text: Charters8/5/2020 James City, County ofCurrent charterCharter, 1993, cc. 779, 798.Amendments to current charter1995, c. 348 (§ 6.7)1996, c. 359 (§ 3.8 [added])2007, c. 329 (§§ 6.2, 6.12 [added])2015, c. 198 (§ 7.4)2019, c. 508 (§ 7.5 [added])Chapter 1. Charter and Boundaries.§ 1.1. Charter.The General Assembly hereby charters the County of James City, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as a county within the Commonwealth of Virginia and as such shall have perpetual succession and all other powers and responsibilities granted by this charter or general law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 1.2. Transition to charter form of government.Upon granting of this charter, the County of James City shall be liable for the bonded indebtedness and current debts and obligations of the County of James City as such obligations exist immediately preceding existence of the charter. The chartered County of James City shall succeed in right and title to all assets, properties, contracts and rights of every nature then possessed by the county, including all money belonging to the county and its books, records, papers and all other things of value. All ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and orders made by the County of James City and all Special Acts of the General Assembly, in force at the effective date of this charter insofar as they, or any portion thereof, are not inconsistent herewith, shall remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed in accordance with the provisions of this charter and general law.All the county levies and taxes, both current and delinquent, and all school and other funds held by the Commonwealth to the credit of the County of James City shall be turned over to the chartered County of James City. The tax levy and assessments made for the current and ensuing year or years shall stand as the levy and assessment of the county. All contracts entered into by the county for materials or supplies or construction work in force on the date of chartering shall thereby become the contracts of the chartered county. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 1.3. Transition of office holders.Upon granting of the charter, the persons holding office as members of the board of supervisors of the county immediately preceding the granting of a charter shall become members of and shall constitute the Board of Supervisors of the County of James City and shall continue to constitute such board until the election and qualification of their successors subject to the following specific requirements and qualifications:As members of the new board of supervisors, they shall continue to have and exercise all of the rights, powers and privileges conferred on such board and shall be subject to all of the duties, liabilities and restrictions now imposed by law on the government of counties using the nonoptional form of government and as vested in members of the board by the provisions of this charter. Members of the board of supervisors shall continue to be elected for staggered terms as immediately prior to the adoption of a charter.Those persons who shall hold office as Attorney for the Commonwealth, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue, immediately preceding the granting of a charter, shall by virtue of such chartering become respectively the Attorney for the Commonwealth, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue of the chartered County of James City and shall continue to hold office until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were elected or appointed and until their successors have been elected and have qualified. Such officers and their successors shall have and exercise all of the rights, powers and privileges conferred upon them and shall be subject to all of the duties, liabilities and restrictions imposed by law upon such officers of counties of the Commonwealth. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 1.4. Effective date.This charter shall be in effect from July 1, 1993, and thereafter until repealed or amended as provided by law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)Chapter 2. Powers of County.§ 2.1. General grant of powers.The powers set forth in Title 15.1 of the Code of Virginia and all other powers which are now or may be conferred upon or delegated to counties under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth and all other powers pertinent to the conduct of a county are hereby specifically conferred upon the County of James City, and no enumeration of particular powers in this charter shall be held to be exclusive but shall be held to be in addition to this general grant of powers. There is hereby specifically conferred upon James City County without further act all of the powers contained in §§ 15.1-837 through 15.1-907 of the Code of Virginia, as now and hereafter to be amended not inconsistent with this charter. All such power and authority shall be exercised insofar as they are consistent with the provisions of this charter. All powers granted by this charter shall be liberally construed so as to best effectuate the use of such powers. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 2.2. Additional powers.In addition to the powers granted by other sections of this charter and general law, the county shall have the power to raise annually by taxes and assessments as permitted by general law such sums of money as the board shall deem necessary to pay the debts and defray the expenses of the county in such manner as the board shall deem expedient. In addition to, but not as a limitation upon, this general grant of power, the county shall have power to levy and collect ad valorem taxes on real estate and tangible personal property and machinery and tools; to levy and collect taxes on hotel and motel rooms as provided by general law; to levy and collect business taxes, local general retail sales and use tax as provided by law; to levy and collect taxes on prepared food and beverages as provided by general law and such tax shall apply also to food prepared on premises and sold to take out, such tax is subject to limitations as may be imposed by general law; unless prohibited by general law, to require licenses, prohibit the conduct of any business, profession, vocation or callings without such a license and require taxes to be paid on such licenses in respect of all businesses, professions, vocations and callings which cannot, in the opinion of the board be reached by the ad valorem system; to franchise any business or calling so as to protect the public interest; and to require licenses of all owners of vehicles as provided by general law.In addition to the other powers conferred by law, the County of James City shall have the power to impose, levy and collect, in such manner as its board may deem expedient, a consumer tax upon the amount paid for the use of water, gas, electricity, telephone, cable television, and any other public utility service within the county or upon the amount paid for any one or more of such public utility services, subject to provisions of general law and may provide that such tax shall be added to and collected with bills rendered consumers and subscribers for such services. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 2.3. Acquisition of real estate.In addition to the powers granted by other sections of this charter, the county may acquire property within or without its boundaries for any of its facilities or functions, in fee simple or lesser interest or estate, by purchase, gift, devise, lease or eminent domain for property within the county and may sell, lease, hold, manage and control such property as the county's interest may require. No judicial process need precede the exercise of these powers except acquisition of property by eminent domain. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 2.4. Special districts.The county, in addition to any other authority provided by law, may by ordinance create special districts or areas within the county if those areas desire additional or more complete governmental services than are desired in the county as a whole. The board of supervisors shall have the power to levy a higher tax in such areas and the proceeds therefrom shall be so segregated as to enable the same to be expended in the areas in which raised. Any sanitary districts in existence shall continue to exist as immediately prior to the issuance of a charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)Chapter 3. Board of Supervisors.§ 3.1. Magisterial district.There shall be one magisterial district to be known as the James City County Magisterial District. The boundaries of such district shall be contiguous with and identical to the boundaries of the county. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.2. Composition and election.The County of James City shall be divided into five election districts, which shall comprise the five election districts of the County of James City as existing immediately preceding the effective date of this charter and shall be known as the Districts of Berkeley, Jamestown, Roberts, Powhatan and Stonehouse. The board of supervisors shall consist of five members and shall be elected one from each district. The board members shall qualify and be elected as provided by general law for members of county boards of supervisors elected for staggered terms. The board may redistrict or change the number, form of the membership or manner of electing board members in accordance with general law without the necessity of amending the charter.Vacancies in the office of supervisor, for whatever cause, shall be filled within 30 days for the unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of the remaining members of the board; however, if any supervisor is elected from an election district, the vacancy shall be filled by a qualified voter residing in the same election district. If a vacancy is not filled by the board within 30 days as provided herein, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with general law. Members of the board of supervisors shall act in accordance with the Virginia Comprehensive Conflict of Interests Act, as now written or as amended. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.3. Compensation.The board members shall receive as compensation for their services such amounts as the board may determine, in accordance with general law, provided that no salary increase approved by the board shall be effective during the term of such board. The salary in effect upon chartering shall remain in effect until changed by the board. In addition to a salary, members of the board may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in the conduct of county business as provided by law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.4. Board of supervisors chair and vice chair.The board at its first meeting in January and annually thereafter, unless otherwise provided by the board, shall elect one of its members, who shall have the title of chairman, preside at meetings of the board, and be recognized as head of the county government for all official ceremonial purposes. The chairman shall serve for a term of one year or until his replacement is elected. The board shall elect a new chairman when a vacancy occurs in that office. The board shall also elect a vice chairman annually who shall act as chairman during the absence or disability of the chairman. The chairman shall have the same powers and duties as other members of the board and shall have a vote, but no power of veto. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.5. Procedural powers.The board shall have the power, subject to the provisions of this charter, to adopt its own rules of procedure and other guidelines controlling the actions of its members. Such rules shall provide for the time and place of holding regular meetings of the board which shall be not less frequently than once a month. The procedure for calling special meetings shall be as provided by general law in the Code of Virginia. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.6. Powers.The board of supervisors shall be the policy determining body of the county and shall be vested with all rights and powers conferred on governing bodies by general law not inconsistent with this charter. All powers vested in the county by this charter, and to counties generally by the Code of Virginia, shall be exercised by the board collectively except as otherwise provided in this charter or in the Constitution of Virginia. In addition to the foregoing, the board shall have the following powers:1. To control and manage the fiscal affairs of the county and all property, real and personal, belonging to the county.2. To provide revenue for the county and appropriate the revenue for expenses; to provide annual assessments of taxable persons and property in the county; and it may adopt such ordinances, orders and bylaws relating to the powers of this charter as it shall deem proper and necessary.3. To adopt such ordinances, bylaws, orders and regulations as it may deem desirable to carry out the following powers which are hereby vested in it:a. To provide for the preservation of the general health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the county.b. To require and compel the abatement and removal of all public nuisances within the county at the expense of the person or persons causing the nuisance or the occupant or owner of the ground upon which the nuisance is located.c. To preserve public peace and good order; to prevent and quell riots, disturbances, disorderly assemblages, environmental hazards and shortages; and the board shall also have the power to adopt such additional ordinances as it may deem necessary for the general welfare of the county.4. To create, alter or abolish departments, bureaus, divisions, offices or agencies except where such departments, bureaus, divisions, offices or agencies are specifically required by this charter or general law.5. To create, alter and abolish commissions and advisory boards to assist the county in accomplishing its statutory responsibilities except where such commissions and advisory boards are specifically required by this charter or general law.6. To provide for the number, title, qualifications, powers, duties, classification and compensation for all officers and employees of the county.7. To provide for the form of oaths, who shall administer oaths and the amount and condition of surety bonds to be required of certain officers and employees of the county.8. To make or cause to be made such investigation relating to the financial affairs and internal operations of the county government as it may deem necessary.9. As a collective body, to make appointments to boards, commissions and other bodies as provided by law or board action.Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive the board of supervisors or county of any of the powers conferred upon it either by general or special laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, except insofar as the same may be inconsistent with the provisions of this charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.7. County clerk.The board of supervisors may appoint a county clerk who shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The clerk of the board shall also serve as custodian of the corporate seal of the county and shall have such other public duties as prescribed by general law or as the board may prescribe. The clerk shall in addition:1. Record the proceedings of the board in a book to be provided for that purpose.2. Preserve and file all accounts and papers acted upon by the board with its action thereon.If the board chooses not to appoint a county clerk, such duties and responsibilities shall be performed by the county administrator. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 3.8. Additional powers; consolidation of sheriff's office.The board of supervisors may, in concurrence with the city council of the City of Williamsburg, petition the circuit court asking that a referendum be held in accordance with the provisions of § 15.1-40.2 of the Code of Virginia on the question of whether the two localities may share the office of sheriff; provided, rather than by a petition of qualified voters, the petition may be initiated by the two governing bodies upon the written concurrence of the sheriffs of James City County and the City of Williamsburg and following a public hearing and adoption by each governing body of a resolution in favor of the consolidation of the two offices. (1996, c. 359)Chapter 4. County Administrator.§ 4.1. Appointment of county administrator.The board shall appoint a county administrator who shall be the administrative head of the county government and who shall be responsible for the proper administration of the government as reflected by the legislative and policy directions of the board and general law. The county administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall enforce the laws of the county and, where applicable, the Commonwealth and shall ensure the faithful performance of all administrative duties required by the board. The board may enter into an employment agreement with the county administrator, defining terms of employment. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 4.2. Duties and responsibilities.The county administrator shall have all the responsibility and shall carry out all the duties prescribed by § 15.1-117 of the Code of Virginia, as now and hereafter may be amended, and in such other duties and responsibilities as may be established by the board of supervisors.The county administrator shall devote full time to the work and services of the county under the direction of the board of supervisors to whom the county administrator shall be accountable. The county administrator need not be a resident of the county at the time of appointment, but shall become an actual resident of the county within a time prescribed by the board.In the absence or disability of the county administrator, the assistant county administrator shall perform the duties of the office.In addition, it shall be the duty of the county administrator:1. To execute and enforce all lawful resolutions and orders of the board concerning any department in the county government and to ensure that all laws of the Commonwealth required to be enforced through the board are faithfully executed.2. To make reports to the board in regard to matters of administration and keep it fully advised as to the financial condition of the county.3. To appoint qualified officers and employees to head the administrative departments of the county and to dismiss, suspend and discipline, in accordance with duly adopted personnel regulations, all officers and employees in such departments, except as otherwise specifically provided by law or this charter. Department heads who are appointed by the county administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the county administrator. An assistant county administrator may be appointed by the county administrator.4. To perform or cause to be performed by some other officer or employee the duties of any office or position of the administrative service under the county administrator's control which is vacant or which lacks administration due to the absence or disability of the incumbent.5. To recommend to the board appropriate ordinances to carry out the policies of the board.6. To assign any employee of the county to any department requiring services in accordance with duly adopted personnel regulations.7. To prescribe such rules and regulations necessary or expedient for the conduct of administrative departments or agencies subject to the county administrator's authority; the county administrator shall have the power to revoke, suspend or amend any rule or regulation of any such department or agency, promulgated by any officer or employee subject to the county administrator's control so long as such rules or regulations are not promulgated by the board of supervisors.8. To conduct or have conducted an administrative investigation into the affairs or operation of any department, division or agency of the county.9. To attend and address the board at any meeting thereof.10. To direct any department, division or agency of the county to perform work for any other department, division or agency of the county and may, subject to the county administrator's retention of general supervision and control, delegate any powers and duties conferred upon the county administrator by this charter to any other officer or employee who is subject to the county administrator's supervision. (1993, cc. 779, 798)Chapter 5. Budget and Accounting.§ 5.1. Fiscal year.The fiscal year of the county shall begin on the first day of July of each year and shall also constitute the budget and accounting year. The provisions of Title 15.1 of the Code of Virginia shall control the preparation, consideration, adoption and execution of the budget of the county. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 5.2. Submission of budget.In preparing, approving and adopting a budget for the county, the county administrator and the board of supervisors shall be governed by general law, specifically the provisions of Chapter 4 of Title 15.1 of the Code of Virginia. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 5.3. Borrowing.The board of supervisors may incur indebtedness by issuing bonds, notes or other obligations for the purposes, in the manner and to the extent provided for by the Constitution of Virginia and the Code of Virginia. The term indebtedness shall not include contractual appropriations of the county, lease/purchase agreements subject to annual appropriations and revenue bonds payable solely from revenue producing properties. (1993, cc. 779, 798)Chapter 6. Administration.§ 6.1. Creation of departments and divisions.The following administrative departments are hereby created:1. Department of County Attorney.2. Department of Financial and Management Services.3. Department of Police.4. Department of Fire.5. Department of Development Management.6. Division of Planning.7. Department of Community Services.8. Division of Social Services.9. Department of Human Resource.The board of supervisors may create new departments or divisions, or combine or abolish existing departments or offices and distribute the functions thereof or establish temporary departments for special work. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.2. Responsibilities of division, office and department heads.There shall be a director at the head of each division and a manager at the head of each department. The director or manager of each administrative division or department, except the county attorney, shall be appointed by the county administrator. Such directors or managers shall serve in accordance with applicable personnel policies and may be removed by the county administrator. (1993, cc. 779, 798; 2007, c. 329)§ 6.3. Responsibility of division or department directors and managers to the board and county administrator.The director or manager of each administrative department or division shall be responsible to the county administrator and board for the administration of his respective department or division, and his advice may be required by the board on all matters affecting his department or division. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.4. Personnel rules and regulations.The personnel system shall be established by the board of supervisors for county administrative officials and employees and set forth in a policies and procedures manual. The system shall be based on merit and professional ability without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or political affiliation. The personnel system shall include a classification plan, a uniform pay plan and procedure for resolving grievances for employees of the county as provided by general law. Employees of constitutional officers and other agencies may participate in the personnel system at the discretion of the board and upon the concurrence of the constitutional officer or agency head. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.5. Department of county attorney.The county attorney shall be the chief civil legal advisor of the board of supervisors, the county administrator and of all departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the county in all matters affecting the interests of the county and shall represent such departments and their employees in all civil litigation arising out of the provision of services. In addition to the duties of the county attorney provided by general law, the county attorney shall perform such other appropriate responsibilities as are assigned by the board. The county attorney shall be appointed by the board and shall serve at its pleasure. The county attorney shall devote full time to the work and services of the county. The board of supervisors may authorize the employment of assistant county attorneys as needed. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.6. Department of financial and management services.The manager of financial and management services shall be responsible for carrying out the fiscal and financial affairs of the county as defined by the board of supervisors.The manager of financial and management services shall perform such accounting, budgeting and financing responsibilities as are directed by the county administrator, so long as such responsibilities are not in conflict with general law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.7. Department of police.The police department shall be composed of a chief of police and such officers, patrol officers and other employees as the board of supervisors may determine. The powers and duties set forth in § 15.1-138 of the Code of Virginia shall apply to the police force. The chief of police shall be responsible for the immediate direction and control of the department. The chief of police shall promulgate rules and regulations for the department subject to state and county law, personnel policies of the county and Commonwealth, and generally accepted policy practices of the board of supervisors.The chief of police shall be appointed by the county administrator. (1993, cc. 779, 798; 1995, c. 348)§ 6.8. Department of fire.The fire department shall be composed of a chief and such other officers, firefighters and employees as the board of supervisors may determine. The fire chief shall have immediate direction and control of the department. The chief shall be appointed by the county administrator and shall serve subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to other department heads. The members of the fire department shall be appointed and may be removed in accordance with established personnel policies. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.9. Division of social services.The division of social services shall consist of the director of social services, a social services advisory board, and such officers and employees organized in such manner as directed by the county administrator. The division shall be responsible for the duties imposed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia relating to public assistance and relief of the poor and such other powers and duties as may be assigned by the board of supervisors. The director of social services shall be appointed by the manager of community services and shall have general management and control of the division. The director shall report to and cooperate with the manager of community services to ensure the provision of social services is fairly coordinated with the provision of other governmental services. The social services advisory board shall consist of members appointed in the same fashion as existed prior to the adoption of a charter. The social services advisory board shall have such authority as is vested in it by general law and may recommend necessary rules and regulations not in conflict with this charter or general law concerning the social services division. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.10. Department of development management.The department of development management shall be composed of the manager of development management and such additional employees as the board of supervisors may determine. The manager of development management shall have immediate direction and control of the department. The manager shall be appointed by the county administrator. The manager shall have general management responsibilities for such aspects of community planning, code enforcement, environmental management, and facilities planning as are directed by the county administrator, so long as such responsibilities are not in conflict with general law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.11. Department of human resource.The human resource department shall consist of a manager and such employees as the board of supervisors may determine. The department shall develop and maintain personnel rules and regulations. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 6.12. Department of general services.The department of general services shall consist of a manager and such employees as the board of supervisors may determine. (2007, c. 329)Chapter 7. Planning and Zoning.§ 7.1. Planning commission.There shall be a county planning commission which shall consist of no fewer than seven nor more than nine residents who shall be appointed and organized as provided by general law. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 7.2. Functions of planning commission.The planning commission shall be responsible for making recommendations to the board of supervisors on all phases of county planning, including a comprehensive plan, long-range planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations. It shall have the powers and duties provided by general law and such other powers and duties as may be assigned by the board of supervisors. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 7.3. Board of zoning appeals.There shall be a board of zoning appeals appointed as provided by law and with those powers granted by general laws. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 7.4. Division of planning.The planning division shall be composed of a director of planning and such employees as the board of supervisors may determine. The planning division shall perform such responsibilities as are imposed by general law and as may be assigned by the planning commission and board of supervisors. (1993, cc. 779, 798; 2015, c. 198)§ 7.5. Additional planning powers.The board of supervisors may, by ordinance, exercise those powers granted to certain localities pursuant to § 15.2-905 of the Code of Virginia. Such powers shall only be exercised on property two acres in area or smaller. (2019, c. 508)Chapter 8. Education.§ 8.1. Composition.The educational department shall consist of the county school board, the superintendent of schools, and the officers and employees thereof. The county school board and the superintendent of schools shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon them by general law in a manner consistent with this charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 8.2. Joint school system.The county and the city have elected to operate a joint school system under a contract entitled, "An Amended and Restated Contract for the Joint Operation of Schools, the City of Williamsburg and County of James City, adopted October 9, 1980," as amended. Upon the granting of a charter, the powers, duties, and responsibilities under the contract shall continue as immediately prior to the adoption of a charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)Chapter 9. Miscellaneous Provisions.§ 9.1. Immunity from liability.The county and all its officers, employees and agents shall retain all immunities from liability available to counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. No actions or claims shall be instituted against the county unless the claimant shall have complied with all procedural prerequisites to such actions or claims as are contained in the Constitution and general laws of the Commonwealth. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 9.2. Retention of funding.Unless revised or changed by this charter, the County of James City shall continue to receive state and federal funds in the same manner as if the County of James City had no charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 9.3. Amendments to charter.This charter may be amended upon approval of any amendments by the Virginia General Assembly in accordance with the Constitution and general laws of the Commonwealth. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 9.4. Transition savings clause.All ordinances, resolutions and orders of the board of supervisors and all rules and regulations made by it or by any department, board, commission or officer of the county, in force at the effective date of this charter, insofar as they or any part thereof are not inconsistent with the provisions of this charter, shall remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed in accordance with this charter or the general laws of the Commonwealth.All assets and liabilities of the county existing as of the effective date of this charter shall continue to be assets and liabilities of the county from and after the effective date of this charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)§ 9.5. Severability.Should any part of this charter be declared unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such action shall have no effect on the constitutionality or validity of any other part of this charter. (1993, cc. 779, 798)


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subset: commoncrawl


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I have the same flawed way of thinking when it comes to the New York City metro card, which costs us New Yorkers a whopping $116.50 a month! Dropping money on a flimsy, plastic card is hard to swallow but refilling that card in $5, $10, or $20 increments makes the whole transaction easier to digest. Someone much more savvy in finances would stand up and state the obvious, which is I spend more refilling my card and would save more by buying the monthly pass, but this is how I am, a child with monopoly money when it comes to saving…until now.
Having been bitten by the travel bug and struck with an insatiable wanderlust, I made it my goal to turn my life upside down, break routine, and travel the world. My dream, appropriately dubbed The Pin the Map Project, would take me from the less-than-glamorous stage of trip planning to the spiritual backdrop of Nepal, savory streets of Vietnam, and exotic culture of South East Asia, among others. After days spent researching visas, pouring over maps, and estimating flight prices, I calculated how much this global adventure would cost me, attaching a price tag to the fantasy and begging the question of how exactly I would save for this trip?
I realized that planning a trip does not start when you pack your bags but rather goes back months—sometimes years— to the inception of an idea and goal to see the world. Whether planning a week-long trip to Colombia or a six-month tour of Asia, people can be deterred by travel because the process of planning is unclear and travel expenses seem insurmountable. Traveling is as expensive as we make it and everything–from plane tickets to accommodations–can be affordable if you're savvy to the deals and know how to save for travel.
So consider this your guide to saving money for that big trip you've been dreaming of.
1. Track Your Expenses
People who save for long-term travel tend to run the gamut from drastic savers (moving back in with their parents to save on rent) to casual savers (cutting expenses on take out and Starbucks). When I began saving for my global jaunt, I knew that I wanted to strike a balance between enjoying the present and planning for the future. I didn't want to miss out on enjoying my friendships, relationship, and New York City by staying home to pinch pennies, but likewise I refused to relegate my travel dreams to the pages of a journal, never to be fulfilled. The answer was to figure out how I was spending my money and cut back reasonably.
The Mint application came in handy in both showing me how I spend my dollars and leaving me utterly flabbergasted about it. Let's just say that my "harmless" afternoon work treats of a beverage here or snack there had banded together to form an army of expenses with a dollar amount much higher than $5. I consider myself a foodie as much as the next person, but I was throwing money towards snacks that could've bought me a meal at a four-star restaurant!
Like getting in shape, saving money is something you ease into if you truly want the habit to stick. As much as I wanted to cut my budgets by fifty-percent or more, I knew it would prove disheartening when I inevitably exceeded them. Mint evaluates your spending habits and recommends different budgets so that you can then scale back your expenditures slowly each month and save for travel gradually and virtually painlessly.
2. Reevaluate Wants Vs. Needs
When I was growing up, my dad once told me that the mark of an adult vs. a child is the ability to discern between what is wanted and what is needed. As kids, we want that toy, but as adults, we learn that wanting and needing something is not the same thing. When saving money for travel, the push-pull relationship between "want" and "need" is constantly in motion.
"Yes, I want that amazing mojito to accompany my Cuban meal, but do I need it?"
"Yes, I really want that $22 lipstick from Sephora, but with other lipsticks at home, do I need it?"
Chances are the answer is no, and when you start to separate your financial needs from your wants, the money saved speaks for itself.
Of course, life is about balance, and although I may not need something, it doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy it. This, I believe, is where perspective comes into play when we ask ourselves if what we're about to hand over our credit card for is worth it. A $14 cocktail could pay for a night's accommodation in Vietnam, but that $100 concert ticket could be an unforgettable experience with friends – perspective is a matter of opinion, and how we spend our money is a responsibility and decision that rests squarely on the carrier of the wallet.
3. Commit to Saving with Auto-Deposits
Simply put, it is easier to save money when you are not actively doing so. I used to save money by manually taking out dollars, walking myself over to HSBC, and depositing this money only to end up using it a week later. My failed saving attempts were salvaged when someone recommended setting up auto deposits to my savings account—a relatively simple solution that changed everything.
Like taking candy from a baby, my savings account pulls an amount from each paycheck, allowing me to forget about my savings and be pleasantly surprised when I check the balance from time to time.
I once read that saving money's a lot like getting in shape–it's not enough to swap a salad for a pizza slice here and there, you really have to commit and just choose to eat healthily and visit the gym. Saving money for travel is similar in that you have to choose to save money and put your purchases into perspective. Although I'm a reformed spender (who occasionally relapses with the impulse purchases) these tricks helped me save for my adventure.
About the author: Nikki Vargas is an NYC-based travel writer and photographer; her work has been published in VICE, FOOD & WINE magazine, Matador Network, Roads & Kingdoms, and more. Nikki regularly shares travel stories, planning tips, and destination inspiration on her site, The Pin The Map Project.
To read more about saving money prior to and during your trip, check out the following articles:
Photo credits:John Gomez, Masterchief_Productions, KieferPix, Africa Studio


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With their unique and electrifying performance on the bagpipes, the Campbell Brothers have been stunning audiences for over two decades. Initially discovered by the Irish Rovers, the duo have guest performed with the likes of The Irish Rovers, John McDermott, The Cheiftains, number one country artist Johnny Reid, John Allan Cameron, the Irish Descendants, and were featured in Ed Mirvishs production The Needfire.
Taking notice of their talents, EMI records Canada soon signed the brothers to a record deal changing their name from The Campbell Brothers to The Mudmen. Having filmed six music videos for Much music/MTV, recorded 9 albums and having completed numerous tours of Canada, USA, and Europe, the Campbell Brothers/Mudmen have garnered a national following which led to TV appearances including CBC's Canada Day Celebration with the Queen, 12 Walk of fame ceremonies, The Edmonton Oilers Home opening ceremonies, The 84 Edmonton Oilers Stanley cup win re-union, the Toronto Maple Leaf & Boston Bruins game, the Canadian Country Music Awards, and The Mackenzie Brothers 24 special among others. The Campbell Brothers bagpipes can also be heard on the New CBC Hockey Night in Canada Anthem 2007-2015, Xbox/Playstation video games, NBC's Black Donnelly's, HBO's Shameless, the Edge Radio Toronto reached #19, Don Cherry's hockey dvds 9,19,20,21,24,27,29 and recorded the new entrance for WWE Wrestlers for The Highlanders.
The Campbell Brothers corporate clients include Coca Cola, Sprint Canada, American Standard, LCBO, Kodak, Walmart, Canada Tourism and M&M meats. The Campbell Brothers and their band Mudmen are available for hire for corporate gigs, festivals, public speaking, meet and greets, comic-cons or recording music for television and or films. They've performed over 2500 shows to date, Ron MacLean loves em and you should too!
Robby Campbell
- InstrumentBagpipes
- OriginAlvinston, Ontario
- PositionLittle Brother & Mudmen Co-founder
Sandy Campbell
- InstrumentBagpipes, Back-Up Vocals
- OriginAlvinston, Ontario
- PositionBig Brother & Mudmen Co-Founder


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With every model they get better. I have purchased at least 40 new GMC and Chevy Trucks and SUV¿s. They keep getting better. I have a 2018 chevy 3500 HD LTZ with the 6.6 Duramax. I traded in a 2018 chevy silverado 1500 on this truck. I couldn¿t wait to try this 2500 with the new 6.6 gasoline motor. This truck rides sure footed solid! The motor is very responsive with ample power. The interior is very nice. The stereo is much improved both sound and responsiveness to touch on the flat panel display. If you have several trailers you tow like I do you can name and preprogram each trailer to your preferred settings for each trailer and save it to memory. Love all the camera angles. The truck will even monitor your trailer tire pressure and heat! Tons of room. Rear floor is flatter. Tons of rear seat room. Seating is comfortable. Truck is quite and and smooth running down the road. Super quite interior. Love this truck! Go get one!Read more reviews at Cars.com
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Hi, I'm Kathryn and my blog is Secrets of a Butterfly. When Heather so kindly asked me if i'd like to do a guest post here at her wonderful blog i took a few days to think of where my inspiration would come from. I found it in the form of this photograph by Novel Photographie which lead me into finding a room setting that sums up a "less is more" approach to decor. The Swedish apartment below fitted the style i was wanting to share perfectly.
Accessories are all important in a paired down scheme. Items such as this suitcase and vase make an impact against a neutral background.
Another image from the same apartment at the Alvhem website, shows how an eclectic collection of frames makes a beautiful focal point on what would otherwise be a plain corner of the room.
And this arrangement by Censational girl shows a vintage key amongst the frames which i thought was such a unique touch.
And in this last image we can see the overall look of the room. I found these Swedish room photos via Simone's flickr stream. As well as collecting together inspiring photographs within my posts, i often like to highlight shops i find on the web. Some beautiful white and neurtral bedding and living accessories are to be found at the English based website The White Company. And home accents and accessories many in whites and vintage tones can be found at Vintage amethyst. Both i can personally recommend. Love and light


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Portugal rations gas as tanker drivers strike over pay
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal began rationing gas Monday as a precaution after 2,000 truck drivers began an open-ended strike over pay, a move that comes at the height of the crucial summer tourist season and during the summer harvest.
The government set a limit at gas stations of 25 litre for light vehicles and 100 litres for trucks until further notice as most tanker truck drivers walked off the job.
Some truckers in other sectors of the economy also joined the walkout.
Anticipating gas and fresh food shortages, the center-left Socialist government, which faces a general election in October, is demanding truckers provide a minimum volume of supplies, including to emergency services and airports.
Authorities hope to minimise disruptions by demanding that truckers maintain 75% of normal gas deliveries for public transport systems and 50% to gas stations.
All perishable goods and at least half of the normal food supplies must also be delivered to stores.
Some trucks delivering gas Monday had a police escort, and police said they were on standby for the possibility of roadblocks erected by strikers. Few queues were reported yet at gas stations after many people filled their tanks over the weekend.
The government warned that if truckers do not comply with the required level of minimum services, it will enact a rarely-used law to force them back to work. At the same time, the government was preparing to use qualified members of the security forces to deliver gas, if necessary.
The walkout was called by the National Hazardous Materials Drivers' Union, representing about 750 of the country's 900 tanker drivers, and the Independent Goods Vehicles Drivers' Union.
The truckers are demanding staggered annual rises over the next three years in their basic pay and benefits.
They want their basic pay to increase from 630 euros a month to 900 euros by 2022.
Employers say they can't afford the demands by the unionised truckers.
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Chord facts for kids
A chord in music is when two or more notes are played together (some text books say that it is when three or more notes are played).
A chord which is built up of the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of a scale is called a "tonic triad". If it is made from a major scale, it is a major chord. If it is made from a minor scale it is a minor chord. However, any combination of notes is a chord.
Chords can be played on instruments such as piano, keyboard, organ, harp, guitar, harmonica, ukulele and xylophone. Chords with two notes can be played on string instruments by bowing on two strings together. By bowing on two strings and then quickly on the other two strings a violinist can sound as if he is playing a four-part chord. Some players of wind instruments are able to make chords by playing two or more harmonics together.
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I love recipes that come with nutritional information. They save me from looking up the Carb, Protein, Fat, Calories and Fiber counts and figuring out how they fit into my food plan. If I do not change anything in the recipe I can use that information for planning my meals for the day - or can I?
Last year I was enjoying a 10 grain hot cereal several mornings a week. According to the packaging label, a serving was 1/4 cup or 40 grams (precooked). I tend to use the scale more than the measuring cup so every time I had the cereal I weighed 40 grams into the bowl. One day my scale batteries died and that morning I used the measuring cup. A quarter cup seemed a lot less than my usual amount. Later that morning with fresh batteries I weighed the 1/4 cup amount and it was 20 grams. Using the 40 gram measure I had been consuming a 1/2 more cereal each day . . . but which was correct? I wrote the company because it was an important question. Answer: 1/4 cup is the correct measurement. they never answered the question about the gram count.
I have a great recipe for Beef and Lentil Stew with spinach. It is an excellent meal, has nutrition information and I make it according the the directions. I calls for 2 cups of Lentils in the ingredients. Then in the directions it calls for me to cook the lentils. Two cups of dry lentils is eight servings. This recipe makes four servings. The math does not add up. The nutritional information is obviously for half this amount of lentils otherwise the carb, calorie and fiber counts of this dish would be much higher.
There is a misprint in this recipe. It should have read 1 cup of lentils. I decided to do all my own arithmetic for the dish and in doing so I found mistakes in their count of the fat grams, carbs, protein, fiber and calories.
Following this, I checked the counts on several random recipes in the newspaper, magazines and two food websites. I found miscounting in 4 of the 8 recipes. Noticeably, they were always under estimating something - meaning the mistakes were never in the favor of the person who gets to eat the food.
I am not suggesting you need to fear recipes or do your own nutritional counts for everything you eat. I suggest being aware of what you are eating and not accepting the labeling as gospel. If something seems not right, do the math!
That is how I am keeping the pounds off today. Have you found any surprises in nutrition information labeling? Please share!


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The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has appealed to the residents affected by the ongoing demolition, which is part of the Aregbesola administration's urban renewal programme, to show understanding.
The party, in a statement by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Adebiyi Adelowo, urged them to see the pains associated with the exercise as a sacrifice for the development of the state.
It said Governor Rauf Aregbesola was concerned about their plight, assuring that the government would compensate those affected.
ACN stressed the need for the people to cooperate with the government in its efforts to beautify the state, adding that the present administration meant well for the state.
It said government would ensure that the state becomes the envy of others.
Osun ACN warned the people against politicising the exercise, saying it was aimed at developing the state.
It hailed the police in ensuring peace "despite attempt by an opposition party to cause crisis and confusion in the state."
The party thanked Commissioner of Police Mrs. Dorothy Gimba for ensuring peace.
It alleged that some members of the opposition party were bent on causing crisis because of the urban renewal programme of the Aregbesola administration.
The ACN noted that the peace meeting convened between the government and the opposition party averted the crisis.


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Wed, May 1, 8 and 15: This & That
3:30-4:15 p.m. Children's Program Room
May 1- Happy Hula-Days- Come celebrate National Luau Month at the library. Fun games, activities and more!
May 8-Game Changer- Come play video Games and traditional board games with your friends!
May 15- End of the Year Party! Movie and snacks!
For Grades 3-6.


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So, how's everyone's life? Mine? Oh well... my life has never been any messier but come to think of it, this is something I need to learn, sooner or later I will have to face this kind of obstacle in life. Life doesn't always go our way anyway, and it miraculously feel good to know that I can accept this hardness in life, it makes me feel somewhat... wiser and more mature.
I tend to runaway from the problems I have to face, whether by not caring about it or to leave it as it is, or to cry my heart out as if it will end every problem I have to face, but now I know that I am stronger. I know I will survive, no matter how badly treated I am (or in this case me and my friends are) in the village, knowing that I still have friends to share stories to, have my mommy and daddy who will always support me no matter what, have you all blogger friends, whom I never met before (but will someday, really) who gives me strength more than I can ever imagine from someone who doesn't know me personally, makes me feel strong and sure that I or rather we will survive.
I went to campus today, and it made me feel good, haha... what a surprise, really, like never before. Seeing my friends, the juniors and profs, and even talking to the canteen chef brightened up my day, it's wonderful how I can seek some positive things when the world seems to be crumpled down into a messy messy pool.
And I took public bus today, well... I was in the mood for some random adventure, there and then, people were so friendly to me, the old man who sat beside me even asked me some questions; like where I live and what's my name, and in return he told me his story, he was a teacher, and English teacher, and we talked in English during the trip, too bad it didn't last long.
Other people in the bus were being so friendly too, the woman who sat beside me too asked me where am I studying, and the older woman in front of me shouted "be careful, have a nice day!" when I was about to step out of the bus.
Isn't it wonderful?
People don't really need reason to be nice, really. They had, unknowingly, turned a little girl's life that's been messy lately a little brighter :) and she's so thankful for it.
And you guys are, too, one of those little secret God saved for me, to make me smile always, to keep me stay strong.
I think they thought I was a junior high school student as today I wore a cute red baby dolls.
and a backpack.
I've been a little too busy lately, and I know I'll be even more busier as it approaches December, the festival and all, would anyone guest blogging here? If you are interested, do kindly leave me a comment here providing me your email or just send me an email to email@example.com


text: Configure Windows MID Server service credentials MID Server service credentials are required so the MID Server can communicate with devices on your network. About this taskBy default, the MID Server service runs as a Local System account. This account only grants access to the machine on which the MID Server is running, not to other systems on the network. Therefore, you must change the service credentials to one of the following types: A Domain User account. This account should have local admin rights to allow automatic MID Server upgrade. A specific user account that has local admin access to the MID Server machine as well as access to other systems on the network. Note: Service credentials are not the same as the MID Server user credentials: the service credentials allow communication between the MID Server and your network, while the MID Server user credentials allow communication between the MID Server and the instance. You must configure both of these credentials separately. See Create the MID Server user and grant the role for instructions on MID Server user credentials. Procedure Open the Windows Services console. Double-click the ServiceNow <MID Server name> service for each MID Server. Select the Log On tab. Set Log on as privileges with the Domain User or another user account that has local admin access to the MID Server machine as well as access to other systems on the network. Whatever account you choose, verify that is has local admin access and access to other systems on the network. For local admin access, you can use Windows Explorer to grant write permissions to the MID Server agent folder. In the General tab, set Startup type to Automatic. Click OK. Restart the ServiceNow <MID Server name> service, and make sure that ServiceNow\<MID Server name>\agent\logs\agent0.log does not have error messages. If the MID Server does not start, see the ServiceNow knowledge article Review the agent log for MID Server errors (article KB0535148). On the instance this MID Server is connected to, navigate to MID Server > Servers. If Discovery is installed, navigate to Discovery > MID Servers. All MID Servers connected to this instance are listed. Make sure that the Status of the MID Server you just installed is Up.


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After they had gone, I realized that she had left any perishable ingredients in my fridge for us to use. One of these was a bag of green onions. I had seen on Pinterest that you could re-grow green onions in water and continue to 'harvest' them as you needed. Well, being a homeschooling mom, I decided we should do an 'experiment' with these and try it out!
So, here is what our green onions looked liked on March 29th.
Now, here is what they look like today, 2 weeks later!
Check out those roots! Lots of growth! I've been snipping off a piece here and there and using it in scrambled eggs, salads, stir fries...and loving it! This was such a success, we decided to try it with celery as well. This is after only a few days and already the centre is re-growing!
It probably won't be as useful as the green onions, as we need a lot more celery than what one little crop can produce, unless of course we go into high production and set up a whole window sill of them! But, that's not going to happen, so we'll just have to keep buying it.
So, there you go! An easy way to keep your household supplied with fresh green onions and all it costs is what you'll pay for the first bunch!! And hey! It didn't even cost me that, 'cause MIL supplied them!


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Friday, August 03, 2007
31 comments:
- Unknown said...
Now those are just too darn cute, and what wonderful fun fabric.
- 8:03 AM, August 03, 2007
- May Britt said...
They looks like candy baskets and they are soooo cute. Why do we have such trouble starting to use our newest fabrics???? I have several bundles I have not opened. Have to find the perfect pattern for them, but when do we find that???? So better start cutting in them right now!!!
- 9:12 AM, August 03, 2007
- Nan said...
Those are soooooo cute! I'm glad you "broke" into the bundle! I know what you mean - some bundles are just too pretty to tear apart.
- 9:24 AM, August 03, 2007
- Helen in the UK said...
Oh - I love basket blocks and these are real cuties :)
- 9:33 AM, August 03, 2007
- Wendy said...
I love to look at the little bundles of fabric but it doesn't take me long before I break into them. I was just thinking yesterday "I wish I had a bundle". The I picked up my knitting bag and found a little bundle with a ribbon. I'm sure it won't be long before I take it apart.
Your baskets are so yummy. I love any basket pattern.
- 10:05 AM, August 03, 2007
- PamKittyMorning said...
Cute! I have that bundle of fat quarters as well.. hmm
- 10:33 AM, August 03, 2007
- Angie said...
I bet I'm the Queen of not breaking into fabric bundles!!!! ROFL I pulled out a bundle the other day that I bet I bought 9 or 10 years ago!!!!! I definitely have a 'bundle phobia'. :/ Cuz I sooooo love those fabrics...and what if I didn't pick THE BEST pattern to cut them up for...and what if I wish I had them later for something else....and on it goes!!!! ROFL
Those baskets are just too adorable...that fabric is yummy! You go, girlfriend! I pieced a basket block day before yesterday. :> Picture to be shared at a later date. :D I can't wait to see your other basket blocks, so stitch a couple together, girl, and give us a peek!! :>
- 11:07 AM, August 03, 2007
- Judy said...
My goodness Darlene! I miss a week of rounding the bloglines and I miss a lot from you! Everything looks just wonderful! Happy birthday, happy 200 posts and I love everything you have shown so far!! More and more happy sewing days to YOU!!
- 12:06 PM, August 03, 2007
- swooze said...
Cute baskets. I like all your work. How big is that flimsy pile now?
- 12:16 PM, August 03, 2007
- Thimbleanna said...
Can't wait to see this finished -- those are adorable! I love that new Susan Branch fabric!
- 12:40 PM, August 03, 2007
- dot said...
These are just too cute. I am going to have to try some for myself.
- 1:20 PM, August 03, 2007
- Carole said...
You took that cute ribbon off the bundle and actually cut into the fabric!?! Wow..... Well I will admit, those are cute. The block does do the fabric justice! Thanks for sharing!
- 2:51 PM, August 03, 2007
- Carol said...
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those baskets. Unfortunately I have been through every book in my collection and I don't have that book. I'll have to go online and find one. I must have those baskets, they are to darn cute!
- 3:18 PM, August 03, 2007
- Mary Johnson said...
They're very cute - I have a basket quilt on my list of quilts to make one day but I haven't decided yet which pattern I'll use.
- 5:01 PM, August 03, 2007
- Leigh said...
I know everyone else has said it, but they really are ssooooo cute!
- 5:10 PM, August 03, 2007
I told you that you would love that quilt. It's the easiest basket to make huh? That pattern is cute in any fabric. Makes me want to start another one. I already have two quilts from that pattern.
It really is a ceremony opening up a bundle of fabric isn't it? I need to have a moment of silence before unveiling a bundle of gold.
- 6:42 PM, August 03, 2007
- Katie said...
I hate opening my charm packets! I tend to hoard them. I've got to get over that!
- 6:46 PM, August 03, 2007
- CONNIE W said...
Darlene, The baskets are great. That's a pattern I have not seen. Before I can break into my SB fabrics I have some other things to get done and out of the way (mainly housecleaing). Can't wait to get started though.
- 8:37 PM, August 03, 2007
- Kim said...
I love the way the baskets look in that line of fabric! Nice way to use the fabric and still show it off and not cut it up too small!
- 9:49 PM, August 03, 2007
- ~Bren~ said...
I have never bought a jelly roll for that reason..I would never unroll it!!
The baskets are ADORABLE..worth untying the ribbon!
- 6:58 AM, August 04, 2007
- Vicky said...
You opened a bundle and actually used it? Gasp!!! I've still got the first one I ever bought! LOL
Aside from pumpkins and anything Christmas, baskets are my favorite! I've collected oodles of books and patterns on baskets, and have yet to make the first pieced one! I think you've inspired me -- again!
- 7:01 AM, August 04, 2007
- Susan said...
Cute baskets! I'm trying to decide whether to do a handle like that or applique a rounded one. Did you think this way was fairly quick?
- 2:33 PM, August 04, 2007
- Quilts And Pieces said...
The baskets are adorable and I'm not a bit surprised you started a new project!
- 8:37 PM, August 04, 2007
- Elaine Adair said...
Too cute for words! My gosh, and so simple. I was not able to get to your friends blog, redgeranium etc. My loss.
I'm adding you to my bloglines. Thanks for the clever new baskets.
- 8:55 PM, August 04, 2007
- Nicole said...
I dragged out the Thimbleberries book too when I saw Sharon's quilt! That is now one of my future projects as well. I still have to do the MoJo basket quilt you made too! Good grief, when will I get it all done?
- 7:57 AM, August 05, 2007
- Pam said...
Very cute little baskets. Such great fabric!
I just recently got a random email from Susan Branch fabrics. I'm not sure where/why it came but I sure enjoyed browsing the website. Lovely, pretty fabric! I did resist for now though as I have been in super shopping mode.
- 12:05 PM, August 05, 2007
- Libby said...
You just always find the freshest looking fabrics to put into the cutest of blocks - can't wait to see more *s*
- 2:13 PM, August 05, 2007
Oh so cute! Stinken' cute! Belated happy birthday Darlene!
- 2:42 PM, August 05, 2007
- Kairle Oaks said...
That'll be the cutest basket quilt ever! Good on you for getting brave enough to cut into the fabric.
- 2:24 PM, August 08, 2007
- Not Lucy said...
Those are the cutest baskets! They might have to go on my list of projects to do one of these days!
- 10:06 PM, August 11, 2007
- chq said...
These blocks are so cute!
Good work!
- 7:31 AM, August 14, 2007


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Improving compliance with SPS measures to boost oilseed exports
The purpose of the project was to increase export revenues of farmers, processors and exporters along the oilseed value chain through improved food safety and compliance with SPS measures for market access.
For more information visit the Facebook page.
Agriculture represents 43% of Myanmar's GDP and constitutes a large part of employment (54%) and exports (17%). Oilseed cultivation accounts for the most significant portion of agricultural activity in Myanmar after cereals and pulses. Myanmar is one of the world's largest producers of oilseeds. The most important oilseed crops are sesame, groundnut, mustard, and sunflower seeds. The vast majority of oilseeds in Myanmar are grown in 3 regions (Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magwey).
Oilseeds exports rely on few key markets including Japan, China, and Chinese Taipei where over 91% of the total oilseeds' exports are shipped. The major difficulty for Myanmar's oilseeds sector is the low quality produce and non-compliance with international standards. A study conducted for the National Export Strategy concluded that Myanmar is facing significant sanitary challenges. Non-compliance with food safety standards and inadequate quality control mechanism have been identified by the public and private sector as a major issue affecting human health, export capacity and competitiveness in the sector. The issue of non-compliance with food safety standards is due to SPS-related factors along the oilseed value chain.
Expected Results
Build and sustain the competence of public and private stakeholders to comply with the international quality and food safety requirements on oilseeds
The capacity of farmers, collectors, processors, exporters, sector association, and private and public sector stakeholders to comply with SPS measures and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the oilseed sector has been enhanced as a result of a series of capacity building programmes. More than 300 farmers and 20 selected agricultural extension officers in the three target regions in the Dry Zone have benefitted from practical training programme building capacity in GAP, SPS, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), pest and disease management, usage of quality production inputs, harvest and post-harvest practices. The programme has built synergies with the national GAP protocol. The trained extension officers are assisting farmers to improve further their agricultural practices.
Along the oilseed value chain, 5 beneficiary Collectors, 11 Processors and Exporters and 10 local Trainers Cum Counsellors (TcCs) selected to assist each company, have been made aware of SPS, food safety and hygiene related issues in oilseeds products and have been trained to implement traceability, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and food safety systems based on Codex Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) in their facilities. Two companies successfully obtained HACCP certification and a few other companies are aiming to achieve the same within the project implementation.
Improve the international, regional and national market opportunities of oilseeds value chain
The project also aims to increase linkages along the oilseeds sector value chain and to export markets. All value chain's actors, sector association and private and public stakeholders are encouraged to participate in project related events and strengthen their collaboration at national level. Between beneficiary farmers and sector associations, two pilot supply chain agreements on sesame seeds export entered into force in 2017. In addition, quality inputs contracts were facilitated between these actors in May 2018. At the beginning of the project, few key import markets were identified and potential buyers were contacted. The project foresees the need to further expand the network of buyers through business matching events. These events involve workshops and meetings with national, regional and international partners to discuss further export opportunities. To enhance the visibility of Myanmar oilseeds products in the international markets, some beneficiary companies were selected and coached to attend Business to Business (B2B) meetings during the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Hungary in October 2017. This was part of a broader trip to explore export opportunities and learn from oilseed production practices and technologies in Europe.
|STDF/PG/486- Application Form (2015)
|STDF/PG/486 - Newsletter Issue 1
|STDF/PG/486 - Newsletter Issue 2
|STDF/PG/486 - Newsletter Issue 3
|STDF/PG/486 - Project Brochure
|STDF/PG/486 - National Export Strategy
|STDF/PG/486 - Oilseed Sector Booklet
|STDF/PG/486 - Web Highlights 2017
|STDF/PG/486 - Final Project Report (Jan-20)


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Red Hat Storage Server Administration is for senior system administrators and storage administrators who are interested in deploying scalable, highly available storage on off-the-shelf hardware and in the cloud.
Students will learn how to install, configure, and maintain a cluster of Red Hat Storage servers. The course will also explore highly available common Internet file systems (CIFS) and network file systems (NFS) using CTDB, unified file and object storage, and geo-replication.
Note: Red Hat Storage Server Administration is part of our new emerging technology series of courses. These courses focus on Red Hat's newer, evolving technologies. Emerging technologies courses are feature- and functionality-focused and are conducted like guided labs, with little lecture. For more information about these courses, please contact us.
Introduction to Red Hat Storage
Explore the classroom environment
Basic configuration
Volume types
ACLs and quotas
Extending volumes
IP failover
Unified file and object storage


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Here's some good news in celebration of International Women's Day.
Posts Tagged: Women's Movement
Women human rights defenders have been threatened, tortured, raped, exiled, and assassinated. But they have not been silenced.
The political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire has had major diplomatic, financial, economic and social repercussions on the population, including on women and the organisations that defend their rights.
The feminine face of fury has been on display in the public protests in Egypt.
When George W. Bush left the White House, the rest of the world breathed a sigh of relief.
Tunisian women were at the forefront of their revolution, and they are trying to make their voices heard in the transition as well.
In the aftermath of the violence in Kyrgyzstan this summer, women are again coming together for common action.
The Israeli peace movement is back and more diverse than ever.
Since September 11 and the ensuing war on terrorism, Central Asia's geopolitics have been further complicated by the new military presence of the United States, whose troops are now stationed in China's and Russia's backyard.
This past eight months of bloodletting between Israelis and Palestinians is no more than an additional, exhausting chapter in a decades old conflict.


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IVF clinic in Barbados providing cutting edge fertility treatment with holistic therapies, resulting in success rates significantly above the UK and USA average. Join thousands treated since 2002. One of the best fertility clinics worldwide.
Cayman Fertility Centre is a sister clinic to Barbados Fertility Centre, and offers the same exceptional service! This full service IVF clinic is located in the northern region of the Caribbean to better service our patients in that area and has many daily direct flights from the USA.


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If you have a Wrangler free gift card in your hand, lucky you! You're in the right place to claim your free Wrangler jeans! To get started, enter the claim code printed on your Free Gift card, choose men's, women's or youth jeans and click Continue. A maximum of three claim codes may be used on this order. After entering your claim code(s), you will be able to choose from available pairs of jeans, enter a jean size and provide your contact details including shipping address.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Claim code may only be used once and expires on the date printed on the Free Gift card. Offer available to U.S. and Canadian residents age 13 and older. Redeemable only at this Web site. Not redeemable at any retail store or retail website. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Items subject to subtitution based on available inventory. Items may not be returned or exchanged.


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A Bit About Me
What I found interesting about the young Ruth here, is that so much is still relevant to the older version.
I am never happier than by the sea, still have the unruly curls and am not adverse to a little posing.
Born and raised in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in the year Harold Macmillan said 'we never had it so good,' that was certainly my take on things as a kid growing up in the 60s. Always a coal fire ablaze in the hearth, smoking chimneys, great home cooking and nothing more to worry about than itchy balaclavas and Tuf shoes that were impossible to wear out. And joy of joys, stories everywhere: in the books borrowed from the local library, old action movies on the rented TV and the occasional treasured visit to the cinema.
On my first holiday 'abroad,' beyond the boundaries of Yorkshire, I found myself at the age of ten on a school trip to the Lake District. Remembering still, how this landscape, green, wet and mesmerizingly beautiful, had a profound effect upon me, it is perhaps no surprise that I have now spent half my life living and working in Scotland.
On moving from the West Coast to Perthshire, I initially worked as a Regulation Analyst in the energy sector, but when the opportunity presented itself, I headed off to study English and History at the University of Dundee.
Fast forward another decade or so, and I find myself in the enviable position of being a writer. However, this is not, I now realise, the easiest profession in the world!


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Photoluminescence Spectroscopy of Carbon Dots
Carbon dots (C-dots) are nanoparticles composed of carbon with diameters below 10 nm. They were accidentally discovered in 2004 by Xu, et al1 when researching methods to purify carbon nanotubes. Since their discovery they have received much attention from the Materials Science community as a potential alternative to semiconductor quantum dots, especially in biological applications due to their low toxicity. Some of their applications include photocatalysis, solar cells, bioimaging and drug delivery.
C-dots are composed of a mixture of sp2 and sp3-hybridised carbon atoms and functional groups such as –COOH, -NH2, and –OH. They can be synthesised by "top down" (starting from sp2 carbon materials such as graphite), or "bottom up" (carbonisation of small molecules) approaches (Figure 1). "Bottom up" syntheses produce very inhomogeneous C-dots but they enable larger-scale production. Recently new forms of environmentally-friendly synthesis of carbon dots have emerged, with carbon dots being produced from waste oil, sucrose, or vegetables.2 Carbonisation of organic matter can be achieved by heating to temperatures above 200°C or by treatment with acids.
Figure 1. "Top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches for the synthesis of C-dots
Many carbon dots applications make use of their photoluminescence (PL). C-dots typically show good PL quantum yields and present a characteristic shift in their emission spectrum with excitation wavelength: longer excitation wavelengths shift the PL spectrum towards the red, in an apparent break of Kasha's rule. This behaviour is easily identified in an Excitation-Emission Map (EEM) of the sample's photoluminescence.
Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the wavelength-dependent emission spectrum of C-dots. One is the effect of carbon dot size, which is similar in semiconductor quantum dots.3 As the carbon particle decreases in size, quantum confinement takes place meaning that the particle is smaller than the de Broglie wavelength of the electron in the dot, creating a deviation from bulk properties. This confinement creates a quantisation of the energy into discrete levels in the conduction and valence bands, so the C-dot can be understood as a "virtual atom". The emission energy depends on the radius of the particle so that as the particle gets smaller, both the excitation and emission spectrum shift to shorter wavelengths. In a distribution of C-dots with varying sizes, different subsets get preferentially excited as the excitation wavelength varies. As C-dots of different size are excited, the emission spectrum shifts with excitation wavelength.
Although size-dependent photoluminescence of carbon dots has been reported, it is not the only factor affecting the emission spectrum and in practice it is difficult to obtain a distribution with a narrow PL spectrum. Another potential explanation for the PL behaviour of carbon dots is the existence of different emissive sites on the surface of the dot.4 These sites are related to different defects on the surface, which are selectively excited depending on the wavelength used. Despite the large volume of research in this field, the mechanism of PL in C-dots remains uncertain. This is partly due to the lack of strategies to selectively produce just one type of C-dot structure. New synthetic approaches to control the degree of crystallinity and functionalisation of C-dots are needed.
In this application note, we characterise an inhomogeneous distribution of carbon dots produced by thermal treatment of milk. In this case carbonisation is achieved by simply heating up milk in air to 220 °C for 2 hours, and the photoluminescence spectra and lifetimes of the resulting C-dots are studied in an FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer.
Whole cow's milk was diluted 1:1 in water and heated up in a conventional oven at 220 °C for 2 hours. The resulting black residue was collected and extracted with methanol and dichloromethane in order to obtain the high and intermediate polarity fractions of C-dots.5
C-dot solutions were placed in quartz cuvettes and measured in an FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer equipped with double monochromators, a 450 W Xe lamp, Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) capability, standard cuvette holder, and standard PMT-900 detector. Excitation-emission maps were acquired automatically with the standard option provided in the Fluoracle software.
Photoluminescence EEMs of C-dots extracted with dichloromethane and methanol are presented in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. Figure 2 shows characteristic C-dot emission in the range of 400 nm – 600 nm as well as a series of narrow UV bands when exciting at 300 nm – 350 nm (a). This band structure may be due to polyaromatic hydrocarbons, which can be present in heated milk.5 A close-up of C-dot emission (b) shows a very broad spectrum with a clear shift of its peak as the excitation wavelength moves towards the red.
Figure 3 shows an EEM of the methanol fraction of carbon dots. Interestingly, the narrow band structure is not present in the UV region (a) indicating that those compounds are not soluble in methanol. The C-dot region (b) is however very similar to the dichloromethane phase.
Figure 2. EEM of C-dots extracted with dichloromethane from heated milk: (a) 3D map, (b) 2D map of C-dot region (excitation wavelength shift indicated in the graph). Measurement conditions: Δλex = 3.00 nm, Δλem = 2.00 nm, λex step = 5.00 nm, λem step = 2.00 nm, dwell time = 0.5 s/step.
Figure 3. EEM of C-dots extracted with methanol from heated milk: (a) 3D map, (b) 2D map of C-dot region (excitation wavelength shift indicated in the graph). Measurement conditions: Δλex = 3.00 nm, Δλem = 2.00 nm, λex step = 5.00 nm, λem step = 2.00 nm, dwell time = 0.7 s/step.
Time-resolved PL measurements can offer further information on the luminescence mechanism of carbon dots. A Time-Resolved Emission Spectrum (TRES) is a sequence of PL lifetime measurements with varying emission wavelength which provides the spectral shift in emission as a function of time after the excitation pulse. TRES maps of both samples were acquired by Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (Figures 4 and 5). Both figures evidence a clear increase in the PL lifetime at longer wavelengths; meaning that the emission spectrum shifts to the red with time as shown in the insets. This is unlikely to be a solvent relaxation effect due to the timescale of the process (it is typically ps rather than ns). The red shift could be due to the size distribution of the C-dots; however literature reports point to the opposite trend: larger C-dots emitting in the red possess shorter PL lifetimes.7 Therefore the most plausible explanation is the existence of different emissive sites which possess varying energies and PL lifetimes.
Figure 4. TRES of C-dots extracted with dichloromethane from heated milk, PL intensity colour code in the graph. The red and blue lines show the PL decays at 470 nm and 430 nm emission, respectively. The inset shows peak-normalised emission spectra integrated at different times in the decay (colour code in the graph). Measurement conditions: λex = 405 nm, Δλem = 5.00 nm, λem step = 10.00 nm, time resolution = 49 ps/channel, acquisition time = 5 minutes/decay.
Figure 5. TRES of C-dots extracted with methanol from heated milk, PL intensity colour code in the graph. The red and blue lines show the PL decays at 490 nm and 430 nm emission, respectively. The inset shows peak-normalised emission spectra integrated at different times in the decay (colour code in the graph). Measurement conditions: λex = 405 nm, Δλem = 5.00 nm, λem step = 10.00 nm, time resolution = 49 ps/channel, acquisition time = 5 minutes/decay.
Thermal treatment of milk is an easily available, environmentally friendly method to produce carbon dots. The C-dots are easily characterised in an FLS1000 photoluminescence spectrometer using the excitation-emission map option available in the software. Time-resolved emission spectra using TCSPC provide information on the PL mechanism and evidence the heterogeneous character of the carbon dots studied.
Working with Carbon Dots using our FLS1000 Photoluminescence Spectrometer
Our FLS1000 photoluminescence spectrometer has been used for this research paper on quantum dots.
The FLS1000 is a state-of-the-art, modular photoluminescence spectrometer for the most demanding applications in Photophysics, Photochemistry, Material Sciences and Life Sciences.
The instrument sets the standards in both steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy: the system demonstrates unmatched sensitivity and can be configured for spectral measurements from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared spectral range, and for lifetime measurements spanning time resolutions over 12 orders of magnitude from picoseconds to seconds.
Further Research on Carbon Dots…
If you have enjoyed this application note on the Photoluminescence of Carbon Dots, download a PDF copy here.
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[1] X. Xu, R. Ray, Y. Gu, H. J. Ploehn, L. Gearherat, K. Raker and W. A. Scrivens, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126, 12736-12737 (2004)
[2] R. Das, R. Bandyopadhyay, P. Pramanik, Materials Today Chemistry 8, 96-109 (2018)
[3] Edinburgh Instruments, Photophysical Characterisation of Perovskite Quantum Dots (2018)
[4] A. Sharma, T. Gadly, A. Gupta, A. Ballal, S. K. Ghosh and M. Kumbhakar, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 7, 3695 – 3752 (2016)
[5] S. Han, H. Zhang, J. Zhang, Y. Xie, L. Liu, H. Wang, X. Li, W. Liu and Y. Tang, RSC Adv. 4, 58084-58089 (2014)
[6] C. Naccari, M. Cristani, F. Giofrè, M. Ferrante, L. Siracusa, D. Trombetta, Food Research International 44, 716-724 (2011)
[7] K. Hola, et al, Carbon 70, 279-286 (2014)


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"The Other Side" by Jason Derulo is featured on Just Dance 2014 as an NTSC exclusive and as a PAL DLC, Just Dance Now, and Just Dance Unlimited.
Appearance of the Dancer
The dancer is a man that has black hair and a black beard. He wears a black leather jacket, a blue polo shirt, black pants, silver sneakers, a black and white cap, and a silver dog tag.
The background first has bright vertical blue lights that go up and down according to the beat. After that, a blue horizontal light appears before him. At the chorus, there are flashing lights similar to those in Hot For Me.
Gold Moves
There are 3 Gold Moves in this routine:
Gold Moves 1 and 3: Slowly bend your right arm upward while tilting to the left, and cross your legs.
Gold Move 2: Put your right hand on your face as if you were about to grab an imaginary cap, and throw your left hand out and cross your legs.
Appearances in Mashups
The Other Side is featured in the following Mashups:
- Bailando (Let's Rock!)
- Copacabana
- I Gotta Feeling (Hops & Jumps)
The Other Side appears in Party Master Modes. Here are the captions attributed to his dance moves:
- Charismatic Punch
- Clock
- Cross Face
- Don't Touch Me
- Epic Dancing
- Epic Muscles
- Geometric Dance
- Groovy Plane
- Groovy Run
- Radical Geometry
- Scales Walk
Appearances in Playlists
The Other Side is featured in the following playlists:
Just Dance Now
- Ghastly Dance List!
- All Songs S-Z
- The Other Side is the first song by Jason Derulo in the series.
- "Drunk" is censored.
- However, it is still audible the first time it is said.
- The first set of lyrics "In the beginning" appear first before the song starts.
- The Other Side became the first NTSC exclusive to appear on Just Dance Now.
- On September 17, 2013, Just Dance's American YouTube channel, justdancegame, uploaded a video with Jason Derulo himself saying that he was excited to have one of his songs in the game and told the viewers to try his dance and show Jason what you got. He was also excited for Want To Want Me, as he said in the video previewing it.
- The Just Dance Now files for this song show that Gold Move 2 was not supposed to be a Gold Move. There are also two unused pictograms in it.
- Sometimes, the menu image does not appear in the menu.[1]
- The Other Side comes with an avatar, which can only be accessed by purchasing the DLC in the PAL region. On Just Dance 2015, the avatar is available for 5 Mojocoins.
- If one look closely at the dancer, one can see his shirt's color changes to orange at a few points of the routine.
- For unknown reasons, the coach's avatar is not available on the NTSC version of Just Dance 2014, although the routine is an NTSC exclusive.
Game Files
In-Game Screenshots
Promotional Images
Beta Elements
Official Music Video
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