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Sustainable farming, initially adopted to preserve soil quality for future generations, may also play a role in maintaining a healthy climate, according to researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge and Los Alamos national laboratories.
ORNL and LANL scientists are exploring the large potential of the earth's soils to sequester carbon, with estimates claiming that new land-use practices could greatly reduce U.S. carbon emissions by as much as 25 percent. But exactly which practices are the most effective is still unclear, and a research paper published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal shines some light on this topic by introducing an easy-to-use field-portable approach to measure the carbon content of soils.
"This is a tool one could use to measure changes in soil carbon over time and try to establish whether soil carbon stocks are increasing or decreasing as a result of land-use practices," said lead author Madhavi Martin of ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division. "Although it is possible to measure these properties in the laboratory, the simplicity and portability of the device allow researchers exponentially greater flexibility to conduct their investigations."
The paper describes the adaptation of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, or LIBS, a technique that once made Martin something of a celebrity when she used it confirm the common origin of two separate pieces of firewood - evidence that eventually led to a confession in a 2006 Texas murder case. LIBS works by measuring the light emitted when a small portion of the sample is annihilated with a laser pulse, a flash that provides an elemental fingerprint of virtually any substance under examination.
The challenge for the authors was configuring the experimental design to ensure accurate measurements of carbon regardless of soil characteristics. To accomplish this, the authors acquired a varied set of soil samples with different sand, silt and clay compositions from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and tested them against numerous laser wavelength and energies.
"We found that LIBS is a promising technique that provides a robust method for the sampling of soil carbon, relying solely on technology that can be taken to the field," Martin said. "Crop scientists, carbon managers and instrument developers should find these results encouraging."
With new techniques such as LIBS to assist them, researchers hope they can eventually identify the agricultural practices that provide the maximum benefits to farmers and the climate alike. Intensive farming is a double-edged sword as it can greatly enhance crop production in many areas of the country. Often, however, this comes at the expense of soil health in addition to accelerating the rate of climate change, according to the researchers.
Twice as much carbon is stored in the soils of the world as in the atmosphere, thanks to centuries of decomposition of plants and other organic matter. Fertile (high carbon content) soil is necessary for the growth of large healthy crops. However, fertile soil is also a favorite target of naturally occurring bacteria.
Fortunately for farmers and plants, the majority of carbon beneath our feet is physically protected from bacteria in what scientists call soil aggregates. A large portion of that carbon is concentrated near the earth's surface and therefore highly vulnerable to changes in land use. When a soil's aggregate structure is disturbed, such as through intensive farming, the organic matter it protects becomes accessible to soil microorganisms that use it as an energy source, releasing the stored carbon back into the atmosphere as the greenhouse gas CO2.
"Disruption of soil structure is estimated to contribute to a 50 percent loss of soil carbon," said Chuck Garten, a soil scientist at ORNL. "When the microstructure of the soil is disturbed, it breaks down the aggregates allowing large losses of soil carbon as a result of microbial decomposition."
This lesson was learned the hard way by many American farmers when pressure for production leads to serious soil degradation through erosion and nutrient losses. Intense farming by pioneer farmers in the first 30 years of settlement depleted the organic matter in the U.S. Great Plains by more than 50 percent with soil productivity falling more than 70 percent during the same period.
Eventually, better agricultural practices were adopted and production recovered. Still, grassland and forest soils continue to lose 20 percent to 50 percent of their original carbon content within the first 40 years of cultivation while tropical climates that practice shifting cultivation or slash and burn agriculture can lose their fertility within two to three years. Farmers make up for the loss by simply moving to new fields or replenishing carbon stocks with the use of manures and other organic wastes.
Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (news : web)
Explore further: Before selling carbon credits, read this


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Cisco OpenStack Edition: Folsom Manual Install
From DocWiki
OpenStack Folsom Manual Installation
The are two common ways of installing OpenStack, manually or via automation. There is much focus on the full automation of OpenStack deployment using automation tools such as Puppet, Chef, JuJu and others and while these offer great advantages over manual configuration, they do hide the underworkings from those who need to learn what is really happening during an OpenStack setup. This document can be used by those who want to learn a bit more about OpenStack installation process on the Folsom release using the following OpenStack components:
- Nova (Compute Service)
- Glance (Image Service)
- Keystone (Identity Service)
- Horizon (OpenStack Dashboard Web User Interface)
- Quantum (Network Service)
Operating System
The operating system used for this installation is Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise).
This document uses three physical servers (Cisco UCS B or C-series) to serve the roles of Controller, Compute, Network. While, physical servers are being used in the instructions, there is nothing preventing you from using three virtual machines running on your virtualization/hypervisor of choice. The three distinct node types that are used in this document are:
- Controller Node
- Runs Nova API, Nova Cert, Nova Consoleauth, Nova Novncproxy, Nova Scheduler, Novnc, Quantum Server, Quantum Plugin OVS, Quantum API/registry, and Keystone services
- Provides control plane functionality for managing the OpenStack environment
- Compute Node
- Runs Nova Compute, Quantum Plugin OVS, and OVS Plugin Agent services
- Provides the hypervisor role for running Nova instances (Virtual Machines)
- Network Node
- Runs Quantum DHCP, Quantum L3 Agent, Quantum Plugin OVS, OVS Plugin Agent, DNSMASQ Base and Util services
- Provides network services such as DHCP, network access and routing for Nova instances running on the Compute node
The network design referenced in this document has three physically or logically (VLAN) seperate networks. While, in this setup, VLANs are used for access to the nodes, in the Quantum environment with Open vSwitch (OVS) deployments, the connecitivity between multiple hosts on virtual networks uses either VLANs or tunneling (GRE). GRE is easier to deploy, especially in larger enviroments and does not suffer from the scalability limitations that VLANs do. The networks are defined below:
- Management and CIMC (Cisco Integrated Management Controller for UCS) Network
- This network is used to perform management functions against the node. Examples include SSH to the nodes, the controller node hosting Horizon would listen for incoming connections on this network.
- An IP address for each node is required for this network.
- This network typically employs private (RFC1918) IP addressing.
- Public/API Network
- This networking is used for assigning Floating IP addresses to instances for communicating outside of the OpenStack Cloud
- The Metaservice that is used for injecting information into instances (i.e. SSH keys) is attached to this network on the Controller node
- The Controller node and Network node will have an interface attached to this network
- An IP address for the Controller node is required for this network
- This network typically employs publicly routable IP addressing if no external NATs are used upstream towards the Internet edge (Note: in this document all IP addressing for all interfaces comes out of various private addressing blocks)
- Data Network (AKA: Private Network)
- This network is used for providing connectivity to OpenStack Intances (Virtual Machines)
- This node interfaces attached to this network are used for the Open vSwitch (OVS) GRE tunneling termination
- In this document an IP address for each node is assigned
- This network typically employs private (RFC1918) IP addressing
Figure 1 is used to help visualize the setup and to act as a reference for configuration steps later on in the document. A summary of the network topology is as follows:
- Controller Node
- Hostname = control03
- Single physical NIC used to logically separate three networks
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- eth0 IP address = 192.168.220.43
- eth0.221 connects to the Public/API network on VLAN221
- eth0.221 IP address = 192.168.221.43
- eth0.223 connects to the Data network
- eth0.223 IP address = 10.0.0.43
- CIMC 0 connects to the Management/CIMC network
- CIMC 0 IP address = 192.168.220.13
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- Compute Node
- Hostname = compute01
- Single physical NIC used to logically separate three networks
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- eth0 IP address = 192.168.220.51
- eth0.223 connects to the Data network
- eth0.223 IP address = 10.0.0.51
- CIMC 0 connects to the Management/CIMC network
- CIMC 0 IP address = 192.168.220.4
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- Network Node
- Hostname = control02
- Single physical NIC used to logically separate three networks
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- eth0 IP address = 192.168.220.42
- eth0.221 connects to the Public/API network on VLAN221
- eth0.221 No IP address is set for this interface (see notes later in document on OVS/Quantum setup)
- eth0.223 connects to the Data network
- eth0.223 IP address = 10.0.0.42
- CIMC 0 connects to the Management/CIMC network
- CIMC 0 IP address = 192.168.220.3
- eth0 connects to the Management/CIMC network which is on VLAN220 (VLAN 220 is the Native VLAN on the upstream Layer 2 switch)
- Other Network Services
- DNS: In this setup an external DNS server is used for name resolution for OpenStack node resolution and external resolution.
- NTP: In this setup an external NTP server(s) is used for time syncronization
- Physical Network Switches: Each node in this setup is physically attached to a Cisco Nexus switch acting as a Top-of-Rack access layer device. Trunking is configured on each interface connecting to the eth0 NIC of each node. Note: Upstream routers/aggregation layer switches will most likely be terminating the L3 VLAN interfaces and if they are deployed in a redundant fashion with a First Hop Redundancy Protocol like HSRP or VRRP then you need to be careful what the IP addresses are on the physical L3 switches/routers as they may conflict with the IP address of the Quantum router on the public subnet (usually assigned .3 address). For example, if you are using HSRP and you have .1 as the standby IP address, .2 as the first L3 switch IP and .3 as the second L3 switch IP, you will receive a duplicate IP address error on the second L3 switch. This can be worked around by using high-order IPs on your upstream L3 device or altering the Quantum subnet configuration at the time of creation (more on this later).
The installation of the nodes will be in the following order:
- Controller Node
- Network Node
- Compute Node
Install the Controller Node (control03)
Preparing Ubuntu 12.04
Install Ubuntu 12.04 (AMD 64-bit) from CD/ISO or automated install (i.e. kickstart). Use the networking information above to configure your network properties. Select ssh-server as the only additional package.
- Use sudo mode or run from root account for the entire installation:
sudo su
- You will receive the following error when trying to run update:
GPG error: http://18.104.22.168 folsom-proposed InRelease: The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY E8CC67053ED3B199
- Add the apt key to remove the error:
gpg --keyserver hkp://pgpkeys.mit.edu --recv-keys E8CC67053ED3B199 gpg --armor --export E8CC67053ED3B199 | apt-key add -
- Note: If you have issues using the pgpkeys.mit.edu site you can use keyserver.ubuntu.com instead:
gpg --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv-keys E8CC67053ED3B199
- Update your system:
apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade -y
- Controller Node (control03) /etc/network/interfaces:
# The loopback network interface auto lo iface lo inet loopback #Management Network auto eth0 iface eth0 inet static address 192.168.220.43 netmask 255.255.255.0 gateway 192.168.220.1 dns-nameservers 192.168.220.254 dns-search dmz-pod2.lab #VM Network with OVS in tunnel mode auto eth0.223 iface eth0.223 inet static vlan-raw-device eth0 address 10.0.0.43 netmask 255.255.255.0 #Public/API Network: Bridged Interface auto eth0.221 iface eth0.221 inet static vlan-raw-device eth0 address 192.168.221.43 netmask 255.255.255.0
Time Synchronization
- Install other services:
apt-get install -y ntp
- Configure the NTP server to synchronize between your compute nodes and the controller node::
sed -i 's/server ntp.ubuntu.com/server ntp.ubuntu.com\nserver 127.127.1.0\nfudge 127.127.1.0 stratum 10/g' /etc/ntp.conf service ntp restart
MySQL & RabbitMQ
- Install MySQL. #Note: You will be prompted for the root password for mysql. Document this password as it will be needed later on when we login and create databases:
apt-get install -y mysql-server python-mysqldb
- Configure mysql to accept all incoming requests:
sed -i 's/127.0.0.1/0.0.0.0/g' /etc/mysql/my.cnf service mysql restart
- Install RabbitMQ:
apt-get install -y rabbitmq-server
- Create a RabbitMQ user account that will be used by OpenStack services:
rabbitmqctl add_user openstack_rabbit_user Cisco123
- Create the RabbitMQ vhost for Quantum:
rabbitmqctl add_vhost /quantum
- Set the permissions for the new RabbitMQ user account:
rabbitmqctl set_permissions -p / openstack_rabbit_user ".*" ".*" ".*" rabbitmqctl set_permissions -p /quantum openstack_rabbit_user ".*" ".*" ".*"
Keystone Installation
- Start by the keystone packages:
apt-get install -y keystone
- Create a MySQL database for Keystone (use root password that was created during original MySQL install) # Note: ALL services and DB accounts will use Cisco123:
mysql -u root -p CREATE DATABASE keystone; GRANT ALL ON keystone.* TO 'keystone_admin'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'Cisco123'; quit;
- Edit the /etc/keystone/keystone.conf to the new database:
[DEFAULT] admin_token = keystone_admin_token [sql] connection = mysql://keystone_admin:email@example.com/keystone
- Test whether MySQL is listening on 192.168.220.43 for the Keystone database:
mysql -h192.168.220.43 -ukeystone_admin -pCisco123 keystone
- Restart the identity service then synchronize the database:
service keystone restart keystone-manage db_sync
- Download the Keystone data script [1] and edit the following fields in the script:
ADMIN_PASSWORD=${ADMIN_PASSWORD:-Cisco123} export SERVICE_TOKEN="keystone_admin_token" export SERVICE_ENDPOINT="http://192.168.220.43:35357/v2.0/" SERVICE_TENANT_NAME=${SERVICE_TENANT_NAME:-services}
- Run the script to populate the Keystone database with data (users, tenants, services)
- Download the Keystone endpoint script [2] and create the OpenStack service endpoints:
# MySQL definitions MYSQL_USER=keystone_admin MYSQL_DATABASE=keystone MYSQL_HOST=192.168.220.43 MYSQL_PASSWORD=Cisco123 # Keystone definitions KEYSTONE_REGION=RegionOne SERVICE_TOKEN=keystone_admin_token SERVICE_ENDPOINT="http://192.168.220.43:35357/v2.0" # other definitions. This should be your Controller Node IP address. MASTER="192.168.220.43" *Run the script to populate the Keystone database with service endpoints. #Note: If you logout or reboot after running the keystone-data.sh script then you must re-export the following before running the keystone-endpoints.sh script: <pre>export SERVICE_TOKEN="keystone_admin_token" export SERVICE_ENDPOINT="http://192.168.220.43:35357/v2.0/"
- Create a simple credential file and load it so you won't be bothered later:
export OS_TENANT_NAME=admin export OS_USERNAME=admin export OS_PASSWORD=Cisco123 export OS_AUTH_URL="http://192.168.220.43:5000/v2.0/" export OS_AUTH_STRATEGY=keystone export SERVICE_TOKEN=keystone_admin_token export SERVICE_ENDPOINT=http://192.168.220.43:35357/v2.0/
- Load it:
source openrc
- To test Keystone, install curl and use a curl request :
apt-get install curl openssl -y curl -d '{"auth": {"tenantName": "admin", "passwordCredentials":{"username": "admin", "password": "Cisco123"}}}' -H "Content-type: application/json" http://192.168.220.43:35357/v2.0/tokens | python -mjson.tool
- Or you can use the Keystone command-line:
keystone user-list keystone tenant-list keystone service-list keystone endpoint-list

subset: commoncrawl


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Car Review
2013 Nissan Pathfinder: New Car Review
Pros: Flexible three-row layout; high-quality interior; smooth transmission; carlike underpinnings improve ride and handling
Cons: Modest maximum cargo capacity; engine labors with a full load; no longer an off-road champ
What's New: The Pathfinder is all-new for 2013.
If you're old enough to remember the Pathfinders of yesteryear, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will take a little getting used to. Derived from the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Altima sedan, Nissan's sleek, new people-mover bears little resemblance to its boxy predecessors, which featured rear-wheel-drive platforms with available low-range gearing.
Although we've got a soft spot for those old Pathfinders, we understand that they weren't compelling for most families. Yes, the most recent model offered a third-row seat, but it was held back by poor fuel economy and truck-like handling. As for the earlier, smaller Pathfinders, there's just not much demand anymore for tough two-row SUVs with modest dimensions. They were cool back in the day, but times have changed.
So what does the reinvented Pathfinder bring to the table? Well, standard three-row seating and plenty of technology features, for starters, as well as improved driving dynamics and gas mileage. Nissan throws in a smooth ride and a high-quality interior too. Indeed, we think the Pathfinder is appealing enough to steal some sales from its uptown sibling, the pricier Infiniti JX.
In sum, don't expect the 2013 Pathfinder to take you too far off the beaten one, but do expect a modern, thoroughly competent three-row crossover. It's a must-drive in this popular segment.
Comfort & Utility
The three-row 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.
The S starts with 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, electroluminescent gauges, push-button ignition, cruise control, two 12-volt outlets, a tilt-telescopic steering column, a 4-in color driver information screen, manual front seats with adjustable driver lumbar support, cloth upholstery and a 6-speaker audio system with a 6-CD changer, an auxiliary input jack and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
Note that neither iPod/Bluetooth nor towing preparation is offered on Pathfinder S, the only trim deprived of these features.
The SV adds automatic headlights, roof rails, keyless entry, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a central 7-in information display, a rearview camera with rear parking sensors, two more 12-volt outlets, a power driver's seat, leather steering-wheel and shift-knob trim and a single-CD audio system with a USB/iPod jack and auxiliary video inputs.
The SL tacks on fog lights, a power liftgate, chrome exterior accents, leather upholstery and door trim, wood-tone inserts, a power passenger's seat, heated front and rear seats, remote start, a universal garage-door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and welcome lighting.
The Platinum tops the range with exclusive 20-in alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, a hard-drive-based navigation system with an 8-in touchscreen, the Around View 360-degree parking camera system, cooled front seats, a 120-volt outlet, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, driver memory functions, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth streaming audio and DVD playback capability.
Some higher-end standard features are available as options on cheaper trims. Notable extras, depending on model and package, include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, towing preparation (the Pathfinder can still tow up to 5,000 pounds) and an entertainment system with twin 7-in screens in the front headrests.
In our interior evaluation, we found the Pathfinder's materials surprisingly similar to those in the related Infiniti JX. Compared with the Toyota Highlander, for example, the Pathfinder seems significantly nicer inside. We also like that most of the controls are a cinch to figure out, even when the navigation system is specified.
While the front seats aren't memorably contoured, they do provide that elevated view of the road that crossover drivers know and love. In back, the standard EZ Flex second-row bench is one of our favorites, featuring sliding and reclining outboard seats that afford simple third-row access, even with a child seat installed. The third row is best left for kids, but you can make it reasonably hospitable to adults by sliding those versatile second-row seats forward through their 5.5 inches of travel.
Cargo space measures a handy 16 cu ft behind the third row, 42 to 48 cu ft behind the second row (depending on equipment level) and 79.8 cu ft with both back rows folded down. Given that the similar Highlander offers over 95 cubes of maximum space, we're not blown away by the Pathfinder's practicality, but 80 cubes is still a lot of stuff.
We're disappointed that the base Pathfinder S can't be equipped with iPod or Bluetooth connectivity, as many vehicles at its $28,000-plus price point come standard with these tech features and then some. To be fair, the Pathfinder S does get an attractive 4-in information screen that's nicely integrated between the gauges, but we still recommend stepping up at least to the SV model if you're a fan of the latest technology.
Should you fancy a navigation system in your new Pathfinder, you'll need to splurge on the Platinum trim, as you can't specify navigation in anything cheaper. We'd like to see wider availability for this system, and while we're nitpicking, its familiar graphics from countless Nissan/Infiniti products could use a nip here and a tuck there. But we can't argue with the system's functionality, which includes voice-recognition software, hard-drive music storage and turn-by-turn voice directions.
Also worth mentioning is the optional entertainment system. It's even more exclusive than the nav, as you can only have it if you order the top-shelf Platinum with the Premium package, but its Tri-Zone design allows front and rear passengers to enjoy different media at the same time. The price is sobering. We'd be tempted anyway.
Performance & Fuel Economy
All Pathfinders are powered by Nissan's venerable 3.5-liter V6, which is rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque in this application. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is mandatory. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional on every model.
The new Pathfinder is up to 500 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, but it uses a smaller V6 (the old Pathfinder also offered a 5.6-liter V8), so low-end torque predictably suffers. Nonetheless, the eerily smooth CVT does its best to keep the V6 in its sweet spot, and it usually succeeds. If you're like us, you'll only wish for more grunt with a full load aboard.
Fuel economy is average-plus at 20-mpg city/26-mpg highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models drop to 19/25 mpg.
The Pathfinder comes with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags, including side airbags for front passengers and full-length side-curtain airbags.
Happily, every Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan's nifty Easy-Fill tire alert, which activates while you're adding air and honks the horn when you've reached the recommended pressure reading. Proper tire pressure is a significant factor in vehicle control, so we consider this a very welcome safety feature.
The new Pathfinder had not been crash tested as of this writing.
Driving Impressions
Unless rock-crawling ability is a must, you'll probably find the 2013 Pathfinder a big improvement. Like the JX and more distant relatives such as the two-row Murano, the new Pathfinder pairs a supple ride with good cabin insulation, making for comfortable highway cruising and urban commuting alike.
Not surprisingly, the handling is tuned more for safety than for smiles, but the new Pathfinder evinces a reassuringly carlike stability at speed. Off-road performance is of course limited by the Pathfinder's clear preference for pavement, but at least the 4WD LOCK mode helpfully fixes front/rear power distribution at 50/50 for escaping unusually sticky spots.
Other Cars to Consider
Ford Flex - Days go by and still we think of Ford's gracefully aging three-row shaggin' wagon. If the Pathfinder's demure V6 gets you down, a Flex with Eco Boost may be the antidote.
Hyundai Santa Fe - Also new for 2013, the stylish Santa Fe is available with either two or three seating rows in multiple drivetrain configurations.
Toyota Highlander - Toyota's bread-and-butter crossover has clear advantages under the hood with either the all-world 3.5-liter V6 or the expensive but rewarding Hybrid power system.
AutoTrader Recommends
The Pathfinder SV has got the best mix, in our opinion. Unless navigation is a must-have, consider saving a bundle and going with this well-equipped, reasonably priced trim level.


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With performance-based pay, you will be able to serve more customers, because the best technicians will complete jobs efficiently, and want to move on to the next job.
Performance based pay has become the dominant form of pay for service industries. The auto industry has been using performance-based pay for more than 20 years, along with the carpet cleaning industry, and plumbing service industry, and several HVAC service companies have also used it for that long. It's even used in the medical and legal service fields, because it makes good business sense.
There are many pros and cons to instituting performance-based pay in your HVAC business, and your participation is your choice. Contrary to some opinions, the only reason to change your payment system is to provide better service to your customers. Other benefits may follow, but if better customer service is not your ultimate reason, you should focus your energy on other areas of your business.
Prepare the Entire Payroll System
To get started with performancebased pay system, you must have good operating procedures in place. This includes good pricing systems for both service and installation, and proper payroll procedures, to track both time on the job and hours paid, to be sure you pay everyone properly.
You need to set up a flat rate pricing system so your people will know what they will be paid for performing certain tasks. This can be easily done for both residential installation and service.
Almost anyone in the industry with a few years of experience can tell you the average time to replace a piece of equipment, troubleshoot and replace a part, or install components of a system.
If you can't, or don't want to figure it out yourself, there are several flat rate pricing guides available that provide the average time it takes to perform defined tasks. Most of these guides are conservative, and on average, you can do the repairs proficiently in the time these guides suggest.
Observe Wage Laws
Make sure your company is ready to handle the new pay system. The biggest challenge is make sure you are meeting proper wage and hour laws. I'm not an attorney, but in this area, you should contact an attorney in advance who specializes in compensation practices, to make sure you are handling your pay system properly.
The key thing is to make sure you're paying people properly when they receive overtime pay. There are very strict guidelines for hourly people when they work more than 40 hours per week, and performance-based pay does not exempt you from paying them under those rules. Set up a good system, and monitor it daily.
Enlisting Employee Trust
If you currently run your company without performancebased pay, your biggest challenge in setting it up will not be figuring out the pricing system, but dealing with the mind set of people who have worked on a strictly hourly-based pay system most of their lives. The mind set of most hourly people is to do a reasonably good job for as much as they can get per hour, and go home and forget about work. Their pay is predictable, and they're happy with the accompanying life style.
Initially, the new pay system will scare people who like hourly pay. Many think it's a new program that is set up to rip them off, and they don't trust it at first. It takes a lot of work and planning to explain what the benefits are to them, the customer, and the company. However, with the right program and the right training, they will soon learn how performance-based pay will be a "win-win-win" situation for everyone involved.
However, there will always be some hourly-wage employees who will never buy in to the process, so you need to anticipate turnover of technical people. I have heard stories of 20% to 60% turnover of technicians and installers as companies change over and seldom (if ever) less than 20%.
Your next step is that your management focus will need to change to get the most out of the program. Rather than pushing your staff to move faster and run more calls, the good ones will be pushing you. They will want less travel time so they can be on the job, billing productive hours.
Your training and management procedures must focus on quality, efficiency and customer service. Some employees may try to take advantage of the system for their own reward. If their focus is not to serve the customer, the company, and themselves equally, you can have a problem. Someone will need to review their billing and time cards daily.
Ultimate Advantages
If you clean up your procedures and institute a good performance-based pay system, your customers and employees will love you.
Your customers will be getting the best quality work, and know the entire price before you start any job. The mystery of "the price," which has historically been one of the biggest fears of consumers, will disappear.
You will be able to serve more customers, because the good guys will complete jobs efficiently and want to move on to the next job.
You need to set up a flat rate pricing system so your people will know what they will be paid for performing certain tasks.
The company can plan better, because if your system is well defined, and you use disciplined follow-up, you will significantly reduce your labor variance, giving you a better opportunity for proper pricing and more predictable profits.
The real winner is that great technicians and installers, like Clydesdale horses, will pull the system forward, assuring better service to your customers.
Keys to effective performance-based pay systems
Mark Swepston is president and CEO of Atlas Butler Heating and Cooling, Inc., Columbus, OH, the Contracting Business 2007 Residential Contractor of the Year. He can be reached at 614/294-8600.


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Michael Irvin is OK
Today I was on the Cowboys website and could not belive this when I seen it and I thank god Irvin is ok.
Former Cowboys great Michael Irvin apparently avoided a dangerous situation at a redlight in North Dallas Monday night.
Irvin filed a police report stating a passenger in an adjacent vehicle flashed a gun after he rolled down his window. Recognizing the Hall of Fame recevier, the men instead began talking about the cowboys with Irvin and eventually drove away peacefully.
On his radio show Wednesday (ESPN 103.3 FM) Irvin shrugged off speculation that the police report was merely a publicity stunt.
"I was a little bit worried – I was a lot bit worried – about what else was going to happen with those guys, what else they were doing," Irvin said. "The way they got back on the highway said to me, 'Maybe we'll find somebody else since we couldn't do that there.' So yeah, I went ahead with it (the report).
"I don't have another strike to give. So trust me, I wouldn't fill out a false police report."
Who could have ever guessed that Irvin's ball play on the field would eventually save him from some dangerous car-jackers who just happened to be Cowboys fans. I myself am very pleased that Irvin is ok and was able to come away from this situation unharmed.


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New form of meth found in Texas City middle school
Six junior high school girls in Texas City were caught Monday with what officials are calling a new form of liquid methamphetamine at Blocker Middle School, officials said.
Texas City School District spokeswoman Melissa Tortorici said the school has never seen something of this nature.
"There are six eighth-grade girls currently suspended while the investigation is still going on," said Tortorici.
The school called EMS once they learned that the students had ingested meth.
They were released to their parents after being treated at a local hospital, according to
The meth substance was found on small pieces of paper and wrapped in tinfoil. The school district and the Galveston County Sheriff's Office is still learning about this new drug. They hope to educate parents to look out for it.
"Until the investigation is complete, we will not know the disciplinary action that will be implemented," said Tortorici.
Lab analysis is still underway to determine exactly what is in the strips of paper, according to a press release. Preliminary tests showed methamphetemine, but they still want to get a complete makeup of the substance.
The stamps are reportedly placed in the user's mouth and allowed to dissolve. Officials also urge that if you discover this substance that you not handle it with bare hands, as it could be absorbed into the skin.
On Thursday afternoon, a letter was sent home to parents informing them of the incident.
Principal Julie Southworth wrote that she hopes this incident was an isolated one, but reiterated that parents should also remind their children about the dangers of drug use.
TCISD asks that anyone with information call 409-916-0847. The TCISD Safe Sting Program operates with the Mainland Communities Crime Stoppers.


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Show what the world can be…
I am interested in improving our working and living with focused problem solving, purposeful communication and inspiring people through messages of truth and beauty.
Explore the links above for more of the varied work I do and get in touch…
All photography by Colin Campbell
Employ my expertise for organisational efficiency, design and communication solutions.
The advent of DSLR video capabilities has allowed me to combine video and photo aspects into one art form to portray travel, documentary, weddings and commercial work.
Find out about the faith based charitable efforts I am engaged in, or participate yourself.
I have been photographing profusely for over 18 years and have enjoyed a broad scope of professional photography and videography assignments.


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Exo Terra Aquatic Turtle Hatchling food is a nutritious micro-pellet diet made with Gammarus shrimp and fortified with vitamins and minerals. Exo Terra Aquatic Turtle Hatchling food provides all hatchling aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles with a rich source of nutrients including vitamins, calcium (multiple sources), quality protein and more.
This high quality extruded floating pellet helps turtles to develop a hard shell due to both the natural and supplemented sources of calcium. Vitamin D3 is included and essential in ensuring proper absorption of calcium. These extremely palatable floating micro-pellets deliver quality nutrition. Exo Terra Aquatic Turtle Hatchling food includes "Advanced Yeast Extract" to help support a healthy digestive system.
Exo Terra Aquatic Turtle Hatchling food is a nutritious daily food for hatchling aquatic- and semi aquatic turtles such as red-eared sliders, map turtles, wood turtles, etc.
Ingredients: Fish meal, soluble fish protein concentrate, glycerin, wheat flour, potato meal, wheat gluten meal, rice hull, shrimp meal, fish oil (preserved with ethoxyquin), squid liver meal, dicalcium phosphate, spirulina algae meal, lecithin, choline chloride, DL-methionine, yeast extract, fructooligosaccharide, ferrous carbonate, calcium L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate, zinc oxide, manganous oxide, vitamin E supplement, niacin, beta-carotene, cupric sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, thiamin mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min): 43.0 %, Crude Fat (min): 10.0 %, Crude Fiber (max): 1.0 %, Moisture (max): 13.0 %, Calcium (min): 2.0 %, Calcium (max): 2.4 %, Phosphorus (min): 1.0 %, Vitamin A (min): 20 IU/kg, Vitamin D3 (min): 10 IU/kg.
Feeding Guide: Feed as much as the turtles can eat in five minutes, two times daily. Remove any uneaten food with a net after one hour. Offer your turtles Exo Terra canned Shrimp or Fish as a turtle treat for more variety.Tip: Use Exo Terra Biotize to help maintain an optimal aquatic turtle environment.
THIS PRODUCT CANNOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. Due to distribution contracts Hagen has with its distributors around the world, we cannot ship their brands (AquaClear, Exo Terra, Fluval, Marina, and Nutrafin) outside of the United States. Our apologies for any inconvenience!
Shipping is based on distance and weight of total order. To get a shipping quote for your order, add the items to your cart and click on "shipping estimator" in your cart.
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For product defects within the first 30 days of arrival, please contact Josh's Frogs at 1-800-691-8178. After the first 30 days the product manufacturer (Hagen) provides support, replacement parts, and warranty replacements of products for an entire year. You may contact Hagen's warranty line at 1-800-724-2436.
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Archive: Melvin's Nite Owl for sale
Melvin's Nite Owl on the market
Melvin Roberts says customers just not coming in anymore
March 23, 2009
By Kelly Shackleton
Oxford Eagle
Harte Agency Realtor Annette Wyatt says that Melvin's Nite Owl, once the busiest food and drink store and cafe in Oxford, has recently been placed with her agency for sale as soon as possible.
Melvin Roberts, a lifelong resident of the Oxford area, opened the store in the fall of 1970, added a cafe in 1972, and was one of the first stores to sell beer after Oxford's wet law passed in 1975.
Today, there are more than 20 convenience-type stores in Oxford and the surrounding area, but most people agree that Melvin's Nite Owl was the original innovator of the idea locally, jumping on the concept that people traveling to and from Oxford would like to stop and get the things they needed such as drinks and gasoline before beginning their journey.
Wyatt says that the store and the adjoining cafe and car wash area will list in the upper $80,000 range and that she welcomes any and all inquiries.
Roberts, when reached for comment, said only that "I would like to sell it as soon as possible because it's just not profitable for me anymore."
Roberts said his business has gone downhill ever since his entanglement in the rape trial of a 16-year-old girl two years ago, when he claims this newspaper sullied his name irreparably.
"I've kind of had my time in the sun, I guess you could say," Roberts said. "I think someone else, maybe someone younger like I was when I started, could turn it around. I really don't see why not."
Wyatt says she will show the store to the general public on March 30 at noon. All interested parties are invited to attend the showing, where refreshments will be served.


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Difference between revisions of "Cenobium of the Annunciation (Ormylia, Chalkidiki, Greece)"
m (links, spelling)
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== Saints and Elders ==
== Saints and Elders ==
*Right Reverend [[Archimandrite]] [[Aimilianos (Vafeidis)|Aimilianos]] former [[abbot]] of
*Right Reverend [[Archimandrite]] [[Aimilianos (Vafeidis)|Aimilianos]] former [[abbot]] of [[Simonopetra Monastery (Athos)|Simonopetra Monastery]].
== Panagia Philanthropi Medical Research Centre ==
== Panagia Philanthropi Medical Research Centre ==
Revision as of 17:29, July 1, 2008
The Holy Cenobium of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, Ormylia (Chalkidiki, Greece) is a dependency of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra, Mount Athos.
Saints and Elders
- Right Reverend Archimandrite Aimilianos former abbot of Simonopetra Monastery.
Panagia Philanthropi Medical Research Centre
Panagia Philanthropini, Center for Social Advancement and Medical Prevention and Research, (Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Who Loves Humankind) resides in northern Greece, near the town of Ormylia, Chalkidike. The mother monastery, is the Cenobium of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, is a large monastic community with over 120 nuns from various nations—the majority of whom hold university degrees. The Convent is a dependency of the Monastery of Simonopetra on Mount Athos.
Founded by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Aimilianos, Abbot of the Sacred Monastery of Simonos Petras on Mount Athos, for the glory of Almighty God and the service of His children, the mission of the Center is to comfort and alleviate the suffering of human beings with emphasis on the poor and working class public without preference to race, nationality, gender, or creed.
The Center is dedicated to spreading the message of God's love and saving grace to all human beings. Given the Orthodox Christian faith teaches quiet acts are of supreme importance and not words, this vibrant message takes the practical form of medical and educational services, scientific research, charitable and spiritual ministries. These activities constitute the means by which the Center seeks to serve the needs of human beings in the Twenty First Century and beyond. [1]


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Budget Battles
Pelosi Shuts Down Trump's State of the Union Speech in the House
Shutdown Could Wipe Out Economic Growth in Q1
Chart of the Day: Shutdown Hits Like a Hurricane
A Faint Glimmer of Hope for an End to the Shutdown?
28 Days Later: The Government Shutdown Horror Story Continues
Shutdown Could Be a Hint of Things to Come
Trump Strikes Back at Pelosi, Blocking Her Overseas Trip
7 Million More Uninsured Under TrumpBy Michael Rainey
The number of Americans lacking health insurance has increased by 7 million since Donald Trump became president, according to data released by Gallup Wednesday. The uninsured rate – the percentage of...
Will Democrats Settle for 'Medicare for More'?By Michael Rainey
A new wave of progressive Democrats may be pushing hard for universal healthcare under the banner of "Medicare for All," but the party itself is leaning toward something more like "Medicare for More...
Secretive 'Rebate Trap' Keeps Generic Drugs for Diabetes and Other Ills Out of ReachBy Jay Hancock and Sydney Lupkin, Kaiser Health News
Lisa Crook was lucky. She saved $800 last year after her insurance company started covering a new, less expensive insulin called Basaglar that was virtually identical to the brand she had used for...
Patient Groups Criticize Trump Drug Pricing Proposals in New Ad Campaign
A coalition of more than 50 patient advocacy and medical groups is warning that a Trump administration proposal to reduce certain Medicare drug prices "will put patients' lives at risk." The groups,...
7 Ideas to Lower Drug PricesBy Michael Rainey
Lawmakers are pushing multiple policy proposals to address the problem of rising drug prices. Vox's Dylan Scott provided a roundup Monday of the leading idea for reducing drug prices in the U.S.,...
House Democrats to Investigate Drug PricesBy Michael Rainey
A key House investigative committee announced Monday that it was launching a wide-ranging investigation into the pricing practices of 12 major pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Eli Lilly,...
Lawmakers Push Bills to Cut Prescription Drug Costs
With the new Congress now in session, lawmakers have been rushing to unveil legislation to rein in rising drug prices, and the Trump administration's top health official has been talking tough about...
Democrats Gear Up for Single-Payer Health Care PushBy Michael Rainey
Democrats are making it clear that they're serious about moving forward on universal health care. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said last week that she supports holding hearings on Medicare-for-All...
Progressives Rebel Against Pelosi's Deficit RulesBy Michael Rainey
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced a minor rebellion from the progressive wing of her party on reinstating pay-as-you-go budget rules, or PAYGO, with some Democratic lawmakers arguing that the rule...
How Killing the Affordable Care Act Could Upend the US Health SystemBy Julie Rovner, Kaiser Health News
If the recent district court ruling that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional were to be upheld, far more than the law's most high-profile provisions would be at stake. In fact, canceling the...
Drugmakers to Ring in New Year with Price HikesBy Michael Rainey
Nearly 30 drug producers will raise prices in January, Reuters' Michael Erman and Robin Respaut report , "ending a self-declared halt to increases made by a pharma industry under pressure from the...
3 Key Questions About the Obamacare Court Ruling
The fate of Obamacare may once again wind up before the Supreme Court now that a federal judge in Texas has ruled that the law is unconstitutional. U.S. District Court Judge Reed O'Connor ruled on...
Obamacare Signups Still LaggingBy The Fiscal Times Staff
Open enrollment for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act exchange (HealthCare.gov) ends in most states on Saturday, and it looks the number of signups could be significantly lower this year...
Moody's Warns of Declining US Fiscal StrengthBy The Fiscal Times Staff
Trump's tax cuts combined with a slowing economy will diminish the United States' "fiscal strength" over the next 10 years, Moody's Investor Service said Wednesday. The gradual decline could pressure...
Number of Uninsured Americans Rose by 700,000 in 2017
The number of uninsured people in the United States rose by nearly 700,000 to 27.4 million in 2017, the first increase since 2010, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The...


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Tagadab answered promptly and professionally to all of our requests in the initial phase of our website development.
Virtual hosting from Tagadab
VPS hosting is ideal for a wide range of purposes. Our virtual server packages offer no fixed contracts, the choice of either Linux or Windows, seamless upgrades and root admin access. We also offer SSD with our VPS, which has been designed to provide outstanding speed and deliver an increased level of performance and reliability.


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The Princeton Review and USA Today have named SUNY Oswego to their 2013 list of 150 "best value" colleges and universities in the nation.
The list of 75 public and 75 private institutions appears in the book "The Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition," released Feb. 5 by Random House and Princeton Review, as well as on USA Today's website at http://bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com
"Providing a high-quality education, as well as preparing undergraduates for the job market and a life of continued learning, are paramount at Oswego," Princeton Review states in the book's profile of SUNY Oswego.
It cites the college's unique Oswego Guarantee, which promises undergraduates that their on-campus room and board costs will not increase during their four years of study. The profile praises the college situated on the shore of Lake Ontario for its "picturesque natural setting" along with its "strong honors program," "excellent study-abroad options," and "wonderful connection to alumni" who help students find their way into careers.
"We are delighted once again to be recognized by the Princeton Review," said Dan Griffin, interim director of admissions at Oswego. "It speaks to our commitment to education, to student development, and the wide variety of in-demand programs we offer. Particularly during these difficult economic times, to be recognized as a 'Best Value' means a lot to our students and their families."
The editors of the Princeton Review quote Oswego students they surveyed who described the college as "a great education for the money," "friendly" and "helpful," a place where everyone finds acceptance in the variety of student clubs and opportunities for involvement.
According to the Princeton Review, it selected "Best Value Colleges" based on institutional data and student opinion surveys collected from 650 colleges and universities that it regards as the nation's academically best undergraduate institutions. Criteria included the quality of academics, cost of attendance, financial aid, percentage of graduating seniors who borrowed from any loan program and the average dollar amount of debt those students had at graduation.
Oswego is one of 18 New York colleges on the list including seven SUNY institutions: four of the public university system's doctoral-granting campuses and two other master's-level colleges like Oswego — Geneseo and Purchase.
A 152-year-old college on the shore of Lake Ontario, Oswego offers more than 100 programs of study in its four academic units: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication, Media and the Arts, and School of Education.
The Princeton Review is a Massachusetts-based education services company known for its college rankings.
SUNY Oswego has appeared in every edition of the company's "The Best Northeastern Colleges," and Oswego's School of Business appears each year in its "Best Business Schools."


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Adel-Cook ChamberTalk
01/25/2017 07:30 am - 08:00 am
Listen to Talk 92.1 every other Wednesday for the latest information from your Adel-Cook Chamber of Commerce. Scott James and Chamber CEO Jerry Connell recap news, events, ribbon cuttings, and more related to Adel, Cecil, Lenox, and Sparks as well as greater Cook County.
Don't miss the important radio show heard every other Wednesday at 7:30am.


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|Kyle Busch Wins ISM Connect 300
|Modified Season Sweep for Santos
|Bell Wins UNOH 175 Truck Series Race
|Mile Kyle: Busch Takes Pole for ISM Connect 300
|Short Track Extravaganza Set for Sept. 2018
|New England Themed Going Away Gift for Junior
Cobb to Run Full Truck Series Season
Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing announced Tuesday plans to race the full 2012 Camping World Truck Series schedule. In addition, the team will enter select Nationwide Series events this season. For owner and driver Jennifer Jo Cobb, this marks a fresh canvas and she and her No. 10 team are more ready than ever to make a lasting impression.
The team will enter a combination of Ford- and Dodge-manufactured trucks in the Truck Series and Dodge Challengers in Nationwide. Cobb's "Driven2Honor" program will adorn her vehicles until primary sponsorship is secured.
Cobb ran her first full season of Truck competition in 2010. She finished 17th in the championship standings that year, setting a precedent of the modern era as the highest-finishing female in one of NASCAR's top-three national touring series. Cobb's team made 18 of the 34 events in the Nationwide Series in 2011. She also ran 12 Truck races, finishing a career-best sixth place at Daytona International Speedway in February. Cobb sees last year as a learning experience and plans to build on her achievements from the past two seasons.
"We sat down in the offseason and evaluated our strengths and weaknesses. We figured out what we needed to leave the same and what needed to change," Cobb said. "We realized that we'll be better off focusing our efforts primarily on one series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and running a few select NASCAR Nationwide Series events. We felt like we were scrambling last season between the two series and couldn't give our best effort in each event. For our small team, we were just spread too thin. Now we can concentrate primarily on one series and make sure that our trucks get better and better each week."
Other changes that Cobb made in the off-season include a new race shop and three additional crew members. Steve Kuykendall is returning as Cobb's crew chief; however, he will only lead Cobb's NCWTS efforts, allowing the team to focus on the full schedule.
"I'm so excited about how all of our changes are shaping up," Cobb said. "We are already seeing dividends. The new shop has more equipment and resources. Our new crew members have brought lots of fresh ideas and perspectives to our organization. Our crew chief, Steve Kuykendall, is able to dial in his efforts on one program and focus on our truck team. We're definitely more prepared and more organized heading into this season. Things are off to a great start."
Cobb will continue with her Driven2Honor program in 2012. The program rewards female members of the military for their service by hosting them at the race track. Cobb entertained numerous women and their guests last season and aims host a female soldier/veteran at every NCWTS race this season.
"I'm very proud of our Driven2Honor program and so glad that we can continue it in 2012," Cobb said. "We aim to honor the women of armed services with our race team. It's our way of saying 'Thank you' for all that they've sacrificed and contributed to our country. We hope to host someone at every venue this year. The program is very important to me and will always be part of our team, even if a primary sponsor takes over its space on the truck."


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No window repair is too great or too small for us. We're capable of replacing components such as locks, hinges and springs, plus, we also offer a glazing service. When it comes to window repairs we are the experts. We also do installations on both UPVC windows and doors, with all works being carried out in accordance with stringent industry standards by our friendly experienced staff.
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Absolutely the most classy scent on the market. I spray it on a rainy day just to pick my spirits up. It reminds me of a clean spa treatment with benefits. It's a definite monthly purchase!
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Very soft in fragrance...
This is not overpowering...unless you spray much too long. Smells great...I'll be buying this again...
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My favorite fragrance.
Have purchased this fragrance many times in local shops. Just decided to order so I would have on hand when ran out. My 21 year old nephew always says my house smells better than anyone else's. Thank you for this great fragrance.??
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Crickets Chirped as Letterman and Fallon Told Jokes to an Empty Room [VIDEOS]
On Monday night, both David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon did their nightly talk shows in front of very silent studio audiences.
They weren't silent out of reverence for the destruction that was raging around them thanks to Hurricane Sandy -- they were silent because they simply weren't there.
Apparently, despite sending ticket-holders home for their own safety, 'The Late Show' and 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' taped their shows anyway. And as we all found out, a joke-filled talk show just isn't quite the same without anyone there to laugh at it.
There were awkward silences that followed jokes falling like lead balloons. And even if your power was on and you could watch from home -- as two-thirds of the country could -- it quickly became painfully aware how pointless it is to crack one-liners to empty chairs.
Upholstery, it seems, has zero sense of humor.
Adding to the many other heroic efforts during the storm, the two funnymen nobly carried on so as to provide the rest of the country with the broadcast Ambien upon which so many rely for a good night's sleep.
Slow clap, Dave and Jimmy. Slow clap.


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Woman convicted of attempted murder and other charges in Lackawanna break-in
A jury this week convicted Sheila Kowal, 35, of attempted murder, assault and burglary charges after a one-week trial in Erie County Court, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.
Kowal broke into a Lackawanna apartment and stabbed a man about nine times at about 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2011, according to prosecutors.
Kowal testified that she stabbed the man in self-defense, but the jury rejected her claim, Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III said. Kowal illegally entered the apartment through a window, Sedita said.
Sedita said Assistant District Attorney Sara Ogden's "withering cross-examination of the defendant clearly demonstrated the complete implausibility of her self-defense claim."
Kowal faces a maximum prison term of 25 years when sentenced on Jan. 10 by Erie County Judge Sheila A. DiTullio.
Jeremy Maier, who allegedly broke into the apartment with Kowal, allegedly encouraged Kowal to kill the man, Sedita said. Maier's trial is scheduled to begin on Monday.


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Day: May 16, 2011
A History Of Newtisms – The Crazy Continues On!
I thought I would give some highlights of some of the stupid, dangerous and radical ideas that Newt Gingrich has spewed over the years. This quasi-intellectual blowhard seems to be able to con some of the even more stupid media, but those of us with critical thinking ability see through his stupidity. He clearly has an obsession with WWII and Nazi Germany. Some highlights of Newt's babbling, courtesy of Mother Jones…(emphasis mine)
1978 In an address to College Republicans before he was elected to the House, Gingrich says: "I think one of the great problems we have in the Republican party is that we don't encourage you to be nasty.
1984 Gingrich takes advantage of the arrival of C-Span to deliver scathing condemnations of his colleagues. He accuses Democrats of appeasement and distributing "communist propaganda," and threatens to press charges against them for writing a letter to Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega. House Speaker Tip O'Neill calls it "the lowest thing that I've ever seen in my 32 years in Congress."
1985 Gingrich calls Reagan's upcoming meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev "the most dangerous summit for the West since Adolf Hitler met with Chamberlain in 1938 at Munich."
1985Gingrich compares a disputed House election in Indiana to the Holocaust. "We have talked a lot in recent weeks about the Holocaust, about the incredible period in which Nazi Germany killed millions of people and, in particular, came close to wiping out European Jewry.
1989 He explains to the Washington Post why he fights with his second wife, Marianne: "It's not even that it matters to me. It's just the habit of dominance, the habit of being the center of my staff and the center of the news media." Newt gives the marriage a "53–47" shot of surviving.
1989 Gingrich lays out his electoral roadmap: "The left-wing Democrats will represent the party of total hedonism, total exhibitionism, total bizarreness, total weirdness, and the total right to cripple innocent people in the name of letting hooligans loose."
1994 A South Carolina woman, Susan Smith, murders her two sons. Gingrich draws the only logical conclusion: "I think that the mother killing the two children in South Carolina vividly reminds every American how sick the society is getting and how much we need to change things. The only way you get change is to vote Republican."
1994 He sums up his political philosophy: "People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz. I see evil all around me every day."
1998 Gingrich steps down as Speaker, amid ethics complaints and rumors of an extramarital affair. He frames his decision in pragmatic terms: "I'm willing to lead, but I'm not willing to preside over people who are cannibals."
2006 Asked whether he agrees with then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's comments that opposition to the Bush administration's Iraq policy is tantamount to appeasing Hitler, Gingrich responds, "Yes."
2007 "We should replace bilingual education with immersion in English so people learn the common language of the country and they learn the language of prosperity, not the language of living in a ghetto." Two years later, Gingrich unveils a new Spanish-language website, The Americano.
2008 Gingrich tells Bill O'Reilly that "there is a gay and secular fascism in this country that wants to impose its will on the rest of us." The gay and secular fascist movement, Gingrich charges, is "prepared to use violence, to use harassment. I think it is prepared to use the government if it can get control of it."
2010 Gingrich warns that Obama's agenda "would mean the end of America as it has been for the last 400 years."
2010 Sign of the times: Gingrich swaps gay secular fascism for "secular-socialist machine"—which he says "represents as great a threat to America as Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union once did."
2010 A year after writing a book about noted anti-colonialist George Washington, Gingrich suggests that the current president holds a radical, anti-British worldview of his own. "What if [Obama] is so outside our comprehension, that only if you understand Kenyan, anti-colonial behavior, can you begin to piece together [his actions]?"Gingrich asks. "That is the most accurate, predictive model for his behavior."
2011Gingrich tells the Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody that he was driven to his cheat on his previous two wives because of his one true love: America. "There's no question at times of my life, partially driven by how passionately I felt about this country, that I worked far too hard and things happened in my life that were not appropriate."
2011 Secular-socialists give way to atheist-Islamists: "I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the nature of America, by the time [his grandchildren are] my age they will be in a secular atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no understanding of what it once meant to be an American." His spokesman later clarified that Gingrich meant either Islamists or atheists would take over America, not both.
I have a feeling there will be more crap flowing from Newt Gingrich's mouth in the very near future. He loves getting attention in any way he can. I've been wondering since it looked like he was getting in the race, whether Arianna Huffington will make her full pendulum swing back to the party that seems to be in her blood, the Republican Party. I fully expect Arianna to endorse her old buddy Newt and start working for him again. She wrote a piece about what a great president ole' Newt would be. Ah, gotta love the internets.


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I'm between FIU and Drake. FIU offered me Part-time which I'm not too enthused about, so I was curious as to what decision you made. Not to mention I've been following this thread for a while now. lol Congrats on your decision!
hard decision. fiu isnt that great academically but at least you're in miami. stay away from the state of iowa its a shithole i lived there for 18 years so i would know.
Quote from: iahurricane on May 23, 2007, 10:08:28 AMhard decision. fiu isnt that great academically but at least you're in miami. stay away from the state of iowa its a shithole i lived there for 18 years so i would know.congrats on miami, but honestly what do you know about fiu law's academic record and faculty? please keep the generalizations about your knowledge of the FIU undergraduate community to yourself especially since the only real objective test about a law school's "academics" (if you don't go there) is the bar passage rate. the same FL bar passage rate that FIU students, in the school's short history, has been very competitive with, if not better, than UM. UM is still king in Miami don't get me wrong, but please leave the "not that great academically" generalization to the undergrads. also, FIU isn't simply a breeding ground for you to pass the bar like some T3's that only teach black letter law. the 1L classes are actually pretty opposite to that and are taught in distinct styles by the faculty while using the same textbooks as T1's across the country. FYI. Here are FL Bar Passage Rates for first-time takers since February '06:February '06: FIU 86.4% and Miami 69.2%July '06: Miami 85.7% and FIU 79%February '07: FIU 94.4% and Miami 76.6% Again, there is no doubt that Miami reigns supreme in Miami at this time. No need to debate that. Just trying to make you aware of some things you probably don't know.
I do not know much about the bar, but I have a question: Does it matter when the students take the test? Do their bar passage scores rely on other students' scores? So basically, is it possible for all bar test takers, on a specific day (or testing period), to pass the test? Not being snarky, just asking.


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Who's Gone Missing in the Emerald Counties?
In Humboldt County, on average, nearly two and a half missing person's reports were filed per day in 2016. Most didn't stay missing, but law enforcement expended hundreds of man hours following leads, entering data, scouring wildlands as well as city streets, and attempting to locate the lost, the intentionally wandering, and sometimes, those who were likely murdered and their crumpled bodies hidden from those who searched.
The sheer number of people missing each year that local law enforcement deals with is staggering. In 2016, the latest year for which statistics are available on the California Department of Justice's website, 513 missing children reports were filed and 348 missing adults reports were filed in Humboldt County alone. Most of these eventually returned on their own or were located. However, three of the adults were found deceased. Fifteen of the adults reported and seven of the children had been arrested.
Trying to look closely at the numbers of those missing here in the Emerald Counties is like trying to grab water–you know you've touched something but you don't have anything solid when you open your hand. For example, take a closer look at Humboldt. According to Lt. Dennis Young of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, Humboldt County has 176 people currently listed as missing. The county's records manager Melva Paris tells me that the oldest case is from 1975.
According to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) website, "Law enforcement agencies are required by law to submit reports of missing persons to DOJ." But, from the research we did, a number of those known to be missing in the Emerald Counties, are not listed on the site.
For instance, we were able to compile only 50 missing people in Humboldt County from the DOJ's site and other sources such as news reports and websites like NamUs–the National Missing and Unidentified Persons' System. And, of those 50 we've compiled, seventeen of those names are not actually listed on the Department of Justice's site. This could mean they've been located and removed but, in many instances, all available information indicates most of the 17 are actually missing.
In addition, Melva Paris, Humboldt County's Records Manager, in notes compiled for us by Samantha Karges of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, pointed out the two earliest missing are a pair of brothers swept from the South Jetty, Herbert and Raymond Wall. Neither are listed on the DOJ site.
Paris explained, "The DOJ Website only puts Missing Persons on their Website that could possibly be homicide victims due to the circumstances surrounding their disappearance." This would mean that the Walls were kept off the site because they are believed to have died of natural causes. However, Gregory James Kuljian (Geddie), who disappeared after being swept away by the ocean, is listed. Nonetheless, this might account for at least some of the names not listed by the DOJ that we have noted below.
However, some of what we know about those missing but not listed indicate they were not the victims of nature but quite possibly the victims of homicide. Robert Joseph Tennison, missing person number 27 on the list of Humboldt County's missing we've compiled at the bottom of this article, is widely believed to have been murdered and there is no indication of a natural death.
Some of those not listed from Humboldt are well-known or relatively recent like Robert Tennison, Sumi Gail Juan, and all the 2017 cases. (Note: The 2017 known missing persons are listed for all the other Emerald Counties.)
Paris agrees there is a discrepancy between Humboldt County numbers and the numbers of those listed on the DOJ website. Speaking through Karges, she said, "I'm not sure where DOJ gets the figures because the data they are supplying doesn't match… I have contacted [the DOJ's Missing Person] Unit to find out where this information comes from." As of the time of publishing, Paris hasn't gotten back to us with an explanation.
She did tell us, "Department of Justice provides downloads for every County of Missing Persons. The list is updated daily."
We requested that list for publication and were told that the Sheriff's Department wanted to evaluate our request.
In addition, we spoke to Tania Mercado, Press Secretary from the California Department of Justice, and she would only say that the names of the missing people are added or removed based on information given the DOJ by law enforcement throughout California. She was not able to provide any criteria for why some are listed and some are not.
Long after the missing posters on those who have vanished have faded and blown away in the wind, some family members will keep vigil. Some will keep vigil silently–barely acknowledging out loud the loose thread that caught on their heart when their loved one vanished and which now threatens to unravel their life. Some will keep vigil by reaching out to the media or police or both on a regular basis, hoping even decades after their loss that they will get answers. They hope but, at the same time, they fear to know for sure that their loved one is dead.
If you have a family or friend missing, an event this June 9 in Sacramento may be helpful to you. This free event will have law enforcement available to help record information. Family members can give DNA samples if they choose to help with identification. They are also "encouraged to bring photos, along with medical and dental records of their missing loved ones."
Missing Persons in the Emerald Counties:
Meanwhile, we offer the following information. We have listed and linked every missing person that we know of within the Emerald Counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity. Please feel free to comment below with information about any who might need to be added. We'll try to verify and update.
- Most of those listed are found on the California Missing Persons website. The links to the missing found there start with https://oag.ca.gov/
- The links almost always lead to photos.
- In addition, there are names with links that match up to information that are not on the California Missing Person website.
- In addition, we just put the photos of people who went missing after 2014.
- 2009 Gregory Ralph Bryan, Jr. https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/gregory-ralph- bryan-jr
- 2011 Robert Lee James https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/robert-lee- james
- 2012 Jeff Lanum https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/jeff-lanum-1
Humboldt: We have only been able to locate 50 names of the 176 total considered missing, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
- 1975 Herbert Bradley Wall washed into the Pacific Ocean from the South Jetty.
- 1975 Raymond Allan Wall washed into the Pacific Ocean from the South Jetty.
- 1977 Mary Elizabeth Stuart https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/mary-elizabeth-stuart See also http://deaniepeters-missingangels.blogspot.com/2014/05/missing-37-years-mary-jessie-and-fannie.html
- 1977 Jessie Flo Stuart https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/jessie-flo- stuart
- 1977 Fannie Fawn Stuart https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/fannie-fawn- stuart
- 1977 March 30 Clare Louise Christie —(said to have been lost at sea but was the wife of a man who later is believed to have killed at least one other woman and terrorized more.)
- 1981Ollie Letrell Cader https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 1981 Edrel Mae Pierce https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/edrel-mae- pierce
- 1985 Charles Detweilder Allen https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/charles-detweilder-allen See more information on Namus.
- 1985 John Stewart Campbell https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/john-stewart- campbell
- 1988 Thomas Page Locke https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/thomas-page- locke
- 1988 June 7 Penelope Jo Milbourn https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 1990 Dan Thomas Pogue https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/dan-thomas- pogue
- 1991 Andrea Jerri White https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/andrea-jerri- white
- 1993 Hannah Rowell https://oag.ca.gov/
- 1993 Roger Anderson https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 1996 Lorie Lynn Walters Pope https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 1997 Karen Mitchell https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/karen-marie- mitchell-0 Also there is more information on Karen Mitchell here.
- 2001 Katie Elizabeth Wantz https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/katie- elizabeth-wantz
- 2003 Chris Robert Giauque https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/chris-robert- giauque
- 2003 Joan Penderell Taylor https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/joan-penderell- taylor
- 2005 September Michael William Desmet the person he was with was found in the skeletal form. Also, more information can be found here.
- 2006 February 1 Seamus Murphy https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2007 Kawika David Benjamin Chetron https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/kawika-david- benjamin-chetron
- 2007 November 16 Gary Lee Rogers reportedly vanished from Hanson's Truck Stop.
- 2008 Christine Walters https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/christine- lindsey-walters
- 2009 January 19 Robert Joseph Tennison [Bob the builder] http://www.charleyproject.
org/cases/t/tennison_robert. html Robert Joseph Tennison [Bob the builder] was expected to show up but didn't. See also here.
- 2009 John Leyden https://oag.ca.gov/
- 2010 September Sumi Gail Juan disappeared.
- 2011 April Robert Firestone elderly and reportedly wandered away
- 2012 November 1 Kevin Michael Kelly https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/kevin-michael- kelly
- 2012 November 24 Gregory James Kuljian https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/gregory-james-kuljian (was swept away by a wave near Big Lagoon.)
- 2013 August 25 John Edward Morgan https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2014 January 11 Sheila Franks https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2014 June Jeff Joseph https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/jeffrey-keith-joseph
- 2014 August 1 Victoria Joy Tatro https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2014 September 17 Daniel Michael Flanagan https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/daniel-michael- flanagan
- 2016 May 16 Jennifer Leann Atkins isn't accessing her bank accounts.
- 2016 August 24 Aaron Kaloustian missing after a vehicle accident.
- No photo available 2016 September 2 Meg Possible overdue hiker.
- 2017 March 10 Ariana Yvette Osorio https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2017 June 28 Natalie Rashelle Wright missing after receiving death threats.
- No photo available 2017 June 28 Wright's 19-month-old daughter, Mack Chevelle Grant missing after her mother received death threats.
- 2017 July 11 Ellen Cameron Temple older transient.
- 2017 July 31 Leanne Eller left most of her property behind.
- 2017 November 9 Jeremy Dewayne Ashley https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/jeremy-dewayne-ashley
- 2017 November 28 Ivan Linan missing after vehicle accident on Hwy 36.
- 2018 January 21 Quincy Tod Mendes missing after vehicle accident on Hwy 36.
Mendocino: We have only been able to learn 33 of the names of the missing.
- 1974 June Linda Lovell (information from Namus) disappeared while with Stephen Locke Packard below.
- 1974 June Stephen Locke Packard (information from Namus) a travelers check in Packard's name was cashed at a store in Westport, Mendocino County, CA. Linda Lovell and Stephen Packard have not been heard from since then.
- 1976 Frederick Donald Leach https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/frederick-donald-leach Also known as William Donald Leach Namus
- 1981 January 17 Craig Herrick Langford III (information from Namus)
- 1981 January 17 Christine Langford (information from Namus) may have drowned.
- 1983 January 1 Dorothy Turley Bolton (information from Namus) disappeared from home.
- 1983 Peter Harrington https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/peter- harrington
- 1986 Feb 21 Clifford Whealdon Cox (information from Namus) He and vehicle reported missing.
- 1987 Sept 17 Daniel William Southers (information from Namus) believed to be related to illegal cultivation.
- 1992 August 13 Wayne Douglas Rogers (information from Namus) left suicide letters.
- 1993 August 9 Kristi Krebs (information from Namus) left behind bra, panties, wallet, and car.
- 1995 Danny Ray Michael https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/danny-ray- michael
- 2001 Jaime Vasquez https://oag.ca.gov/
- 2001 June 11 Remigio Herrera Hernandez (aka Rafael Sanchez)( information from Namus) fell off a boat.
- 2004 Chad Richard Kirkendall https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/chad-richard- kirkendall
- 2004 Dec 17 Katherine Rebecca Lamadrid https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/katherine-rebecca- lamadrid
- 2005 Donald James Cavanaugh https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/donald-james- cavanaugh
- 2005 Thomas Michael Thurston https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/thomas-michael- thurston
- 2006 Mar 1 David Virgil Neily https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2007 12/31 Michele Bonnie Schlick https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/michele-bonnie- schlick
- 2010 Eric Christopher Grant https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/eric- christopher-grant
- 2011 July 21 Oscar Cabada (Rosario Lopez Bobadilla) Namus [Vehicle left at a local park.
- 2013 Apr 4 Genevieve Kathryn Alexander https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/genevieve-kathryn- alexander
- 2013 Erik Lamberg https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/erik-swan- lamberg-0 Erik Lamberg
- 2013 Sept 12Steven Ernest Wilson https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2013 December 4 Paul Ussing Storm (information also from Namus) fell in ocean.
- 2014 January 14 Tellie j. Simmons (information also from websleuths) is not in contact with family.
- 2014 April 2 Barbara Lea Norton https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2014 October 22 Michael Anderson https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2015 September 21 https://oag.ca.gov/
- 2015 October 3 Corey Abernathy (information from website) didn't show up to work.
- 2017 August 6 James Matthew Begley https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2017 August 23 Duane Masher (information from website). His vehicle was found in Leggett.
Trinity: We have only been able to locate 20 names of the missing.
- 1980 Donna Fowler https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/donna-l-fowler body unlocated but killer confessed. https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-donna-fowler-7-weaverville-10-nov-1980.62034/
- 1987 Billy Lee Maynard https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/billy-lee- maynard
- 1993 Jennifer "Jade" Wilmer https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/jennifer-m- wilmer
- 1993 June 11 Beth Ellen Rogers (information from Namus) swept away by river.
- 1995 Robin Denise Appel Herring https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/robin-denise- appel-herring-0
- 2001 Naomi Nalani Hagerman https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/naomi-nalani- hagerman
- 2008 August 29 Louie Taylor (information from Namus) was last reported seen walking away from his father-in-law's property.
- 2009 Christopher Joseph McNeill (information from Facebook) was last seen walking on Hwy 3.
- 2014 August 2 Stephen Michael Morris https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/stephen-michael-morris found
- 2014 October 1 Michael Thomas McDonald https://oag.ca.gov/
missing/person/michael-thomas- mcdonald-0
- 2015 July 20 Dustin Martin [Information from website) left behind his dog, his wallet and his cell phone at a campsite.
- 2015 October 11 Shannon House https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/shannon-michael-house .
- 2016 January 4 Arthur O'Keefe https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2016 October 12 Stac
y Smart https://oag.ca.gov/missing/ person/stacey-ellen-smart
- 2017 March 1 Steven Lee Hixson https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
- 2017 March 26 Roger Her https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/roger-her Roger her
- 2017 May 15 Johnson Nguyen https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/johnson-nguyen See also Four missing
- 2017 May 16 Tony Sysavanh https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/tony-sysavanh See also Four missing
- 2017 May 16 Dan Anh Nguyen https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/dan-anh-nguyen See also Four missing
- 2017 May 17 Anesi Saut https://oag.ca.gov/missing/
person/anesi-saut See also Four missing
NOTE: An earlier version of this story pictured a woman who we have learned has been located. We removed her image.
UPDATE 2/28/18: Lucas Dale Blake-Williams body has been found and identified.
UPDATE 3/5/18: Mitchell Hernandez's body was found and identified.


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major macro economic indicators
|Main economic indicators
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)*
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
* With transfers from the oil fund (SOFAZ) (f): forecast
- Large sovereign wealth fund thanks to oil production
- Significant gas potential in the Caspian Sea
- Prospect of gas exports to Turkey, then Europe
- Link in the connection between China and Europe
- Development of rail corridors with Iran, Turkey and Georgia
- Strong dependence on hydrocarbons; limited non-oil sector
- Decreased oil production (25% reduction over the last six years)
- Weak banking system
- Risk of aggravation of the armed conflict with Armenia
- Governance problems (corruption, repression, offshore money laundering)
Risk assessment
Recovery based on rising oil prices
The recovery in oil prices and the increase in gas exports to Turkey are feeding Azerbaijan's recovery. Household consumption (54% of GDP), down for three years, picked up again against a backdrop of rising incomes and falling inflation linked to the stabilisation of the manat. Public investment in infrastructure and public building could resume thanks to easing budgetary constraints, However, this mainly concerns projects linked to developing the Shah Deniz gas field in the Caspian Sea and the completion of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) to the Greek/Turkish border, which, in the long term with the construction of the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP), will transport Azeri gas to Western Europe. This in turn should lead to increased partnerships with foreign entities.
Private investment excluding hydrocarbons could come out of its sluggishness with the reduction of the key rate from 15% to 10% between January and June 2018, which could further fall given the firmness of the manat. Moreover, the decline in credit associated with the weakness of the banking system is set to soften. The contribution of foreign trade to growth could become slightly negative. Additional gas exports will only partially make up for the decrease in oil exports, but together will still remain the main export (85%). Imports are set to grow more quickly due to increased consumption and investment. Apart from the hydrocarbon sector (45% of GDP and 76% of industrial production), the rest of the economy should benefit from the desire to diversify into cotton and vehicles (in partnership with the Iran Khodro industrial group).
Public and external accounts in surplus again
In response to the decrease in budgetary revenues derived from hydrocarbons (75% of the total), Azerbaijan has had to resort to the sovereign wealth fund and reduce its spending, particularly in investment, in order to limit the deterioration of the government balance. Despite this restrictive policy, the state has been forced to increase its debt burden. Due to falling oil prices and the ensuing sharp depreciation of the manat, it has had to support public enterprises – notably including the country's leading bank, the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA). The state has offloaded its non-performing assets (USD 5 billion) by entrusting them to a public entity created for this circumstance with its guarantee, before taking over its external debt (USD 2.45 billion after restructuring) on which it had defaulted. The IBA's difficulties are not unique in the banking sector, which has seen the closure of numerous institutions, an increase in its non-performing assets, and a decline in its profitability These weaknesses are accompanied by a decline in credit: banks, with 80% of their deposits in US dollars, are only willing to lend in dollars in order to protect themselves against currency risk. Under such circumstances, borrowers prefer to resort to informal credit, even if the rates are usurious. Despite the soaring level of its debt, Azerbaijan's position remains largely creditworthy thanks to the assets held by the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), valued at USD 38 billion as of June 2018 (80% of GDP). In addition, despite the burden of developing gas potential and pipelines to ensure the shift from oil, the debt (almost half of which is external) is likely to be reduced. However, the return to better fortune linked to the rebound in oil revenues is likely to delay the improvement in tax collection and a reduction in the non-oil deficit (27% of non-oil GDP)
Despite the deficit in services and revenues, a result of the presence of foreign companies in the hydrocarbon sector, the current account balance became positive again as a result of the return of the impressive trade surplus generated by hydrocarbon sales. The reserves having fallen to the equivalent of four months of imports, the SOFAZ provides the central bank with sufficient funds to service the external debt of the company in charge of the TANAP and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijanc (SOCAR).
Well-established political power
President Ilham Aliyev was re-elected for a fourth term in April 2018 with 86% of the votes, in an early election marked by irregularities (according to international observers) and the boycott of the opposition, this time for seven years thanks to the 2016 referendum. Mr Alivey reappointed his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as Vice President. Parliament, dominated by the president's New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), plays a secondary role vis-à-vis the executive. With the return of growth and despite deep inequalities, stability is expected to continue. Political opposition is weak, and the authorities do not hesitate to use repression.
Despite some progress, the country's governance (World Bank ranking) is still not as good as in Georgia and Armenia, the other two Caucasian states, but is better than in most Central Asian countries. A decline in freedoms can be perceived, which renders relations with the EU more difficult. However, despite shortcomings in handling insolvency and cross-border trade, the country ranks 65th out of 190 on the ease of doing business index.
The risk of a surge in the armed confrontation with Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh and other adjacent occupied Azerbaijani territories by Armenian forces is contained by the strong joint influence exerted on the region by Russia, Turkey, and Iran. However, the situation in Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani enclave between Armenia and Iran that seemed calmer, has seen a resurgence of Azeri military activity coinciding with the political upheavals in Armenia.
Last update : July 2018