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Value Line is regarded as the best independent research available. More than just recommendations, Value Line provides the rationale behind its picks for greater understanding.
Chevron Inc. (CVX - Free Analyst Report), is the second-largest oil company in the United States. In 2010, it produced 2.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, with about 72% of that volume produced outside the United States. Chevron has fully-integrated petroleum, chemical, and mining operations, as well as power generation and energy services. Upstream operations consist primarily of exploring for, developing, and producing crude oil and natural gas. They also consist of processing, liquefying, and transporting liquid natural gas (LNG), Chevron transports crude oil by major international pipelines, and stores and markets natural gas. Downstream operations (the Refining and Marketing business) consist primarily of refining crude oil into petroleum products, and marketing crude oil and refined products. It also manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, plastics, and fuel and lubricant additives. The Upstream and Downstream businesses account for 98% of sales. The remaining 2% consists of chemical manufacturing, geothermal energy production, and power generation.
Originally called the Pacific Coast Oil Co., Chevron became the Standard Oil Co. of California and then became known as Chevron Inc. when it acquired Gulf Oil in 1984. In 2001, Chevron merged with Texaco, and in 2005, it acquired UNOCAL. The company is very well diversified geographically, with wells in North and South America, Australia, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Upstream activities in the United States are concentrated in California, the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Alaska. Chevron's "other" America holdings are in Canada, Greenland, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. In Africa, Chevron has E&P operations in Cameroon, Chad, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Nigeria. Net oil equivalent production in Africa is about 470,000 barrels of oil a day, with the majority stemming from wells partly- or fully-owned in on- and off-shore Nigeria. Around 255,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day are lifted from this vicinity. Most future potential reserves are thought to come from off-coast Angola. In Asia, Chevron has a non-operating working interest in the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC), its largest interest in this region. It also has holdings in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan (where most proved reserves have been found), Indonesia, and Myanmar. About 225,000 boe/d comes from Indonesia, which is thought to have the greatest reserves in this part of the world. In Australia, Chevron mines about 110,000 mboe/d, and in Europe, proved reserves of shale gas in Poland and Romania have been found to be very extensive. The company's Dutch-owned North Sea wells are becoming more difficult to extract oil and gas from due to rough seas and deeper fields.
In the Downstream (Refining and Marketing) operation, the company has a refining network capable of processing more than two million barrels of crude oil per day. The company has 17 refineries worldwide. Six of them are in the United States, three in Europe, and eight others in various parts of the world are affiliates. Average crude oil distillation capacity for the past three years is 92%. The company is continually modifying and upgrading its refineries for optimal use. Some of them, such as the Pembroke plant in the United Kingdom, are being dismantled. In the Marketing business, the company markets petroleum products under the Chevron, Texaco and Caltex brands. In the United States (primarily in the western and southern states), Chevron markets its product through approximately 8,250 Chevron and Texaco branded service stations. About 500 of these are company owned or leased stations. Outside the United States, CVX supplies about 11,300 branded service stations, including affiliates in British Columbia, United Kingdom, Latin America and the Caribbean using the Texaco brand. In the Asia-Pacific region, it uses the Caltex brand. CVX also supplies commercial aviation fuel to about 200 airports worldwide, and markets an extensive line of lubricant and coolant products under the Havoline, Delo Ursa, Taro, and Meropa names.
Oil and gas prices remain the primary driver behind Chevron stock's valuation. With oil prices unlikely to rise much in the near future due to the stagnant global economy, and gas prices remaining low as a result of refining overcapacity, we don't see CVX stock moving up much in the near term. And although the ramifications from recent oil spills are receding, they haven't placed oil companies in a favorable light. Not that they were viewed in a particularly rosy light in the first place. On the plus side, Chevron uses oil as a major raw material for the production of its refined products (such as diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and truck fuel). As such, low oil prices should help the company widen the profit margin in its R&M operation. Still, refining margins are liable to stay weak for some time due to excess capacity. To combat this, CVX is focusing on improving returns in the refining business by exiting retail markets in countries where it sells minimal volumes, reducing downstream capital spending by 23%, to $2.4 billion in 2010, and selling off refining facilities and their associated assets.
On the E&P side, the company is concentrating more on its natural gas production. Its liquefied natural gas projects in Wheatstone and Gorgon, Australia should enhance CVX's production mix toward natural gas. By 2014, we look for annual production growth to accelerate from 1%, to 4%. This strategy is designed to capitalize on increasing energy demand from Asia. By 2017, natural gas production is expected to comprise 42%, of Chevron's total, compared to an estimated 30% in 2010. Meanwhile, Chevron has a number of promising projects on tap that should replenish reserves. These are the Tahiti field in the Gulf of Mexico, The Frade field off the coast of Brazil, Tombua-Landana and Mafumeira in Angola, and Agbami in Nigeria.
When Chevron bought Texaco, it inherited a $27 billion lawsuit arising from environmental damages that the Ecuadorian government claimed Texaco was responsible for. Typically, these lawsuits drag on for many years, and this one looks to be no different. The amount of the eventual liability cannot be evaluated accurately. However, it is assumed Chevron will have to ante up a fair amount. This scenario has probably already been factored into the stock price. Like its fellow supermajor oil peers, Chevron is finding it increasingly difficult to add to its reserves in a world of shrinking global resources. Much of the remaining, relatively easily obtainable oil and gas deposits, are increasingly in the hands of sovereign powers and national oil companies. Unless these entities want Chevron's technical expertise, they are unlikely to invite it to the party. This means that for the most part, Chevron is having to take on increasingly risky and costly deepwater drilling projects (like the ones in the Gulf). Furthermore, should oil and gas prices languish at the current relatively low levels for a multi-year period, Chevron's return on investment will sink. We doubt, though, that this scenario will materialize. Lastly, some of the countries that the oil giant drills in are politically unstable, where the threats of internal disruptions are high as well as potentially violent.
The ultimate key to Chevron's fortunes lies in a global increase in demand for energy. The oil and gas business generates tremendous profits when the price of these commodities rises. Chevron is well capitalized, with almost $18 billion in cash on the balance sheet (as of 6/30/11), strong cash flow generation, and optimal financial leverage. All this earns the company an A++ Financial Strength rating, and the stock a top-notch Safety rank. Last, but by no means least, Chevron pays out a handsome and growing dividend. Having been tarred with the same brush as many of its peers due to the BP oil spill, and with energy prices at relatively low levels, we think the stock currently offers investors an appealing entry point for long-term stock price appreciation.
At the time of this Article's writing, the author didn't have any positions in any of the companies mentioned.


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Connecticut Magazine
January 8, 2014
Douglas P. Clement
January 8, 2014
Douglas P. Clement
Simsbury Helped Shape Martin Luther King Jr.; Students Crusade for Memorial
You could make the argument that a significant part of the vision and greatness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shaped in Connecticut—Simsbury to be specific.
With the nation set to pause Jan. 20 to observe the birthday of the Civil Rights leader (he was born Jan. 15, 1929), a group of approximately 14 students in Simsbury, working as the MLK in CT Memorial Committee, continues to spread the word that King spent two summers working on a tobacco farm in Simsbury with other students earning money to pay for college. And the committee also continues to raise money for a memorial honoring King's time in Connecticut.
The memorial is to be located on the property of the Simsbury Historical Society, at the corner of Phelps Lane and Hopmeadow Street in the center of Simsbury, and anyone interested in learning more can attend a presentation about the project the students are giving at the MLK Annual Celebration Jan. 20 at First Church in Simsbury starting at 2 p.m.
In a biography full of benchmark dates, King's Simsbury experience tends to get overwhelmed, but that shouldn't diminish its importance. When King was in Connecticut in 1944, and also in 1947, he was a teenager experiencing life in a desegregated society for the first time.
"He saw a land of promise, and not a world of segregation," says the MLK in CT Memorial Committee, whose Simsbury High School student members made a documentary a little more than three years ago that "examined the profound influence that the experience of living in a desegregated society for the first time had on Dr. King, and revealed how visits to Simsbury opened the young King's eyes to a world to which he was not accustomed … ."
It was also his time in Connecticut, the committee says, that helped shape King's decision to become a minister.
The documentary, made in conjunction with the Simsbury Free Library, premiered on Jan. 15, 2011 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration, and received an award from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the state of Connecticut, noted committee member Joan Rogers in an email exchange this week about the committee's ongoing fundraising efforts.
The students, working with six adult advisers, are raising $110,000 for a memorial whose benefits they quantify like this:
- Calling attention to the dignity and courage of Martin Luther King, Jr, through the memorial's location in the heart of Simsbury.
- Exposing both residents and visitors to the community and state to the powerful story of MLK Jr.'s time in Connecticut and Simsbury's role in this story.
- Ensuring that community and state residents and students learn the story of MLK in CT.
- Joining the Connecticut Freedom Trail to put Simsbury on the map of Connecticut's historic journey furthering civil rights and human dignity.
- Serving as a center or "hub" for an annual celebration of the story of MLK Jr. in Connecticut and his message of peace and hope.
- Inspiring young members of the community and the state by demonstrating that the deeds of great men and women often begin as early as high school.
- Reflecting community pride in Simsbury and the leadership of the town's youth.
- Increasing the visibility of Simsbury in the state, thereby benefiting residents, local businesses, and the local economy through visitors the memorial will attract.
- Serving to educate and inspire all who visit the memorial in celebration of Dr. King's life, including school age children throughout the state who will visit the memorial's educational exhibits on academic field trips, and summer visitors to concerts at the Simsbury Meadows.
Visit MLKinCT.com for more information, to make a donation, or to purchase a personalized tax deductible, engraved brick.


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Re: ChessCube Streaming Video
anuub1s wrote:Hello,
I wanna complete the "tutorial" (the toolbar at the top) and get the bonus, I did
everything except for the video, it isnt working. I go to the store I buy a video
(for 5 cubits) I confirm it but then nothing happens, i dont loose cubits and I dont get any video
in my inventory.
Any help?
Try buying "General guide to the opening -vol 1" if it doesn't work try through another browser..
Also make sure you have read the detailed steps in how to close the toolbar at the top in this thread.
Let me know


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The Santa Monica Armchair is a part of Artwood's all weather wicker collection. Classic wicker style furniture, created on a rustproof powder coated aluminium frame using a handwoven polyethylene weave that combines a classic natural 'vintage' finish, with extreme durability. This furniture is complemented with outdoor cushions in a quick dry foam, and solution dyed acrylic fabric.
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Hyaluronic Acid Could Be The Secret To Reversing The Effects Of Aging
Alternative Medicine Cabinet—The Barnyard Cure for Pain
Of all the signs of advancing age, two of the least pleasant are more wrinkles and less supple joints. But bad knees and aging skin share something else as well: They both seem to respond to a most unlikely-sounding remedy, a substance found in rooster combs (and in some vegetables and in the human body) called hyaluronic acid (HA). "This substance is a lot like egg white, only not quite as thick," says Jason Theodosakis, physician and coauthor of The Arthritis Cure. "In joints, it works to ease movement and absorb impact." In faces, it gives skin volume and shape.
But not all varieties work equally well, and some of the claims made for HA are more credible than others. Hyaluronic acid comes in supplement, cream, and injectable form. Some people say that in addition to cushioning joints and filling in wrinkles, the pill form, in particular, can also help you live longer.
Alas, the evidence for this appealing idea is rather sketchy. In fact, according to Theodosakis, the idea burst onto the scene when a village in Japan was discovered where people lived to an unusually old age, and some speculated it might be due to the HA-rich vegetables they ate. But the theory was just that, and has never been proven.
Even where HA does hold solid promise—for knees and wrinkles—experts agree that you'll get more bang for your buck with the injectable varieties than with creams. Those inclined toward less invasive approaches may be disappointed by that caveat, but there's good reason to believe the shots may have some distinct advantages for arthritis and aging skin. Here's what they are.
Joint Padding
Hyaluronic acid became big news several years ago when the FDA approved it for treating arthritis of the knee. Its claim to fame is that it seems to do something conventional arthritis treatments do not: It bolsters the joint's natural cushioning. Most other treatments—medicinal ones, at least—target the inflammation that occurs (and causes pain) when the bones of the joint rub against each other. Even cortisone shots work the same way.
"With osteoarthritis, the fluid in the knee that normally provides cushion and support thins out," says Dennis Wen, a physician and associate professor of family and community medicine at University of Missouri Columbia Medical School. "HA appears to add thickness to that fluid and therefore helps the knee move with less friction and pain."
Still, that doesn't mean all knee pain sufferers should get HA shots. Theodosakis says that people who do well with the arthritis supplements glucosamine and chondroitin don't seem to derive any further benefit from HA. So the best candidates are people who have pretty much exhausted traditional arthritis remedies, don't respond to supplements, and want to avoid surgery (though even some potential HA users may first need to have surgery to clean out any loose bits of cartilage or bone chips that may be causing trouble).
One missing piece of the puzzle is why the pain relief seems to last much longer than the HA actually stays in your knee. (The HA disappears within days, or even hours, but the pain stays away for six to 12 months, says Theodosakis.) But overall, about half of sufferers respond well to the treatment.
And the good news is that unlike with many other types of arthritis therapy, you'll find out quickly whether this one works for you. "If it's going to help, you should start to feel better within a couple of weeks," says Theodosakis.
Continues on page 2…


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Part of National Museums Liverpool
Also in this section…?
'Conversation', Renoir © Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
This exhibition has now closed.
'French Impressionists' gave a rare opportunity for visitors to see works usually only on display in Sweden's capital. Works by Renoir, Monet, Degas and Rodin were amongst some of the artists to be featured in this exhibition of 13 treasured works. This small but exceptional exhibition was made up of a selection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces from the Walker Art Gallery collection and from Nationalmuseum Stockholm.
Displayed together for the first time, works included Monet's 'Break-up of ice on the Seine' and Renoir's 'Young Parisian Lady', depicting the atmospheric landscapes and studied female form and personalities that inspired so many of the masters of the period.
Also part of the exhibition were a selection of bronze sculptures, including two Rodin pieces from the Walker Art Gallery and two examples of Degas' ballet dancer series from Stockholm's collection. Degas' painting 'Woman Ironing', from the Walker, also introduced visitors to the artist's lesser known laundress paintings, studying the movements of 19th century Parisian women at work.
The exhibition was an intimate study of the artists' innate abilities to capture colour, light and movement in a style that is still much admired amongst today's audiences.
The exhibition was a result of a collaboration between National Museums Liverpool and Nationalmuseum Stockholm.
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The AgBMP Loan Program provides needed funding for local implementation of clean water practices at an extremely low cost, is unique in its structure and is not duplicated by any other source of funding.The AgBMP loan program provides 3% loans through local lenders to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply businesses.
This project will conduct a 2017 revision of the South Fork Crow River, North Fork Crow River and Sauk River Watershed Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models and review of the Pine River Watershed HSPF model.
This project will support a civic engagement cohort that will be offered in southwest Minnesota to foster partnering and build capacity of local government, organizations, and residents for effective civic engagement in water protection and restoration. This project will also build networks and the skill set of local resource professionals to do effective civic engagement work for water restoration and protection. The cohort will be administered through the Minnesota River Board (MRB), established in 1995 with a goal of focusing water management efforts on the local level.
This project will finalize HSPF watershed model construction by incorporating internal phosphorus loading in modeled lakes, run a suite of implementation scenarios and generate a GenScn project containing model output. The consultant will produce HSPF watershed models that can readily be used to provide information to support conventional parameter TMDLs. The consultant will deliver all modeling files for baseline and implementation scenarios and provide a GenScn project containing model output.
This project will complete a pollutant source identification and subwatershed information report and support the development of a Draft Restoration and Protection Plan (RAPP). It will also support the devlopment of a Implementation Plan that will identify target areas for BMP implementation for bacteria reductions.
This project will complete spatial and temporal revisions , recalibration and validation of 7 watershed HSPF models. These fully functioning calibrated validated executable models will simulate hydrology, sediment (sand, silt, and clay), temperature, phosphorus, nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and algae at the 12-digit HUC subbasin scale (or finer).
This project will support the completion of a final draft Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) document for the Osakis, Smith and Faille Lakes TMDL and the submittal to EPA for final approval.
The Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) is the drainage authority for Stearns and Pope Counties. The SRWD manages 12 public drainage systems totaling over 90 miles. The majority of the public systems provide drainage for agricultural land uses and were constructed in the early 1900s.
This project will support construction of three watershed framework models built using the Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF). These executable models will simulate hydrology at the subbasin scale. An HSPF model will be built for each of three major watersheds: the Crow River/North Fork Crow River, the South Fork Crow River, and the Sauk River.
The goal of this project is to continue and finalize HSPF watershed model construction and complete the calibration/validation process.
This project will finalize HSPF watershed model construction and complete the calibration/validation process for the following three watersheds: North Fork Crow River, South Fork Crow River, and Sauk River.
This project will complete spatial and temporal revisions of 6 Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models, the recalibration and validation of 7 watershed HSPF models, and the revision of the drainage network and point source representation of the Pomme de Terre HSPF model.
The Minnesota River Basin Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models simulate sediment erosion and transport, however these models periodically need to be adjusted to be consistent with the most recent sources of information regarding sediment distribution and loading rates. The goal of this project is to refine the sediment source partitioning and simulation in the Minnesota River basin using all relevant available sources of information.
This Sauk River Watershed District project will conduct the Whitney Park river clean-up, adopt a river program and other community events as part of their healthy living programs; will collaborate with the city of St. Cloud to install a rain garden demonstration site at Whitney Park; use local radio and public television stations to promote the District's "neighborhood rain garden initiative" and other incentive programs.
The goal of this project is to extend existing Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models through 2017 for the following major watersheds: Redwood, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Pomme de Terre, Minnesota River-Headwaters, and Lac Qui Parle watersheds.
This project addresses five reaches of the Minnesota River that have aquatic recreation impairments as identified by high concentrations of E. coli. The project will describe the water quality impairments, complete pollutant source assessments, establish loading capacities and allocations for the impairments, and develop implementation strategies.
This project supports monitoring and assessment activities by MPCA EAO staff and includes lab analysis, equipment, fieldwork, data management, and interpretation expenses associated with monitoring and assessment activities.The ambient groundwater monitoring network describes the current condition and trends in Minnesota's groundwater quality.
The goal of this project is to refine the nutrient and algae simulation in the Minnesota River basin using all relevant available sources of information. The outcome of this work order is a revised Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) watershed model application for the Minnesota River basin that correctly represents nutrient sources and algae.
Pope County Ditch 6 (CD 6) is an 18 mile channelized watershed and a primary tributary to Ashley Creek. CD6 and Ashley Creek are impaired for bacteria, dissolved oxygen and aquatic organisms. This project will address the storm water runoff concerns identified within this public drainage system in conjunction with repairs scheduled for 2017-2018. Alternative intake structures to manage nutrients and other practices, such as water and sediment control basins, will be installed to retain water on the upland properties and minimize flow rate and velocity.
This project will provide a better understanding of nitrogen fertilizer management on irrigated, sandy soils that are common in central and west-central Minnesota.
This project will complete an assessment of watershed lakes and streams. The assessment will include biological and stressor id analysis, which will support a summary report on lake conditions and protection strategies for lakes included in this watershed study.
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Wells used for drinking water must be properly sealed when removed from service to protect both public health and Minnesota's invaluable groundwater resources. The Minnesota Department of Health protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper sealing of unused wells.
Clean Water funds are being provided to well owners as a 50% cost-share assistance for sealing unused public water-supply wells.
A contractor with knowledge of Site Specific Standard development will respond to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) questions and concerns regarding attainability of standards based on the BATHTUB model data. In addition, they will review technical memorandums developed by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on aquatic life and aquatic recreational standard attainability.
RESPEC is a contractor with knowledge of site-specific standard development and will respond to United States Environmental Protection Agency questions and concerns regarding attainability of standards. The response will be based on bathtub model data and also a review of technical memorandums developed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on aquatic life and aquatic recreational standard attainability.
This project will provide the monitoring of reaches where there are data gaps, incorporate new data and analyze relevant data, identify pollutant sources, hold a stakeholder meeting, and gather information towards the future development of a Draft Restoration (TMDL) and Protection Plan.
This project will support the monitoring of reaches where there are data gaps, incorporate new data and relevant data, continue identification of pollutant sources, complete load duration curves, coordinate and encourage participation in stakeholder meetings. The information gathered during Phase IIB will be utilized towards the development of a Draft Restoration (TMDL) and Protection Plan (Plan).
The primary goal of this project is to examine the calibration and validation of recently extended Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) watershed models for the Mississippi River-Headwaters, Mississippi River-Grand Rapids, Mississippi River-Brainerd, Mississippi River-Sartell, Mississippi River-St. Cloud, Leech Lake, Pine River, Crow Wing River, Long Prairie River, and Redeye River watersheds and revise the calibration.
The West Central Technical Service Area (WCTSA) serves 12 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in west central Minnesota and has been experiencing increased workload due to greater requests from member SWCDs. This funding will sustain a limited-term technician and purchase related support equipment to assist landowners in implementing targeted, high priority practices that result in the greatest water quality outcomes.


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Europe always provides good photo opportunities, but the images of Barack Obama's recent visit were a publicity consultant's dream: the quaint Irish village of Moneygall, hanging out with the queen, high-fiving Prime Minister David Cameron after a game of ping-pong. The media circus lapped it up.
As did the Irish and Britons. Thousands of Dubliners turned out to welcome him, thrilled by his efforts to sound Irish and his recently discovered Moneygall roots. In Britain, politicians fawned over him, hoping that some of his charisma might rub off. At Westminster, as the houses of Parliament awaited Mr. Obama's historic address, member of Parliament Tessa Jowell tweeted that the atmosphere was like "political Beatlemania."
Well before he'd moved on to France for the Group of Eight summit, Obama's European tour had already been hailed a success.
But beyond the feel-good photography and the cheerful bonhomie, there was purpose and substance to Obama's trip as well, specifically the need to redefine America's relationship with Europe in a much-changed world. That meant making a renewed commitment to the allies of old, but it also meant outlining a new approach to American foreign affairs.
He spelled out this new direction in his speech to Parliament, emphasizing a more consensual approach to policy and talking of proceeding with humility in the Middle East.
"That's not something you would have heard in the previous administration," says James Ellison, of the School of History at Queen Mary, University of London, who acknowledges that America's new multilateralism is a pragmatic response to recent global events. Libya, in particular, he suggests, demonstrates how and why US foreign policy is shifting.
"The Americans are suffering from a deficit just like the Europeans are," says Mr. Ellison. "They can't afford to overextend themselves. But they also want the Europeans to think about their defense budgets. The longer the war with Libya, the more they will be forced to think about them. What we're seeing is the Obama administration's intent to make sure that Europeans lift their weight with defense."
Clear pragmatism
America's shift in foreign policy is clearly pragmatic, given the lack of appetite at home for more conflict, but it also highlights the different values Obama has brought to the presidency. One line from his keynote address makes this clear: "Ultimately, freedom must be won by the people themselves, not imposed from without," he said. This emphasis on self-determination is a far cry from efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Ellison notes, Obama's European visit has gone "a long way to extend America's history beyond Bush."
Xenia Dormandy, who served in the US government and now works for Chatham House, a British think tank, says the visit highlighted a marked change in tone. "Obama talks about mutual values and how they should guide our policy. The language of 'interests' has gone," she says. "The idea of supporting rather than leading change is a hugely different theme for the US."
Obama stressed these mutual values as he reaffirmed the "special relationship" between the United States and Britain. In the past, Obama has been criticized for being the least Anglophile of all US presidents. So the extent to which he affirmed the "special relationship," calling it not just special but "essential," was a striking feature of the visit.
It suggests a maturing of the relationship, says Stephanie Carvin, a lecturer in international relations at Royal Holloway, University of London. " 'Special' is an emotional word, but 'essential' makes the relationship sound practical," she says. "In the past there's been this worry that Obama is more interested in the Pacific, but I think this indicates that we don't have to be concerned about that anymore."
And if the British continue to fret about the state of this relationship, they should take heart from the knowledge that a strong bond between the two countries is important to the US, too, because "it's one less area of the world that the US has to worry about," says Ms. Carvin.
Beyond the rhetoric, Obama and Mr. Cameron announced there would be increased cooperation between the two nations in six key areas, including security, education, and cyberspace.
"There's a lot of work being done to bring the two countries closer strategically," says Ms. Dormandy. "This visit sets a new bar for the bilateral relationship away from the semantics, away from the superficiality of the idea of a special relationship, and away from the doubts over whether Obama likes Europe anymore. This takes it to a new level."
Legendary rapport with queen
And this time around, Obama seemed more genuinely engaged with Britain than before. Some of that is about personal relationships, of course. His rapport with the queen is fast gaining legendary status, and there was considerable camaraderie on display between Obama and Cameron, not least as they flipped burgers at a barbecue in honor of wounded military service personnel.
At the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, Obama also spoke of his gratitude for the support Britain had shown the US in the past. Such solidarity would be just as important in the future, he told Parliament the following day.
"Even as more nations take on the responsibilities of global leadership," he said, "our alliance will remain indispensable to the goal of a century that is more peaceful, more prosperous, and more just."
And despite the new sensitive approach to foreign affairs, he insisted that the US and Britain together had a key role to play in the world. "As millions are still denied their basic human rights, we are the nations most willing to stand up for the values of tolerance and self-determination that lead to peace and dignity."


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If you are about to start shopping for your office furniture: stop! Unless you have taken the time to consider exactly what your business needs, it is likely you will waste money and purchase items that are either not fit for purpose or are completely unnecessary. This office furniture buying guide aims to help you consider every aspect of your office and understand exactly what you need your furniture to do. So take some time to read through before you make possibly one of the biggest investment decisions that your company will face.
The three basic furniture items that every business will need are:
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list, and different offices will have different needs. But these are the basic items that nearly every office will require, and they form the basis of this guide.
If you are an employer, you have a responsibility to your staff to furnish the workplace in a certain way. While it might seem frugal to purchase the cheapest items, particularly if you have a large office to fill, in the long-run it could end up costing you an awful lot more. While your employees will almost certainly appreciate the extra money spent on their work environment, the real benefit to them comes from a comfortable seating area that reduces the aches and pains that can occur after sitting in the same position for a long period of time.
As part of any health and safety assessment, the ergonomic capabilities of an office should be under high scrutiny. If employees are made to sit in chairs that are unsuitable, they can end up with back-aches, headaches, spinal compression or ligament strain, not to mention that they will feel uncomfortable, which will reduce their motivation and productivity. Not only could this cause them to take more sick days, but it could also result in your employees looking for some sort of compensation for their injuries. It is best to purchase practical, reliable furniture from the beginning, and it doesn't always have to cost a fortune – it just has to meet a certain number of requirements. Furniture is one of the most important things to consider when setting up office, and this guide aims to make the decision-making process methodical, informed and easy.
Before you even start looking at a single office item, you need to accurately assess exactly what you will need. How many people will you have working for you? How many of them will need a private working area, and how many will be able to share a working space? How much space will you need for storage, and does each working area need room for a computer, drawers and a filing system, or are most of your documents kept online? Draw a rough plan and take some measurements so that you can then go shopping with a specific layout in mind.
If you are replacing furniture rather than starting from scratch, it might be worth assessing the items you already have. Maybe you could ask your staff what they like/dislike about the current stock, and what they think they need to better do their job, so you know what to look out for while you are shopping. You may even discover that there are certain items of furniture that you don't' need to replace at all, or that you can use more effectively elsewhere, which will, of course, save you money. Conversely, you may realise that there are other items of furniture that need replacing that you hadn't even considered. Talking to your staff will also help to ensure you purchase furniture that is fit for use, after all, your employees will be the ones using the products. If they tell you that their current desk is too wide, for example, so they cannot reach across as they would like to, you will know to look for something narrower when shopping. Or if someone complains that their chair is too uncomfortable because it is made for someone who weighs less than they do, you will know to look for something more supportive to their needs.
You also need to think ahead a little, and try to predict any changes may occur in the workplace over the next ten years. You will need furniture that can accommodate these changes. The storage solutions that you buy need to be able to house current equipment and files, as well as those you may need in the future. If you are replacing your filing cabinets, for example, look for something bigger or more efficient than what you already have, even if you think you will be able to throw away most of your documents. In fact, replacing your storage system is a great opportunity to go through all your paperwork and decide what needs to be disposed of and what needs to be kept, filed or used.
so you can have some help with your layout. You will still have to give them the measurements and a rough guide as to what you are hoping to achieve, but these computer-based plans will help you to accurately see how certain pieces of furniture will fit into your office, giving you the confidence to purchase the items you want without having to worry about whether or not they will fit. A CAD drawing will take into account room around each piece of furniture so that you can open doors, push back chairs and just generally ensure that you do not over-fill a room. However, it is also a good idea to measure door frames, as while a lot of furniture can be delivered in a flat-pack, some items, particularly those made of solid wood, will come in an inflexible unit, and if it can't fit through your doors, it will be a wasted purchase. And an expensive one at that!
If you want to do your own plans before making any decisions, you could draw up a scale drawing and cut pieces of cardboard into scale representations of the furniture you have in mind. Then you can experiment a little before settling on a final layout.
You may also want to reconsider any plans you have for heavy solid furniture in upstairs offices, unless you have a heavy-duty lift system, as it could be difficult trying to heave a mahogany bureau up a flight of stairs, and most retailers will charge extra for the inconvenience.
This is particularly important when shopping for office desks. Chances are, that you won't want to buy 200 desks that all look exactly the same, unless you have an extremely large company, because it is unlikely that all your employees will use their desks in exactly the same way. You will usually need a desk that is able to accommodate at least a computer, with all of its cables, and probably a phone and an in-tray. There may be some employees that will bring in their own laptop, and so will need less space than those working on a desktop machine. A communal printer, fax and scanner is usually plenty for a small office, but where is this going to sit? And does each employee need their own set of drawers and shelves, or will some people be able to cope without? Do your employees often work late, or overnight? If so, they may also need space for a lamp, as poor lighting can be damaging for the eyes.
You will most likely want to look for desks with plenty of space underneath them, such as the Commerce II Executive Rectangular Office Desks,
to ensure employees have room to move their legs without kicking furniture or files. You should include space for a footrest, for ultimate ergonomic comfort, or look for furniture that incorporates this into the design. The Fellowes Standard Footrest would be an excellent purchase for each of your employees, but it will need a little space under the desk to really be useful. Also, you will need to decide whether each worker needs their own individual desk, or whether it would be more efficient and budget-friendly to purchase desks that can accommodate two or more employees, such as the Interface Ergonomic Bench Desk Cluster.
If you decide on cluster tables, will you need to put up screens for a little privacy, like the Presence Bench Curved Desktop Screen or do you want to encourage communication between your employees? Cluster desks are useful if you have small teams that need to work together on projects, as it will keep them close enough to confer without disrupting the whole office. They are also a convenient option if space is tight but you have a number of people to squeeze into the room.
You should also pay close attention to the chairs you are considering purchasing. Many of them have a suggested usage time, which is obviously a guideline, but if your employees regularly work ten-hour shifts and you purchase a chair that is only suitable for four hours, then it is likely to have a negative impact on their health.
And what about storage? Do you need rows and rows of filing cabinets like the Bisley Contract Steel Filing Cabinets? Or is yours an office that keeps everything stored online? If so, a few pedestals for under the desks, like the Vogue White Mobile Pedestals and a few shelving units, might be all you need. You could keep a stationary cupboard like the Triumph Everyday Double Door Stationery Cupboards at one end of the room for essential items like pens and notebooks, and maybe a bookcase like the Venture Bookcases at the other end for catalogues, reference books and any other important business literature.
All this might be fine for your regular office workers, but what you order for your reception staff might be a little different. Depending on the style of your reception, and the impression you want to create of your brand, this will likely be a little grander than the general office furniture; after all, this will usually be the first and last place that visitors to your business see. A reception should never look cluttered or messy, so more spacious furniture might be something to consider. If you work somewhere that generates a lot of complaints, such as a school, a spacious desk creates a barrier between the angry parents and innocent reception staff and this may come in handy on occasion.
If your reception area is especially large, you may want to think about placing a curved desk in the middle or to the side of the room, such as the Celsius Curve DDA Reception Desk.
This gives a bold, imposing look, that leaves visitors in no doubt as to where they should go if they have just entered the building, after all, nobody wants guests roaming the corridors unsure of where they are heading. It is possible to get reception desks in a variety of styles, but fashion should always be secondary to function, so if you are tempted to get something a bit more interesting, make sure it serves the right purpose.
Your receptionist will probably need to get up and down from their chair more often than the office staff, since they will be meeting and greeting visitors regularly, and may also be asked to do tasks like filing which require them to be moving around. In this case, they will need a chair like the Grammer Office Tiger UP Fabric Executive Chair which comes with your choice of caster wheels for whether the floor is carpeted or hard wood. You may also want to invest in some comfortable seating for this area, so that visitors will be happier to wait for their member of staff to meet them. The Palette Vinyl Tub Chairs come in a range of bright colours that will help to brighten up any waiting area and make it look like a fun, welcoming environment. A reception is also the best place to keep any awards that your business may have won. They should be safely behind a locked glass so that they can be seen, but not stolen or damaged. A cabinet like the Shield® Wall Display Cabinet is the perfect opportunity to show off your well-deserved awards.
Alternatively, if yours is a business that rarely receives visitors, but takes a lot of calls, you may only need a small desk like the Solar Rectangular Cantilever Desks, and a chair with a phone and notebook.
What about your boardroom? If yours is a large company that regularly holds meeting with a large number of people, you will need a desk that can accommodate this need. For many, the conventional rectangle table is just what they want for their meeting room, since they promote hierarchy and ensure that everyone has to look at the big boss at the head of the table, and if the room is rectangle-shaped, then of course, something like the Elite Kassini Barrel Shaped Conference Table is perfect. However, round tables are generally better to encourage everyone to speak, since they don't feel as though they are forgotten about on the end, so the Sven Ambus Circular V-Base Meeting Tables are a lovely solution. The only problem here, is that round tables don't give employees the same amount of room to make notes, and a very big round table means that everyone has to shout across to make themselves heard.
You should also consider whether your employee canteen really needs the same standard of furniture as the office. The canteen is usually (but not always) somewhere that only employees are privy to, and it is not somewhere that they would usually spend more than an hour. So it is perfectly reasonable to choose simpler, lower quality furniture for this area, since it will get a lot less use than the office furniture. Plastic chairs such as the Polypropylene Eco Chair and metal-based tables like the Flexi Rectangular Canteen Tables are easy to clean and perfectly suitable for canteen use. You could also consider buying a few bench sets, like the 3 In 1 Convertible Folding Bench Unit which would also be appropriate and can easily be folded and stored when not in use.
Your employees' opinions are vital; after all, they are the ones who will be using the furniture, and their comfort is essential for motivation and productivity. However, you should be careful to ensure it is comfort that is motivating their interest, rather than a desire for a more fashionable style. You want to buy good quality furniture that will stand the test of time, and for that reason you should absolutely avoid furniture trends or quirky fashion items. You are designing an office, not a fashion showroom – and even if you are designing a fashion showroom, you will still want to purchase items that can be used for years to come and not detract from your work. By sticking to simple, classy pieces, you will get the best long-term value for money, even if these are the pieces that cost the most.
So how do you choose furniture that will ensure the comfort of every one of your employees? When it comes to your office chairs, you should look for features like:
Lumbar backrest support: This feature allows the worker to sit upright while supporting the whole of the back. While there are many chairs that support the upper back, lumbar support is essential to prevent lower back pain and slouching. Lumbar support also allows the user to lean back in the chair, maintaining the natural curve of the spine and protecting it from damage, without restricting movement. The Sofia Inflatable Lumbar Support Operator Chair is a great choice if lumbar support is important to your employees, as it provides an inflatable support and has many adjustable settings, so it can be modified to the individual for maximum comfort.
The BN Kubik Leather Executive Chair is another chair that has the option to add lumbar support, as well as adjustable arms and seats. It is a little more expensive, but it certainly looks business-like.
Adjustable seats: This is possibly the most important ergonomic aspect of your office chairs. It is important for your employees to sit at the correct height for them in order to prevent bad posture which can lead to debilitating aches and pains. The employee should be able to sit back and still be able to comfortably work at their computer, without the need to slouch over their workstation, while the chair should be at the correct height so that the arms can be supported by the desk. Something like the Pledge Kind Full Back Executive Chair With Height Adjustable Arms would be a great choice, as it allows the user to make any adjustments necessary to their comfort. A slightly cheaper option would be the Urban High Back Operator Chair With Height Adjustable Arms, which can come with an added seat slide and is available in a wide range of bright colours. Also look for chairs with reclining options, since these allow employees to stretch their backs a little if they are feeling stiff from leaning over their computer keyboards too long. It might also be worth investing in adjustable computer monitors for extra convenience. In fact, anything that can be adjusted to suit the individual will allow you to create a uniform, smart office that will cater for everyone.
Contoured seats: These are perhaps the most controversial aspect of office seating. There are many benefits to sitting on a chair moulded to the shape of the average person's back and bottom; for instance, they can improve posture, reduce pressure and help prevent hip pain caused by sitting awkwardly for long periods of time. However, there is an argument against them that suggests there is no such thing as the "average" person and that those with bigger posteriors may actually find these chairs more uncomfortable. It might be wise to ask your staff what they would prefer, and try to find similar styles with both contoured and non-contoured seats, in order to cater for everybody. For contoured seating, take a look at the 24 Hour Quattro Posture Chair, which can also come with lumbar support if required, or the Humanscale Freedom Leather Task Chair.
Armrests or no armrests? Naturally, people tend to lean towards chairs with armrests as they provide an extra leaning area that looks more comfortable at the end of a long working day. However, armrests can create a huge inconvenience if they don't fit snugly under the office desk. The ideal seated position is upright and close to the table so that you are able to use the desk to support your arms as you work. If the armrests sit level to or above the desk, you will not be able to get as close as you would like. Of course, you will be able to use the armrests to support your arms, but this is still not as comfortable for a long-term seated position. If a chair is adjustable, so that the armrests can be brought down, this may be the best solution. Alternatively, if the chair is to be used in a waiting area, or for somewhere else that does not require desk use, arm rests will be perfect. The iTask 24-7 High Back Posture Office Chair comes with multi-functional arms, which could cover every possibility.
Office furniture comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and different materials. While the best quality is usually made of solid wood, this can often be the most expensive option, although it will last a lifetime. Darker wood options like the Fernhurst Solid Walnut Twin Pedestal Computer Desk tend to be sturdier and look smarter, while lighter wood desks like the Cavalli Solid Oak Keyhole Computer Desk can help to brighten a smaller office.
If solid wood is not an option on your budget, then there are cheaper wood veneer or MDF desks which can often provide more contemporary styles. These are items which are likely to need replacing in the future, so be sure to keep some money aside for these purchases in five to ten years. You could also consider purchasing glass desks, which will give the office a transparent, futuristic feel, although these pieces of furniture will need cleaning much more often, as they will show up every single coffee mug ring and become smeared quickly. While these desks might seem like more hassle, they can often look very smart. Take a look at the Presence Ergonomic Desks, for example, or the Sapphire Executive Glass Desk With Credenza. Both of these would give any office the business-like atmosphere it requires. Whether you choose glass over wood is simply a question of your personal tastes, and which material you feel would best reflect your company's brand.
With most desks, there are filing options, cupboards and bookshelves to match, but this is something you should check before purchase. An office looks much smarter if all the furniture is matching and uniform, so be sure to take into account all of your needs before making a final buying decision.
Once you have chosen your desk, you will want office chairs that will complement your furniture. Chairs are available in an even wider selection of materials, so that the decision-making process can be even more difficult! Of course, different materials come with different price-points, so that is something to take into consideration.
Many office managers are quick to jump at the opportunity to purchase leather chairs, especially for themselves, as they look business-like and stately. They are also generally more comfortable than other chairs, and the best quality ones can last a long time. However, leather chairs are not the best option for those who will be sitting down for most of the day. They tend to be less supportive for sitting up at a computer, and they are very temperature-sensitive, feeling icy cold on winter days, and far too warm on hot summer days. However, for those that spend very little time in the office, a leather chair would be a wonderful treat. Take a look at the Chester Executive Leather Wood Chair, for example, which is at the lower price range for leather chairs, but certainly looks the part!
If you like the look of leather chairs, but would prefer something a little more budget-friendly, then leather-faced chairs might be better for you. These chairs are usually padded out with another material and then only the top layer is made of leather. The quality is nowhere near as good as that of pure leather chairs, but they are an excellent compromise and cost a fraction of the price. The Kansas Leather Faced Manager Chair is the perfect budget option, providing elegant style without the high cost.
The trend lately, has been for offices to lean towards mesh-backed chairs, in an effort to provide an ergonomically safe workplace.
This seating option has been popular due to the cheaper prices and the perceived benefit to the employee. For example, mesh provides excellent ventilation which keeps the user from overheating and also helps to prevent muscle fatigue. Mesh tends to mould around the back of the user, creating unique support and comfort for each individual. It is easy to clean and very resistant to wear and tear. However, where mesh chairs can disappoint is when the mesh is pulled too tight across the structure, so that it cannot provide adequate support to the back. Equally, if the mesh is too loose, it will cause the employee to have to sit further back in the chair to be comfortable. And even if the mesh is pulled perfectly, it can start to sag after a few years of long work days.
However, for temporary use, or if you are on a strict budget, mesh chairs can be very practical. The Optima Mesh Office Chair is a popular choice due to its low price and attractive range of colours. Alternatively, the Flexion Leather & Mesh Office Chair combines mesh and leather in an attempt to provide the best qualities of both materials, which might be a welcome option for you.
The most popular chairs are generally fabric-covered chairs. These provide the comfort required without costing too much. There are various different fabric options, and it is important to look at the weave and width to ensure you buy a good quality chair. As with everything, the more you can spend, the better chair you can hope to receive.
The best thing about fabric covers is that you can have almost any colour your heart desires. If you are trying to create a fun, bright atmosphere in the office, buying chairs in rainbow colours will certainly aid with this. Fabric chairs are also much better at staying at a regular temperature, unlike leather, as they do not tend to conduct heat as well. Of course, as with everything, there is sure to be a downside; fabric colour fades over time and is not as hard-wearing as leather. Fabric is also more difficult to clean and is prone to staining. However, if you implement a rule that forbids staff from eating at their desks, then your fabric chairs should hold up fine! Consider a chair like the Ascot Wooden Framed Executive Chair, which comes in six different colours so that one is sure to fit in your office. The Cadiz Fabric Manager Chairs make an excellent budget option if you have a lot of furniture to buy.
Finally, plastic chairs are the very cheapest option, although not recommended as a long-term solution. While they are available in every colour under the sun, and are easily wiped clean, they rarely provide the ergonomic support needed for someone sitting at their desk for a long time. They are usually uncomfortable, impossible to adjust and can look cheap and tacky.
You might choose to purchase plastic chairs for areas where employees are only expected to sit for short periods of time, for example a canteen or conference room (although they still don't really provide the most executive appeal). In these cases, you should consider a chair like the Grammer Office Passu Plastic 4-Leg Side Chair which can be bought with or without arms, or the Swift Vinyl Conference Chair Chrome Frame with Plastic Writing Tablet, which comes in a pack of four. Plastic chairs may not last as long as the other options on the market, but they are cheap to buy and replace, which is something you may consider to be more important.
If you are getting your furniture delivered, then the ability to move desks around might not seem too important. But if you intend to expand in the future, chances are that there will come a point when you will have to rearrange the furniture in order to make room for more employees, or maybe even move it into a new office completely. In cases such as these, it may be wise to look for desks that are on wheels, or even make cheaper choices that tend to be lighter. Solid wood furniture is nearly always very heavy and imposing, and so is a better choice for offices that are well established and unlikely to be exposed to much upheaval.
Small desks on wheels might be worth investing in if you will be hiring a number of freelancers or temporary staff. In these cases, something like the Cornice Glass Computer Desk is ideal, as it can be easily moved into whichever room you need to set up a temporary workspace. When considering these occasional desks, there is no need to spend as much money, as there will be less wear and tear to worry about.
When you are choosing your office chairs, however, movement will be a much bigger issue. Your employees will be pushing their chairs backwards and forwards along the floors every time they sit down and get back up again. If your office is completely carpeted, then a four-legged chair will be your best bet, such as the Girsberger Yanos Four Legged Conference Chair. If it is a hardwood floor, then you might want to consider a chair with caster wheels, as these will prevent any damage from the constant friction.
They will also save your employees ears from that nasty scraping sound every time somebody stands up. Look for soft casters for hard floors, as these will help to stop the chair from rolling away too quickly and ultimately save a few accidents involving people sitting down where there is no longer a chair! Another option is to purchase a chair mat, which is laid underneath the chair, providing a barrier between the wheels and your beautifully polished floor. If this is something you might want to purchase, take a look at the Hard Floor PVC Chair Mats Contoured. Hard casters work better on carpeted floors as they can push through high piles, so this is an option if you don't want to settle for a simple four-legged chair. A really good seat is the HAG H03 350 Chair, which gives you a choice of casters so you can purchase the ones that work best for your office.
You can also purchase office storage on caster wheels, like the Interface Colour Mobile Combination Cupboards, if you feel like this might be something that you will need. If you need filling cabinets that can be easily moved from one room to another, or sets of drawers that can be transported around the office without effort, then this is something you should look into.
When making such an expensive and important investment for your business, it is vital to look at the opinions of those that have already purchased the furniture you are interested in. Many sites give their customers the option to review what they have bought so that others can learn a little more about how they can benefit from a piece of furniture (or they can read about why they should not waste their money!) Look for products with four or five stars, if that is how a certain site's review system works, and don't be afraid to contact the seller if you have any questions or need reassurance that the furniture will work for you. It is always good to listen to recommendations from friends and family too, since they will have your best interests at heart.
For many, the colours they choose for their furniture may be a secondary issue to functionality. However, colour can have a profound influence on the mood of a room. If you are looking to create a room that suggests professionalism, elegance and class, then dark wood furniture should be at the top of your list. While this is generally more expensive, mahogany and walnut woods are considered to be the most business-like options.
If you can't afford solid wood, then black glass gives an equally corporate feel to a room, albeit slightly more modern and minimalist.
But if you believe in colour therapy, you will want to fill the office with a few vibrant shades. Pick fabric chairs in orange to create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and energy, or blue accents for a calm and mindful vibe. Be careful not to clash colours, as this will just cause confusion, and few workplaces function well in an air of bewilderment!
Generally, it is the saturation of the colour that is more important than the actual shade. Choose brighter, bolder colours to help stimulate the minds of your employees, or muted, soft shades to soothe them. It might be an idea to keep the bright colour in the heart of the office, and keep the pastel colours for the reception and canteen, so that employees always have somewhere they can go and wind-down.
A company's budget is always going to be the most important factor in any purchasing decision. Make sure you set your maximum budget before making any purchase decisions, and then buy the best pieces you can afford, while weighing up functionality, style and quality. Don't be tempted to spend even a pound more than your budget, as it will have a knock-on effect on other budgets and will frustrate your accounts manager. But do use as much of the available money as possible, since spending as much money as possible now will hopefully keep your costs down in the future. Taking the budget into account is one of the most difficult things you can do, as even a simple office chair can vary greatly in price, costing anything from £45 to £500, but it is essential.
When looking at the prices of each individual piece, do not forget to factor in the cost of delivery and installation if it is needed. On such bulky items, this is sure to be quite an expensive add-on that cannot be overlooked (unless your business is in removals, in which case you could probably get your employees to help with this!) And if you intend to collect and install the furniture yourself, you will still have to consider the money lost from your business as your time is spent elsewhere. It may still be cheaper to pay for the furniture company to do it for you.
Also, when browsing furniture, take note of any warranties or guarantees included in the price. These could end up being invaluable if anything goes wrong with your furniture, but all too often these are considered "extras" that cost more to purchase. If your desired piece of furniture comes with a year's warranty as standard, that is great, but if not, you may want to consider including one in your budget.
It is a good idea to talk to others about dealings they have had with furniture suppliers. An after-care service is an essential part of a good business-client relationship, and if others have felt that this was something that was lacking in their purchase, then you know to look elsewhere for your office furniture. You want to know that if a drawer gets stuck in one of the desks, or a wheel falls off one of your chair casters, that your supplier will either have someone come out to fix it, or be able to quickly replace faulty stock. When you are looking to spend such a large amount of money, the very least you should be able to expect is a good after-care service.
Also, make sure to ask your furniture supplier about their policy on returns. Despite expert planning and months of research, it is still possible that you will order too much, or something that is not quite right, and it would be reassuring to know that items can easily be returned if necessary. If you are having some items specially made to your specifications, you may find refunds more difficult, so this is definitely something to check before spending any money.
When making your order, be aware that delivery times can vary, but they are usually around four weeks, which is a long time to wait if you are just setting out and have nowhere for your employees to sit! To avoid any delays, order your furniture as soon as possible. You must also remember that installation will take more time, and will possibly have to take place over a day or two if you have a very big company. This may require you to close the business for this period, which could cost you custom, so choose a delivery date when you are not expecting to be extremely busy.
While this guide has been generally aimed at small business offices, there is always a need for good quality home office furniture. Your requirements will be slightly different to those of a new or established business with employees, and you will not have the health and safety worries of staff if you are a sole trader working from home. However, you should still consider your health and look for ergonomic solutions where possible.
Working from home, style might be more important to you than in a business environment, since your office area will have to fit in with the rest of your décor. It may also be wise to look for multi-functional pieces that allow you to work from home during the day, and then let the kids sit and do their homework in the evening. Since most house phones are now obsolete, you may only need room for a mobile, or perhaps your home line is where most of your business calls come in, and so it makes sense to keep it close. You won't be sharing any equipment, so you will need it all within a reasonable distance, and presumably you won't want these appliances dotted all over the house, and storage will be essential since important files could easily get lost around the house if they are left lying around.
If you are lucky enough to be able to dedicate a whole room to your office, and you have a big enough budget, then you will be able to purchase some bigger pieces of furniture such as the Cavalli Solid Oak Keyhole Computer Desk and matching accessories. However, most people have to make-do with a small corner of another room, and in this case, something compact and discrete might be better. The Centro Mobile Computer Desk would be useful in this case, since its caster wheels make it easy to relocate if needed. Another popular option is to purchase a laptop desk, that is built to be used while sitting in a comfy sofa or chair. So in theory, you could work while catching up on the latest episode of Eastenders (although we wouldn't recommend it – that's how mistakes are made!) If this sounds appealing to you, you should consider something like the Spectrum Real Wood Veneer Laptop Desk Walnut. These lightweight desks are easily lifted and moved for added convenience.
If you are refurbishing a large office, you will probably find it difficult to get rid of all the old pieces of furniture. It might sound obvious, but it is surprising how many people forget about removing desks and chairs to make room for the new products. You may be able to sell anything that is in good condition via online selling sites or second-hand furniture retailers. Or you may prefer to give some, or all, of it to a charity shop, so that your items can help others. Even pieces in less-than-perfect condition may be useful to some people, who will be able to refurbish the furniture or turn it into something new.
Otherwise, you might want to consider hiring a skip, or taking individual pieces to be recycled.
The better you look after each piece of furniture, the longer you can expect to use it. Every material has a slightly different way that it should be cleaned, and it is worth taking note of this so you don't cause unnecessary damage.
When cleaning glass furniture, manufacturers recommend purchasing a glass cleaning solution to prevent leaving streaks and water marks.
Metal-based furniture, including those with a chrome finish, should be polished regularly with a duster, since they are prone to collecting dust. If a deeper clean is required, a damp cloth and a touch of mild detergent will remove any marks. Wiping dry with a paper towel will create a beautifully shiny surface.
Leather and other fabrics should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent them from fading. Leather should be deep cleaned using specialist leather products, but a slightly damp cloth will do for minor spills. Fabric should always be treated as soon as a mark appears using a mild soap and damp cloth, but the area should never be saturated.
Keep wood furniture away from sources of intense heat or cold, such as fireplaces and air conditioners, since the extreme temperatures will cause the wood to warp. Also keep out of direct sunlight in order to keep the colour at its best. Wood should be polished with a dusting cloth.
Ordering large amounts of furniture is already a daunting task, but it is made all the more confusing with technical jargon. It can be difficult to understand what the specifications mean, and this makes it hard to know if you are purchasing the correct item, particularly if you intend to buy everything online. Take a look at our handy jargon buster to help you understand the difference between phases such as solid wood, wood veneer, and wood effect furniture:
Anti-tilt mechanism: This can be found on filing cabinets and is a mechanism that prevents you opening more than one drawer at a time, so that the unit doesn't fall forward.
Bench desk: A bench desk is one that is designed to be extended. Generally you would buy two or more bench desks at a time, but they would share components such as legs and beams. This type of office desk helps to reduce costs and save space.
Bistro furniture: This term usually relates to furniture that should be used in a canteen environment. Usually plastic or metal materials are used for chairs, benches and tables, as they are easy to clean and maintain. While the chairs are not ergonomically designed like office chairs, they are sturdy and lightweight.
CAD design: CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, and it works as a way to design the layout of your room before making any purchases. The picture has a 3D element to it, so that you can see exactly how it will fit into your room, and it works based on the actual measurements you provide and the actual measurements of each piece of furniture. It is the easiest, most realistic way of viewing how your room might look, and helps to give ideas if you are unsure of where everything should fit in.
Casegoods: This term usually refers to furniture made of hard material, but is also used when talking about furniture that is assembled in store and delivered ready-made.
Caster wheels: Standard wheels go backwards and forwards, while caster wheels are able to move in any direction. These are usually included on most wheeled office chairs, with the option to have hard or soft casters. Choose hard casters for carpeted floors and soft casters for hard wood floors.
Ergonomics: This is to do with the way the furniture suits the individual to create a safe, comfortable working environment. While it is primarily linked to office chairs, other furniture plays a part in ensuring the health of the employees.
FIRA Certified: FIRA stands for the Furniture Industry Research Association which awards its certification to pieces of furniture that they consider to be high-quality.
Fire retardant: In the case of furniture, this means that the material has been treated with a substance that reduces its ability to catch fire. Most furniture fabrics are tested to British standard BS5852.
Flat-packed: This refers to furniture that requires self-assembly when it arrives. It is easier to transport and should come with instructions so that it is not too difficult to make.
Gas-lift chair: A gas-lift function allows a user to easily adjust the height of a chair via a useful lever.
Laptop table: This is a lightweight, slim design table that is usually lower than an ordinary desk. It is designed to be able to be transported easily around the home or office, so that people can even work on their laptop while sitting on the sofa.
Leather effect: While real leather furniture can be extremely expensive, furniture finished with a leather effect can give the same executive impression at a fraction of the price. Leather effect is usually made from synthetic materials.
Leather-faced: Furniture made with a leather-faced finish, has a thin layer of leather over the top of other, cheaper materials, so that the user can enjoy the real leather design without the huge price.
Lumbar support: A chair that works to support the lower back to prevent slouching. These supports can be in the form of a cushion, or you can buy chairs with inflatable support so that you can choose how much padding you need. If you have a chair without lumbar support, you can buy individual support cushions that can be taken with you wherever you go. This is particularly useful for those who regularly suffer with back pain.
Modesty panel: On a desk, the modesty panel is a thin section of wood placed underneath the main working area that is intended to shield the lower body from view.
Pedestal: The section of a desk that carries the drawers. It is usually separate from the rest of the desk and is an optional extra. They often come on caster wheels so they can be easily relocated if needed.
PC trolley: A compact workstation on wheels that can be easily transported around the office. It is a versatile option for a company that hires a lot of freelancers or temporary staff, as it means a new desk doesn't have to be set up for every new person.
Sit-stand desk: Popular in some European countries, sit-stand desks allow the user to easily switch between sitting and standing as they work, which is considered to be better for the employees' health.
Solid wood: This material is considered the best quality and is the most expensive for good reason! Crafted completely of wood, each piece of furniture is unique, thanks to the various grains and markings from the tree. These pieces of furniture are sturdier and more resistant to damage.
Storage desk: These desks provide extra storage as part of their design, which is invaluable if space is an issue.
Wood effect: Furniture that has been labelled has having a wood effect finish is usually manufactured completely of man-made materials, but has been designed to have the look of wood. While this is a lower-quality option, this furniture is usually cheaper and can come in a range of different colours for a fun effect.
Veneer: Just like the veneers you have on your teeth, real wood veneer is a thin layer of wood over a piece of furniture to give it the look and feel of solid wood. As it uses less wood, the furniture is usually cheaper and lighter, and is a good compromise for those with a low budget.
Wave (or radial) desk: An ordinary desk that has an extra wide section on one side. This gives extra workspace if required, although these are best used in offices with plenty of room as they are quite bulky.


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Meth-making partners Walt and Jesse have had their ups and downs, but you know their relationship is really on the rocks when they get their own break-up song to the tune of Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Teddie Films (also of "Star Wars I Used to Know" fame) does a stellar job recreating the show's costumes and sets and hitting a few key on-screen moments. Just be warned: there are spoilers in both the lyrics and the video.
[via Metafilter]


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THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A major cocaine seizure in Europe has turned out to be good news for the animals at Rotterdam's zoo.
The drugs were hidden among boxes of bananas, and the fruit was later donated to the monkeys and other creatures at the Blijdorp zoo.
Dutch prosecutors said Friday more than eight tons of cocaine was hidden among the bananas on a ship from Ecuador. The drugs were seized Monday in the Belgian port of Antwerp, while the bananas were allowed to continue on to Rotterdam - the shipment's final destination. Dutch police arrested a Belgian truck driver and four Dutch men on Tuesday.
Dutch authorities say the seizure is the biggest ever in the Netherlands or Belgium.


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Local Office Descriptions
Who's Who in Local Government
President Teddy Roosevelt said, almost a century ago that "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." When he included these words in his speech at the state fair in Syracuse, New York in 1903, he could have been speaking of Vermont's many hardworking local officials. Every day, municipal officials devote their free time to everything from hearing zoning disputes and writing land use plans, to assessing the value of property in the town and collecting delinquent taxes. They serve for the chance to "work hard at work worth doing." Without them, our communities would not function and our system of self government would come to a standstill.
Serving in local office is a great way to give something back to your community. If you are considering serving, below are the offices you can choose to from:
Local Offices
Agent to Convey Real Estate (appointed). Executes the deeds on behalf of the town. 24 V.S.A. § 1061
Auditor (elected or appointed). Review and audit all town accounts and prepare the annual town report. Should be very detail oriented. Good writing skills are a plus. 17 V.S.A. § 2649; 2651b
Building Inspector and Deputy Inspector (appointed). Appointed only in towns that have adopted a building code. Performs inspections and enforces the local building code. 24 V.S.A. § 3102, 3103, 3108
Cemetery Commissioner (elected). Responsible for the care and management of the town's cemeteries. If no cemetery commissioners are elected, the selectboard fulfills this role. 18 V.S.A. § 5373
Chairperson for Civil Defense (appointed). Responsible for the organization, administration, and operation of the local committee that is formed for emergency management in the town or city. The emergency management chairperson is under the direct control of the selectboard but may coordinate his or her emergency management efforts with neighboring towns and cities, and with the state emergency management division and the federal government. 20 V.S.A.§ 6
Collector of Current Taxes. A town must vote to have the Town Manager or Town Treasurer to collect current taxes. If the town fails to vote, then the Town Constable becomes the collector of current taxes. 24 V.S.A. § 1529
Collector of Delinquent Taxes. A town must vote to authorize the selectboard to appoint a collector of delinquent taxes, who may be the Town Manager or Town Treasurer. 17 V.S.A. § 2651d If a town fails to vote, then the Town Constable becomes the collector of delinquent taxes.
Constable (elected or appointed). In some towns the constable is the town's local law enforcement officer, with all powers of search, seizure, and arrest within the town. In other towns, the constable only has the power to serve civil process, assist the health officer in the discharge of his or her duties, destroy unlicensed dogs, kill injured deer, remove disorderly people from town meeting, and, if the first constable, to collect taxes, if no tax collector is elected. Should be good at de-escalating and resolving conflicts. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(7); 2651a
Conservation Commission Members (appointed). Inventory the natural resources of a community and purchase and administer municipal lands for the purpose of conservation. 24 V.S.A. § 4502
Fence Viewers (appointed). Three viewers are appointed by the selectboard each year. When called upon, they examine fences and other boundaries within the town. 24 V.S.A. § 871
Health Officer (appointed). Appointed by the commissioner of health to a three-year term after recommendation by the town selectboard. Enforces the rules and regulations for the prevention and abatement of public health hazards. 18 V.S.A. § 601
Inspectors of Lumber (appointed). Appointed, upon request, to examine, measure, and classify the quality of lumber, shingles, and wood sold within the town. 24 V.S.A. § 871
Inspector of Wiring (appointed). Inspects electrical wiring in buildings on request of the selectboard. 24 V.S.A. § 1033
Justices of the Peace (elected). For more information, see our Justice of the Peace Guide. The duties of justices of the peace can fall into five categories of responsibilities:
- Elections. Justices of the peace are members of the board of civil authority (BCA). Members of the BCA serve as election officials at town elections by Australian ballot and statewide elections. Justices also are responsible for delivering absentee ballots to voters at election time.
- Tax Abatement and Appeals. Justices of the peace sit as members of the town board for abatement of taxes to determine whether a taxpayer's tax obligation should be forgiven under certain circumstances. Justices of the peace also serve an important role in the town's tax appeal process. As a member of the board of civil authority, justices sit to hear and decide appeals when citizens do not agree with the final decision of the listers.
- Marriages. Justices of the peace may also solemnize marriages in Vermont.
- Oaths and Notary. Justices of the peace may also administer oaths in all cases where an oath is required, unless a specific law makes a different provision. A justice of the peace is a notary public ex officio and has all the acknowledgment powers of a notary public. However, the justice of the peace must file with the county clerk in order to act as a notary public (but the fee is waived).
- Magistrate. Justices of the peace may also serve as a magistrate when so commissioned by the Supreme Court.
Listers (elected or appointment of an assessor). Appraise property within the town for the purpose of property tax assessment. Should be able to be polite, yet firm, and not be oversensitive to criticism. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(5); 2651c
Moderator (elected). Runs the annual and special town/school meeting. Should have a good sense of humor, be good at group process, and have experience following Roberts Rules of Order. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(1)
Municipal Manager (appointed). If the manager system has been adopted by the electorate, the town manager is the official administrator of local government and has general supervisor of the affairs of the town. 24 V.S.A. § 1232
Patrolmen (elected). Patrols town highways under the direction of the selectboard — if the town so orders. (Generally not an active position.) 17 V.S.A. 2646(15)
Planning Commissioners (appointed or elected). Appointed unless town votes to elect. Duties include preparing a municipal plan; making recommendations on matters of land development, conservation, and preservation; and participating in a regional planning program. Makes site plan and subdivision permit decisions unless there is a development review board in town. Should have a good working knowledge of all aspects of the town and be able to listen to many sides of an issue. 24 V.S.A. § 4323
Poundkeeper (appointed). Cares for the animals that are impounded within the town. 24 V.S.A. § 871
Regional Planning Commission Representative (appointed). Helps develop the regional plan and assess municipal land use plans. 24 V.S.A. § 4341 et seq.
Road Commissioners (elected or appointed). Can be elected or appointed. Has no independent authority, but can assist the selectboard in overseeing town highways at the request of the board. Should have experience with town highways and be a good communicator. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(16); 17 V.S.A. § 2651
Selectboard Members (elected). General supervision and control over town; enacts ordinances, regulations, and policies for town; oversees town property and personnel; prepares, presents and manages budget; and oversees roads, including laying out, discontinuing, and reclassifying roads. Sits as local board of health, liquor control commission, and sewer commission. Should know the town well, be able to understand all sides of complex issues, and have very thick skin. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(4); 17 V.S.A. § 2649
Town Administrator (appointed). Hired by the selectboard, the town administrator, sometimes called the administrative assistant to the selectboard, assists the selectboard in managing the business of the town. The town administrator has no independent statutory authority. The scope of his or her duties is determined by the selectboard.
Town Agent (elected). The town agent used to prosecute and defend suits. The selectboard now has that authority. Thus, the town agent's duty consists merely of assisting when litigation is in progress, at the request of the selectboard. (Generally not a very active position.) 17 V.S.A. § 2646(11)
Town Clerk (elected or appointed). Records, preserves, and certifies the public records of the town. Issues dog, marriage, civil union, and hunting and fishing licenses; as well as motor vehicle renewals. Runs the local elections, serves as clerk of the board of civil authority, and hears tax abatement requests and tax appeals. Should have the patience of a saint and be a good ambassador for the town. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(2); 2651e
Town Energy Coordinator (appointed). Responsible for developing the town energy plan and conducting the town energy audit. 24 V.S.A. § 1131
Town Forest Fire Warden (appointed). Appointed by the fire commissioner with the approval of the selectboard. Prevents forest fires in the town by enforcing the laws designed to prevent forest fires. 10 V.S.A. § 2641
Town Services Officer (appointed). Appointed on or before April 15th of each year. Assists individuals within the town who require emergency food, fuel, or shelter assistance when the Vermont Department of Social Welfare is not available. 33 V.S.A. § 2102 et seq.
Town Treasurer (elected or appointed). Keeps the town and school's accounts (unless a separate school treasurer is elected), invests money (with the approval of the legislative body), keeps a record of the taxes voted, and pays orders drawn on him or her. Should be very precise, detail oriented and good at math. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(3); 2651f
Town Tree Warden (appointed). Plans and implements a shade tree preservation program for the purpose of shading and beautifying public places. Removes diseased, dying, or dead trees; which create a hazard to public safety or threaten the effectiveness of disease or insect control programs. 24 V.S.A. § 871
Trustee of Public Funds (elected). Manages, invests, and reports on real and personal property held in trust by the town. This includes cemetery trust funds. Should like investing money. 17 V.S.A. § 2646(12); 24 V.S.A. § 2431 et seq.
Trustee of Public Money (elected). Oversees "United States Public Money" received under the Act of 1836 held by the town. (It is unlikely any Vermont town still has these funds.) 17 V.S.A. § 2646(13)
Water Commissioners (elected or appointed). Water commissioners supervise the town's water department by establishing water rates, and all the rules and regulations for the control and operation of the department. Should be a good manager and detail oriented. 17 V.S.A.§2646(17); 17 V.S.A. § 2652
Weighers of Coal (appointed). Serves as a referee over weights of contested loads of coal. 24 V.S.A. § 871
Zoning Administrator (appointed). Appointed by the planning commission with the approval of the selectboard. Approves or denies applications for zoning permits. Administers the municipal bylaws literally. Enforces regulations pertaining to the zoning ordinance. 24 V.S.A. § 4448
Zoning Board of Adjustment or Development Review Board Members (appointed). Holds hearings and makes decisions on land use permit applications and appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator. 24 V.S.A. § 4460