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Chronic backpain sufferers know the damage an ill-timed sneeze can cause. The whole-body convulsion can set off pain where there was none before, or (more commonly) make bad pain so much worse.
Once you feel the urge to sneeze, it is almost impossible to stop it. The trick is to keep it from hurting.
First, fight the strong urge to inhale deeply. Second, try to exhale as much as you can (this will take some practice, as it's the exact opposite of your innate response). With less air in your chest, your sneezes will be much less convulsive - more like a strong cough, if anything. After 3-5 of these mini sneezes the urge will pass.
You'll look and sound weird doing this, but it's worth it - since perfecting this technique nearly all my sneezes have been pain free.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sneezing without pain
Posted by Alan Robinson at 8:19 PM
2 comments:
- Josef said...
Or hold your eyes open. It is physically impossible to sneeze while your eyes are open. It can be hard to do, but it works.
- December 8, 2010 at 2:08 PM
I think if you're at home, you should keep a pillow handy. when you sneeze, hold a pillow to your stomach and hug it before you sneeze, this absorbs alot of the pain.
- March 21, 2011 at 12:26 PM
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Last Day Blues
Well, here I am. My last day in Castiglioncello. I'm all packed and ready. Just time for a quick post before I go down to breakfast overlooking the sea..
After breakfast I have to check out and then head up to the conference for the final session, concluding remarks, farewells and all that. Then I have to get back to Pisa for the flight home.
It's been a fun meeting, but all too brief. I wouldn't have minded staying here a lot longer, because that would have given me the chance to have a proper holiday before term starts, but now it's just a week before our new students arrive and it will be back once more into the regular cycle of academic term.Follow @telescoper
One Response to "Last Day Blues"
A week remaining? That's luxury, that is. We're well into our third week already!

subset: commoncrawl


text: what super hero best matches you? find out what super hero you are most like, and ee if you really are ready to be a super hero! hippo1ord published on March 05, 2013107 responses 16 4.5★ / 5 Questions in vertical order how aggressive do you like your superheros? wont kill classic beat'em up stop the bad guys! rawr! smash! not overly aggressive or passive let me at em! boom! boom! get the bad guys! I want to beat the pulp out of them! who is your favorite villain? idk, just like a god or something... big business man geniuses bad military random super-villains random guys normal supervillains classic super-villains famous super-villains what comic brand do you prefer?(choose any of them) DC 1 DC 2 Marvel 1 Marvel 2 DC 3 Marvel 3 Marvel 4 Marvel 5 what stlye of super hero do you like? stealthy and smart super strong and manly fast and agile big and strong strong and brave killer insticts genius, and brave godly and boss how popular of heros do you like? very popular Most Famous Very famous everyone knows him not popular at all... pretty popular everyone will know him when you talk about him not overly popular


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PLANT managers take on the enormous responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their personnel, maintain their equipment to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency, and implement the right systems to prevent hazardous events, or minimise the impact should one occur.
In addition to the potential hazards to personnel, the process and even the surrounding environment, a single plant shutdown can be financially devastating. Repair costs, equipment replacements, and lost time and production are only a few of the exorbitant expenses that may be incurred just to get the plant back up and running again.
With this in mind, plant managers seek solutions that can provide the high-level functions they desire, without jeopardising the high level of safety they require.
The International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) responded to the safety concerns of plant managers and those seeking a way to demonstrate "good recognised practice" in the design, implementation and operation of their safety-related systems to their stakeholders and health and safety regulators. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the IEC prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. The organisation has served as a basis for national standardisation, and as a reference when drafting international tenders and contracts.
The IEC initiated two formal studies on the functional safety of electronic systems.
The first study addressed the hardware issues, while the second focused on software.
Draft standard IEC 1508 emerged in 1995, after the two studies were combined, and provided a risk-based approach to identifying safety requirements in a system. Industry feedback was incorporated into further revisions until the IEC formally released international standard IEC 61508 in 2002.
Formally titled "Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-Related Systems", IEC 61508 is a process-based standard and applies to the entire life cycle of the product.
The manufacturing company, as well as all of their processes and resources used to develop and manufacture the product, is managed for the goal of optimal safety. From its earliest concept and design stages, through its manufacturing, application, maintenance and ultimately its final decommissioning, all phases of the safety product must be compliant.
IEC 61508 can be applied directly to any process that uses electrical, electronic or programmable electronic products and systems for safety.
The intent of the standard's authors was for the standard to be used alone or as a model to develop further industry or product-specific standards. For example, IEC 61511 was developed for the designers, integrators and end users in the process sector - and IEC 61513 for the nuclear arena.
Worldwide growth
MANY nations have affirmed their commitment to safety standard IEC 61508.
Significant evidence can be seen throughout nations such as the United States and Europe, where companies are confidently undergoing the arduous process of certification while furthering their knowledge and application of the standard.
Australia too is applying the standard in the process sector with the adoption of AS61508 (the Australian version of IEC 61508).
THOUGH the standard continues to build positive momentum in the industry, some manufacturers are exploiting the standard's popularity by making misleading claims.
Manufacturers' websites and product literature boast such claims as "IEC 61508-Compliant Products," "Meets IEC 61508 Requirements" and "Approved to IEC 61508". Such ambiguous statements have fuelled a great deal of confusion for end users, who need to truly understand what the consequences are.
IEC 61508 does not just focus on the product but, more importantly, the process under which the product was developed. Therefore, a company cannot legitimately develop an IEC 61508 compliant product without the company's development processes first being evaluated and compliant to the standard.
Testing misconceptions
THE idea of "process based" and its importance can further be demonstrated with the concept of testing.
Most electrical and electronic devices are subjected to a series of tests to confirm that the units have been properly built to function and withstand the demands of the application in which they will reside.
Manufacturers produce "faultless" specifications of their products that offer assurance for optimal performance in a safety application.
Testing is of course essential; however, when it comes to the safety of the plant, and life and limb are at stake, why do we rely solely on the final testing data? It is not feasible to test for every possible failure mode of a system used to perform safety functions simply by testing the finished product.
In addition, when reviewing manufacturers' test data, the misconception is that the manufacturer repeatedly produces exact duplicates of the actual product that has undergone the testing.
Testing is an important facet of IEC 61508, but the standard extends further than conventional product evaluations because it ensures that all of the processes in a product's lifecycle (conception, design, manufacturing, installation, etc.) are compliant to the standard, not just a specific unit sent to a testing facility.
Get the facts
ONLY a certificate and a supporting "restrictions in use" report issued by an internationally accredited certification body is authoritative evidence of compliance to IEC 61508.
A savvy end user recognises the significance of certification and should not only ask a manufacturer if the safety instrumented system is certified to IEC 61508, but should carefully review the manufacturer's approval report that verifies certification and details of exactly how the safety instrumented system is to be used.
Many companies are stepping up to the challenge and joining forces in an effort to better understand and apply the standard.
So whether manufacturers act voluntarily to implement IEC 61508, are enticed by incentives offered by insurance companies, or forced by government regulation in the future, random failures, incorrect system data and basic human error will ultimately force the standard into common practice on specifications and quotes for safety related equipment.
* Commentary by Kristina Balobeck, Moore Industries-International .


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The HIA recently released their Windows on Housing report which highlights some interesting property related numbers.
Here's a few:
- After inflation, capital city houses increased by 7% over the past 12 months, 13% in the past five years, and 27% over the decade. (RP data)
- Stamp duty on a median-priced dwelling is $24,100 in Victoria, or 5.0% of the purchase price and $19,200 in NSW, which is 3.6% of the price. (HIA analysis of state revenue office data)
- Number of homes built in Australia last year 167,947
- Number of people in new homes each year 434,788
- Total value of housing construction ($ billion) 69.9
- People employed in housing & construction 1,037,412


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Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business. Far too many people think of branding as the same as a logo design. Whilst your company logo is obviously a key part of your brand, it is far from the only consideration. A brand is essentially the perception that your customers, staff and shareholders have of your business.
With branding being such a vital part of your business, it is important to get it right. This means working with a company who is experienced with creating brands for companies of all types. This is where we excel at Media Orb.
Rebranding that Works
One of the key aspects to a successful rebrand is to understand its purpose. Not all companies want to rebrand for the same reasons. In some cases it is because there simply was not an adequate budget for branding initially and the brand needs to be improved. Other times it is due to the fact that a company wants to reposition itself in the market and attract new customers.
Whatever the reason for the rebrand, we can ensure that your new brand will give the best impression possible of your business and that it will help your business to stand out from competitors.
Asking the Questions that Matter
At Media Orb, we truly appreciate how important it is to ask the right questions initially. This is why we work closely with businesses to find out exactly what their purpose for the rebrand is and what they hope to accomplish with their new brand.
Some of the questions we ask include –
- What is the purpose of the rebrand?
- What image to do you want to convey to customers?
- Is the business targeting new customers? If so, who are these customers?
- Are there any aspects of the original design that should be retained?
If you would like us to rebrand your business then we will love to hear from you. Our team of talented designers and marketers approach every project with passion and professionalism to ensure you get the best results possible for your business.


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Mongolian Ethnographica of the Austrian Collector Hans Leder at Museums across Europe
One of the most extensive collections of Mongolian ethnographica in Europe goes back to the Austrian traveler and researcher Hans Leder (1843-1921). The collection is unique as it represents a snapshot of religious everyday culture in northern Mongolia at the turn of the 19th century. This part of Mongolian culture was increasingly repressed and mostly destroyed in the late 1930s. Objects were destroyed or had lost their purpose due to the fact that the complex ritual life had been prohibited. In the course of this project, the various parts of the collection, divided to several ethnographic museums in Europe are recorded and analyzed.
Field research intends to contrast the locations and monasteries described by the collector with their present state and to record audio-visual documentations and interviews regarding the history of sacred objects and locations.
The project is supported by the programme forMuse – research at museums/BMWF www.formuse.at
Dr. Maria-Katharina Lang (Project director) Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA), Austrian Academy of Sciences (AAS) in cooperation with Museum of Ethnology Vienna (Museum für Völkerkunde Wien /MVK)
source: http://www.moncol.net/index/index/setlang/mn


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For the compote, pour the sugar in a frying pan and heat until it starts to turn to caramel. Add the butter, rosemary then add the fruit. Stew for 10mins until the apples and pears are soft. Pour in the cream.
For the churros, add the water, sugar, salt and oil in a pan. Bring to the boil then add the flour and baking powder and mix well until the mix is smooth. When cool add the egg and mix well. Spoon into a piping bag with a fluted nozzle. Heat the oil in a saucepan until 180C. Pipe the mix into the oil (10cm in length). Cook for 3mins or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in the sugar.
To serve, spoon the compote into a small ramekin and place the Churros on a plate.


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Are you sure?
This action might not be possible to undo. Are you sure you want to continue?
For two minutes she was dead.
The assailant was vicious, the attack brutal-and it left her lifeless . . . until her pulse fluttered and she jolted awake. Now, a year later, detective Nan Vining is still questioning her strength, her safety, even her sanity: Can she ever again be the cop-and mother-she was before? And will her attacker someday return to finish the job, before she can track him down herself?
Shaky but determined, Vining rejoins the Pasadena PD, only to confront a murder case that strikes close to home: A slain policewoman has been discovered beneath the Colorado Street Bridge, her body bruised, her throat slit. Even as Vining struggles to recover her standing within the department, she can't help but feel profoundly drawn to the murdered officer, Frankie Lynde-and she is deeply troubled by the baffling otherworldly visions that haunt her waking hours. Are these mere fever dreams? Or could they be, as Vining's daughter insists, messages from beyond the grave?
Digging deeper into Lynde's past, Vining discovers clues that set her on the twisted trail of a killer as ruthless as he is depraved-a predator whose methods and madness recall those of her own attacker. Amid a rising tide of danger, she pushes herself to bold new limits, desperate to avenge the murder of a fellow police officer . . . and to reclaim the life she lost a year ago.
Packed with suspense and action, this pulse-pounding novel will hold you breathless from the first cut to the last.


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An internationally-renowned soprano is conducting new research at Kingston University's School of Music. Dr Jane Manning, who has more than 40 years' experience as a soloist, has been appointed as Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) fellow in creative and performing arts. Dr Manning will spend the next three years studying Arnold Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire. The collection of 21 short songs about a lovesick clown was written for the Berlin cabaret scene in 1912.
Since making her broadcast debut in 1965 with her rendition of Pierrot Lunaire, Dr Manning has performed the songs more than 150 times worldwide. She hopes her research will help unravel the mystery about how the works should be delivered – an issue that has long been the subject of controversy because the composer did not leave clear instructions. "Schoenberg used the term Sprechstimm, a kind of sung speech," Dr Manning said. "The most conspicuous effect is the way the words are recited. Each syllable has a specific pitch and duration. During my research I hope to explore how the songs are best performed as well as produce the book I've always wanted to write on the subject." Dr Manning also plans to make a new recording of Pierrot Lunaire with her ensemble, Jane's Minstrels.
Senior lecturer Dr Tim Ewers, who is acting as Dr Manning's mentor, is looking forward to supporting her research. "It's a great opportunity from a personal point of view to work with someone of Dr Manning's stature and a tremendous privilege for everyone at the School of Music. She is an international authority on this particular collection and brings with her a wealth of experience that will be of immense benefit to staff and students alike," he said.
The research role provides Dr Manning with other opportunities to draw on her expertise. "I really enjoy working with up-and-coming musicians and I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge with students at Kingston," she said.
Dr Manning, who was awarded an OBE in 1990, is married to composer, writer and broadcaster Anthony Payne who received an honorary degree from Kingston University in 2002.
General enquiries:
Journalists only:
General enquiries:
Journalists only:


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Medical technology Main catalog
Touch-protected 1.5mm and 2mm diameter connecting leads are designed in accordance to DIN 42802-1 and DIN 42802-2. All our leads use highly flexible TPE or silicone insulated wire. Connectors are available in an over-mold and self-assembly version. All insulating materials are suitable for steam sterilization. Plugs for self-assembly can be purchased separately. Panel mount receptacles and adapters for screw-in or press-in assembly into panels of metal or plastic casings complete this product line.


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Wow it is December ......again…..and we realize that 2008 is almost over!
2008 Has been a very challenging year for most of us with a declining Real Estate Market, summer of astronomical gas prices, stock market roller coaster, elections and last how about Clay Aiken being gay!
I just wanted to use this opportunity to extend a big "Thank You" to each and every one of you, for the huge impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the support and e-mails I received.......without you, I'm sure that 2008 would have been extremely boring.
As always I am outmost grateful to all of you that have trusted me with your real estate business and wanted to let you know how much I do appreciate that! You helped me through this challenging year and thanks to you I am still only a phone call away. This challenging market has only made us better! May 2009 mark the beginning of an outburst of Love, Happiness, Bright Future and bring each and every one of you everything you are hoping for and more.
I am determined to make 2009 my best year ever personally as well as professionally as I am constantly striving to better myself.
Let me wish you all a Very Merry Christmas Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts as well as healthy and prosperous New Year.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252- 617-0861
P.S. Don't forget that right now is great time to buy, New Bern NC Market is bottoming out and Inertest Rates are at historic low. IT WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER THEN THIS
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wow it is December......
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Kitchen Fire
This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with acommon kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Read the following Introduction, then watch the show ... It's a real eye-opener!!
At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10 foot pole, toss water onto the grease fire.
The results got the attention of the students. The water,being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.
Monday, December 8, 2008
RottenNeighbor this could be fun
Tree lined streets. White picket fences. Band practice next door till 3 a.m.? Definitely not what you had in mind when you bought your home!
RottenNeighbor.com is here to help. It's the first real estate search engine of its kind, helping you find troublesome neighbors before you sign the paperwork on your new house, condo or apartment. RottenNeighbor is the largest site anywhere in the world covering the neighbor space, and we're certain you'll agree that the value it offers is unmatched anywhere else!
Use RottenNeighbor to:
Get access to detailed maps of states, counties, cities and neighborhoods, all searchable by zip code
Find important neighborhood information by searching the site's user-provided data
Help others by uploading your own good or rotten neighbors to our database
Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, we want you to be aware of bad neighbors before you relocate. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, and we are here to provide more peace of mind. Real estate agents can also use RottenNeighbor as a tool to market their services and feel more secure about the homes they show to their clients.
What We Believe
Real estate agents are not obligated to disclose problem neighbors, leaving clients in the dark
Information on bad neighbors should be made freely and easily available to everyone
The internet can offer unique, valuable guidance to home buyers and sellers
The more rotten neighbors you contribute, the better the service for everyone.
Just something I came across and it might be if not helpful then fun for sure. Pease let me know what your experience is with this web site and would this be something to use and recommend to the clients.
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
The Thankful Parrot
A man named Jack received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse and limited vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
As he was experienced with birds, Jack tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, Jack was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. Jack shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. Jack, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, Jack quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jack's outstretched arms and said,
"I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and even cruder actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my disrespectful and unforgivable behavior."
Jack was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude and vocabulary. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Is it finally time to buy?
Is it finally time to get off the fence and buy?
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Friday, November 7, 2008
10 Homes Open for you in River Bend
Sat 11/08/2008 from 10 AM to 1 PM
151 Quarterdeck New Bern RIVER BEND $116,900
302 Carriage House Court New Bern RIVER BEND $159,900
904 Plantation Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $179,900
287 Shoreline River Bend RIVER BEND $200,000
119 Randomwood Lane New Bern RIVER BEND $249,000
110 SAILORS CT. New Bern RIVER BEND $279,900
437 Gatewood Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $284,876
103 Captains Cove New Bern RIVER BEND $300,000
106 Teakwood Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $239,000
316 Shoreline Drive New Bern RIVER BEND $334,900
Beware of financial scams!
If you or someone you know are facing foreclosure please beware of all kind of scams that are out there. In the times like we are experiencing today financial scams are becoming more and more sophisticated and it is getting really hard to distinguish them from legitimate offers any more. Facing something as emotional and dramatic as foreclosure doesn't help you see through some off the offers out there.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low cost advice. Find a counselor near you at their website:
Monday, October 20, 2008
904 Plantation Dr. in River Bend
Monday, September 29, 2008
Howl'oween Pet Parade in New Bern
Great event, great cause please come out and support it!
Saturday, October 25th11:00AM – 2:00PMLawson Creek Park
· Howl'oween pet parade
· Prizes and gift certificates
· Costume contests and games
· Snacks and drinks
· Meet adoptable pets
· Tricks for treats
· And more!!!!
For more information please visit http://www.colonialcapital.org/ or call 633-0146
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Charming bungalow completely restored and ready for you to move in!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Five Tips for a Green Home
Five Tips for a Green Home
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we've become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being "green" with these five tips:
Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.
Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.
Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won't shrink or crack, creating less waste.
Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.
Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home's thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Going green doesn't have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a "greener" place.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Use your IRA to invest in Real Estate
Many people are still unaware that it is now legal to invest funds from you retirement accounts. And that there can be significant tax advantages to doing so. Property transaction has to be handled though custodian, offer is written in the name of IRA account and IRA pays all of the taxes and fees. After you sell property and hopefully you do so for the profit, original investment plus the profit rolls back in to your IRA TAX FREE!
Stock market is experiencing not so great performance on many stocks and funds right now as real estate market is adjusting after the 2005 peak and that me great opportunity for you. Please talk to your financial advisor to make sure witch scenario will be the best for your particular situation and for your account before you contact licensed broker to assist you find a property that will assure you best return rate.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Brief Look at Craven County Schools
Craven County School District consists of 22 schools. 14 elementary 5 middle and 3 high schools that are attend by aprox. 15,000 students today. With 1,900 employees craven County Schools is the second larges employer in the county. Over the past 10 years average reading and math scores have increased for more then 20% and proficiency goals for reading math and writing are 80%. Middle school drop out rate is 0% and high school drop out rate is less then 4%.
School safety is a shared responsibility of the parents, educators, community as well as students and it is ensured with everyone's participation and open dialogue.
Use link below to visit Craven County Board of Education web site and from there you can visit every individual school web site.
www.craven.k12.nc.us Craven County Schools
Your North Carolina Broker
Friday, August 8, 2008
Boating safety, inspections in New Bern NC
Members of a New Bern group hope they can reduce the number of accidents in area waters by providing free boat inspections Aug. 16 and 17.
The Cape Lookout Sail and Power Squadron, a part of the U.S. Power Squadron that formed out of the Boston Yacht Club in 1914 to help stranded vessels off the New England coast, offers courses in public boating, sailing, engine maintenance, navigation, marine electronics, seamanship, safety and other subjects. The organization has about 13 certified inspectors who will check boats at the Lawson Creek Park boat ramp.
The squadron will inspect boats at the Lawson Creek Park boat launch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. Call 637-1941 for more information about the inspections.
"All of these fellows have been longtime boaters," he said. "They know what to look for."
We are looking forward to a good turn out as this will improve all of ours safety.
Wishing you calm sees!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Welcome to your own "Bird Sanctuary"
PRUDENTIAL VALUE RANGE MARKETING – This home is marketed in the price range $244,900- $284,876 Sellers will entertain offers in the price range.
You will not believe the peace and tranquility you will feel once on this property. As soon as you turn off the street on the scenic driveway covered with crushed shells (marl) you will know you are coming home. 1.9 acre surrounded with woods of immaculately landscaped yard, freshly manicured lawn and mature and established landscaping. 1850 sq. ft. home that has three bedrooms two full baths, high ceilings in the living room as well as this home's main room, sunroom. Great room / sunroom have oversize windows overlooking back yard and beautiful Italian Marble tile floors. Plenty of light and peaceful setting makes this just a perfect room where you will be spending most of your time. Open floor plan, specious bedrooms and plenty of storage space make this a very inviting home. Oversized two car garage has built in oversized cabinets, workshop and ½ baths. House is on private well (no water bill for you this month) and water tap has been paid. This home has been so well maintained over the years and it is currently under contract with Terminix, seller has already had home inspected by professional home inspector and if that isn't enough there are offering one year home owner warranty for the buyers.
Home has maintenance free composite siding no painting required. Build in food processor in the kitchen! Water softener Irrigation System, private well …
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Golf Course Lot in an active boating and golfing community
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sunday, July 20, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part VIII
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
North Carolina Symbols Part VII
State Motto, Esse Quam Videri - Esse Quam Videri (To be rather than to seem) The General Assembly of 1893 adopted the words "Esse Quam Videri" as the State's motto and directed that these words with the date "20 May, 1775," be placed with our Coat of Arms upon the Great Seal of the State
The motto is a literal translation of a phrase from a sentence in Cicero's "On Friendship" (De Amicitia, chapter 26). The complete sentence in Latin is:
Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse quam videri volunt (Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they possess it).
Until the act of 1893, North Carolina had no motto, being one of the few states--and the only one of the original thirteen--without one.
What a great motto that can and should be applied to all the aspects of our lives, today as much as ever!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part VI
Students at a Wilson County school petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly for the establishment of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as the Official State Vegetable. Their assignment led to the creation of this state symbol. The sweet potato is high in vitamins A and C and low in fat and was grown in North Carolina before the European colonization of North America.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation, harvesting more than 700 million pounds of the vegetable in 2006, and thus providing more than 40% of the 1.6 billion pounds produced in the United States.
Friday, July 18, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part V
According to North Carolina Forests, 2002 (published by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service), softwood species (like pine, hemlock, and spruce) made up 34% of the state's total wood volume, with the loblolly pine being the predominant species.
Your North Carolina Broker
Thursday, July 17, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part IV
Did you know that: The honey bee has been proclaimed the official state insect in 16 states?
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part III
The fruit consists of four parts: the outer skin or hull; the pulp, or 'meat'; seeds; and juice.
Several small green seeds are found in each grape. The skin is very thick and tart. The pulp is viscous and sweet. The seeds, which are bitter, can be swallowed with the pulp or extracted and spit out. The most desired part of the scuppernong is the sweet juice that lies underneath its skin.
In addition, according to herbal lore, eating this whole grape also has health benefits. The hull adds a significant amount of fiber to the diet; while the seeds when chewed provide a grape-seed extract that can aid in improving memory and other functions. While no scientific validation of this fact is availalble, it still makes for another good excuse to enjoy this truly Southern delicacy.
Your North Carolina Broker
Monday, July 14, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part II
State Flower, Dogwood - The General Assembly of 1941 designated the dogwood as the State Flower. The Dogwood is one of the most prevalent trees in North Carolina and it can be found in all parts of the state from the mountains to the coast. It blossoms in spring and continues in to the summer most often white and sometimes in pink or red.
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) originally evolved as a junior member of the forests of the eastern United States where it thrives under the canopy of larger trees in the shady, moist and nutrient-rich conditions it prefers. Home-owners and landscapers have long favored it for its lovely spring display, its attractive shape and luxuriant leaves and its modest size.
This versatile little tree requires a little thought and care if its introduction to a property is to be a success. It is not ideal for all sites and climate conditions and it is vulnerable to a range of diseases and insect predators. The flowering dogwood is also easily damaged by lawnmowers and doesn't respond well to rough handling.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part I
The Northern Cardinal is a mid-sized songbird with a body length of 21-23 cm (8.3 to 9 inches) and a wingspan of 25-31 cm (10-12 in). It weighs about 45 g (1.6 ounces). The male is slightly larger than the female. Male Cardinal is red all over except his throat and area around his bill witch is black. The female is dull in color with some red mostly to the crest, wings and tail. Difference in color is very common with birds as female are the ones sitting on the eggs and they have to blend with the natural setting in order to protect their eggs. The Northern Cardinal is a territorial song bird. The male sings in a loud, clear whistle from the top of a tree or another high location to defend his territory. He will chase off other males entering his territory. The Northern Cardinal learns its songs, and as a result the songs vary regionally. It is able to easily distinguish the sex of another singing Northern Cardinal by its song alone. Mated pairs often travel together. The cardinals are fine singers, and witch is quite unusually in bird world females cardinals are singing just as fine as males. Both sexes sing a clear, whistled song patterns, which are repeated several times, then varied. Some common phrases are described as purdy, purdy, purdy...whoit, whoit, whoit, whoit and what-cheer, what-cheer... wheet, wheet, wheet, wheet'.
There are nesting on small trees and shrubs not higher then 4 feet and they feed mostly by seeds. Northern Cardinals also will consume insects and feed their young almost exclusively on insects.
Click Here to see singing Cardinal on YouTUBE
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Groundbreaking set for history education center at Tryon Palace
A public groundbreaking for the North Carolina History Education Center is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday.
The event will be the culmination of more than a decade of work by Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens staff and local and state advocates of history education
It begins with a 5 p.m. performance by the Jonkonnu Troupe, a 5:25 p.m. parade by the Fife and Drum Corps, and the groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at which Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Rep. William Wainwright are scheduled to speak.
The new History Center will be a 60,000-square-foot "green" project with four major history museum galleries, a performance hall, other educational and conference spaces, and a waterfront exhibit and event area. The center's Great Hall will become the new entry to all of Tryon Palace's historic attractions and it will be great adition to everything that New Bern has to offer.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire!
Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
2110 Center Ave
If there is anything else I can help you with please dont hesitate to let me know!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Friday, June 6, 2008
"Rivershore" Waterfront Land Sale
Grand Opening Details
- Complimentary Hotel Room, $5,000 Discount, and Early Appointment for Priority Reservation Holders.
- Personal One on One Attention
- Delicious Southern Cuisine Will Be Catered
- No Pressure
This will be the first time anyone will have the opportunity to take a tour of RiverShore. This unique property has never been offered to the public and prices will never be this low again. Contacting me today to attend the Grand Opening on June 28th! Anticipation is high, and properties are expected to move quickly at RiverShore.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
NC Coastal Stormwater "New Rules"
North Carolina is a state that has so much to offer and recently is being named best place to retire by several notional broadcasts as well as publications. All of that is ultimately leading to a rapid growth and development. Recant Phase II of coastal storm water regulation was applied to three most rapidly growing counties and now we are facing entirely new set of rules that will be applied to all 20 coastal counties. Unless stopped by legislature act it will become active August 1st 2008. The new rules as recommending many changes that will directly affect property owners trough out North Carolina and make any further development very difficult. Please take a time to read new rules and vice your opinion. Visit www.NCStorwaters.com where you can read copy of the new rules as well as get names and addresses of your state representatives.
We all want to keep our beautiful state and water ways that we are so proud of as clean as possible, but it is very hard to believe that new developments are only source of pollution.
If you are agent in coastal North Carolina make sure to disclose this info to your current clients as this will affect value as well as potential use of lots of parcels that are listed for sale right now. We had company attorney draft a disclaimer form for potential buyers, and get a copy of the new rules for your sellers.
Please take a time to voice your opinion!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire!
Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
2026 Cara Cara Dr. $13,500
Super deal in Fairfield Harbour!
Best value in Fairfield Harbour!!! Property is located in one of the New Bern's premier neighborhoods. Fairfield Harbour is gated in community that offers numerous amenities, two golf courses, two marinas, indoor and outdoor pools tennis courts….
Surrounded by unrestricted water ways it is ideal location! Great lifestyle
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
530 Spring Garden Rd.
THIS HOME IS MARKETED WITH PRUDENTIAL VALUE RANGE MARKETING (PVRM) AND SELLERS WILL CONSIDER OFFERS BETWEEN $339,000 AND 398,876!!! Your buyers are searching in ranges we have sellers selling in ranges LETS GET THEM TOGETHER! If you have any questions please call me!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Catching Glitches in Time Saves Deals
Prelisting inspections — examinations paid for by the seller before a house is put on the market —are becoming an increasingly popular way for practitioners to not only reduce the possibility of last-minute surprises but also give their clients' homes a marketing edge.
The last-minute discovery of a home defect can send you into crisis mode, requiring your seller to hire a contractor to correct the problem or slash the asking price. And if a buyer uncovers problems after the home is sold, they might even respond with a lawsuit.
On the other hand, if you work with buyers, it's helpful very important for them to find out everything about house and to have a good professional to help them along the way.
Here is a nice and helpful web site that can answer most of your questions about home inspections as well as develop your ability to spot home defects in time can save you time, energy, and money down the line.
The Home Inspection Supersite - http://www.inspectamerica.com/index.html
The site's "Get Advice" and "Browse Library" sections contain articles that teach users how to identify and fix common home defects, as well as addition information that explains the home inspection process.
The Home Inspection Supersite "Home Inspection Checklist" provides a thorough listing of potential defects, covering both home interiors and exteriors. It allows prospective buyers to grade individual home features from basements to roofs, as good, fair, or poor. As the site points out, this document isn't a substitute for an inspection by a licensed, trained home inspector. But it can be a handy resource to help buyers keep track of specific home details that can become blurry for them after they've seen a few houses. The site also provides a state-by-state home inspector directory, but you can always relay on your Realtor to provide you with a directory of reliable local professionals.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Open House This Sunday!
Please come and see this fabulous Waterfront Home!
This waterfront home in move in condition is located in an established and desirable New Bern's neighborhood of River Bend. Excellent Elementary school, golf course and protected waterfront convenient to Trent River make this a fantastic location. Home is updated and in move in condition. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, Carolina room and screened porch. New laminate floors trough out the entire home. Large kitchen and open living area. Sunroom opens up in screened porch that goes out on the covered patio. Very easy and inviting floor plan. Oversized one car garage and a workshop as well as storage shed. House is very well appointed with a smaller and completely landscaped front yard but large and private back yard. Something always blooming in this pretty yard. Bulkhead and dock inspected recently! Home is located on a low traffic Cull-De-Sac just a minute form River Bend Marina. Park your boat in your back yard and just relax!
New Bern North Carolina
Come as you are….
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Waterfront Land Sale In North Carolina
Don't miss Hogan's Landing final sale!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Friday, April 11, 2008
New Bern North Carolina Historic Downtown
New Bern North Carolina Historic Downtown
Remember hospitality? In New Bern North Carolina, hospitality is always part of the atmosphere. Voted the friendliest small town in North Carolina in 1995 ultimately the warmth and genuine charm of the people and town are the real treasures of New Bern.
Second oldest city in North Carolina founded in 1710 by Swiss Baron DeGrafenried with plenty of beautiful historic sites. Downtown historic district, historic Riverside, Genth and of course magnificent Tryon Palace are just some.
The Birthplace of Pepsi is located in historic New Bern, North Carolina. Pepsi-Cola was first invented by Caleb Bradham in his pharmacy in 1898. The store is located in the original location where Bradham first invented Pepsi-Cola. The Birthplace of Pepsi is owned and operated by Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Bern, Inc. and first opened its doors on the 100th Anniversary of Pepsi-Cola.
CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY - Cedar Grove Cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, established in the eighteenth century by Christ Episcopal Church, is our oldest cemetery and still serves as an active cemetery, with a few lots remaining for sale, providing the final resting place for some prominent figures in New Bern and our nations history. It has the graves of Confederates who died in the Battle of New Bern. Legend will tell you to beware of the "tears" that drip from its arched entrance.
New Bern Historic Trolley Tour - Explore North Carolina's second oldest town and former royal capital. Professionally guided tours highlight three centuries of history and architecture in this charming Colonial town that was founded in 1710 ## Offers trolley car tours of historic downtown New Bern with a professional guide to entertain with you details of this former royal capital of North Carolina. Discover three centuries of North Carolina history and architectual beauty in a 90 minute tour. newberntours.com
The New Bern Fire Department - kept abreast of the city's growth. Upon the arrival of the steam fire engine, city streets were paved with oyster shells. Just prior to 1900 the city installed a water system, and paved the streets with brick. By 1914 New Bern had its first motorized fire truck. These developments enabled the firemen to respond quicker to all
Attmore-Oliver House - 510A Pollock Street, New Bern, North Carolina (252) 638-8558. The Attmore-Oliver House (c.1790) is the headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, exhibits 18th- and 19th- century furniture and New Bern historical objects, including Civil War artifacts, and a unique doll collection. The Attmore-Oliver House can be rented for special occasions and business meetings.fires that occurred in later years.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Garden - Tryon Palace, built between 1767 and 1770, was the first permanent capitol of the British colony of North Carolina. It became North Carolina's first state capitol after independence was declared, then abandoned after Raleigh became capitol in 1794. The main structure was destroyed in a fire, but was restored by an effort spearheaded by New Bern native Mrs. James Edwin Latham. The maintenance and operation of the Palace was transferred to the state, which reopened the site in 1959. The Palace is comprised of the house and grounds, objects concerning Royal Governors William Tryon and Josiah Martin, materials from North Carolina Governors Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Spaight, several restored houses adjacent to the Palace grounds and several research collections. ## Tryon Palace was the 18th-century residence of the governor of the colony and state of North Carolina. The site also includes 14 acres of beautiful period gardens and three historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tryon Palace
But forget about " Sleepy little southern town" stereotype and Sunday morning rockers creaking on the porch. On Sunday morning in New Bern you'll hear the creak and snap of sails, the roar of power boats, shouts from soccer coaches and the clop of horse drawn carriages taking the tourists around. You can call it a "Southern surprise"
New Bern rests on a peninsula where two major rivers converge. Once famous for shipping and trading these rivers now boast unparalleled vistas and unlimited boating and fishing. We are 31 miles from the resort areas on the Atlantic Ocean, 2 hours east of Raleigh, half way between the North and South borders of North Carolina just off U.S. Highways 17 and 70.
Are you ready for New Bern?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Tar Heel Treasure Hunt
Looking for the treasure? Then North Carolina is place to be for you, from Blackbeard's loot and hidden Confederate gold to the secret history of money lots of our state riches are still unearthed.
Fortunately I will let you know where to look!
Pirates Gold - Pirates have often buried their treasures on the Island of North Carolina coast. As unstable as our coast is lots of these Islands have been washed away so next time you are enjoying beautiful North Carolina Beaches take a closer look at the shells that are being washed out you might be surprised.
Blackbeard's loot - North Carolina oldest town Bath was the home base of Edward Teach better know as "Blackbeard" It's been a local joke that every time you work in your yard neighbor will ask you have you found the treasure. It has been believed that he buried sizable treasure close to where Bath Creek empties in to Pamlico River and other then few rumors about brick vault on the beach that was found open and looked like a large wooden chest was dragged down the beach nothing was found yet.
Pots of Rebel Gold – Tales of confederate gold that has been buried along the rail road tracks between Greensboro and Burlington to keep it falling in to hands of union soldiers. Some claim that there is a proof for Capitan J.W. Duchasa and his man boarding the train in Mississippi with dozen of iron cooking pots full of gold from the confederate treasure.
This might be a good start for you and your family. You might not find a treasure in North Carolina but I can promise you a good time and tons of fun exploring our rich history and learning about our legends!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Question and answers about buying distressed properties:
Question and answers about buying distressed properties:
How do you find out about foreclosed properties?
Answer: There are few different ways to accomplish this very demanding ask. First of stay away from all of the misleading web sites that will sooner or later try to charge you. Here are few web sites for you to start
United States Department Of Agriculture http://www.resales.usda.gov/
North Carolina HUD homes for sale http://www.hud.gov/homes/
VA Homes for sale http://www.ocwen.com/reo/residential/res_reofindbystate.cfm?proptype=VA
You should then contact few banks ask for the department that is handling foreclosures and ask them to put you on their mailing list. Some have it some don't but if they do they will be mailing you updates to your door every month.
2. How do I get access to preview the house, get it inspected, and let my financier's appraiser in the house before the day of the auction?Answer: Talk with the lender (or the attorney) who is foreclosing. Also talk with the current owner whose house is up for foreclosure. If you are not able to get access, I would be very reluctant to go forward. Regardless of how good a deal you may get at the foreclosure sale, you don't know the condition of the house. Many homeowners who are about to lose their house will strip it of everything valuable -- fixtures, appliances, etc.3. How do I go about checking out any tax or mechanic liens on the property? Answer: Many local jurisdictions have Web sites that will provide you with the tax information. But you should immediately retain an attorney to assist you. The lawyer can obtain a title search to make sure that there are no hidden issues that would preclude you from getting good title to the property.4. Finally, is this a reasonable way to go to try to buy a personal residence property? I am looking for a condo. The condo prices have risen so high that I thought I could find something reasonable at foreclosure. Answer: Buying any property at a foreclosure sale is risky. First, at the last minute the delinquent homeowner can file for bankruptcy relief, which would put a stop to the sale. Second, as discussed above, you must know the condition of the property. And third -- and perhaps most important since you are considering buying a condominium -- make sure that you carefully review the financial situation and the legal documents of that condo association. Are there other units that are delinquent or facing foreclosure?It is risky, so be very careful.
5. What is a short sale?In a short sale, the lender agrees to allow the house to be sold for a price below the amount of the mortgage, and the bank will either forgive the balance of the mortgage debt or ask the homeowner to pay some or all of the difference between the sales price and the then-outstanding balance.As I understand it, not all lenders will report the short sale to the credit-reporting companies. If they do not do this, then you may be able to purchase another property -- at a lower price and definitely with a lower mortgage that you can afford.
Buying a foreclosed property is very risky, you should be very careful and try to find out as much as possible about the property. Foreclosed properties are NOT necessary the best deals especially in the market like we are experiencing today. Get your self a buyer agent that will advise you properly and chances are you will find a seller that is just ready to sell.
Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
Your North Carolina Broker!
Sonja Babic
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Discover New Bern, North Carolina!
The secret is out! This is the place to live, play, work and retire!
Second oldest city in North Carolina founded in 1710 by Swiss Baron DeGrafenried with plenty of beautiful historic sites. Downtown historic district, magnificent Tryon Palace and many more. But forget about " Sleepy little southern town" stereotype and Sunday morning rockers creaking on the porch. On Sunday morning in New Bern you'll hear the creak and snap of sails, the roar of power boats, shouts from soccer coaches and the clop of horse drawn carriages taking the tourists around. You can call it a "Southern surprise"
New Bern rests on a peninsula where two major rivers converge. Once famous for shipping and trading these rivers now boast unparalleled vistas and unlimited boating and fishing. We are 31 miles from the resort areas on the Atlantic Ocean, 2 hours east of Raleigh, half way between the North and South borders of North Carolina just off U.S. Highways 17 and 70.
The moderate winter draws retirees from north and south. We have four distinct seasons, with very mild winters .
There are many golf courses a few minutes drive from downtown New Bern. Greenbriar's Emerald Golf Club is eastern Carolina's star , chosen as one of the best development course by '94-'95 golf Digest .Taberna, Weyerhaeuser's newest golf course community is up and galloping !
Pamlico Sound is the closest that the Gulf stream comes to the east coast of the US. It's a river of fish . Game and commercial fishing are principal contributors to the economy of eastern Carolina, and with all the rivers and navigable creeks around area, boats could be considered a major form of transportation.
There is always hunting season, whether it be ducks, deer, dove, pheasants, rabbit or black bear!
Remember hospitality? In New Bern, hospitality is always part of the atmosphere. Voted the friendliest small town in North Carolina in 1995 ultimately the warmth and genuine charm of the people and town are the real treasures of New Bern.
Are you ready for New Bern?


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This article first appeared in The Local Germany.
If they win the World Cup – and that "if" has become smaller after beating Brazil – Germany must choose between Berlin and Frankfurt for their victory celebration. The debate is already heating up. Which one should it be?
Berlin was famously described as "poor but sexy" by its own mayor and Frankfurt's reputation is the opposite – wealthy but perhaps a little dull.
Both cities are now facing off over where Die Mannschaft should celebrate if they win Sunday's World Cup final.
The German team celebrated its last two World Cup trophies in Frankfurt's Römer square. The players were on the balcony of city hall while thousands of fans cheered them below.
But when Germany came third in the 2006 World Cup, the team went straight to Berlin to celebrate. They picked the same place to party after coming second in the Euro 2008 football championship.
Despite the final not taking place until Sunday, the debate has already started over where to host the World Cup parade.
A tongue-in-cheek article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung argued Germany's banking centre was the obvious choice.
Berlin has no jobs, it argued, before pointing out this could actually be an advantage for the capital as it would mean plenty of people would be free to attend the victory celebrations.
Frankfurt's claim is not only rooted in the history of 1974 and 1990. The women's national football team celebrated their last championships at the Römer.
And the historic square's timber-framed facades and Frankfurt's city would make for an idyllic setting, reminding the world Germany has more to offer than its capital.
But Berlin supporters point to their fan mile, which stretches west from the Brandenburg Gate, and has become the unofficial centre of German fan culture in the last few years.
After the semi-final victory, Twitter users said they had spontaneously booked tickets to Berlin to see the victory parade at the Brandenburg Gate.
So what do you think? Should the German team continue the tradition and celebrate in Frankfurt or go with the times and come to Berlin?


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Turn "They Should" into "I Will"
We all say it: "They should make..." - We all
I've said it plenty of times:
"They should make an app to track your sleep." - Me (woah FitBit!)
"They should make an app to track how much you spend on booze." - Me (aloha Mint.com!)
Little did I know, groups of people (they) were already working on solutions like this or have done so since. I don't claim that I would have been capable of creating such a beautiful or simple service as Mint.com, but I could have certainly tried.
There is the key phrase...
I could have tried.
In some cases, I wish I had. No one enjoys that feeling. Here's how we can end it.
Over time I've developed a heuristic to use. Every time I catch myself saying or thinking, "they should make blah with blahs!", I stop.
I think:
- Who is "they"?
- Why are they able to make "blah"?
- Can I make "blah"? - OR - do I know people that can help me?
- Would I be happy making "blah" - OR - could I make money making "blah"?
- Could "blah" help a lot of people?
Excuse the excessive blahs, but if you can answer "YES!" to the final three, good. I hereby challenge you.
Replace "They should", with "I will".
Then go for it! At the very minimum, write it down.
This helps if you're an entrepreneur, trying to become one, or even working for someone else. I first started thinking this way at SpaceX, although I didn't realize it at the time. It was through this that I was able to have some degree of impact at the company. Why? Because it helped me step out of my own perception of what I thought I was "allowed" to do and enter a whole new world. It was exhilarating.
I've been using it ever since then. The current project I am working on was born out of it (more to come on that later).
Try it for yourself, and let me know how it goes.
Note: Of course, this is an overly simplified model. There is a lot to be written about the steps between ideas and execution, but those could be whole books themselves. However, this is a good way to get in the right mindset.


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March 12, 2018
In February 2018, FinTech startups around the world raised $1.4 billion worth of VC investments across 125 deals, a 17.21% YoY growth in the total funding raised when compared to February 2017.
However, in terms of MoM growth, in February 2018, the funding value was 45.3% lower than the $2.56 billion raised in January 2018.
The US heavily dominated the funding charts with $961 million, which was a whopping 69% of the global FinTech funding in February. India was a distant second with a 9% ($130 million) contribution, with Canada and Japan contributing 6% ($81.5 million) and 3% ($41.3 million) respectively.
InsurTech startups led the funding race with $285 million in funding across 24 deals. There were some large deals in this segment, with key players such as Collective Health (raised $110 million) and Bind (raised $60 million) raising a good amount of funding.
Lending, continuing the trend from the previous month, was a close second as it went neck to neck with InsurTech. Lending startups raised $267 million in funding across 16 funding deals, thus contributing 19% to the global FinTech funding in February 2018. Some large deals in this segment were C2FO (raised $100 million), LendingKart (raised $87 million), and Roostify (raised $25 million).
The payments segment, which was uncharacteristically low-funded in the previous month, came back in the game as it stood third in February 2018 with $195 million in funding raised, registering a 116% MoM growth from January 2018. Companies such as YapStone (raised $70 million) and Nayax ($24.5 million) raised a good amount of funding.
Investment platforms, B2B FinTech and AI/ML/NLP were the other three key segments that garnered substantial interest from investors.
In the Investment Platforms space, Wealthsimple raised $50 million, while WealthNavi and Stash raised $41.3 million and $37.5 million respectively. In the B2B FinTech space, Apttus and Tipalti raised $75 million and $30 million respectively.
Similarly, in the AI/ML/NLP space, SparkCognition, Another Brain, and ATN raised $56.5 million, $12.3 million and $10 million respectively.


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Explore Our Land
With 600 acres of land to explore, we offer an inspiring setting for everyone to engage, learn, and connect with the natural world. Whether it's through participating in our spiritual or educational programming, hiking or skiing on our extensive trail network, or renting a plot to grow your own garden, we invite you to explore the sacredness of this land.
"There is something about this land that invites the experience of community, life, and God. Truly the land sustains us." – James Profit, SJ


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A man accused of trying to detonate a car bomb in Times Square spent a decade on the path to respectability before embarking on explosives training in Pakistan, authorities revealed today.
Faisal Shahzad, the 30-year-old son of a retired official in Pakistan's air force, was charged yesterday with trying to blow up a crude petrol and propane device inside a parked sport utility vehicle amid tourists and Broadway theatre-goers.
He is in custody after being hauled off a Dubai-bound plane he had boarded on Monday night at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport, despite being under surveillance and placed on the federal no-fly list.
Passengers disembarking from the flight many hours later described a calm scene as he was removed from the plane. They said he didn't put up a struggle.
US Attorney General Eric Holder said Shahzad had been providing valuable information to investigators as they sought to determine the scope of the plot to blow up the vehicle on Saturday night in the heart of Times Square near bustling restaurants and a theatre showing "The Lion King."
"Based on what we know so far, it is clear that this was a terrorist plot aimed at murdering Americans in one of the busiest places in our country," Holder said.
A court hearing was cancelled yesterday in part because of Shahzad's continuing co-operation with investigators, but authorities said they had shed little light on what might have motivated him.
Until recently, his life in the US appeared enviable. He had a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, a job as a budget analyst for a marketing firm in Norwalk, Connecticut, two children and a well-educated wife who posted his smiling picture and lovingly called him "my everything" on a social networking website.
But shortly after becoming a US citizen a year ago, he gave up his job, stopped paying his mortgage and told a real estate agent to let the bank take the house because he was returning to Pakistan.
Once there, according to investigators, he travelled to the lawless Waziristan region and learned bomb making at a terrorist training camp.


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Copyright © Mi Ranchito Sporting Clays
Linn San Manuel, Texas 956-239-2239
Ready for a South Texas BBQ? At Mi Ranchito that is whats on the menu. Mesquite flavored beef ribs, chicken, fajitas, smoked sausage, and good old fire breathing hot peppers. Corn and Flour tortillas all served with fresh, hot and spicy pico de gallo and avocado. Wash it all down with a cold beverage of your choice all provided by Mi Ranchito Sporting Clays or one of the local caterers such as Bar-B-Cuties BBQ Restaurant. All food items and drinks will be made available to our clients based on the number of guests and shooters at the event. Pricing for the food and beverages will be discussed prior to the event. Should a client feel the need to provide their own food and beverages they are welcome to do so at their own expense.


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Trying to keep a balance while I'm living between woodworking blogs. while doing about a bajillion things between now and Christmas. I just posted a new one over at my wordpress site.
Back to the shop… presents to plan and make, and can't share any photos of those until next month – lest I ruin surprises!
Speaking of the holidays, if you also find yourselves at home in the kitchen as well as the shop, I brewed up about 2 gallons of beer today to use in a Stout/gingerbread cake I'll be making for Christmas. Intersted? The recipe is over at my other, other blog.
Wherever I go, I just can't stop making stuff!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Van Gogh -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/


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Think globally, give locally
December 10, 2017
By: Tom Poser, Executive Vice President, JLL
This is the time of the year when our thoughts and actions turn toward others. After all, it's known as the Season of Sharing.
Being a good corporate citizen is one of JLL's primary ambitions as a firm. In fact, the firm was recently ranked first among financial, insurance and real estate companies in Corporate Responsibility magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens list.
Giving back to the community is a year-round activity for our more than 80,000 JLL employees worldwide.
Raphael House
Here in Northern California, 25 colleagues from our San Francisco office recently volunteered to spend a day lending a hand at Raphael House, a local nonprofit providing transitional housing and support programs for at-risk families parents and children, who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Above: JLL San Francisco volunteers
During the day, we cleaned dining rooms, common areas and organized storage areas.
It was a great experience, but our commitment didn't end there. With the help of supportive companies like InsideSource, AllModular Delivery, Hoem Associates and Bently Mills, we were able to provide Raphael House with new carpet, a new sofa, chairs and a future redesign for the computer lab.
Above (left to right): John Roskos, Jason Volpe, Chris Roeder
As Raphael House is a 100% privately funded and community-supported organization, it relies on the support of over 2,000 volunteers each year. Its success rate is unmatched: more than 85% of all Raphael House families go on to achieve long-term housing and financial stability.
Above (left to right): Brittany Martinez, Courtney Strafford
For information on how you can help Raphael House, visit: http://www.raphaelhouse.org/give/holidaygiving/.
About me
I represent tenants in the San Francisco and Marin office markets, helping you find office space, buy buildings, and negotiate leases. Partial client list includes Bank of America, RocketSpace, Marin General Hospital, GoPro, Globant, Regus, Kiva, Indiegogo and more. I have helped secure over a million square feet of office space for my clients in the past 3 years.
You can contact me directly by email at email@example.com or via phone at +1 (415) 395-4941.


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Capitol Alert
California Assembly kills bill overhauling State Bar
In a clear rebuke to California's system for regulating attorneys, the Assembly on Tuesday decisively rejected a bill that sought to overhaul the State Bar.
A recent audit of the quasi-governmental agency lambasted it for a backlog of claims related to attorney misconduct, which the agency is tasked with investigating. The audit also spotlighted shoddy recordkeeping and high executive pay.
Legislators aired their frustration with the State Bar on Tuesday, arguing a bill that would have altered the entity's board of trustees by eliminating six elected members, fell short of needed change. They pointed to hundreds of complaints to which the Bar never responded, and excoriated the agency for failing to rein in unlicensed practitioners like "notarios," who often offer unauthorized legal advice to immigrants.
"The State Bar is the Titanic, and if we don't turn it around we'll only have ourselves to blame," said Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco, a former prosecutor with the San Francisco District Attorney's office
Both Republicans and Democrats, some of them attorneys who were licensed to work in California, rose to oppose Assembly Bill 2878. They vowed to block the bill until it enacts broader changes, rejecting it on an overwhelming 8-44 vote. All eight votes in favor came from Democrats.
Jeremy B. White: 916-326-5543, @CapitolAlert


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July 14, 2011
Blogger Bloopers with Disney from Ruffles and Stuff
24 comments:
Oh my gosh I am cracking up at the bubble dress and the pee on the ground ~ReplyDelete
This is a great post!
I have been reading a bunch of them actually ~
Your blog is awesome!!
You know what... that was awesome Disney!! I always thought you looked almost too perfect on your beautiful blog with your gorgeous style and beautiful daughter. Thanks for being so honest!ReplyDelete
Oh my goodness. Just what I needed this morning. What a great post. I can't stop chuckling at the photos of your daughter in the bubble dress. Her expressions are priceless. :)ReplyDelete
Thank you for a light-hearted approach to a more 'serious' issue: we bloggers try to make everything so pretty and perfect. And it simply isn't true.ReplyDelete
There's a fine line between 'airing all your dirty laundry' on the Internet and 'plastering on the cyber equivalent of a fake smile'. I think it's called authenticity and integrity.
Thanks for making me laugh! And go you, for having the courage to share said bloopers.
This Good Life
Love this series! Makes me feel better about all the times I'm trying to cram my kid's heads through neck holes that are too small.ReplyDelete
WHOA BABY!! Thanks for the out loud laugh. Peeing down the leg during the pic and her totally honest look to her "NEW BUBBLE DRESS!" is priceless. Thanks for the realism.ReplyDelete
I am stifiling laughter in my cubicle at work right now. I am also crying. This is too funny! Thank you so much for sharing. It makes me feel 1000 times better about all of my fails.ReplyDelete
I love this:). Especially the pee one, ha ha! I love Disney!ReplyDelete
This is adorable, it's great to see a blogger I adore have real, and sometimes unfortunate mistakes! Thanks for sharing Disney!ReplyDelete
This literally made me laugh out loud! ha ha Love that we are all mom bloggers who make mistakes and can laugh about them. I could totally add to this post with my own mishaps. Thanks a bunch for sharing this (laugh out loud) moment with me today! I needed it! :) Laughing is good for the mind and soul.ReplyDelete
Enjoy reading your blog, keep it up!
hahaha, i laughed so hard at this it actually distracted my husband from some shootery game! glad i'm not the only one with some 'oh dear' moments!ReplyDelete
Your blog is my new favorite to follow!! I love everything about it - especially that you are so genuine and willing to share your mistakes!!!ReplyDelete
That did make me laugh out loud cause we have all been there. Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous14.7.11
I love this series you've been doing this week! It makes me feel so much better about my craft fails.... Coincidentally, my post today was about a fail, even though I had originally intended to post about something lovely :-p (It's here if anyone is interested...)ReplyDelete
Oh my. Absolutely hilarious. I love that everyone is exposing that ARE in fact human!ReplyDelete
Thanks for showing me I'm not the only one who misses things when I sew! The last one made me laugh and already I'm in a better mood! I can see my daughter doing that in a heartbeat. As bad as it sounds sometimes it is nice to know people you admire are human too.ReplyDelete
OMG. That bubble dress.... I'm sorry, but I have not laughed that hard in while. I almost made my own puddle of pee from laughing so hard!ReplyDelete
It is such a relief to read that you great bloggers make mistakes just like I do. I'm not sure if you make as many as I do, but still... I just feel refreshed. This is the best series ever. I have seriously lost all sewing mojo, and I know part of it is comparing myself to others who I think do it better.ReplyDelete
Oh, you made me feel like a kindred spirit. Glad I'm not alone in my bloopers.ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for leaving a comment! If you are asking a question and you do NOT have your profile linked to your email address, I will respond in the comment section, so just come back to check it later. Thanks!


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This weekend, the U.S. holds its most watched and celebrated sporting event: the Super Bowl. The XLVIII (that's the 48th) contest will be held in New Jersey and be fought out by the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. Fox TV, which will broadcast the game live, hopes that viewing figures will top the 111.3 million viewers who tuned in 2012—which made it the most watched event in U.S. television history.
Given that statistic, it's little wonder that the world's leading brands and corporations see the Super Bowl as the advertising fixture of the year, too. Coca Cola, Pepsi, Audi, Samsung, Mars and Viacom are just a few of the 130 marketers willing to spend around $4 million for a 30-second slot during the game.
Analysts Kantor Media put these figures into context: the average rate for a 30-second advertisement during the Super Bowl has increased by more than 70 percent over the past decade and in the past five years the top five advertisers have spent $437 million on advertising during the game. The biggest spenders are Anheuser-Busch InBev (Becks, Stella Artois and Budweiser) and PepsiCo, closely followed by Hyundai, Chrysler and Coca-Cola.
Let's consider Anheuser-Busch. USA Today reckons the brewer paid $145.9 million for Super Bowl air time between 2009 and 2013. This is more than double what Hyundai, Chrysler, and Coca-Cola have all paid, and it is almost $50 million more than what its closest competitor, Pepsi, has shelled out for the big game.
Budweiser's 2013 Super Bowl commercial.
Forecasters predict that there will be no slowing down in future years, either, and Forbes magazine sees a time in the near future when the price will reach $10 million for a 30 second slot.
So, why are brands prepared to spend what seems like a ridiculous amount of money on such narrow advertising slots? The size of the audience is clearly a major factor, but that isn't the whole story. The Super Bowl audience is unusually engaged. Research shows that, in contrast to what usually happens, viewers don't tend to switch over during breaks in play. Kantor media found that in the 2013 game the percentage of audience switching over during the average commercial was a minuscule 0.7 percent, compared with a rate of 3 percent to 4 percent for regular TV programming. Audiences are interested in how the brands are going to advertise—and the fact is that the ad breaks now have as much cultural currency as the game itself.
Kantor's findings suggest something even more startling: that more people actually watch the adverts than the contest itself. The 2013 game scored a commercial tuning index (CTI) of 101.6, meaning the average Super Bowl commercial attracted an audience 1.6 percent larger than the average audience for the game itself.
To advertise in the Super Bowl indicates the strength of a brand financially but it also reinforces status. The presence of a Coke ad, for example, emphasizes the company's power, longevity, relevance and central place in U.S. life. Tim Calkins, professor of marketing at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management points out:
For advertisers, it says that what they are doing is exciting. For brands, it sends a very strong signal to their partners and competitors that they are invested and committed in their brand.
Although it is difficult to quantify how far Super Bowl advertising affects sales directly, we can be fairly sure of one thing: if it wasn't profitable, they wouldn't do it. Take German car manufacturer Audi. U.S. director of marketing recently said that, as part of a focus on "bringing Audi into the conversation" their commercials saw an "extensive lift right after the Super Bowl, driving consumer interest." Another online stockbrokers saw a 32 percent increase in new accounts the week after its Super Bowl ad.
Indeed, Neil Mulcahy, executive vice president of sales for Fox Sports Media Group has estimated a US$4m investment in the Super Bowl would bring a return of between $11 million and $12 million.
American football, with its fragmented structure and frequent periods where the ball is out of play, is perfect for regular advertising breaks. In a game that typically takes three hours to play, the ball is actually in play on the field for an average of just 11 minutes. There are 20 commercial breaks, ten in each half, lasting usually from one to two minutes each.
An Audi gets the girl—and a black eye.
With an engaged audience and a game that perfectly suits advertising, spending on the Super Bowl continues to rise—as does the domination of the ads themselves. As the Kantor report makes clear, "The past four Super Bowls have been the most ad-saturated in history, each containing more than 47 minutes of commercial time." Expect viewers to save the half-time channel hopping for other sports.
John Jewell is director of undergraduate studies at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University in the U.K. This article was originally published at The Conversation.


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Cremation Urns
- Home
- Cremation Urns
- Companion Urns
- Handcrafted Hummingbird Ceramic Companion Cremation Urn
Product Description
The Hummingbird Ceramic Companion Urn features a lovely drawing of a hummingbird flitting in mid-air above an array of flowers. The image is fired permanently onto the ceramic urn, which results in a red-hued design that gives the piece an antique look and feel. Available in 4 different companion urn shapes; pictured with Hummingbird image is Shape #2. A very affordable double ceramic urn, handmade by a talented ceramic pottery artisan.
You may add an inscription of up to four lines; select options above. Our inscription process will permanently affix the inscription to the surface of the funeral urn in the same burnt-red color as the hummingbird and flower imagery.
These items are handmade and generally made-to-order, so please allow approximately 3-6 weeks for your order to be shipped. However, this is a popular item and we often have one in stock or are able to finish and deliver the urn sooner, so if you need the cremation urn by a specific date please contact us and we can help determine what arrangements need to be made. As ceramic urns are hand-made, there may be slight, minor variations between what is pictured and what you receive.
- Hand-made in the USA
- Holds 375 cubic inches of remains; ideal for two adults
- 4 shapes from which to choose; see images above
- Add a 4-line inscription; select options above
- Made to order within 3-6 weeks
- Free standard ground shipping
- Time in transit varies by destination; usually about 2-5 business days
- Expedited shipping can be arranged; please contact us for availability
- Gorgeous hummingbird and flower image fired on
- Easily sealable lid; see here for instructions
Sizing info
- Figure 1 cubic inch of cremated remains per pound of body weight
- Example: A 165 lbs individual would require roughly 165 cubic inches
- The Hummingbird Companion Urn holds 375 cubic inches, perfect for two adults
- Still wondering about urn sizing? See here.


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Tunnel repairs costing $88 million in round the clock effort to reopen in February 2009 In France near Calais, workers toil 24/7 to repair the Channel Tunnel. The Tunnel was scorched by a raging inferno three months ago when a freight train travelling through the tunnel caught fire. All the passengers and crew escaped the disaster because of ingenious safety measures already in place, such as the...
Eurotunnel getting back on track after fire interrupts train service between Paris and London. Brit...
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Ukraine requests fresh IMF bailout
[DAVOS] Ukraine has asked the IMF for a new and broader rescue package, and would seek to renegotiate its debt with bond holders, officials said on Wednesday as the war-torn country fights to save its reeling economy.
IMF chief Christine Lagarde met Ukrainian Petro Poroshenko on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos and said Ukraine requested that the Washington-based IMF deepen its relationship with Kiev.
The meeting took place soon after Poroshenko told an audience of the world's financial elite in Davos that 9,000 Russian troops were backing Ukrainian separatist fighters.
"President Poroshenko informed me today that the Ukrainian authorities have requested a multi-year arrangement with the Fund... to replace the existing... arrangement," the IMF said in a statement.
"We will consult with the IMF Executive Board on the authorities' request," Lagarde said.
The IMF, which last year granted Kiev US$17 billion (13.6 billion euros) in financial aid over two years as part of a broader US$27 billion global rescue package, has expressed fears that the former Soviet country may need an additional US$15 billion in immediate aid.
The Ukrainian government said the request was key to turning around the war-torn economy.
The new programme "will allow us to gain access to additional resources, which in turn will enable us to return to economic growth, restore adequate foreign exchange reserves, and ensure economic and financial stability going forward," said Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko.
Kiev added that as part of an effort to stabilise its finances, it will "consult with the holders of Ukrainian international sovereign debt so as to improve Ukraine's medium term sustainability".
Asked for details on the debt restructuring, Jaresko told AFP that "there's no perimeter to discuss" until the IMF talks are over.
"When we finish our discussion with the IMF agreement, then I would expect the next step to be these consultations - we would be listening to and talking with our sovereign creditors to talk about how we can improve the debt sustainability of the country," she said.
She added that an IMF mission is expected to conclude on January 29 and "so shortly after that ... we will reach out to our creditors for these consultations".
Ukraine's foreign lenders, which besides the IMF include the European Union, World Bank and Japan, want deep cuts to welfare services and a hike in energy prices to help balance the books.
The architects of the aid package had hoped to use it as an incentive for Ukraine to wean itself off communist-era subsidies long abandoned by its smaller but now far better-off neighbours in eastern Europe.
The IMF also wants to see loss-making state firms privatised and graft that has permeated both ministries and local governments comprehensively punished instead of having their wrongdoings swept under the rug.
But few of those steps have yet been taken.


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There are still two weeks to go check out the current exhibition White Hot Lamp Black at Southern Exposure. The show is said to investigate the edges of our perception: Shadows, Bright Light, Dark Space, and Deep Holes.
Carrie Hott created some great sculptures that boasted features that are so relevant in our current times. She made use of what seemed to be found objects and was able to reinterpret them to sync with the show perfectly in sculptural forms that create shadows on the wall. A lot of times when artists do this, it is either the objects that are interesting, or the shadows, but not both. Hott succeeded in creating objects that are very interesting to look at, and also create shadows that skew our perception. She also made a very interesting video that loops interesting studies of light and shadow, the video and the objects she created are visually very similar which offers a nice continuity to the work.
Still from Carrie Hott's Video Sequence.
Below is Hillary Wiedmann's study of the sun, which I believe she was able to source from Nasa's Mars Mission. The images are very nicely done, and give a sense of time and light. I would have liked to hear the artists thoughts on this work, they come across very scientific. The work still fit into the whole of the show rather nicely.
The work below is by Dario Robleto. To tell the truth I did not like these images until I read about them in the helpful guide Southern Exposure provided. They obviously fit in with the show very well as they were studies of all things light. The work reminded me of early Photoshop filters, which now that I think about it, might be kind of rad. The work is the product of Robleto sifting through thousands of photos that fans take at concerts and finding the images shot of the stage lighting. It is almost endurance art in process. The outcome is very beautiful, almost surreal. They look like Star Trek spatial anomalies, which is always a great sight.
The show runs until March 8th @ Southern Exposure GAllery
3030 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110