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Merchant Accounts 101
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- Merchant Accounts 101
To the best of our knowledge, we are the only gym management software provider who is not an ISO (independent sales organization), or in layman's terms middle man for merchant services. Furthermore, we don't have any kickback arrangements with ISO's or merchant service providers. The normal course of business for a gym billing provider is to either be an ISO (broker) or have a working relationship with one or more ISO's for opening and processing payment card transactions.
The merchant processing industry has developed their own language for common things such as brokers or middle men who take a percentage every time you swipe or process a recurring charge on a credit card. While there's nothing we can do about the nature of the credit card processing industry, we can at least shed a little light on who the interested parties are and who gets a percentage of every charge.
- The merchant – that's you! You're the one with the customers who are paying you by credit card and you will be capturing sales. Capturing sales simply means that you're swiping credit cards and or collection recurring payments for your customers' membership subscriptions.
Typically the next rung up the ladder is the company who sold you a merchant account. Generally speaking (but not always) the company who sold you a merchant account is what's called an Independent Sales Organization (or ISO). The ISO's primary job is selling merchant accounts. Although the ISO has little to do with the actual financial transaction, they are usually the face of your merchant account – meaning that for customer service issues you're calling into your ISO's office. ISO's make their money by marking up the percentages and fees charged for your merchant account (meaning that they take a percentage of your transaction).
Depending on which vendor you choose for your membership and billing software, you will likely encounter two flavors:
a. The software vendor who is also an Independent Sales Organization (ISO).
b. The software vendor who has partnered with an Independent Sales Organization
From our observation, both of the two mentioned arrangements are common. With option (b), the ISO will be providing a kickback to the software vendor generally meaning that you're paying an even higher percentage than you would if you were working with a software vendor who is also an ISO.
- Next up is the merchant processor. These are the companies who have formed relationships with the credit card associations that you're familiar with like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. They provide a technology platform for authorizing credit card transactions. What that simply means is that when you swipe a credit card, the merchant processor tells you whether or not the credit card and the transaction amount are valid (the customer has money on their card or in their bank account). The merchant processor also makes their money by marking up the percentages and fees charged for your merchant account (they take a percentage of your transaction). Working directly with a merchant processor will usually get you the best possible rates for merchant card processing (because you're not going through any brokers). However, because merchant processors don't do much direct solicitation for new merchant accounts you're far more likely to end up dealing with an ISO (unless you know better).
- After the merchant processor you have the actual card associations like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. The card associations set base rates for credit card and debit card transactions (the percentages that you pay). Everyone else in line marks up the percentages set by the card associations to make a profit. It is not possible to process Visa transactions directly with Visa – you must use a merchant processor (#3) to process your credit card and debit card transactions.
- Finally there's you. We technically left out the banks who also get a cut of the transaction for providing the actual service of moving money from one place to another. Suffice it to say, after the software provider, the ISO, the merchant provider, the card organization, and the bank have all taken a cut, you get whatever is left over!
What sets us apart from our competitors is the fact that we are neither an ISO nor do we have any kickback relationships with ISO's. In fact, if you call us and ask us where to get a merchant account, we will simply make introductions directly top tier merchant processors like First Data, TSYS, and Elavon (to name just a handful). When you work directly with a merchant processor you cut out several layers of middlemen, all of whom are taking percentages of your transactions.
Because we don't have a dog in the fight either way, we always try to work with whomever you're already processing your transactions with (typically an ISO). We won't ever try to get you to switch merchant providers or open a new merchant account. We try to keep things as easy and seamless as possible.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Continue reading "Abraj al Bait of Mecca: 2nd Largest Tower in the World"
King Abdullah visiting the Prophet's (s) grave
Intersting how the King can make dua raising his hands at the grave but when other Muslims try this, the brothers of the office of promoting the good and forbidding the evil stops them. Skip to 1:30 in the video to see it.
May the blessings, peace and mercy be upon the Prophet Muhammad.
Saudi Arabia builds first University for men and women, Scholar doesn't like it and loses his position
King Abdullah builds a university for men and women and allows women to drive within the university as well as not wear the niqab. A scholar from the Saudi leading ulema council, Shaykh Saad al-Shethry, complains and King Abdullah removes him from his position. I guess we can no longer say women can't drive in Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has sacked a senior cleric who criticised a new science and technology university which opened in September.
The cleric, Sheikh Saad al-Shethry, said the mixing of sexes in any university was evil and a great sin.
He demanded the curriculum should be vetted by Islamic scholars to prevent teaching of "alien ideologies".
The $7bn university near Jeddah, named after King Abdullah, is a key project of the reform-minded Saudi monarch.
In what is being seen as a rare intervention, a royal decree removed Sheikh Saad from Saudi Arabia's most senior council of religious scholars, or ulema.
No reason was given publicly for the removal.
The timing follows the sheikh's stringent criticism of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), whose administration lies outside the control of the cleric-dominated ministry of education.
"The recommendation is to set up Sharia (Islamic law) committees at this university to oversee these studies and look into what violates the Sharia," Sheikh Saad was quoted saying last week in the Saudi press.
The government hopes the technologically advanced centre with its relaxed social constraints will help modernise the kingdom's deeply conservative society.
In contrast to the strict rules outside the sprawling campus, women are allowed to drive and are not required to wear veils in classes.
Makkah 29th Night of Ramadan 1430 (2009) – Sh. Sudais Khatam-ul-Qur'an Dua
High-maintenance and the back hand
"If a person gives SR1,200 to his wife and she spends SR900 to purchase an abaya (the black gown) from a brand shop and if her husband slaps her on the face as a reaction to her action, she deserves that punishment," said Judge Hamad Al-Razine.
Al-Razine's comment evoked an immediate reaction from the women in the audience who loudly protested. They were all the more surprised when they learned that the man who made the comment was a judge.
Props to the sisters that protested.
Norah al-Faiz – Saudi's first woman minister in Saudi Arabia's history
In Saudi Arabia small changes carry deep meaning, so the appointment earlier this year of Norah al-Faiz as Deputy Minister for Women's Education was nothing short of an earthquake. Educated at King Saud University and Utah State, al-Faiz is the first woman minister in Saudi history. The appointment of al-Faiz, in her early 50s, was the most significant sign yet of the quiet revolution under way since King Abdullah ascended the throne in 2005. The King also replaced his Minister of Justice, head of the religious police and Minister of Education with more moderate, reform-minded leaders.
Saudi reformers welcomed the changes, especially the appointment of al-Faiz, but the real test will be whether she is allowed the authority to get things done. The education of girls has long been a battleground within the kingdom. Al-Faiz faces practical difficulties too. She can't, for example, work face to face with male counterparts without violating the kingdom's strict religious code — so she has said she will conduct meetings through closed-circuit television. Her presence at the ministry has had an immediate impact on Saudi women, who had been unable to enter the building. No longer. "Now I am the deputy minister, and my door is open and accessible," alFaiz said after her appointment.
The path for al-Faiz will not be easy. But something important is under way in Saudi Arabia, and al-Faiz, and her King, are two people to watch.
May Allah (swt) bless her and protect her.
The "Saudi Obama" – Shaykh Adil Kalbani, first Black Imam of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah
A Black Imam Breaks Ground in Mecca
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia
TWO years ago, Sheik Adil Kalbani dreamed that he had become an imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Waking up, he dismissed the dream as a temptation to vanity. Although he is known for his fine voice, Sheik Adil is black, and the son of a poor immigrant from the Persian Gulf. Leading prayers at the Grand Mosque is an extraordinary honor, usually reserved for pure-blooded Arabs from the Saudi heartland.
Continue reading "The "Saudi Obama" – Shaykh Adil Kalbani, first Black Imam of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah"
New Madinah (Updated with more photos)
Looks like the construction is not just limited to Makkah. This is a proposal for a new Madinah.
Youth Fighting outside the Prophet's (s) Mosque in Madinah, Some Arrested
Update: Here is a video from the incident:
News articles:
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed ordered yesterday the release of all youths under 18 detained in connection with a fight near the Prophet's Mosque early this week.
The order was issued on the directive of Interior Minister Prince Naif.
The youths are to be released on guarantees from their guardians.
The investigation into the involvement of other detainees in the fight would continue, Col.
Mohsin Al-Radadi, Madinah police spokesman, told Arab News yesterday.
The youths clashed with worshippers at the mosque on Monday evening but there were no casualties.
Another source claims it was a Sunni vs. Shia fight. The Shia were pilgrims, while the Sunnis were the mutawwa or religious police:
Nine held in clashes at Madinah
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have arrested nine people following clashes at the Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Madinah, an official said yesterday. Some pilgrims clashed with worshippers at the mosque but there were no casualties, interior ministry spokesman Mansur al-Turki said.
Turki declined to comment on reports on Shia websites that the clashes were sectarian and pitted Shias against Sunnis.
"The security authorities will issue a statement later to clarify what happened, the nationalities of the participants in the fight and their motives, once the investigation is over," Turki said.
Saudi newspapers have reported that on Friday religious police at a shrine in Madinah clashed with pilgrims, who responded by hurling stones at a police station.
Iran's Arab-language satellite channel quoted witnesses as saying that on Monday evening two Saudi Shias from Al-Qatif in the oil-rich east of the kingdom were killed and four others wounded by anti-riot police.
Saudi group Human Rights First said religious police had attacked Shia pilgrims in Madinah. They condemned the attack, calling on the government to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. – AFP
I don't really know where the truth is, but I'll update as I find reliable sources, inshaAllah.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dismisses Chief of Religious Police
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Saudi king on Saturday dismissed the chief of the religious police and a cleric who condoned killing the owners of TV networks that broadcast "immoral" content, signaling an effort to weaken the country's hard-line Sunni establishment.
The king also changed the makeup of an influential body of religious scholars, for the first time giving more moderate Sunnis representation to the group whose duties include issuing the religious edicts known as fatwas.
Not really sure if these are good things or bad things, but at least promotion of violence and killing are not tolerated anymore by the Saudi government.


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Featured on Jay Leno's Garage!
If It's Worth The Investment... It's Worth the Security!
This unique alarm system, which is protected by 4 patents and is licensed exclusively to Hard 2 Top Products, has been referred to as "The Next Generation in Convertible Vehicle Security and Safety" (see Jay Leno's demonstration video in a segment from Jay's Garage).
The installation of the Hard 2 Top System will not impair the normal operation of your convertible top and actually serves as additional insulation and protection from the elements and noise.
Talk with your present insurance underwriter, and ask them about additional premium credits for installing our system in your convertible.
Combining both the latest Entry Alarm Systems with Technically Advanced Highly Sensitive Entry Deterrent Materials, makes any forced entry into your convertible vehicle a very difficult task. Combine conductive materials with Kevlar in the Hard 2 Top System, which integrates seamlessly into your vehicle alarm system, and you have a whole new ballgame (we can also make a separate alarm system with its own power supply if you prefer).
The Hard2Top stability of our integrated system reduces false alarms. The system reacts solely to any forced entry attempt. That means no matter what someone uses to attempt to enter through the top, the alarm will sound. Unlike many other products in the market, our system gives you peace of mind while delivering security for you, your family, your possessions and your car.
The Hard2Top system is so sensitive that penetration from an object as small as a pin causes the alarm's activation. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is our #1 goal. We have developed a system that is intelligent and sensitive to the tiniest penetration and yet is not triggered by normal driving conditions, opening and closing the top or weather.


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Thanks for Subscribing, Handsome!
Thank you for subscribing to Blog Tyrant. It means a lot.
You have been sent an email with a confirmation link. You need to click that link if you want to receive your free eBook and my blog updates in your inbox.
Its just to make sure that you submitted your email address and not someone else trying to be funny.
My email subscribers mean a lot to me so if there is anything I can ever do for you please don't hesitate to let me know.


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Universal hose coupling Plus
Universal hose coupling plus with soft plastic recessed grips for comfortable handling. Compatible with all click systems.
Connecting, disconnecting and repair made easy – with Kärcher's practical and ergonomic universal hose coupling plus with soft plastic recessed grips for especially comfortable handling. The flexible connector system simplifies the watering of small and large gardens and surfaces. Functioning tap connections and hose couplings are essential to any good watering system. The universal hose coupling plus is compatible with the three most common hose diameters and all available click systems.
Features and benefits
Soft plastic recessed grips
- For easy handling.
Hook-and-loop system
Technical data
|1/2", 5/8", 3/4"
|Weight incl. packaging (kg)
|Dimensions (L × W × H) (mm)
|65 x 33 x 45
Application areas
- For watering small or large surfaces or gardens
- For watering large-surface kitchen gardens
- For watering cultivated plants (small beds, single plants, pot plants)
- For watering ornamental plants (small beds, single plants, pot plants)
- For cleaning garden machines and garden furniture


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Shine Forth.
Check out what our beautiful campus has to offer!
Illuminating education
At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, you'll get the quality academic preparation you need to pursue your dreams. With more than 75 programs, MVNU offers you the best foundation for a rewarding career. MVNU is also one of the most affordable private institutions in Ohio.
MVNU's faculty are passionate about empowering you to achieve your dreams. Seventy percent of our classes have fewer than 20 students. That means you will receive personal attention and develop meaningful relationships with professors who care about your future.
A passion for service
Be a light to the world. MVNU's commitment to service is unmatched in higher education. With more than 300 students traveling annually, our student experience provides real-world knowledge that is making a difference in all corners of the globe.
Whether you are a Computer Science major developing technol-ogy infrastructure in Belize, a Nursing major providing care in Haiti, or an Education major student teaching right here in the United States, you can be confident that you're making the world a brighter place.
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When you graduate, your MVNU experience goes with you. Ninety-four percent of our alumni are employed or in graduate programs within a year of graduation. Your life will be shaped by the relationships you form, the choices you make, and the network of more than 19,000 alumni who share your values. You don't want a run-of-the-mill life. So don't settle for a run-of-the-mill college. Choose MVNU and let the best you shine forth.


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CFP: [Film] Performing Authenticity: Women, Country Music, and Media (9/15/07; NeMLA, 4/10/08-4/13/08)
Call for Papers
Performing Authenticity: Women, Country Music, and Media
39th Convention, Northeast Modern Language Association (NeMLA)
April 10-13, 2008
Buffalo, New York
This panel seeks to interrogate the ways in which the concept of
authenticity is negotiated by female country musicians through
song and performance. Further, it is interested in examining how
mediated forms featuring or depicting female country musicians
(such as the music video, the biopic, and the documentary)
reflect an acceptance or rejection of (or a struggle with)
traditional notions of country authenticity. Papers will examine
this topic via analyses of specific musicians, performances,
and/or mediated representations. Please send 250-500 word
abstracts via e-mail to Molly Brost at mjbrost_at_bgnet.bgsu.edu.
Deadline for proposals is September 15, 2007.
For complete convention information, please visit www.nemla.org.
From the Literary Calls for Papers Mailing List
more information at
Received on Thu Aug 02 2007 - 09:56:29 EDT


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The extent to which Dumfries and Galloway suffers from low pay was revealed this week in the Scottish Parliament.
The answer given by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown last week (21 July) revealed that both of the region's Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies were in the list of the ten lowest paid constituencies in Scotland.
The average Median Gross Weekly Pay in Dumfriesshire was £346.9 per week and in Galloway and West Dumfries the figure was just £338.5 per week. This compares to the highest paid constituency, Aberdeen Donside where the figure was £595.30 per week.
The figures have prompted a call from South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth for a radical change in the Scottish Government's economic policy to focus more effort on peripheral communities such as Dumfries and Galloway when it comes to creating higher paid, skilled jobs.
Colin Smyth said: "These figures really do expose the shame of low pay in Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries and Galloway council has led the way in trying to tackle the problem, leading by example by becoming the first council in Scotland to be a Living Wages accredited employer. However, significant Government cuts in public sector jobs in the council and NHS in recent years are driving wages down. The weakness of the local economy means these job cuts are not being replaced by enough new, high skilled jobs in the private sector. We need a radical re-think in the Scottish Government's economic policy that places far more emphasis in supporting businesses to create well paid jobs in peripheral areas such as ours which are currently missing out.
"At the moment the Scottish Government simply looks at the performance of the overall Scottish economy. So if we have economic growth or falling unemployment in Scotland that is enough for the Government. But that doesn't tell the whole story. They need to look beyond a Scotland wide approach and realise there are parts of Scotland suffering appalling levels of low pay and target resources better in those areas. For our own region that means a fairer distribution of Government jobs to our area and an end to centralisation, a change in the remit of agencies like Scottish Enterprise to support more local businesses and increased investment in both our physical infrastructure such as the A75, A76, A77 and A7 and also our digital infrastructure".
Galloway MSP Finlay Carson commented: " These figures are yet another reminder of the challenges facing the local economy. The Scottish Investment Bank has invested more than £122m in the last 3 years in Scotland, none of which was spent in Dumfries and Galloway. As a result, the Scottish Government have created a rural / central belt imbalance and this must be addressed. More emphasis needs to be put on promoting Dumfries and Galloway as a place that is open for business. During the election, the Scottish Conservatives and I called for the creation of a South of Scotland Enterprise Agency. Such an agency would be tasked with devising tailored solutions to the unique problems facing the South of Scotland, not least the lack of high-skilled and well paid jobs. I've also led a campaign for Stranraer to be awarded Enterprise Zone status, which would give Stranraer a new lease of life and help drive their economy. Dumfries and Galloway is calling out for action and it's time the Scottish Government started listening.
"This region deserves better".


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Education plays an essential role in concussion care. A concussion is a brain injury, and although sometimes thought of as a mild injury, symptoms may persist and delay recovery. Although recognition has increased significantly in recent years, there remain gaps in knowledge of concussion management by health care and other professionals.
The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, using research and education, aims to increase the standards of care provided to those with concussions. Doing this will help to improve the systems of care, so that patients and their families have access to the right information about concussions and the management of symptoms that may persist.


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Date: Nov 9, 2019
Location: Burnaby, BC, CA
Company: Kiewit
Requisition ID: 83399
Position Overview
At Kiewit, we never stop raising the bar. Consistently focused on high quality production, we commit to excellence in all we do. We encourage new and innovative ideas with forward thinking. We build our work right the first time, delivering with a sense of urgency, the highest value to our clients. We are currently looking for a Quality Manager to help oversee our quality programs at a project level. As a key member of the Project Management Team you will be responsible for the projects quality performance. You will lead the implementation and continue overseeing the program throughout the project cycle, working closely with the various stakeholders (clients, leadership team etc.) to ensure Kiewit's commitment to excellence.
Our mission is to make a difference and we offer opportunities for you to make one too through our construction operations. Whether we're boring tunnels through mountains, turning rivers into energy or building bridges that connect communities, we depend on our passionate, skilled, and safety-obsessed construction professionals to get it done right. You bring your big ideas, commitment to top quality, and an unwavering work ethic. In return, we offer huge career and travel opportunities and the satisfaction of building the next big thing from the ground up. There's a reason Kiewit attracts the best: we offer fast-paced excitement and fulfillment you won't find anywhere else.
District Overview
Kiewit's Western Canada District is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. We primarily perform heavy civil projects specializing in earth moving, transportation, roadways, bridges, water resources, and underground utilities. We are looking for hard working individuals with a passion for construction who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty! Our current opportunities are spread across the entire west coast of Canada.
We currently have work all across the country in large cities and small towns, so our people must be willing to go where the work is. Job assignment location will be determined closer to your start date. Must be able to travel and relocate as business requires. Some of our current projects locations include, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
• Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications
• Generate project quality plans, inspection & test plans, and procedures
• Work closely with Construction Supervisors, Schedulers, Planners regarding development and implementation of the project quality system ensuring thorough understanding of the project scope and schedule
• Produce quality work, meeting requirements of plans, specifications and industry standards
• Have a thorough knowledge of the Projects Quality Management System, work instructions and procedures
• Ensure work is performed to established technical requirements defined by project documentation including drawings, specifications, procedures, inspection & test plans and work instructions
• Align quality control objectives with construction procedures to achieve product reliability and minimize cost
• Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve matters such as work procedures, complaints, and construction problems
• Confer with vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, procedures, product specifications, manufacturing capabilities, and project status
• Generate quality reports and metric
• Evaluate data and write reports to validate or indicate deviations from existing standards
• Issue notice of non-conformances and stop-work orders, conferring with clients, , and quality personnel to document incidents, contract requirements, and recommend corrective actions.
• Read worker logs, as-builts, quality checklist, test reports and specification sheets, to verify that records adhere to contract specifications
• Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees
• Manage staff, preparing work schedules and assigning specific duties
• Execute personnel quality training
• Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company and its staff in meeting objectives, and to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change
• Recommend modifications to existing quality or production standards to achieve optimum quality
• Assist other projects and regions as needed in the implementation of The Company's Quality Program
• Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related degree
• 7+ years of experience in Quality Management on heavy civil construction projects
• Experience working in an ISO 9001 environment
• Proven background as a QA/QC Inspector in large scope projects
• Significant years of experience managing a team of several quality inspectors
• Highly motivated, with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative
• Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity
• Passion for safety, with the ability to help us ensure that nobody gets hurt
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Team player with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, goals and objectives
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail
• Ability to freely access all points of a construction site in wide-ranging climates and environment
• Ability to travel and relocate as business requires
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
Other common names for this role: Quality Lead, QA/QC Manager
About Kiewit
As one of North America's largest, most respected construction and engineering organizations, with 2018 revenues of $8.7 billion, Kiewit exists to make a difference. We improve and connect communities across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia through complex projects in transportation, water/wastewater, power, oil, gas and chemical, building, industrial and mining. Our services are as diverse as the skills of our 20,000-strong workforce to whom we provide challenging, honest work in a caring and collaborative culture. A sense of adventure, pride and fulfillment is built in to every career at Kiewit.
How We're Different
• Consistently ranked within the top five of the "Top 400 Contractors" according to Engineering News-Record
• Named to the Best Workplaces in Canada by the Great Place to Work Institute Canada for the sixth year in a row
• Extended health, dental and vision insurance where employees can get expert support for work, life, and everything in between
• RRSP plan that includes company dollar-for-dollar match on contributions up to 6 percent of weekly base wages
• Our employees are entitled to accrue at least 20 days paid time off each year, in addition to statutory holidays per each province's guidelines
• We spend an average of $8,500 per employee each year on training and career development, and reimburse up to $5,250 per year in outside tuition costs
Kiewit believes in equal opportunity in employment practices without discrimination, and complies with all laws regarding human rights in the provinces where we operate.
Job Segment: Engineer, Quality Manager, District Manager, Manager, Quality, Engineering, Management


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There are so many times that I've waited to see a piece of art that I've heard so much about, only to be completely underwhelmed when I finally get to see it. Not that I'm not happy to have the opportunity to see great art, but sometimes I am left wondering how art is judged and how greatness is achieved.
And then there are other times when I am completely caught off guard by how beautiful a piece of art is, when I had absolutely no expectation of it at all. That was how I felt when we saw the Winged Victory of Samothrace (see at a distance above) at the Louvre last week. It was nearly impossible to take my eyes off of her. I realize that she has no head and no arms, but because of her lack of parts, she seemed very mysterious. Like someone you'd like to know more about.
And you can see by the picture that I wasn't the only one who had a hard time taking my eyes off of her.
We showed up at the Louvre for "free museum day," which happens the first Sunday of every month. Not totally sure I would recommend this, because what you don't pay in admission, you pay by waiting in a giant line with all the other geniuses who thought they were getting a deal at "free museum day." But we got in eventually and had a great time.
At the Louvre, we stopped by to say 'hi' to the Mona Lisa, painted by one of my favorite guys Leo and she met all expectations. Ok, so she's smaller than you would hope, and behind bulletproof glass, and there are about a billion people standing in the way of a clear visual on her, but I could tell she was looking right at me. I just know it. She may have even winked.


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Crazysoft Psarakia for Smartphones
Windows Mobile
What do you need help on? Cancel X
PSARAKIAIdea of the game:Make horizontal or vertical pairs of two and more same fish. You can see the frozen fish ice cubes; defrost them by breaking the ice!Gameplay:Break the ice of each fish group, by holding the pen down on the screen and moving it on each fish without letting go. The ice will break and the fish will appear. After a while the pairs will be calculated and the points & life earned. Meters:When the temperature meter on the left:1) Empties: You lose.2) Fills: Level Up!You can fill the combo meter and gain more life only if additional pairs are made without any tapping just after pairs are done. There are three different modes:EASY, HARD and MEMORY mode.HARD MODE:1) You lose life every second.2) If defrost fish are not made pairs fast after a while they freeze and then become ice cubes as it was before. 3) It is a lot more difficult.MEMORY MODE:There are 12 different pairs of fish which are hidden. You can see 2 fish of your choice at a time. The idea is to find the pairs. Pair bonus: This item gives you life bonus, multiplied by the pairs of fish you have found at that time.FEATURES:* QVGA, 240x320 & 320x240 support!* Horizontal resolutions supported 320x240* Full support for Motorola Qh9.* 16bit crystal clear graphics!* Full screen graphics!* Frame by frame smooth animation* Speed control * Export Hi-Scores to internet ---21/Apr/2008 UPDATE (1.1) ---* New resolution support: 320x320.* Runs on: 400x240* Runs on: 440x240* Bug when writing hiscore fixed* Minor bugs fixed.


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Get the job done with relentless
and deliberate execution.
Safety is a way of life. Every member of our team has the right and obligation to ensure that he or she goes home each day in the same condition they arrived. This includes a commitment to do no harm to ourselves or others in the execution of our work.
We expect more than simple honesty, we demand the truth in all aspects of business. This mandates a level of truthfulness driven by the reality of each situation. Nothing is withheld, and relevant facts are disclosed to all involved.
We are committed to superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every task we perform carries the name of Joe Albanese and the legacy of John Albanese. Their uncompromising commitment to quality exists to this day, and our relentless pursuit of excellence is demonstrated every day.
We are driven to greatness by the people on our team. Recognizing that people are our greatest asset, we heavily invest in a work environment that attracts and retains the finest craftspersons and professionals in our region.


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Focus Enhancements Releases New Line of HD Portable DTE Recorders
Campbell, Calif.-based Focus Enhancements Inc. has launched its new lineup of FS-4 Portable Direct To Edit Recorders. The FS-4 line features a new design, HD capability, and extended recording with up to 7.5 hours of DV/HDV record time.
The new FS-4Pro HD models feature higher capacities, with 60 GB, 80 GB, and 100 GB versions providing between 4.5 and 7.5 hours of DV/HDV recording. The FS-4HD ships with a 40 GB disk drive allowing 3 hours of DV/HDV recording. In HD mode, the FS-4Pro HD models can record in either the M2T file format as well as the unique QuickTime HDV format for Direct To Edit use with Apple Final Cut Pro. In addition to eight available DV25 DTE file formats, the FS-4 HD and FS-4Pro HD can also record in the HDV M2T file format.
"We are seeing much higher demand for HD record capabilities from our customers as well as a requirement for longer record times," said Matt McEwen, senior product manager for Focus Enhancements. "Our new FS-4 lineup allows videographers to record in either DV or HDV, as well as provides more options in terms of record capacity."
The Focus FS-4 HD line features a comprehensive backlit display, easy-to-use menu system, hard drive, and removable, rechargeable battery. The new FS-4 HD and FS-4Pro HD Portable DTE Recorders weigh one pound with a profile of 1.5 inches thin.
The new FS-4 model lineup is now available.


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Hearts and Lonely Hunters
Hearts And Lonely Hunters
Five Questions with...Luther Wright
Wright Time for Kingston Native and the Wrongs
Luther Wright & the Wrongs 'Hearts and Lonely Hunters' CD review
Luther Wright's New Album Had a Split Personality
Hearts and Lonely Hunters
The Jack Grace Band with Luther Wright Live At The Acoustic Grill
Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
Bluegrass's New-Age Hootenanny
Climbing over the Wall
Sometimes, a band or an artist so successfully or so uniquely covers someone else's work that the cover song becomes an inherent part of their canon and is identified with them for the length of their career. In Luther Wright's case, though, it wasn't just a single song, but an entire album - a double LP, in fact. At the end of the 20th century, the affable former Weeping Tile guitarist made a startling discovery: Pink Floyd's The Wall was in fact, at its heart, a bluegrass album. Luther Wright and the Wrong's 2001 thesis, Rebuilding the Wall, conclusively hammered home the point. It was both ambitious and audacious, and it attracted a fair bit of attention.
"We went from obscure to relatively known - we shot up to vaguely recognized," Wright acknowledges with typical dry humour. "It doesn't seem to have held me back. Now, it's one of a bunch of records, but it doesn't really have a life expectancy, because it was already a cover of an album that was 20 years old. It comes around. It's rare that we pull out more than a couple of songs. There are so many harmonies and bits and instrumentation parts."
The radical reworking, a concept album about a concept album, got the thumbs up from both Pink and Floyd (OK, Roger Waters and David Gilmour); Bob Ezrin, the producer of the original Wall, sent Wright an enthusiastic email. Rebuilding the Wall was Wright's third album and there have been three more since, including last year's critically acclaimed The Man of Your Dreams, all furthering Wright's unique style, described by roots authority No Depression as "Tunes that split the difference between irreverence and country's traditions, a balancing act pulled off with panache." Wright counters: "I'm very happy being recognized for not being a complete smart-ass."
For the past five years or so, the Wrongs have become more of a fluid collective. "Once you're in, you're never out, so everybody that's ever played in the band still sort of plays from time to time," Wright explains while on his way to Guelph, for the first of a 26-show tour. This time out, he's touring with New York's Jack Grace Band, which, conveniently, doubles up as the new Wrongs. Wright and the band have been helping to grow each other's audiences on both sides of the border.
"We've been hooked up for a couple of years, booking each other back and forth," Wright says. "We're North-Americanizing the indie country roots."
By the time the bands hit Calgary, they should be hitting their stride, hosting the Ship jam in the afternoon and laying claim to the new Ironwood in the evening. Wright figures they have more than enough tunes to play three sets without repeating themselves this summer, he plans to head into the studio with The Jack Grace Band and whichever Wrongs are available to record his seventh disc, which will include covers of songs by his friends, like Carolyn Mark, Shuyler Jansen and Hank and Lilly. Still, Wright doesn't see any high concept in the immediate future.
"It was such a specific thing," he says. "It wasn't like, 'Let's do a concept record!' It was like, 'Hey, The Wall's a bluegrass record, we should do this,' and then we're such a bunch of cocky smart-asses, we talked about it and decided to make it a reality. I do like the idea of concept records and I actually consider my last couple albums somewhat conceptual, you know, the concept of heartache."
Would he ever consider another such mega-project?
"We're probably too lazy," he says. "It would have to be pretty inspiring. It's a lot of work."
Man Of Your Dreams
As one of the driving forces behind the annual cross-Canada Hootenanny tour, Wright has assembled this latest album in a similar fashion, drawing upon a host of Canadian roots talent like Dan and Jenny Whiteley, as well as his old Weeping Tile partner Sarah Harmer. Yet, unlike some of his previous solo outings, Man Of Your Dreams finds Wright concentrating on the emotional impact of the songs, rather than simply showing off his band's bluegrass chops. The emphasis is clearly on heartbreak, and even if the message of the opening title track comes off as tongue-in-cheek, the exploration of the theme continuously gets deeper on "Things Twice" and "Wooden Dreams," until by closing track "All The Glory" there's a sense that some kind of love lesson has been proffered. Since the album itself only clocks in at 30 minutes, it's an easy lesson to digest, and Wright's typically unadorned, back porch production style adds a lot of homespun charm. Man Of Your Dreams may not provide the rough-edged roots rock that some fans of the genre expect, but it is an accurate reflection of the Hootenanny community that continues to grow each time out.
Man of Your Dreams
Man of Your Dreams
Friday On My Mind: Banjo Jim Is Everywhere
Roger's Waltz
Luther Wright and the Wrongs
Roger's Waltz
DROG Records
This is Luther Wright's second country CD. You might recognize him as that skinny guitar player in Weeping Tile. You might have heard his first CD, Hurtin' for Certain, which I thought was pretty weak, especially compared to this one. Hurtin just sounded like an incomplete and unmasterful attempt in a genre someone wasn't really familiar with. Like city folks doing country music. With one under their belt, mayhap some lessons been learned, cuz this one sounds full and rich and sincere. The band on both records has been some fine musicians, but on "Roger's Waltz" there's more room for everyone, some things are done just plain simple, and where there needs to be lots of layers of acoustic sounds it sounds like they hit the right marks. It isn't until the third song that we hear Sarah Harmer's clear and perfectly complimentary harmonies, which is really nice restraint. "Celia" is a fine country song. You'll find Luther's voice is warm and trusting, and his sad stories, like the title track, are finely wrenching. "Roger's Waltz" is a little like "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda," which is fine company.
Luther Wright and the Wrongs (Snakeye Muzak)
– By Mitch Podolak
Hootenanny Revue
Hey there folks. Last weekend was the annual Wolfe Island Music Fest. The lineup was ridiculously good this year - so good that WIMF is giving Hillside a run for its money. And at a fraction of the price no less! With an added bonus of getting to ride on a ferry! Seriously mark your calendars for next year, it is that good. But, for the second year running I have been unable to attend the main day of fun. Stupid summertime obligations. As expected, all reviews that I have seen said this year's event was outstanding.
Knowing that I wouldn't be in the area on Saturday, I made sure that I got to see the Friday night Town Hall concert, the Hootenanny Revue. I missed the Hootenanny when it previously swung through town and I am very glad that I got to attend this time.
The Hootenanny is somewhat hard to explain. It is equal parts bluegrass, gospel revival, and cabaret, with a dash of indie rock. They call it Cowpunk, which I think is quite fantastic. I am not a fan of most country music, particularly what would be considered mainstream country, but I nevertheless like the type of music made by the Hootenanny All-stars. It is more "alt." than what I would consider most alt-country. It is much more bluegrassy. These folks aren't just adopting the sonic tools of bluegrass and traditional, olde-tyme country music as a novelty, however, they are the real deal. Everything we saw was authentic, passionate, and fun.
It was a revolving cast of exceptionally talented folks each taking turns at the mic and switching instruments as duty called. When not onstage they watched and danced right up front. There were five distinct performers/groups on the bill - Carolyn Mark, Luther Wright, Jenny Whiteley, Shuyler Jansen, and Salt- with a Dan Whiteley on mandolin and Diona Davies on fiddle, and Tolan McNeil on guitar, as well as a drummer, Michael Silverman. There was also a special guest appearance by Chris Brown and Kate Fenner. They backed each other up, sang harmonies and duets and by no means were they done once they sang their three or four songs in each set. Everyone brought something unique to the act whether they were the feature at the time or serving as backup.
The crowd was a very interesting mix of country fans, old folks, Wolfe Islanders, kids, and hipsters but I think it is safe to say that everyone was having a good time. They particularly liked the upbeat songs which lent themselves to dancing. The slower, softer numbers found many people's attention wandering. The people standing at the back were exceptionally chatty through pretty much the whole damn thing. I remain mystified why they didn't go just outside the hall where it was cooler, you could still hear the music and where the beer tent was located. At anyrate fun was had. At the end, after Jenny Whiteley sang "Circus is in Town" a capella as the others packed everything away (what was with that one chick in the audience screeching?), the Hootenanny All-Stars led a conga line out of the hall where fireworks were let off. Aside from my slight uneasiness out of fear that they might burn the church down (they did seem to be landing quite close) it was a pretty fantastic way to end the evening.
Wolfe Island was the last stop on the Revue's tour but I highly recommend you catch them if they roll through your town the next time the Hootenanny hits the road.
Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
CD review - Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
Luther Wright has got some serious heart problems. While the literal-minded might see the Sacred Heart aflame on the cover of his latest album, Guitar Pickin' Martyrs,and think Wright and his backing band, the Wrongs, are suffering from heartburn, they'd be wrong. And ignorant -- heartburn has nothing to do with one's heart. Ha. But I digress. Wright's problems are more along the lines of the metaphorical; namely, he's got a broken heart. Throughout Martyrs, Wright proves himself to be a fool for love, time and again having his heart raked over the coals. Sure, he gets wiser with every heartache, but he never learns his lesson.
It's all to the listeners' benefit, though. Wright can't be a guitar pickin' martyr, singing songs about heartbreak, if he knows nothing of the topic. Song titles alone -- "Broken Fuckin' Heart", "I'm Not Okay", and "Not Feeling Fine" -- should be proof enough that Wright's an authority on love gone wrong, but he and his band drape their songs in plaintive steel guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Even if English is Greek to you, the Wrongs just sound like hopeless romantics.
But if you understand English -- and the odds are pretty good, since you're reading this -- then Guitar Pickin' Martyrs reveals even more delicate lyrical treats. Some are a little too sweet: The barroom swing of "Devious Dissembler" nearly gets derailed by the titular character's "Bishop Desmond Tutu curly hair" (granted, a keen observation, but: Huh?) and five-dollar words like "subservience" and "clandestine" fall thickly off Wright's tongue. Fortunately, despite (or because of) Wright's unpretentious (read: plain) voice, most words and phrases drip from his mouth like warm honey. "I get a hard-on or cry at the drop of a hat", he notes on "Not Feeling Fine". Even though the man's heart hurts like hell, Wright's still got a sharp sense of humor -- like a true romantic.
Elsewhere, Wright's keen wit shine through: "If looks could really kill then I'd be dead / You'd be in jail behind bars making license plates for cars" he tells an ex-lover on the newgrassy "Broken Fuckin' Heart" (ain't that the worst kind?) and on "Darlin'", Wright's lovesick narrator recognizes that even if his girlfriend who treats him like shit "stand[s] me up / I'm still ahead of all the chumps you never knew and that's the truth". Wright's characters all realize that they are powerless in the face of love, no matter how wrong it is, and they might as well roll with the punches. And just to make sure there's no confusion over Wright's theory that we can't control who we fall in love with, Guitar Pickin' Martyrs' liner notes feature cheesy clip art drawings of Cupid -- the real culprit in all this lovely mess.
Of course, an album called Guitar Pickin' Martyrs has its fair share of nifty guitar work, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it. Dan Curtis, a triple threat on electric guitar, lap steel, and banjo, gets most of the deserved accolades, though Chris Quinn's banjo solo on "My Heart, My Heart" gets my vote for the album's best. Wright must hate to be lonely, because there are 13 musicians credited in Martyrs' liner notes, but there's not a wasted note from any of them. Hell, there's even a guy (Spencer Evans) playing clarinet on "Darlin'".
An album with a title like Guitar Pickin' Martyrs arrives on shelves with a built-in audience, but anybody who has had a broken heart (and likes to revel in the misery of brokenheartedness) will find something to relate to on Martyrs. And those who first learned of Wright from his Pink Floyd re-imagination, Rebuilding the Wall, will be pleased to see that Wright is more than just a one-trick pony. If you're one of the lucky (?) few to be spared heartache, then enjoy the rocking tunes. Or, in Wright's terms, from "Race to the Top": "That hillbilly music... you don't hear on the radio".
CD review - Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
I love the title of this CD, and I love this band.
Most of the work here is original and has that lovely, fresh feeling of not being over-influenced by any awe of the past masters. The opening track, "Wish Me Well," sets the tone and we go on an upward curve from there.
I particularly like the writing on "Devious Dissembler." Can you not love a title like that? The pace is steadied for "Land of Milk and Honey" and shows that the Wrongs can deliver a beautiful ballad with the best of them. Maybe it's the influence of Sarah Harmer. She also joins Luther on vocal for "Race to the Top," where the old-time yodelling brings back a bygone age.
The old time country stars would never have released the next track -- purely because it would never get airplay. "Broken F****** Heart" is an excellent song and can be very realistic but I doubt if it will be heard on many radio sets even in 2004. This is a pity because there is great rhythm and inspired lyrics.
There are any number of strong pieces on this album. They are strong in the sense of top-class compositions, but also in that some of the lyrics may require parental advisory notices.
Another heart song, "My Heart, My Heart," has the potential to be a great single hit. It gets your feet tapping and heart pounding, as a good hillbilly track should. In the old days of single releases, the ideal b-side to the single would have been "Darlin'" -- even if the lyrics were a bit risque on close listening.
There is one cover version here and it is well worth it. Hold on to your hat and play track 12 at full volume, "It's Mighty Dark to Travel." The final track, "The Settling Dust," is another fine contribution and is well worth giving your attention to.
I enjoyed this CD immensely; there is some great writing and playing featured and I hope that many more people manage to hear this work. The insert with lyrics is very good.
CD review - Guitar Pickin' Martyrs
Anyone who likes every other banjo-heavy, alt-nouveau country act that gets college radio air time will like Martyrs. Those who only like the Wrongs' bluegrass remake of Pink Floyd's The Wall - with its unique ability reconcile both nostalgic remembrance of that first bong hit as a thirteen-year-old with a newfound hipster love of Johnny Cash - will surely feel this album falls short. And those out there who thought that Rebuilding the Wall could really have use more Earl Scruggs-style hard-core banjo pickin' will feel equally cheated.
But somewhere in the between those two extremes lies the perfect audience for this album. Its well-produced and easy listening melodies are sure to be a hit for the cheap beer, back porch crowd, as well as the "I'm just getting into this hillbilly music" bunch. Martyrs is about as user friendly as an alternative contemporary country album can get, and these guys seem like they would make great drinking buddies, but let not the album title fool you - no guitars or banjos were hurt during production.


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Candy Gal
Ugh this jumpsuit got lost in my closet for almost 2 years and I havent worn it once. Can u believe it? Now that I found it Im gonna wear it over and over and over again.
How is your weather over there? Its so horrible. Germany is showing its ugly side again. :( Rainy, cold and cloudy. It feels like autumn. Funny part is some trees began to lose their leaves :0 Jeeezuz.


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Hank Prank and Hot Henrietta
Digital version – browse, print or download
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Hank Prank and Hot Henrietta
Lisa Kopper
(Puffin Books)
978-0140321258, RRP £3.25, Paperback
5-8 Infant/Junior
12 lively, well-rounded episodes about Hank and his little sister Henrietta -- spirited and rumbustious children, the bane of parents and teachers. Cleverly alternated chapters -- one about Hank, one about Henrietta -- keep the interest. There are some vivid school and playground scenes: my sixes particularly liked the one about a class's first encounter with a new (male) teacher. Super dialogue and the jokes are fresh and tangy.


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What You Should Know About Paying Taxes In Switzerland
"In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes," said 18th century American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin, true as it might be we can hardly escape the inevitability of paying taxes. Depending on your status in Switzerland you might be required to be pay value added tax (VAT), tax on vehicles, inheritance, property and even dogs. Read on, as we provide you with a brief overview on paying taxes and give you some hands-on advice.
Value Added TAX (VAT)
Value added tax or VAT is a consumption tax on a product, whenever value is added at the stage of production and final sale. In Switzerland all businesses must pay VAT regardless of their legal form. If the yearly value of taxable materials is less than CHF 100,000 the business is exempt form paying VAT. It is also exempt from paying VAT if the value is 150,000 for charitable institutions. VAT is not required on certain goods and services i.e. medical services and goods/services supplied abroad.
Vehicle Tax
The government of Switzerland requires each vehicle owner to annually pay tax. The amount of tax required and the way it is calculated differs from one canton to the other.
Inheritance Tax
Inheritance tax in Switzerland is payable to the government by the heir who inherits the estate or property. Personal household goods are not taxed; spouses, children and stepchildren or foster children do not need to pay inheritance tax. The tax rate differs depending on the size of the inheritance and the relationship to the deceased person. A close relative of the deceased will pay lower tax than a distant relative. To file for inheritance tax it is advisable to contact the tax administration in the canton where the testator lives or owns property.
Property Tax
If you own a house, land or real estate property you are obliged to pay cantonal or communal tax. The tax is usually payable by natural persons and legal entities recorded in the land register. The property is usually taxed by its location; the tax is calculated based on the full value of the property without taking into consideration related debts or mortgages.
Dog Tax
Strange as it might sound dog owners must pay tax for their dogs. You must register your dog in the commune of residence, the Swiss government requires dog owners to pay an annual amount for each dog you own, based on the size and weight of the dog. If you move away or your dog dies, you must notify the commune. You are not required to pay taxes for guide and rescue dogs, nevertheless some cantons might charge reduced tax for such dogs.
Paying Tax As An Expat
If you are a foreigner residing in Switzerland with a permanent residence permit C, or a foreigner married to a Swiss citizen you will need to file a tax return each year. Moreover, if your gross salary exceeds CHF 120,000 per year you are obliged to file a tax return for worldwide income and assets. The tax year-end is December 31, tax returns must be filed within three months after the end of the tax period. If you do not pay your tax on time you might be subject to default taxation, it is advisable to pay your taxes on time. Depending on the canton you live in you may also be required to pay a penalty if you fail to pay your taxes.
FERZ SA will guide you through the process of filing tax returns, our experienced team offer a wide range of tax services explaining all the legal requirements for paying taxes in Switzerland, call or email us for a consultation.


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The Real World
Steal-worthy wedding destinations inspired by five couples' actual I do's
By Tessa Woolf
There's no arguing that the Wasatch Front isn't rife with killer wedding venues and top-notch florists, bakers, and caterers, but a destination wedding also has plenty of benefits, such as naturally jaw-dropping beauty, a sneaky excuse to keep your guest list under control, the chance to save money by extending your trip to include the honeymoon—and it's far, far away from your everyday routine. But decisions like picking a menu or hotel for guests are hard enough when the vendors are just down the street: with an entire world at your disposal, how do you decide where to go and how to make it work?
You can certainly flex your fingers for some Internet searching to get ideas, but to really pull it off with panache, nothing beats learning from real-life couples who have been there, done that. Here are five pairs who planned and perfectly executed their weddings in prime destinations, plus pictures from photographers who were happy to join them on the trek up and down Utah, across borders, or overseas. These couples share their stories, style tips, and great local leads so that you can have your dream wedding, and travel to it, too.
Tropic Thunder
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Shortly after celebrating their eleventh year of dating, Kasey Stanislaw and Marshall Aune headed south of the border for their 11/11/11 wedding at the Hilton Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The couple fell in love with the resort town when they traveled there for Stanislaw's grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary.
Easy Access The pair liked the idea of a weekend-long celebration with family and friends, and they figured a trip to Cabo San Lucas would be easy for their fifty-four guests. "It's only a three-hour flight from Salt Lake City, and an even shorter flight from Los Angeles, where much of our family lives," says Kasey.
In the Know As the director of Park City's Harvest Moon Events, Kasey went to her local contacts for the invitation printing (Rowley Press), photography (Sweet Memory Garden), gown (The Perfect Dress), ring (Shane & Co), and linens (Wildflower Linen). The couple's rabbi, Josh Aaronson of Park City's Temple Har Shalom, flew to Cabo to officiate the wedding.
Local Flair Festive details like Mexican paper flags and lime green and fuchsia hues decorated the setting. A staged interruption by three banditos on horseback surprised guests during the ceremony—the horses danced, the guests cheered, and afterward, everyone headed to the reception.
In Bloom The bride wanted peonies, her favorite flower, and ordered a few dozen from a wholesaler in SLC, but they were not allowed through customs in Mexico. So the night before the wedding, she and some friends cut stems of the bright pink bougainvillea plants growing near the hotel.
Package Deal The Aunes purchased a wedding package through their hotel, an option they recommend. "Our catering contact was wonderful—she had all the local connections, and, most importantly, spoke the language."
European Union
Bagnols, France
Following a proposal in Paris, Park City's Vanessa Di Palma and Jeffrey Wright traveled to the luxe Château de Bagnols in the Beaujolais wine region outside of Lyon to celebrate. They fell in love with the medieval French setting, and knew it was the perfect location for their May 2007 nuptials.
R&R To accommodate their thirty guests, the Wrights rented the château's twenty rooms for the weekend. Guests enjoyed area activities, including a wine tour and a cooking class.
Local Color Lavender was a central part of the wedding theme, from the invitations to the floral and décor accents. The region's best wines were paired with the five-course wedding dinner of traditional Lyonnaise fare.
Fine Print The design team at Struck, the creative advertising agency where Jeffrey is a partner, created a book made of antiqued paper for the wedding program and a crest that became the logo for the event. Tabula Rasa Social Stationers designed the couple's formal French-inspired stationery.
Salt Lake Style Vanessa wore a two-piece Atelier Aimee gown from Alta Moda Bridal—she says the boutique's owner, Hilary Anderson, made sure the dress was properly packed and shipped safely overseas—and flew out her best friend and hair stylist, Eddie Collins from Salon Zazou, to "provide emotional and hair support."
The Dotted Line To be granted a marriage license in France, you must reside in the country. So the Wrights made their marriage official in a civil ceremony at the Salt Lake City & County Building after their honeymoon.
Swept Away
Julia Stowell and Zac Oleskey met in Provo as students at Brigham Young University. Julia's family is from Utah, but she grew up in Winnetka, north of Chicago. When the couple became engaged, they decided to get hitched in Chi-Town. "I wanted to celebrate with friends and family back home," Julia says. On July 14, 2012, they wed at the Chicago LDS Temple and held a tented dinner reception that evening in the bride's parents' backyard.
Very Inviting For the save-the-dates, Julia drew an image of Zac and herself in front of the Chicago skyline; Voila! Press letterpressed the illustration. The Write Image helped coordinate the invitations with Bella Figura in New York.
City Living Immediate family bunked at Julia's parents' house; other guests stayed in nearby hotels. The Oleskeys gifted out-of-towners with welcome bags filled with local goodies—Frango mints, Dad's root beer, Garrett's Chicago Mix popcorn, Chicago Cubs pens—and the weekend's schedule.
Caught on Film The couple hired Brittany Cascio of Cascio Photography and videographer Chris Koch of Digital Memorys to capture the big day. "We really liked their styles and personalities, so we flew them out!" Julia says.
Let It Pour A sudden rainstorm soaked the couple while they were snapping photos downtown. They grabbed an umbrella and rolled with it—the surprise weather made for romantic images.
Wise Words "It's hard to make some planning decisions from afar, without actually seeing the tablecloths or tasting the cake," Julia says. "A lot can be done online or over the phone, but I recommend taking a planning trip to your location prior to the wedding."
Field Games
Logan, Utah and St. Charles, Idaho
While dating, Brandee Butler and Christian Michaelson spent countless weekends at Michaelson's family farm in St. Charles, Idaho, just northwest of Bear Lake. The area's scenic roads, golden fields, and tree-lined mountains quickly became a meaningful place. Following their September 2011 nuptials at the Logan LDS Temple, the couple gathered their family and friends on the farm to eat, dance, and be merry.
Made in Italy The Michaelsons love to travel and planned to visit Italy for their honeymoon. They decided an Italian market–themed wedding would be a fun way to get excited for the trip.
Road Trip Resources are few and far between in St. Charles, so the couple hired vendors from nearby Logan and Salt Lake City. Brandee, a wedding photographer, knew the importance of having a professional hair and makeup artist to look and feel her best—she hired Cynthia Dean of Enizio to drive to the remote location and work her magic on-site.
Harvest Season Food played a big role in the festivities and décor. Bountiful displays of earthy fruits, vegetables, and flowers created a market setting. Culinary Concepts brought in a wood-fired pizza oven to cook margherita, Italian sausage, and Mediterranean artichoke pizzas. Italian pastry chef Grace Harvell of the Graceful Baker made an assortment of desserts, including zeppole and a cannoli wedding cake paired with gelato.
Out Cold The solution for a lack of electricity at the farm venue? Generators, which powered the sound system and tent lighting. For restrooms, a local company delivered and picked up porta-potties. Heat lamps helped combat the al fresco setting's chilly nighttime temps.
On the Rocks
Ann Sweeney and Michael Spear met in Utah and loved living in the state. So when they moved to New York for Ann's medical residency, they planned to return west for their October 2012 wedding. A campsite outside of Moab's Dead Horse Point State Park proved to be the perfect location. "Moab is a meaningful place for us because we used to go there almost every weekend during the spring, summer, and fall when we lived in Utah," Ann explains.
Sharp Shooter The couple hired Heather Nan Photography. "I saw Heather's work online, and fell in love with her style and ability to capture life in a really happy and meaningful way," Ann says.
Bunk Up The couple roomed with family at 3 Dogs & a Moose Cottages. Guests stayed at the Cali Cochitta Bed and Breakfast—the location of the casual, rustic reception.
Chow Time David Boger, owner of Cali Cochitta, catered the informal dinner. The menu included burgers, brats, chicken, and potato and pasta salads. The groom had brewed the evening's beer, and the couple's families made cupcakes for dessert.
Best Buds Flowers are hard to come by in Moab's desert location, but Kelly Manna of Manna Floral Design came to the rescue with succulents, ranunculus, dahlias, anemones, snapdragons, and billy balls.
Do-Over Looking back, Ann says she would have reserved emergency rentals like a tent or heaters just in case the October weather had turned stormy. "It's hard to find those things last-minute in a remote location," she notes.


text: [UPDATE! (Friday 13:40 MT): More bad weather in Florida is forcing a landing at Edwards Air Force base in California. De-orbit burn will be at 19:47 EDT (23:47 GMT) and touchdown at 20:53 EDT (00:53 GMT).] Bad weather at the Florida Shuttle landing site has forced a delay in the landing of Discovery until Friday. The first attempt will be for a touchdown at 17:48 EDT (21:48 GMT), and a second possibility at 19:23 EDT (23:23 GMT). They will have to do a de-orbit burn at 16:45 (20:45 GMT) for the first landing attempt, so I'll be here around then live tweeting it on my BANews Twitter stream. The weather forecast is no better tomorrow, and may be worse, so NASA may have to call up the landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Orbiter can only stay up so long with limited supplies, so bad weather in Florida may force them to land on the west coast. We'll know more as landing time approaches.


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|Policy Action
|July 26, 2019
|July 26, 2022
These standards establish and reference Geodetic Control Data Standards for vertical datum, horizontal datum, and the state's coordinate system used for agency geospatial data, geographic information systems, and data exchanges.
They are designed to improve data quality and accuracy, and simplify the exchange of geodetic control data among state agencies, local, tribal, state, and federal users and producers.
Policy & Procedures:
Associated Standards:


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View all Departure Schedule from port of call to your destination….
The fare rate tables below are segregated by origin-destination with ordinary and discounted rates shown in its designated column. The voyage class is displayed in each line.
To our valued customers: All Visayas trips are now resumed. Happy New Year!
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In 2013, Presentation Secondary School embarked on a Joint Transition Year Programme with our Educational Partners in St. Patricks Secondary School.
It is intended that this unique Joint Transition Year Programme will enhance and develop the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, moral, physical, social, vocational and civic characteristics of the students involved. The programme should challenge all students, encouraging autonomy in learning, fostering interpersonal skills, and creative thinking. The programme, therefore, aims to provide young people with the skills and support necessary to develop their own individual talents, aptitudes and abilities with regard to future educational and/or vocational preparation.
Emphasis is placed on:
The curriculum is structured into 4 layers.
Aspects of the following subjects are included: Gaeilge, English, French, Spanish, Information Technology, Physical Education.
Students get to sample Science, History, Geography, Design & Communication Graphics, Engineering, Art, Business & Enterprise and Culinary Skills
Young Social Innovators, Young Entrepreneurs Programme, Young Scientist Competition, Life Skills , Work Experience, Community Placements, Gaisce-The President's Award, 121 Digital
The activities available may vary depending on the interests of the Transition Year Group and opportunities that arise during the year. Typical activities include: Driver Education Course, First Aid Course, Visiting speakers, Teambuilding activities, Wheelchair Basketball, F1 in Schools Competition, Mock Interviews and a variety of courses.