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The Chicken Experience
Our Coop Building Experience...
Let me start by saying this has been a pretty cool experience for my DH and I. He has been enlisting the help of friends to finish the barn -- adding a loft, installing wiring, framing in the tack room (even wiring it for phone and Internet), plumbing for a washer, sink, and hot water tank, wiring for a dryer, installing a French drain for the wash rack.... The new "Hen Palace" became our own little project, with just a little help from a friend to hook up the wiring. My DH had a chicken as a pet as a child, and has been very supportive of the whole immersion into what I call "The Chicken Experience"...
We decided to build our coop by adding on to our existing covered turnout pens for our horses. That started us out with one wall already finished. I sketched up several plans after reading some books and doing research in the coops section in BYC. Here were my first attempts:
I originally envisioned a fancy Western old-style store front for the exterior. However, reality set in when I priced new windows and a new door. We went hunting for second hand items and modified our plans to use what we were able to find that we could afford.
We used recycled posts, roofing, and lumber from our old covered arena. We removed the battens from what became an inside wall and saved them to put up on the new front wall.
My DH, with assistants Dually and Brinx, checks out the new floor. I put in the floor joists myself, and my DH helped me with the floor sheeting. Good thing my joists are covered up -- they aren't very straight! Every time we ran into something that was out of square (which was pretty often), we'd just laugh and say, "Well, it IS a chicken coop!" I am really thrilled with all of the new skills I've learned. And, let me tell you, I operate a MEAN chop saw!
Sheeting is up and painting has started. We did have to buy some 2x4s and 2x6s, plus the plywood sheeting. But we also used a LOT of recycled lumber and metal roofing. This photo was taken shortly before the 3-legged ladder collapsed and my DH took a VERY nasty fall. He had a bruise on his hip that was HUGE and really ugly. This happened the day after I stepped off a workbench and severely sprained my ankle. This "Chicken Experience" has also been a "Painful Experience".
We ran power to the coop from the barn. Thanks to BYC members for giving me suggestions on where to put outlets and switches.
Here's what the bare interior looked like -- typical pole building construction, which has its own challenges when installing windows, walls, and doors.
We made a trip to a Habitat For Humanity "re-store" and found some sliding windows with screens for only $5 each. We'll cover them on the outside with 1/4" hardware cloth to prevent any predators from tearing through the screens. Plus, we'll edge wrap the windows with trim boards to make them look nicer. Also, we still need to add the battens and gutter. Note the battens on the front of the coop -- they came from a wall that became an interior wall.
We did splurge on an automatic chicken door from www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com. The cost was $184.94 plus $22.00 shipping. We decided that the money was worth the worry it would eliminate if we were unable to get home to shut the pop door at night. The door was designed to install between 16" wall studs -- we had to fabricate wall studs because of the type of construction. The door will be set on a timer rather than a photoelectric cell to make sure we don't lock any of The Girls out at night.
My DH works for the city of Yelm, WA. This Pella storm door was recycled from their annual "City Clean-Up Day" when it was discarded and John spotted it before it was thrown into a dumpster. You'll also notice that we installed inexpensive vinyl flooring from Home Depot to make clean-up easier. The vinyl sells for $4.32 a square yard and comes on a 12' wide roll. I went with recommendations from BYCers and did not glue it down, but used 1"x2" trim boards around the edge to hold it down.
We recycled the wall sections cut out for the windows by using them for a ramp to the roost and a raised platform for the feeder and waterer. It got to be a fun challenge to see what we could re-use! I put the fan on a ThermoCube so it automatically comes on when the temperature reaches 78 degrees in the coop. I purchased two ThermoCubes from QCSupply.com. Model TC3 turns on at 35 degrees and off at 45 degrees,and I'll use it for my water heater and heat lamps; model TC21 turns on at 78 degrees and off at 70 degrees. They had the best price at $12.95 each and US Priority Mail shipping was only $6.15.
I solicited input from BYC members for ideas on where to put outlets and switches. Here is my initial wiring diagram:
We installed outlets in the ceiling for the shop light and heat lamps. The shop fixture came from Home Depot and cost $22.68. We liked the metal grid that will protect the bulbs from an out-of-control hen in flight. We're using T8 bulbs so they'll work in cold weather. We have some outlets on a switch and some that are always live. That way I can use the switch outside the door to turn the light on inside the coop.
Here is The Girls' roost. So far they've only used the front two. They are fascinated that they have a window with a view! They spent the first two months of their lives in a brooder in the garage and a stall in the barn with no windows. We went with 2x6s so The Girls can sit on the roost and cover their feet when the weather gets cold (we're not planning on adding insulation -- I'll have a heat lamp on a ThermoCube that will come on when the temperature hits 35 degrees). I searched the BYC forum site and found a member that recommended using "tempered hardboard" for a poop board. I called our local lumber store, and they had 4'x8' sheets for only $13. It's basically pegboard without holes, and the shiny side is very slippery. It is working VERY well -- poop just slides right off. Plus, it was a fraction of the price of other moisture-resistant sheeting (fiberglass reinforced panels were $32.47 at Home Depot) . Thanks again to the BYC Forum!!
The Girls seem to like it! Please ignore my DH's alcoholic beverage on the roost to the right. That was for him, NOT The Girls! My original flock came from MyPetChicken.com (Meyer's Hatchery) and consists of a Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Easter Egger, Blue Cochin, White Cochin, Partridge Cochin, Barred Bock, Cuckoo Marans, Delaware, Dominique, Silver Laced Wyandotte, and a Gold Laced Wyandotte. My first hatch is adding a French Black Copper Marans pullet and roo (fingers crossed) and a Wheaten Marans. My second hatch consists of 2 Blue Marans, 2 Splash Marans, and 3 Ameraucanas. Plus we're going to have the dozen extra EE's. Whew! Should be some color in the nest boxes!
Their first night in the coop. We planned the windows to allow enough light to enter from the security light on the end of the barn to act as a "night light". Plus, any night that is cold we'll have the heat lamp on.
Oh, please! We give them 24' of roosts, with 16' at the highest level. They cram all 12 of themselves in a 4' space. That can't be comfortable!
Excuse me! Pardon me! Hey, get off of me! I'm getting squashed here!
When my DH doubled the flock size with his boss'dozen EE chicks, I sacrificed my originally planned interior storage room for more coop space. But I do have a small porch that is perfect for storage of feed and equipment. The feed and Diatomaceous Earth are in the garbage cans, which seal shut. The smaller tubs hold grit, oyster shell, and scratch, plus treats for The Girls. My tools are all hung and ready for use. Note the drop-down window in the storm door. It was really hot today and opening it just a bit allowed the fan to pull in cooler air. We're going to make a screen for it from hardware cloth so we can leave it down during the warm nights as well.
Elsie the Easter Egger loves dusting in her new house. I didn't realize the gyrations chickens go through when they're dusting. They're pretty fun to watch!
Here is Racquel the Barred Rock. She's one of my favorite hens.
My FIL commented, "I never thought I'd say that a chicken is beautiful, but Clara sure is a pretty hen!" She's my DH's favorite, too.
The "Grand Opening of The Door". The Girls just weren't quite sure what to make of it.
We tried bribing them with bread to try to get them to come out...
They're thinking about it... They'll do anything for food! Well, almost. DH had to go inside and put them out one at a time.
We couldn't stop laughing at them sliding down the ramp, but I had to add rungs for them so they wouldn't get scared and refuse to go outside. Still, watching Clara the Blue Cochin slide down the ramp, walk back up, and slide down again was pretty funny!
They loved their new run. We started with just a 10'x10'section until we could get rid of the bees nests in the other half of the dog kennel. I hate getting stung!!! Again, recycling at its finest! We will wrap it with hardware cloth and put a cover over the part of the run. That is Cici, my DD's Paint mare, in the background. I was in stitches when I saw her poop and the hens ran to the fence to try to get to it! I love the location of the hen house and run because I can sit on the couch in the living room and watch The Girls right out my back window.
This was our layout when we moved The Girls into their new home. You'll probably find that you'll make a number of modifications from the time you start until you finish. And that's perfectly okay! Everybody needs to tailor their coop to meet their needs and location. Just do what I did -- use the resources at BYC and find the ideas that work for you.
We put 1/4" hardware cloth over the screens on the windows so a predator could not tear its way through. We also trimmed out the windows and put up the battens. A little paint on the trim boards and some fresh shavings -- it's looking pretty awesome.
We expanded the run with the remaining dog kennel panels. Note the leftover kennel panel placed as a partial cover for the run. The Girls are really having a good time dusting in the fresh shavings.
We added a roof over 12' of the run. I want The Girls to be able to go outside in the winter without getting muddy feet. The gutters channel rainwater into the one of the horses' water tubs.
I added an outdoor roost just for fun. Several of The Girls like it, and some just can't figure out how to fly up and land on it -- pretty funny to watch! If you look closely you will see the core of a cabbage hanging from the roof -- they've had a lot of fun pecking at the swinging cabbages we've hung for them!
And here is our final plan. Some of the things we changed were the location of feed and water (carrying the waterer when it's full is not fun, so I moved it as close to the door as possible); used the platform from the food and water to make a table to hold my duplex brooder so the babies could move out of the garage; added hanging tool storage inside the coop; finished the roof over 12' of the run; and designed the gutters to drain into the horse trough in the paddock.
Here is the brooder. I have their heat lamp on a timer, and I can see it through the coop window from the living room to ensure that it's on when it should be. The space underneath will be turned into an isolation area for injured birds.
We wrapped the lower 36" of the entire run with welded wire with 1/2"x1" openings. We also filled in the gaps between the roof and the top of the kennel. I'm more comfortable now knowing that The Girls are safe from hawks and other predators.
We used hog rings to secure the welded wire fencing to the kennel, along with zip ties where needed.
These are some happy Girls! Like they say, "Happy hens lay more eggs".
We're getting close to the time The Girls will start laying, so we had to get the nest boxes in. I had originally planned a 4-across, 3-high configuration. We started looking for materials to make the nest boxes from, and I spotted a particle board cabinet in the barn that I had purchased for $2 at a surplus sale at one of our local elementary schools. It was 60"hx30"wx15"d. That would make the nest boxes a minimum of 15"hx15"wx15"d -- nice big nests! A swift calculation and we concluded that 8 nest boxes would be ample for 20-24 hens, so we turned the cabinet on its side, removed the sliding doors, added 4 shelves, put a couple of legs on the bottom, add perches, and what do you know! Instant nesting boxes! I had picked up some plastic tubs from Walmart, so we cut fronts out and put them in the nesting boxes. I lined them with grass hay -- we'll see what The Girls think of them.
Final Costs: Our total costs BEFORE the automatic pop door opener were approximately $775.00. After we added the automatic opener, our costs were around $980. That's pretty darn good for a 12'x15' coop. Below is a breakdown of our expenses:
Chicken Coop Expenses
Qty Item Price Each Total 15 2x4s $ 1.82 $ 27.30 3 2x6s - 8' $ 3.64 $ 10.92 2 plywood, 4'x8' sheets - 1/2" CDX $ 10.98 $ 21.96 1 automatic pop door $ 206.94 $ 206.94 2 automatic timers $ 3.97 $ 7.94 1 gutters $ 20.00 $ 20.00 20 vinyl flooring, sq. yd. $ 4.32 $ 86.40 10 T1-11 plywood, 4'x8' sheets - 3/8" $ 24.00 $ 240.00 2 used aluminum windows $ 5.00 $ 10.00 1 tempered hardboard, 4'x8' sheet $ 14.17 $ 14.17 40 joist hangers $ 0.75 $ 30.00 4 1x4 pine boards $ 5.82 $ 23.28 1 hardware cloth (1/4"), ?? Roll $ 25.00 $ 25.00 1 welded wire, 36"x100' roll (1/2"x1") $ 114.10 $ 114.10 2 pkgs of hog rings 12.5 gauge $ 5.20 $ 10.40 1 hog ring pliers $ 11.50 $ 11.50 8 bags of concrete $ 2.89 $ 23.12 1 shop light $ 22.68 $ 22.68 2 T-8 flourescent tubes $ 1.50 $ 3.00 6 electrical boxes $ 1.75 $ 10.50
switches, wallplates $ 2.89 $ 5.23 4 outlets $ 5.00 $ 20.00 2 Thermocubes $ 16.03 $ 32.06 1 Porch light $ 4.49 $ 4.49 TOTALS
$ 980.99
Automatic pop door $ (206.94) Total before automatic pop door
$ 774.05
And here is our finished coup!! The Girls are loving it! Now we just need to decide on a good chicken coop name. We're leaning towards "The Fuster Cluck", because that's what it's been!
The Chicken Experience
By wsdareme · Jan 11, 2012 · ·
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Last Photos of Atlantic Puffins
by Lee on Jul.13, 2013, under Lightroom, Monday Morning Tips, Photos
Final Six Atlantic Puffin Photos
These guys are so cute and comical that I'd like to post all 300 from my 90 minutes on the island but I don't want to bore you to tears. If I ever recover from my seasickness, I may try this again in the future.
I believe the first guy was scratching under his chin but it might be part of his grooming ritual. Either way, he's too cute. I liked the 2nd photo because of the soft green bokeh. The 3rd, if I recall correctly, was the start of a short flight (more like a hop) to another rock. He flapped his wings several times and flew just as I was distracted.
These last three are simply "formal" portraits. Although, at first blush, they appear comical, they're really very handsome birds. Unfortunately, their take-off and landing skills leave a lot to be desired. When landing, they remind me of gooney birds on Midway Island in the Pacific. It's more of an inelegant, controlled crash.
Lubec, ME, Easternmost Point in the US
I tried my hand at creating a "painterly" effect without resorting to the myriad LR or PS CS plug-ins, add-ons or other 3rd party tools. I liked this old house and I think it looks like a painting without going "over the top" with special effects. What's your opinion? The mailbox (from a different abandoned house) looked rather forlorn even before I processed it. The tombstone would look great on a "dark and stormy night." Unfortunately, clear skies were all I had to work with. All these photos were made with my "go-to" lens, the 24-105/4IS L on a Canon 5D Mk II and post-processed in LR4.
The chain fence was in front of a derelict building. I'm not completely happy with it because I missed my DOF. The last photo is the prettiest house we saw in Lubec. It was the epitome of a picturesque New England waterfront home.


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The Women's Garden Project
Evergreen/Corrections Canada
Project Coordinator and Landscape Designer:
Tracy Penner, BLA Evergreen Program Manager: Denise Philippe
Facility Warden: Diane Brown
Photos accompanying this article can be found here.
The facility is located in the centre of the Fraser Valley, British Columbia in a pastoral setting with majestic views of Mount Baker, plenty of sunlight and reasonable soil for growing. (Image 1)
Project Description
Corrections Canada secured Evergreen to complete a community-based naturalization and gardening project as a transition program for federally incarcerated women who were being moved to another facility. The project was conducted from December 2003 to March 2004. The purpose of the project was to create a programmatic landscape, increase civic-minded actions, develop a stewardship ethic and build community amongst the women. Our contract included outreach and education with the women, a completed multi-stage concept plan, and detailed drawings and plant lists. The landscape architect used a participatory design process to involve the women inmates in planning the outdoor spaces for their new Fraser Valley facility.
Through a series of design workshops, prisoners were introduced to site analysis data and various design features and participated in visioning, using models and photos of the site. (Images 2, 3, 4) From these workshops, two concept plans were developed and were presented to the women for feedback. A preferred Master plan was developed by synthesizing the information gathered. (Image 5) In the final design the women chose to include several areas for reflection, health and horticultural learning. Native plants, food gardens and flowers were favourite themes which were incorporated into the programme. The first features built include a bridge over a landscaped drainage swale planted with a native wetland garden. (Images 6, 7, 8, 9) The bridge provides a transition from the education and counseling building to the communal housing area. A large vegetable garden has been started in a half acre strip of land behind the housing units.
Implementation of the plans and on-going maintenance provide job training and life skills for participants, as well as fostering a sense of community and cooperation and honouring various cultural traditions. (Images 10 and 11) Further features listed below are to be added in phases over the future, making this a dynamic project. There is an emphasis on sustainable gardening and lifestyle practices.Words from the women about their experience with the project:
...hard work pays off in beauty and accomplishment. Transforming nothing into something is quite rewarding."
"I learned patience."
"I learned how to work with different styles of doing things."
Garden Features And ProgrammeGarden Spaces
Recreational Spaces
- vegetable plots
- greenhouse
- recycling area (including compost)
- communal herb and tea garden
- scented gardens-lilacs, lavender, sage
- monarch house-butterfly wildflowers, marsh, meadow garden
Spirit Grounds
- visits patio-modular plan for future changes, children's wigwam climber and rubber matting
- sanctuary garden area with seating outside chapel
- play area for family visits and mother-child house
- central meeting area-seating wall, shade trees
- active recreation - volleyball, walking/jogging path, fitness circuit; badminton, possible Frisbee
- look-out on the hill
- labyrinth
Other Features
- 'gate posts' at entrance
- native hedge to define the area
- Ceremonial and medicinal plants
- sweat lodge
- ceremonial fire and cook fire pits
- covered wood storage
- ceremonial eating area
- area for teepee installation
List of Photos
- clock tower
- bridge and drainage swale - bog plants
- garden art: mosaics, wood-burning, tufa planters, etc, to decorate garden structures
- chimes
- rain barrels for irrigation
1. View of the Fraser Valley, near prison facility
2. Visits area and front of facility, before
3. Spiritual grounds, before planning and building garden
4. Bridge area before: note drainage problems
5. Site masterplan
6. Bridge garden design
7. Bridge built and installed by local youth job training program; all drainage and landscaping installed and maintained by women in-mates
8. Bridge after installation in March
9. Bridge garden in July - patience rewarded
10. Pathway to spiritual grounds area. All surrounding landscaping carried out by women using indigenous plants.
11. Second view of spiritual grounds pathway.
Gardens in Prisons
by Tracy Penner and Illene Pevec
Most people who end up in prison come from a variety of life-long difficulties that include growing up in environments of poverty, low levels of formal education, childhood abuse, limited options and a lack of role models for earning a living honestly. The prison system rarely fills in the missing blanks in prisoners' lives to provide the kind of environment these people need to enable them to make restitution for their crimes, regain their dignity and reenter society once they have served their terms. Recidivism is high, showing clearly that the system needs new strategies if inmates are to successfully rejoin society. (Koshak,1998) Prison gardens offer people who want to turn their lives around a place to reconnect with their natural rhythms, get healthy exercise in the fresh air, work cooperatively with others and care for the earth in a healing way (Clinebill, 1996). An inmate working in a prison garden can learn job skills, contribute to the common good by growing food for others, and find a focus for their lives post-release (Hynes, 1996). The new Women's Garden at a Corrections Canada facility near Vancouver, British Columbia was inspired by one such program that has run with great success in San Francisco for over a decade.
Catherine Sneed, a lawyer and social worker, initiated and continues to run the best known and most comprehensive prison garden program in North America. Started in 1982 by Sneed after her close call with a life threatening illness, the San Francisco County Jail in San Bruno, California, hosts the Horticulture project for incarcerated people and the Garden Project and Tree Corps for those who have been released. Sneed's purpose is to grow human beings: to give prisoners practical skills and guidelines for living a healthy life as a contributing member of society.
Prisoners cleared away years of weeds, trash and building rubble from the 8 acres adjacent to the county jail to prepare the earth for growing vegetables. The produce that is grown on this land is donated to places where people have the most need such as food banks, housing projects and seniors centres. Prison gardeners take great pride their ability to be part of society. Along with the working skills they learn, program participants also find out how to work cooperatively. Time is often taken to discuss effective ways to resolve dispute, include others in decision making, or find more respectful ways to communicate with each other. After release, graduates of Sneed's program have a much lower incidence of reoffense. (Sneed et al, 2001)
Job preparation and increased social contribution are not the only benefits to getting prisoners gardening. Being close to nature also promotes good mental and physical health. Environmental psychologists Steven and Rachel Kaplan have done studies showing that prisoners who have even a view of trees from cells are less violent than those who don't. People in hospitals recover faster if they can see trees from their hospital beds. (Kaplan, 1982). Gardening is part of learning to live a healthier lifestyle. The newest food guide from the Harvard School of Public Health puts exercise as the base of the pyramid of good health practices followed by the food we eat. Whole grains come next then vegetables followed by fruit. A prison system that wishes to support rehabilitation of its prisoners has the chance to provide this base of the good health pyramid by providing a garden where prisoners can exercise and eat the fruits of their labour.
With all of these benefits in mind, the garden project for the new Corrections Canada women's prison facility in Matsqui has involved the women in-mates in planning and designing the gardens as well as other features on site. Working with the non-profit community naturalization organization Evergreen and Corrections Canada, landscape architect Tracy Penner has used her experience in participatory planning of school grounds and parks to give the women the opportunity to reflect on and choose the kinds of gardens they want to help create and tend on the campus where they are incarcerated. Through a series of workshops with prisoners using power point photo presentations to discuss site analysis and possible design elements as well as hands on planning exercises, the women determined their preferences for the garden. A large vegetable garden, a bridge over a natural rain swale, scented borders, a First Nations sacred area for growing native plants, sweat lodges and teepees, and a view point all scored high on the prisoner's list of interests. After consultation and acceptance by prison staff, these features have been incorporated into a final preferred plan for the site. The resulting masterplan will be used to guide programmes and facilities as they are developed over the next few years. To date, the women have laid out vegetable plots, sculpted a drainage basin, landscaped using both ornamental and native plants and created gardens of First Nations traditional plants. They have planted several trees on site for shade. However, the project is far from complete. The intent is that the program will continue and the garden will be added onto by successive inmates. The next projects to be constructed on site include a communal herb garden for cooking and a labyrinth pathway. Fitness and recreation features are also in the plans.
Just as the work of Catherine Sneed and her staff has shown that people in the prison system can learn to value life and care for it by working in a garden, the Women's Garden has begun to build skills and a sense of how to be part of a community for inmates in Canada. "Families are like gardens. Honour their lives-care for women and children- like you do the plants," instructs one Garden Project coordinator in Sneed's program (Hynes, 1996, p. 43). The next challenge these gardens face is the need for ongoing educational programming to help take full advantage of the opportunities to provide both horticultural training and interpersonal skills for the women. Staff can use the garden as the living environment for teaching not only about gardening but about life. Participants can learn how to take responsibility for their own actions, and what needs to change inside them in order to function effectively and positively in mainstream society. Rehabilitation is part of the work of a garden. As Catherine Sneed says, "A mistake is just the compost for a better garden tomorrow."
The garden is a learning environment that allows people to slow down, listen, look, and learn on many levels. With adequate programming and capable staff, the garden can be used fully as a resource for developing prisoner's skills. When released, these gardeners are more successful at integrating into society, transplants into the urban environment with an ability to grow and adopt healthier, more constructive lifestyles.
Go to the women's garden project to see photos and more information
Anderson, E.N., Ecologies of the Heart: Emotion, Belief and the Environment. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996
Clinebell, H., Ecotherapy: Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth Minnesota: Augsberg Fortress, 1996.
Hynes, H. P., A Patch of Eden, America's Inner-city Gardeners. White River Junction, Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 1996.
Kaplan, R, et al With People in Mind. Washington. DC: Island Press, 1998
Kaplan, R., "The Green Experience" in S. Kaplan & R. Kaplan (Eds.) Humanscape: Environments for People. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan, Ulrich's Inc., 1982
Neusteter Koshak, G. "The Practical Aspects of Incorporating Therapeutic Gardens into Correctional Facilities", Thesis paper, Department of Landscape Architecture. Pomona: California State Polytechnic University, 1998
Sneed, Hennessy, et al, "Why the Garden Project?" 2001 at http://www.gardenproject.org/growpeople/whygp/why_gp.htm
Van Cleef, L. "Gardening Conquers All: How to cut your jail recidivism rates by half" from the San Francisco Chronical Gate, December 18, 2002 at http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2002/12/18/greeng.DTL
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Edward Snowden, The NSA contractor turned whistle blower who has become a people's hero, is still doomed to face the law under the Espionage Act in the 'crime' of revealing the notorious secrets of NSA and other Western security agencies. The Obama administration has denied the 168,000 petitions signed by the people who wanted the administration to set Snowden free of all charges, but instead, the White House is firm in its decision and says that Snowden won't be pardoned in any condition despite his many followers.
The Obama Administration responded to the 'We the People' petition on Tuesday saying, "Instead of constructively addressing these issues, Mr. Snowden's dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it," the response reads.
"If he felt his actions were consistent with civil disobedience, then he should do what those who have taken issue with their own government do: Challenge it, speak out, engage in a constructive act of protest, and — importantly — accept the consequences of his actions. He should come home to the United States, and be judged by a jury of his peers — not hide behind the cover of an authoritarian regime. Right now, he's running away from the consequences of his actions."
Snowden's revelations about the National Security Agency's (NSA) surveillance programs and other similar programs and agencies has been tagged as the 'most devastating release of information' by Rubio, the Staunch defender of the US Patriot Act. He also mentioned that most of the information revealed were inaccurate and wrong. Though, Snowden's actions have been seen by the members of the national security as a breach and harmful to the country's overall security, but he has been considered as a 'national hero' by many common people.
"Mr Snowden's dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it," said Lisa Monaco, Obama's adviser on homeland security and counter-terrorism.
Edward Snowden hasn't responded to the decision of the White house yet, but it seems like Snowden's chances to win this fight is very unlikely, despite of having such massive support.


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The sometimes uneasy alliance between high-tech and sci-fi
As someone who loves high-tech almost as much as I love science fiction, it's been something of an eye-opener to realize that the two have an often-awkward relationship. And this is especially the case for movies or TV shows – watch them again, 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years after they were made, and you'll be amazed at how dated the technology looks.
It's not always the case, of course – movies like Blade Runner push the tech to the background, so it's less noticeable. But in general, just wait 'til you see a computer room or a piece of "state of the art" technology and you'll wince, or laugh, or both.
Generally, 1970s and 1980s "future tech" – especially in BBC TV shows such as Dr Who or Blake's 7 – feature computer consoles as banks of blinking lights, plus good old analog switches. This is the pre-widespread adoption of LED era so the indicator lights are big, round and clunky, or you'll see a bank of square colored buttons. What's most striking is that there's hardly a display panel in place – except perhaps a cryptic, low-tech readout that characters in the drama will study before proclaiming "incoming enemy targets detected in quadrant four, sector five – closing fast!" When there is a display, what's shown is usually a telescope-like view of what's going on "out there", whether this is on the surface or in deep space. Text or even icons on displays is rarely, if ever, shown.
Watch enough 20-plus year-old sci-fi and one thing in particular will jump out: "futuristic alien technology", like that of the Blake's 7 Liberator, is just a joke: the computer room comes straight out of a 1970s IBM publicity shot. Today, this doesn't balance so well with the storylines – for example in one episode a female robot is so realistic that the entire crew are initially duped. Eventually they cotton-on, and open up the side of her head (we aren't treated to the explanation of how they get the "a ha" moment and decide to tear open her skull). When we get to look inside her head, it looks like she's powered by a Sinclair ZX81!
Some shows, such as the 2000s remake of Battlestar Galactica, have taken the tech credibility gap into account and de-tune the technology, or put it into human form, although our real world smartphones and tablets tend to look a lot more advanced that most technology you'll see touted in sci-fi.
That is, except for the ability to beam people around the universe, of course. Popularized in Star Trek and plagiarized in Blake's Seven with a nod to Willy Wonka, real-time matter transfer is still pretty damn cool – and probably extremely fatal.
Also I'm still searching for one piece of technology that I've really, badly wanted since the 1970s: Dr Who's famous sonic screwdriver. To this day haven't found anything in my local hardware store that comes remotely close.
It looks like the staples of the future science fiction world are capabilities such as speeding around the universe at improbable velocities, zapping people with a single shot of a photon gun, and communicating with anyone, at any time, from a handheld device that never needs powering up – and never shows the dreaded "no service" message. Mind you, I shudder to imagine how much Captain Kirk is paying in roaming charges.
Beam me up, Scottie.
Simon Jones, Managing Director, OnPR, GmbH
About this entry
You're currently reading "The sometimes uneasy alliance between high-tech and sci-fi," an entry on OnPR
- Published:
- May 3, 2012 / 12:32 AM
- Category:
- Consumer technology, Enterprise 2.0, gamification


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Best hearted soul in the world
Best hearted soul in the world
Great photo. You've really captured the bond between the pair! 🙂
Thank you, she was such a sweetheart, you have a beautiful pet blog by the way! 🙂
Hi again Chris,
Is that you in the photo with her? She looks like she was a very happy and relaxed dog, you must really miss her.
Oh no don't you will set me off! I have got Trouble by Coldplay playing at the moment as well! Yes it is me, in my room back in CY. I was never her true love though, she loved my Grandfather so much, she really was more than a pet to the family. She would limp like my nan did as well it would always crack me up
It's always hard when you lose a beloved pet. But she will always have a special place in your heart and you will remember the good times much more than this sad time.
Thank you, how's the weather in CY by the way? Starting to cool down?
Yes, in the high 20s at the moment and finally we don't need to use the A/C in the bedroom at night. Still managing to swim in the timeshare club pool though! Will be off up there in a little while…
Aww.. such a cute picture of both of you. you look so young here 😀 well I guess you do all the time 😛 I think its the small smile 🙂 Did you lose her recently? 😦
Yeah almost 3 years ago but seems like yesterday! I am really young in this one was taken like 6 years ago!


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It takes talented and energetic people to support a successful organization every year. Whatever the role, you will find that each member of our staff makes an important impact on our organization. Capital Area United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering many challenging and rewarding employment opportunities.
Current opportunities at CAUW:
If you are interested in a career with Capital Area United Way, please email your resume to Laura Daigle, Director of Human Relations and Operations, at email@example.com


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DJ The Bear
DJ The Bear is from the big city and loves city life. His favorite music is Hip-Hop and R&B as far back as old school rap giants such as RUN-DMC and Beastie Boys to 2Pac, Jay-Z and Outkast. He is always ready to DJ a nap time party and lull you and your little one to sleep with some of his favorite jams. DJ The Bear is the original Jammy Jam and is excited to meet more friends of the Jammy Jams world and invite them over to his crib!


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Sight, Hearing & Senses Injury Claims Solicitors Glasgow, Shawlands & East Kilbride, Scotland
If you have suffered an injury to your sight or hearing in the last three years, and it wasn't your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Injuries to the senses almost always have devastating and long-term consequences.
Losing your sight or hearing is devastating – more so if someone else is to blame. Eye injuries and injuries to the hearing are commonly caused by workplace injuries and medical negligence.
Injuries to hearing and sight can be caused in a number of ways – blows to the head, injuries to the organs themselves or illness brought on by medical malpractice can cause or contribute to the loss of sight or hearing. If you or a loved one has suffered injury to the senses, we can help.


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Initial Capital Contributions
Initial capital contributions in an equity share agreement are the initial costs of buying the property. These include the down payments made on the property, closing costs, and -if the seller is participating in the equity share- any owners equity previously held.
Closing costs can be tricky to define in an equity share. If the seller is remaining as part owner in the equity share, the inclusion of the sellers closing costs as an initial capital contribution will need to be negotiated between the equity sharing parties. In other words, the issue will be that of who pays the seller's closing costs, the seller or the buyer.
Property taxes and homeowners insurance should not be included as initial capital contributions. Although they are generally pre-paid at the time of purchase along with closing costs, they are pre-paid expenses and not capital contributions.


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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Univision Communications Inc. (UCI), the leading media company serving Hispanic America, and the rising, diverse American mainstream, today announced that Randy Falco will retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer. He will remain an advisor to the Company through the end of 2018 to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Directors has appointed Vincent Sadusky, former Chief Executive Officer of Media General, to succeed Falco as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2018. Sadusky will also become a member of the Univision Board of Directors.
Haim Saban, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UCI, said, "Over the last eight years, Randy has led the transformation of UCI into a modern media organization with a diverse portfolio of assets, sterling brands and content that audiences and marketers want, backed by strong earnings growth, a significantly improved balance sheet and a team of motivated and purpose-driven employees. Randy has always recognized and embraced Univision as an incredibly unique company with a mission and vision that goes well beyond traditional media. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Randy for his leadership, commitment and partnership, and congratulate him on his retirement."
Falco commented, "Leading UCI has been one of the most personally and professionally rewarding experiences of my life. So much has changed – and will continue to change – in the media landscape but through it all one thing remains true: no other media company serves and supports Hispanic America like UCI, something that is more important than ever in our world today. I believe wholeheartedly in UCI's mission and vision and am confident that the Company will remain on a path for continued success with Vince leading the way."
Sadusky, 53, brings to Univision a wealth of knowledge and experience in the media industry and a track record as an effective and innovative leader. He most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Media General from 2014 to 2017, where he helped build a more comprehensive, integrated and competitive offering across all of its markets for the benefit of customers, advertisers and brands. Prior to that, Sadusky served as President and Chief Executive Officer of LIN Media where he helped improve ratings, enhanced LIN's top-rated television station operations, drove digital and subscriber growth and oversaw the expansion of local news. Sadusky also played a critical role overseeing the LIN Media's merger with Media General. Earlier in his career, Sadusky held several executive positions at Telemundo Communications, Inc., including Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Saban continued, "Vince is distinctly qualified to lead UCI through the next phase of its growth, given his impressive track record of leadership, vision, deep industry experience and relationships. This is a unique moment for UCI, and we believe that we have the right strategy and team in place to execute on the opportunities in front of us. On behalf of the entire Board, we look forward to working with Vince to achieve great success for UCI."
Sadusky commented, "It's an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as CEO of UCI, a company I have long admired for its important mission to serve as a lifeline and advocate for its community, and the strong bonds it has built with its audience. I am eager to work with UCI's talented team to enhance the Company's leadership position and underscore its crucial role as a source of news and information. Over the last few months, UCI has taken a number of steps to evolve and thrive in today's rapidly changing media environment and I am committed to ensuring the Company is in the best position possible to serve its audiences for decades to come."
Univision continues to hold its strong leadership position as it finished as the No. 1 Spanish-language network in primetime for the 26th consecutive year during May 2018 Sweep and the 2017-2018 broadcast season, outperforming Telemundo by double-digit audience advantages among Total Viewers 2+, Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34. Univision also ranked as the No. 1 network during primetime, regardless of language, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, among Hispanic Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Total Viewers 2+. Additionally, Univision Deportes Network (UDN) remains the No. 1 Spanish-language cable sports network, delivering record-breaking ratings for May in primetime, up +86% since the same time period in 2015. UDN delivered two-times more viewers Adults 18-49 than Fox Deportes, ESPN Deportes, and beIN combined in May.
Sadusky has been an active participant in the media industry throughout his career, serving as a board member of Hemisphere Media Group, the National Association of Broadcasters and NBC Affiliates. Sadusky currently serves on the board of directors of International Game Technology. He received a Master of Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Pennsylvania State University, where he was a University Scholar.
Visit corporate.univision.com for more information on UCI, and follow @UCIPRTeam on Twitter and Instagram.
About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a chief content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the top networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country, available in approximately 88% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network available in approximately 82% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language entertainment cable network, as well as UDN (Univision Deportes Network), the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language sports cable network, Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to telenovelas, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to international news, and an additional suite of cable offerings - De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson and Telehit; an investment in El Rey Network, a general entertainment English-language cable network; Univision Local Media, which owns and/or operates 63 television stations and 58 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Now, a direct-to-consumer, on demand and live streaming subscription service; Univision.com, the most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. Hispanics; and Uforia, a music application featuring multimedia music content. The Company also includes assets that serve young, diverse audiences. This includes news and lifestyle English-language cable network FUSION TV and a collection of leading digital brands that span a range of categories: technology (Gizmodo), sports (Deadspin), lifestyle (Lifehacker), modern women's interests (Jezebel), news and politics (Splinter), African American news and culture (The Root), gaming (Kotaku), Environment (Earther), and car culture (Jalopnik). Additionally, UCI has ownership in comedy and news satire brands The Onion, Clickhole, The A.V. Club and The Takeout. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has content creation facilities and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit corporate.univision.com.


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Child found in hotel fountain is clinging to life
The 1 1/2-year-old boy found not breathing in a fountain at the Hyatt Regency hotel in San Francisco was hospitalized in "life-threatening condition" Thursday, a police spokesman said.
Sgt. Michael Andraychak said there had been no change in the boy's condition since Wednesday, when officers called to the hotel by the boy's mother pulled him from the fountain and revived him using CPR.
The mother called police around 1:20 p.m. after she lost track of the boy in the hotel. The incident appeared to be an accident, a Fire Department spokeswoman said.
The boy's name has not been released.
Pete Hillan, a spokesman for the Hyatt, said the toddler had been found near a Christmas tree at the end of a 29-inch-deep trough that drains the fountain. He said it is the "first time (the hotel) has had an accident" with the fountain since it was built in 1973.
The hotel emptied the fountain Thursday and erected 3-foot-high barriers around the trough as "a temporary solution," Hillan said.
"It really provides safety and security ... that would allow us to prevent anyone from having access to the trough and give us time to put together a more permanent design," he said.


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Search Results
Bosnia and Herzegovina »
Source: Bosnia and Herzegovina : Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper-Mid-Term Development Strategy
Volume/Issue: 2004/114
Series: IMF Staff Country Reports
Author(s): International Monetary Fund
Publisher: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
Publication Date: 27 April 2004
Keywords: debt, revenues, budget, interest, public administration
Poverty risk is most marked for children, displaced persons and returnees, unemployed, and people with low education. Basic goals of the macroeconomic framework of the mid-term development strategy of Bosnia and He...
Foreign Direct Investment in Southeastern Europe »
Source: Foreign Direct Investment in Southeastern Europe : How (and How Much) Can Policies Help?
Volume/Issue: 2005/110
Series: IMF Working Papers
Author(s): Elina Ribakova , Balázs Horváth , Dimitri Demekas , and Yi Wu
Publisher: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
Publication Date: 01 June 2005
Keywords: Southeastern Europe, fdi, direct investment, host country, foreign investment, Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models: Models with Panel Data, Socialist Systems and Transitional Economies: Performance and Prospects,
Gravity factors explain a large part of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Southeastern Europe-a region not comprehensively covered before in econometric studies-but hostcountry policies also matter. Key ar...


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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn, Asheville NC: A Lovely Dusting of Snow in Asheville
A beautiful addition to the Holiday spirit in Asheville, North Carolina came overnight. It's a gorgeous dusting of snow. Not enough snow to slow things down very much, but enough to get some lovely photos at the Bed and Breakfast and to make the Montford Historic District in Asheville, NC even more magical.
Truth-be-told, this has always been my favorite kind of snowfall, what I call, "designer snow"! It's around just long enough to remind you of the Nutcracker Ballet, of Christmas cookies and Gingerbread Houses, of Christmas cards...and then it's gone and the driving is back to normal.
Visit Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn in Asheville, NC and maybe, if you're lucky and you're not in a hurry, you'll experience a little magical holiday snowfall, too!
Posted by Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast, Asheville NC at 12:45 PM
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Today is International Women's Day. A day to appreciate the women in your life, think about your own life as a woman and remember what has come before us. This post isn't about social media (though I love how I see conversations everywhere I look on days like this) but about being a woman in business.
I feel very fortunate in my career. As a woman, if I had been born 50 years earlier (and I don't even want to think about 100 years ago), I definitely wouldn't have been able to do what I do and have done.
Instead, the amazing women who came before me paved the way so that in 2013 I don't ever believe that my gender can hold me back from what I want.
I want to thank them
I want to thank the women who made these things possible:
I can vote.
I am not deemed my husband's property.
I can get any kind of job that I want - even in management!
I can command respect as a professional.
I can be an entrepreneur.
So many incredible women have been my role models and helped shape my career. My mother. The incredible women I've worked for (almost all of my managers and directors have been women). Fellow entrepreneurs. The women in my industry I admire (Mari Smith, Gini Ditriech, Amy Porterfield). The women who have believed in my ideas and jumped into all my project ideas with both feet.
Most of all, my business partner. Karen was my business partner for a long time before we made it official. Together we're building so many new things we can't wait to share with you!
We're not done though. For all the changes that have happened, women still don't earn what men do and expectations of women's and men's roles are still skewed towards men. We need to keep being aware of the change that still needs to happen while appreciating what already has.
Women can do amazing things! What women have impacted your life as a career woman?


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I profess that I tend to be an adolescent minded Christian . It's true. By and large, I live my Christian life like a middle school kid playing Cowboys and Indians. Cops and Robbers. Good Guys v. Bad Guys.
I study theology. But not so I can attain intimacy with Christ. I study so that I can feel right about myself. It's a way of loading my gun. I pride myself on knowing the right things about God, on being Orthodox. I want to be Orthodox so that I can hide myself inside an iron clad fortress of Theology, the way a Sheriff might barricade himself inside the jail when the bad guys come to town. I surround my Orthodoxy with a plethora of hired guns – Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, Spurgeon, Piper, and Keller. I recruit all the deputies I can, just in case a fight breaks out. I pin the tin star of my pastoral position right above my heart as proof of my Legitimacy. The star sparkles and shines and says "Sheriff" in bold letters and it gleams bright in the high noon sun.
I love to chase after bad guys: to go after "black-hatted" pastors and"half-shaven" theologians whom I consider 'borderline' apostate. I sit on the high ridge of theological integrity with my Westminster Winchester, cocked and ready, waiting to spot a stain-lipped false prophet. This gives me a cock-eyed sense of purpose and a mis-guided sense of clarity; a satisfied feeling that I'm able to discern the bad guys from the good guys and affirms that I'm on the good guys' side. I'm the Sheriff. I'm the Law. The Man. I keep the theological outlaws on lock down. I wear a white hat. I carry a big gun. And If need be, I know how to gather a posse and set out after the renegades, whether it be the Osteen Gang or the McLaren Boys. I'm not afraid. I have a job to do, and by-god, I aim to do it.
But it's just a game. In reality, I'm just an imaginative middle schooler. My Orthodoxy is the warm bed that I sleep in at night, pulling the covers over my head, like a little kid reading the comics with a flash light; reading the great feats of "real" superheroes; guys that I imagine also shoot up bad guys and protect the townspeople. With my white hat hanging on the bedpost, I dream, "Maybe someday, when I grow up, I will be just like Calvin?"
Now, to be clear, the Gospel I trust in is the true Gospel. I believe that. But it's the true Gospel in the hands of a child. Instead of the Gospel operating as it should, as the life-giving reality of the Risen Christ pouring the Grace of Jesus out on me, a sinner – Grace that forgives my idolatry, arrests my Heart, humbles my arrogance, pours contempt on my pride, and fills my heart with the Love of God – the Gospel simply becomes a weapon. Something I use to protect myself. Something I use to scare people.
Oh Jesus! Help me. Convict me with the truth of the Gospel. Help me to remember that the Gospel is You. It is all about You, the God of the Universe, The Risen Christ, offering yourself to me, a half-cocked renegade who, under the guise of Orthodoxy, misuses Your Gospel for my own little playground game. I am not the good guy. I'm the bad guy. I am an 'Osteen' and a 'McLaren'. Only I am worse. Because I am the kid who has broken into his Father's Gun closet and high-jacked a real gun. I treat The Gospel like my own little toy, when all the while, it's real and it's loaded. I'm just too dumb to know it. I'm not a Sheriff. I'm an infantile outlaw, playing about with religion, tossing around the Cross, making shooting sounds with my mouth as I fire off each bible bullet. I am a dangerous man. Playing childrens' games with a real live loaded weapon.
God, please damn my adolescent idolatry. Help me to grow up. To stop pretending. To realize that life is not a game and that the Gospel is not a Gun.


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TurboCone improves chip separation and collector bag packing efficiency
The cone eliminates premature filter clogging for sustained performance
Remote-controlled digital timer can be programmed for up to 99 minutes
All-metal duct construction for rigidity and improved air flow
2-micron canister filters offer over six times filtering surface area of standard bags
The large impeller is powered by a 3HP motor for peak performance
Triple 4" dust ports allow for several hoses to be attached at the same time
Collection bags use a snap ring for rapid installation/removal
10 cubic feet collection bag capacity reduces number of bag changes
Four swivel casters for easy maneuverability
Air flow @ 4" (CFM): 236
Air flow @ 6" (CFM): 860
Air flow @ 8" (CFM): 1,782
Number of air inlets: 1(8") or 3(4")
Efficiency (Micron): 2
Static pressure (WC): 11.31
Sound rating (DB): 86 - 92
Bag diameter: 20"
Collection bag capacity (Cu. Ft.): 10
Collection bag length: 30"
Filter bag/canister length: 26"
Impeller diameter: 14"
Impeller fins: 7
Impeller material: Steel
1-hose connection diameter: 8"
3-hoses connection diameter: 4"
Motor power (HP): 3
Motor phase: 1
Motor voltage (V.): 230 only
Motor current (Amps): 15
Recommended circuit size (Amps.): 30
Please wait...


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Germany's VILDE SVANER
VILDE SVANER is a sustainably produced European line with a very wearable men's collection. The aim of VILDE SVANER is to conciliate ecological and economical sustainability with a way of aesthetically challenging fashion. That is why VILDE SVANER uses only organic and sustainable fabrics and establishes a transparent production process for the customer.
Their garments are made from recycled mens shirts or organic cotton, and everything is dyed and manufactured locally in Germany.
They do use some leather in accessories, but I've spoken to designer Anne Gorke, and they are seriously considering switching over to an eco-friendly faux, which I think is a brilliant idea!
Joshua Katcher


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Crispy Oven-Fried Cod
7 comments
Love your attitude! Hilarious.
I've got a Labrabull and she loves to stick her head between our legs. Best dog we ever owned. Love her to death.
You had me at "vodka bottle!" Glad I was searching for a cod recipe tonight, your site looks fun – I will be back to check it out more later!
Wow….this does look amazing. xoxo off to check it out. I love cod. Happy rest of the week to you.
You bet Jenny! I'm here for ya Chica! 🙂
I love this! Cod is the only seafood I will eat, hubby won't eat any at all. I've been hungry for it lately, but don't care for the pre-battered crap, but not being experienced with fish, wasn't sure how to cook it on my own. Thanks!
Comments are closed.


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ORSANCO operates four datasondes with telemetry systems. The systems are located at Pike Island Locks and Dam, Meldahl Locks and Dam, Markland Locks and Dam, and Newburgh Locks and Dam. Sensors on these datasondes collect pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, and Chlorophyll a data every 30 minutes. Data is collected during the primary HAB season.
2015 Ohio River Harmful Algae Bloom
On August 19, 2015, ORSANCO received a report of a "green sheen" on the Ohio River at Pike Island Locks and Dam (mile 84.2) which covered 100 by 200 feet. This green sheen was quickly identified as a bloom of the blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa.
Over the next month, this bloom expanded to cover the Ohio River from Pike Island L&D to Cannelton L&D (river mile 84.2 to 720.7). Below Cannelton L&D there were intermittent patches of the bloom but not a continuous coverage. The bloom reached its peak around September 23, 2015 after which point it began to decay. The bloom was determined to be over by the last week of October.
Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana issued recreation advisories for the Ohio River as the bloom extended into their areas. Illinois issued a precautionary statement concerning recreation in the river due to concern that the bloom would reach their border. After the bloom ended these recreation advisories were lifted.
During the event ORSANCO collected 150 samples from the Ohio River, which were analyzed for the toxin microcystin. Finished drinking water was sampled by either the water utilities or State personnel. Analysis of the samples was conducted either by ELISA or LC/MS. No toxins were detected in finished drinking water. Of the samples collected by ORSANCO, 15 (or 10%) were greater than 6 ug/L. The highest toxin concentration was 1900 ug/L at river mile 468.8 (Cincinnati, OH). View the 2015 sampling results.


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SBA Loans
by Gerri Detweiler
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that helps entrepreneurs manage their businesses and gain access to capital. SBA loans have some of the lowest interest rates available, but usually require strong personal and/or business credit. The SBA pre-screens loan applicants with FICO's SBSS score, a small business credit score. Most businesses, even younger ones, can qualify for an SBA loan–but having a limited business history makes it more difficult.
Nav is the ONLY source for both personal and business credit access. See advice on how to build your business credit, get funding and save money. Get Started For Free
What You Need to Know About SBA Loans
|Very low interest rates
|Lengthy paperwork
|Longer repayment terms
|Longer wait time
|Very low down payment
|Requires good credit
|Available for many uses
|May require collateral
|Helps build business credit
Best Uses for SBA Loans:
- Working capital
- Purchasing equipment
- Purchasing commercial real estate
- Refinancing
- Acquiring other businesses
Nav's verdict:
Go for it! SBA loan applications require time, effort and good credit. But they also have some of the lowest interest rates and most favorable repayment terms available. The money you could save is well worth the effort.
SBA Loan Offers
SBA Loan by SmartBiz
SBA Express Loan by Celtic Bank
Instantly see your top options for business loans and credit cards based your business's needs using Nav's MatchFactor technology. See my match scores for free.


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We often get bogged down by the daily minutiae and forget about the bigger picture. On the day of his death, Jack Layton reminds us that we can be the greatest country on earth:
Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
Jack Layton
July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011


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Kim Dotcom is offering a $5m (£3m) "bounty" to whistleblowers for information to help fight an online piracy case brought by the US.
The Megaupload founder, who is resisting extradition from New Zealand, said he had to resort to offering the money because the deck was stacked against him in one of the largest copyright infringement cases ever brought.
"My case is unfair," the German national tweeted. "I was declined discovery, I didn't get my own data back, I need whistleblowers I am offering USD $5M."
Dotcom, whose Megaupload empire was shut down in January 2012, has long argued that US authorities, aided by close ally New Zealand, illegally targeted him at the behest of Hollywood studios.
He told technology news website TorrentFreak.com that the multimillion dollar offer was aimed at helping him prove that allegation.
"We are asking for information that proves unlawful or corrupt conduct by the US government, the New Zealand government, spy agencies, law enforcement and Hollywood," he said.
"It is the opinion of my legal team that disclosure of such information would be lawful. I would also guarantee any whistleblower coming forward would have the best legal representation at zero cost."
Dotcom's extradition hearing is scheduled to begin in Auckland on 7 July although it has already been delayed several times amid legal wrangling over evidence disclosure.
If the 40-year-old and his three co-accused are sent to the US they will face charges of racketeering, money laundering and copyright theft, carrying potential jail terms of 20 years.
The US justice department and FBI claim Megaupload and related sites netted more than $175 m in criminal proceeds, and cost copyright owners more than $500m by offering pirated copies of movies, TV shows and other content.
Major music labels and the film industry in the US have also filed lawsuits against the filesharing site. Dotcom has launched a new venture called Mega while on bail.


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Decorating kitchen walls can be tough. I'm not a huge fan of store bought decor anyway but the "kitchen themed" stuff really turns me off. If you follow me you know, I love wings and I've told you how I have them in almost every room of my home. They would be in every room but […]
Happy Apple/Sad Apple- Experimenting With The Power Of Your Thoughts & Words
Hey friends! I'm sharing a post today that makes my inner science geek quake! It has nothing to do with chemically producing a patina or anything like that. It's all about the power of your mind! Even better, right? Let me back up to February when a sweet friend shared a book that challenged me […]Pin It
Old Story, New Life- A Family Heirloom reFreshed
If you've followed me for long, you know I am kinda passionate about my work! It's not just about painting furniture for me. The real joy comes from the friends I make in the process. I'm always honored when people afford me the opportunity to become part of their home's story. This piece brought me […]Pin It
Resuscitating Furniture- A Dresser Makeover
If you follow me on Instagram (and if not, whatcha waiting for?) you've seen me use the hashtag #painttherapy often. It's fitting for me because my work really is therapy. Not only am I providing it to the furniture, I receive it! The last two weeks have brought some serious patients into the shop. Today I'm […]Pin It
Love and Happiness- Transforming Furniture with Paint and Paper
Meet "The Reverend"! He took me on adventures this week and most importantly, ministered to my soul! My client, Julie, had been searching for months when she ran across his sweet face! It was pure joy to reFresh him but the true reFreshing came FROM him Julie brought me an old hymn book, bookmarked with all her […]Pin It
Repurposed Goodnesss-My Favorite Headboard Upcycles
Upcycling rocks! Giving an unwanted item new life is so very rewarding! Seeing an item beyond it's intended purpose can be a challenge though. I think some people are just naturally creative but I also believe it is a learned skill- once you have that "ah-hah" or "why didn't I think of that" moment, you begin to look […]Pin It
The Finishing Touch- Your Guide To Decorative Furniture Finishing
Hand. Over. Mouth. I'm so excited to present this baby to y'all! You've been there to support me through the long, arduous gestation. You've offered words of encouragement and helped me through the painful pushing process. I'm so excited you're here to meet this new love of mine! I give you, "The Finishing Touch"! {Make […]Pin It


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Partners and Certifications
Why Synetek?
Microsoft Silver Partner
The Microsoft Midmarket Solution Provider competency further demonstrates our commitment and knowledge in providing solutions based on the most current technology and IT-solutions to help midmarket businesses with their unique challenges.
VMware Professional Partner
VMware is the global leader in virtualization solutions from the desktop to the data center, with 2007 revenues of $1.33 billion, more than 120,000 customers and more than 20,000 partners. Customers of all sizes rely on VMware to reduce capital and operating expenses, ensure business continuity, strengthen security and go green.
HP Partner
HP delivers technologies and services that are right for you. With HP you get reliable technologies, our portfolio of Total Care services and support, a global ecosystem of partners— and complete confidence that HP and its partners will stand behind your business each and every step of the way.
ConnectWise is the leading provider of workflow-driven automation for the IT industry, serving thousands of partner clients and thousands of users. Our flagship product, ConnectWise PSA, is an end-to-end, integrated solution that completely meets the needs of IT services companies, IT managed service providers and IT consulting companies.
SonicWALL Partner
Security, firewalls, VPNs, and content filtering could not be simpler than with the Sonicwall products. You can link multiple sites via secure VPN, and access your computer systems from home or while on the road. For small and medium sized businesses, these products will give you great features at a great price.
Microsoft Certified Partner
Microsoft Certified Partners are independent companies that can provide you with a high level of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. Microsoft Certified Partners encompass a broad range of expertise and vendor affiliations and their real world perspective can help you prioritize and effectively deliver your technology solutions.
Microsoft Small Business Specialist
Microsoft Small Business Specialists are partners who recognize that small-business customers have IT needs and who are able to meet those needs with high-quality solutions built on Microsoft technologies. The solutions are configured according to customer requirements and are supported to ensure customer satisfaction.
American Power Conversion (APC) is a leading manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and surge protection products for end-to-end legendary reliability.
Reflexion Networks provides a range of hosted email services that are differentiated by their ease of implementation and use, their unique features and effectiveness, and their affordability.
Kaseya is a global provider of IT automation software for IT Solution Providers and Public and Private Sector IT organizations. Kaseya's IT Automation Framework allows IT Professionals to proactively monitor, manage and maintain distributed IT infrastructure remotely, easily and efficiently with one integrated Web based platform.
AppAssure Software is an industry-leading manufacturer of application backup and recovery software. Considered a pioneer of the "Backup 2.0" movement, AppAssure products are designed to go beyond protecting data alone, protecting entire application infrastructures and ensuring rapid recovery in the event of system failures. Committed to ensuring reliable and affordable application backup and recovery that is available to every organization, AppAssure Software leverages cutting-edge technologies to reduce storage footprints, shrink recovery times, and make certain that applications can be recovered to any point in time, from the datacenter or from the cloud.
Lenovo strives to be a new world company that makes award-winning PCs for our customers. Lenovo develops, manufactures and markets cutting-edge, reliable, high-quality PC products that provide our Business Partners worldwide the smartest ways of being productive and competitive.
Data Robotics, the company that is changing the way the world stores digital content, develops automated storage products designed to ensure data is always protected, accessible and simple to manage.
Dell PartnerDirect Preferred
Dell PartnerDirect is an international channel partner program that provides partners with business development, sales and marketing resources.


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Can Obama flip-flop? All together, now: Yes, he can
Barack Obama promised last year that he would "aggressively pursue" a deal with his eventual Republican opponent to take public financing for the election. But then, with the help of some politically savvy dot.com supporters in California, his campaign devised an innovative Internet fund-raising plan that brought in an enormous amount of money – not from the usual fat cats but from some 1.5 million donors whose average contribution was $88. Accepting public financing would shut off that money spigot. So voters learned a lesson: Can Sen. Obama change his mind when it's to his advantage? Yes, he can.
Sen. McCain, who had difficulty deciding whether he wanted to be in or out of the public financing system, probably won't benefit much from Sen. Obama's flip-flop. Voters don't seem concerned about campaign financing, which is one reason well-funded special interest groups wield so much power in politics.
In fact, there's a lot wrong with the public financing system. Bob Hall, a reform leader who has helped bring about public financing of some N.C. campaigns, says the national program doesn't "provide sufficient funds for a candidate to mount a truly competitive campaign across the nation, without relying on unregulated spending by outside groups. Nor does it compensate for the candidate who opts out of the program by providing additional matching money to the opponent who stays in the program. Barack Obama's decision may have been different if the program provided twice the money it now does (that would still be less than $1 per voting-age citizen) and/or awarded matching money to John McCain for every dollar Obama raised above a fixed limit."
The 2008 contest is likely to be the first $1 billion presidential campaign. Joan Claybrook, president of the reform group Public Citizen, notes, "Most of this money will be coming from the very same wealthy corporations and industry groups that have business pending before the federal government, and they expect favors, access and even jobs in return."
That may not be true for Sen. Obama. But in politics, as in other fields of human endeavor, to some extent you get what you pay for. Americans should keep a close eye on who's paying for political campaigns.


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Recent Advancements in Neuromuscular Medicine, An Issue of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics, Volume 23-1
1st Edition
Authors: Gregory Carter
Hardcover ISBN: 9781455739172
eBook ISBN: 9781455743063
Imprint: Saunders
Published Date: 7th February 2012
This issue will cover: sinle muscle fiber electrophysiology, skinned muscle fibers, magnetic resonance imaging in muscular dystrophy, ultrasound of nerve and muscle, microgenomics of the motor neuron system, and electrodiagnostic studies in animal models.
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © Saunders 2012
- Published:
- 7th February 2012
- Imprint:
- Saunders
- Hardcover ISBN:
- 9781455739172
- eBook ISBN:
- 9781455743063
About the Authors
Gregory Carter Author
Affiliations and Expertise
University of Washington
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It's time for a new Loving Lately post! In case you missed the last one, take a look here. I absolutely love writing about the ish I am into and currently there's a lot. From natural skin care to toxic-free home cleaning supplies and my latest activewear obsessions, here's a little overview of what I'm loving at the moment.
There's some promo codes for you guys below in case you want to try some of the things for yourself, so keep your eyes open for those!


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Suggest going out for Szechuan cuisine, and many people immediately envision platters of hot, spicy food—the kind that has you gulping down copious amounts of water all evening in an attempt to soothe your burning taste buds. People are often surprised to discover that at least one-third of the recipes that make up Szechuan cuisine are not spicy at all. That is not to say that Szechuan's reputation for producing "mouth burners" is undeserved. But, along with fiery classics such as "Hot and Numbing Fish" and "Kung Pao Chicken," Szechuan is the home of "Tea Smoked Duck"—a fascinating dish made by smoking a duck over tea leaves.
Moreover, the chili peppers that have made Szechuan cooking famous are a relatively recent addition. It was Christopher Columbus who brought chili peppers back with him from his travels (on behalf of the Spanish crown) in what he mistakenly took to be the Orient, and which we now know was somewhere in the Bahamas. By the time the intrepid, Genoa-born Italian explorer set foot in the New World, chili peppers were flourishing throughout South America, the Caribbean, and Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America). Most sources state Columbus named the plant himself, christening it pimentito or "pepper" out of a mistaken belief that he had discovered black pepper.
It is unclear precisely how chili peppers were introduced to Szechuan, a landlocked, mountain-ringed region in western China. The most accepted view is that Indian missionaries brought chilies with them during their travels along China's famous Silk Route - a series of pathways originally constructed during the Han dynasty for military and strategic purposes, that subsequently gained more importance as a major trade route. Another theory is that they were brought in by Chinese merchants trading with Portuguese and Spanish sailors at various seaports. In any event, today chili peppers are an indispensable feature of Chinese regional cuisine. Dried peppers are frequently used in Szechuan dishes, while cooks favor fresh peppers in the neighboring province of Hunan.
Tip - Ever hear the expression "Oil and water don't mix"? It's true, which is why drinking water doesn't help combat the effects of spicy foods. Since most spices are oily the water just rolls over the spice. Eat rice instead - it absorbs the hot chili oil. Beer or milk also help.
However, this does not mean that Szechuan cooks had no way of producing heat prior to Columbus' transatlantic voyage. Szechuan pepper is another important ingredient in Szechuan cooking. Also known as pepper flower, Chinese pepper, and fagara, Szechuan pepper is not a pepper at all. Instead, the reddish-brown fruit—one of the ingredients in five spice powder—is a berry that comes from the prickly ash tree. While not as hot as chili pepper, it does have a unique flavor and is famous for its numbing effect on the tongue.
Of course, all of this begs the question: how did the Szechuanese develop their taste for fiery cuisine? One common explanation is that Szechuan's muggy, humid climate encourages people to eat strongly spiced foods. There's more to it than that, however. Szechuan dishes often contain many flavors, such as sweet, sour, bitter, hot, salty, aromatic, and fragrant. Hot foods like red chili stimulate the palate, making it more sensitive to all these flavors. In addition, they cleanse the palate in preparation for the next dish. Still, it's interesting to note that highly seasoned foods are primarily a feature of Szechuan home cooking - peppery hot dishes are never served at formal banquets.
Foods Featured in Szechuan Cooking
Chili peppers, Szechuan pepper, garlic, salt, and dried and pickled ingredients such as Szechuan preserved vegetable. Beef, lamb, and pork, although the Szechuanese eat less pork than neighboring Hunan, which is famous for its ham.
Cooking methods: Szechuan cooks employ a variety of cooking methods, from stir-frying to roasting and simmering. Twice Cooked Pork, where the pork is first boiled and then stir-fried, is a classic regional dish.
"Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think."
(Chinese proverb)


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Ophthalmologist: Glasses Hillary Wore Used to Treat Double Vision Common to Severe Head Trauma
What difference, at this point, does it make?
New York ophthalmologist Dr. Marc Werner told FOX News that the glasses Hillary wore to the Benghazi hearing in January 2013.
The Daily Mail reported:
A prominent New York ophthalmologist believes that a special pair of glasses worn by former former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are the type used to treat the double vision sometimes caused by severe head trauma.
In an interview with Fox News, Dr. Marc Werner said the glasses had a Fresnel prism.
'In order to see one object, your eyes need to be pointed in the same direction. If your eyes are misaligned, one way to optically align them is to put a prism … on your glasses,' he said.
Karl Rove recently called Clinton's health into question as he speculated on her time in the hospital in December 2012.
She was reportedly fighting a stomach virus when she fell at home, hit her head, and suffered a concussion.


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With few remaining options for enacting major public policy before the November election, Democrats instead are looking to set a political trap for Republicans on income inequality issues and hoping the GOP takes the bait.
According to several sources, some Republicans, especially on the Senate side, are reluctant to have House Budget Committee Chairman Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., push forward with his annual budget framework, which he telegraphed this week would focus on the federal government's antipoverty programs. Senate Republicans, several of whom are caught between primary challengers on the right and Democratic upstarts on the left, would rather talk about something else, as opposed to being forced to contend with issues better suited to the Democratic party line.
"You are correct they have a vote count problem and that has led to concern on our side. We have better issues on which we can message," said a Senate Republican aide, of the cross-chamber view of Ryan's potential budget unveiling.
Ryan and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., already have set topline numbers for this fiscal year and next, and Murray has said she will not produce a budget this year. With those spending levels, it could be hard for House Republicans to actually pass the budget, given the 62 GOP defectors on the 2013 Murray-Ryan agreement.
"We don't have any announcements to make at this time. It is Chairman Ryan's intent to again put forward a balanced budget," a Ryan spokesman said in an e-mail.
But perhaps more significant in the GOP's calculations, assuming there is a regard for Senate Republicans' political needs from their House counterparts, is that since 2010, Senate Democrats have used Ryan's budgets as a political weapon against Republicans, and are sure to do so again.
The potential political "trap" goes like this: Democrats, through a series of messaging votes and initiatives from the White House, make "income inequality" issues — extending expired unemployment benefits, raising the minimum wage — the centerpiece of their 2014 midterm narrative.
Republicans, in turn, respond to these messaging efforts by trying to engage on the issue. Republican senators such as Tim Scott of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida already have given speeches to these ends. And on Monday, Ryan unveiled a 204-page report assessing the failures of federal antipoverty programs.
Once Ryan releases his budget blueprint — if he does — Democrats plan to attack him and House Republicans, as they have for years, for slashing safety net programs to balance the budget. For their part, Democrats are happy Republicans are playing on their turf.
"House Republicans are realizing that the major issue that's affecting the American people is the decline of incomes for the middle class and people below the middle class. ... We may not agree with their solutions, but I think it's a good step that they're focusing on these things now rather than some other stuff," Sen. Charles E. Schumer said Tuesday.
When reminded of previous Democratic messaging efforts, largely led by the New York Democrat himself, Schumer added the following caveat: "Well, I haven't seen the whole Ryan budget this year, but I imagine most of it is going to be similar to last time — where he's trying to dramatically cut things that will help the middle class grow, like education, infrastructure, scientific research. It's not going to work."
A Senate Democratic aide conceded the political nature of budgets in a way that underscored this dynamic: "A lot of these political debates aren't necessarily won or lost on the answers to questions, but what you can frame as the important question, and on that front, we feel like we've already won."
That has some Republicans asking why give Democrats an easy messaging issue when control of the Senate is in play. With President Barack Obama's approval ratings hovering around 40 percent, and almost a complete disregard of his budget release Tuesday, these Republicans believe that other messages would be clearer and more effective.
But other Republicans dismiss the idea that attacking Ryan's budget brings much political advantage to otherwise struggling Democrats.
"I don't think the Democratic talking points on our budget [are as] effective as they think they are," said one GOP aide. "I think they'd love to find an issue that would become a national issue to combat the general fatigue with the Obama presidency."
And even some Democrats admit that what's said on the ground by candidates plays a more significant role in voters' decisions than national narratives.
"At the risk of going off-script, I don't think the problem is Paul Ryan, I think it's the ideas that all these candidates support and that's what will have big consequences in these Senate races," said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Deputy Executive Director Matt Canter, citing recent stories of GOP candidates opposing the principle of a minimum wage . But Canter suggested that national policy decisions "build a narrative."


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Walk honors Tara Grant
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — An annual 5K walk in eastern Michigan is honoring a woman who was killed by her husband 10 years ago.
The 10th Tara Walk, in memory of murder victim Tara Grant, will be Saturday in Sterling Heights, north of Detroit. Organizers said the event raises awareness of violence in the home and kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
"We have heard countless stories from individuals attending Tara's walk that her story is what gave them the strength to get out of their own abusive relationship," said Alicia Standerfer, Grant's sister.
Grant's husband, Stephen Grant, was found guilty of second-degree murder in her 2007 slaying. The case gained national attention due to the grisliness of the murder and the husband's public denials. Stephen Grant, 47, is serving 50 to 80 years at the Bellamy Creek Correction Facility in Ionia.
Standerfer and her husband have adopted the Grants' two children. Standerfer said she and the children will participate in the walk because as a family they know Tara Grant's story could help others.
"Obviously the downside is somebody lost their life," said Karan Bates-Gasior, an organizer for event host and nonprofit Turning Point. "But the upside is a lot more people are now aware of domestic violence and that it's not just a black eye. That, you know, people are dying. Women are dying, and whole families are torn apart."
Turning Point, which was formed in 1980, provides shelter, support and prevention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Officials expect the event to draw more than 600 participants. Proceeds from the walk will go toward the Tara Grant Liberation Fund, which helps domestic violence survivors leave abusive situations.
Tara Destrampe Grant was a native of the Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Mid Peninsula School District in Perkins in 1990. Following high school, she attended Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, transferring to Michigan State University.


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Wagon Models Fight: Subaru vs. Acura
Today we are going to look at the fight of two very interesting wagon models. When you think about the wagon car type you will not think about 2013 Subaru Outback or the 2013 year model of Acura TSX, therefore for us it is even more interesting to see what these two models can offer us and how they are going to compete with one another.
Let's look at the prices of these two models. New Subaru will cost you about $24,495, therefore it is possible to see that it can be attributed to the middle-priced vehicles, under $25,000. However new Acura is not that affordable, as its price was set at the level of $31,800. So we see that the difference is quite big, let's see whether the difference in the core is also this much significant. New Subaru comes with the 2.5-Liter 173-horsepower H4 engine, while new Acura got a little more power with its 2.4-Liter 201-horsepower I4 engine. New Subaru comes with all-wheel drive, while Acura decided that just the front-wheel drive will be enough.
So in the end we think that interestingly enough these two models seem to be quite equal, even though the horsepower may vary by 30 ponies. Therefore we think that new Subaru wins as a better and more economic offering.


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Cortes Marketplace
Go to Site Index
See "Cortes Marketplace" main page
Real Estate Marketplace - Homes
Martha Abelson ROYAL LEPAGE ADVANCE REALTY LTD.
Timber frame west coast home with lake view. This built to last home exudes rural comfort plus a great view of Hague Lake with silky swimming waters. A spacious great room with an open floor plan, family sized dining area, and generous kitchen w/quality stainless steel appliance & cabinetry. 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms on the main level. The master bedroom with views opens onto its own patio in the garden. The spacious upper level with separate entrance with bedroom bathroom and a balcony with views. Live amid an Asian inspired landscape w/multiple garden rooms, decks, patios & boardwalk connect sitting areas for outdoor dining and peaceful relaxation. Includes 1/22 interest in a common lakefront lot - swim/keep a kayak. Room for a vege garden & orchard w/fully fenced and deer proofed yard. Enjoy village living on this peaceful 1/3 acre property a short walk to the amenities of Mansons Landing grocery stores, post office, clinic. Perfect family or retirement home!


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I know. You're an Aceable driver and you'd never dream of breaking the rules, but there are plenty of people who break them every single day. When they do, it usually results in a ticket and a good scolding from the police officer who caught them. Ever wonder which traffic violations police see the most from drivers? Of course you have. Well, you're in luck, because I've got your top 10 right here:
1) Speeding
Color us not surprised. To help you avoid the committing the most common moving violation, always be mindful of speeding limits, especially in school or construction zones.
2) Running a stop sign / red light
When it comes to stop signs, make sure you actually
Pausing does not equal stopping. If you only pause then continue to roll through the stop sign, that's a sure fire way to get a ticket. With red lights, remember: yellow means "slow down",
"speed up".
3) Unsafe lane changes
When you're driving on a highway or freeway, it's important to always make safe lane changes. This means using your turn signals and allowing enough space to change lanes. And you should remember that switching lanes too often and weaving in and out of traffic can be dangerous.
4) Reckless driving
Reckless driving is easily avoidable by staying alert and focusing on the road. Multitasking can result in swerving and other signs of recklessness, aka stay off your phone!
5) Following too closely
This is by far the creepiest offense. Always be sure to allow a safe following distance between you and other cars, especially in the rain when you need more time to stop. Otherwise, get ready for a ticket.
Would you tailgate this adorable driver? Better not.
6) Violating railroad rules
This offense surprised me the most. Why would someone not abide by railroad rules? Have they never seen how big and fast trains are?! Always follow signs at a railroad crossing. Trying to cross the tracks when the lights are flashing can be extremely dangerous and can result in a ticket, or much, much worse!
7) Driving the wrong way
Come on. This one is easily preventable. Watch for signs for one-way streets. If you ever find yourself driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, stay calm and quickly find a place to turn around. If you can't, pull over to the shoulder of the road until it's safe to turn around.
8) Passing in a no passing zone
If the double line in the center of the road is solid, you can't pass. Even roads that usually allow passing may have areas where passing is not allowed, so pay attention!
9) Not stopping for pedestrians
Every driver has been stuck waiting for a pedestrian to cross. Does that mean you can get impatient and go whenever you please? No! It's important to yield to pedestrians to avoid dangerous, and possibly deadly, situations.
10) Driving under the influence
Please, please, please never do this. Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous, both for you and for other drivers. If you plan to drink, you should also plan on having a safe way to get home.
There they are - the top 10 most common traffic violations. This is one list we'd better never catch you on, friend.


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On this page you can see a map of Clifden, see what's on in Clifden, find out how to get to Clifden, visit local websites for Clifden, find Guesthouses in Clifden, find Self-Catering Accommodation in Clifden.
Tell us about any upcoming major events in Clifden and we can add to our website!
Currently, we have no links of interest for Clifden. If you run or know of a local website, please let us know!
Ballyquirke, Clifden, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Situated in the picturesque Kilkenny countryside, just 15 minutes' drive from Kilkenny city, the family-run Ashbrook House boasts rooms with free Wi-Fi, free parking, and views of the Irish landscape. Dublin Airport is 90 minutes' drive from the B&a
See all Guesthouses in Clifden > >
Beech Lane, Grangehill Clifden


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Calligaris, Italian home design since 1923.
The iconic Italian brand is a balanced combination of quality, technology and style. Every Calligaris product has been conceived to satisfy the needs and habits of today's life, keeping in mind the importance of practical solutions for the home with a personal touch. Calligaris continuously work with care, passion and creativity to bring into being the best of Italian design, making high quality design products at an accessible price.
Tel: 01924 724605
Ground Floor


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United States: 21, Ireland: 1. No, that's not the score of the latest World Cup game (soccer fans can only dream of a high-scoring game like that). This is where the United States and Ireland fall out on something called the Good Country Index, a creation of Simon Anholt and Robert Govers — self-described independent policy advisors and professional repairers/improvers of national and local place reputations.
The Good Country Index ranks 125 countries across 35 data sets broken into seven areas of performance: health and well being; culture; international peace and security; world order; planet and climate; science and technology; and prosperity and equality.
Ireland takes the top spot due to the amount of open trade it has with other countries, the number of United Nations volunteers it sends abroad, its foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows, the size of its fair trade market, and the amount of development assistance it renders.
In the overall rankings, the U.S. also falls behind nations including Finland, Switzerland, New Zealand, the U.K., and even Iceland and Cyprus — and just two spots ahead of Malta. And since we mentioned soccer, the U.S. team's next opponent, Belgium, places 10th overall.
Related: Who's Still In and Who Will Advance from World Cup's Round of 16
The U.S. ranking suffers because it places near the bottom in "International Peace and Security" and a weak 53rd when it comes to prosperity and equality. It's similarly outranked when it comes to other categories in the index—coming in at 28 for world order, 39 for planet and climate, 41 for culture. A top ten ranking for health and well being blunts the pain just a bit.
The U.S. ranks 26th in Science and Technology; Cyprus ranks third. And that's just one example of how difficult it can be to create a ranking along these lines — and how deceptive the standings can be. Libya ranks dead last overall — yet it manages to place 16th in International Peace and Security. Because when you think of tech, you naturally think of Cyprus and not Silicon Valley, and when you ponder world peace, Libya leaps to mind.
Most of the datasets Anholt and Govers used came from the U.N. and other big international agencies. To try and level the playing field between rich countries, which can afford to do more, and poor countries, which can't, each country's score is divided by its gross domestic product. That helps explain some of the results.
Related: The Economics of Happiness — Where the U.S. Ranks
Anholt and Govers stress they're not making moral judgments about countries ranked — that the good the index is attempting to measure is how much countries contribute to the "global commons."
"Try thinking of 'good' as a measure of how much a country contributes to the common good," they explain on the site. "So in this context 'good' means the opposite of 'selfish,' not the opposite of 'bad' ... [The index] just measures, as objectively as possible, what each country contributes to the common good, and what it takes away."
But there are as many ways to slice up data as there are data sets to slice up. As such, the Good Country Index is not the last word on the subject of how well countries look after their neighbors, but it may be the first.
Lists like these typically look at how well countries look after themselves, and rank them accordingly. The Good Country Index may be the first list to look at how countries measure up when it comes to thinking beyond their borders.
Despite its flaws, it's an intriguing idea. And being ranked out of the top ten in any of the categories on this list should give pause to citizens, business leaders, and policymakers no matter what country they're from, anyway you slice it.
Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
- How Growing Partisanship Is Splitting the U.S. in Two
- Obama Pledges Millions to Fix Security in Central America
- How the Collapse of Iraq Would Affect America