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Hush and Peter
Instagram big boy, Hushpuppi has flaunted his receipt as he spends million of naira on champagnes in Dubai as he parties with Peter Okoye.
Known for flaunting his lavish lifestyle on Instagram and Snapchat, Dubai-based Nigerian, Ray Hushpuppi a.k.a The Billionaire Gucci Master, has shown off how he spent N20 million on expensive champagne as he parties with popular singer, Peter Okoye.
In a clip circulationg on social media, Hushpuppi also showed himself washing his feet with one of the most expensive wines, as well as the receipt of his purchases in a luxury resort.
See all the photos below;


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Witch Tea Cosy by Rian Anderson
patterns > Rian Anderson
> Witch Tea Cosy
© Rian Anderson
© Rian Anderson
© Rian Anderson
© Rian Anderson
Witch Tea Cosy
This pattern is available for AU$5.00 AUD buy it now
A witchy tea cosy to keep the brew warm.
Choose to have a happy witch (though I still wouldn't trust her), or a scary witch with a "pumpkin" face!
Ready to fly with her cat Greymalkin.
(If you have always wanted to knit a tiny witch's cat - here's the pattern for you!)
Use your choice of doubled 8 ply yarn – takes between 90 and 120 gms of black, and about 25 gms purple, depending on the brand of yarn you use.
This pattern has instructions for how to make i-cords and twisted cords (the smallest needles listed are 2 double-pointed needles).
About this pattern
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subset: commoncrawl


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Being a vehicle owner can feel like your ticket to freedom just as much as it can feel like a nightmare. If you have ever felt hindered by your vehicle (because of inefficient running and/or frequent visits to the shop), you may be able to relate! The difference between freedom and a nightmare of a vehicle hinges on how well you take care of your vehicle, according to our expert staff here at Preferred Automotive in Rockville, MD. Unfortunately, auto care isn't always a top priority for vehicle owners, so many are unaware they are adversely affecting their car or truck!
The following are five things that many vehicle owners do that could be harming their car (and their bank account!)
1. Delaying brake repairs
We see this time and time and time again. Do not do this! The first time you hear that "squeal" when you brake or feel vibrations as you come to stop—call us to set an appt to get your brake pads looked at. You don't need to be one of many people who wait so long that they have costly rotor/drum replacements if you can so easily avoid this.
2. Ignoring the "check engine" light
Ignoring this warning can result in serious engine issues and expensive repairs. Who has time (or money) for that? At the very least, this light could be alerting you to an engine issue which negatively affects your vehicle's fuel economy. At the worst, it could be warning of engine failure. Don't gamble.
3. Neglecting your tires
Do you check your car or truck's tires frequently? You should. Their inflation and tread depth need to be monitored to ensure you and your passengers are safe on the roads. If not, you could be compromising on traction when you need it most (rain, snow, tight curves, etc.). Further, underinflated tires wear out more often which can impact safety, performance, and gas mileage.
4. Leaving it dirty
Keeping a dirty car for too long without a wash will lead to buildup of harmful dirt and chemicals which increases the potential for rust. Especially here in Maryland, where the salt trucks are common during the winter—you want to be sure your vehicle gets a proper wash every month or two.
5. Being a harsh driver
This does not only pertain to "severe drivers" who lay on the gas and the brake heavily—you could be killing your car in other ways, too. Whether it is stop-and-go traffic, rough roads, or heavy loads in your truck bed, it can feel difficult to avoid the harsher driving conditions. Do what you can. Brake sooner, drive the speed limit, don't carry loads in your truck bed until you need to move the, avoid aggressive driving, and keep your car or truck properly tuned. All of these actions will combine to make for fewer issues.
So, how do you stand up to these five car-killers? We hope this helps you to be a better steward of your vehicle. Come visit us with for your next Rockville, MD tune-up service here at Preferred Automotive!
Preferred Automotive | 12356 Wilkins Ave | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301-881-8530


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Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
Find out how Waypoint Post went from DOS to Odoo!
Find out how a Colorado business creates laboratories from the ground up using Odoo!
Click to read more!
SoftIron, an innovator in the data storage industry, is expanding their offerings and transforming their business model with Odoo.
The Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS) reorganized its business processes and now runs a smooth operation with Odoo as their main centralized solution
How a Dedicated Team of Odoo Consultants Helped Florida Iron Doors Implement their Ideal Business Solution
Odoo exceeds expectations helping a Florida based company implement their desired solution, providing outstanding customer service and for a reasonable price
A leading organization in the food industry in Colombia implemented Odoo Online and found that it was a great, flexible solution for a company of their scope!


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This is the fourth in a series of interviews with candidates for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. All candidates were given the opportunity to speak with the Midweek Wire before the April 26 primary.
Marc Duome views himself as the outsider candidate in the Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District.
"I'm not a politician and I'm not related to one," Duome said. "I could continue what I'm doing, but I'm concerned with the direction of this country that I decided to run in this race."
Duome, a Plumstead resident and clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, points to the birth of his granddaughter, Amilia Rose, as the motivation to run for Congress. His concern for America's future amplified when he thought about hers.
"The compass points are pointing toward an outside perspective, a business perspective … The other guys have done public sector work with nice resumes, but they've never been in the private sector," Duome said. "If I ran my business like Washington is running, I wouldn't be here more than for six months."
Duome believes his perspective is important, especially regarding health care. He said he would vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, believing it to be a "bureaucratic monstrosity."
"It is an albatross around the nation's neck," he said. "If we went to a system where you had competition across state lines, where you went with a major medical-type plan, where you could pick what your plan was, premiums would be really tiny."
Duome wants an overall more limited role of the federal government, instead allowing the states and the people to self-govern. The federal government, he said, should take care of the basic fundamentals, like national defense.
"The kneejerk reflex of Congress is to be everything to everybody," he said. "I don't think it's Congress' job to run our lives."
Duome believes in supporting veterans, adhering to the Constitution and limiting terms for members of Congress. He pledged to serve no more than three terms if elected.
"I would not suggest building a concrete wall," Duome joked, though one of his priorities is securing U.S. borders. He does support "virtual walls," meaning increased attention to surveillance systems and security. "We have the manpower down there. Let them do their job."
He also suggests "cutting out the incentives" for illegal immigration. That means defunding sanctuary cities and cracking down on illegal immigrants benefiting from health care and education in the United States.
Duome is a pro-life and Second Amendment advocate. He encourages private sector growth and "personal responsibility."
"It all comes down to common sense," he said. "Government should be there to protect us. It should take care of the basic infrastructure. I really believe more power needs to be in the states' hands."


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This photograph of a Korean woman and her daughter in traditional costume is from the Frank and Frances Carpenter Collection at the Library of Congress. Frank G. Carpenter (1855-1924) was an American writer of books on travel and world geography whose works helped to popularize cultural anthropology and geography in the United States in the early years of the 20th century. Consisting of photographs taken and gathered by Carpenter and his daughter Frances (1890-1972) to illustrate his writings, the collection includes an estimated 16,800 photographs and 7,000 glass and film negatives. At the time this photograph was taken, Korea was under Japanese occupation. Carpenter discussed the effects of the occupation in his Japan and Korea, published in 1925.
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Last updated: July 22, 2013


text: I have been taking classes with Anne for 5 years and, it has not only been a great learning experience, it has actually been fun. Anne's methods are way more interesting than French in college and she makes a lot more sense and I know that, if I put the time in, I can really make progress. She seems to have a work sheet on almost everything I have difficulty with and continues to add to them everyday. Thanks Anne.


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About us
About Deloitte Strategy
To navigate the future with confidence, organizations need to make the right choices: clear, timely and inspirational choices that deliver growth in a dynamic, disrupted world. Deloitte's strategy practitioners combine deep industry insights with cutting edge methods to help leaders resolve their most critical decisions, drive value, and achieve transformational success.
About us
Deloitte strategy consulting is a leading Israeli strategy consulting practice.
The practice was established in 2006, with the merger of Trigger and Foresight, two top veteran consulting firms. In 2012, Trigger-Foresight merged with Deloitte, the world's largest professional services firm, and became its Israeli strategy consulting arm.
The practice offers its clients extensive experience and had led hundreds of projects across a wide range of markets and industries in the Israeli ecosystem, augmented by the vast resources and expertise of the global Deloitte consultancy practice.
Creating and maintaining a competitive advantage has become increasingly difficult in almost every sector. Companies require foresight and agility to quickly and effectively evolve in order to win. Top management is routinely faced with challenges that entail designing strategies to grasp opportunities in the market, successfully leveraging existing assets and capabilities, and creating long-term, sustainable and profitable growth.
That's where we excel. We supply valuable insights through exhaustive research, in depth analysis, and cutting edge strategic decision-making methodologies, keeping our clients in the lead.
Our structured consulting process consists of the identification of key challenges, formulation of effective guiding policies and actionable road map, and finally – rigorous implementation and measurable results.
The effectiveness of this process is measured by our clients' success and by their ability to make well founded decisions and achieve ambitious objectives time and again. Our own achievements are first and foremost the long-term relationships we cultivate with clients we made an impact on.
We combine local expertise and global power to provide unrivaled value to our clients.
Strategy consulting tailored to your business
The key to sustained value growth today is a virtuous growth cycle in which you identify where to play, how to win, and how to future-proof your business model. To solve complex problems, we apply cutting edge methodologies, deployed by strategy consulting specialists with deep industry, and functional knowledge.
We work with chief executives and their teams to create effective corporate and business unit strategies and to secure alignment across the enterprise. When senior executives face conflicting mandates of developing long-term strategies while delivering short-term results, we work together to design and deliver integrated growth programs in their enterprises. Having been recognised as the "undisputed global leader" in innovation strategy consulting by ALM *, we help companies seize new growth opportunities by building, and launching new offerings and businesses.
Targeted pricing initiatives can drive substantial revenue and margin growth. We help clients develop commercial pricing strategies and processes in alignment with the organization's strategies. To help businesses become more intuitive enterprises, we show senior executives how to take an enterprise approach to digital strategy so it becomes integral to their business strategy. And, having been with chief marketing officers on their journey through the evolution of their role, we bring world-class capabilities to help accelerate growth, and define and deliver marketing excellence.
From strategy through execution, we help you deliver improved performance by increasing growth and de-risking strategic choices.
* ALM Intelligence global innovation and strategy consulting report - March 2017
Want to join our team?
Click here


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Editor and Author in Conversation: Don Weise and Michael Ward on the Early Years of the AIDS Epidemic
Retired psychotherapist Michael Ward has written a memoir, The Sea Is Quiet Tonight [published on Don Weise's imprint Querelle Press-Ed.], about the outbreak of AIDS in Boston in the early 1980s. Having lived with an HIV-positive partner back in the day when people died all around, I didn't know how I felt when it came to someone… read more


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Combat Wrestling
Save $50 on the Farmer Burns Wrestling Course!!!
Wrestling moves from 1912 are probably outdated, but Matt Furey sells the Farmer Burns course for $50.
To save yourself $50 go to http://sandowplus.co.uk/Competition/Burns/lessons/lesson01.htm.
Print is a poor medium to learn wrestling, but don't fret--for only $597 Matt will sell you his video version of Farmer's 1912 course.
--From Bum Fu at Bullshido
Combat Wrestling is a current (buzz?)word for an eclectic fighting style that integrates traditonal and progressive throws, locks, and takedowns, and even strikes, rips, and tears, from many styles. It's a no-holds-barred grappling art focusing on aggressiveness as opposed to the passivity common these days of lying flat on your back.
While each individual should develop their own personal style, mine is a mixed bag of slams from judo, aikido, and various wrestling styles and strikes and rips from shaolin kung fu. I like to think it focuses on power, speed, and technique combining vital-point strikes with throws focusing on the head, neck, and shoulders. I have made up throws/variations I've never seen before. I'm also trying to work in some Southeastern Asian stuff I've seen.
These days, I'm studying at Pittsburgh Yoseikan Academy. They offer several days a week of judo and aikido for $50/month. I'm mainly going for the judo, but I hope to participate in the aikido, too. More on this later.
Brett Jacques and Marc MacYoung made me realize that going to the ground outside of sports/mat situation isn't something to take lightly: just ask my old college roommate about the time he fell onto the broken beer bottle one night in the South Side.
Check out these quotes from on the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Forum (or as I like to call it, the Great Gracie Propaganda Machine) post Rickson Vs. Karelin:
-Blue Belt
[S]omeone earlier said that from all the wrestlers on the top 100 list, Rickson will beat them easy and Karelin will offer little resistance.
Thast just funny! In my modest opinion, Karelin will change Rickson's curvature of the spine permanently.
Anyone who thinks Rickson could beat Karilin,(or that it would even be close) today or in their prime, must be living in a fantasy world, and should get their heads checked.
BAT-ERDENE Badmaanyambuu
Mongolian National Judo Team
My daily workout consists of a Wrestling or Judo practice (commonly solo) including drills and isometrics, a low-impact cardio (20-30 minutes), and a synergetic ab workout. Later in the day, I'll do some tai chi, chi kung, or yoga movements for relaxation. A couple of times a week, I also sprint and powerlift.
The Kodokan, Ippon Books, Wrestling vs. Judo,
Russian Judo
Ethnic Wrestling Styles
General Martial Arts Link
Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences
Paladin Press
Shaolin Chin Na, Eagle Claw Chin Na
Dog Brothers


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Yet another busy day today, jam-packed with info about marketing, networking and, in general, how to let my world know what the heck a personal chef is. Though I have a bit of experience dealing with marketing, press releases and the like, it was great to brainstorm with people (and offer my two cents in the press release department if nothing else — hope it was helpful!).
First, I forgot to mention, it was kind of awesome to Skype with my sister and at least two of the three boys. Anthony didn't stick around long, but I got to make eyes at and talk to a confused and wide-eyed Alexander.
Anyway, far too busy today to talk to hardly anyone but my classmates. We heard from a former student who now is running a successful personal chef business — but does things a little different than our instructor. It was nice to hear how someone else does things and have the reassurance that there is no set formula and we all have to be smart but do what works best for us.
For lunch we headed over to nearby Cook's Warehouse. HOLY CRAP. Yes we made salad and pizzas and got to see the kitchen where we'll be cooking tomorrow. And we got to look at all kinds of crazy amazing cooking gear. Tons of appliances, gadgets, utensils (who knew there were so many whisks!), and tons of stuff a person never really needs, but really, really wants.
Here are a few shots:
It was pretty tough to focus after filling up on salad and pizza, but we made it through the day. Then finally, FINALLY I made it to the quaint little yarn shop. Turns out it wasn't as little as it looked! The front part was little, then the rooms kept going and going and going. Of course I couldn't resist — I bought two skeins of yarn (putting back the one I REALLY wanted and only getting two to make something) and had to buy myself needles since I didn't bring any. Again, no clue how I'm going to fit all this stuff in my bags.
I thought it was pretty funny that there was a kit called "Culinary Colors." I was lucky that my new pal M is apparently an extremely patient person — I couldn't make up my mind and she didn't even bat an eye. She made a purchase too, so for some reason that made me feel better about indulging myself.
For dinner, M, T and I headed to the amazing Cafe Alsace, just a couple of doors down from my precious Starbucks. The owner is a lovely woman from Alsace, France. She and T — who just got back from Germany about a week ago — chatted about the towns in which they lived in both French and German. M and I didn't have much to contribute to that conversation…
I guess that's probably when I looked around the room to realize my former French teacher sister would probably go crazy in there, buying all of the little French things for sale — including some authentic items from Alsace.
We split an amazing bottle of wine and the ladies each enjoyed the special of the night — a chicken crepe with a curry bleu cheese sauce, served with French green beans and lentils. I had two vegetarian choices and was talked into getting the spaetzle, which was delicious but a pretty heavy dinner after a pizza lunch. It really was good, but part of me wishes I would have gone with the dish involving noodle pinwheels, roasted vegetables and a light tomato sauce. The casserole of fresh noodles, spinach, mushrooms and cheesiness really was delicious though.
Though we had zero room left, I decided I had to try their house made honey lavender ice cream. It was pretty crazy sweet, but really, really good. The ladies also tried some kind of cinnamon chocolate tort with vanilla ice cream, which they said was really good too.
Tomorrow we do some cooking and get to chat with yet another area personal chef who does things a little differently. This week is going by a little too fast for me, but it's not over yet!
I'm way to pooped to proofread this post, so please excuse any mistakes (I'm just glad/proud I actually have followed through with my plan to blog every day!)


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MicroDock II
MicroDock II
Automated Instrument Docking Station
The most cost effective way to manage the calibration and bump testing of Honeywell Analytics portable gas detectors is through the MicroDock II automated test and calibration system. Fully portable and easily expandable, the MicroDock II requires no computer and provides simultaneous management of up to six modules. Minimize expenses and maximize productivity with the MicroDock II.
Compatible with:
- GasAlertQuattro
- GasAlertMicro 5 Series
- GasAlert Extreme
- Honeywell BW Max XT II
- Honeywell BW MicroClip Series (XT, XL, X3)
Category: BW Technologies by Honeywell, Calibration Equipment
- Fully automatic "hands-free" calibration and functional bump testing
- Automatically verifies performance of audible and visual alarms
- Stores and updates calibration records in the MicroDock II, as well as in datalogging instruments
- Entirely self-contained with no computer required
- Lightweight and fully portable with optional wall mount
- Operates via 6V line power or a set of four C-cell batteries
- Fully customizable
- Add extra self-contained docking modules to system via simple, plug-in connections – no external pressure transducers or gas lines necessary
- Simple, accurate record keeping and fleet management
- Verifies proper performance of detectors
- Reduces maintenance costs
- Multiple MicroDock II systems can be connected via a LAN
- Includes Fleet Manager II software for easy data analysis
- Multi-language support in English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese
- Device management with Honeywell SafetySuite
- Size: 8.3 x 10.4 x 3.2 in (21.2 x 26.3 x 8.2 cm)
- Power Supply: 6V wall adapter or four C-Cell batteries
- Real-Time Clock: Provides time and date stamp for "last calibration" and "last bump test" data
- Data Storage: Automatic (instrument and base station) MMC data storage system
- Communication Method: Infrared communication between docking module and detector
- External Interface: USB 2.0 interface for PC (USB 2.0 full speed)
- Pump: DC motor, micro-diaphragm; 6V PCB mount; Flow rate 300 ml/min (typically)
- Solenoid: Built-in (docking modules)
- Calibration Gas Connections: 1/8 in. SMC connect sub-miniature coupling; two – five gas inlets
- Detector Configuration: Automatic recognition of instrument and sensors; User-settable with Fleet Manager II
- LED Indicators: Yellow "TEST", Green "PASS", Red "FAIL"
- Warranty: Full 2-year Warranty


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4 Common Accounting Mistakes St Louis County Businesses Make
July 6th, 2017
Under certain circumstances, you may be resolved of any misdeeds of a spouse or former spouse involving income tax fraud. To ensure yourself the best possible outcome, it is best to take action as soon as you realize there is a problem.
We can review your situation and help you determine your options and file for Innocent Spouse Relief when necessary.


text: The Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards was held on September 1, 2018 at Eko Hotels in Lagos. As expected, the stars came out in their very best attires to make memorable fashion statements. While women in the industry have always been known as the fashion forward ones, the men seemed to have had a consensus … Continue Reading


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Last Thursday, when early voting began in North Carolina, I encouraged everyone to research the issues, to know the candidates, and to go vote. Ironically, I had yet to do any of these things–however, as I returned home this weekend, it was my intent to do all of them. And I am quite pleased to announce that I have, indeed, now done all of them.
But I don't want to stop there.
Instead, I want to share with you what I believe–where I stand on the issues at hand and the candidates I have placed my faith in to propel us forward. My intent is not to persuade, although certainly I believe I have endorsed those who will lead us to the best state we can be in–nationally and locally–and for that reason persuasion is not a bad thing, but it is not my intent. What I plan to share is my ballot–who I voted for and more importantly why I gave them my endorsements.
Before I continue, I want to be clear about where I've gained my facts and the resources that led me to making my decisions: First, I relied on NCVoterGuide.org to provide me with my personal ballot information (available in sample ballot form at NSCBE.gov) and summaries of the candidates. Second, I relied on the candidates' websites to further aid in making my decisions. If you do not live in North Carolina, at least take the time to read a little bit further about the national candidates I've voted for (namely, the president) and then, unless you truly wish to hear my views, I encourage you to stop reading and take the time you would have spent here researching the issues and getting to know the candidates you'll be voting for. And then, of course, I want you to vote.
Otherwise, what's the point in writing any of this?
President of the Unites States of America: Barack Obama
I came of voting age shortly before the 2008 campaign began. It was my first year voting and when the issues were broken down for me, my vote rested in the hands of then-Senator Barack Obama. I was, at the time, largely a single-issue voter, and although that single issue still informs me greatly, I've since expanded what I look for in my public leaders.
I still stand by President Obama because, despite the many areas where things in our country have not proceeded as we all would have liked, he has come through on many promises that were meaningful to me: He signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding hate crimes legistlation to acts fueled by homophobia and gender identity intolerance; he signed the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, allowing those who fight to uphold our freedom to serve freely no matter who they love; and he has publically come out in favor of marriage equality for same-sex couples in the United States. These issues affect me personally–and although they're only the beginning, they are a sign of the vision he has for our country, a vision in which people like me share the same rights as every other American we know.
I also support President Obama for his committment to alternative energy sources and his desire to see these techonologies developed in our country; they will be developed, without a doubt, and if we don't move forward in these fields, the rest of the world will. I also agree with his position on education: Like him, I believe it truly is the answer, and the work he has done to streamline student loans and expand Pell grants have truly been the only reasons that I have been able to attend college and afford even a relatively low-cost institution such as N.C. State.
When it comes to the economy, I agree that our potential rests upon the middle class; only by expanding our middle class and shrinking our lower class can our country truly achieve greatness for all people, including the upper class. Although at this moment in time I am not making more than a quarter-million dollars in a year, I hope someday I might be so fortunate to do so–and should that day come, I would happily pay a little more in taxes to help others as I have been helped by my country. No one has to like paying taxes–I don't think anyone likes giving up money–but that doesn't mean we can't see the worth in doing so, the necessity of doing so, and in fact, the honor demonstrated by doing so. Just as we pay membership dues to organizationS that run those organizations, we pay taxes to run our country–and when our neighbors are supported and able to succeed, our success is more important and more noteworthy. Only by coming together as a community, by giving a little more when we are able to do so, will we truly achieve greatness for all.
Finally, I believe Barack Obama is the most capable and honest leader running in this election. He may not have the greatest level of skills in certain areas where Mitt Romney has shown his success, but this isn't just about who can do the job, it's about who do we want to represent us to not only America but also the world–and for me that man is President Obama. He is genuine on all accounts; he has demonstrated his humanity in speeches and through actions of his presidency and he has shown true integrity and leadership when, under the national eye, he took sole responsibility for the catastrophes in Lybia even after others beneath him expressed their own shortcomings in the matter. It takes a truly honest man to do that, and we need a truly honest man to lead this country. Machiavellian politics may have worked in the past, but in this day and age we must stand for more than that–true integrity must win out over false promises and deceit. And that is why I am proud to say I have voted to reelect President Obama.
U.S. House District 2: Stephen P. Wilkins
When people complain about the lack of progress in our country and blame the president, I shake my head and tell them the real lawmakers are those in Congress–and when they don't act, it doesn't matter how much or how little our president does, the country will not improve significantly. We need leaders in Congress who are unafraid of challenging existing norms and willing to do what it takes to pass the laws our countries need–that is, championing even unpopular but necessary legislation and being willing to work toward bipartisan solutions.
That's why I'm voting for Steve Wilkins. Among the many points that swayed my vote were his support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which I highly support and believe will safeguard our country's people; his goals of reducing poverty and improving education; his position of promoting alternative fuels while finding short-term solutions to carry us toward our long-term goals; his strong support for effective foreign policies and national defense, and the fact the he himself is a veteran and supports them wholly; his desire to see the national debt reduced; and finally his support of immigration reform, especially passing the DREAM Act, which I also strongly support–a plan I supported even before it was proposed.
The nail in the coffin, so to speak, was hammered in when I read that Wilkins wants to start the process of enacting term limits for Congress. Ever since I took an American Government course a year ago, I have been a strong believer in the necessity of terms limits for our senators and representatives. The U.S. was never intended to be dynastic, yet with the seemingly unending rule of incumbents, we have forsaken the vast amount of leadership potential inherent in our nation's populations–and with the incumbents leading Congress, we have no new ideas and no new faces to steer our country in the right direction. Congress stands at a historically low approval rating–and yet the incumbents repeatedly get reelected. It's time we tear down their empire, get more capable leaders interested in pursuing positions on a level playing field, and see our Congress representative at last–and with finite term limits, Congressional leaders are less likely to spend their entire time seeking reelection and will truly put their efforts into what our country needs most: strong leadership and bipartisan solutions that make real change for all citizens.
So, yes, for all these reasons, I support Wilkins for U.S. Congress.
N.C. Governor: Walter Dalton
At this point, plunging into State politics, things become a little hazier. There are so many offices, so many candidates, that it can exhausting just trying to name them all. And for many offices, the choices don't always seem all that different–we might equally dislike all of them. For me, that's a close description of this race.
For various reasons I'm not incredibly fond of Pat McCroy, and although Libertarian candidate Barbara Howe has said some quite remarkable things, she doesn't seem to have a very clear plan for her governorship and, as a third-party candidate, it's unlikely she'll gain a significant number of votes to win regardless.
My vote then falls upon Walter Dalton. I do appreciate his apparent committment to education for reasons I addressed in brief earlier in this post, and especially for his committment to community colleges. I never would have realized my own potential nor even tried to do so if not for my experiences attending a community college, and I was fortunate enough to witness this same transformation in so many people who were both classmates and close friends. I do not want to see our community college system suffer, and I certainly don't want to see the opportunity taken away from our citizens.
Another point that has helped me make this decision is Dalton's positions on child care, safety, and women's health–all important issues no matter who you are, because no matter who we are, we all know someone with children and (more than likely) we all know some women, too. Dalton is against sex-based wage discrimination and he's also in support of a woman's right to choose and increased protection for victims of domestic violence and abuse–and on these issues, I agree with him. It may not seem like much, but it's enough.
N.C. Lieutenant Governor: Linda Coleman
Sometimes it feels like the further we remove ourselves from national politics, the less our candidates have to say–and I imagine, as we go on through this lengthy list, the less I'll have to say as well. When it comes to Linda Coleman, I'm happy to give her my vote for three reasons: First, her experience seems well-rounded and the fact that she has worked with the N.C. Department of Community Colleges makes me know she has her head in the right place. Second, she shares the same passion for education that has swayed my vote in a number of other offices–I recognize the importance of education, and I'll support anyone who does the same. Finally, she stands against the prejudices of the past and spoke out against N.C. Amendment 1–and although it did pass, knowing she did not support it helps me to know that she is truly committed to fostering diversity in our state and achieving equality for all people.
N.C. Attorney General: Roy A. Cooper
Cooper's running uncontested, so there's not much of a point in making much of a point here, but it's worth mentioning regardless for another reason: He's uncontested. Can you not see the problem with that?
I have no problem reelecting a good politician, but I do have a problem electing a politican simply because no one else is running against them. This is the United States–this is the country in which we all have the potential to make a difference, to rise to the occasion and leave a legacy. There is no reason, especially in hard times, that any political office should practically be given to any individual on account of no one bothering to even run. I'm not saying people should jump into politics just because no one else has; I'm saying we should be informed enough and care enough that if we are faced with only the status quo and we want things to change and things to improve, we actually make a stand and work to change them and improve them.
That said, Cooper's credentials seem satisfactory and I'm happy giving him my vote–I just wish it wasn't a given he'd get it.
N.C. Auditor: Debra Goldman
Of all the State offices, N.C. Auditor was the hardest for me to decide: On the surface, both candidates' goals seem incredibly similar, and merely reading their personal statements hardly makes a definitive case for either of them. And after that, what else can I turn to but the candidates as people, not politicians?
Watching their campaign videos and listening to both candidates speak, incumbent Beth Wood surely speaks more eloquently, and I greatly appreciated the video she made explaining what the office of state auditor oversees, while Debra Goldman seemed rather nervous and somewhat hesitant in the single video she had posted on her website. Additionally, I could also appreciate the fact that Wood attended a community college in North Carolina and then later returned to finish a four-year degree; that is a level of dedication I am very aware of personally and can deeply admire.
However, it was Goldman's personal story of growth that convinced me to give her my vote. Not only has she overcome great personal challenges (she's a breast cancer surivor), she didn't begin her political career as an accountant–she began it in the classroom, advocating for her own children. As she saw the needs of larger and larger communities, she served on the Wake County Board of Education and now hopes to serve the entire state. By changing only a few words of her story you'd have mine, and knowing how much my own journey of growth has enabled me to lead and strive to improve my own community, I am confident that she has the passion necessary to achieve her goals as N.C. Auditor.
N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture: Walter Smith
I am very pleased to announce that both candidates for this office are graduates of my future alma mater–that is, they're both part of the Pack, just like me. However, they do have obvious differences, and because of these, I plan to give my vote to Mr. Smith.
It comes down to a number of things: First, I believe his experience working with the federal government will lend itself wonderfully to his working with our state government. Some may argue we need "fresh faces" untainted by politics, but sometimes it takes being in politics to know how to avoid "politics," and I'm hopeful this is the case; certainly from reading his personal statements, I would think it is.
Next, his position on many issues are quite noteworthy in my opinion. He believes in setting up a hotline to help people access the N.C. Department of Agriculture more easily. He believes in supporting family farms and encouraging research to improve agriculture across the state–maybe it's my belonging to N.C. State as well, but I completely agree with both of these ideals. He supports higher standards of food and consumer safety, and after recently developing some major food allergies, this is more important to me than ever before–so why wouldn't I support him?
Finally, two last things have made my vote a given: Number one, he's expressed a great amount of support for the environment and making our state practices greener so that our children and grandchildren have as beautiful a world to live in as we do. Number two, he is a staunch supporter of the humane treatment of animals–both domestically and on the farm. He's opposed to the attrocious puppy mills that litter our state and he hopes to see studies conducted on animal welfare to ensure that our practices are best practices. It's not commonly known that it's a Jewish value to treat our animals with the highest level of respect possible; part of this is because, like Adam and Eve, we have inherited the responsibility of caring for our world and its inhabitans, but another part is because if we can treat our animals with the utmost respect, imagine how much more respect we must then give to our fellow human beings–and isn't that the trademark sign of a true leader?
N.C. Commissioner of Insurance: Mike Causey
When it came down to it, both candidates for this office seemed fairly matched in many of the things I would hope to see in a Commissioner of Insurance. What turned my vote in favor of Mr. Causey is primarily his work experience: Just as with the last office I spoke of, Mr. Causey has actually worked in the insurance field and has lobbied for it in the past. I don't always agree with lobbying, but lobbyists must understand laws and practices, and that's a valuable skill.
That said, I do really, really wish Mr. Causey were better in two ways:
First, there is no reason on this earth that any political candidate should have a webpage riddled with typos, misspelled words, and poor grammar. It's just not acceptable.
Second, on his website, he says, if elected he will work "very closely with Pat McCrory"–the problem, however, is that he may be elected and maybe Pat McCrory won't be–does that mean he won't work equally as closely with Dalton or Howe, should they be elected governor? A true leader will work with their superiors even if they differ fundamentally in their opinions, because together they are all serving the same body of citizens. Furthermore, it's just pompous to assume you know who will win when, let's face it, the future is always uncertain.
But like I said, I support his experience and mostly agree with him on the issues. If that doesn't earn him my vote, I can't say I'm voting honestly according to my beliefs–and I won't sacrifice my integrity like that.
N.C. Commissioner of Insurance: Cherie Berry
I'd like to say I'm voting for Cherie Berry simply because her name is remarkably fun to say, but it really isn't that simply. Actually, I wish it were that simple, but honestly, what gave her my vote is that fact I don't want her opponent elected: To be frank, I'm a little startled by some of John Brooks' suggestions and I don't want to see what would happen should he be given the chance to move forward with them. I also appreciate Berry's committment to workplace safety, and the injuries and illness rates under her administration have been impressive.
N.C. Secretary of State: Elaine Marshall
Marshall's qualifications pleased me and I was happy to hear her committment "to modernize the office by embracing technology and streamlining processes." Her positions on stomping out counterfeit goods while protecting investors and charitable organizations is admirable, and her promotion of governmental transparency is also worth voting for.
N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction: John Tedesco
I haven't been stating these candidates' political parties–but if it isn't already clear, I'm a bipartisan voter. I believe just as the middle class is the indicator of our country's success, the meeting-in-the-middle of bipartisan politics is what will allow us most to achieve greatness in our country and our state (now if only our politicians would agree and actually make some kind of effort to work together instead of being big-headed and uncompromising). Debra Goldman, Mike Causey, and Cherie Berry are all Republicans, and so is John Tedesco–but because I believe they're the better candidates, it would go against my moral integrity to give my votes to anyone else.
So why do I think Tedesco's the better candidate? Because he seems wiser on all accounts. He wants to cut down bureaucratic limitations in the N.C. Department of Public Instruction while committing it more so to servicing its local districts. He supports fairness in choosing education–not just charter schools versus public schools, but also religious schools and home schools. Furthermore, reading his ideas on how schools should learn from each other was simply inspiring–that is precisely how I feel: When someone has discovered a best practice, we shouldn't try to reinvent the wheel, we should learn from them–and they should be happy to educate others for the benefit of all. I'm not well-enough informed to have a clear preference for charter schools or public schools (which often seem central to these debates), but Tedesco states very clearly that even if we add more charter schools, we still need to support the public school system and ensure all our students get the quality education they deserve.
If that were enough, it would be wonderful–but there's still even more that has earned Tedesco my support:
He stands by teachers, hoping to support and empower them, to give them the opportunities needed to grow and improve themselves, their practices, and their students. He is an advocate for teachers–and we need this. Finally, he wants to see wiser spending of school funds so that education is not only more affordable, but our investments in education are taken further. It is my hope to see Tedesco elected–and if he's successful, perhaps he'll move on to larger leadership positions in the future. I'm almost certain he'd carry my vote then as well.
N.C. Treasurer: Janet Cowell
When I read a candidate's personal statement, I expect to learn about their motivations for running and the things they support–not a rant about "big money" and debt, and when I read Steve Royal's statement, that's all it was: a rant. No substance, no point. When I visit a candidate's website, I expect to find a page detailing the issues, and I've noticed in looking at the candidates for other offices that most of the incumbents rarely have these pages, whereas most of the other candidates do–so here I was surprised when for this office it was reversed.
I believe Cowell's positions are noteworthy for two reasons: She seems concerned about matters that affect all of us economically in North Carolina, and she also has pioneered efforts to increase financial literacy, especially for students but also for all people regardless of their age or place in life. This committment to education is greatly important, and when we rarely see financial responsibility and good practices followed by our young people, it is essential to educate them about these issues so that, when they are our nation's leaders, we aren't falling into the same financial traps we have already fallen into.
State Senate District 029: No Vote
I mentioned earlier that I think it's a poor state of events when a candidate runs uncontested–and yet I still planned to vote for the man running. In this case, with no other option, I refuse to give my vote to the incumbent. True, Jerry W. Tillman will by default gain election, but I cannot in sound mind give him my support. Although his educational and vocational background sounds sufficient, and although his personal statement seems admirable, he was one of the key proponents of putting N.C. Amendment 1 on the ballot, and if these are the causes he fights for, he is a leader I can never stand behind. It's as simple as that.
State House District 070: No Vote
Likewise, I cannot in good conscience give my vote to Representative Pat B. Hurley either. I wrote her before the vote on whether or not Amendment 1 should be put on the ballot, and after it had been voted on–with her support–I received a call from her in which she and I spoke for a few minutes. She seemd very nice and genuine, but she said she supported the bill because she felt it should be the people's decision–but that reasoning is completely erroneous. You don't give this kind of choice to the masses when the masses rarely support the rights of minorities. It's an example of flawed reasoning and poor moral, ethical decision-making that holds my hand whenever I think of giving her my vote.
N.C. Supreme Court (Newby Seat): Sam Ervin
The judges' section of the ballot is often overlooked: They're non-partisan and therefore neither political party can be the powerhouses behind their campaigns–and thereby they are often forgotten. However, it is our court system that drives forward one third of our government, and to ignore its importance is simply ignorant and dangerous.
Unfortunately, judges don't often have as clearly-defined views as the candidates for other seats. In this case, I like what Paul Newby has to say about education, and I think it says a lot about his skill and the kind of person he is that he still teaches even while serving on the supreme court. However, I also like what Sam Ervin had to say about unbiased judging and the endorsements he's received.
Ultimately, I've decided my vote on the merit of two points: First, although it's incredibly admirable that Newby continues to teach law and has achieved awards for his written works about the N.C. constitution, an aptitude for education does not always correlate with an aptitude for leading in action. Second, if groups like the Sierra Club, Replacements Ltd., and the Durham People's Alliance–all of which reflect my views in some ways–can endorse Judge Ervin, then so can I.
N.C. Court of Appeals (Bryant Seat): Wanda Bryant
I'm supporting Bryant's reelection because of her outstanding education, work, and community experience and achievements. Her endorsements and vision statements have also earned her my vote in this election.
N.C. Court of Appeals (McGee Seat): Linda McGee
Once more, it has been the combination of the candidate's experiences and endorsements that have compelled me to lend her my vote.
In deciding on our judges, I find it's more challenging than simply breaking down the issues–because judges seem unable to do that. They are not running on a platform; they are running to decide the law, and no one or two issues will ever prepare them for all the cases they may have to preside over. Therefore, what else can we rely on but trusting their demonstrated character and the endorsements of groups who understand the law more than we do?
N.C. Court of Appeals (Thigpen Seat): Cressie Thigpen
This was a tight race: On the one hand, I sincerely liked the philosophical standpoints presented by Chris Dillon, but Cressie Thigpen's experiences and endorsements seem to far outweigh his opponent's. Should Dillon run again in the future, I may lend him my vote then, but for the time-being, I believe Thigpen is the more qualified candidate.
N.C. District Court (District 19B – Creed Seat): Bobby McCroskey
Compared with Don Creed, I favor McCroskey primarily for his past experiences as a lawyer. He's stated that he has worked on both sides of many kinds of cases, and I feel this closeness to his clients and the awareness of varying perspectives has given him a judicial edge over his opponent. The fact that he's lived in the area he'll be presiding over for most of his life also lends him a level of perspective I think will help him judge fairly in our district.
N.C. District Court (District 19B – Wilkins Seat): Jane Hughes Redding
This was perhaps the closest of all the judicial races I've had to decide: Both candidates seem exceedingly qualified in both education and experience, and as individuals, the principles they stand for seem paramount and pristine. Ultimately, I placed my vote for Redding on account of her longtime experience working on the Board of Education and representing parties in family-related cases. That said, I almost wish both judges could have this seat–because I truly believe both of them are fantastically qualified and I would be happy for either one who wins.
District Attorney – 19B: Garland Nelson Yates
Here's another unchallenged office. Since I couldn't find anything I didn't like about Yates (mostly on account of not finding much about Yates in the first place), I see no reason why I shouldn't vote him back into office–but I really do wish I had the freedom to choose. However, if no one runs for office, the choice is already made, isn't it?
Randolph Country Commissioner (District 1): Phil Kemp
It baffles me why there is practically no information about either candidate in this race, but I suppose it's a moot point: What I found about challenger Valinda Norton I didn't like (such as pushing for the privatization of the N.C. Zoo–an end I hope to never see actualized), and what scant bit I read about Kemp I wasn't deterred by… so as a matter of unfortunate default, I'll give my vote to him: After all, it's probably better to keep our current leadership than to try a new leader who may not be qualified or right for the job. However, it does sadden me to think that there is such low interest in local politics that neither candidate felt it worthwhile to have a website or even a page on Facebook… Perhaps if local politicians were more vocal, local voters would be more engaged.
Randolph Country Commissioner (District 5): Arnold Lanier
Libertarian Adam Brooks is young and has new visions for Randolph county, but with his youth comes an obvous amount of inexperience and, sadly, disrespect–two elements not explicitly mentioned on his website, but apparent in the way he wrote about his ideals. Although I agree with his positions on governmental ideas (for which I think his ideas are outstanding) and building a business-friendly environment, his attitude is less becoming, and when he states he'll be happy to talk about his opinions on other issues but won't make them a priority until his goals have been achieved was outright disconcerting; government representatives are here to represent, not plow blindly forward with their own agenda–and that's the very tactic that he seems most opposed to, yet happily admits advocating for personally.
That doesn't mean I'm ultimately pleased with my choice in Lanier, though. Lanier provided no candidate information to the N.C. Voter Guide, nor has he put any effort into reaching out to voters on the issues, just as Kemp and Norton hadn't–and for me, that's a great negative on his campaign efforts (if we can even say such, since it appears there wasn't any effort at all). That said, what little I can find has painted a positive picture: He's opposed to raising taxes in this climate unless necessary, and he supports a balanced budget, just as if the county budget were a household budget. He's proud of Randolph county's recent construction of two new schools, and two projects he'd like to see move forward are adding water lines to areas where there currently aren't any (which will ease things for those living there and attract new businesses) and expanding EMS services (since in some places, there are response times in excess of half an hour). These are all important issues–issues Brooks doesn't seem to care about–and although I'm disappointed that Lanier didn't make any efforts to reach out to voters and make his stance on these issues clear and public, it is enough to swing my vote in his direction–and for me, I believe it's the right direction.
Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor: Shane Whitaker
Because no one else is running. Yet I know nothing about him–because, again, there has been no effort made to reach out to voters and share the information important to making any intellgible decision. So in he goes. Whatever for, I do not know.
Final Remarks
If you've read this far, you are amazing. Even if you just skimmed this far, you're awesome. Most of these offices have a small bearing on the world as a whole; most of them have a small bearing on the country as a whole; and some of them have a small effect, if any, on the state as a whole–but all of them together are important. Our local governments are closest to all of us, and they build up to our state and federal governments to create a tiered system that has worked effectively for hundreds of years–but will only continue to work effectively if people are informed and active voters, if they rally around the causes they support and make an effort to make their voices heard when election time comes.
So now that I have sufficiently consumed your time, I ask you to do one more thing for me: Go vote. It is my hope that, in reading this, you have decided to look more closely at the candidates in your own districts and it is my hope that, knowing what I have looked for in making my decisions, you may find it easier to make your decisions–they need not be the same as mine, but so long as you make those decisions and then act on them by voting, it doesn't matter to me.
Just vote. It'll help you. It'll help everyone.


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TOKYO (Reuters) - The resignation of Nissan Motor Co's (7201.T) chief executive is proof that corporate governance at the automaker is functioning properly, Japanese Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Nissan said CEO Hiroto Saikawa would resign on Sept. 16, bowing to pressure after he admitted to being improperly overpaid.
Reporting by Ritsuko Shimizu; Writing by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Himani Sarkar


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If there's one Belgian who knows how aliens might look, it's Angelo Vermeulen. In 2013, the 47-year-old Belgian was the only European selected by NASA for an ambitious project to prepare interstellar trips. During four months he and five others stayed in Hawaii in an environment that had to imitate life on Mars.
Not that the Belgian Buzz Lightyear had been trained to become an astronaut. On the contrary: Vermeulen studied photography and then obtained a PhD in biology. Soon he started to explore the boundaries between art and science by creating installations with intriguing names like 'Seeker' and 'Biomodd'.
The latter connects plants with computers. For example, the residual heat from the computers is used to grow a plant-based ecosystem, while the algae cool the processors.
To infinity and beyond
Thanks to this project, Vermeulen grabbed the attention of ESA, the European space program. Just like him, they want to develop closed ecosystems that ensure the recuperation of raw materials that would otherwise be lost.
Around this period, NASA launched a call for a project in the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation. On the island, the team led by Vermeulen checked, among other things, which eating patterns astronauts should have.
In the meantime, the Belgian also started another PhD - this time at Delft University of Technology. There he's doing research into 'starship design'. Sounds futuristic? Hell yeah! Vermeulen has the ambition to travel beyond our solar system. Eat your heart out, Tuscany.
At Gears, our conference for and by developers on June 21st, Vermeulen will tell you everything about 'starship design'. Be inspired and travel to infinity and beyond!


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The Benefits of Hiring Tour Operators
Many people in the world today like to go for holidays in different countries to enjoy themselves. Because of this, you will realize that there are very many people that go to different countries in different parts of the world. This is a great thing and just like any industry in the world today, technology has also affected the tourism industry positively. The use of online services for the booking of tours to different parts of the world today is one of the things that many people are using. There are a number of limitations or hindrances that are associated with these methods and therefore, you have to be careful. As has been explained above, the limitations can be a major problem and therefore, you should use tour operators to help with that. Giving the planning process of the tours to the tour operators is going to allow you to get some benefits. There are very many companies that provide tourism services, and the good thing is that they make it easy for you because they are also found online. By reading this article, you'll know more about tour operators and why you need their services.
Most of the tour operators have a lot of experience and knowledge, and because of this, they can help you. One of the good things about these companies and these operators is that they have a lot of knowledge about the pieces that you want to go to.Because of this, they are going to ensure that you're able to have a lot of a great time and you do not have to worry about learning more about the country because there with you. When going for journeys to different places all over the world, these companies can help you to reduce the amount of money you pay in terms of booking. Tour operators the booking for all the people that are going to go to the country and therefore, they help you to get discounts. When the companies do it in bulk, they are also able to get you better accommodation in the country that you want to visit, view here for more.
Since there are very many things that have to be factored in when planning about holidays, these companies simplify this. Most of the time, these companies give you all the things you need in one package which makes it very simple. Another great thing about this service providers is that you will be very safe when you're with them meaning that, you'll get to protect your family. It would, therefore, be very important for you to think about investing in working with these companies.


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Reducing the threat of labor problems: effectively communicating concern for and appreciation of employees builds a firm foundation for successful labor relations.
A successful communications plan must have an "asking" strategy, based upon listening, responding, and acting, so that employees become stakeholders. (Often a management team does not have an "asking" strategy because its members believe they have all the answers.) To get practical answers, the plan must contain critical questions. The most important questions are: What? When? Where? How? Unless these questions are answered specifically, the action plan will not be implemented properly--or it might not be implemented at all because other priorities may take precedence.
If management does not have a scheduled, ongoing action plan addressing these questions, it will be perceived by employees as being insular, secretive, and uncaring. Therefore, the employees will feel alienated, and management will have succeeded in maintaining and furthering an adversarial relationship that ultimately will take its toll on the bottom line.
In contrast, a scenario in which management and employees talk and listen to one another and resolve problems together will increase employees' trust in management. If employees are to believe management's words, there must be open and ongoing communication, both verbal and written, based upon a specific strategic action plan. Employee award programs will also bolster employees' positive perceptions of their employer's concern and appreciation.
Timing Is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes administrators and managers make is failing to open the doors of communication before a labor problem arises. Faced with negotiating a new union contract or dealing with a union-organizing effort or difficult operational issues, management may suddenly decide it's time to talk with workers. By then it's too late. At this point, workers naturally will suspect management's motives and regard everything managers say with cynical disbelief. It is essential that open communication be ongoing, not something that is initiated at the first threat of labor problems.
Building Trust by Building Credibility
An ongoing strategic communications plan will demonstrate management's credibility; it will be built upon a foundation of asking, listening, talking, and acting in response to employees' needs and issues. Managers cannot sincerely ask, listen, and talk if they do not know anything about those with whom they are having a conversation. Therefore, they should know each worker's name, job description, and family background, and be familiar with each worker's performance record. Such basic knowledge implies a level of care and concern.
The employer's concern for employees' welfare goes a long way toward establishing trust, and there are many ways to communicate that concern. Each is a necessary ingredient for a successful communications action plan. I have helped management communicate concern for employees not only by creating an asking program, but also by creating a variety of cost-effective benefits. One example is providing small, short-term, interest-free loans to employees in case of emergencies. I have also helped organizations implement regularly scheduled actions that communicate goodwill and have a positive impact on morale, such as sending employees anniversary and birthday cards, paying for birthday and/or anniversary dinners for them and their spouses, and facilitating child-care arrangements.
Other ways to communicate concern include providing financial information about retirement investments, offering fitness and stress-reduction classes, and having a guidance counselor available to advise parents about college admissions and costs. In addition to showing management's interest and concern, these extra benefits make employees feel like valued stakeholders in the company.
Having successfully communicated its concern for its employees, management can open more direct channels of communication, knowing that its credibility is secure.
Communication Takes Many Forms
Nothing is more effective than one-on-one discussions in which management asks, listens, and talks, encouraging employees to do the same. The chats may take only seconds or minutes, but they should be a requirement of the strategic communications action plan. During these discussions, managers can ask such basic questions as, "How are you?" and "Can I help you?" This gives employees multifaceted opportunities to address issues in an open and friendly environment.
More structured meetings also can keep the doors of communication open. Among the various kinds of meetings where management and employees can engage in direct and forthright communication are group meetings, compliance sessions, quality circles, and meetings for senior employees.
Group meetings can occur biannually, quarterly, or even monthly. At such meetings, managers can explain what they are doing and why. They can answer workers' questions, thus diminishing the opportunities for misunderstandings which, if left to metastasize, can grow into major labor-relations problems.
Compliance sessions (in which management and employees attempt to reach a mutual consensus) are an effective means of maintaining a reasonable level of satisfaction among all types of workers. Such meetings are generally held on a monthly basis and are sometimes referred to as "coffee and doughnut meetings." Administrators and managers can provide updates on important subjects, and employees can be encouraged to discuss any aspect of company policy, including regulatory matters involving resident care. These meetings occur during the workday, and employees are paid for their time. Defused negative rumors, revised production methods, and increased understanding of new company policies are just a few of the benefits of such meetings.
Quality circles are also effective, and they work for both union and nonunion employees. Quality circles consist of small groups of employees, making these sessions more intimate than larger compliance sessions. The small number of employees permits management to tackle problems of workplace efficiency through a one-on-one dialogue. Together, management and employees examine productivity and make suggestions for improvement. Employees are left with an enhanced sense of their own competencies and efficiencies.
Meetings for senior employees have proven to be an effective means of communicating management's appreciation for employees' long-term commitments to the company. It is essential for management to demonstrate that such employees are held in special regard and are appreciated for their long-standing interest in the company's welfare. Senior employees may be given a pin to signify the company's appreciation; after all, "thank you" is one of the most important phrases in the English language, and it communicates not only appreciation, but also gratitude. Unfortunately, managers all too often take senior employees' efforts for granted and rarely say "thank you."
Get Employees Involved
At all meetings, an employee assistance representative (EAR) could be present. This person would work with the company's human resources (HR) representative to make sure that all issues are discussed. The EAR--who could be chosen by both employees and management, by management alone, or through a roster of volunteers--should serve on a rotating basis, so that most employees have an opportunity to serve in this position and to interact with the HR department.
The purpose of the EAR program is to have a peer available to communicate management's concern for employees by responding to and acting upon employees' concerns and by assisting employees with their problems. In establishing such a program, management further communicates and demonstrates its commitment to addressing employees' concerns. This type of initiative has greatly improved workplace environments, and it doesn't need to be expensive. The EAR might be paid with a modest cash bonus, a gift certificate, a nominal increase in hourly wages, or anything else that seems to be a reasonable incentive. The returns on such an initiative have, in fact, been tremendous. I have seen companies get more mileage from an EAR program than they likely would have gotten from a modest across-the-board pay increase.
Put It in Writing
In addition to personal contact, written communication can be helpful. This could include newsletters, personal letters, private memos, public notices, and self-appraisals. Newsletters, which can be mailed to each employee's home or distributed at work, not only serve to inform employees of company programs and news, but also might give family members who read them a favorable view of the company.
Another effective form of written communication involves the use of personal letters mailed to individual employees' homes, thanking them for their help or, perhaps, congratulating them for completing training or for other achievements. Similarly, management can convey important reminders, notes of appreciation, and acknowledgment of an employee's accomplishment of a goal in memos placed in employees' pay envelopes.
A bulletin board, which should be placed where all employees can view it, can serve as a community newspaper, providing an opportunity to reach all employees with important announcements. Among the kinds of information that should be displayed on a bulletin board are notices about company policies, work rules, employee events, and job openings and requirements.
Another effective way to give employees an opportunity to relate valuable written information about themselves, management, and their peers is the use of self-appraisals. These can be performed using a simple written form.
Giving Employees Their Due
Award programs provide management with another effective tool for communicating its appreciation for employees. One such program is a service award program, which helps the company retain the best employees by recognizing their contributions to the overall success of the company. Service award programs build employee self-esteem, reinforce desired behaviors, and help to create and maintain an atmosphere of appreciation and trust. Although most such programs recognize length of service, they should also acknowledge quality of service.
Awards for length of service should be given at the conclusion of an employee's initial probationary period and after his or her first, third, fifth, tenth, and subsequent milestone anniversaries with the company. These awards may include small cash gifts, gift certificates, tickets to sporting events or theatrical performances, company merchandise, and jewelry. To maximize the positive impact of the awards, management should present them at company-sponsored events, such as annual holiday parties, summer picnics, etc. The presenter of the award should be a member of top management.
Numerous processes for selecting recipients of awards for quality of
service exist. For example, management might form a committee of five to seven volunteers; in any event, hourly employees should comprise the majority of this committee's members. The committee should select employees from various departments and positions, and the awards should be based upon attendance, safety, team building, productivity, and other criteria deemed important within the corporate culture. Awards for quality of service should be of greater monetary value than those given for length of service.
Another category is the suggestion awards. On a monthly basis, management could select an important and topical issue about which to solicit employee suggestions. Management could ask, for example, how it and employees could work more effectively to reduce operating costs, reduce absenteeism, improve efficiency or productivity, or address other matters of mutual concern.
The suggestions would be reviewed by a committee of three to five people representing both management and hourly employees. Again, hourly employees should comprise the majority of this committee's members. Management representatives should be chosen by top management, but all the hourly employees should be volunteers. The committee should meet within seven days after the end of every month, or as immediately as possible, to review the month's suggestions. By majority vote, they should choose a winning suggestion. The author of the winning suggestion could receive a cash prize and a plaque with his or her name inscribed on it. At the end of the year, 1 of the 12 monthly suggestions could be chosen by management or a committee of management and employees as "suggestion of the year." The person who offered the suggestion should receive a larger cash prize and a special inscribed plaque, and have his or her photo placed in a special location where it could be seen by all employees.
An Untapped Resource: Exit Interviews
Another part of a strategic communications action plan is the exit interview, which provides one of the best opportunities for management to gain candid appraisals of the company from departing employees. When an employee leaves a company, he or she is likely to feel free to voice candid concerns, opinions, and advice. During such interviews, management can learn a great deal about problems that an employee might have been hesitant to express while employed. One can garner valuable information about where a company must improve working conditions, where it needs to make changes in its corporate culture, and how to increase its own levels of trust and credibility. Such insights will ultimately serve to enhance levels of productivity and efficiency.
By not asking, not listening, not talking, not taking action, and not opening numerous channels of communication, companies will feed the adversarial relationships that lead to unionization and to slowdowns, walkouts, and strikes in companies where unions are already in place. A decreasing bottom line resulting from these actions will surely demonstrate the shortsightedness of not having a strategic communications action plan. Furthermore, that plan must be part of a company's overall business plan and, within that, its labor-relations plan. The communications plan should be audited every six to nine months or more often, if necessary.
The strategic communications action plan that I have described in this article is designed to break down adversarial relations and establish perceptions of management's goodwill. If followed, it will ensure years of increased productivity and profitability, with little or reduced labor strife. The positive results of this will go directly to the facility's profitability.
Stephen J. Cabot, Esq., is Cochairman of the Labor, Employment, and Employee Benefits Practice Group, Saul Ewing, LLP. He has been profiled on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and was selected by fellow lawyers as a Super Lawyer for 2004. Cabot has authored Up From Confrontation, Stephen J. Cabot's Complete Guide to Labor Relations in the 21st Century, and Everybody Wins! For more information, call (800) 355-7777, e-mail email@example.com, or visit www.saul.com. To comment on this article, please send e-mail to email@example.com. For reprints in quantities of 100 or more, call (866) 377-6454.
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official Legacy Server
Added by RedDwarf 11 months ago
first of all, thanks for the admin rating on the server.
secondly, not all maps are available for client download, one map in particular, dingenskurshen..or similar sounding. Peeps disconnect ne'er to return.
Thirdly: The bots on the server are all aimbots.
niggles: no spree records for any of the maps, however on a plus point, map votes are counted and stored.
XP save, don't care about that either, however, TM server became popular because everyone had level 4 skills in everything....just saying.
Thanxs for reading.
Replies (1)
RE: official Legacy Server - Added by Spyhawk 11 months ago
Thanks for feedback!
We'll look into these issues... in the meantime, we've lowered the bot difficulty to "3" (was "4" before) on the server as well as in our default config for 2.77.
Some of us (aka "I") heavily dislike sprees, so it is disabled on the official server, but WolfAdmin allows to set them easily on any custom server.


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i.Pet Waterproof Hamock Car Seat Protector - Black
Make 4 payments of $6.15 over 8 weeks and get it now!
Dog Car Seat Protector - Grey
- Available ONLINE only.
- Ships in 1 to 2 business days from our supply partner
- For local pick-up put "Collect In Store" and we will call when it arrives
Featuring high quality of 600D Oxford fabric, this pet car seat cover is made to fit in almost any car, minivan or SUV rear seat. For your pet's safety, it prevents your pet from getting injured by sliding to the front of the car or falling from the seat during a sudden stop. With no hassle or tools, it can be easily installed onto the seat using adjustable straps.
To keep your car looking clean and undamaged from scratches while still being able to bring your pet out for a drive, grab one now.
* High-quality 600D Oxford Waterproof fabric
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* Split side - can be easily let a passenger in without removing the entire seat cover
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* Material: 600D Oxford Waterproof fabric
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|Barcode #
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Be The First To Review This Product!
Help other For My Petz users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.


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Lusófona University of Porto
The Lusófona University of Porto (ULP) is a Higher Education Institution that is part of the Lusófona Group (the largest group of private higher education in Portugal – www.grupolusofona.pt), which expands in several countries of Portuguese official language (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea and Cape Verde). It is an institution responsible for the scientific, cultural, social and economic development of this geographical and linguistic area with more than 200 million inhabitants.
Located in the historical center of Porto, the Lusófona University of Porto is a young and dynamic institution offering 20 undergraduate courses, 1 integrated master's degree, 7 master's degree courses and 3 doctoral programs, as well as free and continuous training designed to address the reality and needs of the Northern region of Portugal. The University develops training, research and services in the most diverse areas of knowledge, constantly seeking to act as a valid and indispensable partner in the development and progress of our society.
More information: www.ulp.pt
Lusófona University of Porto is located at the following address:
Rua Augusto Rosa, nº 24, 4000-098 Porto (Portugal)
How to arrive >>


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Sedans: (For Luxury Sedan, Mercedez Sedan, 1-4 passenger sedans);
Mercedez sedan
Our sedans are stylishly sleek and can serve as a comfortable, relaxing ride for up to 1-4 Passengers.This vehicles has Tinted Windows,Luxurious Leather Interior,CD Sound System.The interior of this sedan envelops the passenger in a world of quiet and comfort. Once settled in, however, passengers feel cocooned in richly appointed Luxury, superbly isolated from the noises of the outside world.
The roomy, functional interior of the Yukon Denali is designed to provide a high level of amenities for every passenger. Numerous seating options ensure all passengers can stretch out in comfort with extra room for luggage.
Stretch Limousine: (6 Pax,8 Pax,!0 Pax):
Equipped With a Luxuries and Beautiful leather interior,mood lighting and crystal bar add elegance and ambiance to your evening.Amenities include CD Sound System,TV & DVD, tinted windows,Private Divider for your privacy , AM/FM Stereo,air-conditioning, Cabin Partition, Ice Bins, Glasses & Flutes. Great for any occasion.
Expedition Limousine:


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Market expansion in distribution of top titles
Stockholm-based games developer Quickspin will provide a full suite of desktop and mobile video slots to platform provider Iforium as well as a series of promotional tools that include its Feature Trigger and Flexible Free Rounds.
A range of QuickSpin's top performing titles, including new releases, Second Strike, Genie's Touch and the forthcoming title The Wild Chase, will be integrated into Iforium's platform through its GameFlex system.
"Quickspin's award winning suite of games are amongst the most innovative in the industry and they are a fantastic addition to our Gameflex portfolio," Phil Parry, chief executive officer at Iforium said. "Iforium has quickly established a strong relationship with Quickspin and I look forward to delivering their content across multiple markets via Gameflex."
Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa


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My thank you notes are STILL not in the mail! I have most of them done. Just about 15-20 left. Between the family stuff with my Grandfather's passing, moving, getting back to school and working again. OMG. 10-20 a week it seems. My new goal is to have them done and mailed by the end of next week.
How many of you are with me? Is this bad or am I ok?
I ordered our TYs 4 days ago, the day after I finally got the DVD of pics from my photog. They have already shipped from Vistaprint. I'm planning to do them as soon as they get in, but because I have time on my hands right now and want to get them out of the way in case {fingers crossed}, I get called back to work. Otherwise, I will notoriously procrastinate!
I think it's definitively, okay. Also, given your situation people should more than understand.
I am having a hard time finishing them too. Work stuff got screwed up after I got back from the wedding, and I'm a bit of a procrastinator, so they just aren't done. I've sent out plenty, but there are still more. (Mostly because H said he'd write the ones for his side, but he hasn't written any, so I've just started doing them and leaving him a place at the bottom).
So I think you're fine Or at least you're helping me not feel so bad!
I waited until I got my pro pics and made a photo card to send. I am supposed to get them in the mail this week, which means they probably won't be out for another couple of weeks...
I'm ok with this, people will understand! And if they don't, I honestly don't care! Everyone had a great night and I was so good with thank-you cards for showers and gifts beforehand.


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Messe Leipzig Center
Messe Leipzig Germany
For more than 850 years, Leipzig Exhibition Center fixed its location as one of the world's oldest with a long tradition of quality service and a commitment to its clients.
This trade fairs center, provide an ideal business platform to approximately 10,000 exhibitors and 1.3 million visitors from 50 countries, every year.
Exhibition space: 111,900 sqm
Open grounds: 70,000 sqm
5 trade fair halls
Glass Hall (West entrance; event location/exhibition space)
Leipzig Veterinary Congress with Industrial Exhibition vetexpo
International trade fair for machine tools, manufacturing and automation
Address: Leipziger Messe GmbH
Messe-Allee 1 • 04356 Leipzig • Germany
P.O. Box 10 07 20
04007 Leipzig • Germany
Phone +49 341 678-0
Telefax +49 341 678-8762
e-mail: email@example.com


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In December of 2015, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post, titled "The kind of president we need." A synopsis of his op-ed might say that Gates hopes for a truthful, resolute, problem-solving, and unifying President, who understands that power is divided among three branches of government.
In this election season, it would be prudent to heed the words of this man who served the last two presidents, as well as four others. It's also a good time to review his #1 bestselling work, which the New York Times review of books calls "probably one of the best Washington memoirs ever."
Duty offers an inside look at the workings of government in the form of a serious historical account. It's a first-hand record of Gates' hectic days spent meeting with everyone from citizens, to soldiers, to foreign heads of state. This behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of government and interdepartmental politics focuses on relationships between the legislative and executive branches of government, from within the Pentagon.
Gates successfully worked as SecDef under two very different presidents, managed the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and addressed policy changes within the military. While the author is a loyal man who wouldn't trash anyone he served or with whom he served, he does offer up honest appraisals. Robert Gates says, "I felt that agreements with the Obama White House were good only for as long as they were politically convenient."
In the area of national security, Gates says that there "was considerable continuity between the last years of the Bush administration and the first years of Obama's presidency, as loathe as partisans were (and are) to admit it."
Gates says that while Bush showed emotion at military events like Medal of Honor ceremonies, Obama never did. He says Obama occasionally displayed anger, but the only "passion" he saw from him was over the "don't ask, don't tell" policy toward gay service members. Gates says that for Obama, "Changing that law seemed to be the inevitable next step in the civil rights movement." He writes, "I never doubted Obama's support for the troops, only his support for their mission."
What comes across quite clearly is Gates' love and respect for the military service members he sent to war, his quest to do right by them, and the heavy personal toll that responsibility took on him.
(Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 618 pp., $35)


text: EAC's 2018 Clearinghouse Awards: Sharing Best Practices in Election Administration Feb 15, 2019 The EAC announced the winners of our 2018 Clearinghouse Awards for Best Practices in Election Administration. The awards, also known as the Clearies, provide election offices across America an opportunity to share their innovative efforts and celebrate successes. The Clearies play an important role in furthering the EAC's responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). Under that act, the EAC serves as a clearinghouse for election administration information.


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Lucknow, the new IT hub of India, is developing fast in terms of real estate in lucknow and this rapid growth has led to the city expanding along its fringes.
Gone are the days when people used to deal property matters on the basis of "mouth to mouth publicity" or nearby real estate property, plots. globalization and fast lifestyle has encouraged the real estate industry to step in E-World. Now active partakers of real estate world are eagerly seeking the right options to establish themselves in e-real estate world. pss builders is a solution to all what bothers to people who all are dealing in properties or people who all are searching real estate property, plots and property dealer. As one of the leading property dealer, pss builders has tuned itself with pulse of real estate sector. Moving ahead with esteemed registered users and regularly visited by players of real estate industry, pss builders has become the pivot for real-estate sector.
Lucknow is on the top of the investment radar for real estate enthusiast. Skyrocketing property prices in lucknow don't seem to deter many from buying property here. In fact, over the years the demand for residential property in lucknow has risen to a great extent. As a result, the real estate in Lucknow is a strong market for people looking for property for sale as well as rent. Metro rail connectivity has been an important factor in enhancing the real estate development in Lucknow.


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Here are just a few initial notes on setup of our Synology DS410.
Drives: Installing easy, one drive lower than fans, notice it runs a littel hotter too. To install the lowest of the 4 trays, you need to remove the back fans, but no biggie. The sleds are nice and simple. The kit comes with little baggies of screws so that is great. Also, the drive sleds slide right in and the SATA connector is aligned perfectly so you can just nudge the drives into place without any stress on the drive or sled. I went with some Western Digital 2TB Green drives. I have never had great luck with WD, but the power consumption on these newer drives seemed like a good call and the price point was great.
Operation: It is just amazingly quiet! Geez, you put in 4 2TB drives and you expect the thing to be noisy, but it is super quiet. This is a huge benefit for me as I hate the electronics sounds around the house, so this is great even though it will be the garage. I have a Nextstar simple RAID-1 with a couple of SATA drives and it is super loud in comparison.
Building the RAID: RAID-5 took forever due to size of the logical volume. I could have gone with the fast/rapid option, but anyone who has ever been burned by a bad RAID setup because they did the quick format only to have to do a full low-level format later knows why I went this route right off the bat.
Little Things: There are many things to appreciate throughout their setup process I wanted to note. After setting up a ton of different network devices, we all know changing network address is a pain because the device can get confused during the process and if the configuration is web-based, it can get messy when you lose contact with the old address. I was waiting for that to happen when I went from DHCP to fixed IP through the web GUI, but to my surprise it redirected to the new IP address (nice!). I am so used to HP, Cisco, Linksys and other that don't care to take this into account and force the admin to enter the new URL / IP address but when it is done right, it is so nice to see. Nice GUI touches throughout. They use AJAXy stuff, but not overdoing it. Linux support in documentation. Date and time already correct due to network time.
Initial Setup: The box came with CD with a Mac, Windows or Linux installer. I am really happy that Synology has Linux 'baked-in' to everything they do with their products and I really want to support that. My DS410 came with DS v 2.2, so had to upgrade to latest 2.3. I downloaded the updated firmware (v2.3) and in the expansion process, Archive utility expanded a little too much so it didn't keep the .pat file in-place for the GUI to recognize that the update was a legit firmware update. But, in going to their support site and FAQ, they had an article for that and I had change archive utility to not expand more.
Support Site: As mentioned above, their support website rocked. The FAQ area was great and exactly what I needed. They have this down.
Testing: after initial setup, I went to move the DS410 and the power cable was loose causing the DS410 to lose power. Plugged it back in and all was well! Copied some files across the network and the drives and throughput felt great. I also turned-on the various applications and have been testing with a great success on the internal network, from work and from remote on my iPhone using the Synology iPhone Apps. Being able to consolidate music and stream anywhere will be awesome the more I consolidate it on the Diskstation.
Very happy camper right now…


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Paper Birch, like a litmus test, react to their surroundings, as pollution from the coal-fired plant in Silver Bay has proven over the past forty plus years. Along the north shore of Minnesota, where paper birch and mountain ash bowed their heads in this northern region for centuries, they are now dead and dying.
Some would like you to believe that the cause for this mass dying-off of birch in the north country was drought … or, even earthworms; but anyone who has seen the cause and the effect in real time can testify to the truth.
Drought is not new and neither are earthworms, not as the coal-fired plant in Silver Bay and mining, relative newcomers to this ancient land. It would do us all well to remember as the native Americans understood:
What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. – Blackfoot
"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."


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2709 Norkenzie Road, Eugene, OR 97408 US Eugene Home
2709 Norkenzie Road, Eugene, Oregon
One Level Home In North Gilham!
Property Details
Listing Information
- Bedrooms: 3
- Baths: 2
- Partial Baths: 0
- Lot Size: .21AC
- Style: Traditional
- Garage: 2 Car Atta
- Heat Source: Forced Air
- Schools: 4J- Gilham, Cal Young, Sheldon
- Taxes: $3,017
More Information
Property Description
Well Maintained home in North Gilham Offering a Spacious Living Room with Wood Burning Fireplace, Open Concept Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Convection Oven & More!
The Bonus Room ads a nice NW Contemporary Feel w/ Vaulted, Wood Beam Ceilings, Pellet Stove & a Full Wall of windows overlooking the backyard!
Master Suite with Walk In Closet & Private Bathroom
Enjoy the Large, Fully Fenced, Private Backyard w/ Deck, Patio & Mature Landscaping!
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Property information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified.
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