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SMART AGENTListing Lead Generation for Agents
What makes us different?
Our Smart Data
In the past year we have predicted over 70% of listings in the United States using our proprietary algorithm.
Our Automated Marketing
We launch multiple managed campaigns which leverage our Smart Data to generate leads online and offline.
We are Exclusive
We license our Smart Data to only one agent per territory. This empowers our customer to be first in the door for listings.
We generate Leads via Smart FarmingWe market to homeowners through numerous channels each month in your area verifying listing opportunities.
We score each property using our proprietary algorithm to identify who is most likely to list their home for sale next. We have predicted over 70% of home sales throughout the United States.
We market to high-scoring homeowners through online campaigns and third-party websites to verify who is thinking of selling in the next 6-12 months.
Once the homeowner is identified as engaging with our campaigns, we then verify their intention to list their property and deliver the lead directly to your inbox.
We generate Leads OnlineWe use Smart Data and Online Targeting to target homeowners with highest potential to list their home for sale.
With offrs.com we generate exclusive leads directly to you through our website housevaluereport.com and you also can create your own custom high-conversion landing page.
When homeowners search for their property they get a robust and dynamic property report which shows home value ranges and market trends.
Once the homeowner searches their property we match their address with their contact information and deliver lookup leads directly to you. We then attempt to verify each lookup lead through our call center as a verified listing lead.
Our Smart DataWe score every property using our proprietary algorithm.
Predictive Analytics is one of the most powerful tools in understanding how to generate more sales. Knowing who to target not only gives you a competitive advantage but also the necessary information you need to successfully generate leads.
Our Data Science team processes data we get from over twenty different sources including property records, tax records, consumer databases, credit agencies and online websites. We process over 300 data points using our proprietary algorithm to determine which properties are more likely to sell in the next year.
In order to verify our algorithm's accuracy we measure our success each month when we download the recent sales transactions from the property records. We look at how we scored each property which sold and publish our accuracy on our website.
We verify our DataWe are the only company in the market that verifies our data.
Smart Data is a critical piece of our process, but it is just the beginning. In order to provide a complete solution to our customers we survey our customer's territories in order to verify our predictive scoring and also identify any homeowners who are looking to sell their property.
Surveying high-scoring properties is what sets us apart, and ensures we can provide our customers real value and verified leads.


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About Cormac
- Profile
- Cormac Burke comes from the fishing port of Killybegs in Donegal on the northwest coast of Ireland. Formerly a fishermen for over 16 years and now editor for both Fishing News and Fishing News International, he is well known in EU fisheries circles in Brussels, both as his role as a fisheries paper editor and also as an industry commentator.
Recently Published Posts
- Seafood and the UK Fishing Industry, 15 Feb 2015 in Eating Habits

subset: commoncrawl


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Warwick University is to take part in a new government scheme aimed at attracting more people into higher education.
It has been named as one of 30 institutions across the country which will offer Excellence Fellowship Awards.
Under the scheme, teachers from schools and further education colleges will be able to learn more about university life to take back to the classroom.
They will spend a term at the university, with a #20,000 award given to their school or college to cover costs - such as supply cover - and #1,000 going to the teacher.
Teachers have been targeted as they are best placed to know what is preventing their own pupils from going on to higher education.
By working with universities, it is hoped they can knock down barriers and encourage more pupils to aim higher.
Warwick University is to receive #60,000 as part of the scheme, in which three teachers from the Coventry and Warwickshire region will take part. The first teacher is expected to start in October this year.
Warwick University spokesman Peter Dunn said: ?It is a chance to experience what happens in universities and particularly to understand issues such as recruitment.
?It is a two-way process as we know we can learn from schools and colleges as well.?
Higher education minister Margaret Hodge said: ?The government?s target is that by 2010, 50percent of young people enter higher education by the time they are 30 but we need to widen participation as well as increase it.
?We need to work with universities, schools and teachers to succeed and these fellow-ships are a good example of how we can join forces.?


text:
Sign up to receive the latest resources.
For the purpose of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the data controller is Perrigo UK, 32 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, Westminster, London SW1V 2SS.
Godrej is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our website visitors, this policy sets out how we will treat your personal information.
We may collect, store and use the following kinds of personal data:
A cookie consists of information sent by a web server to a web browser, and stored by the browser. The information is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. This enables the web server to identify and track the web browser.
We use "session" cookies and "persistent" cookies on the website. We will use the session cookies to keep track of you whilst you navigate the website. We will use the persistent cookies to enable our website to recognise you when you visit.
Session cookies will be deleted from your computer when you close your browser. Persistent cookies will remain stored on your computer until deleted, or until they reach a specified expiry date.
We use Google Analytics to analyse the use of this website. Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about website use by means of cookies, which are stored on users' computers. The information generated relating to our website is used to create reports about the use of the website. Google will store this information. Google's privacy policy is available at www.google.com/privacypolicy.html.
Personal data submitted on this website will be used for the purposes specified in this privacy policy or in relevant parts of the website.
We may use your personal information to:
We will not, without your express consent, provide your personal information to any third parties for direct marketing, however, please note that your details will be shared with our contracted suppliers who administer marketing activities on our behalf.
We would like to send you information about Bio-Oil which may be of interest to you. If you have consented to receive marketing emails, you may opt out at a later date. You have a right at any time to stop us from contacting you for marketing purposes. If you no longer wish to be contacted for marketing purposes, please click the unsubscribe button/link at the bottom of marketing emails or email firstname.lastname@example.com requesting to be removed from the list.
We may disclose information about you to (any of our employees, officers, agents, suppliers or subcontractors) insofar as reasonably necessary for the purposes as set out in this privacy policy.
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Except as provided in this privacy policy, we will not provide your information to third parties.
Information that we collect may be stored and processed in and transferred between any of the countries in which we operate in order to enable us to use the information in accordance with this privacy policy.
Personal information that you submit for publication on the website will be published on the internet and may be available, via the internet, around the world.
You expressly agree to such transfers of personal information.
We will take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information.
We will store all the personal information you provide on our secure (password- and firewall- protected) servers. All electronic transactions you make to, or receive from, us will be encrypted (using SSL technology).
Of course, data transmission over the internet is inherently insecure, and we cannot guarantee the security of data sent over the internet.
We may update this privacy policy from time-to-time by posting a new version on our website. You should check this page occasionally to ensure you are happy with any changes.
We may also notify you of changes to our privacy policy by email.
You may instruct us to provide you with any personal information we hold about you. Provision of such information may be subject to the payment of a fee (currently fixed at £10.00).
You may instruct us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes by email at any time. (In practice, you will expressly agree in advance to our use of your personal data for marketing purposes)
The website contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third party websites.
Please let us know if the personal information which we hold about you needs to be corrected or updated.


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Have you ever ever questioned what makes folks select certain manufacturers over others? This module focuses on the nature of information required to make informed advertising decisions, the methods used to gather such info, the ways of decoding and applying the resulting data and the means by which the information is stored and retrieved.
Origination and set-up time and costs are generally much lower than for standard design and print advertising strategies. 12 months 3 (Level 6) subjects embody model, model management and advertising and marketing communications. The companies attempt to convey the emotions of happiness, safety, prosperity, standing and joy by way of their ads to the shoppers and state how their merchandise can assist them get this stuff.
The module requires the design and implementation of a research undertaking in an space of selling and/or advertising and should embrace some factor of authentic research, for example interviews or a questionnaire. On the web site, the consumer may learn an informative weblog put up about the advantages of the soap, or be encouraged to subscribe to the brand's e-mail list for updates and coupons—both types of advertising and marketing.
In all of your promoting materials take care to see issues and hear things kind your customers' viewpoint. With higher advertising administration software, promoting and promotions managers can control these campaigns extra simply, increasing their productivity, and thereby limiting the potential employment development.


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AppMinute #242myCharge Summit 3000 and Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo
November 26, 2012
Download the show here
Subscribe in iTunes
mophie juice pack powerstation duo
myCharge Summit 3000
Nemo gets charged up over two very different rechargeable power supplies for keeping your iOS equipment ready for action when you are out and about.
Thanks for listening to AppMinute. Spread the word to all your AppPals.


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jochen rausch
Jochen Rausch: Restlicht ("Rest of light") Novel – approx. 288 pages
Without a word, without announcement, she was gone. Astrid was Peter's first girlfriend. After several
months of futile search, he finally runs away from the oppressing town near the German-German
border, away from his middle-class family, to America where he calls himself Bloom. Only when his
father is dying, he reluctantly returns after over 30 years' absence. And the ridiculous hope that he will
find Astrid is still somewhere in the back of his head.
At first sight, not much has changed in the town. But then, the skeleton of a girl is found in the exact
place of the former border installations. Assumed year of death: summer 1975 - the last summer with
Astrid. Bloom believes that these are her remains. But the police finds out a young hitchhiker from
Norway is the victim. Bloom remembers her - there is an old photo of the Norwegian, with Astrid and
the boys of the band. He starts to investigate – and makes himself suspicious, especially since he is
unwilling to share his speculations with the police. Step by step, he approaches the secret. Peter
suspects what has happened, since he was not the only one who could not forget Astrid.
Jochen Rausch's first novel is a disquieting read. The author tells about a first great love which never
ended because it was finished to abruptly. A story about past desires and dreams, a novel about
people who have gone away and about those they left behind.


text: The Shepherd's Life is a book given to me for Christmas this year. The author, James Rebanks, took me along as he journaled his way through the four seasons of the year. I found his attempt to hold together the tension of the old and the new way of being in the world a creative endeavor. I suspect that many ways of being in the world today are wrestling with this same tension. How does one live with the wisdom of the ages and yet be open to what is revealing itself in this rapidly changing environment? I suspect the advent of the alphabet, the printing press, the industrial expansion were but a few examples of this same struggle. Yet, maybe we face an existential crisis radically new to any that have been faced before. This time, either by our own devices, or by the cumulative effect of ignorant/uncaring choices a do-over might not be possible. It behooves all of us to reflect deeply about what we must do to live within this dynamic. The future depends that we care as deeply ans Rebanks does.


text:
A Short History of 'Firsts' and Major Events:
Sept 14th - 16th - The Band travelled to and participated in the Shanghai Tourism Festival in Shanghai China - China Trip
March 28th - The Band as a group was presented the Commander's Unit Commendation - first time a civilian unit has been given this award. Award Gallery
March 28th - P/Sgt Gilbert Young and Jack Yourt received Commanding Officer Commendations.
March 28th - P/M Graeme Ogilvie received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.
April 7th - CEILIDH AT CARTIER SQUARE - 20th Anniversary celebration of our Tartan
January 1st - Pipe Major Douglas MacLeod takes over from Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie.
December 6th - Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie returns to the Pipe Major position.
March 8th - A New Mace is presented to the Band. The Old Mace (1932) was retired.
September 6-12 - Band travelled to Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highland Festival, Estes Park, Colorado, USA
December 1-5 - Four band members traveled to Hong Kong, China to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 75th anniversary of the battle of Hong Kong. (Band Trip)
May 1st thru 10th - 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherland Composite Band Trip (Holland)
July 5th - RCMP stand sentry at the National War Memorial in Ottawa (News Story)
August 7th thru 29th - Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Edinburgh, Scotland) (Band Report)
Jun 10 - 15 NCR Band Members participate in Funeral for Officers Doug Larche, Fabrice Georges Gevaudan, and Dave Joseph Ross held in Moncton, New Brunswick
Mar 17 - St. Patrick's Day Parade , Montreal, Quebec - Awarded: Best Military Unit
Mar 16 - New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, New York City U.S.A.
Mar 15 - United Nations, New York City U.S.A.
July 29 - Provincial Baseball Championships (Kemptville)
Aug 17-26 - Festival International Musique Militaire de Quebec, Quebec City
Sep 19-22 - New Hampshire Highland Games, Loon Mountain NH
Nov 13 - Second Ken Thorton Award present to Piper Charles Armstrong
Feb 21 - Drum Major Graham Muir is recognized for his illustrious and exemplary record of public service by Simon Fraser University(SFU). SFU Youtube Video highlighting Graham.
Mar 12 - St. Patrick's Day Parade, Montreal
Apr 15 - "Tempo and Tradition" Concert celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee - Dominion Chalmers Church
Jul 12 - Kincardine Scottish Festival and Games (Duty Band)
Aug 12 - Festival International Musique Militaire de Quebec, Quebec City
Nov 03 - First Ken Thorton Award present to Piper Jack Yourt - External article
Apr 11 - Dominion Chalmers 10th Anniversary Concert
Jun/Jul 11 - Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax NS
Jul 11 - Fort Henry Tattoo, Kingston ON
Sep 11 - New Hampshire Highland Games, Loon Mountain NH
Oct 11 - "Salute to our Military" Concert, Pembroke ON
Dec 11 - RCMP Commissioner Change of Command
Aug 10 - Festival International Music Militaires, Quebec City PQ
Sep 10 - Longs Peak Scottish Festival, Estes Park CO
Sep 10 - New Hampshire Highland Games, Loon Mountain NH
Jan 09 - Robbie Burns 250th Concert, Pembroke ON
Jan 09 - Robbie Burns 250th Concert, Dominion Chalmers
May 09 - Royal Windsor Castle Tattoo, Windsor UK
Jun 09 - Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax NS
Aug 09 - Festival International Music Militaires, Quebec City PQ
Sep 09 - OPP 100th Anniversary Tattoo, Oshawa ON
Oct 09 - 5th Anniversary Beechwood RCMP National Cemetary, Ottawa ON
Jan 08 - RCMP Concert at Dominion Chalmers, Ottawa ON
Feb 08 - Carlson 70th Anniversary, Las Vegas NV
May 08 - CD Recording
May 08 - Saskatchewan International Tattoo, Regina SK
Aug 08 - Gold Cup Parade, Charlottetown PEI and Hector Festival, Pictou NS
Aug 08 - "O" Division Change of Command, Downsview ON
Oct 08 - Autumnfest, Woonsocket RI
Oct 08 - Ken Thornton 90th Birthday, Creemore ON>
May 07 - RCMP Heritage Centre Opening and Saskatchewan Tattoo, Regina SK
Jun 07 - Hamilton International Tattoo, Hamilton ON
Aug 07 - Commissioner Elliott Change of Command Parade, Ottawa ON
Aug 07 - Gold Cup Parade, Charlottetown PEI and Festival of Tartans, New Glasgow NS
Nov 07 - 125th Anniversary Policing Tattoo, North Bay ON
Dec 07 - John McDermott Christmas Concert Centrepointe Theatre, Ottawa ON
May 06 - Greater Cleveland Police Memorial Parade and Tattoo, Cleveland OH
May 06 - Incorporation of Ottawa Celtic Music and Dance Society, Orleans ON
Sep 06 - Rochester International Tattoo, Rochester NY
Dec 06 - RCMP Pipes and Drums receive RCMP Unit Commendation, Ottawa ON
Jun 05 - RCMP Gala Concert Series at Orleans Theatre, Orleans ON
Jun 05 - OPS 150th Anniversary Tattoo, Ottawa ON
Jul 05 - CFB Petawawa 100th Anniversary, Petawawa ON
Jul 05 - Klondike Days and World Masters Games, Edmonton AB
Nov 05 - Commissioner MacLeod Memorial Dedication, Ottawa ON
Feb 04 - "O" Division Change of Command, London ON
Mar 04 - St Patty's Day Parade, Toronto ON
Apr 04 - Ontario Police Memorial Tattoo Skydome, Toronto ON
Jun 04 - Hamilton International Tattoo, Hamilton ON
Oct 04 - Dedication Beechwood RCMP National Cemetary, Ottawa ON
Our Formative Years 2000 - 2006
First kilt fitting, 29 March, 2000
First garrison duty, Change of Command, Commr. Zaccardelli, CPC, 01 September, 2000
First RCMP Medals Parade, 17 October, 2000
First participation in the RCMP Sunset Ceremonies, 27 June, 2001
First performance with the RCMP Musical Ride, Maxville, 26 May 2002
First RCMP-only band practice, 10 September, 2002
First Annual General Meeting (AGM), 24 September, 2002
First parade and performance for HM Queen Elizabeth II, CPC, 14 October, 2002
First performance with the RCMP Dancers, A/Commr. Hovey's retirement, 29 November, 2002
First competition, Winchester Highland Games, 10 May 2003
First "A" Division Change of Command Parade, A/Commr. Clement, 18 February, 2003
First Commander's Unit Commendation, awarded by A/Commr. Clement, December, 2006


text:
Artifact Details
TitlePhilco magazine advertisements
Document TitlesMagnetic tape vs. red tape
Document TitlesMake this point-by-point comparison of the new... Philco Transac all-transistor management "brain"
Document TitlesMathemagics! high-speed portable brain power...Transac
Document TitlesNew Philco Transac ...world's first all-transistor management "brain"
Document TitlesNew Philco Transac large-scale data processing system ...outmodes large-scale vacuum tube computers!
Document TitlesSound decisions depend upon fast, accurate facts
Document TitlesStep into tomorrow ...the fabulous world which electronic computers are helping shape today!
Document TitlesThis is a design for a "flip-flop"* ...and this Philco transistor insures its reliable performance
Document TitlesTransac miniature computer... performs complex flight control instructions ...every 30th of a second!
Catalog Number102725051
Date1956-12; 1957-06; 1957-09; ca.1957; 1957-11-11; 1957-12; ca. 1959; 1959-10; 1961-03
Description"Transac miniature computer..." appeared in Fortune, December 1956.
"Mathemagics! ..." appeared in Fortune, June 1957.
"New Philco Transac large-scale..." appeared in Fortune, September 1957.
"Make this point-by-point..." appeared in Newsweek, November 11, 1957.
"Step into tomorrow..." appeared in Fortune, December 1957.
"Sound decisions..." appeared in Fortune, October 1959.
"This is a design for a..." appeared in Fortune, March 1961.


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£17,000 spent on gardens to impress neighbours
We're a nation of competitive gardeners, investing £17,000 on our patch over a lifetime or £345 a year - to impress neighbours and keep up appearances, according to new research from Policy Expert.
One in four of the 2,205 people surveyed complained of a green-fingered neighbour whose garden always upstages the rest of the street, with over one in ten claiming it's their own garden that's the talk of the town.
40% keep their gardens pruned out of sheer pride
People admitted to gardening because they're worried about what their neighbours might think of unkempt lawns, with more than a third of those surveyed stating they pulled weeds and potted plants in fear of others thinking their garden looks a mess. A further 40 per cent admit that they keep their garden pruned out of sheer pride.
When asked what would be at the top of their garden's wishlist, nearly a third would opt for the perfect lawn, with a fifth plumping for a water feature. Gnomes also featured in the top 10.
Top 10 most-wanted garden features
- Garden shed
- Roses
- Patio
- Striped lawn
- Bird bath
- Vegetable patch
- Greenhouse
- Water feature
- Pond
- Gnome
Adam Powell at Policy Expert, says: "Thousands of Brits choose to spend serious time and money on their gardens – whether it's for a genuine love of the pastime, or a case of keeping up with the Jones'. Either way, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep your garden and its contents secure. Also, make sure you're clued up on what your insurance policy covers."
Tips to keep your garden safe
- Make sure you protect your garden with security measures e.g. outdoor lighting or a locked fence
- If you have a shed or outbuilding, make sure your home insurance policy includes outbuilding protection, and check exactly what this includes
- Make sure valuable items such as BBQs or sports equipment are shielded from view, under a cover or stored in a shed or garage
- If you're taking gadgets outside such as tablets or smartphones, ensure they're covered in your home insurance policy in case they're lost or damaged.
There are more money-saving tips in every issue of Yours magazine, out every fortnight on a Tuesday.


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tel: 718-803-6400
fax: 718-803-2012
Bulado General Contractors
26-44 Borough Place
Queens, NYC 11377
Bulado General Contractors is a Roofing, Waterproofing, Facade Restoration, and Masonry Repair business serving the New York City metropolitan area.
Our specialized focus combined with our more than 20 years of experience restoring some of the oldest buildings in the city allow us to provide our clients with the best service in terms of quality and cost available in the industry. Bulado offers a variety of services including: masonry repairs, facebrick replacement, brick and lintel replacement, pointing, caulking, priming, paint removal, flashing, and much more.
Bulado's portfolio of projects comprises almost all building types: Residential, Multifamily, Office, Retail and Industrial.
For more details on Roofing, Facade & Masonry Restoration, Roof Decks, and Blue & Green Roofs, please click on the service of your choice.
Bulado General Contractors Corp. | Roofing - Waterproofing - Restoration | 26-44 Borough Place, Queens, NYC 11377 | 718-803-6400


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Robertson closes chapter on lengthy Oil Kings tenure
After scoring a key goal in the 2014 Memorial Cup final and then getting to lift the trophy as a 17-year-old, the rest of Tyler Robertson's junior hockey career was destined to be anticlimactic.
Robertson, 20, played his final Western Hockey League game Sunday as the Oil Kings wrapped up their 2016-17 season with a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime win against the Red Deer Rebels in front of a sold out crowd of 18,102 at Rogers Place.
Riley Stadel, in his final WHL game, scored the overtime winner, while Robertson assisted on Colton Kehler's tying goal with 61 seconds left in the third period. Trey Fix-Wolansky scored 30 seconds previous to that as the Oil Kings battled back from a late 4-2 deficit to send the game into overtime.
Tyson Gruninger and Ethan Cap, with his first WHL goal, also scored for the Oil Kings, who finished they year on a three-game winning streak. Goaltender Patrick Dea made 22 saves in the win.
"It was pretty emotional," Robertson said. "The (pre-game ceremony) with the jersey (presentations) and the awards and stuff, they really make you feel appreciated in this organization in how well they treat their players."
Robertson finished the season with 15 goals and 36 points in 66 games. He concluded his WHL career playing 236 games for the Oil Kings, scoring 40 goals and adding 49 assists.
"I started at Christmas my first year and I joined a pretty good team," Robertson said. "We had a great run and those are memories you'll never forget. I've gone to weddings of people on that team and that's a group that you'll have a lifelong relationship with."
The Sherwood Park product joined the Oil Kings midway through the 2013-14 season having played the first half of the year with the Spruce Grove Saints. He played 26 regular-season games as a rookie and then was a regular in the playoffs as the Oil Kings won the WHL championship and represented the league at the 2014 Memorial Cup in London, Ont.
In the final, the Oil Kings fell behind 2-1 to the Guelph Storm, before Robertson scored his only goal of the tournament two minutes into the second period to tie the game. The Oil Kings would go on to win 6-3 and claim the title.
"After that, you always want to go back there and maybe try to play a bigger role in another win, but that doesn't happen very often," Robertson said. "But at the time, I was excited to be there."
The following season, Robertson had 10 goals and 22 points in 71 games for the Oil Kings as they were knocked out of the first round of playoffs by the Brandon Wheat Kings. Last season, Robertson had 14 goals and 27 points, as the Oil Kings were again eliminated in the opening round by the Wheat Kings. This year, the Oil Kings won't be going to the playoffs.
"He's always been a steady, unsung contributor to the lineup," Oil Kings head coach Steve Hamilton said. "He just goes about his business and he's well-liked by our group. He's an important guy, he takes a ton of important faceoffs, he kills penalties.
"Sometimes you can push back against a role or you can embrace it and he's really done a good job over the course of his career of being flexible and being able to role with what was needed from him."
Heading into this season, Robertson was one of three remaining members of the Memorial Cup championship team with defenceman Aaron Irving and centre Lane Bauer. Through the first half of the year, the trio helped make a young team surprisingly competitive as the Oil Kings were well entrenched in a playoff spot by Christmas.
Coming out of the Christmas break, however, the Oil Kings decided to cash in their two most valuable chips in Irving and Bauer, who were traded away for draft picks and prospects. The departure of the two dropped the Oil Kings off a cliff as they won five of their last 33 games.
"He was a really important guy in the back half of the year," Hamilton said. "We talked to him when the trades for Lane and Aaron came down and asked him his thoughts. He never waivered, he wanted to be an Oil King, he wanted to finish his career as an Oil King and I thought that said a lot about him."
Staying with the Oil Kings, Robertson got an opportunity to play with his younger brother, Matthew, 16, who was selected seventh overall by Edmonton in the 2016 draft and played seven games as an affiliated player this year.
"It was a lot of fun and it was big for my parents too, they were pretty proud of that," Robertson said. "Those are memories we don't forget, the pictures we got together and the games we got to play together, those are things you'll never forget."


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These days, keeping up with the latest health news can be tricky business. What's good for you one minute is bad for you the next. To help make sense of it all, this hilarious video from FUSION's "Come Here and Say That" is just what the doctor ordered!
Show host Alicia Menendez kicks things off with a juicy report on the benefits of kissing your dog on the mouth. According to scientists, canine slobber is loaded with probiotics, the helpful bacteria that makes Activia yogurt so popular. "So the next time your dog accidentally sneaks some tongue in, don't think, gross! He licks his ass with that!" Menendez quips. "Think, wow! I'm getting more probiotics than Jamie Lee Curtis right now!"
Next up is one of health's hottest topics: the sun. A new study indicates that exposure to sunlight may help seniors improve a variety of functions, prompting Menendez to draw a comparison that only she could possibly make. "So basically, the sun is to old people what Rachel McAdams is to True Detective, season two. Doing what little it can to help a sinking ship stay afloat just a little longer than it should."
Of course, with direct sunlight comes the risk of skin cancer. But before you reach for that tube of SPF 100, recent news suggests that sunscreens might be extremely toxic to sea creatures. Menendez, who's been diligently shredding plastic six-pack drink rings her whole life, doesn't take the info well. "I've been cutting these damn things for thirty years and now you tell me Coppertone has been undoing all my hard work?!" We feel your pain, Alicia.
On the dietary front, what could possibly be healthier than a nice cup of almond milk in your morning cereal? Plenty, if a false advertising lawsuit against the makers of Almond Breeze is any indication. "My almond milk doesn't have almonds in it?" Menendez gasps in disbelief. "Next they'll tell me Paul Rudd isn't really an ant, and that Kid Rock's a full grown adult man who gets his prostate examined every four years just like everyone else!"
Perhaps a prescription for some retail therapy might be just the thing to help lower stress levels? That is unless you shop at T.J. Maxx, which is being sued for tricking customers into believing they're saving on name brand items. For our host, a confirmed fan of the discount clothing store, this final bit of info is simply too much to take. "If I'm not a Maxxinista, then I don't know what I am at all anymore!" Menendez says, before bravely moving on to face life's next inevitable disappointment.
Chin up, folks! Doctor's orders!


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Improving economic growth, rising dividends and potentially low interest rates. It's all good for Wall Street and the stock market.
That's according to Goldman Sachs, which is taking an ever increasingly bullish view on the S&P 500 with some target lifting in a note dated May 20. As they've previously said, their upbeat S&P 500 outlook for this year has played out faster than they expected:
"We are raising our S&P 500 dividend estimates and index return forecasts for 2013 through 2015. We expect S&P 500 index will rise by 5% from the current level to 1,750 by year-end 2013, advance by 9% to 1,900 in 2014, and climb by 10% to 2100 in 2015."
A team led by David Kostin, chief U.S. equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, say a big reason for the target lifts is down to expectations the U.S. economy will achieve above-trend real GDP growth in 2014, ending a six-year period of economic "stagnation." And in developed economies, the final year of economic stagnation before GDP growth has been linked to price/earnings multiple expansions averaging 15%, note the strategists. They expect the S&P 500 p/e multiple will continue to rise, reaching 15 times at year-end 2013 and 16 times by the end of 2014.
That S&P 500 forward p/e multiple has risen by 30% in 12 months to 14.6 times from 11.4 times, an increase that's been bigger and faster than Goldman's baseline forecasts assumed (Goldman recently cautioned that the S&P wasn't cheap), but it's still in line with what happened in the post-1990s, so they aren't overly concerned. The S&P 500 forward p/e multiple has averaged 12.9 times since 1978 and 15.3 times since 1990, Goldman notes.
As for S&P 500 dividends, they expect those to rise by roughly 30% between 2013 and 2015, with growth of close to 11% for 2013 and 2014 and 9% in 2015. Goldman has been pushing dividend stocks, and in a note from May 17, Goldman pointed out that dividend-paying stocks are among the few income-generating investments in the U.S. Some of the stocks in their dividend basket growth:
- Mattel
- Ford Motor
- Philip Morris
- Walgreen
- Chevron
- U.S. Bancorp
- General Electric
- Western Union
- Dow Chemical
Changes to the S&P 500 forecasts reflect a one price/earning multiple point premium to fair-value estimates. And that, they say, is due to increased confidence over a medium-term outlook for the U.S., improved investor risk appetite and the wide gap between equity and bonds that they expect will be closed more by stocks than bonds.
And if the Fed can stay committed to monetary easing and the Bank of Japan keeps up its aggressive stance and Europe growth stays weak, U.S. Treasury yields may remain low. And even if U.S. Treasury yields rise, the S&P 500 will still continue to perform as long as those higher rates stem from an improved economic growth view. If interest rates remain low despite better growth, then upside to the S&P 500 could be even bigger.
Speaking on CNBC earlier on Tuesday, Sheila Patel, head of international at Goldman and tipped to replace Jim O'Neill, said they expect a "gradual rotation" from bonds to stocks, and money will move back into equities eventually.
Goldman's bull was running the streets just as U.S. stocks fell on Monday, backing off all-time highs after comments from Chicago Fed President Charles Evans. More Fedspeak is on the cards for Tuesday and Wednesday, with none other than Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke among that list. U.S. futures are pointing to some fence-sitting for investors.
Party pooper on the scene Tuesday: Mark Marshall, investment manager with Charles Stanley & Co. who wrote that with major equity markets hitting new highs, "equities are now looking pricey unless there is significant economic improvement." He said investors are still "chasing good equity dividend yields from traditional defensive stocks," but some of those are looking fully valued and investors should be casting an eye towards cyclicals. (Also check out: Overvalued? Maybe not)
-- Barbara Kollmeyer
-- Follow this reporter on @bkollmeyer
-- Follow The Tell blog on @thetellblog


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Only see your doctor in the morning, earlier the better:
Only see your doctor in the morning, earlier the better:
My nephew, who is an MD posted this on Facebook. It does ring true.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says:"Oh Crap, She's up!"
Makes all kinds of sense to me. I've been avoiding afternoon appointments for a long time now. There are more people buzzing around in the afternoon, what with school being out in mid-afternoon and late-risers doing things only in the afternoon, and traffic is much worse. And doctors do seem to be more rushed and tired then.
And their lives must be a paperwork nightmare. The HIPAA rules and the insurance maze--eek!
Then, too, how many commercials for drugs have I seen where we're told to "ask your doctor about..."? Some people who watch those commercials are probably doing exactly that--asking their doctor about this, that, and the other. All of those questions coming at the doctors must be driving them up the wall.
No wonder our doctors are tired by afternoon.
MS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2006-2009.
I try to see mine in the morning, too. It's more for my convenience -- I'm done then for the day and can go about doing other things -- but it makes sense that the doctor is tired and rushed as the afternoon wears on.


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After hearing ad nausea from the Administration that America is back in Asia after a presumed absence under eight years of the Bush Administration, now comes the caveat. President Obama will cancel his upcoming trip to Guam, Indonesia and Australia – in the interest of salvaging his near singular preoccupation – health care reform. That didn't take long. (Now, the trip is officially "postponed". But this being the third time it has happened, the hosts certainly shouldn't count on rescheduling. If it were a dinner invitation, such a guest would certainly be struck from future lists.)
The visit was a big deal for Guam. Guam is part of America, a place that most vividly demonstrates America's "resident status" in the Pacific. It bulges with American military; it is also at the center of a dispute between the US and Japan over the transfer of American forces on Okinawa. But Guam is used to being overlooked.
The Australians will also deal with it. The US-Australian alliance is a mature one. They can always be counted on to serve at the side of freedom. Do the Americans take their friendship for granted? Absolutely. But sometimes that's what friends are for. Sometimes. The big downside to the Australia miss involves America's highest priority – Afghanistan. The visit was an opportunity for Obama to secure Australian command in place of the departing Dutch in Oruzgan Province, and potentially an augmentation of their troop numbers there. It was also an opportunity for Obama and Prime Minister Rudd to establish a personal rapport that could be important to American interests in Asia – but also globally.
The Australians could be forgiven some coolness to American needs in Afghanistan in response to the President's cancellation. I mean, if the President of the United States can't pull himself away from Washington long enough to personally request they stretch themselves in Afghanistan, I don't know how he can ask Prime Minister Rudd to stick his own neck out politically. But, you know, the Australians will probably do the right thing anyway. That's just the way they are.
That leaves us with Indonesia. The benefits of the Indonesia visit are not as immediately tangible as they are in Australia. The President's trip was an opportunity to begin a "comprehensive partnership" with Indonesia, a challenging, long-term undertaking to be sure, but one well worth the investment. Indonesia's geographic position alone, between the Indian and Pacific oceans and astride straits through which more than half of world trade and energy supplies to Northeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea) flows make it critical to American interests. So does its initiative in successfully fighting back terrorists. Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world. It is the giant of Southeast Asia, representing the predominance of power in the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It's a full fledged, if still developing, democracy, the freest in Southeast Asia. So much more than a "Muslim country," Indonesia is, indeed, a country made up mostly of Muslims, an example to other Muslim communities of the coexistence of Islam and political liberty.
Indonesia is not Australia. Our relationship with newly democratic Indonesia is barely out of the blocks. As noted above, this is the third time President Obama has "postponed" on Indonesia. Originally, he was to have visited during his November 2009 swing through Asia. The mistake there was nurturing Indonesian expectations. It was always the case that if the President could only visit three countries, they would naturally be Japan, South Korea, and China. The President and his staff should have known that. (His stop in Singapore was the pretext for the trip – the annual meeting of APEC. Obama nicely leveraged that stop to broader American geopolitical symbolism by meeting with the 10 ASEAN heads of state/government in the first ever ASEAN Summit.)
The new era of American engagement in Southeast Asia now seems so far away. Already burdened by a lack of a trade policy – the substantive heart of Southeast Asia – now leaders there cannot even count on the physical presence of the American President.
If you think for a moment that the Indonesians will understand, think again. The President cancelling on them – and on President Yudhoyono (SBY) in particular – is a major insult. Not everyone in Indonesia was happy about President Obama coming – particularly the very small but determined band of Indonesian Islamists still bent on overturning Indonesia's democratic constitution. They will now claim victory and snicker at SBY's naiveté. Similar story elsewhere in the region. The envy among the other countries in Southeast Asia, particularly among America's formal treaty allies in the Philippines and Thailand, was palpable. SBY's face will be a little redder next he sees his friends there. But hey, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will be visiting Indonesia next month. Maybe in the interest of "strategic reassurance", Wen can represent U.S. interests…
So the "America's back" charade has been punctured. It's an excellent time to puncture another: President Obama as "America's first Asia Pacific President." Let's be clear. The President's (self-declared) claim to this title rests on his residence in Jakarta between the ages of 6 and 10. That, and his years growing up in Hawaii (actually still part of the United States). President Obama has thus far demonstrated a remarkably tin ear for American leadership in Asia – befitting his limited, albeit much hyped, connection to the region. American Presidents do not bow to the Emperor of Japan. They don't kowtow to or plead with Chinese Communists. And when they make promises to new friends like we're seeking in Indonesia, they keep them. All the references to Obama's boyhood in Indonesia, his love of Indonesian meatball soup, and the rumors of his fluency in Indonesian language mean nothing if he can't keep his word. How do they trust him on the big things if they can't trust him on the small things? That question is more than protocol; it is a matter of American strategic interest.


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Monday, May 9
Hello Acts!
today's reading.
Acts 1:1-8 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach...
think about it.
What proofs does Luke present for the resurrected Christ (1:1-3)? Why are these important? What were Jesus' last instructions to His disciples (1:4-5)? Why did they need to wait (1:7-8)? How do you react when God tells you to wait on something He wants to do?
the blog.
I'm excited today because we're starting a brand new extended Back to the Bible radio series on the Book of Acts (and let me just say, it's a really good series). So that means we'll be looking at Acts here on P4 as well. Basically we'll read through, consider and talk about the entire book of Acts over the next six weeks. So please plan on joining us for Back to the Bible and, of course, P4.
Luke, the author of Acts, starts the book off with a reminder that Jesus was alive and with the apostles for 40 days after his death and resurrection. Then he goes on to talk about God sending the Holy Spirit.
So what do Jesus' words in Acts 1:1-8 show us about the Holy Spirit? How about our actions now that we have the Holy Spirit residing in us? Tami W.
Join the discussion on the P4 Blog
Get more on this topic with Back to the Bible
Powered by 4 is all about engaging God's Word and living it out--in community. So if it's encouragement you want or motivation you need, join the discussion on the P4 Blog--a place to weigh in on the daily scripture as well as share thoughts & questions. And, for a more in-depth look at the Powered by 4 readings, tune in to the daily Back to the Bible radio program with Woodrow Kroll.


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Cotton Tanker Jacket
Regular Price: $130.00
Special Price $75.00
• FINAL SALE: No returns or exchanges
• Crafted from 100% cotton
• Lined with Cockpit USA's copyrighted Escape map design
• Bi-swing back for ease of movement
• Shoulder pleats
• Front brass zipper over a wind flap
• Side entry pockets
• One inside pocket
• Knit cuffs, collar, and waistband
• This is a full fit jacket, taking a size down is recommended
• Available in British Khaki
• Dry clean only.
• Imported.
Comfortable and cozy Review by Joel
Quality Value
Ive worn this jacket out for a few errands since I bought it and have been very impressed by how form fitting yet not tight it feels. Id recommend it. (Posted on 12/10/2018)
Great jacket Review by Tim
Quality Value
Jacket fits perfectly I wear a large and it looks great and feels soft as can be but very durable, have several jackets from Cockpit and they are all of first quality, even the imported ones. You get what you pay for and that saying is true you can't go wrong with anything Cockpit sells and if you do they are great at solving your problem. (Posted on 3/14/2016)
Exactly what I was looking for Review by Jeff Ray in NYC
Quality Value
It was great that there was a choice of three tanker jackets. I wanted another light weight jacket so choice this one. Received it quickly and sizing was as advertized, I ordered one siz down. This one has a nice light lining with a map of Europe. I intend to add some WW2 patches for fun. (Posted on 2/5/2016)
Cotton Tanker Jacket, Size M Review by Samson
Value Quality
Other reviews of this jacket are true. Order one size down from what you normally wear. I wear a suit jacket size 42, waist size 36, dress shirt sleeve length of 32/33 ", and the medium I ordered fits me perfectly with the zipper zipped, with room for movement in the sleeves and waist. (Posted on 6/1/2015)
Great price for a great jacket. Review by Dan
Value Quality
This jacket, modeled after the second model tanker jacket of the US Army is a great three season jacket. Unlike the jackets issued buy the military, which were wool lined and very warm, these have a 100% polyester lining and are much more light weight. The fit is fantastic, as I'm a big dude, both thick in the shoulder and waste and the XL fits perfect. The only thing I might change is to add a higher quality zipper, something a bit beefier. I added the patches similar to those from the movie FURY and have received complements how good it looks. My intent is to age the jacket to give it more character as it looks brand spanking new right now. Could not be happier with this purchase. (Posted on 5/25/2015)


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The Pine Tar Incident
July 24, 1983 - It was the top of the 9th, and the Kansas City Royals were down 4-3 to the Yankees. George Brett cracked a 2-run homer to take a 5 to 4 lead at Yankee Stadium. New York's manager, Billy Martin, approached the umpire and requested that he take a closer look at Brett's bat. Thus began the infamous pine tar incident.
The officials determined (by measuring the bat against homeplate) that the amount of tar exceeded the maximum allowed (18 inches from the top of the handle). The ump pointed to Brett in the visitor dugout and signaled that he was "out!"
Game over.
Well...not exactly.
Brett freaked out and pitched a fit. As one commentator noted, he was the first player in baseball history with a game-losing home run. As arguments ensued, security had to chase the Royal's bat boy into the locker room as he tried to run off with the disputed bat.
When the smoke cleared the Royals filed a formal protest and won! The league ruled that the umpire had overstepped the intent of the rule - and instead of tossing Brett out, the proper ruling should have been to let the home run stand and resume the game. And that's exactly what they did. 25 days after the game started it picked up where it left off. In front of 1200 fans the Yankees struck out the next hitter and went to bat down 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th. They struck out in order and the Royals won.
The bat now resides in the Hall of Fame.


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Creating a drop down where I can choose a company name and have name, address, phone, etc. populate...
I want to have a drop down menu where I can choose a Company/Customer name and have my spreadsheet auto populate with all of their contact and account information...
is this possible?
Anwsers to the Problem Creating a drop down where I can choose a company name and have name, address, phone, etc. populate...
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See attached file
All you need is place the formula in the cells you want
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- Troubleshooter window for Windows update will pop up. Click on NEXT. It may ask you for administrative permission.
- The troubleshooter will automatically detect problems and fix it.
- Now, close this window and try download/install the app which was previously showing error.
Another Safe way to Fix the Problem: Creating a drop down where I can choose a company name and have name, address, phone, etc. populate...:
How to Fix Creating a drop down where I can choose a company name and have name, address, phone, etc. populate... with SmartPCFixer?
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text:
plunder(redirected from plunderable)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus.
plundernoun booty, depredation, devastation, foray, haul, ill-gotten goods, illicit gains, loot, maraud, pillage, praeda, raid, rapina, rapine, ravin, razzia, robbery, sack, seizure, spoils, spoliation, stolen articles, stolen goods, take, theft
plunderverb buccaneer, carry off, compilare, depredate, desolate, despoil, displume, divest, flay, impoverish, lay in ruins, lay waste, loot, maraud, overthrow, pillage, pirate, prey on, purloin, raid, ransack, ravage, raze, reave, rifle, rob, ruin, sack, seize, steal, strip, take away, thieve
See also: despoil, devastate, hijack, hold up, loot, pillage, pirate, prey, prize, rape, rob, spoil, spoils, spoliation, steal
TO PLUNDER. The capture of personal property on land by a public enemy, with a view of making it his own. The property so captured is called plunder. See Booty; Prize.


text:
One Simple Exercise: Prepping Yourself for a Dialect or Accent Before and Audition/
Just a day or two ago I was asked by a student if there was an exercise or two he could do to really quickly prep himself to take on an accent or dialect (he already knows) just before an audition (or take). I figured I write a quick blog post to that effect on the off chance that he's not the only one with that question.
Exercise 1: Posture Phrase
This may sound at first like it has nothing to do with an accent at all, but let me assure you that it's VERY important. Now I'm not talking about posture in the sense that you need to "Stand up Straight!" or anything like that (though you may find that a dialect changes that too!). I'm talking about ORAL POSTURE.
In the same way that your body has a posture that affects how it walks, talks, and sounds, your vocal tract (mouth, larynx, tongue, lips, etc.) has a posture that affects how the sounds (read: accent) comes out. In fact, Oral Posture is maybe the single biggest factor of getting a dialect right in a lot of cases. So here's what you do...
- Find the Differences between your own native/natural Oral Posture and your Target Dialect's
- Find a catch phrase either from your lines, or something you've heard, or ANYTHING that you can say in that target dialect that typifies that oral posture
- Use that phrase to immediately shift into the new Oral Posture and
- Lather, Rince, Repeat!
This is one of the quickest ways I know to adopt a foreign Oral Posture. Ask your Dialect Coach for help identifying the Oral Posture differences and in finding or creating your helper phrase!
You'll be glad you did this exercise, especially right before an audition that you're running late for, or after a long break on set!
Anyway... Those are my thoughts!


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Local News
Police investigate threat against Luray High School
LURAY, VA – Around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Page County Sheriff's Office received information of a potential threat of harm against the students, faculty and staff of Luray High School.
As a result, according to a media release from Major Phillip Baker, of the Page County Sheriff's Office, that office, along with Page County Public Schools Administration, took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone in the school.
While an official statement did not clarify what those measures were, several parents have said that their children were temporarily evacuated from the high school to the middle school.
With the assistance of Luray Police Department, the Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police Department and Federal Protective Reserve, officers were able to determine that the school was safe, and operational control was turned back over to the School Administration.
With the tragedies that have unfolded around the nation related to school safety, Major Baker said that the Page County Sheriff's Office and the Page County Public Schools Administration respond to any threat in a manner that maximizes the safety of our children and our communities.
The Page County Sheriff's Office will continue to work with PCPS officials to investigate the origin of this threat, and will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete. While the threat turned out to be unfounded, with the tragedies that have unfolded around the nation, the Page County Sheriff's Office takes any threat seriously.
This is not the first incident to occur in the Shenandoah Valley in recent days. In Harrisonburg, a child was charged Tuesday with a felony after making a social media threat that turned out to be a hoax.
Local News
Meet Blake Pierpoint, Owner of Blake & Company in Front Royal
On November 6, the Warren County High School DECA Chapter conducted a "Job Shadowing Day" with local businesses in Front Royal. Twenty-six students shadowed owners, managers, and employees in twelve locally owned businesses. During this week, "Global Entrepreneurship Week", we will spotlighting some of our successful local business entrepreneurs.
Businesses participating in this job shadowing activity included:
- Blake & Co.
- C & C Frozen Treats
- Down Home Comfort Bakery
- Jack Evans Chevrolet
- Main Street Daily Grind
- National Media Services
- Ramsey Hardware
- Royal Auto Works
- Royal Comfort Shoe Center
- Truss'D
- United Bank
- White Pickett Fence
Blake Pierpoint, the owner of Blake and Company, provides a multitude of hair services, spa services, and makeup sessions out of her shop at 1201 N Shenandoah Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630. She decided to open her own business, primarily in hair, because it's her passion, and she wanted to create a business that she could make her own. Blake chartered her own business as soon as she possibly could in 2008 when she found her dream venue; Blake admired the open space and elegant windows, which both add to the upscale ambiance. She says her mission at the outset for her business was to make sure her business was unique. What makes her business so unique is the ambiance, friendliness of her staff, and the high standards she holds for her business.
Blake attributes her success to her husband, because he's been a big supporter throughout the whole process of creating her business. When asked what she would recommend to someone who's starting out their own business, she says that they should make sure they have professional help from an attorney and an accountant from the start. Blake also suggests to make sure you have a business plan established from the start. If you're interested in Blake and Company's services, call 540-635-4033, or visit their shop Tuesday through Friday from 9am-7pm, or Saturday from 9am-5pm.
Community Events
How could one woman steal $53 million without anyone noticing?
How could one woman steal $53 million without anyone noticing? As city comptroller of Dixon, IL, Rita Crundwell stole $53 million of public funds across 20 years–making her the perpetrator of the largest case of municipal fraud in American history. She used the funds to build one of the nation's leading quarter horse breeding empires, all while forcing staff cuts, police budget slashing, and neglect of public infrastructure. ALL THE QUEEN'S HORSES investigates her crime, her lavish lifestyle and the small town she left in her wake.
On November 24th at 2pm, at the Warren County Community Center, the Warren County Coalition will be showing the documentary ALL THE QUEEN'S HORSES, where you'll also meet the author of this movie, Kelly Richmond Pope. This is a free event and open to the public. See the Warren County Coalition Facebook page for more information.
Kelly Richmond Pope is an Associate Professor in the School of Accountancy and MIS at DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and founder of Helios Digital Learning, Inc. She received her doctorate in accounting from Virginia Tech and she is a licensed certified public accountant. She worked in the forensic practice at KPMG, LLP on anti-money laundering engagements, insurance fraud investigations, and fraud risk management projects. Kelly is a recognized expert in the forensic accounting field and has conducted forensic accounting seminars around the world for universities, corporations and governmental entities.
Kelly is the creator and executive producer of the award winning educational white-collar crime documentary, Crossing the Line: Ordinary People Committing Extraordinary Crime. Her current documentary, All the Queen's Horses, which chronicles the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history, will be released August 2017. She was selected by the TED Ed team to develop a teaching lesson on "How People Rationalize Fraud" which can be found on the TED Ed website. Her TEDx talk "Why We Hate Whistle-blowers" discusses the whistle-blower dilemma and the need for whistle-blowers in fraud discovery.
Watch the trailer:
Local News
Shenandoah Valley physicians provide medical aid for people of rural Honduras
Since 2008, Dr. Thomas Ball, M.D., ("call me Tommy"), who lives in Browntown, has worked a two-week stint in Honduras, a poverty-stricken country where health care is marginal at best for most people and non-existent for others, including children.
Sponsors of the medical visitations by American doctors include many U.S. colleges and universities beneath the umbrella of a non-profit called "Shoulder to Shoulder", which is committed to providing quality health care in the world's poorest countries.
Ball recently returned from this year's visit in which he led a five-man brigade of medics, plus a Winchester school teacher, tending to scores of patients in a village called Pinares. Many locals walked several miles for medical treatment, among them children suffering from malnutrition and seeing a doctor for the first time in their lives.
Pinares is in the province of Intibuca where the volunteer medical teams numbering between six and 15 American physicians and support personnel visit three times a year. It is among the poorer areas of the Central American country sandwiched between Guatemala and Nicaragua. Wages, mostly for agricultural work, average about one dollar a day, Ball said.
The medical brigade this month included doctors Joe Schwartz of Front Royal; Tyler Felton of Strasburg; Nelson McKay of Stephens City; David Clark of Winchester, and Clark's wife Meaghan, a Winchester school teacher. Each volunteer pays his or her own travel and other expenses, and expects to "live in the rough" during their stay.
Schwartz, on his second tour in Honduras, said he returns home with a "high degree of satisfaction" and eyes wide open to the problems of people in a "Third World" country.
"It was definitely a learning experience," he told me in a telephone interview. Schwartz, a U.S. Navy reservist, mentioned that his early years as a Boy Scout helped him overcome living in less than modern circumstances.
Ball told of sleeping in a one-room school house, while Schwartz was complimentary of a local lady's skills who cooked meals for the group on a wood stove.
Virginia Commonwealth University oversees the Front Royal group's annual visits to Honduras. Dental, community health, education and nutrition programs are included in what "Shoulder to Shoulder" accomplishes through its continuing efforts to bring medical assistance to peoples of the "Third World" over the past quarter century.
Local News
$20,000 donation for county animals announced at 'Yappy Hour'
A donation of $20,000 to the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) was greeted by loud applause at Friday's "Yappy Hour" at ViNoVa restaurant on Main Street, Front Royal, on November 15.
The announcement, by HSWC president Ellen Aders over a swiftly provided bullhorn, overwhelmed the collection of $220 raised at the recently re-introduced fundraiser for the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter which, in its first two months, has donated almost $1,200 to the Humane Society. The event, held every Friday evening, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., receives a share of sales toward the shelter operation as it did for two years previously at the old Vino e Formaggio restaurant, netting $12,000 for HSWC over the period.
Aders said the anonymous donation was received earlier in the day "in memory of (an animal shelter supporter) who passed recently." She took the opportunity to encourage people to "remember the animals" as they prepare their own wills.
ViNoVa, owned and operated by Rachel Failmezger and Chef Chris Kenworthy, opened last August in the same but improved premises as the old Vino e Formaggio at 124 Main Street. It brought "tapas" to the area and deals exclusively in wines and beers from Europe and basic foodstuffs fresh from the fields of Warren County.
To the uninitiated, tapas are servings of expertly prepared foods on small plates accompanied by beverages of choice.
Malcolm Barr Sr. and Christian Failmezger organized and launched "Yappy Hour" in Front Royal. The current version of "Yappy Hour" is increasingly well supported, so a packed house of mainly animal lovers was on hand to hear last Friday's good news.
EDA in Focus
EDA authorizes litigation to recover Workforce Housing parcel or its value
Following an hour-and-a-half Closed Session Friday morning, November 15, the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to authorize litigation to sue Cornerstone, LP, LLC, its principals and affiliates to recover "EDA land improperly conveyed to Cornerstone without EDA authority or collect the full value of the conveyance and such other damages to the EDA".
The land in question is the 3.5-acre Workforce Housing parcel sold to the Cornerstone group on November 28, 2018, at a price of $10 dollars.
After initially receiving the parcel as a $10 gift from the aunt and uncle of former EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald, local realtors Mr. and Mrs. Walter Campbell, the EDA Board agreed to purchase the property for $445,000 in April 2017 after missing a previously undisclosed developmental deadline that would have enabled the Campbells to pursue tax credit compensation for the gift of the land to a public purpose.
It is believed that Cornerstone, LP, LLC, is a branch of regional developer the Aikens Group. Aikens was cited by former EDA Executive Director McDonald as a behind-the-scenes, private sector player in the Workforce Housing financial riddle from its inception in late 2014.
When contacted in April about the transaction Gray Blanton, who signed the Deed of Sale to Cornerstone for the EDA as board chairman in November 2018, told Royal Examiner he had only seen the final signature page of the four page document. Blanton seconded the motion made by Greg Harold to authorize the litigation.
Local real estate attorney Joe Silek Jr., who represented the EDA due to the recusal of then EDA Attorney Dan Whitten for a potential conflict of interest as EDA and County Attorneys, told us in April there was no price on the deed of sale when it was forwarded from the EDA to the Winchester law firm of McCarthy-Akers for completion.
Asked why the EDA would agree to take a $444,990 loss or even a $651,690 if disputed EDA developmental and peripheral purchase costs are included, Silek said, "I don't think they did," and referred us to attorney Doug McCarthy of the McCarthy-Akers law firm for further information.
As we first wrote in April, as of publication there has been no response to a phone-message inquiry about the transaction from the attorneys who represented the buyer in the now legally-disputed sale.
Of the transaction, the initial March 26 filing of the EDA civil suit says, "When interviewed on December 6, 2018, Defendant McDonald continued to maintain that the Aikens Group would refund the Warren EDA the full cost of the Royal Lane Property and any improvements, when she knew said property had been conveyed by the Warren EDA on November 28, 2018 to Cornerstone for consideration of $10."
That transaction came as scrutiny of McDonald's executive leadership of the EDA was intensifying as the Cherry Bekaert financial fraud investigation progressed. Following several hours of closed session discussion of the Cherry Bekaert findings and her job performance on December 14, 2018, McDonald had her contract, check-writing and administrative authority over EDA bank accounts stripped by the EDA board.
Facing a second closed session on the same topics a week later, McDonald submitted her resignation by email, and according to the EDA lawsuit attempted to cap her financial liability to the EDA at $2.7 million dollars.
As previously reported, in initial defense motion filings McDonald's now former civil case attorney Lee Berlik claimed his client was being vilified and scapegoated for past bad decisions of the EDA Board of Directors.
However, the EDA civil action alleges a lengthy pattern of gaps, conflicting or misinformation from McDonald to the EDA board regarding what is termed the "Royal Lane Property Embezzlements" among other allegations of financial fraud that have led, not only to civil liability claims against the former EDA chief executive, but also 32 felony financial fraud indictments from a Special Grand Jury empanelled to investigate potential illegalities tied to the EDA civil suit.
And now it seems the Aikens Group finds itself on the perimeter of that EDA civil litigation regarding what has been a twisting and often inexplicable, five-year saga surrounding the attempted transfer of the Campbells' 3.5-acre Royal Lane parcel to a public use.
Also unanimously approved after the Closed Session, on a motion by Jorie Martin, seconded by Blanton, was authorization for Executive Director Doug Parsons to forward Adjusted Journal Entries developed by retired County Finance Director Carolyn Stimmel and Hottel & Willis's Heather Tweedy to the Yount-Hyde-Barbour accounting firm for use in development of the EDA's 2018 Audit Report; and on a motion by Harold, seconded by Tom Patteson, acceptance of the Commission Agreement for the sale of the EDA-owned McKay Springs property, subject to receiving the Agency Agreement within 14 days.
Open Session Business
The pending McKay Springs property transfer and a County Planning Commission Public Hearing two days earlier on Wednesday, November 13, were topics discussed During County Administrator Doug Stanley's Report during the open portion of Friday's meeting.
That open portion of the meeting was eventful as the full EDA Board received monthly reports and six-month Strategic Priorities Lists from the EDA's Asset Management, Finance, Communications and Executive Committees; as well as the monthly report on County business; and Executive Director Parsons' Strategic Priorities List.
Major topics included the status of the Afton Inn as far as the developer resuming work on site; the status of removal of the Earth Right Energy-installed solar panels on the EDA's Kendrick Lane Office Complex to allow roof repairs to facilitate empty space rental marketing; and the status of resolving payment issues with the Town of Front Royal on the new Police Station across Kendrick Lane.
As part of the Asset Committee Report Jorie Martin told the board that there had been three replies on the solar panel RFP, with one of particular interest. That one was from a non-profit with the expertise to remove the panels, and then market them for resale at no cost to the EDA. Martin added that it was possible the EDA could even see some revenue from the arrangement.
The EDA is abandoning the idea pushed by McDonald to provide sustainable solar power to the EDA Office Complex, ostensibly as an incentive to help attract a high-end commercial client to the county, supposedly Amazon according to one former board member. Issues include a lack of individual unit metering equipment and the fact the Town has sole authority to charge for the provision of power inside the town limits.
During discussion of the Kendrick Lane roof-solar panel situation it was noted that one positive was that the solar panels were not bolted to the roof in any way, and rather are just sitting on the roof on the panel row bases. Executive Director Parsons pointed out that it had been established that the roof damage did not come from the solar panel installation, but was a consequence of "faulty roof work ages back".
Also during the Asset Committee Report Harold said the committee "was sad to report that the majority of current bad debt and aging receivables is owed by the Town of Front Royal for their municipal projects". Primary among those projects is the $8 million to $11 million Town Police Station project financed through the EDA.
Interim Town Manager Matt Tederick was present and in response to a question told the EDA that "the Town is in receipt of the invoice that was most recently sent" regarding the police station and that it would be discussed at a coming council work session.
Tederick also said the Town had received an EDA FOIA request and that the Town Finance Director had scanned relevant material which should be forthcoming shortly. The Interim Town Manager said he had discussed with the Town Attorney setting up a conference call for 3 p.m. Monday to discuss Town-EDA issues.
The Town has filed civil litigation against the EDA to collect "as much as $15 million" in assets it believes were misdirected or lost by the Town during McDonald's executive leadership of the EDA.
Talking to the press after the EDA went into Closed Session Tederick said he believed the referenced FRPD project invoice was for $8.7 million dollars, with assessed interest calculated at 3.5%, which he added, "differs from the agreed-upon terms the Town was originally offered by the EDA."
Tederick confirmed the Town's perceived agreed-upon interest rate on the FRPD project involved New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC) financing, which is believed to calculate at about 1% over the life of the bond payback.
"So it's all coming to a head and we're trying to figure out how to best move forward," Tederick said. Asked if the Town and EDA were trying to make the financing dispute less adversarial, the Interim Mayor replied, "Make it less adversarial, of course. But we have to agree upon what we can agree upon. And what we can't agree upon we have a judge to determine what the right numbers are."
As Royal Examiner has previously reported, a council majority decided to gamble on a best case New Market Tax Credit scenario brought forward by McDonald during consideration of a bond issue on a number of Town or County Capital Improvement Projects. That NMTC Program would have offered a seven to nine-year interest free payback term over an estimated 20 or 30 year payback.
However, that gamble was made over the advice of then-Town Manager Joe Waltz, Town Finance Director B. J. Wilson and NMTC Regional Administrator People Inc. representative Brian Phipps.
Due to uncertainties with the NMTC Program's future, as well as municipal competition for limited regional funds controlled by People Inc, Waltz, Wilson and Phipps all recommended to Council that a bank-offered, locked-in 2.65% interest rate over a 30-year payback term was the best bet because its favorable interest rate was locked in and the money was not subject to being lost in a municipal competition for funding.
It was also later established that the FRPD headquarters project didn't qualify for the NMTC program because it was a capital improvement project that did not create jobs, a primary goal of that federal and state overseen program.
"Here comes the judge," as comedian Flip Wilson used to say.
Watch the entire open session EDA Special Meeting, with the above-referenced discussions and reports, among others of high interest in the exclusive Royal Examiner video:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic alert for November 18-22, 2019
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
(NEW) or (UPDATE) indicates a new entry or a revised entry since last week's report.
No lane closures reported.
*NEW* Route 340 (Winchester Road) – Northbound and southbound right lane closures for inspection of Crook Run bridge just north of Front Royal, Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 624 (Morgan Ford Road) – Closed between Route 643 (Howellsville Road) and Route 661 (Fairground Road) for roadway repairs just south of Shenandoah River bridge. Follow posted detour. Estimated completion June 2020.
Various roads – Flagger traffic control for utility tree trimming, Monday to Friday during daylight hours.
Vegetation management may take place district wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia's roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
King Cartoons
'Tis the Season
Wind: 3mph S
Humidity: 89%
Pressure: 29.84"Hg
UV index: 2


text:
Making Tracks Through Ireland
So many stories lead to Ireland. You might have found your own path to the Emerald Isle through the poetry of W. B. Yeats, the prose of James Joyce or the growls of Van Morrison in his seminal album, Astral Weeks: "I shall watch the ferry-boats and they'll get high, on a bluer ocean against tomorrow's sky."
IRELAND CAN BE EXPLORED by means of many varied paths, and each of the Belmond Grand Hibernian journeys has a unique tale to tell.
The two-night Taste of Ireland Tour is short yet ever so sweet. Setting out from the historic city of Dublin you'll whistle north along the coast to Belfast. See the sights of the Northern Irish capital during a Black Taxi tour, before stepping back in time at The Titanic Experience. The next morning, escape the city for the port of Waterford, renowned for its exquisite crystal.
For a more in-depth look at this green and pleasant land, opt for the four-night Legends and Loughs experience. After departing Dublin you'll pull into Cork at the witching hour, just in time for a whiskey masterclass at the Jameson Distillery. This thoroughly Irish tipple should set the tone for a journey full of quintessential Celtic charm. Savour freshly shucked oysters in Galway, skim stones across the the Lakes of Killarney and marvel in the otherworldly beauty of Connemara National Park.
Got the luxury of time on your side? Our Grand Tour of Ireland combines the highlights of the four- and two-night trips in one superlative six-night odyssey. You can even choose to embark on a half-day tour of Dublin. Here you'll visit the ancient Book of Kells inside Trinity College, and enjoy a smoother-than-smooth Guinness in the lively Temple Bar.
There are countless cultural inroads into Ireland. But battered storybooks and well-worn records can only begin to capture the beauty of this country's endless emerald fields. Whatever your reasons for visiting the isle, a journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian is sure to bring this fabled land to life.