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If you've applied for credit and been unexpectedly rejected then this may have something to do with your credit rating. A credit rating is basically an overview of the way that you have managed your money and credit in the past. It is data that is made available to lenders by credit reference agencies that will reveal information such as how much you're borrowing, how well you've made repayments and how often you're applying for credit. Lenders use their own "rules" to turn this credit rating data into a credit score, and then use the score as a means to decide whether to lend or not.
A poor credit rating may not seem like the end of the world but it can have an impact in many ways. For example:
- Rejection of credit card loans and applications
- Only being offered high interest credit
- Higher insurance premiums
- Being unable to take out a mobile phone contract
- Difficulty getting a car loan
- Being denied business start-up finance
What causes a bad credit rating?
There is no single credit rating that every lender can see to make a judgment when it comes to your finances. However, there are a number of factors that will drag your credit score down whichever credit rating agency you refer to. These include:
Not sticking to the terms of another credit agreement. For example, you may have signed up for a personal loan but then not made repayments each month, as agreed. Even just making loan repayments late can have a negative impact on your credit rating.
Making only minimum repayments. If you're doing nothing but paying off as little as possible on credit cards, for example, this could also negatively influence your credit rating. Many lenders see this as evidence of being unable to manage money and pay off debts.
You've never had any credit. It might seem that being completely free of debt in the past would make you an ideal candidate for a lender now. However, that's not the case. If you haven't borrowed before then there is no evidence of good money management on your file and this can make it just as difficult to borrow now – and at a good interest rate – than having a history of bad credit decisions.
Being declared bankrupt. If you've struggled with credit in the past and ended up either with an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or having a County Court Judgement against you this will have a very negative impact on your credit rating.
Making too many credit applications. Although the various credit agencies rate this differently, roughly 10% of your credit rating is affected by the number of credit enquiries being made. So, if you've recently made multiple credit applications – especially if all have been denied – then this will negatively impact on your score.
Inaccurate, false or fraudulent information. The information in your credit file needs to be accurate in order to reflect your genuine creditworthiness. Your credit rating may be low if, for example, you are not registered on the electoral roll. You'll see a significant drop in your credit rating if you've been the victim of fraud and someone else is spending credit in your name. Even incorrect address information could have an impact.
What can you do to fix a bad credit rating?
- Make your payments on time to show a pattern of good borrower behaviour
- Reduce some of the balances you currently have outstanding, even if only by a little
- Check your credit report and make sure all the information is accurate. Look out for any activity you don't recognise that could be evidence of fraud
- If you're struggling with the debts you already have don't apply for more credit. Seek help in managing and paying off those debts
- Wait at least six months before making any more applications for credit that will result in enquiries on your credit file. Wherever possible ensure any credit provider uses a "soft search" to assess an application – then there will be no footprint on your credit file.
- If you don't have any credit history then apply for a credit card or personal loan, even if the interest rates are not favourable. Pay this off in line with the credit agreement to start to establish positive borrower history
- Apply only for the credit you're likely to get – look at these bad credit loans options.
- If you've shared finances with someone in the past but now gone your separate ways, make sure your credit file isn't still linked to theirs. If they have a bad credit score it will affect yours too
- Check your credit history is accurate – for example, if you have a bankruptcy order annulled make sure that a copy of the order of discharge or annulment is distributed to credit agencies
- Try to stay put – lenders like long-term addresses, landline phone numbers and a solid employment history as all these provide evidence of stability.
Video: All About Bad Credit & How to Fix It
Related Stories
- What does a bad credit history mean? What can you do about it?
- Could a bad credit rating affect your employment?
- Why a bad credit score could damage your personal relationships


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Boy, this is strange. I suppose Corporate Transparency as a meme is traversing into all corners of society, including the CIA. You think of the CIA as the poster child of secrecy and closed access. Well, actually, I'd think the NSA is even more the poster child, but then the NSA is so secretive nobody knows much about them, unlike the CIA.
Anyway, here's the deal:
CIA using its own blogs to gather, analyze information (By Susan B. Glasser, The Washington Post, November 27, 2005)
The article says the CIA has a blogging web site. It's tasked with publishing news tidbits from around the world. It is called the "Open Source Center" and began life in 1941 as the Foreign Broadcast Information Service. The tasking then was the monitoring and translation of "media" from around the world.
Given the discussion in the article they've changed focus somewhat. They're continuing to monitor and translate media, but broadened the media to include the newfangled stuff on the Internet. For example the article says they have a blog on blogging, that is, studying the blogging scene on the Internet.
The site is here: https://www.fbis.gov/
Curiously on my way into the site was a dialog saying my browser couldn't verify the identity of the site. You'd think the CIA with the full power and weight of the U.S. government behind it ought to be able to have a properly registered HTTPS certificate, yes?
To see them use the phrase "Open Source Center" tweaks me as it does timboucher.com. To me, one who works in the computer industry, "Open Source" has a specific meaning. Namely, an object developed in the open, whose documentation, workings, implementation and more are available to anybody, can be copied and modified by anybody. The term originated with computer software, but the process can be applied to anything.
I suspect the CIA has a different meaning in mind. I suspect for them "Source" means their Intelligence Sources, hence an "Open Source" might be a source from the open communications in the world such as news media or blogs. Hence a "Closed Source" might require the typical cloak and dagger operations you typically associate with the CIA.
In any case the web site has a banner saying
Welcome to the website of the Open Source Center. OSC provides foreign media reporting and analysis to policymakers, government institutions and strategic partners. We deliver targeted, timely and authoritative open source intelligence for analysis, operations and policymaking.
And further goes on to insist the site has protected access, and that access to the site will be monitored etc. All that's on the front page are these warnings, a login screen, and a "Request Account" screen. And clicking on that button tells me to indicate my affiliation giving me this list of choices:
- US Government Employee
- US Government Contractor
- State and Local Government Employee
- State and Local Government Contractor
- BBC Monitoring Employee
- Foreign Liaison with US Government
Sigh, I'm none of those. However the "BBC Monitoring Employee" choice is curious. Do you suppose the BBC is part of Big Brother after all?
Here's what GlobalSecurity.org has to say about BBC Monitoring (http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk/top.htm)
The proliferation of radio and television broadcasting in recent years has significantly increased the importance of media monitoring as a prime source of economic and political open source intelligence. BBC Monitoring scans radio, television and news agencies in over 140 countries, providing fast, reliable information in a variety of ways. It provides a range of commercially available services, and operates in conjunction with the CIA Foreign Broadcast Information Service. The Research and Information Unit at BBC Monitoring is dedicated to collecting and verifying data on political parties, events and leading political figures throughout the world.
I find it curious the same use of the "open source intelligence" phrase as above. Perhaps my guess above was correct?

subset: commoncrawl


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Visiting a sex shop for the first time can be a scary experience. No matter your age, nationality or sexual preferences, it's normal to feel a little intimidated when you take your first step into a place that's packed with whips, chains and various devices to stimulate every part of your body. If you're lucky enough to live in a large, metropolitan city such as Amsterdam, Berlin or London, sex shops can be quite easy to find. However for those living in more rural or conservative areas, internet shopping can feel like the only way to get your hands on a new sex toy or the latest piece of kit. We chatted to the manager of Amsterdam's Mister B store to talk sex toys, first times and why shopping for gear online just isn't the same.
Danny is exactly the kind of welcoming, open-minded guy anyone experiencing a sex shop for the first time would want to meet. And he has some good advice for anyone anxious to visit the store for the first time too. "Come and have a look – we don't bite. We want to educate our clients in what they can do. We give bondage and whipping demos, and I try to explain the electro stuff because you can go from soft to really hard with it."
The electro stuff Danny has in mind is one of the latest additions to the store's extensive collection. The Neon Wand is a device that lets users stimulate themselves with an electric current. It can be used anywhere on the body – but as you might expect, the most common place is the ass. "Anything above the ass doesn't feel good," Danny says, "but the electro stuff is more popular these days." For more sensitive guys, the wand can be set to a low setting that creates a warm, fuzzy sensation when you grip it with your hand. For more hardcore users, it can be turned up to give strong, painful electric shocks. It can even be set to be used by a couple, meaning that shocks can be passed between two people every time they touch.
Mister B is full of items that even dedicated fetishists might struggle to imagine. From spanking pads embedded with tiny pins to masks designed to channel piss straight into a guy's mouth, there really is something for everyone. But of course, some items are more popular than others. "One of our biggest sales is harnesses. Gas masks sell a lot and sounding (inserting rods into the tip of the penis) is getting big too. What we notice in Amsterdam is an increase in people buying leather. People want leather trousers, play gear – and people are buying leather shirts again. Rubber and latex is also seeing an increase – we now have a neon collection so it's more vibrant and colourful too."
One of the biggest increases Danny has noticed on the fetish scene is the interest in puppy play. "I've worked in London and there the puppy thing is really big," he says. "A few weeks ago we had Fetish Week and I decided to make a puppy play area and it was a massive success. We put mats down and the puppies could play with balls and there were handlers giving them instructions – it's quite interesting. The good thing about the puppy scene is it's a younger crowd. Like for instance, if I walk into a leather bar, I'm nearly always the youngest. And the puppy scene is a more friendly fetish too."
One of the most extreme items for sale in Mister B is the Vac Rack. Designed for those into intensive latex play, the Vac Rack is essentially a latex sack held in place by PVC tubes. It's attached to a vacuum cleaner once the guy is inside which then removes all the air from the sack, holding you tightly in place. Thankfully, a breathing tube is provided to keep anyone from suffocating. As well as this, if you have a few hundred euros spare, you can buy your very own fucking machine. From the picture above, it's probably fairly clear how it works.
The latest additions to the fetish scene seem to be getting increasingly extreme. I wonder whether this is due to our changing tastes or just our increasingly liberal society that enables us to explore our sexual desires more freely. "I think people are getting past shame," Danny says, "and starting to get information about [fetish play] from movies. I do think 50 Shades of Grey contributed to a more open way of seeing BDSM and seeing sex in general.We've noticed people want to spend more money on their sex life too. And the good thing is it's a whole range of people – even people you wouldn't expect."
What's surprising is that it isn't just gay men shopping at Mister B. More women are buying toys for their boyfriends and straight guys are experimenting more with ass play. In fact, Danny tells me it's the straight guys who buy the biggest dildos. Overall, it seems as though more and more people are exploring sex shops to find exciting ways to spice up their sex lives. Of course, most people don't buy the more extreme items, but every sex store will also cater to beginners and people just looking for something new. Danny recommends 'circuit wear' for guys who don't necessarily want to try toys. This can be swimwear, t-shirts, underwear and daywear – perfect for clubs, but also fine to wear outside too. As Danny says, "It's stuff that says 'I'm sexual but I don't want to dress in leather all the time.'"
With online shopping so popular nowadays, it might seem surprising that sex shops are not only surviving, but actually thriving. In fact, Danny says online shopping has boosted his sales after people found the gear they bought online was poor quality. "People often come back to us because what they bought online was an ugly fit and they want something good. Every time I buy something rubber or leather online it arrives and I think 'What the fuck is that?' That's why I'm confident people will come to the store."
Whether you're a newbie or an experienced fetish enthusiast, sex shops offer something that you just can't find online. They're personal, stocked with good quality products and staffed by people who know what they're talking about. So even if stepping into a sex shop for the first time can be a little scary – you'll surely find it's worth the jump.
See more from Mister B on their website.


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The Girl From Everywhere (The Girl From Everywhere #1)
By Heidi Heilig
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: February 16th, 2016
Format: ARC
Heidi Heilig's debut teen fantasy sweeps from modern-day New York City to nineteenth-century Hawaii to places of myth and legend. Sixteen-year-old Nix has sailed across the globe and through centuries aboard her time-traveling father's ship. But when he gambles with her very existence, it all may be about to end. The Girl from Everywhere, the first of two books, will dazzle readers of Sabaa Tahir, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman.
Nix's life began in Honolulu in 1868. Since then she has traveled to mythic Scandinavia, a land from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, modern-day New York City, and many more places both real and imagined. As long as he has a map, Nix's father can sail his ship, The Temptation, to any place, any time. But now he's uncovered the one map he's always sought—1868 Honolulu, before Nix's mother died in childbirth. Nix's life—her entire existence—is at stake. No one knows what will happen if her father changes the past. It could erase Nix's future, her dreams, her adventures . . . her connection with the charming Persian thief, Kash, who's been part of their crew for two years. If Nix helps her father reunite with the love of his life, it will cost her her own.
In The Girl from Everywhere, Heidi Heilig blends fantasy, history, and a modern sensibility with witty, fast-paced dialogue, breathless adventure, and enchanting romance.
The Girl From Everywhere offers up a captivating fantasy sprinkled with classical myths, folklore, and a glimpse at the real world with a heavy dose of a unique twist on time travel. We are quickly introduced to Nix, whom I love, and the crew of the Temptation, the ship that her father captains across time and imagination. While the crew is small, it is vibrant and diverse. Not only is Nix mixed race, there is Kash pulled from the shores of a mystical version of the Middle East, to Bee and her ghost wife Ayen and Rotgut, the former monk.
While following her father's obsession to save her mother's life in 1868 Honolulu, Nix encounters a Hawaii just prior to the fall of its monarchy and its annexation, and learns about a world that could have been her life if her past had played out differently. Despite never before experiencing the Honolulu she would have grown up in, Nix feels a connection to the place and the loss of what the foreign influence on the island will bring. This, in addition to her conflicted relationship with her father, helps steer events in the book to a conclusion that is both rooted in history and myth.
With Heilig's writing, Nix had a palpable presence on the page. Her desperation that the new 1868 Honolulu maps would not work, as well as her desire to escape her father's obsession and his disregard for her worries as to her continued existence should the past be changed, were a constant undertone of the book and any interactions between father and daughter. Their relationship was a painful one to read, but its growth over the course of the book, or rather the progress of Slate, and also Nix to a certain extent, recognizing the value of what was right in front of them ended up being rather rewarding.
The love interests were also quite an interesting pair. Kash is a constant presence in Nix's life, filling the stereotypical friend value in the love triangle, and Blake is the stranger that Nix comes to fall for. However, the triangle is a unique one, not just because of the situation that Nix is in as far as travel arrangements, but because each boy represents an aspect of her life. Kash is her life aboard the Temptation, and Blake represents what could have been had everything gone according to Slate's original best laid plans.
Upon finishing The Girl From Everywhere, I was grateful that this was not the end of Nix's story. Not only does that love triangle need to be wrapped up, but I can't wait to see what new myths and allusions to classical literature Heilig pulls from in the future to weave Nix's story.
I also NEED to buy a finished copy, because the ARC promised MAPS!
If you like what you read above, please follow using one (or more) of the social media sites in the sidebar!
Disclaimer: The synopsis and cover picture were pulled from the book's Goodreads page. Neither belong to us. A physical ARC was provided through Around the World ARC Tours, thanks for the opportunity!


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Code: SGSLite
SGS Prime COGO is a Land Surveying app made for the HP Prime Graphing calculator; featuring all the common calculation capabilities expected from a Survey app, as well as many more advanced capabilities not commonly found on a calculator app. The HP Prime features a full-color touch-enabled display allowing for a rich user experience never before seen on a calculator, while the exceptional speed of the calculator makes extremely quick work of even the most complex calculations. SGS Prime COGO includes multi-lingual support and is available in three versions: Lite, Standard or Professional. Please email email@example.com if you wish to order Lite or Standard. All support is provided by Simple Geospatial Solutions, firstname.lastname@example.com
The Lite version includes all the common calculations, including:
- COGO, intersections, inverse calculations, area calculations
- Coordinate adjustments: Rotate/Mirror/Shift/Average/Scale
- Triangle Solver, Horizontal Curve Solver, Vertical Curve Solver
- Data management tools, Plot Points graphically
Includes everything in the Lite version, and:
- Area subdivisions, Lot Closure calculations and reporting, best-fit points to line or curve
- Least squares similarity coordinate transformations
- Spiral curve solver
- Import and export ASCII point data, export DXF points
Includes everything in the Standard version, and:
- Complete 3D Road Alignments editor with advanced calculations capabilities, automated coordinate calculations, LandXML export and more
- Leveling utility to manage and edit Level observation data, perform calculations and create reports
- More features coming soon!
within Australia on purchases over $150(ex-GST)


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A Gift Living in All Things
"Stand in reverence of each passing gift, because it is in the parting — that we receive. Take refuge in our active attraction — when our wise self beckons us to rise. Wake up — for this is the Sacred Gift."
Stop and smell the roses — that old cliche everyone knows but doesn't know. It's almost as if our collective culture is in the middle of reclaiming gratitude.
Looking into our lover's eyes as we lay on the sandy beach. Appreciating the small yellow flower on the side of the driveway on our way to the mailbox. Looking deeply at our dinner before we consume it, wondering perhaps, how many hands it took to get the squash, potatoes or salad from a seed onto our plate.
Gratitude is "Standing in reverence of each passing gift" because everything is passing us by, or perhaps rather, CHANGING — offering little moments of bliss if we stop to take them in.
It's really the practice of mindfulness that slows us down enough to receive heartfelt appreciation. Each breath a present waits, our evolutionary gift, to take us into the joy and beauty of Life.
I have a lot to be grateful for. There are good people in my life, I'm a writer and a songwriter, I've recorded in wonderful recording studios, I've travelled to Prague and lived in beautiful places. I'm also a cancer survivor, and I've grieved the loss of my best friend, my uncle, and my sister-in-law —three of my closest loved ones, dying within 5 months of each other. I lost my job when I was 49, then diagnosed with that cancer a month after. I have $300 in my savings account. I've lived and lost a lot.
It's how we respond to circumstances and choose how we see.
How do we live in gratitude?
A couple years ago, I wrote a 10-part series called Waking Instants — Taking Refuge in our Fleeting Moments. I also call them The Ten Gratitude's, they are a reflection of 10 people that changed my life, beginning when I was a child. Writing this gave me a deeper appreciation for the gifts, love, and words of wisdom they graced me with. We all have our Waking Instants!
I consider gratitude a way of living, a lifestyle. It's choosing to stop and look, and it takes cultivating to integrate. The benefit of cultivating gratitude on a daily basis is invaluable. It opens us up to receive. And like forgiveness, releases us from our attachment to conditioned living.
Don't have enough time to practice?
Consider this exercise. Conscious breathing slows our bodies and minds down. Take a long slow deep breath now. It is in this fleeting moment, we notice. What do you notice? Maybe a bottle of water on the kitchen table. What color is it? Is it full or partially consumed? Does the bottle have a label or is the light is shining through the bottle casting a flickering light against the wall? In these moments of observation, we can say thank you for the beauty, or the shape, or the many hands that it took to get it here.
Having grit for gratitude means we develop a passion for seeing the relevance and importance of seemingly small things. Or they may be the big things — like our child or a grandparent or our health. Cultivating gratitude expands us. It allows our life to become more precious, and joyful, and rich.
In the morning, I always read a passage from a book that is inspirational. I journal most mornings as well, and always say thank you out loud so the Universe, or God, or Heart of Life —the name of your choice, can hear me. I think it's important.
Also, choosing to be grateful is the last thing I do before going to sleep. I say thank you for this day, wow, look at what happened, look at my family, my friends. Wow, thank you for the warmth of these blankets. Wow, look at these books beside my bed, I love them all —thank you!
Gratitude is every step we make. It lives in all things — everywhere. This gift of life is remarkable. It truly is.
So, it really doesn't matter if it's the holiday season or you just won the Kennedy Center Honors — a gift is waiting for you on each inhale. And, it's Sacred.


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We Are Doing
Software Development
Since 1996
About us
Trivium Solutions is committed to providing top-quality software development services through our experienced team of senior software experts, known for their hands-on, problem-solving, client-oriented approach.
Founded in 1996, Trivium Solution, a boutique software development and consulting company, specializes in advanced technologies, including RT/ Embedded systems, Embedded Linux, Embedded Android, Networking, Mobile and Cloud, IoT Products, Web systems development and more. Working internationally for leading telecom, semiconductor, automotive and healthcare companies, Trivium Solutions offers custom software development, Israeli-managed offshore development, Turn-Key solutions and software R&D consultancy.
Our team of experienced software engineers, architects and managers is carefully recruited and trained to ensure smooth integration and adaptation to your needs and standards. A dedicated team is assigned to each project, working to support and strengthen your team, while keeping project timelines and targets.
With our unique mode of operation, we can offer our clients availability of resources without compromising on expertise and professionalism. Such mode of operation provides our clients the efficiency and cost-effectiveness they seek.
With its vast experience, our team offers innovative solutions to challenging development situations. Our agile development approach gives us the ability to respond quickly and effectively to various situations that may emerge during a complex project. This approach also allows us to provide you with solutions for every tier, from board-support packages to end-user applications.
Join our circle of long-standing, valued clients and enjoy the peace of mind that our expert services offer.
Interested in software design services?
Alexey Dyatchkov
Alexey has been Trivium Solutions' CEO since 2008. He is an RT/Embedded SW development expert with more than 20 years of experience. Before joining the company, he held various management positions in companies such as Waves Audio, TTI and vTrails.
In his free time, Alexey likes to play the guitar and practice martial arts. He is married and a proud father of two.
Alexey holds an M.Sc. in Computer Sciences from Volgograd State Technical University, Russia.
Alex Lurye
Alexander joined Trivium Solutions in 2006 and currently serves as its CTO. With more than 17 years of experience, he is an expert in software architecture, including Linux, Networking, Android, Embedded systems, Databases and more. Previously to his position in Trivium Solutions, Alexander held technology positions in companies such as Symantec, ICQ and SRL.
Alexander is a young father and a certified rock climbing guide.
He holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Sciences from the Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Anat Kehila
VP Marketing and Sales
Anat has served as the VP of Marketing and Sales for Trivium Solutions since 2016. Prior to joining the company, she held various marketing positions for telecommunication companies. With more than 17 years experience in the hi-tech industry, Anat has gained extensive knowledge in marketing and field sales for B2B and B2C markets. Anat is also a certified Java programmer and worked as a software developer. Anat holds a MBA in Marketing from IDC and B.Arch in Architecture and town planning, from the Technion in Israel. Her main interests are technology, sports, arts and outdoor activities.


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Skip Links
Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5186
Although numerous studies have been completed on pallid sturgeon populations and behavior, few have addressed the potential for water-quality characteristics to limit recruitment and population success of pallid sturgeon. Literature on sturgeon and water-quality data indicates recruitment of pallid sturgeon may be limited by several water-quality characteristics of the lower Missouri River including:
Additional research could be used to characterize and quantify the requirements, tolerance, and preferences of pallid sturgeon to these water-quality characteristics, especially during the egg and larval life stages. Enhancements to existing water-sampling programs are needed to quantify the exposure of pallid sturgeon to many of these water-quality stressors.
First posted October 24, 2011
For additional information contact:
Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.
Blevins, D.W., 2011, Water-quality requirements, tolerances, and preferences of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the lower Missouri River: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5186, 20 p.
Introduction and Purpose
Requirements, Tolerances, and Preferences for Water-Quality Habitat Characteristics
Requirements and Preferences for Food-Web Water-Quality Constituents
Tolerances of Toxic Contaminants
Summary and Conclusions
References Cited


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There's no flies on Facebook. This is a company which reckons it is so wonderful that it owns the worldwide intellectual property rights to the word "book".
Sydney businessman John Maconochie has been in a barney with lawyers for the social networking site since May this year after establishing the business marque "medibook". No matter that Maconochie's business is preoccupied with recording patients' medical files, rather than social networking. No matter that the word "book" is one of the world's most common words, Facebook believes it has the suffix well and truly trademarked and nobody else is entitled to use it.
Bewildered at the hide of Facebook, we inquired of the company whether it would have any objection to our establishing the trade-name "Assbook". Alas a response is yet to be forthcoming. How about TaxDodgeBook, we asked? No reply either.
It is not unusual for big companies to sool their lawyers onto start-ups when there is a vague resemblance in branding.
When single mother Sara Park set up her company Centurion Deals in 2012, along bobbed American Express and its lawyers with a menacing legal letter claiming she had infringed their intellectual property rights. She was guilty of "passing off" an Amex product.
Amex, which we later discovered had not paid tax in this country for eight years, had a credit card called Centurion. Park was in the business of selling beauty products and getaways, not credit cards but Amex had a credit card called Centurion and apparently felt threatened.
It is de rigeur for multinational companies to sool their lawyers onto miniscule businesses which don't even operate in the same field but in Facebook's case it is fair to say that here is a company which barely deserves a social licence to operate. Like its giant US digital peers it barely pays tax.
It even conned the corporate regulator, Australian Securities & Investments Commission, into thinking it was a small company so it could hide its financial statements.
Notwithstanding its $US10 billion market value at the time, its omnipresence across the nations of Planet Earth and its millions of customers, shareholders and staff, Facebook managed to jag this special exemption from the corporate watchpoodle:
"384 Notification of Resol. By Directors of a Small Pty Company Controlled By a Foreign Coy Which is Not Part of Large Group."
So it was that ASIC literally changed the laws of the land and the tech giant got away without having to stump up its accounts (and therefore reveal just how much income tax it was shirking.
When it comes to claiming it is the only thing which can be a book, Facebook has form. It has shut down tiny operators in the US such at Petbook and Teachbook, and it hauled Designbook through the courts for trademark infringement.
As John Maconochie notes however, Facebook shies away from taking on big offenders such as Apple with its "Facetime" service while opposing a small operation called Facemash. It is a bully, he says.
Herein lies an elegant irony. Maconochie was the bloke who sued the National Australia Bank for $30 billion in a case which languished in the courts for a decade. The NAB's lawyers claimed Maconochie was "bullying" the bank.
The more fundamental issue in all of this is the inexorable and unfettered rise of private power and the enfeebling of governments. That a multinational tax cheat such as Facebook can operate in this country with no accountability (merrily dodging tax and cajoling relief from filing financial statements) while at the same time enjoying a thriving business here – using our roads, water, court system et al – is not good enough.
The cherry on the top of this corporate welfare cake is that Facebook no doubt claims its legal fees for shutting down small business aspirations as tax deductible. And if John Maconochie persists and Facebook takes him to court, we the taxpayers will foot the bill for Facebook's court proceedings.


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Defective drywall is out there, it's ugly and it could be in your home! But how do you know? What do you look out for when looking at a new home? What is it? How does it affect you?
What is it? Defective, or Chinese, drywall was used from 2001 to 2008 in new construction or remodeling jobs. As the demand for new construction increased there was a shortage of available drywall in the U.S. To alleviate this demand gypsum board was ordered from outside the country and shipped here. I've noticed a higher prevalence among homes built between 2006-2008.
After several years passed and people settled into their new homes problems with appliances, TV's, jewelry and air conditioning systems failing were reported. A sulfur smell was noted. People complained of nose bleeds, breathing issues and headaches. Investigations were conducted and it was found that a noxious sulfur gas was being emitted by certain drywalls and causing items to disintegrate or tarnish. Government agencies looked into the matter and subsequently issued a statement that while defective drywall was harmful to things it was not harmful to people.
How does it affect you? Defective drywall affects people differently although it will affect the items in a property essentially the same way. For me personally, I get a headache when I've been in a property that has confirmed or suspected drywall issues. If you don't have physical symptoms it will affect you financially as replacement of mechanical systems and appliances adds up.
What should I be looking for? Blackened wiring, pitting of metal trims/faucets/doorknobs, silvering of mirrors especially around the edges, severely corroded coils in the air handler (not consistent with normal wear and tear or aging), blackened copper pipe connections. Sometimes you will smell it and other times there won't be any smell. I am not an inspector and highly recommend hiring a professional to test for defective drywall.
How do I know if it's in the home I own/want to buy? There are several different types of tests: visual, air quality, x-ray, even K9! Contact a reputable company or home inspector to verify the existence of defective drywall. Check city or county permits for any remediation work that may have been completed or for permit history on remodeling in an older home. As a buyer most inspection companies provide a visual drywall inspection during the home inspection.
Do your homework and take advantage of inspections to avoid being stuck with a costly problem.


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Pursuing driving lessons is inevitable if you're to become a successful driver. Some people aren't into the idea of being taught by professional driver instructors. If you're one such person, there's the option of learning private lessons through friends or family members. Another reason that can inform this is if the lessons are expensive.
While that might be the case, it's still very important to take many lessons before going for a practical test. The friend or family member teaching you must have had a valid license of three years. He should also be 21 years and above. It could be illegal if the person taking you for the lessons is not certified even if they are giving you discounted lessons.
Today, many fake driving instructors exist. Since most of the driving learners do not know what to expect from an instructor, they fall prey. The DSA has improvised a system on their website that will help all the new learners to get a qualified instructor. The DSA cannot recommend a school or an instructor for you. The agency doesn't have any such permission. All they do is just post all qualified driving instructors who are licensed by them. They also give you a chance to contact them if you happen to meet someone teaching and he/she is not on their list.
Practical driving tests are not the same as they were 5 years ago. The tests are constantly changing and getting harder and harder. It is important to take at least 40 hours lessons and drive professionally. This is the right way. It gives you a good chance to pass your test in your first attempt. If you fail to pass, it will mean that you will attend the driving test again. This could be very expensive.
How to Know If A Driving Instructor Is Fake
The following can help you know if a driving instructor is fake:
- All permitted driving instructors normally have a green badge that's displayed in the windscreen. The badge expires at the end of a few years. It is important to check if it is up to date and that it has been shown clearly without any fault.
- Fake instructors don't put their names on their business cards/cars.
- They should have a badge that has their picture. Confirm if the picture matches with his/her face.
- Most of the fake instructor's cars are unsuitable. They have different modifications like, alloy wheels and tint on the windows.
An Instructor's license can also have the following:
- A plastic green square that has an octagon on it. This is an indicator that the instructor is qualified.
- A pink square that is plastic and has a triangle on it. This indicates that the instructor is still a trainee who has not qualified to be a driving instructor yet. The license is valid for six months only.
Even if the instructors have their number advertised on the roof sign of the car, and it has several controls installed, it does not always mean he is qualified. The controls are not expensive to fit therefore; they can be afforded by anybody. It is good to be skeptical. Ask questions, identifications, and confirm with DSA. This will help you not pay expensive to fake driving instructor. If they are fake, report them to DSA and they are fined $ 1000. All driving instructors should undergo an improved criminal records bureau check. This is a rule that was passed since 12th mar 2007.


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Peat agency appreciates APP owner's apology and promise of data
JAKARTA (foresthints.news) - Nazir Foead, Chief of the Indonesian Peat Restoration Agency, declared that owner of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), a prominent member of the Widjaja family, has expressed his regret to the peat agency for certain moves made by the company which were considered to be counterproductive to supporting peat restoration efforts in Indonesia.
"Pak Franky Widjaja has apologized to the peat agency for the inappropriate attitude adopted by the APP team with respect to the mechanism for submitting data to the peat agency. Of course, I welcome and appreciate this apology. The company's owner also promised that the relevant data would be submitted as soon as possible at the beginning of next week to my deputy in charge of planning," Nazir told foresthints.news on Friday evening (Jun 10).
The apology was made in the wake of sharp criticism from the Peat Restoration Agency and the Environment and Forestry Ministry to the effect that the public statement released by APP containing the chronology of its submission of data to the ministry was misleading.
As to APP's promised plan to submit the relevant data, Nazir has instructed his deputy to make an immediate study of the data when it is submitted to the agency to see whether it conforms with the data required, as requested in a letter sent to APP, or not.
The peat agency, he continued, would only declare that the data had been received if it was consistent with the list of data requested in the letter.
Nazir said that it made legal sense and was logical for the agency to pay special attention to reviewing any data which derives from APP concerning all the pulpwood concessions linked to it, given that almost 70 percent of the company's fiber supply chain in Sumatra alone, as an example, was located in peatlands.
"In addition, the presence of peat domes in APP-linked concessions is very significant. Not only that, the amount of burned peatlands situated in APP-linked concessions is also especially significant, particularly in South Sumatra," Nazir said.
The data currently in the possession of the peat agency, he added, is data that comes from the government along with data submitted to the peat agency by relevant forestry stakeholders as their input.
As such, Nazir pointed out, data was still needed from APP itself which could then be comprehensively studied by a team of experts from the peat agency. This, he added, would also present an opportunity for APP to explain all matters regarding the data on peatlands spread throughout its fiber supply chain, both in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).
"The APP owner acknowledged that the mandate given to the peat agency forms part of an especially important national agenda for Indonesian peat restoration efforts. It's really good news that this view exists at the ownership level," enthused Nazir.
Balance between economic growth and peat restoration
As to the need for a balance between economic growth and the peatland restoration efforts, the Peat Agency Chief asserted that such a balance needs to be determined on the ground and be based on data that holds up to both legal and technical scrutiny.
"All peat domes located in pulpwood concessions must be incorporated into protection zones. There is no room for compromise on this issue," he affirmed.
Nazir is confident that the restoration of peat in Indonesia will complement economic growth to an even greater degree. The reason for this is clear to see. Last year's land and forest fires alone, in which peatlands were significantly affected, caused losses of up to USD 16.1 billion, the equivalent of IDR 221 trillion, according to World Bank calculations.
Nazir concluded by saying, "If we just let these peat fires continue every year, they will continue to bring about losses to the Indonesian economy on an annual basis. It means we are just allowing for an unhealthy economy. This is not healthy for national economic growth and it's also not healthy for the annual victims of the peat fires."


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Kiryas Joel officials are considering routing their planned water pipeline through Woodbury rather than Blooming Grove as part of the extended environmental review they've been ordered to do.
Kiryas Joel officials are considering routing their planned water pipeline through Woodbury rather than Blooming Grove as part of the extended environmental review they've been ordered to do.
The original plan to install the pipe beside Route 32 in Woodbury has been resurrected and will be studied as a possible alternative to the Blooming Grove path that replaced it, Village Administrator Gedalye Szegedin said yesterday.
One fresh reason: Going through Woodbury would make it easier to connect four Cornwall wells that the village has obtained since planning its pipeline to the Catskill Aqueduct.
An appeals court ordered the village back to the drawing board last month to flesh out parts of the environmental impact statement deemed inadequate — such as how Kiryas Joel proposed to treat the sewage that its new water supply would make possible.
Each side in the dispute over the water project found reason to cheer the Oct. 12 decision.
Critics, who persuaded the Orange County government to file a lawsuit challenging the environmental study in 2004, felt vindicated that Kiryas Joel would have to reconsider issues that had gotten short shrift.
But at the same time, village officials were happy that opponents couldn't challenge its new study, leaving no toehold to block or delay the project once the village's consultants finished their work.
So far, there has been no talk of further litigation. The lawsuit cost the county $126,806, or about half of the $250,000 allocated by the Legislature, according to County Executive Ed Diana's office. The village's legal expenses totaled roughly $200,000, Szegedin estimated.
The additional study could take Kiryas Joel considerably longer than Szegedin forecast last month. He estimated then that the remaining issues could be answered in about six weeks and presented to the Village Board for approval.
But with cold weather setting in, he now says the village might have to wait until spring to finish searching for wetlands or buried artifacts that the 13-mile pipeline cannot disturb.