text:
NEIU wins Tree Campus USA for the fifth consecutive time
March 10, 2020
For the fifth consecutive year, Northeastern Illinois University won the Tree Campus USA award. Sponsored through the Arbor Day Foundation, the program recognizes both two and four-year colleges and universities across the country that keep on-campus trees healthy with the help of students and faculty.
The geography and environmental studies, biology and environmental science departments each contributed to NEIU's award-winning efforts. Pamela Geddes, a biology and environmental science professor whose contributions helped NEIU's candidacy, spoke with the Independent about what goes into receiving the award.
Each college or university entered must meet five core standards, including an established campus tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, a Campus Tree Program with dedicated annual expenditures, Arbor Day observance and an available service-learning project.
According to Geddes, a campus tree advisory committee consists of students, faculty, facility management and community representatives. "We have been maintaining a campus tree advisory committee that meets yearly, sometimes more often. Not only do we talk about the status of the trees on campus but we also plan for yearly activities," Geddes mentioned.
NEIU instructor Robyn Flakne teaches a forestry course at NEIU. "A lot of [creating the tree care plan] is student-led," Geddes mentioned. With her students, Flakne put together the tree care plan.
Aiming to achieve a variety of goals, Flakne hopes to both influence seasonal care for trees and educate students on what to do should a tree fall sick. In the past, the tree-care plan helped trees on campus. "We had many trees that were infected by [Northeastern Asian jewel beetle] the emerald ash borer so many of the ashes on campus have been eliminated because they were infected. There is usually a plan to try to replant with newer trees so we are keeping the number and kinds of trees steady," Geddes added.
Removing infected trees ensures a healthy environment for other trees to flourish. "We have been trying to prioritize getting other trees planted to replace the ones that we were removing. I think that has been a really good and consistent operation from facilities management to try not to lose trees and remain stable at the number of trees," Geddes mentioned. " Ideally, we want people to acknowledge the fact that trees are not only an aesthetic thing, they are actually performing a service that is very useful for humans, like purifying the air."
"Every year we look at the expenses with facilities management and they have an itemized budget just for the tree care on campus."
To maintain a campus tree program with dedicated annual expenses, Geddes said "we communicate with facilities management, and we do a tally of the budget that is spent caring for the trees on campus. This includes supplies, labor for facility staff, volunteer time, equipment spent on the trees or even money to purchase new trees."
NEIU celebrates Arbor Day to spread community awareness about the importance of trees. "We do this during the spring semester because Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April, many times coinciding with the celebration of Earth Week," explained Geddes. "In the past few years, we have made it a week-long celebration filled with events related to environmentally oriented things and we include Arbor Day as one of the topics of the celebration."
NEIU also offers service learning where students can "carry their educational experiences with the trees on campus." Along with helping with school organizations, students can get active throughout the community, including establishments such as the North Park Village Nature Centre. "We have been really good at partnering with other people in the area to have students learn about trees in these events."
By maintaining the five standards, NEIU can continue to maintain healthy campuses. "Every year we make sure that we have an outstanding Campus Tree advisory committee," she mentioned. "The tree care plan, once it's written, is pretty stable unless there is something that we need to change it because it is very comprehensive."
"There will soon be an accessible map where students will be able to learn more about any tree on campus" Geddes added. By looking at the tag that is unique to that tree, students can learn the tree's age, size and species.
Geddes also specifically mentioned the contributions that facilities management makes toward keeping the trees on campus healthy. "They are the ones that are continuously on the ground working with the trees, pruning, planting or replacing sick trees. And it's a daily thing, no matter how cold or hot, they are out there doing the work with the actual trees. They're so dedicated to maintaining healthy trees on our campus and it's a pleasure to get to work with them."


text:
Professional Painters in Cabot, AR
CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas
Ready to make a change?
House and Business Painters in Cabot, AR
When you're thinking of painting your home, you have two choices: You can paint it yourself or you can hire professional painters in Cabot. Chances are, you probably don't want to spend a sunny weekend afternoon painting for hours. That's why we're here and we've been called on by many people in and around the Cabot area for painting services. While the two most common painting services we offer are interior and exterior painting, we offer much more in residential services. Check out our positive Google reviews for more information.
Local Painters in Cabot, AR
CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas are proud to serve the Cabot community. Cabot is centrally located near Little Rock and other well known cities in our state. We are a popular place to visit for history lovers because of our Civil War era historic locations. Our town celebrates many unique festivals throughout the year, including our famous strawberry festival.
We are a community that exudes small town charm, while remaining close to many different city attractions and amenities. The homes in our area range from traditional to ranch styles, and even new-builds. Our experienced painters can update the interior or exterior of any residence in the Cabot service area.
Paint Problems in Cabot, AR
In Cabot, we are used to the seemingly endless hot and humid summers that come with living in the South. However, this type of weather pattern can cause a few paint-related issues.
Excess Moisture: Humid environments often result in excess moisture. This can eventually lead to mold and mildew growth under your exterior surfaces.
Sun Damage: When the sun shines down on your home, harsh UV rays can cause your exterior paint to fade.
Free Painting Estimates in Cabot, AR
At CertaPro Painters of Central Arkansas, client satisfaction is everything to us. For a free color consultation and discussion on your painting options, call CertaPro Painters today.
Interior & Exterior Painters in Cabot, AR
Finding the best contractor among all local painting contractors in Cabot, AR saves you valuable time and money in the long run. Choosing from all the local painting companies may seem a little daunting at first. If so, evaluate them all based on the below key points.
Keep Three Things in Mind When Choosing From Various Painting Contractors
- Company Reputation: How are previous customers describing their experience with the painting company?
- Written Proposal: Is their proposal detailed and in writing? Or does it seem like an informal estimate?
- Professionalism: What is your first impression of the sales representative / estimator? Also, were all of your questions or concerns addressed? And are you confident with their answers to your questions?
Three Reasons CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas became your BEST Local Painting Contractor Option
- Company Reputation: CertaPro Painters is your most trusted and referred local painter. Since you are already here, read our reviews.
- Written Proposal: CertaPro Painters provides detailed, customized written proposals at the time of your appointment, while also backing our work with a written warranty.
- Professionalism: CertaPro Painters is the brand of Certainty. We deliver what we promise, on time and on budget.
Keep these things in mind as you talk with various contractors. You will quickly learn CertaPro Painters is the best contractor for your painting project, by far.
Hiring the best painting contractor makes all the difference. As a result you'll get beautiful finishes and a smooth, positive customer experience.
Residential & Commercial Painting Services in Cabot, AR
We have paint contractors in Cabot, AR waiting to help you with your remodeling or renovation project. All you have to do is take the first step in contacting us for a quote. Once we receive your quote request, we will assess your needs, and provide you with an estimate for the work that needs to be completed. If that estimate falls in line with your budget, we will schedule a time to start the project.
You do not need to worry about managing the project. We do it all for you. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the results.
Speaking of results, we are committed to your complete satisfaction. After the project is complete, we will ask you to do a walk through. This is to ensure our work meets your expectations. Now that you know how we work and what we offer, let's get started. Contact us now for a quote.
Chris Boatright was excellent, you can tell he had done this many times and knows his business. Exactly the type of professional you want to help you manage your project.
- Jonathan Y.
Professional Painting Services in Cabot, AR
Our painting contractors near you aren't just experts in painting interior and exterior walls. They can also perform many other tasks that can help you improve the look and feel of your home. The following are the residential services we offer for remodeling and renovations.
Brick Limewash & RomaBio
ROMABIO Classico Limewash is an authentic slaked-lime paint specially formulated to create unique wash off effects for the Interior or Exterior. With CertaPro Painters of Central Arkansas' Brick Limewashing services, you can update your home exterior without having to fully commit to completely painted brick. Low maintenance and built to last, CertaPro's limewashing services allow you to calcify the brick or stone for a vibrant white finish that doesn't peel, chip, or flake off.
Learn More
Cabinet Refinishing and Repainting
Your cabinets are perhaps one of the most touched surfaces in your home, so it's no surprise that they wind up with a little wear and tear. At CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas we'll work with you to find a finish or paint that meets the needs of your home and daily routine.
Learn More
Color Consultation
Not sure which shade to choose? Struggling to differentiate matte, satin and gloss? We'll help you navigate the sea of options to find a color that matches your home's interior aesthetic and stands up to your family's daily routine.
Learn More
Concrete Staining and Epoxy Finish
Applying a stain to an interior or exterior concrete floor can add unique dimension to any space. You can enhance the durability of your concrete with an epoxy floor coating. The CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas team is trained in applying concrete stains and epoxy floor coatings.
Learn More
Crown Molding Painting
Crown molding is a great way to add elegance in a home. It is timeless, ornate and exquisite looking. The CertaPro Painters® team can paint the decorative borders around your home including fireplace mantels, baseboards, door casings, and wainscoting.
Learn More
Deck Staining & Painting
At CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas we offer a variety of interior and exterior home painting and staining services, including your home's deck and fencing. Regardless of the room inside your home that needs an update or the area of your home's exterior that needs protection from Mother Nature, our team works with you to determine the best plan of action for your home.
Learn More
Drywall Installation & Repair
Whether your home has water damage that requires drywall repair or your walls have medium-to-large holes that need patching, the professional painting crew
at CertaPro Painters of Central Arkansas will patch, sand and prime, to create a flawless surface to paint on.
Learn More
EPA Lead Certified
At CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas we are EPA Lead Certified. This means that if we are performing a renovation, repair or painting project that disturbs lead-based paint in your home, we use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.
Learn More
Faux Painting and Decorative Services
If it's a distinct look you're after, the CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas crew has the skills required to make your vision a reality. Our team will work with you to find the perfect faux finish for your home's unique style.
Learn More
Power Washing
Power washing is a vital step in painting the exterior of your home. CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas uses the process to remove mold, oil and old paint so new paint absorbs into your surface better.
Learn More
Stucco Repairs and Painting
As with any other home exterior, it's important to maintain the stucco or EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) covering your home. The CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas team is very knowledgeable in both repairs and painting related to these two materials and will work alongside you to determine what services your home needs.
Learn More
Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Painting
Whether you have high-tech vinyl siding or a more traditional siding, CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas knows how to restore them. Our team has the right approach to add new life to your exteriors.
Learn More
Wallpaper Removal and Installation
Removing and applying wallpaper can be a tricky task. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas is skilled in removing wallpaper and will make this time-consuming task, hassle-free for you. We will work with you to help you choose a wallcoverings style that's perfect for your home, and then apply it to your walls. All you'll have to do is enjoy the final look.
Learn More
Painting Projects in Cabot, AR
Below are a few painting services that we have completed in the Cabot community. Click on any image to zoom in.
Exterior Painting Services
We painted the entire exterior of this home with a neutral beige color the customer chose. We also painted the shutters and trim.
Why Use CertaPro Painters of Central Arkansas for Your Cabot Painting Needs
☑ Reputation
We deliver the best painting services in Cabot while delivering excellence in customer service and painting finishes.
☑Professional Painters
Our painters take pride in the work they do. They are painting professionals with years of experience. They go above and beyond to deliver an extraordinary experience from start to finish.
☑Guaranteed Pricing with a Warranty
We prepare a detailed, customized written proposal at the time of your appointment. It itemizes every product we recommend and every task that needs to be done to protect and refresh your home. No surprises. We also offer a limited warranty.*
We will not just tell you we are insured, we will provide you copies of our liability and insurance. You and your property are never at risk with us.
See What Other Areas We Serve
CertaPro Painters® of Central Arkansas serves many areas in the Cabot Community. To see what other areas we serve view our list below.
Project Information
By clicking next or submit you agree to receive phone, email, or text communication from us per our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Message/data rates apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
With Original Rampone delux mouthpiece. My opinion follows which is not part of the description. You will just love the big dark colourful tone she produces and.
Personally I did not like the Rampone delux mouthpiece. But using my regular mpc worked great. The notes were popping out and great vibrations. I will accept reasonable offer to allow for any tech service pads in good shape. The item "Saxophone Tenor Rampone and Cazzani R1 Jazz Silver plate" is in sale since Saturday, April 24, 2021.
This item is in the category "Musical Instruments\Wind & Woodwind\Band & Orchestral\Saxophones". The seller is "kittenwhisper" and is located in Liskard.This item can be shipped worldwide.


text:
There are two i2b2 clients available to users.
1. i2b2 Web Client
2. i2b2 Workbench
The web client is the supported platform at the present moment. The web client reproduces much of the functionality of the desktop client and one of the primary advantages is the software does not have to be installed on a user's computer. All an i2b2 user needs to run the web client is a web browser. This aids greatly in enterprise-wide roll out of the i2b2 across an institution. However, because of the current limitations of web browsers, certain advanced functionality will continue to require a subset of "power users" to download the desktop client.


text:
Love Island's Tayla and Cassidy have joint forces to diss Grant
- Publish Date
- Tuesday, 4 September 2018, 4:04PM
Remember when Tayla and Cassidy absolutely hated each other after they were both f*cked around by Grant in the Love Island mansion?
Well, they're both over that silly business now, they've moved onto to bigger matters: dissing the shit out of Grant.
Yup, Tayla and Cassidy have both gone on the record for NW Magazine, going no holds barred on the bloke.
RELATED: Love Island's Tayla and Grant are throwing shade at each other on Instagram
"He's lost the absolute plot - he's gone cuckoo!" Cassidy told NW Magazine.
"I'm not sure there was ever a mind to lose," added Tayla.
They're now both bonding over their experiences with Grant - with Cassidy praising Tayla for ditching Grant.
"You know, the way you've handled [everything with Grant] is admirable. For a moment there, I thought you were back together with him! I'm very happy to see you strong and happy. Good girl!"
"We both came out on top!" agreed Tayla.
Cassidy also addressed rumours she and Grant had considered giving their relationship another go: "He showed up to one of my appearances and all night he was telling John James and Justin how beautiful I look! I was like, 'Mate, if you drag me into your f**king s**thole life, I will end you!"
Tayla also told the publication about her reaction when she found out that Grant had a girlfriend on 'the outside': "He said that they were living together on and off, like, five days a week and that he'd said, 'I love you,'" she continued.
"But then he was like, 'Then I fell in love with you, and I want to be with you!' I was like, 'Get away from me! I've got the ick!'"
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you


text:
Episode 50: "RHOBH SEASON 12 REUNION RECAP"
There's no doubt if you are a baby boomer born between 1946 – 1964 or Gen X born between 1965 – 1980 or a Millennials born between 1981 – 1996 you have eaten at least one of the iconic McDonald's Fried Apple Pie. This delicious deep fried piece of art was introduced to the world in 1968 and has been a staple on the McDonald's menu up until 1992. … Read More Episode 50: "RHOBH SEASON 12 REUNION RECAP"


text:
Optimizing your website for local search engine optimization (SEO) is more vital than ever before with the growing competition for visitors online. Make certain you know how to do that by utilizing the techniques in this article. If you do, you'll soon see your web traffic to increase. Remember about organizing your pages when using search engine optimization on your website. The more layers you have on your page directory, the less weight the search engine spiders can put on these pages. Organizing your pages to be nearer to the root directory can help to increase your rankings. Also and to make traffic to enhance your ranking using search engines, you can write and send articles to article directory websites that are on-line.
The directories make their content available to people who follow the links back and they will read your entries. This has the capability to bring traffic to your website far since these links stay active. This is done through robots. Txt. This tells the search engines these files should not be obtained. Visit your website and check to ensure that the title tag in addition to your window refers to the content which you are looking at. Be certain it includes the keywords that you would like readers to associate. If you're a small local business be sure which the key local search words are included in the name tag.
Do not use generic words on your key phrases list, like computers and books. This may generate too many effects and will more than probably, not show your website at the top. Instead, using more specific phrases and words like buy inexpensive computers on-line, can be less competitive and be much more efficient for your site. Publishing articles is a good way to expand your internet presence. Whenever you publish articles, you improve your internet search engine visibility, which, in the turn, brings much more people to your site.
In addition, the content which you publish also help inform your customers about your products in a manner that can get you much more buyers in the long term. If you're looking to improve your internet search engine optimization, one thing which will assist to make your company improve is the title tag. Your title tag is the .1 piece of content for searchers. Keep your name fairly short – between eight into ten words long.
In addition, you shouldn't start off with the name of your company. To increase the traffic to your Online marketing web site, take into account the keywords that your clients are using to look for your product or content.
Success Media Services can help your online marketing efforts by designing a right-sized digital marketing strategy for your organization. Our services include website design, SEO, social media campaigns, and video content. Contact us today to see how we can grow your business on the Internet.


text:
Moving has to be one of the most daunting tasks, especially when you are doing it for the first time.
Some people are even scared by the very thought of moving due to all the things they need to handle. And contrary to popular belief, moving is much more than packing your things into boxes for transportation.
A common mistake made by many people is not to dedicate enough time to the whole process of moving. It's recommended to have at least two months to fully plan and execute everything so that moving proves hassle-free as well as error-free.
We have come up with the ultimate moving checklist to take you through 8 weeks of planning. The easy-to-follow format is meant to make moving easier for everyone irrespective of their living situation and total family members.
Eight Weeks Before You Move
Table of Contents
- Eight Weeks Before You Move
- Seven Weeks Before You Move
- Six Weeks Before You Move
- Five Weeks Before You Move
- Four Weeks Before You Move
- Three Weeks Before You Move
- Two Weeks Before You Move
- One Week Before You Move
- Moving Day
- Moving Checklist Frequently Asked Questions ?
- Moving Checklist Final Words
Now that you have decided to move, it's time to begin planning. We advise you to dedicate eight weeks for shifting as it helps smoothen out complicated tasks, like finding a property or sorting out important documents.
But, there's no need to be overwhelmed as our weekly planning guide will help you ease into the process and prevent missing out on essential things. So, let's check out what you need to complete in the first week of planning.
1. Get Organized
Setting up a planner or diary can help you remain accountable throughout the moving process. Apart from updating the checklist on a weekly basis, this moving planner will be the place where you document extra tasks that need to be covered. You have the choice to buy a physical planner or set up a digital planner to make it cost-effective.
The binder, on the other hand, will be your lifesaver when it comes to organizing important documents, receipts, moving estimates, and property papers, among other things. Another excellent way to keep track of things is by marking key dates on the calendar. At this point, you may not have exact dates, but updating the estimated ones will help in smooth progress.
While organizing, you need to make sure to schedule all your appointments, which may include anything from visiting an open house to checking out schools for the kids. If you're yet to set up essential appointments, this is the time to get done with them so that there's no delay in the moving date.
2. Set Up A Budget
Setting up a moving budget is key to having things under control. The budget should include everything from estimates of moving companies to the estimated gas cost you'll need to move into the new home. There's no fixed amount as it'll vary depending on the distance, the volume of things that need to be moved, and the additional services that you might require.
That's why this is the point where you should start looking into moving companies and get free quotes to start planning your budget. In some cases, you might require temporary housing while moving, so take that into account while budgeting.
Overall, you should choose a budget well within your means. There's no need to go overboard, but make sure to allocate extra funds to take care of sudden costs. And make a note of tax-deductible moving expenses to save money.
3. Search For Your New Home
If you're yet to find a new home, this is the time when you should definitely check out new properties. Online real estate websites are going to be your best bet when it comes to finding good deals. However, always use safe platforms to avoid property-related scams or you can even take suggestions from friends and family to contact reliable local realtors.
Before contacting the real estate agent, create a checklist of the amenities you would like to have in the new neighborhood. Some of the essential aspects include proper medical facilities, easy-to-access transportation, availability of local grocery stores, restaurants, and gyms, to name a few.
Planning early is also recommended for those who are looking forward to renting a new place. If possible, always visit the new property in person to be sure about its suitability.
4. Notify Your Landlord
Those currently renting a property need to serve a notice to their landlord at least 60 days before the move. This helps transition into the new lease without any problem and retrieve the security deposit from the landlord.
But, before serving the notice period, go through the lease agreement to check for any specific details about maintaining the place. Make sure that all conditions are met to avoid being charged additional fees.
5. Start Looking For Moving Companies
Apart from those looking at a DIY move, you'll usually need help from a moving company. It may seem a bit early to contact a company, but this is essential to acquire a responsible and budget-friendly organization.
The basic requirement for a professional moving company is that they need to have a valid license to run services in your state or area. In case you're moving to a new state, the company should have a DOT number to be able to provide interstate moving services.
To make choosing a moving company easier, have a checklist of services that you'll require. Many moving companies require a virtual or in-person walk-through of your home to provide better estimates. Note that you may need to pay additional fees for moving items like pianos, fragile furniture, or other delicate collections.
Another essential thing to consider is the insurance coverage provided by a moving company in case there's an accident or if any boxes are misplaced. So, take your time researching different moving companies and compare their estimates before deciding on one.
Those who are considering moving on their own should definitely use this time to find proper rental places and get a moving truck. Try getting a free estimate as well to remain within your moving budget.
Seven Weeks Before You Move
The last week was spent in organizing and planning the first stage of the moving process. This week you'll need to dive into the personal aspects of moving, like preparing your family and pets, as well as asking for help if required.
1. Preparing Your Family
Preparing to move can be quite stressful for a family, especially if you have small kids. That's why it's better to sort things out way ahead of time to make the last few weeks of moving smoother.
First, let your children know about the decision to move and try to involve them in the process. You should always encourage them to say goodbye to friends, neighbors, and teachers. Children may sometimes have a hard time going through this transition period, so reassure them when needed. If possible, take them to the new home and even the new school to get them excited about moving.
2. Get Your Pets Ready
Similar to children, your pets require enough empathy while moving. You'll need to provide special care to the pets to make moving to a new place smoother. However, during this week, you should spend time researching the pet-friendly places available near your new home. Also, prepare any documents that might be required while moving your pets to a different state.
Another thing you should check is the availability of good veterinarians, grooming services, and pet daycares in the neighborhood. And remember to take your pets for a thorough check-up before the moving date and ask the vet for tips for keeping them calm during the journey.
3. Arranging For Children's School
Are you moving to an entirely new place with school-age children? If yes, you'll need to find a new school with proper amenities that provides quality education. We recommend visiting the different schools in the new location to find out which one would be best for your children.
At the same time, it would be necessary to notify their present school about the move to get the transcripts and medical records transferred on time. It's usually required to fill in the registration documents of the new school.
But when your children are going to the same school after the move, notify the school authorities about the new address to update their records.
4. Notify Your Employer
If you aren't changing your job, it's important to let your employer know about the move. Tell them about any leaves you'll need to take to move your things to the new place. Also, request them to update your documents and include the new address.
But when you are moving due to a new job, this week should be spent preparing yourself for the change. You should find out about the policies followed in your new workplace, confirm the starting date, and notify the employer about the time required for moving into the new home.
In case you're still looking for employment, try to begin the job search as soon as possible. One way is to look for recruiting agencies near your new home.
5. Ask Friends For Help
If you're moving alone, it can be quite challenging to transport everything yourself. As you'll most likely need a bit of help from your friends, it's always better to let them know a few weeks in advance. This would allow them to include the moving date on their schedule and apply for leave at work.
6. Reserve A Storage Unit
Are you urgently looking to shift homes but don't have enough space to store your things? If yes, then it's best to look for an available storage unit near your current location or the new house. Your things will stay safe in the storage unit, and you'll get more time to set up your new home.
At a later date, you can sort out the items and discard or donate things that aren't essential anymore. You can also book a storage unit at the new location and send the items a couple of weeks prior to the moving day.
Six Weeks Before You Move
The sixth week is when the moving process gets a little intense. You'll need to get done with a lot of work, so your weekends might be tied up. It's also the ideal time for taking care of all your documents to sort out everything before the move.
1. Fix The Moving Date And Book The Moving Company
It's time to pick the final date and book the moving service. You need to make the booking on the sixth week as it provides enough time to reach out to different companies. Booking ahead of time may fetch you a good deal, and there's less possibility of missing out on a date.
Remember that the rates of professional movers tend to vary based on different factors. Try to keep your move-out date within a month without major holidays to get a better price. Some experts also suggest skipping moving between May and September as it's considered the peak season when the charges are high.
Those on a tight budget should plan the move on a weekday during the off-season.
2. Collect Moving Supplies
No one likes to scramble for moving supplies at the last minute. That's why you need to get them sooner, which is useful for packing early. Some moving companies provide packing supplies, but others don't, so it's best to be prepared. The common supplies you'll need include bubble wrap, packing tape, packing paper, and boxes to keep your things safe.
One tip for acquiring free moving boxes is to contact grocery stores and furniture stores near your home that often give away these boxes. We also recommend contacting the moving company to know about any guidelines you need to follow while packing the items.
3. Make Travel Arrangements
If you're moving to a new state or even a new country, this would be the best time to go ahead with the travel arrangements. Apart from booking flights, you may need to find ways to transport your car and bikes. Thankfully, many professional moving companies have started providing car moving services, and booking ahead of time will help you cut down on the overall cost of moving.
4. Contact All Your Insurance Providers And Banks
One of the most important tasks that you need to get done before moving is to contact all your insurance providers and notify them about the move. This is especially true in the case of health insurance, as you want the provider to have an office near your new home.
Similarly, before the move, visit your bank and ask them about their nearby branches. Do let them know about the whole plan as they might have different services in case you're moving only for a short period. The same thing would apply to credit card companies that you're using, so notify the authorities about your new address.
In the case of car insurance, you may need to visit the shop from where your car was purchased. On notifying them about the move, the representatives will let you know if the same insurance applies to your new location. Otherwise, you'll have the option to apply for a new provider.
5. Protect And Transfer Your Important Documents
Before moving homes, you should make sure to organize and protect important documents, like your passport, ID, social security card, and driver's license. Gather them and make digital copies if necessary while keeping them in a secure file so there's no chance of misplacing the documents.
If you have any appliances that are still under warranty, collect the valid documentation along with the invoices. Moreover, in case you have been using a shared computer in the current place, delete any sensitive documents and login details for your online accounts.
Another task that you need to accomplish before moving is to transfer important documents to your new location, such as medical records of your family. You'll need to visit the offices of primary healthcare providers, dentists, and pharmacies to place a request for transferring the documents to new providers.
Five Weeks Before You Move
Yes, it's finally time to begin packing. It's essential to dedicate a whole week to the packing process as you don't want to forget or misplace anything. As a first-time mover, it may seem daunting to get things done on time, but we assure you that everything is going to be fine. Remember to start packing with the non-essential and then gradually move to the essentials.
1. Begin Decluttering
Before you start packing, it's necessary to get rid of useless things. The first things to declutter would be the items in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Leaving aside the things that you may want to consume in the upcoming month, donate the rest to a local food bank after checking the expiry date. Just make sure to contact them beforehand to know about food items they accept.
We also recommend going through your closet to find items that you don't seem to use anymore. These can be donated to a local thrift shop, or sold in a garage sale to earn some money. You can do the same for unwanted furniture, household or kitchen items, children's toys, holiday decorations, books, and magazines.
In case you're donating items, don't forget to ask for tax exemption receipts, as they are quite helpful. Some organizations even pick up larger items from your home if you contact them with the details.
During decluttering, you may find some seldom used valuable items, so ask your friends and family if they would like to have them before donating or selling them. This will give you an opportunity to find things that might require special attention while moving, such as your priced silverware or jewelry collection. Either transport them yourself or ask the moving company if they have special provisions for handling such items, albeit under proper insurance coverage.
Along with decluttering physical items, you need to take care of memberships of gyms, clubs, community centers, and local organizations before moving. Visit all the facilities during this week to cancel your membership as most of them ask for a one-month notice.
2. Start Packing
Packing is one of the most time-consuming processes before moving. It can get a bit tiring, so remember to take enough breaks and start by labeling the packing boxes to minimize the risk of anything getting misplaced.
We also recommend keeping an inventory of the items you have packed along with their positions in your current home to smoothen the unpacking process. Here are some things to follow during the packing process:
- A to-do list of the whole packing process, including the sequence for packing things.
- Try to pack one room at a time
- Begin by packing non-essential and seasonal items that you won't be needing
- Pack fragile items like glassware and light bulbs with extra caution and mark the boxes.
- Get rid of flammable or hazardous items like gas, propane, paint, and fire extinguishers.
- Take pictures of valuable items, especially appliances.
- You can keep aside some packing materials to pack essential items later.
- Confirm with the moving company if plants can be transported or give them to someone.
- If you aren't sure about taking apart furniture, ask the professionals.
- Repair items that might be a bit damaged so that they remain safe during moving.
Four Weeks Before You Move
By now, you're just a month away from your moving date, so it's the perfect time to start saying goodbyes, and confirm the appointment with the moving company. Let's check out what you can get done on the fourth week before moving.
1. Check In With The Moving Company
Now that you're packing, it's time to confirm everything with the moving company. If you didn't have the exact moving location or address till now, this is the time to provide the company with all the details.
At this point, you should let them know if there are any extra items that require moving. Also, don't forget to discuss the moving charge you need to pay for special items. You can even take out extra moving coverage from a suitable insurance company to ensure the safety of your things.
Remember to confirm the moving date and time to eliminate any chances of misunderstanding or delay.
2. Let Friends And Family Know
Moving can be quite emotional, especially when you have lived somewhere for a long time. Though breaking the news might not be required if you're just moving to a new neighborhood, you'll surely want to update friends and family about a long-distance move.
Moreover, make sure to share the new address with your loved ones so that they can keep sending lovely holiday cards. If you want, arrange a small party to celebrate the change and say your goodbyes. We also recommend sharing the news with your neighbors so that they are prepared when new people move into your present house.
Three Weeks Before You Move
The moving day is almost here, so utilize the third week for wrapping up any official tasks. Here are some things you can do:
1. Forward Mails
Worried about parcels showing up at the old address after you have moved? Thankfully, you can arrange to get them forwarded to the post office. Just visit the USPS website to select the date from when you would like to commence the forwarding procedure. There's also an option to get a PO box near the new location to receive your parcels without any hassle.
2. Arranging Sitters For Children And Pets
As you may have understood, the upcoming move is going to need a lot of attention. The packing may take up a lot of your time, so arranging a babysitter for your children and pets is recommended. You should make the appointments ahead of time to be sure about their availability on your moving day.
3. Take Care Of Utilities
It's always better to contact the utility companies several weeks before your move as they tend to be pretty busy. If you're moving to a new house in the same area or city, you will need to transfer the current utilities like gas, water, and electricity.
Things would be a bit different for those moving to a new city, state, or country. In such situations, you'll need to start afresh and arrange for appointments with local companies ahead of time to install the utility connections in the new home.
At the same time, don't forget to notify the businesses that provide utilities in your present home to discontinue their services.
Two Weeks Before You Move
Here are some of the things that you need to get done before moving to your new home:
1. Clean Your Home
It's essential to clean your current house before moving, especially when it's a rented place. We recommend hiring professional cleaning services to make the process a bit easier as you'll already be tied up in packing and arranging things.
If you choose to do the cleaning yourself, ensure to wipe all the surfaces carefully. In the case of rental housing, it's a must to remove nails and screws from the walls as well as fill in the holes properly. Also, remember to paint over any walls you have painted.
2. Prepare For Your Moving Trip
While your belongings will get transported by a professional moving company, you should still be prepared for the journey. Here are some things that you need to check before the trip begins:
- Get your car serviced and repaired if you're going to drive to the new home.
- Go grocery shopping and buy supplies for the journey.
- Fill up the prescriptions for your family so that you have enough meds.
- Pack suitcases for each family member with essentials like comfortable clothes.
- Arrange activities for the kids and yourself to not get bored.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Keep the important documents organized so that they're always within close reach.
- If you decide to travel with your valuables, make sure to plan ahead \
- Have proper arrangements to keep all items safe while driving or flying.
- If you have pets, arrange their supplies, like medicines and treats, for a comfortable trip.
3. Run Last Minute Errands
Did you just find out that you're yet to pay back some parking tickets? Well, make sure to use the penultimate week before your move to finish any errands that you might have skipped. This includes paying your bills, returning books to the local library, returning borrowed items to your neighbors or friends, picking up clothes from the dry cleaner, and paying local taxes.
One Week Before You Move
Congratulations, you've reached the final stage before moving out. This week should be dedicated to arranging last-minute things and running checks to ensure everything is going as planned. Let's see the things that you'll need to get done.
1. Prepare The Appliances
If you've decided to take the appliances, this would be the time to get things ready. Having a week in hand is perfect as you'll need to spend time packing the appliances before they can be moved. In case it's your first time moving, ask for help from a moving company to guide you on how to pack such appliances.
2. Plan Your Meals
It's easy to forget about eating or taking care of yourself when you are preparing to move. To stop that from happening, plan your meals ahead of time, buy quick snacks from grocery stores, and arrange to get food delivered if required.
3. Book Services For Your New Home
This week is also the time when you'll need to arrange for services related to your new home. Contact service providers like HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers to schedule appointments.
4. Last Minute Prep
Here are some more things to check on the final week before you move out:
- Disassemble big furniture before the movers show up.
- Collect all keys you have of the current home to hand over to the real estate agent.
- Withdraw cash for emergencies.
- Begin packing any items that you might have skipped so that nothing is left behind.
- Go through this moving checklist several times to ensure everything is going as planned.
- Take a video of the whole house as proof of the condition in which you left it.
Moving Day
You have made it through all the challenges to reach this day, so remember to take a breather and calm yourself down. Keep the moving planner close at hand and verify the checklist from time to time. It's also a good idea to call the moving provider to confirm their arrival time.
This day is going to be quite busy, so start your morning with a good breakfast to have enough energy. If you're driving to the new home, ensure that the suitcases and other items are in the car. And in case you're flying, arrange your things properly to keep an eye on them.
Once the moving trucks arrive, keep track of the inventory to ensure that everything is picked up as planned. If you have booked a professional service, movers will take care of most things for you.
But before heading out, take a proper look around so that nothing is left behind. You should also spend time conversing with the movers to let them know the exact location of your new house. They'll probably ask you to fill out some documents, so do it carefully and make no errors.
Moving Checklist Frequently Asked Questions ?
What to do on the day you move into the new house?
The day you move into your new home is going to be pretty overwhelming. Don't tax yourself by immediately starting cleaning; rather calm yourself down and take a nice tour around the house.
This would give you new ideas about ways to arrange your things when they're finally delivered. Then, you can take your time to clean the place and unpack the essentials. Don't try to do all the cleaning at once but make a plan to spread out tasks throughout the first week.
Here are some other things to do on the first day:
- Get to know your neighbors
- Take a tour around the town
- Help your kids and pets explore the place
- Contact necessary service people like electricians and HVAC technicians
- Go grocery shopping
- Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant
What to do after the moving company delivers your items?
The moving company may not be able to deliver the things on the very day you move into the new home, especially when you're using international movers. That's why it's best to be prepared about handling the things on the delivery day.
- Be prepared for the delivery with the right moving documents.
- Ensure that the employees from the moving company can contact you on your phone.
- Clean your new home beforehand to make it easier to unpack things.
- Keep an eye on the boxes to make sure everything matches your inventory.
- Pay extra attention to the furniture and appliances when the movers are unloading them.
Moving Checklist Final Words
Well, now all you need to do is unpack the items and settle into your new home. There's no need to hurry, as you'll have ample time to get things sorted.
Remember to sit back and relax for a while before you get all caught up with the post-moving work. However, utilize this time to arrange for any necessary services that might be required for your new home.
Don't forget to take help from professionals when necessary, be it for packing items or installing your appliances. Just keep following the checklist to ensure you're up-to-date with all the tasks that need to be done.
Until next time, goodbye, and happy moving!
Related Articles
How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving


text:
SunGarden® Fresh Living is a proud producer of Fresh Sprouts and Sprout Powders, the Original Super Food. For generations, Sprouts have been considered the most nutritious produce available and consumed by those looking to add nutrition, unique taste, and appeal to salads, sandwiches, and upscale food presentations. With worldwide consumer demand for our products continuing to increase, we are thrilled to supply these highly nutritious products.
Best-in-class food safety systems are a key part of why SunGarden® Fresh Living is recognized as one of the world leaders in the industry. Having already exceeded the industry standard with an SQF level 2 certification SunGarden® Fresh Living has decided to take it up a notch with an NSF GMP certification. This is an unprecedented level of food safety and represents as a whole the values of SunGarden®.
So what is NSF and why is this an achievement? NSF certification is key to ensuring products meet strict standards for public health protection. If for any reason a product fails to meet one or more certification criteria, NSF will take enforcement actions, including product recall, public notification, or de-certification.
With origins tracing back to 1944 when it began at the University of Michigan as the National Sanitation Foundation to standardize sanitation and food safety requirements. NSF initially established safety standards for things like soda fountains and cooking equipment, but eventually expanded beyond sanitation standards to test and certify products in multiple industries to verify that an industry's products were meeting NSF-developed health and safety standards.
The NSF's ongoing auditing function is the key difference of their certification program. Other third-party programs might only audit a company once, so there is no guarantee to consumers that the company's product will consistently be made with the same standards. It is this function that shows the dedication that SunGarden® Fresh Living has to provide the world's safest products.
SunGarden® Fresh Living has been providing the highest quality sprouts since 1979. We grow and sell Alfalfa, Clover, Radish, Mung Bean, and Broccoli Sprouts. All sprouts are carefully grown and harvested in our state-of-the-art facility while best-in-class food safety systems ensure our sprouts are the safest in the industry.
To learn more about SunGarden® Sprouts and Sprouted Ingredients, visit www.Sproutnet.com or call Silas Stoddart, Marketing Director.


text:
624-227-5766 | Cabo
Fractional ownership of vacation homes, also called private residence clubs, is a relatively new concept that allows you to enjoy 4 to 12 weeks of home ownership privileges per year at an upscale, luxury resort but at a fraction of the cost of whole ownership.
If you want to own an impressive second home complete with personalized services and located in an expensive resort area but can't quite justify the expense because you'll only be using it a few weeks or months of the year, this type of real estate arrangement may appeal to you.
Most fractional ownership communities offer extensive amenities. These may include an extravagant clubhouse and spa, plus 5-star hotel services, the kind you couldn't expect to have in a wholly-owned vacation home, high-end condo or timeshare.
Imagine this: You are going on vacation and you call ahead to the staff at your fractional ownership home. At your request, the staff shops for your groceries, dry cleans your clothing, makes your restaurant reservations, heats your private splash pool, and places your knick-knacks and favorite family pictures around your home. Fractional ownership homes tend not to be your ordinary second home.
I have included information of the fractional ownership projects here in Cabo. Please feel free to navigate through and contact me with any questions.


text:
GROTON — Two cabinet secretaries with New England roots toured the General Dynamics Electric Boat submarine shipyard that anchors the economy of southeastern Connecticut on Tuesday, promoting elements of President Joe Biden's jobs proposal that would expand apprenticeship programs important to EB.
The trip by Labor Secretary Martin J. Walsh and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo brought the former Boston mayor and former Rhode Island governor to a regional employer flush with federal contracts, challenged only by the need to hire and train thousands of designers, engineers and assemblers in a rapidly growing workforce.
With work underway on a new class of submarines and the Cold War generation of shipyard workers hitting retirement age, EB's president, Kevin M. Graney, said the company will be in an aggressive hiring mode for the foreseeable future — assuming Connecticut and Rhode Island can continue to produce a job-ready workforce.
"For the first time in a generation, we are building two classes of submarines: the Virginia class of fast-attack submarines, and the Columbia class of ballistic missile submarines," Graney said. "So that we can respond to the needs of the Navy, we're hiring thousands of new employees, we are open for business. We hired more than 2,000 last year, and we'll do that again this year."
There is no friendlier place for visiting administration officials and members of Congress than a defense contractor whose existence relies on the continued support of the White House and congressional votes for defense authorizations, a task made easier with the ascension of U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3rd District, as chair of the Appropriations Committee.
DeLauro promised continued funding for federal apprenticeship programs, underscoring that she was in a position to make good on the promise.
"It's good to be chair," she said, prompting laughter. "It really is."
Graney welcomed the two secretaries, DeLauro, Gov. Ned Lamont and two others whose committee assignments are of special interest to the company: U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, chair of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, which oversees U.S. Navy shipbuilding; and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of the Armed Services Committee.
Graney took the delegation on a tour of the shipyard, its massive assembly sheds and graving docks, as well as the construction of infrastructure necessary for the assembly of the new ballistic missile subs. They will be 560 feet long, nearly 200 feet longer than the Virginia fast attack ships.
The submarines are constructed in modules, with hull sections manufactured in Quonset Point, R.I., and shipped by barge to Groton for assembly, finishing and testing before being launched into the Thames River, not far from the Naval Submarine Base.
One of the secretaries' key talking points was to highlight the $48 billion in workforce development in the American Jobs Plan that Biden proposed in a speech to Congress last week as a "blue-collar blueprint to build America." It is the follow-up to the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package passed in March.
It includes creating as many as 2 million new apprenticeship slots, some geared to providing opportunities for women and minorities to non-traditional occupations.
'The secret to successful job training and apprenticeship is a partnership between labor and business, between workers and the companies that employ them," Raimondo said. "And in that regard, EB is a model for the work that the secretary of labor and I will look to expand."
Walsh and Raimondo met with some of the EB workers enrolled in the federally backed apprenticeship program reauthorized in 2016.
"Honestly, it struck me [that] every single one of them talked about the impact it has in the family. And you don't hear that every day," Walsh said.
Depending on the skills, the programs last for three to five years, boosting the skills and wages of the employees and giving EB the workforce it needs to meet the Navy's production schedule.
EB has 300 workers in programs, a number expected to grow to 500. Another 450 have completed the programs.
"For centuries, shipbuilders have passed their skills to apprentices, helping new tradespeople develop and refine their craft. Today, our apprenticeship programs and workforce development efforts continue that long tradition," Graney said.
Given the total control of the region's congressional seats by Democratic allies of the president, there are no votes for the plan at stake here. But that is not stopping Vice President Kamala Harris, who visited Connecticut last month, from joining Raimondo on Wednesday to promote Biden's infrastructure and jobs plan.
"You could not come to a better place to really talk about President Biden's American jobs plan and what it means for registered apprenticeships and for the Workforce Investment Act," Courtney said. "This is the birthplace of the registered apprenticeship program."
Courtney noted that the federal apprenticeship program dated back to the Fitzgerald Act, a law authored in 1937 by Congressman William Fitzgerald of Norwich, a child of Irish immigrants, as is Walsh.
While Connecticut, like other northeast industrial states, has lost manufacturing jobs to cheaper labor markets overseas and in southern states, advanced manufacturing has rebounded here, especially companies in the aerospace or submarine supply chain.
Kevin Graney, the EB president, welcoming, from the left, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Secretary Gina Raimondo, Secretary Martin Walsh, Gov. Ned Lamont and Rep. Joe Courtney.The Lamont administration has focused on how to better tie the curricula of technical schools and community colleges to the needs of those employers and provide middle-class jobs.
Walsh said the Biden administration has the same goals and is intent on finding ways to use federal stimulus dollars to build careers, not just temporarily boost the economy.
"I think we saw it here today. We saw a couple different groups of people. Some came from community college. One young man, we were talking outside, he told us he was a high school dropout. And now he's going to finish his degree, get his degree. And he's going on to profession here and a career here," Walsh said. "This is an opportunity for that. So I think that we have to reimagine how we do things."
One of the apprentices, Arnold Chappell, 25, of Groton, started at EB out of high school. The apprentice program is giving him a college degree and the skills for more challenging and better paying jobs in the shipyard.
Another, Holly Boyle, 33, started as an administrative aide and now is being trained as a designer.
Lamont said EB's current hiring is important, but so is the long and reliable expansion to come.
"I know that now you are hiring 1,000-plus now, but your peak year is going to be in 2029," Lamont said. "And so those folks that are in third, fourth, fifth grade, we have to do everything we can let them know what an amazing career, a great paying job, a job with job security, a job that makes a difference in terms of a world peace, and a job right here in Connecticut and Rhode Island."


text:
Fudan-MIT International MBA News
Consulting, Jobs & Entrepreneurship: Top Reasons To Study An MBA In China
With a market size of over a billion and an economy recovering quickly from COVID-19, the reasons to study an MBA in China are growing
December 30, 2020 07:00
What Makes A Top-Ranked MBA Program?
Researching MBA rankings? We list five traits that the top MBA programs have in common
February 27, 2020 10:00
MBA Rankings: 6 Things You Should Know
While MBA rankings are often the gold-standard for business schools, there's more to them than meets the eye
December 4, 2019 12:44
Meet The MBA Heading Up Digital Business At IBM Asia-Pacific
Sojung Lee moved to Shanghai for her MBA almost a decade ago. Today, she's director for the Digital Business Group at IBM Asia-Pacific
October 24, 2019 09:00
The 20 Best Business Schools For Women In 2019
BusinessBecause highlights the top 20 MBA programs in the world for female representation
March 7, 2019 10:11
Rise Of Chinese Businesses In The West Means More Opportunities For China-Savvy MBAs
Chinese companies are looking to expand—and MBA grads like Egor Prokhin know that knowledge of Chinese business practices is a huge help in the job market
January 11, 2019 09:15
10 Reasons Why You Should Do An MBA In Shanghai
Shanghai is the Chinese center for finance, technology, and culture. Is it time you turned to the East for your MBA degree?
October 15, 2018 09:57


text:
This year we have seen a huge number of businesses which have taken to the internet to market themselves having avoided it previously. This of course happened because there was such an enormous audience online owing to the lockdown and it was the only way in which many businesses could continue to operate. To support many of these businesses we have seen marketing experts like Ayden Hector who has been releasing a number of videos to help businesses to cut through online with smart digital marketing strategies. In light of this, here are some ideas for how you could get started with your very own digital marketing campaign.
Social Media Marketing
The easiest and the most accessible way for businesses to begin with their marketing campaign is trough social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Both of these mediums will help you to gain access to the marketplace and even if you are not investing any money in your campaign you will be able to use this to connect with your customers and to market your products and services.
Email Marketing
Collecting email addresses is always something which is good practice because it gives you direct access to those customers who have bought from you before or even shown an interest. What you should then look to do is use email marketing as a means of keeping in touch with your customers and presenting them with the best offers and any information which you wish to share. Email marketing can form a great foundation for this type of campaign and it will also help you to reach those people who rely heavily on mobile.
Promotional Marketing
Thanks to coupon sites such as Groupon it has never been easier than it is now to spend some money on promotional marketing. The way that this works is that you focus on a single product which you are happy to take a small loss on in order to bring people into the business. Usually you can simply strip the profit off a product which will bring people into the business, and then once they are in you can focus on wowing them with both the quality of your products and the service that you are able to provide.
Search engine optimization is a critically important aspect of all digital marketing campaigns and no matter whether this is something that you are outsourcing or it is something that you are doing on your own, it is highly recommended that you invest some time in learning about SEO. This is basically about getting your website to the top of the search rankings for a variety of keywords. The reason why this is important is that many consumers will not look beyond the first page of those search results, and if you are on page one you have a much better chance of bringing customers to your business.
There is much to learn here but the more you know, the better a campaign you can design for your company.


text:
(This ad is a "trade" for the writing of this column. Opinions
Monday, December 15, 2008
New List—2008 (Dec, 07-to Date)
######## surrounding the article denotes it is a "press release"
New List—2008 (Dec, 07-to Date)
--- Mergers, Acquisitions & Changes
(If any corrections, additions, please contact email@example.com)
Balboa Capital, Irvine, Ca (12/07) Curt Lysne, Senior. Vice President of Sales, who both started and headed the broker division, left the company last week (Lysne later in the month joins PFSC in Portland, Oregon )(12/08) Exits broker business badly with no time period notice, cutting off brokers, approvals, many report fundings not complete. Much more to follow.
Bankers Healthcare Group, Weston, FL. (05/08) Cuts off brokers, "...will honor all outstanding approvals (30) days from the original approval date and respond to all outstanding applications currently in credit throughout the month of May, however no new credits will be accepted.
C and J Leasing Corp , Des Moines , Iowa (11/08) in business since 1982 has let go its 18 employees, stopped funding, and is not taking on any new business, according to its president C. Allen Rice. He says he has been in the business for over 26 years and has never seen anything like today's financing marketplace.
CIT Group, New York (11/08) CIT becomes commercial bank to seek TARP funds.(10/08) CEO Peek calls CIT an underdog (05/08) to cut 1,000 employees.(03/08) Many problems dues to consumer loan side, attracted by current president, former Merrill-Lynch executive(01/08) CIT will lose between $125 MM & $135MM
Citibank, New York (06/08) starts closing leasing operations, has several units for sale. (04/08) Citigroup reveals serious losses
Columbia Bank Leasing , Tacoma, WA (12/07) Sr. VP Tom Mahaffey leaves to become, Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, Pinnacle Business Finance (11/08) Bank to exit leasing although excellent portfolio,very low delinquencies, scared of leasing, they say.
Creative Capital Leasing Group, LLC, San Diego, CA. (04/08) Goes Chapter 7, portfolio's placed for sale. (12/007) Perhaps the first equipment leasing company to file bankruptcy because of the subprime mortgage market problems. A hard line leasing company, well-known for taking both consumer and commercial real estate, the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the Southern California Bankruptcy Court on September 10, 2007. They listed up to 99 creditors, which may exceed to $100 million, but most likely is perhaps $75 million, including PFF Bank and Trust.
Direct Capital, Portsmouth, NY (12/08) many cutbacks reported by readers as well] as nearby leasing company receiving applications from employees fired, but CEO Chris Broom says business is up 23%, $10 million put into the company and approaching banks to increase their lines of credit.(11/08) Readers report cutbacks, Broom says "normal."
Diversified Financial Service, Omaha, NE (06/08) exits the broker funding business.
El Camino Resources International Leasing and Financing, Chatsworth, California (11/08) Not funding deals in Mexico; suit along with ePlus Group against Huntington Bank, Columbus, Ohio is preceding to a trial, perhaps by July of next year.
First Republic Bank, San Francisco, Ca. (01/08) Paul Knowlton, CLP, Managing Director, First Republic Equipment Finance, 2008 president of the United Association of Equipment Leasing (UAEL), confirmed that First Republic Bank, San Francisco, California is closing its leasing division that Knowlton heads. First Republic Bank was purchased by Merrill-Lynch and in recent news about selling off more of its assets, which previously included Merrill-Lynch Commercial Finance Lease division. May 20, 2006 Republic announced that it had purchased Bank of Walnut Creek, across the San Francisco Bay in Walnut Creek, the hub of Contra Costa County.
GE Capital, Conn (11/08) GE becomes commercial bank to seek TARP funds (10/08) closes more leasing divisions (09/08) starts cutting leasing divisions. (04/08) Citibank sells units to GE Capital (12/07) purchases most of Merrill-Lynch Finance Division, officers given notice to look for other employment
Global Funding LLC. Clearwater, FL (12/08) Jeff Maricle says just a "consultant" for Landmark Financial, not his company, returns all advance rentals before this company closes due primarily to publicity, it is claimed. (11/08) Jeff Maricle was found guilty of not returning an advance rental (10/08) Company out of business, founder Jeff Maricle, names SunBridge Capital truck deals not funding as prime cause.
GMAC Financial Services (02/08) Net Loss $724 Million compared to net income of $1 billion in 4th quarter of 2006.
Greystone Equipment Finance, Massachusetts (11/09) Founder Donald Synborski let go by board reportedly over direction of company. Also there is a $1 million group of leases with Acropolis, with four in default, more to follow. Several Alerts were posted in Leasing News, and looks like PFF and Balboa also had write offs. Original vendor group reportedly working under another name in another state.
IFC Credit Corporation, Morton Grove, IL (12/08) admits to letting 15 employees go, readers say it is 26 to 35 (11/08) Reaches Settlement with FTC and Attorneys General and agrees to refund 86% of payments made since NorVergence filed bankruptcy to those who have not settled or paid off to date. Law fees and costs said to be over $50 million.
International Lease Finance Corp. (part of AIG) (11/08) Founder trying to sell unit off of AIG (09/08) Gets stung as a unit of insurance conglomerate AIG, which was effectively taken over Tuesday by the federal government, the jet-leasing company owns 1,000 jets built by Boeing and Airbus and has more than 100 Boeing jets still on order.
Huntington Equipment Finance, Vendor Finance Group, Bellevue, Washington (11/08)Laurie A. Bakke, Vice President, confirmed that Huntington Bank, Columbus, Ohio, is discontinuing funding for her 12 employee division that specialized in vendor finance and leasing programs. She says Huntington will continue to accept credit submissions through December 31, 2008 and will honor all backlog.
Irwin Financial (08/08) Irwin sells US operation." I know that you've reported on the portfolio sale and closure of Irwin in the US and the sale of Irwin in Canada. You may not be aware of how Irwin has completely dropped the ball on any type of conduit to accommodate vendors and lessees during the wind down. In many cases they are not honoring purchase orders after lessees have received equipment (stating that they are contingent) or credit approvals. They have sent lessee executed lease documents and checks to the former sales reps to find a home, but without accompanying credit packages. Headquarters (Bellevue WA) has all but abandoned any cooperation with their former sales reps by not answering phones, emails, etc. I do not want my name used but thought that you might find this interesting in light of Irwin Union Bank, Irwin Franchise and Irwin Technology still having ongoing operations." (07/08) cuts off brokers.
Lakeland Bank, Montville, NJ (10/08) Lets go its Equipment Leasing Division President Stephen Schachtel by "mutual agreement, "as per the SEC filing. Chief Executive Officer Tom Shara said the replacement of Schachtel with the division's number two man, Robert Ingram, is part of a plan to downsize the leasing business. "We want to go to a local leasing platform. We don't want to do a national lease book of business," said the former TD Banknorth executive who took over as CEO in April after former President & CEO Roger Bosma retired. Heavy losses in truck leasing reported, particularly by one major lessee.
LEAF, New Jersey (12/08) announces loan to cover NetBank portfolio purchase and more lines, but numbers don't add up. Doesn't respond to questions as parent stock goes into the toilet (08/08) LEAF Third Party Funding in Southern California (formerly Pacific Capital Bank Leasing, Santa Barbara Leasing (03/08) closes old Jim Harris' Alco Leasing Company, Portland, Oregon(02/08) Parent of LEAF reports $6.4MM 1st Q Loss
LEAF, Columbia, SC (10/08) Cuts bank on broker business, letting discounters and even franchise discounters go elsewhere.
LEAF Third Party Funding in Southern California (formerly Pacific Capital Bank Leasing, Santa Barbara Leasing, (08/08) closes operation, lets everyone go.
Lehman Bros, New York (09/08) files for BK, syndicator for many leasing companies.
Marlin Business Services, New Jersey (12/01) Marlin Industrial Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, files to be commercial bank, bank president tells press board approved move to apply for TARP money (11/08) $941,000 loss Third Quarter 10/08) Let's broker service representatives go, cuts back on brokers. (05/08) Confirms layoffs of 51 employees
Merrill-Lynch, Chicago/New York (12/07) GE purchases most of Merrill-Lynch Finance Division, officers given notice to look for other employment (09/08) sold to BofA (04/08) Reveals serious losses(09/08) sold to BofA
M&T Credit (Bank)(10/08) Effective October 1, 2008, M&T Credit Services, LLC (M&T Credit) will no longer offer equipment lease and finance services for business and professional banking customers.
National City, Cleveland, Ohio (10/08) cuts employees, divisions, in verge of failure (06/08) OTS issues memorandum of understanding, starts closing down leasing operation.
OneWorld Leasing Inc. (08/08) Ira Z. Romoff, President, confirms: "Not a merger per se, but a combination. Still under negotiation." (07/08) The leasing co-operative looking for one source, rather than many; could be a merger
New World Equipment Funding, LLC, Lake Success, New York (07/08) Cuts off many brokers/discounters, denies problems with SunBridge Capital truck portfolio.
Pentech Financial, Campbell, CA (12/08) Negotiations continued (11/08) Memo to all no funding for at least two weeks more weeks, includes Vanguard operation in San Diego, as CEO Millerbus discussed
PFF, Pomona, Ca. (11/08) sold to US Bank, Minneapolis, Minnesota. PFF Bank had total assets of $3.7 billion and total deposits of $2.4 billion. Besides assuming all the deposits, U.S. Bank will purchase virtually all their assets. The FDIC will retain any remaining assets for later disposition. (06/08)--Ron Lear leaves for OTC and Steve Tidland to join Commercial Commerce, PFF basically out of leasing, in trouble. Bank direct active in state, indirect many warehouse loans and lines to "C" and "D" leasing operations. (04/08) Expects $200 million loss (01/08) Wins assets on major lease from Creative
Popular Finance (10/08) Division of Popular Bank, portfolio is reported for sale as bank starts selling off US Divisions, broker business cut back to direct selling.(01/08) announces sale of consumer divisions and looking to sell other units
Radiance-Capital , Tacoma , WA (12/08)"Currently, Radiance is focused on portfolio management only and not accepting new brokers or credit applications When things change and we start lending again on more consistent basis and terms, I can update you at that time. Due to the instability in the economy and with those that lend to this industry, I don't see us lending in 2009. Unfortunately, in my humble opinion, I don't think we have seen the worst yet." Meryl L. Newman,Chief Executive Officer."
Sandy Springs, Olney, MD (10/08) Lou Caceres Executive Vice President Caceres confirms that the leasing operation is no longer accepting broker business, adding "we are not 100% out of this." It appears they still have a few broker relationships, although he did not specifically state this nor expand upon the previous statement. For the record he said Sandy Spring Bank Leasing is not accepting any new broker business.
Southwest Credit, San Antonio, TX (02/08) Two Bulletin Board complaints keeping advance rentals, not being able to fund transactions tied to real estate.
Studebaker-Worthington, NY (08/08) State Bank of Long Island sells long time leasing operation to Main Street National Bank, who will then take over the broker operation, reporting to Bob Fisher, CLP, and EVP. Main Street Bank expanding leasing operations, also franchise fundings and direct healthcare service division (05/08) Insiders tell Leasing News "due diligence" is being conducted as S-W to be sold to Tom Depping's Main Street National Bank, Kingwood, Texas (04/08) S-W in escrow, name of buyer not known at this time (02/08) According to Omar Diaz, Studebaker is still actively accepting and funding business. He could make no comment, referring to Ken Paston, who was not available for comment (02/08) Reports of company being sold. (01/08) State Bank of Long Island announced that they plan to divest themselves of their leasing subsidiary, Studebaker-Worthington leasing Corp.
SunBridge Capital, Mission, Kansas (12/01) Bank reportedly repossesses "Trucks on Hand," all but four employees reportedly let go. Brokers owed commissions, they tell Leasing News. (11/08) announces no more funding until first of year to concentrate on "Trucks on Hand." (06/08) cut off from funding, "Trucks on Hand" still in operation.
Textron (10/08) Textron Inc. is downsizing its commercial finance business to reflect "the sustained turmoil in world credit markets." Textron said that it will reduce the size of Textron Financial Corp., its commercial finance business, and the company will exit its Asset Based Lending and Structured Capital segments, along with several additional product lines, through an orderly liquidation over the next two to three years, as market conditions allow. The assets in the businesses to be liquidated represent approximately $2 billion in managed finance receivables within TFC's $11.4 billion portfolio, it said.
TFC also said that it will limit new originations in its Distribution Finance, Golf, and Resort portfolios. In a regulatory filing, the company said, "In recent weeks, volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets have reached unprecedented levels."
WaMu Bank, Washington (09/08) Had closed direct and indirect leasing business the previous year, winding down operation, bank fails and is purchased by Chase.
Wachovia Bank (05/08) May Take $1B Charge Tied to Leases (10/08) sold to Wells Fargo, let's go its leasing operation.
Note: There are three that waiting for better confirmation to add to list for 2008.
Old List ( not up-dated at this time)
Classified Ads---Sales
"I wanted to thank you. I got my job at Enterprising Capital through your website.
"As I've found a job, please remove my name from your classifieds to leave room for those in need.
"Thanks and take care."
Saul Sloman, Vice President
Also note that Donna Mount has joined:
For a full listing of all "job wanted" ads, please go to:
To place a free "job wanted" Leasing News ad:
ELFA Career Center: Job Seekers (free):
Leasing Books for Christmas/Hanukah
Top Ten Tips to Increase Leasing Sales
Linda P. Kester's two others books, ""366 Marketing Tips for Equipment Leasing" and "12 Core Fundamental Tips for the NEW Leasing Sales Professional" are also available at:
To Order, please go here:
Bank Beat
Haven Trust Bank, Duluth, Georgia, became the 24th bank to fail in the nature this year, and the fifth in Georgia when it was closed Friday by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T), Winston-Salem, NC, to assume all of Haven Trust's deposits, including those that exceeded the insurance limit. The four branches of Haven Trust will reopen today, Monday, as branches of BB&T.
As of December 8, 2008, Haven Trust had total assets of $572 million and total deposits of $515 million. BB&T agreed to assume all of the deposits for $112,000. In addition to assuming all of the failed bank's deposits, BB&T will purchase approximately. The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund will be $200 million. The BB&T's acquisition of all deposits was the "least costly" resolution for the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund compared to alternatives. The last bank to be closed in the state was First Georgia Community Bank, Jackson, GA, on December 5, 2008.
Georgia's Community Banks feeling the pain:
PNC Financial and National City reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice under which PNC will divest 61 National City branches in western Pennsylvania.
Sanderson State Bank, Sanderson, Texas, became the 25th bank to fail as it was closed on Friday by the Texas Department of Banking, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with The Pecos County State Bank, Fort Stockton, Texas, to assume all of Sanderson State Bank's deposits, including those that exceeded the deposit insurance limit. Sanderson State Bank's sole office will reopen on today, Monday, as a branch of The Pecos County State Bank.
As of December 3, 2008, Sanderson State Bank had total assets of $37 million and total deposits of $27.9 million. The Pecos County State Bank agreed to assume all of the deposits for a .55 percent premium. In addition to assuming all of the failed bank's deposits, The Pecos County State Bank will purchase approximately $3.8 million of assets, and have the option to purchase owned premises and equipment. The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition.
The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund will be $12.5 million. The Pecos County State Bank's acquisition of all the deposits was the least costly resolution for the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund compared to alternatives. Sanderson State Bank is the second in Texas. The last bank to be closed in the state was Franklin Bank, SSB, Houston, TX, on November 7, 2008.
Wells Fargo & Co. plans to take a charge of $40 billion in the fourth quarter connected with its acquisition of Wachovia Corp, according to a report from Richard Bove, an analyst in Lutz for Ladenburg Thalmann.
Current list of failed banks:
Previous reports:
Mortgage applications down 7.1%
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending December 5, 2008 showed a decrease of 7.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis. The conventional purchase index sank 15.5%, while the government purchase index, largely Federal Housing Administration-related, fell 21.3%.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 5.45% from 5.47%, with points increasing to 1.23 from 1.16, including the origination fee, for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans.
The average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 5.09% from 5.13%, with points decreasing to 1.26 from 1.28, including the origination fee, for 80% LTV loans.
Further, the average contract interest rate for one-year ARMs increased to 6.76% from 6.61%, with points decreasing to 0.26 from 0.52, including the origination fee, for 80% LTV loans.
(Leasing News provides this ad "gratis" as a means
Leasing Industry Help Wanted
Settlement Specialist
Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.
Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Lease Language
I function as a teacher and an expert witness and on many occasions I discover that lessor's and their customers are on different wavelengths when it comes to lease language. They "miscommunicate" due to our use of a language they do not understand. We also conger up some home owned terms on a company wide basis and think the world knows what we are talking about. I will show you what I am talking about by discussing some common terms.
First Term; "capital lease". A capital lease is only an accounting term used as a classification tool for booking a commercial equipment lease when it meets one of the SFAS #13 paragraph 7 requirements. A automatic title transfer, a bargain purchase option, a term for greater than 75% of the equipments useful life or that a discount of the rent stream, at the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is above 90% of the equipments fair value. I have heard lessor's state that it is only a capital lease like that describes its tax and legal status also and that is not the case. In income tax terms it is a disguised conditional sales contract or a true lease. For legal purposes it is a "lease intended as a security" or a legal Article 2A lease. These terms need to be understood and properly conveyed or explained to the lessee and not thrown about indiscriminately.
In addition you cannot tell a lessee that your lease is an operating lease, because, while you may believe that is so, it is up to the lessee's accountant to make that determination. Remember that the discount rate the lessee uses on the 90% test is different than the one the Lessor uses, which may result in different answers. The accountant may use a different equipment fair value than you because the rule requires the 90% test on the fair value and not on the equipment cost. This is the reason most lessor's do not place the equipment cost in the lease agreement. These differences make it hard for you to be so certain.
A "bargain purchase option" is defined differently for each set of rules; accounting, income tax and legal. The accounting definition is: A provision allowing the lessee, at his option, to purchase the leased property for a price which is sufficiently lower than the expected fair value of the property at the date the option becomes exercisable that exercise of the option appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured. The definition for Federal income tax is: if the user has the option to acquire the property at the end of the lease for a price that either is nominal in relation to the value of the property at the time when the option can be exercised (as determined at the time the parties entered into the agreement or which is relatively small when compared with the total payments required to be made.) For the uniform commercial code (Article 2A) the definition is: the lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for no additional consideration or nominal additional consideration upon compliance with the lease agreement.
Both accounting and federal income tax rules discuss the future value of the equipment as seen at the time the lease begins as can be seen with the words "at the inception of the lease" and "as determined at the time the parties enter into the agreement" but the legal definition makes no mention of future value it only discusses the value at termination and if it is a bargain based on the value at that time. Be very careful how you handle purchase options and understand the consequences.
Many of our lease terms confuse the lessee and none more than the word "lease" by itself. The word lease is about as clear as saying that I am going to give you a boat without describing what kind of a boat. You may have in mind a ski boat when I have in mind a kayak. You must describe what kind of lease you are presenting and the implications of that type of lease. Leasing is not financing and to sell it on the same basis by saying it is a $1 out deal misleads the lessee and can get you into all kinds of problems. (Refer to the differences I wrote about between $1 out leases and loans for reference).
We use the terms "advance" and "arrears" to often without explaining their purpose or function. The proper definition of "advance" is a payment received in advance of the lessee's right to use the asset. The definition of "arrears" is a payment received after the lessee has used the equipment. It is true that an advanced payment is cheaper that an arrears payment but that is not usually the reason for using it. Explain the differences to your lessee and let them chose which one they want.
In addition, the word "rent" also misleads the lessee into thinking the Lessor is taking care of maintenance, repairs, insurance, and assessed taxes. All of which are usually found in a "rental agreement". The proper term is "lease payment", or use the term "net lease" which would require you to explain to the lessee his responsibility to pay for maintenance, repairs, insurance, and assessed taxes.
This is only the tip of the iceberg on terms in our business. Please understand that the terms we use daily are usually new to our customers and as lease sales personnel we are charged with the responsibility to clearly communicate our product to the lessee to avoid nasty disagreements and misunderstandings.
Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 502-327-8666.
Previous #102 Columns:
(This ad is a "trade" for the writing of this column. Opinions
Top Stories---December 8-December 12
Here are the top ten stories opened by readers:
(1) SunBridge Capital's "Truck at Hand" Repossessed
(2) Pentech still on its Feet by Christopher Menkin
(3) Operation Lease Fleece: Up-Date
(4) Franchise Lessees doing well
(5) Trigger Data Complaints
(6) "Oy Vey, Banks & Leasing!"
(7) Treasury says bank rescue a success so far
(8) More on CMC Leasing
(9) Sales Make it Happen --- by Scott Wheeler
(10) AIG: 38 More Get Bonuses
For Christmas, alcohol free recipes
This is for those who do not drink alcohol, primarily aimed at expectant mothers, but also for young children and those who do not drink alcohol.
Written by Alyssa D. Gusenoff, daughter of well-known leasing attorney Barry Dubin of Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, the non-alcoholic book aimed at mothers-to-be has been very well received. Both our web graphic designers, who just had children, recommend the book.
"This is a very fun book, "Maria Martinez Wong, in charge of all HTML graphics and layout, wrote. "You will enjoy healthy fruity drinks that offer nutritional benefits for the mom and baby with clever titles like 'The Stroller,' 'Pregnant Peach,' 'Doctor's Orders,' 'Easy Delivery,' 'Car Seat,' 'Cry Baby' & many more. The book is very well put together; it includes about 91 recipes and a table of equivalencies.
"It really offers a fun way of enjoying the "no - no's" of being pregnant without the alcohol.
"Margarita Mama will make the perfect gift for any mom-to-be anywhere."
This is from Gretchen Gabriel, who is responsible for the graphics, photographs, and charts at Leasing News:
"I think this book is very well done. It offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks that are cleverly named things like 'Materni-Tini' and 'Raspberry Rattle', as well as the non-alcoholic versions of some of the most popular cocktails. I think the recipes would be great at a baby shower or gathering where there are pregnant women. It seems like a welcome treat since most pregnant women just drink endless glasses of ice water. Even the non-pregnant set would enjoy some of these creations! A lot of fun!"
Divided into three chapters: "Frozen Delights," "On the Rocks," "Martini's & More," there are over 60 recipes for every "mom to be" with illustrations.
Available at Amazon and other book stores:
Classified ads—Lease Portfolio / Legal
Leasing Industry Outsourcing
All "Outsourcing" Classified ads
How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
News Briefs----
Federal Reserve may cut interest rates to 0% soon
Silicon Valley Millionaires Burned in Tech Bust
Executive Pay Limits May Prove Toothless
Layoffs fuel foreclosures
Thousands try for 100 Rolls-Royce jobs
Finding health coverage after a layoff
Lawyer Seen as Bold Enough to Cheat the Best of Investors
Madoff: The 17th Floor, Where Wealth Went to Vanish
Madoff's Clients Included Mets Owner, GMAC Chairman, Country-Club Recruits
Many old friends probably lost millions with Madoff
Wikipedia needs more contributors from India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/Wikipedia_needs_more_contributors_from
You May have Missed---
Foreclosure Storm Will Hit U.S. in '09 Amid Job Loss
Top Stories
These are the ten top stories chosen by readers by being the most read:
Top Stories---December 1-December 5
Top Stories Collection:
Gimme that Wine
Copia closing appears permanent
Wine on Deck, Wind at Your Back
Solar panels stolen
The wine world according to Grahm
Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is a cool wine gift
Kirkland Ranch auction falls short
Salute! Italy beats France as biggest wine producer
Wine Prices by vintage
Today's Top Event in History
1791-The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, became effective following ratification by Virginia. The anniversary of ratification and of effect is observed as Bill of Rights Day. The constitutional amendments were drawn up by James Madison and were declared in force this day, having been passed by both houses of Congress and ratified by their required number of states. The first of them established religious freedom, freedom of speech and press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government. The amendments were submitted to the states by the First Congress on September 25, 1789. The first state to ratify was New Jersey, which acted on November 20, 1789. Originally both houses passed 12 amendments, but two of them---on the proportion of representatives and on compensation—failed to secure the requisite number of states and ratifications.
This Day in American History
The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?
Daily Puzzle
How to play:
Refresh for current date:
See USA map, click to specific area, no commercials
Traffic Live---
Real Time Traffic Information
You can save up to 20 different routes and check them out
Independent, unbiased and fair news about the Leasing Industry.
Ten Top Stories each week chosen by readers (click here)
Editorials (click here)


text:
What is social influence and can it be measured? In today's post we explore why you need to pay attention to social influence in 2012. Read it now!
Up and Coming Social Media Sites: 2012
Which social media sites will make it big in 2012? In today's post we take a hard look at some of the up and comers in the social media game. Read about it here!


text:
Results not found
Joshua Cooper 'Shays Flat' Cabernet Sauvignon
While Josh Cooper may have hung his shingle on chardonnay and pinot noir, he's not so quietly a huge fan of Claret. Indeed, as I texted him for some extra information about a wine this evening, he's 'just flat out enjoying my morels with a Margaux!'. A doff of the cap in the direction of elbow-patch blazers and chinos with the pink wax seal on this wine, a fitting colour for a cravat or pocket square to go alongside a nice club tie and that blazer. "I have a distinct soft spot for the Cabernet wines produced in the 70's and 80's by the pioneering wineries of Central and Western Victoria, many of which seem ageless even now", says Josh. Exciting news as three new wines of Claret-esque nature will emerge from 2021, including one from Balgownie old vines, which is additionally thrilling for trainspotters.
This is right on the money, luncheon Claret in essence. Evocative, blue fruit, lavender, eucalyptus and mahogany scents, succulent texture yet plush and medium weight too. More cassis to taste, chocolate, cherry, mint/eucalyptus faintly and hazelnut savouriness in tow. Tannins swish softly and yet then with gentle authority, finishing the wine with light chews and chomps amongst fresh, leafy acidity. This is fantastic. Come hither cabernet with detail and drinkability on show. Drink: 2021 - 2035. 94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
This is a medium-bodied cabernet that has fresh and approachable style with red and black currants and a subtle, leafy edge. Medium body. Good concentration of cherry and plum flavors and a finely groomed tannin texture. Drink over the next eight years. 94 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
Join the mailing list
Gain exclusive specials, notifications for events & tastings, plus our monthly features directly to your inbox.


text:
Former Melon CEO Sentenced To Prison For Embezzlement Of 18.2 Billion Won
The former CEO of Melon, Korea's largest music streaming site, was on trial on charges of embezzling ₩18.2 billion KRW (about $16,448,274 USD) in copyright fees and was convicted.
The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced former CEO, Mr. Shin, to three and a half years in prison and arrested him on February 16. The former vice-chairman of Loen Entertainment (former owner of Melon), Mr. Lee, was also indicted and sentenced to two and a half years in prison with four-year probation. A third individual, Director Kim was sentenced to one year and six months in prison with a three-year probation.
The defendants continued to commit the crime for more than four years and embezzled a total of about ₩18.2 billion KRW [about $16.4 million USD] from copyrighted music. The crime is quite heavy in the duration of the crime, the number of victims, and the size of the damage.
—Seoul Eastern District Court
The trio created a virtual record label, LS Music, in 2009 and registered songs with expired copyright protection. The members then manipulated sales figures, making the songs appear as if they had been downloaded many times.
They were also convicted for failing to settle the remaining ₩14.1 billion KRW (about $12.7 Million USD) in fees from April of 2010 to April 2013 to the copyright holders. In 2010, the three stole this money by changing Melon's royalty settlement method. Previously, each copyright holder was given a fee according to the usage rate, but the fees were changed to individual copyright fees.