounts for his family resulting in no sales charge for him. Under the current (proposed) rule, I would be prohibited from providing any of those services. "
— John Hevron, wealth management advisor, Northwestern Mutual, Evansville, Ind.
"I recently helped a 62-year-old woman who was retired and needed assistance with what to do with her 401(k). She needed monthly income. We rolled over her 401(k) to an IRA and used a fixed annuity that would provide her with a steady stream of income. She wanted to keep things simple, and that was the reason she didn't want to go to some big brokerage firm or investment advisor. I received commissions from the purchase of the annuity which paid for my time. For over 20 years, I've been providing this type of service for many middle-income Americans. Unfortunately, under the current draft, I would be prohibited from providing any of the services I listed above."
— Samuel Liang, partner, Rubino & Liang, Newton, Mass.
Best Interest Contract Exemption
"We applaud the DOL's Best Interest Contract for requiring any person or company that would receive conflicted compensation to do so only if it is in the retirement investor's best interest, with comprehensive transparency and projected fee vs. performance and risk comparison."
— Kathleen M. McBride, chair, The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard
"The proposal's new Best Interest Contract Exemption will create a complicated regulatory structure that will unnecessarily limit savers' choices … the DOL's long list of requirements and exemptions are currently unfeasible. It will result in small- and middle-income savers being forced into accounts that may not suit their needs or preferences and cause others to go at it alone without the assistance of an investment professional."
— Financial professionals and advisors at broker/dealers and insurers Bay State Financial, LPL, MetLife, Raymond James
"In its current state, the Best Interest Contract Exemption is completely unmanageable, not so much for its intent, but for the fact that "best" can be a moving target, and what may be best today isn't so tomorrow. An advisor could find himself in violation of the regulation on a snapshot basis, which would render it virtually impossible for an advisor to comply."
— Mark Miller, registered representative and investment advisor representative, Ameritas Investment Corp.
Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE 84-24)
"The Department is proposing to amend PTE 84-24 to require all fiduciaries relying on the exemption to adhere to the same impartial conduct standards required in the Best Interest Contract Exemption. At the same time, the proposed amendment would revoke PTE 84-24 in part so that investment advice fiduciaries to IRA owners would not be able to rely on PTE 84-24 with respect to (1) transactions involving variable annuity contracts and other annuity contracts that constitute securities under federal securities laws, and (2) transactions involving the purchase of mutual fund shares. Investment advice fiduciaries to IRA owners would instead be required to rely on the Best Interest Contract Exemption for most common forms of compensation received in connection with these transactions."
— DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration Conflict of Interest Rule
"In its current form, PTE 84-24 permits brokers who are fiduciaries to recommend the purchase of insurance or annuity contracts for a plan or IRA and to receive commissions on the sales. The broker/dealer industry has historically relied on PTE 84-24 heavily, particularly in the context of commissioned sales of annuity products to IRAs. Any contraction of or amendment to the relief offered under PTE 84-24 would appear to require the department to offer a clear path toward compliance and sufficient flexibility to allow financial advisors and investors to adjust their arrangements accordingly. Unfortunately, PTE 84-24, in its proposed form, offers neither.
— Financial Services Institute
Fees and Transparency
"The goal here is to put an end to Wall Street brokers who benefit from back door payments or hidden fees at the expense of their clients."
— President Barack Obama, White House Conference on Aging, July 2015
"Last year along, hidden fees, unfair risk and bad investment advice robbed Americans of as much as $17 billion. Advisers should be working in our best interest. It's time to close this loophole and ensure a high standard that holds anyone who gives financial advice genuinely accountable for helping everyday Americans choose the best investments for us, our families and our future."
"No two clients are the same. Some clients need a complete plan that is fee based. Some need only money management that is fee based. Some need insured products, that have some quarantined benefits. Some need alternative products that can only be offered as FINRA brokerage accounts."
— Rudolph Mahara, president, Mahara Wealth Partners
Cost/Benefit of a Fiduciary Standard
"In conclusion, the department believes that the new proposal would mitigate advisor conflicts and thereby improve plan and IRA investment results, while avoiding greater than necessary disruption of existing business practices. Based on its analysis, the department is confident that the proposed rule would deliver large retirement investor gains and important other economic benefits, which will more than justify its costs."
— U.S. Dept. of Labor, Fiduciary Investment Advice, Regulatory Impact Analysis, April 2015
"The Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) produces many different numbers representing different underlying assumptions, resulting in industry cost estimates that vary wildly from about $2 billion per year to $50 billion per year. The range of numbers is so wide it suggests no scientific confidence in their own methodology."
— Securities Industry and Financial Market Association
"While it is true that retirement savers with meritorious claims should find it easier to recover their losses if the rule is adopted, there is simply no basis for the claim that the rule would significantly increase the amount of litigation. To suggest that it would ignores not only the high cost of pursuing claims, and the particular difficulty of pursuing class action lawsuits, but the plain language of the rule itself."
— Consumer Federation of America
Reasonable and qualified financial advisors may reach different conclusions about which factors are more significant and which product best meets the criteria that the financial advisor believes are most relevant. Fiduciaries generally are not required to discern or recommend the "best" product among all available for sale nationwide or worldwide. Investment advisors, for example, are required to recommend suitable investments, not the "best" investment available to the customer. A requirement to recommend the "best" product would impose unnecessary and untenable litigation risks on fiduciaries.
—Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
What is presented to an IRA investor as trusted advice is often paid for by a financial product vendor in the form of a sales commission or shelf-space fee, without adequate counter-balancing consumer protections that are designed to ensure that the advice is in the investor's best interest. In another variant of the same problem, brokers and others provide apparently tailored advice to customers under the guise of general education to avoid triggering fiduciary status and responsibility.
—DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration Conflict of Interest Rule
"The proposal limits the kinds of education that can be provided to a plan sponsor or participant without triggering fiduciary obligations. It is vague and confusing with respect to the sale of proprietary products, in particular, variable annuities, and imposes very significant data disclosure and retention requirements on the financial institutions. Some of the disclosures appear to be in direct conflict with federal securities rules, and others could violate privacy rights."
—National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
InsuranceNewsNet Senior Writer Cyril Tuohy has covered the financial services industry for more than 15 years. Cyril may be reached at [email protected].
© Entire contents copyright 2015 by InsuranceNewsNet.com Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted without the expressed written consent from InsuranceNewsNet.com.


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Globally, oil and gas activities are known for its degrading and destructive effect on the environment. In Uganda, there are already fears that oil and gas activities in the Albertine graben could destroy the fragile ecosystem. This calls for increased close monitoring and early mitigation measures to be put in place.
District leaders from the oil rich Albertine graben want government to establish a special fund dedicated to helping district environment officers to routinely monitor the impact of oil and gas activities on the environment and undertake early mitigation measures.
Bulisa district chairman Mr Agaba Simon Kinene said, "As a district, we are implementing oil and gas industry at zero budget, yet we are decentralized," he said.
The oil production phase, is expected to generate a lot of hazardous or non- hazardous waste. Therefore, district environment officers are expected to take a center in ensuring that all the oil waste generated and pollution are properly managed.
As Uganda prepares to started oil production, a lot o is preparing for District Environment Officers (DEOs), have often complained of lack of facilitation to monitor oil and gas activities.
Mr Philip Ngongaha, the District Environment Officer, Bulisa was bolder and called for the establishment of a fund to help them monitor oil and gas activities. He said currently, district environment officers lack facilitation to do their work. "We need a special fund to facilitate oil and gas monitoring," Ngongaha argues.
He argued that the fund would help the environment officers acquire modern equipment for monitoring. "You cannot expect an environment officer to monitor noise pollution using naked eyes. We require modern equipment," he said.
The leaders were speaking at an oil and gas conference organized by Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala last month.
He argues that given the environmental concerns that are expected to come with the petroleum sector, it is important to allocate enough resources to monitor any changes in the environment and make early mitigation measures. "Local environment committees provided for under in the law but are not in existence," he said.
"I wish to concur, we need a special fund for environmental officers, to monitor these activities otherwise, we shall keep taking when the environment is being depleted" Paul Mulindwa, the Program Coordinator, Kibaale District Civil Society Organizations Network said.
Presenting a paper on the impact of oil and gas on local government, Nwoya District Chairman Mr Patrick Okello Oryema wondered how district environment officers monitor oil and gas activities without being facilitated to do their work.
However Ms Aijuka Sarah, the Environmental Monitoring Officer in charge of Oil and Gas at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) explained that the authority is already drafting the National Oil Spill Management Regulations and contingent plan.
"We already have oil waste, but we are still lacking regulations on how to handle the oil waste," Ms Aijuka explained. Aijuka said the environmental watchdog operates on an assumption the district environment officers have money for environmental activities, an assumption that she said won't be held anymore but rather consider the lack of finances and see how best to have the people facilitated.
Edward Ssekika
The muddled procurement of the lead developer for the oil refinery could have played a role
President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday, in a surprise twist of events, fired the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Stephen Isabalija. Though the President did not give reasons for the surprise sucking, analysts within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development argue that the messy handling of the procurement process for the oil refinery lead developer could have played a hand in Isabalija's sacking.
Mr Isabalija was only 10 months old into the job, after replacing the long serving Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa during a reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries in November last year. Kabagambe Kaliisa is now a Senior Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas.
The President appointed Robert Kasande, the acting director, Petroleum Directorate in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, as the acting Permanent Secretary. Mr Kasende, a geologist by profession, was also the project manager for the oil refinery project.
Isabalija's sacking that started as a rumor on Wednesday, was later on Thursday confirmed by the Executive Director, Uganda Media Center and government spokesman Ofwono Opondo who twitted, "Dr Stephen Isabalija's contract has been terminated and he is to be paid one month in lieu of notice," Opondo said.
He said the President did not give any reason for the terminating Isabalija's contract. During his short stint at the Ministry, Isabalija's oversaw the eviction of over 60,000 artisanal gold miners in Kitumbi Sub county, Mubende district. Government claims that the artisanal gold miners were illegally mining gold and want an "investor" to take over.
Dr Isabalija an academic and former Vice Chancellor, Victoria University, could have burnt his fingers in the procurement process of the lead developer for the oil refinery.
Early this month, Dr Isabalija announced Albertine Graben Refinery Consortium (AGRC), a consortium of American and Italian companies, as the winner for the oil refinery deal. This edged out a Chinese Consortium led by Guangzhou Dong Song Energy Group Limited, that accused the selection panel of corruption.
Guangzhou Dong Song Energy Group Limited, was granted a mining lease to develop the Tororo Phosphates.
The Chinese consortium includes; Guangzhou Dong Song Energy Group Limited, Guangdong Silk Road Fund, China Africa Fund for International Corporation, China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPNC) and the East Design Institute.
After being edged out in the $ 4bn dollars refinery deal, the Chinese penned a letter dated 8, August, 2017, to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Muloni copied to the Prime Minister in which the consortium expressed shock at the announcement.
"We are taken aback by press reports indicating that the government of Uganda has reportedly selected a group known as Albertine Graben Refinery Consortium to develop the refinery project. Incidentally, the same press reports indicate that the Dong Song – CPECC consortium had been appraised as the best bidder with 83.38 percent," reads the letter signed by LV Weidong, on behalf of Dong Song led consortium.
It added, "The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the Dong Song – CPECC consortium has never disintegrated. It remains strong and committed to invest in the development of Uganda Refinery project provided the concerns raised in the consortium's earlier letters are addressed. The letter reads.
The consortium even threatened to challenge the procurement process that led to the selection of any other consortium in courts of law. They also complained that the only reason, they were denied a deal is because, the consortium members are close to President Yoweri Museveni.
"Dong Song is suffering because it is close to the President. There is no way it can give money to people involved in the selection process," an official is reported to have said. This year, two officials from the Ministry of Finance tried to solicit for money from Guangzhou Dong Song Energy Group Limited, the president laid them a trap and they were arrested.
The Chinese also alleged corruption in the way the deal was awarded. "So, we were edged out, because they know we can't give them money," an official of the consortium is reported in the local press to have complained.
One of the Consortium members, CPECC, a subsidiary of CNPC has demonstrated capacity having built refineries in South Sudan, Algeria, Chad and Niger. However, selection committee is reported to have edged out Dong Song consortium because they didn't provide their intended financiers.
The Chinese are also known of using powerfully connected individuals some of them members of the first family to broker their deals. Guangzhou Dong Song Energy Group Limited, used the President to get the Tororo Phosphates Deal. It is this politics of balancing interests, that could have landed Isabalija in trouble and could have had played a role in sacking.
Kawunde Patrick has been in the gold mining business for three years now. Previously he was a timber dealer and before that he traded in South Sudan until unrest broke out. On the fateful morning of the Mubende mines eviction, he watched in horror as his livelihood was swept right from under his feet.
The 35-year old father of five had a pit in the mines. On that fateful morning his boys were already in the pit working when he was ordered by angry soldiers to get them out and ensure no one stayed down. The miners had been given two hours – though most swear it was hardly an hour – to vacate the mines. Pandemonium reigned as over 50,000 people gathered whatever they could to flee.
Preoccupied with getting his boys out of the pit Kawunde had no time to pick anything from his house. By the time he got there the padlock was broken, his house ransacked.
"Soldiers stopped me from taking anything. I lost three generators; three blowers that supply oxygen down the pit and four drilling machines," Kawunde painfully narrated his ordeal.
He valued the generators at Shs3million each; two blowers at Shs2.2million each and a smaller one at Shs700,000. The drillers together cost Shs4.4million.
"I watched as Sh16million of my capital was snatched out of my hands," he said resignedly with tears welling up in his eyes. A week later he found out his Sh9million ball mill had been taken too.
"In my lifetime I have never seen anything like this," he said in a distant voice."
Mr Kawunde is just one of many artisanal miners that lost property and money during the eviction.
"People left money in their houses as they fled," said another miner who identified himself as just Alex. Alex was one of so many business people who fled off the gold value chain. He owned a lodge and bar. He had just spent Shs6million on iron sheets to construct more makeshift rooms. Like many others he left his iron sheets in the mines.
"If I had not bought those sheets I would at least have something to start with. I left everything of mine in the mines. I have not changed clothes since we were evicted," he said.
Another miner of Rwandese origin had his Toyota Premio confiscated by police when he was asked to produce his national ID which he had misplaced in the fracas.
Led by Ntare Sipriano, the LCI chairman Lujinji B, an angry group of miners still camped in the trading center just outside the mines said the military men told them they had orders to take over the place and confiscate everything.
"A few lucky ones had managed to get out some property before the place was put on lockdown," said one of them.
To the ordinary eye artisanal gold miners spend day in and out torturously excavating stone and go through strenuous means to extract gold from the ore. Yet in fact the clueless miners are counting losses since their eviction early this month. Clueless because every government stakeholder they believed had given them assurance of their continued operations right from the fountain of honour has betrayed them.
Mr Bukenya Michael, the Bukuya constituency MP, said they had 'done everything possible' to stop the evictions, lobbying in higher offices but were powerless to stop anything.
In his State of the Nation address of 2015 President Museveni assured the miners in Mubende their plight would be addressed. For five years now the miners have waited for a location license in vein. This year, with the eviction looming, negotiations were ongoing as politicians shuffled between State House and Mubende.
Mr Emmanuel Kibirige, the secretary Singo Artisanal and Small Scale Miners Association said Benny Namugwanya, the Woman MP Mubende, was supposed to have given them feedback from a consultation meeting she had attended in Kampala over their plight. Other than what had transpired they were expressly evicted albeit earlier directives to vacate that they mostly took casually.
"We have lost our lives and livelihood. Our government has done it again to further marginalize the poor. Thanks NRM. Our property worth millions is in the hands of soldiers. Only two hours to shit items after working for ten years," Kibirige says bitterly.
Kibirige wondered what would become of people's property as there wasn't any sort of documentation taking place.
"I have an acre of land I bought in that place and have a land sale agreement for it. What has it got to do with the mines? We would not have refused to leave the mines but should have let us take our property," Kibirige, who sustained a broken leg in the fracas, says.
After years of toiling several of the miners own pits. Inclusive of paying rental fees to landlords, hiring generators and drilling tools, and labour, operating a pit cost up to Sh500,000 daily, according to Ivan Kawuma, another miner. Kawuma owned a pit more than 300 feet deep after working for more than five years.
What has however left several people baffled is their machinery that they were using in their operations. People were not allowed to take their machinery. Miners have also reported seeing a military police truck driving out of the miners with generators, blowers, and other equipment like drillers.
When asked about people losing property Mr Byaruhanga Patrick, the district police commander Mubende, said those were exhibits to adduce as evidence of illegal mining otherwise people had managed to carry out all their other belongings.
For now the miners are waiting and hoping that they will be allowed back to operate or at least seize opportunities if an investor starts operations.
By Robert Mwesigye and photos by Josephine Nabaale
Over 50,000 artisanal miners operating in Mubende district were ordered to vacate the gold miners within a period of two hours on Friday 04/08/2017.
This operation to evict all the artisanal gold miners in Mubende district is was led by Col Balikuddembe Lutaaya commander 1st division in Uganda People's Defence forces.
The miners were told to leave the mining sites in Kitumbi and Bukuya sub counties but were not given ample time to rescue their mining equipment.
A troop of Uganda peoples defence forces and Uganda police forces totaling 750 people, 4 tear gas vehicles and tanks were stationed in the gold mining sites in Kitumbi and Bukuya sub counties forcing the gold miners and other people operating business with this location to pack their belongings to leave the mines.
Mr Sempowo Robert the chairman Mubende artisanal miners explained that they has been woken up by the sound of lorries moving into the mines that were packed with Uganda peoples defence forces soldiers and Uganda police forces officers who ordered them to vacate the premises within two hours and by midday no single person was to be found in the mines.
Sempowo added, "Currently most of the miners in this area are packing up their belonging to leave the premises ,others have abandoned their property for lack of money especially the heavy machinery while other are selling the property at a giveaway price so that they can live this place before it's too late."
"Government is not fair, because there was no official communication to neither the leaders or to the gold miner to vacte the gold mines , we have been relying on rumours and hear say, its a shock to us all our efforts have been shattered one investor. "Sempowo expressed.
Ivan Male Kawuma, the Project Coordinator Singo Artisanal Small Scale Miners Association said that "we are being treated like non Ugandans, how can we become like refugees in our own country. There is no communication, no compensation for the money invested in our business running in the gold mines. This has been our main source of livelihood and we don't know what we are going to do next."
His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the president of Uganda in his letter addressed to the hon. members of parliament Mubende district dated 28/June/2017 made it clear that;" those artisanal miners who invaded where the investor had excavations must straight away get out.
The evictions folowed the presidential directive to evict all the artisanal miners in Mubende district on grounds that the people in the mines are not registered, government doesn't know the amount of gold they are getting out from this area, the people operating in this area are not Ugandans and increased environmental degradation which is a threat to the nearby communities.
However the permanent secretary under ministry of energy and mineral development Dr.Stephen. R. Sabalija in the letter dated 02/08/2017 entitled Statement on illegal mining activities in Uganda explains that government is putting in place intervention measures whereby all the local artisans will be registered in all mining areas of Kitumbi and Bukuya sub counties so that they can be organized into groups that shall ultimately be regulated.
This intervention is anticipated to take 3 months and will subsequently help the ministry of Energy and Mineral development to re-organise mining activities supported by Uganda police force, Uganda people's defence forces, Directorate of citizenship and immigration control under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and will be led by Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Josephine Nabaale
President's envoy disappoints Mubende gold miners, fails to turn up for the long awaited reconciliatory meeting
Thousands of artisanal miners that had gathered at lujinji mining site in Mubende district to meet the presidential advisor on land matters left the venue disappointed over her failure to show up.
According to Mr Sempowo Robert chairman Mubende artisanal miners, they secured this appointment with Ms Kiconco flora, the legal presidential advisor of land so that they could be able to show her the area currently occupied by the artisanal miners, how miners operate in this area, equipments being used by miners, how many miners are operating in this area, to win her support towards an end to a possible eviction of the miners by the President.
Earlier in the same month July, the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni allegedly issued a presidential directive to have over 500 artisan gold miners displaced from the mining area of mubende in favour of Gemstones International mining company. This company holds the location license for the area, but had allowed the artisan miners to operate alongside them in this same area, from which they derive a livelihood. This however has since changed. Worried that the miners may encroach on all the gold, they reportedly sought government's protection to retain back all their land for which they hold a license. Government officials, majority from the Ministry of Energy advised the president accordingly, who in turn ordered for their vacating.
These miners that gathered up from 7:30am in the morning on Thursday 13th April, left three hours into waiting disappointed after an official communication that the presidential advisor was not to turn up, because she was caught up with state work therefore postponing the meeting to 20/July/2017.
Mr Lukwago Peter one of the miners expressed disappointment: "We have been forced to suspend our work because we are law abiding citizens that need to stream line the course of our work. We really need government to listen to our side of the story other than favouring one investor, a move that has left us jobless."
Lukwago added that the news about the presidential directive of eviction left them in fear.
"Few people go into the pits in search for gold. Few people are buying new stuff for their shops. Business is no longer booming because we can't invest much capital for fear of being chased away from the mines," he said.
Mr Senkusu Edward, the community development officer Kitumbi sub county explained that;" we have received a communication from the presidential advisor that she won't be able to appear for the meeting because she is caught up with other state matters therefore postponing the meeting to 20/July/2017."
The presence of potential gold deposits in Kasanda Sub County in Mubende district was first discovered by the British colonial government in the 1920s. Then, in the late 1990s, regular visits by potential investors with big plans alerted locals to the existence of a valuable mineral in their midst, and soon Ugandans from other parts of the country were flocking the area to start small-scale operations as illegal miners. Many people who were previously unemployed or underemployed from the streets of Kampala and from as far Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Rwanda have continued to come into this area. This has led to an impromptu gold rush with miners, washers, middlemen, buyers and exporters.
The area houses men, children and women who utterly derive their livelihood from artisan gold mining. These insist that they applied for a location license two years ago, when they learnt of the expiry of Gemstone's first license. They however did not receive it, but Gemstone did again.
The Petroleum Fund currently has $ 72 million dollars and Shs 10bn on its Shillings account instead of the $709 that was collected
At least Shs 2 trillion oil revenues has already been spent on infrastructure and other energy projects, a report of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) reveals. However, the report adopted by parliament last week, does not give details of how and where the money was spent, but the Secretary to the Treasury in a letter, states the money was spent on the construction of Karuma hydro power plant.
One of the terms of reference for the Committee was to establish all revenues received in the Petroleum Fund. Accordingly, during the investigations, the Committee requested the Office of the Auditor General (AOG) to conduct a special audit to establish all revenues received by government in respect of the Petroleum Fund. After the audit, the report notes, it was discovered that so far, government received $709 million dollars in petroleum revenues between 2011 – March, 2017.
"The Committee established that a sum of $709 million dollars which has been ring fenced for infrastructure and energy development, accrued to the sector since petroleum activities started," the report reads in part. However, as at 14th March, 2017, the Petroleum Fund had only $ 72.5 million dollars on its dollar account and a paltry Shs 10bn on its Shillings account.
"Out of this, $633.7 million dollars (approximately Shs 2.2 trillion) was transferred to the Consolidated Fund [and spent on Karuma hydro power project] while the sum of $72.3 million dollars is being held in dollar account and Shs 10bn Shillings account in the Petroleum Fund.
The Committee report reveals that by the time the Public Finance Management Act came into force in February, 2015, the oil revenue account in Bank of Uganda had a total of Shs 1.36 trillion, which was transferred to the consolidated fund.
In the report, MPs question, why Shs 1.36 trillion was transferred from the Oil Revenues Account in Bank of Uganda to the Consolidated Fund, instead of transferring it to the Petroleum Fund as required by the Public Finance and Accountability Act, 2015, as the fund's opening balance.
However, in a letter dated June, 24th, 2015, jointly signed by Mr Keith Muhakanizi the Secretary to the Treasury and Mr Lawrence Ssemakula the Accountant General, and seen by our writer, the duo directed the director in charge of Banking at Bank of Uganda to transfer the money, close the account and open a new account in the name of the Uganda Petroleum Fund.
"Prior to the enactment of the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act, 2015], the oil funds on account were earmarked to support the financial year 2014/2015 budget for Karuma hydro power plant, and were released from the consolidated fund and thus need to be refunded to the Uganda Consolidated Fund (UCF)," the duo wrote and further explained, "In order to operationalize the Petroleum Fund, there is need to open bank accounts for the Fund, where all oil revenues received by government from 6th March, 2015 shall be deposited. I authorize you to open a Uganda Shillings (UGX) and dollar (USD) accounts in the name of Uganda Petroleum Fund."
According to the letter, the principal signatories to the Petroleum Fund are; Mr Keith Muhakanizi, Mr Patrick Ocailap (deputy Secretary to the Treasury), and Mr Lawrence Ssemakula, the Accountant General.
"The Committee recommends close monitoring and supervision of the activities of the petroleum authority and the Uganda National Oil company Limited. The relevant committees of parliament should receive quarterly reports from the Authority and National Oil Company," the report recommends.
In January, 2017, the Committee chaired by Hon. Abdul Katuntu (Bugweri MP) was tasked to investigate the controversial Shs 6bn reward to 42 government officials for winning a tax dispute between government of Uganda and Heritage Oil and Gas Limited an arbitration tribunal in Landon in 2015.
The gist of the investigation was to establish the legality of the Shs 6bn rewarded to 42 government officials for their effort in winning a tax arbitration case between government of Uganda and Heritage Oil and Gas Limited in Landon.
In 2010, Heritage Oil and Gas Company Limited sold its participating stake in the Albertine Graben to Tullow Uganda Limited at $ 1.45 billion – a transaction that attracted Capital Gains Tax. However, Heritage objected to tax assessments in the Tax Appeal Tribunal and also initiated arbitration proceedings in Landon against government of Uganda under the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law Arbitration Rules, 1976. The company sought a refund of all monies collected as Capital Gains Tax.
In February 2015, the tribunal dismissed Heritage's application and awarded government of Uganda $ 4 million dollars in costs incurred in defending the application. The committee established that government hired Curtis Mallet – Provost, Colt &Mosle LLP, a British law firm to represent government of Uganda in the arbitration proceedings at a cost of $8.6 million dollars.
Following the victory, the President acting on a request from senior government officials rewarded the 42 officials with Shs 6bn for their contribution.
The committee observes that the selection of the beneficiaries was not all inclusive. 'For example, Bernard Sanya, the initiator of the tax two assessments was neither on the first list nor the second list of the beneficiaries. According to the report, there was a lot of informality and arbitrariness in the selection of beneficiaries.
"The committee concluded that the Shs 6n reward was contrary to standard practices of rewarding public officers, as provided for in the law. The President's approval of the Shs 6bn was bonafide. However, it was an error of judgement," the report reads.
The Committee recommended that all funds paid out of URA account to beneficiaries of the "handshake" should be refunded and all officers who flouted the law should be held accountable.
Responding to the report, Ali Sekatawa, Assistant Commissioner for Litigation, one of the beneficiaries of the handshake threatened to petition court over the report, arguing that the Committee selectively evaluated evidence before it, and thus came to wrong conclusions. He said parliament has no powers to order him to refund the money, since it was not given parliament. It came from URA's account that had been appropriated by parliament. Parliament unanimously adopted the report.
"The Committee further established that whereas the costs awarded to URA by the Tax Appeals Tribunal and the High Court of Uganda has not been taxed and recovered, up to approximately $ 15 million has not been recovered. The bill of costs is yet to be filed. The International Arbitration Tribunal in Landon did award Government of Uganda costs amounting to $4 million which also remains unrecovered," the report reads in part.
The report asks the Attorney General to recover the $ 4million dollars as costs awarded by the arbitration tribunal within 90 days from the date of tabling the report. However, Ali Sekatawa says it will be difficult for government to recover the costs from Heritage Oil and Gas Limited, since the company was delisted from the Landon Stock Exchange.
Following the revelations by former Energy Minister, Syda Bbumba, that she signed the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) without reading through the agreements, the report recommends that politicians should be barred from signing such agreements.
"Parliament should revisit section 8 of the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act, 2013 with a view of amending it and provide for technical people to be signatories to PSAs. All recoverable costs incurred by oil companies should be submitted to parliament quarterly," he report reads.
Weighing in on the report, Odonga Otto (Aruu MP), said "The good thing we have a report adopted by parliament, so even if it takes 10 years, the beneficiaries of the handshake will refund that money" he said.
By Edward Ssekika
District leadership wants the president to intervene
Over 60,000 artisan and small scale gold miners in Mubende are leaving under fear following a recent alleged presidential directive to evict them from the area.
The miners were given a seven days ultimatum starting 16th June 2017 to vacate the premises in Kitumbi and Bukuya sub counties, in the mining camps of Kampala, Kikade, Kamusenene and Kapya, in favour of the license holder Gemstone International. This company has a mining lease of 21 years and Exploration license for three years for this same area that houses the artisan miners. The miners have tried to access a location license from Ministry of Energy for this same area since 2015 but with no success.
According to the member of Parliament of Bukuya sub county, Hon Bukenya Micheal, the directive was arrived at after a meeting held at State House with the Minister of State for Minerals, Defence Minister among others agreed that the artisan miners are a security threat to the country, claiming that majority are from DRC and other neighbouring countries, hence ferrying out Uganda's gold to other countries illegally.
Dr. Bukenya claims that the people who made decisions in state house for miners to vacate the premises within five days have little or no knowledge of the operations in these gold mining camps, hence unaware of how many people shall be affected by this move.
"They have never stepped in this constituency; they don't know what takes place in the gold mines. Neither the local council leadership, district leadership, the sub county leadership, parliamentary representation was involved in the discussion that took place in state house which we think was done by design because they didn't want the president to know the truth. So we think everything wasn't done the right way and we want to be given audience such that we will be involved in the issues concerning our area," he said.
Dr.Bukenya explained that the meeting also allegedly agreed that the people in the mines are not registered hence government doesn't know the amount of gold getting out from this area neither does it know the people operating in this area. There were also claims of environmental degradation thus the need to evict them from this area.
Residents live in fear
Mr Nkwatirire Ismail, The Chairperson LC III Luginji gold mining area explained that what is needed is not ridicule but support from government to uphold them as Ugandans who have tried to find a livening in gold mining and have created employment for many
"We are Ugandans who have managed to create employment for ourselves. All we need is government to come up with regulations on how best we can improve our jobs not evicting us because we have nowhere to go," he said.
Miners confirmed that this is a source of livelihood for many. Mr Mulyazaawo Umaru one of the gold miners explained that;" All my life rotates now around the gold mine, I cannot afford to lose all the millions invested in digging up the tunnel in search for gold. I would rather fight and I don't care whether I lose my life in the battle."
Another resident Mr Mutabaazi Jonathan said Government ought to put it's citizens first. "Why care for the interests and needs of a single individual an investor and rendering 60,000 people homeless and jobless. Government should put her citizens interests first," he told this publication.
Mubende. for about five years now, illegal gold miners from various parts of Uganda have occupied two hills of about 44 acres in Kitumbi and Bukuya Sub-counties, Mubende District.
Estimates indicate the number of the miners – known as artisanal miners – could be as high as 10,000 in Lujinji A and B villages, in Kitumbi Sub-county alone but over 50,000 people are indirectly benefiting from the exercise as they are engaged in sale of merchandise like food stuffs, bars, entertainment industry, transport industry, agriculture and other related activities.
Mr Emmanuel Kibirige, the general secretary Ssingo Artisanal Gold Miners Association (SASSMA) said the association applied for the location licence on behalf of other miners but were not granted.
A location licence, according to The Mining Act, 2003 section 54 (2), is a licence for prospecting and mining operations by methods which do not involve substantial expenditure and the use of specialised technology.
This is mostly meant for small-scale miners who do not have the capacity to afford high-tech equipment for mining.
By Josephine Nabaale
Mubende gold mining is highly dominated by men, a trait blamed on the cultural belief of women not being allowed to access mines.
Mr Kibirige Emmanuel the secretary Singo Artisan Small Scale Miners Association (SASSMA) in Kitumbi sub county Mubende district explains that they have 1420 registered members but only 472 are women that deal in petty jobs like panning gold dust, spreading the gold dust in the sun to dry up among others.
"Women engagement in the gold mining is rooted back in our culture. It was believed that if you slept with a woman you could never get gold the next day. Women were not allowed to step near a gold pit because they were looked at as a curse, that if they got close to a gold pit, gold could disappear. As a result we also told our workers never to sleep with a woman for a full week," Mr Kibirige revealed
"However these are practices that were made by our grandparents but we have discovered that all these were lies because today women have come up to engage in the mining although in small numbers. They enter tunnels and pits and own gold pits and all is well, nothing has gone wrong." Kibirige stressed
Kibirige explained that the value chain begins with getting a spade in the morning, entering the pit, digging out the gold dust which is done by men. Women are involved in petty jobs like sun drying the gold dust, taking it to the crashing/milling machine after which they start panning it. A few women however have taken on the 'men' jobs of buying and selling gold.
However others also blame the limited involvement of women in the mining sector on limited information provision. About 2500 women in Mubende district have not directly engaged in mining sector due to lack of information which has hindered there economic empowerment.
According to the community development officer for Kitumbi Sub County Mr senkusu Edward the information gap in the mining sector has greatly affected the women involvement in this activity thus carrying out petty jobs like gold dust panning where they earn peanuts
Mr Senkusu explained that gold mines in Mubende district are estimated to accommodate around 60,000 people dealing in the business. Out of this number only 2500 are women who engage mainly in service provision.
"Most women are always scared of engaging in mining sector, they do not know how to operate machines, fear taking risks- a culture belief community attitude and above all they lack information to help them run this business," he explained.
"There is need for thorough sensitization of the community to enable the women to work in the mines." Senkusu stressed
Ms Catherine Nyakecho, a Geologist Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development confirmed that women engagement in the mining sector is still at low capacity. She explained that a survey carried out in 20 Uganda's gold mining sites revealed that men participation stands at 113,756 while women are at 79,019.
According to the Mining Act, 2003, clause 114, on the contrary, a woman may be employed in any underground work in any mine or in any operation or activity relating to or associated with mining. This clearly indicates that women are catered for under the law but due to the lack of information and cultural ties, women involvement in this sector is below standard.
Ms Nivatiti Nandujja the Women Rights Coordinator ActionAid Uganda, women should come on board and get involved in the decision making in the mining sector.
"We need to have gender based laws with in this sector. When it comes to the employment pattern, the conditions where they work are critical; they lack protective gears from dangerous chemicals substances, they don't have the entitlements provided for by the law like maternity leave , the wages are really wanting. These issues and more need to be addressed," she advised
Ms Nivatiti explained that there is need to make information about the mining sector available for women. She called on ensuring a gender equity sector with women representation who ensure that women benefits within the sector are pronounced.
Nivatiti stressed that; "We need to address the cultural barriers affecting women participation; we need to empower women to talk in all the forums and to ask for what belongs to them during community meetings. They need to bargain their way through so that their rights are realized."
By Josephine Nabaale
The Civil Society Organisations will be pushing for inclusivness as they present their agenda to Members of Parliament in the ongoing legislation review process of the Mining Act 2003 and Mining Policy 2001.
Stakeholders of the Civil Society Organisation will be meeting Members of Parliament drawn from the Natural Resources Committee and Parliamentary Forum on Oil and Gas (PFOG) in a working dialogue tomorrow on Thursday 18, May 2017 praying to have their views taken into consideration in the ongoing legislative review process of the Mining Act 2003 and Mining Policy 2001.
Ms. Flavia Nalubega, the project officer of the Extractives Governance Project at Actionaid Uganda, says it will be an opportunity for civil society to "voice their expectations on the law under review and also have an input in the matter.
"Now is the time to rally support before the matter is presented on the floor of parliament," Ms. Nalubega said.
The workshop follows a consultative meeting with Members of Parliament on the Natural Resources Committee under the leadership of Hon. Mukitale Steven that was held in March this year regarding the review of the Mining Act.
According to the Mining and Mineral Policy Draft 2016, government recognizes the input of artisanal miners to the socio-economic development of the country bearing in mind that artisanal mining is a source of livelihood for thousands of Ugandans.
In this regard government plans to organize and formalize artisanal miners and gazette them to operate in areas that are not under commercial exploration.
Ms Winfred Ngabirwe, Global Rights Alert Executive Director, says they hope to build consensus with the legislators to ensure a well regulated sector and a better Uganda.
"We have the National Development Plan and Vision 2040 and we need MPs to know where we are coming from. Without good legislation we are leaving out a very big section of Ugandans where we'll continue to see under development and exploitation, " She said and added,
"The challenge is not about the leadership, the State or who is in power; there's no one against the other but rather we strive for inclusive development in the sector," Ms Ngabiirwe said.
Stakeholders can join the interaction on Twitter under the hastag #mininglegislation that will be relayed by @OilInUg.
Report by Robert Mwesigye
RT Global Resources pulls out of negotiations to construct the oil refinery, government launches a search for a new investor. The alternate bidder (SK Engineering and Construction) is no longer interested in any negotiations with government forcing it to re-launch a search for a new investor.


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An affordable housing bill passed on December 31st is "a step forward for the Town of Brewster toward expanding their efforts to build affordable housing in town," according to State Rep. Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster).
The bill, enacted as Chapter 375 of the Acts of 2018, allows the Town of Brewster to transfer any funds held in the Affordable Housing Fund to the new Affordable Housing Trust Fund that was established by Town Meeting on May 6, 2018.
Governor Baker signed the bill on January 7th.
Rep. Whelan filed the bill jointly with Rep. Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown) and Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) co-sponsored the bill in the Senate. "I cannot give enough credit to Sarah and Julian for their teamwork on getting this done," remarked Rep. Whelan.
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Should there really be any concerns for Gilas Pilipinas in their campaign in the 2017 SEABA Championship?
Gilas coach Chot Reyes is not leaving anything to chance with months of preparation and a formidable lineup led by national team staples like June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, among others. Naturalized player Andray Blatche has also arrived just in time for the tournament set to kick off Friday.
The returning national team coach also pointed out the eight-point win in the 2015 SEA Games gold medal match against Indonesia as proof that we shouldn't take our regional neighbors lightly as they have ramped up their preparations and also employed naturalized players of their own.
But looking back at the Philippines' performance in the regional tournament, the stats give a resounding 'no' for an answer.
The Philippines is the most successful team in the tourney pitting the best basketball players in the Southeast Asian region, with seven titles in the past 11 tilts and have not tasted defeat in the said competition in 21 years since the Rommel Adducul-led squad lost in the 1996 finals to then host country Indonesia.
Since then, the Philippine team has won 30 straight games in dominating fashion, with a margin of victory of 43.74 points in the last seven tournaments we've won. Here's the breakdown:
1998: 42.75
2001: 47
2003: 31
2007: 38.5
2009: 36
2011: 42.5
2015: 68.4
*Fiba suspended the Philippines from joining international competitions in 2005. Also, the Philippine team didn't need to join the Seaba tournament in 2013 after directly qualifying for the Fiba Asia Championship that same year as host.
The latest in 2015 saw a squad led by Bobby Ray Parks Jr, Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson and Jio Jalalon along with naturalized player Marcus Douthit blow by its opponents by an average of a tournament-record 68.4 points. The Wong Wei Long-led Singapore team was the only squad to be within a respectable distance after a 26-point loss in the final game of the tournament.
The last time any foe ended up with a deficit below 20 was 14 years ago, when host team Malaysia lost by 15 to the Pinoy cagers in the 2003 edition.
But stats tell one side of the story, and there are still plenty of unknowns ahead for Gilas.
The good thing about this Gilas team, though, is they're not banking on past glory but instead have worked hard to prepare for the best squads in the region. It might end up as a cakewalk for the Philippines anew or there might be some few surprises, no one knows until the battles begin. But it's reassuring to know Gilas is going all out to set and raise the bar some more.


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Monday, August 1, 2016
House of Cards August Challenge
12 comments:
- Julie Tucker-Wolek said...
Gorgeous! LOVING all the hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- August 1, 2016 at 8:18 AM
- Dotty Jo x said...
What a beauty! Jo x
- August 1, 2016 at 11:09 AM
- Billie A said...
I love it. Awesome
- August 2, 2016 at 1:36 AM
- Wendy Batchen said...
Lovely card, thanks for sharing with Inspiration Destination and good luck. Wendy DT x
- August 2, 2016 at 7:22 AM
- Donna said...
Such a stunning card, lots of wow factors! Donna HOC teammate
- August 2, 2016 at 3:54 PM
- Teresa Kline said...
hello katy, super cute, luv the hearts!
I am so glad you played along with us at simon says stamp wednesday challenge!
blog-paperie blooms
sparkle & shine, kindness *~*
- August 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM
- Jane Knudsen said...
You have every right to love this card - it is beautiful! I love how CAS it is with the perfect dab of twine! jane hoc teamie
- August 2, 2016 at 11:07 PM
- Glittered Paws said...
Perfect card for a wedding - so CAS and love the twin accent. Shirley H. Teamie
- August 3, 2016 at 1:49 PM
- Michele Henderson said...
Oooh, I just love this sweet card! Those little hearts are so cute! Very cute design too!
Take Care!
- August 4, 2016 at 7:36 AM
- MHK Designs said...
This is darling, Katy! I LOVE the way you used the twine to divide your image and sentiment portions of the card--the key is the perfect detail for a love card, too! Sending HUGS! :) Mynn xx
- August 8, 2016 at 9:08 PM
- FiestyCrafter (Tina) said...
Cute and simple CAS card! Just darling :o)
Tina HOC teamie
- August 24, 2016 at 9:57 AM
- Eret said...
How beautiful card! Love the clean design and those colors together. Thank you for sharing your lovely card with us at Sparkle N Sprinkle.
- August 25, 2016 at 9:16 AM


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School is stressing me out, and I'm feeling very pressured to do well. I'm overwhelmed. What are some things I can do to feel better?
When we talk about stress, it is important to recognize and remember that everyone experiences it, and it is not a bad thing. We all need stress in order to function – that little bit of stress you feel before an exam encourages you to do better, and lets you know you care about doing well. But sometimes this stress can feel like too much. It is important that we develop healthy, effective means to manage our stress. Below are some suggestions to reduce stress in healthy ways. See if you can identify at least two of these that help you when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Creating art: drawing, painting, writing, dancing, singing or playing a musical instrument
Taking a time out or a moment alone
Talking to a friend or loved one
Watching a movie
Calling the Crisis Line: 650-579-0350 or 1-800-SUICIDE
Listening to music
Getting enough sleep
Eating good food
Playing a game
Taking a deep breath
Taking a walk or enjoying nature
These are just some of the ways we can reduce stress in our lives. And not every one of these will work for all of us—it is important that we figure out what works best for us. Because while getting good grades and doing well is important, we can only do this if we are actively making time to take care of ourselves.


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And this is frequently followed by a fist bump among the dudes in attendance. Never females...always the guys in the house. Yes, this is going to be another post detailing Paulie Califiore's bad behavior, but frankly, that is the main story of the last 24 hours. I'm not happy about it, and I'm not looking forward to it, but here we go.
Before we begin though, I want to remind everyone about what Paulie told Big Jeff during their pre-season interview. I lot of house guests say stuff like this, but Paulie literally meant it. And it makes even more sense given the comments Paulie has made this season about how his dad monitor's Cody's fan mail, and also his social media accounts to protect him from the smacktalking and also the threats.
(If sweet little Cody got threats, I can't even imagine what Paulie's situation is going to be. Maybe Mr. Califiore should hire an intern or something to assist him this year.)
Yesterday evening, Paulie, Paul and Zakiyah were having a conversation about modeling while they sat in the shade of the backyard.
Zakiyah reported that before coming in the house this summer, she had interest from "a few agencies". Paul then started talking about Wilhelmina Models, saying that he can see Zee fitting in with their stable of models with exotic-looking features.
Paulie, with a tone in his voice: I don't model anymore.
He then mentioned seeing an article on "some website" about him and his brother earlier this summer, but he did not elaborate on the situation beyond that.
Paul: I'm not working with modeling agencies anymore....I can make just as much on my own.
He mentioned some print campaign he was in for a leather goods company in Europe. They sent him two really nice leather jackets and what I think was either $250 or $2,500. Paul also mentioned some sort of Buzzfeed article that mentioned him, causing his friends to "go wild".
(I'm betting that without the beard, Paul would not be mentioned on Buzzfeed. Just a guess.)
Zakiyah - I want to cut all my hair off. Because when a girl cuts her hair, she changes her life. I want a pixie cut, or something like that.
Paul says he could see that, and that Zee could carry it off with her facial structure. Zee also said she wants to dye her hair jet black, with some gray streaks.
Paul mentioned his friend "Josh Mario" and we immediately went to FISH. I guess "Josh Mario" is this guy....perhaps he is Paul's "style inspiration".
Zakiyah said that she frequently sees Confederate Flags in North Carolina, and also mentions Myrtle Beach, saying that she saw people ride bikes with the flags waving behind them. She said her mother "tried to drive over real close to them" when she saw that. She also has a neighbor with three Confederate flags in their yard.
Zakiyah: It's just normal down there.
Paul: I'm from L.A. If I did that I'd get my ass kicked.
Paulie came out with a plate of food, and offered Paul a bite.
I was trying to catch the girls running behind Paul as he spoke, but I only got Nicole's legs. They were running like the wind, it seems.
Zakiyah went over to the weight area to workout with Nicole, and Paulie started low talking about the PoV ceremony earlier today, and how angry he was about Michelle trying to throw shade on him with her speech.
Paulie: When it was my turn to speak, I wanted to say that I had been planning to use it to save her, but after that speech, I'm going to save Zakiyah instead.
Paul laughed about that, but Paulie said he decided not to joke about that because then Zee might believe it and then she would keep asking him about it for the rest of the week.
Paul made a series of bragging comments about vacation properties owned by members of his extended family, including one in a mountain area with a hot tub. Paulie then let everybody know that his aunt "provides spa services in the Poconos", if anyone is "interested in that".
Paulie: You know, if you're interested in some Fantasy Suite action, with a bathtub shaped like a champagne glass.
I think Paulie was actually talking to Paul here, trying to top his story about the mountain-top cabin, but that didn't stop Zakiyah commenting on it.
Zakiyah: I'm about that life. All about it.
FYI - The Poconos are renowned for this sort of super-cheesy hotel room rental. Why would Paulie invite Paul to have spa services with him in a place like this?
Paulie got Nicole started on some weight routines, and Zakiyah joined in.
Paulie started talking about "F.T", which of course is code for Natalie and her "fake titties".
Paulie: You missed it Paul...she told everybody that she has fake tits. She admitted it to everybody but you Paul!
Zakiyah: She admitted it to me early in the game, but I already knew.
Paul: We all knew! But it's the denial that got me. I've been making backhanded comments about her FT's all summer. Like she was telling me that something was going to be hard, and I said 'not as hard as your nips'. And I guarantee you that everyone behind that wall was cracking up.
Paulie: Headlights all day.
Zakiyah sat and listened to this conversation, but then she went into the house and the following conversation took place.
Paul: She's a cool ass girl, but it's getting to be crunch time.
Paulie: She's....a piece.
Paul: What? I don't get it.
Paulie: Boned.....Flopped.....Never worried.
Paul seemed kind of shocked about this, but didn't ask any follow up questions about the matter.
Paul: I'm not sure where "Midget's" head is at right now.
Paulie: Midget? FT?
Paul: No! Bridgette!
I have also heard that Paulie told Corey that he and Zakiyah had sex in a bumper car, but I didn't hear Paulie say that with my own ears. I did see the action Paulie is referring to (two separate occasions, at least), and information about where to find it is widely available if you look for it. I will say it was fast and lacked any appearance of caring or affection.
Hours later, Paulie was pretty upfront with Victor about his feelings about the women in the house. He pointed out that Michelle and Da'Vonne were the ones who tried to start the All Girl's Alliance.
Paulie: And we got Tiff out, and Day, and now Michelle. And she tried to recruit Bridgette, too. Zee is lucky this week....it might not be her week to go this week, but it's coming soon.
Paulie then started railing on Zakiyah, and the fact that she kept hanging around the backyard while Paulie was playing pool "with his boys".
Paulie: At least when Nicole gets sleepy, she goes inside and goes to bed, and lets Corey stay out and talk. But Zee just stayed out there...
Victor: She was laying down on that couch while were playing pool! It looked like she was sleeping!
Paulie: And then she asked me if I wanted her to go inside....what am I gonna say? Am I supposed to be a dick about it and say yes?
Victor: Fool has a girlfriend, and didn't even want one.
Paulie: I don't know why she would even think it's like that.....
Victor: I'm happy to not have that problem in here.
(Which is ironic, given that Victor's preseason conversation was all about how he wanted to charm the ladies.)
Paulie: Trust me, I'm not trying to have a girlfriend when I get out of here. I'm going to be busy as soon as I leave here.
They discussed how the "showmance girls" need to leave the house, and in what order.
Paulie: I have no problem with mine being the first to go. Corey's really should be the first to go, strategically, but....
Paulie said that after the PoV Ceremony, where Michelle told the group that "someone" has won over 50% of all of the competitions, Bridgette told Zee that Michelle "had a good point".
Paulie mentioned again how irritated he was by Zakiyah hanging around out there when he was playing pool.
Paulie: I'm always happy as fuck when she's sleeping...oh my god, you don't know.....and I'm so pissed that Michelle fucking did that in her speech, because she could have stayed.
(I believe everything Paulie is saying here but that last part...even though he wants to bounce Zee as quickly as possible, he is using Michelle's speech as an excuse for keeping her this week when speaking with "his boys".)
Paulie: I basically have two options with Michelle this week...either try and provoke her, or be nice and hope she keeps her opinions to herself.
(We need to all PRAY that Big Meech has the Round Trip ticket in her Secret Envelope. )
Victor mentions how Zakiyah was bragging about how when she goes to a club, she and her friends get free admission and a table. Paulie scoffed at that, saying that the club promoters always want pretty girls hanging around for atmosphere.
Paulie: I have to really hold back sometimes...I was like, do you actually KNOW what my life is like outside of here? And what my life is like when I go out with my friends, or with my brother? Because when a guy gets in a club for free and gets a table, it's about who you are, and what you've DONE with your life,
(Or what fucking CODY has done with his life, not Paulie.)
I tried to flash back to the time frame they were discussing, when Zakiyah was lurking and making them all mad, but I found this scene instead, which I could only tolerate for a very short period of time.
Paulie's body language should tell Zakiyah that he is not interested in the conversation. He didn't look at her, and kept his hands folded like you see here. But we can't expect Zakiyah to get the hint now, after all of the hundreds of direct and indirect signs Paulie has given her all summer.
Paulie was venting about a number of things, but I think most of his irritation was the fact that she was sitting there, being a doormat.
Zakiyah: What is it? You can choke me...you can slap me....
Paulie: ***snorts*** I only do those things in a sexual way.
Zakiyah: Okay.
And with that, I'm out.
Oh, except for this...Paulie peed in the hot tub with "his boy" watching, who would probably still be interested in getting in the champagne hot tub with "Fool".


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Manic Monday - Sun
I dare you to make it through this without shakin' what your momma gave you.. KC and the Sunshine Band... WOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Nice walk down memory lane...
For the more traditional SUNSHINE post.. visit Saturday's posts...
Love you more than your luggage!
Hugs, smooches and gropes!
Labels: Beatles, manic monday, Morgen, Sunshine


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SAINT JOSEPH'S HAWKS (11-14; 4-8 A-10) at DAVIDSON WILDCATS (18-6; 9-2 A-10)
February 15, 2019 • 7 p.m. • ESPN2
Belk Arena • Davidson, N.C.
WATCH – ESPN2 (Mike Corey, Mark Plansky) | WatchESPN.com
LISTEN - WPHT 1210 AM (Matt Martucci, Joe Lunardi) | SJUHawks.com
LIVE STATS | @SJUHawks_MBB | GAME NOTES
Current SJU Streak: 1 loss
Series vs. Davidson SJU leads 9-7
Last Meeting: 1/15/19, SJU 61-60
Coaches (years/record at school): Phil Martelli - 24th Year (441-323); Bob McKillop - 30th Year (572-346)
Teams' Leading Scorers: Charlie Brown, Jr. - 19.9 ppg; Kellan Grady - 17.2 ppg
• Chris Clover and Charlie Brown, Jr., were the only Hawks in double figures with 11 points apiece as the Hawks lost to St. Bonaventure, 76-51, on Tuesday night
• This is the second meeting between SJU and Davidson, with the Hawks winning the first meeting on Jan. 15, 61-60
• Charlie Brown, Jr., is the leading scorer in the A-10 with 19.9 ppg and is averaging 18.7 points in conference games, which is tied for first in the league
• Tonight is the third of four A-10 ESPN Friday Night Showcase games for SJU and the second straight. The Hawks, now 1-1 in Friday games, will close out the regular season on Friday, March 8 at VCU
• Charlie Brown, Jr., was named the Big 5 Player of the Week for Feb. 11 after averaging 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in two games last week. He was also selected as the Jesuit Basketball Player of the Week
• For the seventh straight game, SJU will have seven full scholarship players available to play
• The Hawks are away from Hagan Arena for three games in a row and will get a week's break before returning to action at Massachusetts on Saturday, Feb. 23
• Injuries have been a constant for the Hawks and Markell Lodge is the most recent player to be knocked out of action
• The senior sustained a thumb injury in the first half vs. Saint Louis last week and underwent season-ending surgery on Feb. 12
• The good news is that Anthony Longpré returned to action after missing six games with a concussion. He made his first appearance on Tuesday since the injury occurred on Jan. 18 at Saint Louis
• Charlie Brown was 9-for-9 from the field with 21 points in the first half of the Saint Louis win, helping the Hawks stake an early double-digit lead. He finished the game with 28 points on 10-for-13 shooting
• He had a similar start at Dayton on Jan. 29, when he opened the game scoring 10 straight points to give SJU a quick 10-3 lead
• In the two games (La Salle, Saint Louis) last week, the Hawks shot a combined 50 percent (59-for-118) from the field and 48 percent (26-for-54) from behind the arc
• SJU took 59 field goal attempts in both games, and tied their season-high with 33 made vs. Saint Louis
• At La Salle, the Hawks connected on a season-high 14 three-pointers
• Lorenzo Edwards had a career game offensively at La Salle, scoring a personal-best 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting
• The redshirt sophomore was also a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range. His previous high for threes made in a game was two
• In the past five games as a starter, Edwards is averaging 12.2 points and shooting 17-of-28 (60.7%) from the field and 12-of-19 (63.1%) from beyond the arc
• SJU's injury situation has certainly pushed the Hawks into increased minutes, especially for Jared Bynum and Charlie Brown
• Bynum had played all 40 minutes in seven consecutive games, finally getting a breather at the end of the Saint Louis win (39 mins)
• His season average is 36.5, which ranks fourth in the A-10 and 28th in the nation. He also ranks 10th in the nation in total minutes played (913). In league games, Bynum is averaging 38.1 minutes to rank third in the A-10
• Bynum's 36.5 minutes per game betters the SJU freshman record of 36.3 held by Boo Williams (1977-78)
• Brown also had his 40-minute streak snapped vs. SLU. He saw 40 minutes for four games in a row and six times this year. He's averaging 35.7 minutes and 37.9 in conference games
• The Hawks get a rare break with no game next week until Saturday, Feb. 23 at UMass
• SJU will play its third straight game on the road at Fordham on Feb. 27


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26 July 2018
How much does it cost to make a mobile app?
How much do I have to pay for an app?- asked (every) customer.
I think this is the most frequent question which every Sales Manager, who works in the IT sector, and Software Developer gets. It is simple and tricky at the same time. It reminds me of the 'hen and egg problem.' It seems so simple but there is no unambiguous answer.
When it comes to app development, the pricing may range from 1,000. to even $1,000,000. Don't be surprised with this huge gap. The same pricing system works in every sector. Let's compare mobile apps to shoes ( I am a woman so it seems the most rational to me). Following this analogy, there are shoes from H&M which can cost around 10$ and there are shoes from Gucci which cost around 5 000$. H&M often creates their fashion on the basis of the latest trends from the biggest Fashion Houses. Since they may look the same, what is the difference between them? The answer is- the quality. Gucci's shoes will be made out of luxury leather, hand-stitched or even hand-painted. H&M shoes are belt-produced which translates to their quality and overall look. The same goes for mobile applications. You may have something developed for you for 5 000 but will you be satisfied?
Below I have gathered the main variables which are responsible for app pricing:
- Features, complexity, and platform are influencing the costs of apps
- Back-end server apps will always cost more
- The simple app build from scratch starts around $20,000.
- More complex apps may require even a six figure number.
- Offshore outsourcing may be cheaper than high-end software house
- Developing an app requires a budget for updates, marketing etc.
These are the common factors which have an impact on an app pricing. Let's have a look at it from the beginning.
The first step when developing an app is the wireframe from the client. We advise our clients to prepare wireframes ( or storyboards) with general functions and the flow of the project. The most important thing is to catch the vision of the app. What is the first thing which the user will see? When the user taps on the certain button, what will happen? This is the starting point for us. However, when the client has nothing but the idea of a project and requires wireframes from the software house, it is always followed with higher costs because the developers have to spend additional time on coming up with visions which may not be exactly what the client wants.
Other factors that impact the cost of an app are the integrations of back-end systems. When the client needs to develop a fully responsive backend system or the app needs integration with third-party vendors such as push notifications and mobile commerce, the price of app development increases.
Now let's take into consideration three types of apps in terms of its complexity.
We can differentiate between simple, moderate and complex apps. Now, we will multiply it by the two examples of hourly rates. I will also include time for the development of the app.
|Type and description
|Estimated Time
|Cost at 50$ hourly rate
|Cost at 100$ hourly rate
|Simple: standard UI components, lack of API integration and backend system, simple features, templates
|2 months (168 working hours in one month x2)
|Moderate: Custom UI, API integration and backend system, payment system, chats, user profile, dashboard, administration panel, templates or basic design
|4 -6 months
|Complex: Custom UI/ UX, individual and complex backend system, Multilanguage support, 3rd party integrations, professional designs, advanced functions (videos, streaming, data storing, uploading and downloading)
|7 months- 1 year
The table above shows the approximate time and pricing according to the data and research made in App Development pricing. It is purely orientation purposes due to the fact that ideas and features of apps differ from each other. The factors which have been mentioned earlier in the article will influence the price as well. Outsystems carried out a survey called State of application development 2017, which shows that about 80% of mobile apps are developed within 3 months, and 40% require 6 months for development or more.
From experience, I can state that even a small app would require a team of developers in order to provide better user experience. Freelancers are also fine, but more risky.'
One person is not able to do the whole app in one month or two. And even if it is possible, it would cost much more!
A basic development team should include:
- Programmer
- UI/UX designer
- Project Manager
In case of more complex apps, the following developers should be added:
- 1 backend developer
- 2-3 frontend developer
- Additional UI/UX designer
- Testing team
We can also differentiate the cost of an app according to key app features which you as a client would like to include in your project. Of course, cost of the features is also fluid and depends on their design and own logic…
Here are the features which may influence the price with the estimated time for development and price ( have in mind that it depends on the developer and the number of projects he/she is involved into so the time may be shorter or longer):
- User login ( 20h; $700)
- Push notifications ( 20-200h; $1,000-$10,000)
- Navigation/ Google maps integration (10-50h; $250-$2,000)
- Geolocation ( 50h; $2,000)
- Media content ( 20h; $1,000)
- Chat or any time of message exchange ( c. 80h; $3,000)
- Ads (20h-50h; $1,000- $2,500)
- Purchases/ payment integration (30h-50h; $750- $5,000)
- Multilanguage support (10h-15h; $350-$750)
- Offline mode ( 40h; $1,500)
- Synchronization between devices ( 50h+; $2,000)
- Videos and streaming ( 30h; $1,500- $2,000)
- Database ( 30h; $1,500)
- Search engine (10h; $500)
- Data encryption/decryption ( 20h- $500-$1,000)
I don't want to scare anybody but this list could be much longer and much complicated. I compiled only the basic features most commonly chosen by the clients and it already sounds heavy!
The next price factor is connected with choosing proper people to develop your app.
In terms of app developers, you also have a choice.
You can hire a software house, in your country or on the other side of the globe or a freelancer. As far as software agencies are concerned, we need to take into consideration that the price will be higher but the service much more adapted to your requirements. The agencies differ in standards as well but they are more reliable than freelancers. Using freelance services is fine when you want to implement some minor changes into your already developed project and there is no need for the project manager or agile app development but when the backend and frontend system is in the game, one developer is not enough.
When you're on a budget hiring the team from abroad is a great option. The cost for one developer varies vastly between the US and e.g. Europe or Asia. At this moment Asian developers are the cheapest in the industry. What's the catch? The language barrier, time zones and unfortunately quality are the reasons why clients don't decide to work with a developer from the Far East. I am not trying to insult anyone, but the ratings speak for themselves in this case.
The last factor I would like to bring up which is largely forgotten by the future-app-owners is the cost of app maintenance. After your app launches the fun begins (or the horror). If the app shall have some sense of developing it, there must be downloads. Targeting the daily user activity is another factor worth taking into consideration.
Below I have compiled some basic costs for app maintenance per one month
|SERVERS (the cost of each storage gigabyte; The cost of each megabit of bandwidth; The cost of the server's performance)
|$20-$100 per month
|$10 per month
|$150 per month + fee on transactions
|Hobbyist ($10-$20); Small Business ($90-$100); Enterprise plan ($150+)
|$40+ per month
|Depends on the emergency
|Apple Store- $99; Google Play $25
Since you have reached the end of this article I hope you have some understanding of app development pricing. Like I said at the beginning, it is not ambiguous and clear how much will the app cost. However, you need to be prepared that it is unlikely that you will pay $1,000 for an app. This is unrealistic, believe me. The apps prices start around $10,000 and go up. According to Clutch, the most reliable rating service for IT, marketing and business, the average price for app development is around $170,000.
As a client, you should understand that if you don't have specification, wireframes, and models of your app, the time and the price of the app will be difficult to estimate and also will be higher. If you have ever prepared a documentation and wireframes for an app, you know how much time it took. Take into consideration that your development team must do this for you if you don't provide them with details and your vision. App developers/ Programmers are similar to magicians but unfortunately, they can't read minds. Preparing your specification will help you, your development team and your wallet in the future.
Now, do your research, save some money ( or if you don't have the budget for your dream app, 180 Creative is in the process of preparing a guide on ' How to get funds for your start-up') and develop!
Klaudia Augustyniak
Business Development Manager
180 Creative
e-mail address: firstname.lastname@example.com