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Every business owner has a fair share of challenges like why their business is not growing, sales are fluctuating, targets are not being hit and the list goes on. Whatever the case may be, these are common problems that every entrepreneur can relate to. Building a brand is difficult especially for beginners, and if you've been doing this for quite sometime and you are not getting results, then you just need some help!
Don't worry it's not too late to turn the tables. You can still save your business account and build it by considering these 3 factors:
- Instagram is a great platform to be artistic and creative while marketing your products and services. Not only should you focus on how good the pictures look but it's also a MUST to consider the value, frequency and the vibe of your content. There's a saying that goes "People will stare, Make it worth their while". This is what I consider the "seduction" in business. This is a great way to attract customers and make an impression so make it count! Instagram content is also a way to connect to people. Depending on your brand, it's a great way to attract customers. People love beauty so if your page looks good then expect tons of followers coming your way! Also the picture caption really helps to keep viewers locked in.
Key points:
- Lets say your brand is all about fitness and you are selling workout gear. You may not want to fill up your page with photos and videos about your products, because you'll seem too desperate to sell. So instead you should try to post something to motivate your customers. Encouraging them to reach their goals. Inspire them to never give up! You should find a way to connect to their struggles and their success. This golden rule is also applicable to all other brands. Whatever industry you represent, connecting to your consumers is your goal. This is a great way to show that you value not only your products, but your customers as well.
- Now this is a little bit tricky but you can get it done. Do NOT post 5x a day especially if you're just getting started. Why? Because it is important that your followers can see the new post before you post a new one and another post after that. It is necessary to give each post an interval so you can get more people and traffic as much as you can. Secondly, take note of the different time zones. Let's say you're brand is based in United States, you need to really be mindful about this. You need to make sure that people are awake when you make a post. You are probably asking yourself, How about people from the other side of the world? How can I possibly reach them when we are awake when they sleep and vice versa? Well, this is the time that you need to consider hiring people / freelancers that are willing to do graveyard shifts for you. There are many freelancers out there that can help you manage it so you dont have to worry or feel like you are missing out on something whenever you go to bed. Hiring help is not a bad idea too.
- I'll make this clear and short. Nobody wants to follow a "dead" account. Account that has no life, no mission, no sight of empowerment and full of negative energy. You need to keep your account lively, encouraging, uplifting, full of passion and love. After all, your vibe attracts your tribe!
Bonus point: Visual content is essential to your marketing strategy. Stick to a consistent color scheme and style to ensure your Instagram feed reinforces your brand identity.
- Every brand online needs to have a decent amount of followers. Followers are signs of a successful brand. Whether you're a celebrity, athlete, musician, author, entrepreneur or a company you need to have followers if you want to grow your brand. If you are an old school person who believes that you can still get it done even without investing in your followers, think again! Without reach you will not be able to reach more people, without word of mouth nobody will speak about your brand or products. So without people following you, you are talking to a wall.
I would say that having followers on Instagram is not easy but it you take time to study and learn you will figure it out eventually. But if you're too busy to do that and it sound tedious, there's a lot of experts and social media managers that can assist you with this.
- Instagram is platform where you can be creative. Well, I should also say that Instagram is also a digital storybook. Since, it is centered on storytelling you need to find a way to make your followers/customers/fans know what and why they should follow you. People would like to buy something especially if there's a meaning to it. There is this brand that sells bikini and in every sale they put a percentage to an organization who will help in cleaning beaches, rivers and other bodies of water. Who wouldn't like that? As a customer, I will buy their product instead of the other for a simple fact that I am helping my community. Purpose is what makes everything fulfilling and happy. A happy customer is a sign of a good business.
So, whoever you are, whatever industry you from, you need to consider these 3 factors if you feel like your brand is not growing as it supposed to. If you take these 3 tips into consideration you will have a successful brand! If you would like to ask questions or hire us to manage your social media send a message and follow me on Instagram @itscluediamond or Twitter @itscluediamond


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subset: commoncrawl


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The Taliban beheaded 2 Afghan "spies" with swords today in front of thousands of villagers in Damadola, Pakistan.
The Taliban called the locals to the rally using the loudspeakers of the village mosques.
'Spies': Pakistani Taliban get ready to execute the two Afghans – one a former Taliban fighter – accused of spying for the US. (Daily Mail)
The Taliban is back to holding their public executions before the masses.
The Daily Mail reported:
In a shocking display of hardline violence, Taliban militants in northwest Pakistan publicly slit the throats of two Afghans today after they were accused of spying for US forces suspected of launching a missile strike in May.
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The two men, one of them a former Taliban fighter, were brought blindfolded before a crowd of several thousand people near the village of Damadola in the Bajaur region on the Afghan border before they were executed.
The crowd shouted: "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) when the Taliban held up the severed heads of the victims who Rehman said were from the eastern Afghan province of Kunar.
TRENDING: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Now Begs Criminal Antifa Terrorists to Stay Home So Trump Won't Use His Failed City in His Ads (VIDEO)
Bajaur is one of Pakistan's seven border regions dominated by ethnic Pashtun tribes and a hotbed of support for the Taliban and al Qaeda.
After the killings, shooting broke out in the crowd but it was not clear why. Two people were killed and seven wounded.
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It was not clear if the militants were Obama supporters.


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SALA Festival is traditionally a pretty hectic time of the year. Come the first of August (and sometimes before!) every gallery and its dog start pumping out the art shows. Last years SALA festival had something like 4132 artists displaying works in over 350 venues statewide, so as you can imagine it's been pretty busy around here right now.
I'm very much looking forward to checking everything out, not only is the weather FINALLY warming up and becoming amazing for bike-riding, I have many many arty friends sharing their joy on the walls of Adelaide's galleries, cafes, pubs, retail shops, hairdressers, Reading Rooms, and pretty much everywhere else they can find. The city will be alive with colour, emotion, and inspiration, its an exciting time.
Understandably, the week following SALA is quite similar to the first week post-Fringe= full of exhaustion and a dazed sense that time is never quite as rigid as we were taught in school after bending it to fit around so many events.
Even the lead-up to this period is pretty tiring! Not only are Fiona and I rehearsing MADLY for "Whats Your Crutch?", with our first show in ONE AND A HALF WEEKS (not even freaking out. everything's FINE! :P), but we've also set up an online ticketing system, had a radio interview with Jennie Lenman from Arts Breakfast over at 101.5FM Radio Adelaide, met up with Esther Nimmo from The Adelaide Collective for a chat, AND made it into Fringe Benefits Guide, but we may also be onstage in the Unley Coucil's 'SALA on Sale' towards the end of the month!
Here's some progress shots to give you an idea of how we're going with things…
For more images, check out my facebook album full of all the crazy things we get up to.
We're pretty on track for the 5th though, am getting excited and nervous. Will be posting more on the shows progress as it gets closer to the date.
Stay tuned, Amigos!


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Copyright 2017 Syd Bauman, David Birnbaum, and Martin Holmes
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Born digital
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US Marine Richard M Cosme, born April of 1988, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, beloved son of Ruben Castro and Denise Mantyk; beloved brother of Chelsea and Drielle; beloved uncle of James, Calista and Charley; and the love of his life, Jazmine.
Richard was a 2006 graduate of Milan High School where he was active in many sports and also loved playing the saxophone in the band. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps and served one tour of duty in Iraq.
Richard M Cosme lost his battle with PTS, December 17, 2014, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was 26 years old.


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This LED interior car light package for Audi S3/S3 is a great way to put some pizzazz in your ride and get rid of stock. They are already 3-4 times brighter than the stock lights and is an automatic guarantee that their brightness will illuminate everything in your car and seem as bright as day. The xenon white is a much cooler color and even have the matching option of LED license plate or vanity mirror lights for a full look.
LED interior lights are a great way to deviate from stock yellow bulbs and transform your car with a fresh white light that basks you and your passengers in warmth. The LED bulbs are normally available in luxury cars with the premium trim package, but you can now upgrade your look with new LED replacement bulbs. The quality of these LED dome lights rivals that of those found in the most premium cars, making these LED interior lights a must have for your vehicle. The LED interior lights are available for many vehicles so no matter what car you drive, you have plenty of options!
If you wanted to upgrade your car in some way but wasn't sure which route was the best way, you can start with new LED interior lights because you can't go wrong with a new interior. Whether you have an Audi A3 or any other car, a whole new set of LED lights is a quick and affordable way to make your car stand out from the stock crowd.


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[instiz] BIG SCANDAL DURING SEVENTEEN'S CONCERT
(t/n: They made a typo and wrote "make a set of "sex", aegyo and tough expressions (instead of sexy. Dino was supposed to do it))
post response: +67
original post: here
1. Ah what to do ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
2. Aigo don't they spell check their stuff
3. Chan-ah close your eyes..^^*
4. No Chan-ah close your eyes!!!!!
5. They must've been so taken abackㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
6. What to doㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ how did they react?
> The Chinese member Jun read it out loud and Joshua urgently corrected for "Sexy"ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ He crumpled the paper and threw it on the floor
7. Good thing this was overseas...
8. And it had to be the maknae of top of that .. ㅠㅠ
9. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋAh I shouldn't laugh at this but it's too funny ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
10. Our baby......


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Hunt Real Estate Capital, a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States, announced today it has provided a Fannie Mae loan facility in the amount of $8.65 million finance the acquisition of a multifamily property located in Newport News, Virginia.
Lee's Landing is comprised of 22, two-story apartment buildings and a leasing office/clubhouse. Built in 1987, the property has 136-units and offers 220 open parking spaces.
The borrower is Lee's Landing DNB LLC, a single-purpose Virginia limited liability company. The loan has a 12-year term, five years interest-only followed by a 30-year amortization period, and an 11.5-year yield maintenance period.
"The borrower is a repeat Hunt Real Estate Capital and Fannie Mae sponsor, having most recently purchased the Trellis at Lee's Mill multifamily property that is located just over two miles south of Lee's Landing," commented Steven Cox, Managing Director at Hunt Real Estate Capital. "The borrower plans to make improvements to qualify for the Fannie Mae Green Rewards program, including installing new low-flow toilets, new sink/shower aerators, and new LED lighting."
Property amenities include a playground, a swimming pool and an office. Newport News is located in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads MSA.
"The borrower currently owns and operates twenty-five multifamily properties located throughout North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey," added Cox. "We have financed nine multifamily apartment communities with this sponsor and they have a solid history of success. We were happy to deliver on this loan for a quality sponsor."


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Find a new style of living
Every renovation project has the specific and unique task of delivering complimentary improvements to your building, whilst being true to its history, and the style and dreams of the occupants.
Albury Services will guide you through your renovation project, delivering the restructuring and remodelling which ensures your home remains safe and livable for many years ahead. We bring you the highest quality certified work, with adherence to safety standards, building regulations, and maintaining structural integrity.


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From The Knox Webpage:
Gene Procknow '76 has been named to Consulting Magazine's list of Top 25 Consultants for 2011. He was cited for Excellence in the Public Sector.
A member of the Knox College Board of Trustees, Procknow is managing director of the Federal Government Services practice at Deloitte & Touche, USA, LLP, in Washington, D.C.
He has worked for Deloitte for more than 30 years, serving clients in multiple industries, including federal, state and local; communications; health care, and publishing. His professional focus is to help clients integrate technology with their business strategies and objectives.
His current responsibilities include leading Deloitte's fast-growing Federal Government Services practice — including audit and enterprise risk services, consulting, tax and financial advisory services.
He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Knox College and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan


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I received this book for free from Book Unleashed in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Wicked Dance by Olivia Boothe
Series: Chronicles of a Dancing Heart #1
Published by The Wild Rose Press on October 27, 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 335
Format: kindle e-book
Source: Book Unleashed
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Amazon AU
She never imagined her heart could ever dance again
Former dance student Sara Hart had aspired to grace the stage on Broadway, but a reckless decision forced her to renounce that dream. Years later, while struggling with an ungratifying job and an even more unsatisfying love life, she literally stumbles upon a dangerously sexy stranger who sends her heart—and her body—into hyperdrive. His touch makes her feel alive again and sparks a desire to rebuild her dance career. But Sara is still haunted by the demons of her past. One dark lie could cost her everything.
He'd stopped believing in love …
Real estate mogul Tom Wright caters to the rich and famous. He lives the life of the perfect bachelor—partying hard and dating the most beautiful women in Manhattan. But he has one golden rule–no commitments. Ever. Then he meets sexy Sara Hart, and something about her makes him want to throw the damn rule book out the window. Every time she's near, the blood in his veins pulses with a raging fire he can't contain. But Tom's shadowed history is resurfacing, unearthing ghosts he'd rather remain buried.
Will this wicked dance be their last?
Series Rating:
Purchase Links
This wasn't about an undeniable physical attraction; it wasn't about lust or need. It was about the bond growing between us. The possibility of a love so strong it could hold us together and potentially even tear us apart. by Sara
- Cover: It is great. New York is a major part of the story and is has been well showcased here. Also to the couple is sexy but in shadows, which is how it feels for us.
- Plot: Great setting, right pace, kept me guessing and wanting more. The story is cohesive with a bit of smut all pertinent to the story.
- Characters: They are the star here. They are multi-dimensional with so much to tell. Their emotions are strong and we feel with them. So easy to connect and understand.
- Heat: Their attraction is undeniable. This is more than looking at someone and finding them hot. This is meeting of souls. They are the missing piece of each others' puzzle.
- Freshness: There is something unique in this book. This is an unforgettable story.
- Addictiveness: Wow! This was a long night for me. This book was long, but I couldn't sleep before finishing it. My husband woke up at 2.20 a.m and said "Are you crazy? Don't you have to wake up at 5.30 a.m. ?". Yes, my husband has no idea how a book can be addictive and feed a soul.
- Plot: I took half a star because of the end. I know there will be more books, but it does leave the readers hanging a bit and there was no warning anywhere. Usually the end has to be the best part, but here it wasn't.
- Characters: I guess book one is all about Sara since we have only a couple of chapters with Tom. I've missed knowing him better. There are a lot of pain from his side also and not everything has been fully explained.
Wow! I've finished this book last night and still haven't been able to find the right words for my review. Lots of emotions, and a bit loss for words.
So I guess this is going to be a work-in-progress, with me veering out of my "script".
At the same time, I don't want to spoil anyone from the journey this book has taken me on.
I read somewhere this was Ms. Boothe first book, which I know it must be mistaken. I mean this is a love story. This is about meeting of souls and hearts in the middle of chaos and loss.
Sara and Tom are two lost souls wandering in the world until fate, Ms. Boothe totally made me believe in fate, brings them together. No, this is not an easy path. The right ones, are never easy. Their journey hurts and heal. Their path brings you joy and sadness. You are not a spectator, you have hopped on the roller coaster cart right at the beginning of the book and you are unable to jump out until it crashes and mends you again.
Yes! Besides all that, Ms. Boothe's plot is well constructed and the setting description is amazing, you really believe you are walking down the streets of New York and riding on the road to New Jersey.
Both characters are so complex that I've ended the book feeling like their best friend. I love them and I totally understood them.
What else can I say…. this journey doesn't end here. I know there will be more and I can't wait to be part of it again.
Whenever book 2 is coming I will be riding along with them!!!
A long time ago, I threw away the key to the towering prison housing my feelings, hoping no one would ever find it. Somehow, someone did, and he was outside on a proverbial white horse, waiting to whisk me away to freedom. if only I could tell him why I denied myself the liberty of being loved. by Sara
You MAY read this because you like love stories; you SHOULD read this to meet a new wonderful author; you MUST read for a thrilling roller-coaster ride!!!
There, blazing like fiery suns, and staring at me while their owner waited in line to place an order, was the most mesmerizing set of olive-colored eyes I had ever seen.
Then I saw the rest of him, the man who owned those eyes. My heart stopped. No, I mean it. It really did stop. All the oxygen was sucked from my lungs. Stunned, my body was boneless yet stiff at the same time. Flustered face aflame, my cheeks burned as our eyes locked for an eternity.
Fine. It was a mere second, but it'd been a cosmic second. One in which I was weightless and lifted off the floor in a trance. As my disembodied-self floated toward him, he glanced away and headed straight to the counter, deflating me and planting me back on solid ground.
Yep. As quickly as the spell was cast, the enchantment was broken.
Or so I thought. As soon as he spoke, the hands on the clock stopped spinning once more.
"An iced double. Large," he said to the barista. His voice was velvety chocolate melting on my tongue, smooth and sensual.
Motionless, I gawked at the mysterious stranger as if I was some high-schooler ogling her crush.
I should be flying back to the dance studio.
And peel my gaze off that man? Good luck. Broad shoulders, definitely over six feet tall and golden brown mussed up hair—yeah, don't see many such fine specimens around here. And the fragrance trailing behind him? Surely it had to be some foreign cologne I wouldn't know how to even pronounce. Dressed in a ludicrously expensive, tailored gray suit, no doubt he was the CEO of a very important corporation. This guy oozed of success and power.
They didn't take long to prepare his coffee. Figures.
He retrieved his order and turned to leave.
Oh, crap. He's coming back my way.
"Excuse me, miss," he said as he stopped in front of me.
Everyone freeze-framed around us, all sound completely muted. Even the dust particles dancing in the sunlight were suspended in time. I peered up into the deep, green ocean of his eyes, my eyelids batting in slow motion, entranced by some unknown force. I curled a smile at the corners of my mouth, expecting that he was experiencing the same thing—we were spellbound in a magic universe and were sharing a moment.
Then he smiled. "Um, do I know you?"
The room came alive again—very quickly.
"Ah…no. I don't think so."
"Oh?" A glimmer of disappointment settled over his eyes. "You always block the door for random strangers?" he asked, a sparkle returning to his gaze.
As he spoke, I could barely keep my eyes off his mouth. I fumbled through my words, realizing I was keeping him and the patrons behind him from leaving the coffee house. "Oh, um…yes. I mean, no. Sorry, I just—"
His lips stretched into a crooked grin, perhaps amused at my stutter. Or maybe he knew the effect his body had on me, but before I could say another word, he leaned down and whispered in my right ear, "While I'd love nothing more than to gaze into your pretty brown eyes, you are going to have an angry mob on your hands in about two seconds."
I shivered as his breath tickled my skin. He locked eyes with me, winked and with one look, nudged me to the side. Speechless and dazed by the melodic chime of his sultry voice, I slid to the side and let him pass.
"See ya 'round," he said with a playful smile as he rushed out the door.
Okay. Who was that and what the hell just happened?
Compelled to know, I followed after him, but lost him in a sea of corporate suits. My heart squeezed in my chest, and for the briefest second, I was sad he was gone.
My phone rang, shaking me out of the bewitchment, the office number bleeping on the screen.
Probably Pinhead.
"Um…hello?" My voice nearly trembled.
"Sara, girl, where are you?"
"Martha? Oh, thank God. I thought you were—"
"The Witch? No, but if you don't get your ass over here, the gates of hell will open. Alexei is at it again."
"Why am I not surprised? I'm on my way. Be there in a few minutes."
$25 Amazon Gift Card
2 Copies of Wicked Dance eBook
|Rating Report


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The MX | 4×4 | SUV track at Circuit Parcmotor Castellolí is 1,600m long and 10m wide and features 12 jumps, 8 right turns and 11 left turns. The whole track is fitted with a watering system and offers a 4,000 m2 paddock catering to riders' every need.
* Children can use the children's circuit.
** Minors must present a Spanish or Catalan Federation licence or Catalan training approval.
*** Only single-day insurance cover is available for adult riders.
Just like the racetrack, the MX, 4×4 y SUV track has a whole host of uses. An Off-Road track for those who want to put their SUV to the test in real conditions in the great outdoors, an MX track so that you can fly with your bike, and a children's circuit.
The circuit has also been selected by many brands to test and fine-tune their new models as well as for official presentations.
Circuit Parcmotor Castellolí also organises track days for bikers to enjoy the open air circuit.
The MX and SUV circuits are the same, although it is lengthened or shortened depending on the needs of each client. This allows for a great variety of levels, difficulties and different possibilities, making the Off-Road circuit the best option to enjoy the sport.
If you want to check the possibilities of your SUV, the Off-Road circuit is the best option you have to see the limits to which you can push your car.
From renting the circuit with friends to signing up for 4×4 training days, vehicle rental and co-driving. If you like Off-Road, this is your circuit:
Additional information
|830.044 m2
|Track length
|1.600 m
|Track width
|10 m
|Right turns
|Left turns
|Area of asphalt paddock
|Track Days, talent-spotting events, testing, 4×4 events
The Off-Road circuit is designed for the fearless to plunge into the forest and push their vehicles to the limit. As we know that it sometimes isn't easy to pluck up the courage to go off-road and conquer the trails, Circuit Parcmotor Castellolí offers you a range of services so that you don't have to worry about anything apart from having fun.


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The 151-month terms are recommended in court documents for Carlos Adolfo Soto, 40, and Justin Wayne Caldwell, 31, for a robbery spree that began Jan. 25, 2017, and ended Feb. 21, 2017 at Metro PCS stores all over the county.
Robberies are normally charged in state court, but the U.S. Attorney's office filed federal charges that alleged they interfered with interstate commerce by threats and violence. The maximum sentence for both men is 20 years each.
Prosecutors said Soto would enter a store with either a machete, taser, or pellet gun that resembled a firearm and would point it at store clerks. Soto would demand cellular phones and cash. Caldwell often waited outside the store, serving as the getaway driver in a Mercedes.
Both were arrested Feb. 21 after Soto robbed the Metro PCS store at 909 Grand Ave. at 2 p.m. while Caldwell waited outside. Police had followed them from the College area and saw Caldwell park on Thomas Avenue while Soto got out and walked towards Grand Ave.
After the hold-up, Soto left with a plastic bag of loot and walked in the direction of the Mercedes. Police arrested Caldwell first. When Soto saw that, he ran down the street, and dropped the stolen merchandise. He ran though an alley and through residential areas before he was arrested.
San Diego Police officers recovered $155 in cash, nine cellular phones, and a pellet gun in the Pacific Beach robbery.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan set sentencing for Feb. 21. Both remain in the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
"After striking fear in the hearts of San Diego area store clerks, these serial robbers were apprehended and charged due to the persistent efforts of dedicated local and federal law enforcement officers," said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman in a statement.
"This violent spree of robberies has come to an end," said John Brown, FBI special agent in charge in a statement.
The other stores robbed were located in Claremont, Normal Heights, San Marcos, Poway, Spring Valley, Nestor, and several stores on El Cajon Boulevard.
Soto was initially nicknamed the "Pinky Bandit" for a distinctive pinky finger, which protruded out from the whatever weapon he used, according to court documents.


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Colonel Nelec is a character in the film Super 8 for which he serves as the main antagonist. He is portrayed by Noah Emmerich.
In Super 8Edit
Nelec is a member of the United States Air Force and came to Lillian, Ohio after the train crash to find the Alien and kill it, and also to recollect all the cubes that made up the alien's spacecraft. In the Super 8 comic released before the film's premiere it was revealed that in 1958 he was part of Operation Belttrap, an attempt to capture the alien and it's craft that had crashed on Earth after a detonated nuclear warhead in the upper atmosphere. The retrieval mission was successful and the alien and the cubes were taken to Area 51 where he was tortured by Nelec.
Nelec is a ruthless and cunning Air Force Colonel, who is determined to find the reason behind the Alien's Argus Cubes and hopes to use it as a weapon, and is willing to do anything to accomplish so. For example, he kills Thomas Woodward, a former partner of his who kept information on the Alien from him, and destroys much of Lillian in an attempt to draw out the Alien being. He is also the reason behind the Alien's fear of humans, for keeping it locked-up, torturing it, and experimenting on it for more than 21 years.
Nelec met his end when him and his men were in an army bus heading to base when they got attacked by the alien. After it killed his men, the alien bit Nelec's head off as revenge.


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Come for Jane Austen book geekage.
The Fall meeting of the Jane Austen Society.
Gain a deeper understanding of Catherine Morland by looking at her horror fan side. Was she just a silly young miss innocent of the real dangers of the world, or did she enjoy horror literature on a more intimate level in a way that fans of horror media today can relate to? Author Emmy Z. Madrigal will give insight on this most misunderstood heroine.
Frankenstein and the Problem of Exile
Professor Omar F. Miranda of USF will talk us through what Mary Shelley's readers might have thought 200 years ago, when Frankenstein was published. What did it mean to be exiled, to be cut off from society? Displacement, banishment, as well as alienation and exclusion all figure into the narrative. How does the creature use exile for auspicious ends? Can Victor Frankenstein break free from what…
View original post 12 more words


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In a major shakeup, the troubled Alum Rock Union School District appears poised for new leadership following Tuesday's election.
Esau Herrera, the controversial board president who has served for more than two decades on the board and was up for reelection, seems headed for defeat.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Herrera trails five other contenders for just three seats.
"This is off the heels of over two years of community engagement, organizing, coalition building and shedding light on corruption," said Dilza Gonzalez, a community organizer with the group Somos Mayfair, which had encouraged Alum Rock residents to vote and helped host several candidate forums.
Sitting board member Andres Quintero, who has been critical of Herrera and his allies for approving sketchy contracts with a real estate firm and allegedly mishandling the district's money, appears likely to be reelected, with more votes than any other candidate.
But incumbent Khanh Tran, a Herrera ally, also appears set to keep his seat.
Tran allegedly threatened to kick district superintendent Hilaria Bauer in the "ass," and a judge recently extended her restraining order against him. Herrera in turn tried to bar Bauer from attending a school board meeting.
It was immediately unclear how Tran and Bauer would handle board meetings in the future.
Unofficial results suggest Linda Chavez, whose husband Frank once served on the board, is likely to claim the third seat.
"I hope that means that there'll be at least three votes to be able to put the interests of the children before the interests of those contractors," Quintero said in a phone interview Tuesday night, adding that right now, there's "lots of dysfunction."
Two members of the five-person board — Karen Martinez and Dolores Marquez — were not up for election. Martinez frequently aligns with Quintero, while Marquez has sided with Tran and Herrera.
Martinez on Tuesday appeared set to secure a seat on the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District, which means Alum Rock would need to fill that seat in the future.
It's too early to tell who will lead the district, which is under investigation by numerous agencies.
Regardless of who serves as board president, several community organizations on Wednesday said they plan to launch a campaign for term limits in the district to prevent any single person from holding power for too long.
"No person," said Flor De Leon-Jacobo, a community organizer with Somos Mayfair, "should have absolute power for decades in our democracy."


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Financial Management
This content was COPIED from BrainMass.com - View the original, and get the already-completed solution here!
What are the elements of capital budgeting? How do you determine these elements in the global business arena? Provide examples of how you would use capital budgeting analysis to determine the desirability of global projects.
What are the international and regional institutions that comprise the global monetary and financial system? What role do these institutions play in promoting global business operations?
Can any product or service be marketed globally? If it sells in the United States, does it sell in another country? Explain why or why not. Can a product be marketed in the same manner in multiple countries? Defend your answer with examples. How might you relate the four Ps of marketing to customer relations management (CRM) in a global business environment?© BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com June 3, 2020, 10:51 pm ad1c9bdddf
Solution Preview
The response addresses the queries posted in 1152 words with references.
// Capital budgeting is required for the various investment purposes. It contains the key elements of the capital budgeting process.//
Capital budgeting involves all the processes related to estimating the detailed budget for the investment projects. It utilizes the financial records and accounting procedures to manage the critical reporting of the project as well as to track the authorized expenditures of the project. Capital budgeting is important to manage the critical projects. The project can be of global business perspective (Charles, Moyer & Kretlow, 2012).
// It contains various budgeting elements that can help in the global business arena. //
The key elements of the budgeting in global business arena include flexibility, authorization for the expenditure, compliance, strategic planning and integration (Dayananda, 2002). These key elements can be expressed in the following way-
Flexibility is concerned with the allocation of asset portions to multiple areas of the project, so that all the aspects of capital budgeting can be managed (Dayananda, 2002).
Authorization for the expenditure leads to the work flow automation by approving processes.
Capital tracking, percentage completion and budget variance are also the key elements of capital budgeting (Dayananda, 2002).
Compliance with the specific accounting procedures gives it a standard.
Strategic planning, support for analysis, reporting, opportunity identification, risk mitigation and decision making also play a vital role in capital budgeting process(Dayananda, 2002).
Integration into the other systems, like current system integrated in the ERP systems is also a part of capital budgeting process (Dayananda, 2002).
//The elements of capital budgeting are applied on various global businesses. It also determines the desirability of some global projects.//
All these elements of capital budgeting are also important for global ...
Solution Summary
The response addresses the queries posted in 1215 words with references.


text: Image Click thumbnail to view, Hover main image to zoom in Product detailsproduct overview Extra long and very durable disgorger pliers made of stainless steel. Ideal to loosen deeply swallowed lures and hooks. The Teflon coating reduces the danger of corrosion. Equipped with ergonomic, anti-slip handles. Specifications MODELDESCRIPTIONRRPPXLNP-XLLONG NOSE PLIERS XL 11"/280mm£13.99


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Undergraduate students
Our Open House will take place on October 20th, 2018 from 10am - 4pm. - Come and discover what it is like to be part of our exciting learning community!
Specific Course Information
To fulfill the requirements of the General Education Elective or General Electives, students may choose from the three approved lists found in section 71.110 of the current Undergraduate Calendar. These include Social Sciences, Humanities and Other Complementary Studies.
Students in the Extended Credit Program (ECP) or the Mature Entry Program (MEP) (see §14.2.3) or any other students who have been assigned credits in Humanities and Social Sciences must select those credits from Social Sciences and Humanities only. Those credits cannot be chosen from the list of Other Complementary Studies.
This is a one-credit project course set up to meet the special needs of certain students lacking one credit or less for graduation. It is a technical elective. Registration into this course requires the written permission from Students Academic Services (SAS) of the Gina Cody School. Find out more.
- Student Academic Services
- Undergraduate resources
- Graduate resources
- Course registration
- Changes to registration
- Readmission to the Gina Cody School
- Expectation of originality
- Academic standing
- Winter 2020 Additional Information
- Undergraduate resources


text: cigarnv Posted October 19, 2009 Looking at the data sheets the evaporation for the Saz 18 in 2006 was 67.73% when it went into stainless. In 2007 the data sheet reflects evaporation of 51.94% and in 2008 54.08%. First off why would the evaporation given it is in stainless be anything other than 67.73% and secondly why would it drop? Lastly why would anything evaporate out of sealed stainless ( 2007 to 2008 )?What is it I am failing to grasp???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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I'm back at it!
It's been a wild year. First there was the Kitchen LTO finals, and just recently, I finished nine months working prep and on the line at Hibiscus.
But now I'm back at it. Let's talk dinner!
What's going on here? Gourmet dinner in your home!
Don't like to cook? Just want to relax for a change? Special event? Let me put together a personalized menu that meets your budget and tastes!
Why Would I Want You To Cook for Me?
Besides the fact that you'll love my food?
How many times have you spent most of a party preparing food and not socializing? What about the logistics of hosting a dinner party at a restaurant (not to mention the cost)?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a gourmet dinner in your home, where you could enjoy not only the food, but the company of your guests as well?
Oh, and I should mention, I clean the kitchen, as well. That way, the only thing you have to deal with the next morning is coffee.
Want to know more about what I'm cooking?
Check out my blog!
Well, how about a menu or two?
Although I'm somewhat loathe to put a menu up (I like to customize your meal with you), here are a couple things people have ordered in the past.
For a more traditional, over-the-top meal, might I suggest
Wild Boar Terrine on Fresh Pain de Campagne Croutons
Field Green Salad with Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese, Lightly Salted and Drizzled with Fresh Lemon Juice
- Tournedos with a Sauce Béarnaise, Accompanied by Pureed Cauliflower and Asparagus
- Raspberry Crème Brulee
For a more adventuresome dinner, you might want to try
- Forbidden Octopus (Sautéed Baby Octopus on Spicy Rice Noodles over a Bed of Forbidden Rice)
- Lightly-seared Heart of Romaine with Crispy Beet Allumettes and a Honey and Truffle Vinaigrette
- Pan-Seared Swordfish Steaks, Topped with a Poblano Béchamel and Served with Spaghetti Squash and Broccolini
- Creamy Kiwi Flan


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Which insurer is leading the way when it comes to turnaround times on claims? Which insurer is setting the standard for the overall level of service it offers its broker partners on a daily basis? And which insurer has risen to the top of the pack to be crowned Insurer of the Year for 2018?
For the sixth consecutive year, Insurance Business turned to brokers to find out which insurers they feel are delivering the best bang for their buck. As always, IB received a strong response from our readers, who were eager to provide a wealth of feedback on their experiences with Australia's major general insurers. Their scores and comments have been collected and packaged together for this 2018 Brokers on Insurers special report.
As in previous years, IB asked brokers to rate insurers across 11 categories and to identify which individual aspects of their dealings with insurers have been most crucial in influencing their ultimate impression of that company.
So, how did insurers fare in 2018? Who has improved on their 2017 performance, and which insurers have fallen behind? Read on and find out.
Tim Garratt
Editor, Insurance Business
Using our online newsletter and Twitter, Insurance Business invited brokers to rate the performance of several insurers that operate in Australia: AIG, Allianz, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Calibre, CGU, Chubb, QBE, Vero, XL Catlin and Zurich. More than 400 survey participants rated these insurers on a scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good) over 11 categories:
• claims turnaround times • new business enquiry turnaround times
• overall service level • premium stability
• online platforms • BDM support
• training and development • product range
• product innovation • commission structure
• brand recognition
Brokers also rated the importance of each of these categories on the same scale. An average was then generated for each insurer in each category, and an overall average was calculated based on each insurer's performance across all 11 categories. Brokers were also asked a number of questions about how insurers had performed in the most important areas. In addition, they provided feedback on their best and worst experiences with insurers during the past year.
Insurance Business asked brokers which factors are most and least important to them in their dealings with insurers. Brokers tend to name the same top four factors in precisely the same order each year – and that was the case once again in 2018.
Unsurprisingly, respondents named turnaround times on claims as what matters most to them in dealing with insurers. When a client suffers a loss or damage, it's their expectation that the claim process will be as painless and stress-free as possible. And of course, a broker acting on behalf of an insured wants to deal with insurers they know will provide precisely that kind of customer experience.
In second place, brokers once again named overall service level. In today's world, time-poor brokers need to be able to interact with insurance company staff members who can confidently, efficiently and empathetically address their and their insured's questions and concerns. And in a world where technology continues to ramp up the pace of change, brokers now have access to best-in-class customer experiences that they expect to see replicated across the board, including in their dealings with insurers.
When asked about the best thing an insurer had done for their business or a client within the last 12 months, one broker said, "[They] offered to have a claims consultant sit in my office and help out with progress updates, making live decisions on claims, answering questions, lodging claims on our behalf." Another broker praised an insurer that "paid a claim quickly to the client without any unnecessary delays", while a third was impressed by an insurer that "[took] the time to understand my clients and assess the risks correctly."
Finishing third on the list yet again was turnaround times on new business enquiries, while premium stability rounded out the top four. When premium increases are on the horizon, brokers want to know why so they can prepare their clients for what's ahead. One survey respondent raved about an insurer that "communicated clearly over the phone the reasons for a large premium increase and offered to review the policy to reduce the premium where possible".
Online platforms moved from sixth to fifth place in terms of importance this year. As technology continues to enhance customer experiences across industries, and with more paper processes moving online, it's hardly a surprising move. Brokers increasingly expect insurers to deliver seamless, intuitive online platforms that make vital information exchanges easy.
At the other end of the spectrum, the two factors that usually find themselves at the bottom of the list – commission structure and the insurer's brand recognition – occupied those last two spaces again this year.
Brokers who participated in the 2018 survey were asked how an insurer can win more of their business in 2018. They responded with a plethora of varied and constructive responses.
"Be innovative," one broker advised. "Work with the broker on innovative underwriting solutions to risks … [and] flip the thinking of philosophy from end customer back up the chain through broker and insurer." Another broker suggested an insurer could win more of their business "by simplifying and shortening their proposal forms, by using online systems and by providing the brokers with more plain English materials for both advertising and policy wordings".
Several brokers were in favour of increased use of online systems. "The electronic quoting systems definitely make all the difference," one said. "When we are time-poor, we cannot afford referrals and requests for more information. The easier it is to quote and bind electronically, the more business the insurer will win." However, other brokers stressed that technological upgrades must be balanced with face-to-face interaction. One broker said insurers need to "accept the fact that technology is changing the way business is run and transacted, but to look for a balance with personal service and relationship modelling". Another advised insurers to "continue to focus on personal service. I like to know that my query is being attended to. If I can't have a response within 24 hours, give me an update. Understand my expectations [and] listen."
The timeliness of communications between brokers and insurers was an issue raised by several survey respondents. "I understand that you might not be able to write everything; let me know straight away – don't wait weeks to say no," one broker said. Another responded: "Insurers need to be proactive with responding to claims, regardless of the decision to accept or decline. Delays with claims affect the insurer's and our credibility."
Some brokers intimated that they would be more inclined to work with an insurer if they had the opportunity to see more of their people. "Come and visit us in our o ce and ask what you can do for us, and then follow through," one broker advised. Another suggested a stronger relationship would help. "Be more involved in our business," the broker said. "Learn how we work and give us the opportunity to write new business instead of declining all risks presented." And another emphasised the importance of teamwork. "Believe and trust in your brokers, just as we believe and trust in you and your product," the broker said. "Working alone is futile – teamwork is key."
Of course, in a market that is now showing signs of hardening, brokers also made a number of comments about premiums. One is looking for insurers to "provide quick, prompt and fair premiums for risks and service from intelligent operatives". Meanwhile, another broker opined that "insurers need to be realistic on premiums. Rather than trying to push higher premiums, they should be working with us to add value to our client relationship."


text: Safety pins were first used after the Brexit vote as a sign of solidarity and safety for those who may be facing prejudice and violence as a result of their political or religious beliefs, gender, race, disability, etc. Wearing a safety pin was not meant to be a political statement, but rather a message to others that you are a "safe" person. In the aftermath of the 2016 US election, safety pins … [Read more...]


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Wakeup: Trump Doesn't Need a Majority
Before You Board That Chopper...
Radio Free Tom's Reality Check
Are you tired of the existential angst that comes with trying to survive in a world dominated by empire building, global capitalism, xenophobia, racism, patriarchy and homophobia?
Do you want to go 3 minutes without thinking about Pedophilia, sexual assault, or the Orange Emperor?
If so, click the link below to look at some pictures I took around Bath County. For 3 minutes our world will seem like a place worth saving...
Thanks for the beautiful pictures.
How was the Shafer Stag's Leap District Cab?
Call myself cynical, but I was all prepared to be bored, but the shots were nicely diverse, well-done, engaging and a good antidote to both daily news cycle and cat pictures. More.
What I see: ah, peace, quiet, the good life, happiness, amazing that some people actually still have it, isn't it? And probably some of those don't even know how lucky they are! Angst free is precisely the right language here. Even if one doesn't particularly favor that kind of landscape, that still comes across in your pix.


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A new survey has found that company valuation is seen as a pressing issue for two-thirds of UK business owners.
The latest Business Insights survey by MarketInvoice has polled 1,000 owners of businesses with between one and 249 employees. The majority of business owners (66%) said that the value of their company is something they think about all the time, even causing them sleepless nights. This figure is even higher for younger entrepreneurs.
The data also reveals that the typical UK SME is worth more than £2.9 million. However, only 30% of businesses have increased in value by more than 10% in the past 12 months.
Owners cited a lack of appropriate finance options as the biggest hurdle in growing their businesses and increasing their value. Companies in engineering, architecture and construction felt this the most, whereas companies in the finance sector said skills shortages is the greatest barrier.
The survey found that only 6% of business owners had used equity or venture capital investment; 26% said they favoured invoice finance and 22% had used asset-based finance. Just one in ten said they would take out a traditional business loan.
Businesses in the education sector, whose average valuation is the largest amongst all UK SMEs (at £4m), are the most worried about valuation, with 81% saying that this is a significant concern for them.
In addition to company financials, business owners cited their premises (17%), product (15%) and people (15%) as key factors that contribute to company value. Larger SMEs (by revenue and headcount) were more likely to put the emphasis on their premises as the largest component of their valuation, whereas smaller SMEs placed more value on their products.
Business owners said that becoming more tech-savvy to support their scaling ambitions would be the biggest driver for increasing valuation. The findings also show that businesses are optimistic about the future despite Brexit turmoil, with over half (56%) hoping to open offices abroad and to start exporting to global markets. Smaller SMEs are more driven by this ambition than their larger counterparts.
Anil Stocker, co-founder and ceo of MarketInvoice, said: "Business owners seem to be driven by company valuation … it is imperative that they stay focused on their product or service offering and ensure the fundamentals are right first. This is as much about managing cash flow and working capital as it is about having the right people in the right roles. A well-oiled business will look after itself. Essentially, getting the basics right will drive their businesses forward and the valuation will take care of itself."
Written by Rachel Miller.


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The Modern Caterer at The Planet Pavilion - with thanks to Relish Publications
Dominated by the large windows focused on the iconic white radio telescope; the cafe is a fresh, modern space with quirky facts along the walls and lines of clocks displaying various space related times such as the time on Venus and in a black hole (with handy explanations for the non-physicists underneath). There's the ubiquitous blackboard you find in many little cafes with piles of fresh veg underneath and heaps of homemade cakes on the counter.
Views out to the Lovell radio telescope - with thanks to Manchester University
The menu is a mixture of usual lunchtime fare; sandwiches, soups, wraps and whatever. It's was a bustling little space, even on a wet Tuesday afternoon and whilst we were there it was obvious that staff from Manchester University's Astrophysics Department often pop in. And who wouldn't?
Dishes displayed a simplistic elegance and a genuine care for the ingredients involved; the daily special of parsnip soup was creamy yet light, with a sweet whisper of sharp apple underlying the whole dish. Alongside was bread supplied by (fairly) local bakery, Barbakan of Chorlton - and, considering how much their loaves cost, there was a substantial amount of one on the side of the plate.
Parsnip soup and loads of bread
Potted Cheshire Pork (the meat supplied by award winning WH Frosts - also of Chorlton) was wonderfully soft and surrounded by the lovely, scrumptious fat and topped with the sharpest slivers of apple - a brilliant essay in why salty, sweet and sour works so well together. Could have done with a little more seasoning, but that was my only gripe.
Potted Cheshire Pork
We followed these tasty, simple lunch dishes with a full five minutes considering the distortion of space time round the hefty body of homemade cakes on offer. After much deliberation we chose a light and fragrant orange and poppy seed plus a dense and chewy brownie, which were eaten in three seconds flat; proving the point that space time does indeed slow down and then speed up round heavenly bodies.
Cakes - look boring, tasted fab
The Planet Pavilion is a great cafe for a museum, or for anywhere to be honest. There's no pre-packaged sandwiches; there's the excellent cooking; there's large portions, there's sensible pricing and there's an obvious commitment to deliver good tasting, sustainable food in line with their ethos rather than simply using it as a catchy and on-trend byline. I wish other establishments would take a leaf from Jodrell and realise overcharging for plastic crap is something that should only happen in the gift shop.
Ps - The Planet Pavilion Cafe also has a licence and serves Cains, so you can calm your nerves if contemplating the universe gets too much.
Pps - you don't have to visit Jodrell to go to the cafe; but I'd recommend it, just for a walk around the massive grounds and to stand by the radio telescope and pretend you're Brian Cox or (even better) Sir Patrick Moore.
Cost for two dishes, two cakes and a beer: £14.75
Food - 8/10
Service - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Vale for money - 9/10
Total - 31/40
Go again? Yes, any excuse for sustainable, well cooked food AND learning about astrophysics. I'm there!
The Modern Caterer at The Planet Pavilion, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL (sat navs use SK11 9DW) - 01477 571766 - email@example.com


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Today we'd like to warn you about walks on the hills of Plovdiv… We know that the weather us pretty nice these days (frankly really nice, 22 degrees today…) and that the woodsy roofs above the cool benches all over the hills somehow remind us of the sweet flavour of beer but… beware!
Earlier today Zombonkey was noticed! This creature had a mixed origin… he is the result of a failed experiment to merge alien DNA (parasyt) with one of the test monkeys in the Bulgarian Space Program (BuSP). Zombonkey is considered one of the most intelligent and kind apes! Even after the predatory virus, Zombonkey is still very friendly. However, the problem is when you remain alone with him, then there's a slight danger that the 'monkey' will submit to the hunger and will spend the next few hours digesting your brain!
So, be careful and warn your friends and relatives!
Nevertheless, adventurers are suggested to arm themselves with bananas and seek Zombonkey, but only in groups of 3-4 people, as it is more likely for the ape to remain calm… hopefully


text: The after effect of the training has been amazing…right through to just allowing things to just be and letting them happen as they are meant too. A huge change for me. My pregnancy has been amazing thank you, I had some nausea from wks 4-10 but no morning sickness now, until yesterday I wouldn't have really known the little monkey was in there really. I feel very blessed and it all happened the week of my Yin teacher training. I was obviously in each the right place at the right time and for that I will always feel very grateful.


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• THE latest act from Sweden, the land of pop, to plunder and pillage our charts are back.
Peter, Bjorn And John, the act behind the whistling success of Young Folks, release their latest album Living Thing on Monday, March 30.
• Northern Irish rockers Therapy?, the group behind '90s hit Screamager, have a new album out.
The blistering Crooked Timber, is out now – and you'd be mad to miss out.
• Pop rapper Just Jack again turns up the heat with his new single, Embers.
The track, out on March 29, is the first taster of the forthcoming album All Night Cinema, which is out in April.
• The complicated pop of Leeds' Grammatics is where it's at – full stop.
The group's sensational self-titled debut is in stores now.
• Not for the faint hearted – gothic punk rocker Wednesday 13 has released his latest EP.
Bloodwork is a six-track horrorshow featuring a cover of Tom Petty And The Heartbreaker's Running Down A Dream, as well as an ode to his favourite word that can't be printed in a family newspaper.
• Springing forth with a brilliant new album are American band The Decemberists.
The band's fifth studio LP, The Hazards Of Love, is out now, and sure to capture the hearts of discerning music lovers.
• Nutty band Noisettes have released a new single, Don't Upset The Rhythm, this week.
The catchy track is sure to ring a bell – after being used to front the current Mazda ad campaign.
• Hell Yeah Recordings have launched a new remix series title Confuzed 90s.
The first release sees Sicilian duo Blatta And Inesha reworking tracks by 1990s techno group Ramirez.
• American glam band The Chelsea Smiles have released their new eponymous album in the UK.
• David Cook, winner of American Idol series seven, has his debut album out soon.
The self-titled LP is available to buy from March 30.
• If all of this is music to your ears, you can read more from the pop world online at www.echoisaacashe.blogspot.com
• THE latest act from Sweden, the land of pop, to plunder and pillage our charts are back.


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For the Week of
November 11-17, 1999
Cover: Food of Place
On the Shelf: A quartet of engaging new cookbooks.
Dinner Date: Local restaurants unveil multicourse millennial menus for New Year's Eve.
Veg-Mex: Meatless Mexican cooking for the holidays.
Heard It Through the Grapevine: Get to the root of all things wine.
Heady Stuff: 'Being John Malkovich' is a surreal cinematic tour de farce.
SF Club Guide: Disco divas, hip-hop connoisseurs and salsa suaves to flannel-clad pinball players, jazz luminaries and more from the City by the Bay.
Stiffed Upper Lip: Today's man is drifting and drifting, cut loose from the work that once defined him, according to author Susan Faludi and the creators of 'American Beauty' and 'Fight Club.'
A Beautiful Terror: Roddy Doyle's street-smart Irish killing machine doesn't give a 'shite'--but readers will.
Rush of Fortune: A young woman confronts cultural conflicts in Isabelle Allende's new novel.
Escaping From the Labyrinth: Robin Magowan recalls a life of leisure, verse and strife in 'Memoirs of a Minotaur.'
Emotional Baggage: Nick Bantock takes readers on a richly visual tour of 10 imaginary collections in 'The Museum at Purgatory.'
High Marx For Karl: Marshall Berman argues for a Marx better than the societies he begat.
A Human Hitler? In 'Hitler's Niece,' the terrible leader of the Third Reich is just a man--however dysfunctional.
Between the Lines: Iranian-Americans speak in verse and prose in new anthology.
Copyright © Metro Publishing Inc. Maintained by Boulevards New Media.


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03 September, 2017
It's been a month that I started writing this blog. Yayy! I can now officially celebrate my first month happy anniversary with my beloved blog. You and your friends are also invited to join me in my celebrations. I must say this has been a terrific first month and I am overwhelmed with the responses that I am getting from you all. Thank you :)
I was digging up my blog posts yesterday (it is supposedly my favorite thing to do nowadays) when I found out one common thing between all the articles that have been published so far now. All my blog posts are INSPIRATIONAL articles. By now many of you must have started thinking "What on the earth I am talking about"? First things first, Inspirational articles are my experiences that I have shared with you which may have inspired many of you. Many of you might have tried on these looks that were featured in my posts. Some of you might have sported these looks flawlessly and unfortunately some of you might have failed too. The reason my styled look not working right for you is very simple and straight. You and I are different personalities and we have different body types, skin tone and an entire set of different characteristics. When I put together multiple outfits to create one look, I style it considering my body type and my characteristics. Because I am not present at the time you trying the same look, I cannot really help you with that. My post "The Flared Jeans Edit" is one such article.
Now, what is exactly the problem with such articles? I mean inspiring someone is not everyone's cup of tea. Isn't it my job to inspire young girls? I kept asking my inner self continuously these questions endlessly until I got my answer. When I started this blog, I wanted to help people understanding the basics of styling (obviously because I am studying about this and I can say that I am a SME in this area). Rather than focusing on inspirational articles, I must focus on INFORMATIONAL articles that add some values to you all. Though I tried adding value to my posts with this DIY Front Center Knotted Tee but this was something not the best of me.
This made me work on a post that will add some value to my readers and they will understand the basics of styling, color schemes, adding drama to the look and most importantly loving oneself. It took me around 2 weeks to finish up, because I wanted this to be really helpful to everyone who reads this.
Today, I will be guiding you to make perfect minimalist look with neutral colors. We have two technical jargons here. Minimalist and Neutral Colors.
Minimalist – Minimalist refers to something that is utterly simple and characterized by keeping things very minimal. While creating a minimal look we should not focus on putting too many items together, instead should stick to minimal amount of basic pieces.
Neutral Colors – We have certain warm colors, preferably the red family and certain cool colors, preferably the blue family. Neutral colors are neither warm nor cool. They are the earthly tones which help to tone down the overpowering colors. We generally match neutral colors with either the warm ones or the cool ones to balance out the color scheme. Black, white, grey, beige, ivory, brown and tan are considered the neutral colors.
There is a fashion rule (for me it's a myth now) which states "Do not wear colors from the same color family". So you should not wear red and orange together or blue and green together or white and beige together. Well I believe in experimenting and after doing a lot of study work on this theory I feel "Creativity should not have any rules". And because "Change is the only constant", we should change for the better. Filling up my mind with all these quotes, I styled a look keeping my every reader first than myself. I chose to go with the Neutral Color family because I wanted to create a minimalist look. Warm and cool colors tend to fill up a look with so much excitement that it would not remain minimalistic.
The first color that came in my mind was "White". It serves both my purposes of Neutral colors and Minimalism. I took up a white basic cotton shirt and buttoned it down slightly to give that cold shoulder effect.
Beige is another neutral color. Beige is one of the hottest fall trends, so why not welcome fall with some of it. In addition to this, this mini beige skirt is complementing the white shirt and giving a subtle and calming effect to the overall look.
My third neutral addition to this list is Tan sandals. Now you can clearly see the how I am gradually moving from the lighter White to the darker Tan. This creates a perfect color palette with lighter shades to the top and darker ones at the bottom, without disturbing the minimalism.
Keeping harmony with both the minimalism and neutral colors, I decided to pair up this outfit with a simple geometrical hoop earrings and double layered bracelet. I always insist on wearing accessories because they are crucial too and they help in accentuating your look. Check out my article "How to wear jewellery the right way" to get familiar with the basics of styling your outfits with statement jewellery pieces.
I spotted these geometrical hoop earrings and double layered bracelet from SHRe Jewellery's Instagram and made up my mind to incorporate them in my minimalist look. Why I have so much love for these earrings and bracelet? These are statement pieces which means you can style them effortlessly with any outfit, be it your next date or a corporate presentation. These are go-to pieces and I firmly believe in investing on things that have the potential to blend with literally anything. These are not the only ones, you can check out their entire collection of statement pieces from their Instagram and Facebook pages. Links are present in the outfit section below.
For this look I preferred a very minimal touch up, so that it creates a balance between my outfit and accessories. A bold make up would have ruined the minimalism, not to mention.
I selected a white background for this post. I know you have guessed it already "Minimalism and Neutral Colors". Well, you are partially right. But that is not all, white background creates more natural light which means better pictures. Simple!
I am giving out my outfit details below. I strongly recommend understanding the idea behind this look before trying it out. Remember, basics are crucial and you need to know the concepts before applying or breaking the rules.
White Shirt – H&M
Beige Skirt – DKNY
Tan Sandals – Amazon Fashion
Geometrical Hoop Earrings and Double Layered Bracelet – Shre Jewelry | Facebook | Instagram
I hope I added some value to this post and it will surely help you to understand the basics and know the steps to look after before styling any look. I would absolutely love to hear from you. Do leave your comments below. Not know what to say, just leave me Smiles, Hearts and Stars above and I will be happy. I am going to create a styling guide sooner that will help you understand the basics of styling and trust me it's going to be vast and super helpful. That is why I insist you to Subscribe to my blog posts so that you get early access to the styling guide as soon as it launches. Hurry up!
Don't you ever doubt yourself. Keep inspiring people by sharing your knowledge and experience!
Thank you Kevin. Point noted :)
These tips are great! Love your outfit, babe! xo
@Talina Thank you. Keep visiting :)
Minimalist is such a sleek look. Love this article!
@The Hapa Life: Thank you so much girl. Keep visiting us :)
A very chic and stylish look, the neutrals suit you very well and I love how you wore the shirt!
@SuzyC: Thank you for stopping by and such wonderful comments. :)
I have to say that you have really nice pictures and you make a really good model
@Jackie: That is a huge compliment. Thank you so much :)
I think you nailed that look! Wonderful earrings too!
@akamatra Thank you :) I love the earrings too
Oooh I do love this outfit! I am not big into fashion myself, but can appreciate it! Lovely !
I just loved your tips and the whole outfit. Thanks for sharing with us :)
Wonderful outfit! Minimal, chic and stylish!
Love these tips! Might have to try them out soon!
I absolutely love the beige skirt! I don't often wear neutral colours so I might have too x
@Natalie : Keep visiting us and you will surely indulge yourself into fashion :)
@Akshay Thank you for stopping by. Well you can also go neutral. It is for all. ;)
@Helene Thank you so much. Glad you liked it :)
@Shona Marie Yes Yes try them out without any fear :)
@Kayleigh Zara Neutral colors are the best pick for days when you just want to be minimal.
Congrats on your anniversary. And I'm right with you with the minimalist look here. I think these mu
I absolutely love your beige skirt, this outfit looks amazing on you.
Oh my you look absolutely perfect in this outfit! I love it so much! <3 xx
Happy one month! And I love a good old white blouse. Goes with everything and makes everything look.
Thanks for sharing such a great post! I just wish I had a formal job where I could wear these things
Simply beautiful! More women should use these tip if they are looking for a new look
@Ching Thank you so much. Minimalism and neutral colors are so in trend these days, that I thought of making a look combining both of these together.
@Kristy Even I love this beige skirt a lot. Thanks for stopping by and sparing a minute to comment.
@Tereza Thank you so much. You can give a try to this look. It is absolutely a no-brainer!
@Lea: You are so right on this point. White shirt is one of the statement pieces that will never go out of fashion and it is a must to have it in your closet.
@Courtney Coughlan Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. Well you can even pull off this look in your casual outfits. This post is about mixing neutrals to create a minimalist look, so you can just mix up your neutrals in your casual wears too! I
@Cory - Thank you for all the praises. And honestly, this is not something that men can't try out. Mixing neutrals together is something that probably every guy does, but they do not know the basics behind that. That's all !
love this outfit!
Love the way you have put this outfit together, great for casual days out but also versatile for something more dressy. I do love a good minimalistic outfit. Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
@Marina Thank you so much :)
@Jordanne : Thank you for sparing some time and putting these wonderful comments. And yes, neutral colors are best for any occasion :)
I like how you distinguish between inspirational and informational. I think that's something a lot of bloggers lose sight of!
20 July, 2020
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07 February, 2019


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The past twelve months belong to an important phase of development in the satellite industry. Market reports from Comsys and the Satellite Industry Association once again revealed healthy growth numbersacross a widening range of vertical markets and throughout the world. Its clear that satellite systems are playing an integral role in providing global, always-on, effortless connectivity.
Increasingly, satellite communications means unfettered IP networking. The idea of an IP network is no longer a fixed system tied to the limits of terrestrial technology. Instead, networks must stretch across entire continents and oceans, supporting a growing list of voice, data and video applications. Connectivity must be guaranteed anywhere and at all timesin the office, in the field and on the move.
In 2007, there were several notable trends shaping the satellite industrys future. Enterprises are increasingly integrating satellite communications into their networks to support multiple needs. While enterprises have been initially slow to adopt satellite communications exclusively to ensure their operations against network failure, they are investing in satellite to play a much larger network role, a role that encompasses VoIP, videoconferencing, digital signage and other IP applications.
Governments and militaries worldwide continue to invest in satellite communications to support global multimedia networks, battlefield logistics, disaster recovery and other mission-critical initiatives. Military organizations have also increased their investments in Comms on the Move (COTM). This technology advance enables troops to maintain momentum in battle, extending visibility of commanders and increasing the volume of data that can be transmitted to and from mobile units.
Another major trend that gained traction in 2007 reveals an even larger future role for satellite communications. Terrestrial carriers worldwide are integrating satellite into their core MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) systems. This trend will accelerate as terrestrial carriers continue to build out ambitious next-generation networks. Satellite communications is uniquely qualified to meet the technology requirements of next-generation networks in delivering immediate, ubiquitous reach.
Meeting New User Demands
The trends noted in the previous paragraphs represent intensifying end user needs. Such places new demands on the satellite industry. Systems manufacturers must advance their technologies to provide greater functionality. They must also minimize operating costs and improve bandwidth efficiency.
In 2007, iDirect introduced several landmark innovations to strengthen its Intelligent PlatformTM. Heres a quick recap of those accomplishments.
DVB-S2 with Adaptive Coding and Modulation: This year iDirect announced the development of its next-generation platform, eVolution, which features the integration of DVB-S2 with an important new feature of the standard called Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM). ACM comprises a real-time feedback system that continually adjusts the operating parameters of the outbound carrier. It monitors the return channel to assess the local conditions at each remote and then leverages that information to determine the optimum link parameters based on link performance.
With ACM, a hub can adapt the specific modulation and coding scheme of each terminal, adapting to changing link conditions, to continually maximize bandwidth efficiency. Until now, network operators were forced to design their networks based on worst-case scenariosin most cases, just around the single antenna location or size to provide appropriate margins in case weather conditions worsen. Engineers no longer need to design a network based on worst-case conditions and this saves valuable bandwidth.
Advancing Quality of Service: Service providers face the difficult challenge of optimizing the allocation of bandwidth across multiple customers and IP applications. In 2007, iDirect tackled the challenge of bandwidth allocation through a new software feature called Group Quality of Service (QoS). This advance enables service providers to subdivide their bandwidth according to deeper levels of user criteria.
Through Group QoS, service providers can define sub-groups based on specific business processes, office locations, IP applications and data formats. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) can be defined on outbound and inbound bandwidth, tailored to the dynamic QoS criteria that must govern real-time applications such as VoIP, real-time data sharing and videoconferencing. With Group QoS, bandwidth can be shared more easily across multiple customers, while supporting each individual customers application-level requirements.
- Series 12000 universal 4-slot hub: iDirect unveiled a compact 4-slot hub chassis, which supports multiple inbound and outbound networks on as many as four satellites. A fifth slot can be used for configuration or redundancy. The new hub delivers functionality comparable to iDirects larger hub solutionssupporting the entire array of network topologies including star, mesh and SCPC (Single Channel Per Carrier). The 4-slot hub is compatible with iDirects existing iNFINITI series line cards as well as our forthcoming eVolution series line cards. With the 4-slot hub, network operators can more economically expand to new regions and markets without deploying a large scale hub. As networks grow, the hub can be daisy-chained with an expansion chassis.
- Delivering global broadband to the maritime industry: This year marked the launch of a new global broadband maritime service powered by iDirect and offered by Intelsat. The service features two technical innovations from iDirect. The first is automatic beam switching, which enables a remote router to automatically switch from one satellite beam to another as sea vessels cross multiple footprints. The second is iDirects global network management tool that enables service providers and organizations to deploy global mobile networks through the integration of iDirect hubs and remote hardware with multiple satellite coverage footprints.
For iDirect, accelerated government demand has lead to the formation this year of iDirect Government Technologies (iGT), a wholly owned subsidiary. In 2007, the iDirect platform was also strengthened with new features to support government and military needs. Most notably, iDirect introduced Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, a critical innovation that will accelerate much broader adoption of COTM. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum enables bandwidth to be spread at a much lower rate than before, enabling ultra small antennas to reduce signal interference with adjacent satellites. This results in more cost-efficient use of extremely small reflector antennas or phased array antennas on aircraft, maritime, and land based vehicles.
Global Growth
The past 12 months witnessed increased global expansion for iDirect. In the EMEA region, iDirect achieved a 40 percent market share leadership in hub sales, according to Frost & Sullivan. iDirect also established a regional office in Dubai. The new office, located in Dubais Silicon Oasis Technology Park, features a customer support and training center to serve a rapidly expanding customer base.
Marking a milestone in the Asia Pacific region, iDirect partners installed their first hubs in China. Two oil and gas industry leadersPetrochinas BGP Oil/Gas Exploration Group and CrossSat Telecom Technology Co.adopted the iDirect platform based on its ability to connect to multiple satellites and support multiple satellite bands. iDirect also announced major contracts this year with IndosatM2 and Pak Datacom, highlighting a year of solid growth in the region.
Our 2008 Outlook
What do we anticipate for 2008? Much more of the same the satellite industry is well positioned for continued rapid growth, and soon-to-be-added satellite capacity will enable service providers to meet intensifying demands. More specifically, 2008 will be an important year wherein operators and service providers will replace aging technology with next-generation systems.
In 2007, iDirect made several strategic moves to prepare for this growth. We gained an experienced high-tech leader and growth strategist in our new CEO, Mary Cotton. Mary joins a strengthened management team committed to continuing iDirects technical leadership, expanding core offerings and deepening customer support.
Next year, several satellite communications trends will gain notable ground. Mobile communications will continue to be rapidly adopted by military organizations, and we anticipate a renewed interested in mobile communications by the commercial travel industry, as well. The IPTV rage will continue to escalate. Terrestrial carriers will integrate satellite communications into their core services. And enterprises will increase their use of satellite communications with the promise of greater ROI.
At iDirect, our technology innovation is focused on ensuring satellite communications are more powerful, versatile and affordable. In the next 12 months, we look forward to collaborating with our partners, helping them to meet current and emerging customer requirements and run their business more efficiently and profitably. We thank our partners for their support in 2007 and look forward to a promising year of collaboration ahead.
Mr. Bettinger joined iDirect Technologies as Director of Hardware Engineering in 1996 and became responsible for all hardware and software development when named Vice President of Engineering in 2002. Bettinger has won industry acclaim as the lead system architect for iDirect's flagship NetModem and iNFINITI series products. In his current role as Chief Technology Officer, Bettinger is responsible for the oversight of strategic technology decisions and drives the direction of product development. Active in industry organizations, Bettinger is a member of the Telecommunications Industry Association, IEEE and the IPv6 Forum. Prior to iDirect, Bettinger was a senior member of the technical staff at Hughes Network Systems in the Satellite Networks Division. Bettinger is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.


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With its whitewashed walls and cliff-top views of the beach, the tiny coastguard cottage at Cuckmere Haven is central to the emotionally wrought plot of Atonement.
Throughout the Oscar-nominated film, soldier Robbie Turner returns time and again to his photograph of this idyllic dwelling, drawing from it the strength to survive the Second World War in the hope of one day living there with his love, Cecilia Tallis.
But as the film battles it out for the best picture award at the Oscars in Los Angeles tonight, closer to home another fight is taking place: to save the cottage from the sea amid fears it could be washed away within a decade. It is one of three 18th-century cliff-top houses near Seaford, East Sussex, built to give early warning of a Napoleonic invasion, which could become casualties of coastal erosion as the Environment Agency proposes to allow the Cuckmere Valley to flood.
This scenic area, already a tourist attraction, could draw even more visitors after tonight's 80th Academy Awards. Since the nominations were announced last month, industry watchers have witnessed an unusually strong 'box-office bump', with the Oscars' five best picture contenders pulling in almost $100m in the United States - double the takings for the same time last year.
Starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, and nominated for seven Oscars, Atonement has brought worldwide fame to the East Sussex coastline and the Seven Sisters chalk faces that provide this most memorable backdrop. But that is of little cheer to the owners of the three cottages, who built defensive barricades in 1998 to stop the sea encroaching, but have now been told these will become redundant should plans to turn the valley into a 113-acre salt marsh go ahead.
The Environment Agency's proposals follow the discovery that the embankments of a Victorian canal running along the bottom of the valley are disintegrating. It has resolved to breach them, flooding the area and creating a natural marsh to attract wading birds. An environmental impact assessment is being carried out. Currently £50,000 a year is spent on maintaining the sea defences, bulldozing shingle from the river mouth to the base of the cliffs, and despite a 4,000-name petition to try to halt the plans, it is intended to let nature take its course.
Nigel Newton, chief executive of publisher Bloomsbury, who bought one of the cottages in 1991, compared the Environment Agency's proposals to 'someone's GCSE geography project gone wrong'.
'The coastguard cottages are, with their backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs and Beachy Head, an iconic symbol of England,' he said. 'To ensure their destruction with a whimsical and misguided scheme to flood the valley would be to abuse our role as custodians of Britain's landscape.
'These cottages appear in millions of paintings, in photographs and films as symbols of England. The one in Atonement, which is closest to the end of the headland, would go first - probably within 10 years - if the valley is flooded, as the sea would attack it from both sides. It's about as realistic as deciding to dismantle the Thames Barrier and return south-east London to the fields from which it sprang.'
But Peter Midgley, Kent and East Sussex regional manager for the Environment Agency, said it had been 'propping up' the river system for 70 years, but the meanders were silting up and sea levels were rising.
'What we have decided to do is work a bit more closely with nature and let it become more natural,' he said. 'The coastline has been eroding and it will continue to do that. If you look at old maps, [the cottages] were built about 30 metres back from the cliffs. There is even a slight chance that the changing shape of the beach may actually help protect them, but eventually they will be taken by the sea,' he said.
The beach features in the final sequence of Atonement, as Robbie and Cecilia run into the waves.
The film, which is based on Ian McEwan's acclaimed novel and which won the Bafta for best film, is leading the British charge at tonight's ceremony. Its nominations include best supporting actress, best musical score and best screenplay. This year's awards also see an unprecedented four women nominated for screenwriting awards.
British producer Hugh Welchman is also hoping to be a winner. But whatever the result, the man behind Peter and the Wolf, which is nominated for best animated short film, intends to claim his moment of glory on the red carpet by walking along it with his Peter puppet.


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Lead (Pb) removal at low cost, primitive island
We're providing RWH (rainwater harvest systems) on a limestone island in Indonesia, very primitive, virtually no machinery, so hard to do boreholes or shallow wells. The RWH method has been going well for local NGO for years.
However, lead (Pb) is over 20x the 0.5 standard, both in the rainwater (sample taken from stone and cement mortared tanks) as well as commercial tanker trucks that pump from deep wells.
So we need a low cost simple way to remove the lead. I'm aware that some ceramic filters with silver ion also have activated charcoal and claim lead removal. And there are some other materials that adsorb lead, even cilantro (Science Daily article), though I'm not sure we want to force ppl to drink cilantro-flavored water all the time. ;-) Can you provide some careful studies of low cost simple methods for lead removal? Perhaps comparing the alternatives, pros and cons? Thanks, Stew
Stew, Before considering how to remove the lead it would be advisable to understand the source of the lead in rainwater. This is likely to either be atmospheric pollution or leaching from the roof and pipework structures (you state that the storage tanks are stone and cement). Are you able to identify which is the source in this case? Regards, Harriette
3 Answers
I agree with Harriette that a preventive measure is preferable to treatment. It is very likely to be more cost-effective and sustainable. Lead can be removed through distillation and certain filters but that isn't going to be cheap or easy.
In the meantime while you are searching for the source of the lead (and removing/replacing it if possible), first flush diverters might help in reducing some of the pollution entering storage. Metals also tend to sink (as evidenced by high concentrations of metal often found in the sludge of RWH tanks), so encourage people to draw water from the top if they aren't already.
Hi Harriette and Jeremy, Thanks for those pointers. We will be adding first flush plumbing (it was not on the test samples); however the samples were before that. However, they were taken well into the rainy season, not during first rainstorm. I thought leaching from the native stone (an irregular ancient coral rock hand dug, on this limestone island), or the cement (in bags on a boat from other islands in Indonesia) might be culprits - but how does one test these sources. Can you advise? Do you put chunks of rock in known clean water and test every week for lead, coming into solution by leaching? It's unlikely to be the pipe (PVC or bamboo) carrying the water. And guttering or zinc plated corrugated roof - would lead be used in manufacturing that? Again, how does one test it? If it is one of these - the rock, cement or zinc ...(more)
Hi Stewart,
Something stuck in my mind about bone char - have a surf around looking for 'removal of lead from water crushed bone filters' and you will find a lot of sites claiming this to be true. Certainly I recall someone I met testing crushed bone as a way to remove fluoride and it seems bone char will do the same. Calcine filters are also mentioned as are carbon, ion exchange resins and activated alumina. I recall slow sand filters also being effective at removing lead from water through adsorption - removal is supported by a National Drinking Water Clearing House fact sheet. Other webpages state that sand filters cannot cope with heavy metals or other excessive pollutants so it may be a question of intensity. You would need to research this more thoroughly.
The CDC has a nice webpage on Domestic Slow Sand Filters titled The Safe Water System at www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html Household Slow Sand Filtration is a good approach to take in any case if using rainwater.
Fascinating that you are doing this on a limestone island - lots of references to using limestone-based granules to effectively remove arsenic, cadmium and lead from water. On sdstate.ebu website there is a pdf titled Development of an Agglomeration Process to Increase the Efficiency of Limestone Based Material to Remove Metals from Drinking Water. Google that title followed by filetype:pdf and you will find it.
There is also a paper on the digitalcommons.wku.edu website titled "reducing lead and selenium from drinking water using limestone-based material" that shows very strong results using limestone for lead removal.
If you can find the source of contamination then great problem solved! If not then the answer may lie below your feet ... :-)
All the best with solving the problem,
I too think determination of the source may be the most economic solution - is there definitely no lead flashing on the roof?
As for testing the other materials, yes I'd say that leaving a sample of each in some rapidly mixed demin water at the same pH as your rain for a similar time period should be as likely to dissolve lead as the rain would. Similarly if you have some available roofing you could test that too - I understand that the zinc chloride used in electroplating can contain lead.
If you concluded that any of these were the source, then I would imagine you would be better replacing them (or lining to stop contact with the water) than trying to subsequently remove the lead.
If it was to be atmospheric lead, the most likely source that springs to my mind would be leaded petrol - is that still used in the area? Since lead is so heavy it isn't likely to hang around in the atmosphere long, so you would expect the source to be fairly close - is the site near a main road or other source of lead?
From there, if it was atmospheric lead, the question would be if it is settling out on the roofs and then being caught up in the first flush, or is the rain stripping the lead from the atmosphere directly. If the former then, as Jeremy suggests, a first flush system is likely to be your best option. My first investigation would be lead analysis of first flush vs subsequent flow.
In terms of treatment technologies, pH correction & coagulation is normally used for lead removal, although this is likely to be too complex for your situation. Orthophosphoric acid is very commonly used for plumbosolvency control, but really removal of the source would be the preferred solution.
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