text: Shonda Rhimes, born January 13, 1970, in University Park, Illinois, is the first African-American woman to create and executive-produce a Top 10 network series—the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. She is also the creator of its spin-off, Private Practice, and the political thriller Scandal. Before these series, Rhimes penned such film screenplays as Crossroads and HBO'sIntroducing… Continue reading Feature: Shonda Rhimes


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A Midsummer Herb: Vervain
Verbena Officinalis Also, Known As: Herb-of-the-cross Ma Bian Cao Pigeon's Grass Verbena Vervain The ancient Romans held all species of the vervain in admiration and used the 'sacred' herb to sanitize their homes and temples. In addition, they knew several therapeutic advantages of the herb and used it to treat numerous disorders. Incidentally, despite its multi-purpose use, the vervain isRead more

subset: commoncrawl


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Learning Express Library is provided by Alabama Public Library Service and enables our patrons to prepare for academic and professional exams – online. This resource provides unlimited access to practice exams to help you advance in school or the workplace. Feel free to take any of the tests as many times as you like. Repeating the test will help you gain confidence and overcome test anxiety.
The site is divided into an Adult Learning Center, Career Center, College Center, College Preparation Center, High School Equivalency Center, School Center, and a center featuring Resources for Spanish Speakers.
Click here to access Learning Express Library.
First time users must register to use the service.
Click the "Register Link." A registration box will open, select "Library Card" and enter your 14-digit Rainbow City Library Card number and click "create account."
Enter the required information (email address, password, and first name) and click create account. Be sure to make note of your password so you can access your account on future visits.


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The legendary Moosehead Lake region has much to offer even the most discriminating traveler. Pebble beaches spot the lake's shores, and numerous vacant islands wait to be explored by canoe, kayak or boat. Miles of ATV trails carve throughout the region, moose spotting is very frequent, and the fishing is big draw for the angler. Located right in the heart of all the activity, on the West Cove of Maine's largest lake sits Kelly's Landing.
The Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce has an extensive list of seasonal activities and events. Visit the website, or click here to view the online Visitors' Guidebook.


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$10.00 for $20.00 - Get $20 of Succulent Sushi and Japanese Cuisine for Just $10 at Bayridge Sushi
"If raw fish is your dish, this is the place," says Scott Joseph, trusted and reliable food critic for the Orlando Sentinel. With today's deal, you can satisfy your sushi cravings with $20 worth of delicious sushi creations at three locations of Bayridge Sushi for only $10. Bayridge Sushi has a special taste for everyone!
For the sushi-lovers: sushi, sashimi, tempura, tuna rolls, California rolls, galore! Choose from a variety of fresh fish including tuna, yellowfin, salmon, eel, crab, shrimp and much more. If seafood isn't your thing, don't worry! Bayridge also has many dishes with chicken, beef and steak like the Hibachi Chicken, Beef Negimaki and the Seared Steak Dinner. Bayridge even offers many vegetarian menu choices. Don't forget about the appetizers, soup, salad and most importantly, dessert! Full meals and lunch boxes also available! Bayridge Sushi & Steakhouse now has three locations in Apopka, Longwood and Avalon Park. Take the family and enjoy some premium Japanese cuisine at Bayridge Sushi & Steakhouse!
"I drive from Kissimmee for Bayridge every 2-3 weeks to get my sushi fix! The freshness and flavor cannot be beat at that price. Nearly every roll I've had is perfectly balanced with all the ingredients in harmony instead of being drowned in a sauce or deep fried to cover up mediocre ingredients."-Wendy V., Yelp.com
"I just moved to the area and had tried 2-3 sushi places before going to Bayridge Sushi. I will stop searching for sure. This place was awesome! I have lived all over the states including the west coast where there are some great places and this one ranks right up there with them. The fish was extremely fresh and the portions were very generous. Service was also great. Strongly recommend."- Bob, Yahoo.com
"My wife and I could not believe our luck to find such a great sushi bar so close to our home. We would travel twice the distance to visit Bayridge if we had to. The owners and employees are excellent and the food is even better. I continue to enjoy the selections on the all you can eat menu and my wife swears by the Bubba roll. Four thumbs up." -Joseph Yanni, Yahoo.com
Fun Facts:
•Sushi dates back to at least the second century A.D., beginning as a method of preserving fish in China.
•Approximately 80% of the world's bluefin tuna catch is used for sushi.
•Traditionally, ginger (gari) was served with sushi to cleanse the palate when eaten between different kinds of sushi.
•Ginger also has minor anti-microbial properties and it is thought that eating it with raw food can assist in the prevention of sickness if there is any contamination of the product. Wasabi also exhibits similar characteristics and for that reason, both have stuck as an accompaniment to sushi.
Voucher good through: August 24, 2012
Dine in only. Good for dinner menu only. Not valid for lunch menu, Happy Hour, & "All You Can Eat" special. Valid through 8/24/12. Only one per table/visit. Can be used at the following locations: 1000 W State Road 434 Longwood 32750 407-331-0000, 2189 E Semoran Blvd Apopka 32703 407-889-9999, & 3680 Avalon Park E Blvd Orlando 407-282-8488. No cash value. Not to be combined with any other coupons, discounts, or special offers.
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All Optegra eye hospitals are supported by specialist optometrists, healthcare technicians and over 155 surgeons.
Our dedicated eye hospitals are all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. To ensure maximum comfort they are furnished to a first class standard over and above that of other private hospitals
International coverage with 30 dedicated Optegra eye hospitals and clinics.
We provide all modern forms of eye treatment and they are all available at each one of our locations.
Optegra has always offered cutting edge technologies and pioneering techniques.
Warm staff and modern, comfortable surroundings make Optegra hospitals nice places to be.
Optegra's Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons are the best in the industry. Each of our renowned surgeons is NHS trained and a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO), treating over 1 million eyes to date.
Optegra has 155 highly qualified consultants that serve our eye
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At Optegra we offer the full A to Z of eye health care to suit your budget with impeccable patient care and state-of–the-art facilities.
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There are many techniques of how to draw shadows for the skin of the fashion sketches. This is my preferred method, because it is quick and easy to do and the final result is a very nice mix between realistic looking skin and the manner that fashion sketches need to be done- not too overworked. Enjoy this how to draw skin tutorial and pick the best of it to apply to your personal style.
Step 1: Color the skin
The first thing you need to do is to fill your fashion figure with a solid skintone color. It could be brighter or darker, depending on your personal preferences. Just make sure the rendering is flat, with no gaps.
This coloring technique can be applied to almost every type of drawing media. You only need to get a skin color that you like and to follow the steps.
Step 2: Draw the face shadows
Fill the area between the eyes and the eyebrows with a darker shade of the skin color. Make the same with the space below the nose tip, the lips, cheekbones and the inner part of the ear if it is visible.
Notice the tiny shadow that is left at the side of the forehead and the very important shadow that the hair casts, because it is overlapping the face of the model.
Step 3: Face highlights
Once you are done with drawing the skin shadows it's time to make some highlights. Take a white pencil or gauge paint and fill the areas shown. These are: the most bulged parts of the cheeks and the chin, a tiny circle of light on the tip of the nose and a dash of white on the bridge. Don't forget the forehead area over the brows.
All the highlights should be gently blended with the skin color if they look like having very sharp boundaries. Make it look natural.
Step 4: Draw the neck shadows
The shadows underneath the head is a must. Make sure you follow more or less the form of the chin and make this shadow wide enough. Draw some shadows around the collar bones of your fashion figure- this will make her look more skinny. However, if you overwork this area it is going to look not healthy and scary. Try to find the proper balance.
Step 5: Neck highlights
Emphasize that the neck is a cylindrical shape by putting a highlight by one of its sides. Finish the collar bones and highlight the shoulders.
Step 6: How to draw chest shadows
One of the most frequent mistakes when drawing the chest is to cast the shadow under, while shadows are actually placed on the breasts. There is still a small amount of shadow underneath, but if you want to draw them looking real the shadows should be drawn more or less like shown on the example illustration.
Darken the area of the armholes and blend it with the rest of the skin.
You can also cast delicate shadows on the torso details if you like to have them in your fashion drawings.
Step 7: Chest highlights
Draw the highlights only at their upper half of the chests. Keep the shape of the highlights rounded, curved and relatively small.
Add light to the torso details as shown.
Step 8: Shadows on the arms
Arms in fashion are not very detailed when it comes to rendering the skin. Just cast a shadow following the outline of the arm from its part closer to the body.
Step 9: Highlights of the arms
Make the same as in the previous step, but with the opposite side of the arms. Make sure you have enough base color skin between the shadows and the light.
Step 10: Draw the legs shadows
Next comes drawing shadows on the legs. Look how they kind of repeat the outline of the leg, but the shadow gets a little bit thinner when reaching the knee area. Cast tiny, short shadows in the highest inner part of the tights and around the bone of the calves if you like to have it drawn.
Step 11: Legs highlights
In order to make it look realistic you need to add highlights too. Work on the inner part of the tights, the knee and a little bit on the calves. Don't touch the outline.
Step 12: Draw shadows to the hands and feet
Hands and feet in fashion illustrations are very specific. They have very few detail. Cast shadows to the bottom part of the fingers if they are clenched or if there are fingers behind others. A little bit on the knuckles too.
As for the feet- just continue the shadows the way you made the legs.
Step13: Hands and feet highlights
Highlight slightly the opposite side of the palm and also the finger knuckles.
Continue the highlight from the legs to the feet. Make sure you are following the form, and not drawing it straight.
Now you know how an easy way how to draw the skin for your fashion sketches. Finish the coloring of your illustration and give her (or not) some clothes.


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Maps. Rarely do I play in a game without one. Whether it's a roleplaying game with a battle map or atlas, or a board game with a game board, maps help keep people in the context of what they're playing. That's in addition to simply adding flavor and mystery. But most of the time, especially with games like Dungeons & Dragons or BattleTech, maps are an essential part of the equation in my book.
That said, most maps are flat. Elevation is rarely taken into account. And in the real world, holding the high ground is often the difference between life and death. So I wonder why most terrain maps hint at elevated features but leave how to interpret those features to the GM?
With 3rd Supplement's new series – Plans 'N' Places – gamers now have another option. These aren't your typical maps. Mia and Heiko have taken a topographic map, which is useful for many real world applications, and applied it to an area suitable for just about any roleplaying game or genre.
Plans 'N' Places: Two Roads to Choose From I presents an area with
two main roads, water features, cliffs, trees, and more that I could see being dropped into just about any world with greenery and water. The 3D relief map is crisp and clear, but the product doesn't stop there. On another page they go into detail about a few "chosen spots," offering details that players might need to get a better feel for the lay of the land. They also offer a page so you can make your own notes and present the map in various versions – including one with hexes and another in a grid.
What makes this supplement unique however is the topographic map that documents the elevations, from 60 feet to 300 feet, across the stretch of land. Though the descriptions of particular spots seems to be more in a fantasy mode, I could see these maps being useful in any modern or futuristic campaign as well. I could easily imagine a modern battle with a small unit of men trying to ambush a supply line…
Where I have a slight problem with the supplement is that the terrain is almost too specific. For example, this map is along a coastal region or along a lake of some size, and you may find it difficult to find a place to use this in your campaign without modifications. I don't know how I'd make it more generic, but it might present a challenge to GMs to find the right place to use it.
As such, I wonder if 3rd Supplement could take a page from the "geomorphs" idea Dyson Logos has devised. Each block of landscape has various ways to make it blend with other blocks into a unique dungeon (as with the Dyson's Random Morph Map site). Could a similar system of repeatable tiles for terrain be used to generate maps with the same kind of information as they present for Plans 'N' Places?
Another idea would be to partner with the folks behind Gaming Paper. How cool would it be to have a few more ready-made, reusable maps like this lying around when the need arises?
Some things to consider anyway.
Beyond that, I think 3rd Supplement has found a unique niche that gamers in all genres can take advantage of. They have several of these products already – including Plans 'N' Places: River in a Mountainous Landscape (parts I and II) – and some upcoming Floor Plans projects such as Cross The Border – The Guardhouse at the Seven Sided Tower.
Great work guys! I look forward to seeing where these product lines go next. In the meantime, be sure to check out Plans 'N' Places: Two Roads to Choose From I at DriveThruRPG and RPGNow along with their other products!
Be sure to check out their home page as well, for news and information about existing and upcoming products.
Related articles
- News from Around the Net: 27-MAY-2011 (gameknightreviews.com)
- OSR News from the Underdark Gazette – Sunday, May 15, 2011 from The Underdark Gazette (underdarkgazette.blogspot.com)
- OSR News from the Underdark Gazette – Sunday, May 22, 2011 from The Underdark Gazette (underdarkgazette.blogspot.com)


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Featured Products
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Welcome to TFTOYS.CA! As you may have guessed from the name, we are a Canadian company dedicated to all things Transformers. From Generation 1 to Beast Wars to Combiner Wars and beyond, we hope to be your best Canadian source for your Transformers fix. We are still working on details of our website, but we are indeed open for business. Product you see here is available and ready to ship (except of course for anything marked pre-order). Pardon our dust, and welcome to TFTOYS.CA


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Custom handmade Paracord Grab Handles. Made with 100% Jeepsmanship love.
Made from 550 military paracord and 4mm stainless steel d-ring shackles.
Customized to match your jeep or favorite sports team.
These are a set of 2 front roll bar grab handles and a set of 2 back seat headrest or sound bar handles for your jeep.
If you request other, please include a note to seller with the color you are requesting.
*** Visit my store for other option listings
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Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
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But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
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Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
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No returns are allowed on any tri-color paracord handles, customized colors that are not listed, and abnormal size (due to removing the padding on the roll bar.)
Yes, you can contact me in regards to specific colors you may want. It might take a little longer before shipping.
Sizing details
If there is an error of size from the customer, we do not accept returns. Some people take the padding off of their roll bar. That will change the size of the roll bar wrap around. I will just need to know if that is the case and I will make it accordingly so it will fit correctly.
I'm getting these grab handles for my spouse or friend and I'm not sure what to all consider before ordering the handles.
We will not accept returns if the order was incorrect in with sizing or color errors. Each Jeep Model has a different size roll bar and roll bar padding. If you are unsure of anything, please contact me and I will answer any questions and make sure you are very familiar with the product you are ordering and answer any questions you may have.


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Welcome to OhMyGraphix. We specialize in creating unique, and elegant looking layouts. We also design DP's. We offer customs, premades, freebies, and many more! It's all about YOU!
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ON1 Inspiration: Beach Combing in Overcast Weather
So thrilled to be part of ON1 Inspiration. It's "May Gray" in San Diego right now, but that doesn't mean you can't find good photo opportunities at the ocean. Watch this episode of ON1 Inspiration and check out the full backstory over at ON1 News.


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A drunk who threatened to chop a 16-year-old boy's fingers off with a meat cleaver has avoided an immediate prison sentence.
Nathan Hirst made the threats to the teenager after he refused to buy him alcohol from a shop.
Revealed: The worst Wakefield streets for violence, burglary and vehicle crime
Hirst also threatened to cut off a woman's hand during the "terrifying" incident in Wakefield.
Leeds Crown Court heard earlier this month how Hirst, 28, stole a meat cleaver after walking into a woman's home near to where he lived.
Michael Collins, prosecuting, said Hirst was friends with the woman on Facebook but they had only spoken to each other on three occasions.
Hirst walked into her home on September 29 last year as the woman was in the kitchen with her sister.
Registered sex offender from Pontefract found with 30,000 indecent images
He was told to get out and left but returned later Hirst let himself into the property when she was in the bath.
Mr Collins said Hirst went into the bedroom and laid on the bed.
He was told to leave and went to the kitchen and picked up the meat cleaver.
The woman's sister returned to the house and he threatened to cut off her hand. Hirst then left and approached three teenagers, asking them to them to buy him alcohol from a shop.
One of the boys refused, saying he was only 16.
Mr Collins said: "He (Hirst) told him to put his fingers on the wall and lifted the meat cleaver as though he was going to chop down on his hands."
The teenager removed his hand from the wall and Hirst approached one of his friends.
He told the boy to put his fingers against some railings but he refused. Hirst was arrested after one of the boys told his mother about the incident.
Hirst, of Guys Croft, Lupset, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to affray, theft, assault and having a bladed article.
Aubrey Sampson, mitigating, said Hirst had been drinking heavily at the time of the offences.
He added: "It may come as no surprise when I tell you that the defendant can recall very little about this incident." The case was adjourned on June 5 for a report to consider whether Hirst was suitable to attend an alcohol treatment programme.
A probation officer told the court today that Hirst was suitable to attend the programme.
The court heard Hirst had been suffering from depression at the time of the offences.
Hirst was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to take part in a nine-month rehabilitation programme.
Hirst was told he must also do 100 hours of unpaid work.
Judge Christopher Batty said: "These kids must have been terrified.
"They had absolutely no idea what you were going to do.
"They did not know you and you were clearly not in a good place."
The judge added: "I have been impressed by your attitude since this. That has saved you from a custodial sentence."


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The Smart Move® DMX gobo rotator by Apollo provides multi-direction rotation for one or two gobos. It is ideal for a broad range of applications without the need of a control board. The built-in, pre-programmed microprocessor provides the "smarts", while the rotary switches and speed control dial allow the user to easily set the desired effect and speed. The Smart Move® DMX rotator provides all the features of the Smart Move® and plus DMX control and indexing.
The Smart Move® DMX gobo rotator holds one or two "B" round gobos, secured by a heavy duty reversible retaining ring which is made of machined aluminum and is secured in place by two spring clips for easy adjustment and replacement. Belt driven for quiet operation, the rotator's black, powder-coat 18 gauge steel provides rigidity and durability. Infinitely variable speed range from 0 to 21 rpm plus rotary switches for easy setting to desired effect plus DMX contol and indexing.
Made in the USA.
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Dave Hardy received a BA from Brown University, an MFA from the Yale School of Art and studied at The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Selected group exhibitions include, Make It Now at the Sculpture Center, Un balance at Jack Shainman and Greater New York 2005 at PS1/MOMA. He was featured in a two person show at Regina Rex in 2012 and has had solo exhibitions at the 92Y Tribeca, Art in General and La Mama Galleria in New York and at Southern Exposure in San Francisco. Hardy is a 2011 fellow in Crafts/Sculpture from the New York Foundation for the Arts. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
"More absurd efforts lay inside the space, notably Dave Hardy's foam-cement-and-glass sculptures that touch the gallery's ceiling. Hardy has made two contraption-like towers by stacking these materials atop each other. It's hard to figure out the inner workings of such a labyrinthine support system of curving foam, lopsided glass panels, and trinkets. But it doesn't hurt to try."
Corinna Kirsch, "Recommended Shows: Two Two One at Regina Rex," Art Fag City (October 1,2014)


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The next Bridging the Watershed teacher training will be held on December 4, 2015 at the Jefferson Memorial from 9:30-3:30. The training will focus on an overview of the Bridging the Watershed program, how to schedule a field study, classroom activities and doing the watershed watchdogs (water chemistry) and talking trash modules if weather permits. Please take a look at the modules at the following address: http://fergusonfoundation.org/bridging-the-watershed/curriculum-overview/
Please bring a trash free lunch, coffee/snacks will be provided.
If you are interested in attending this training please email Heather Zdobysz at [email protected] by December 1, 2015.
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Thomas Jefferson Memorial


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Do Merrill Lynch bankers know no shame?
January 23rd, 2009
The clutch of investment bankers who advised Royal Bank of Scotland, Banco Santander and Fortis on their joint €71bn three-way takeover of ABN Amro in 2007 have recently received vast bonuses for their part in the deal — even though it ended up destroying most of the banks involved.
Merrill Lynch put together the disastrously overpriced transaction, having persuaded three banks — RBS, Santander and Fortis — to join forces and make the biggest banking takeover in history. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was certainly extremely lucrative for Merrill. The fees were reportedly £600 million.
Astonishingly, the US investment bank still thinks the ABN deal was in its clients' best interests. Yet for the price that Sir Fred Goodwin, Emilio Botin and Jean-Paul Votron paid for ABN Amro ($100bn), they could today snap up Citibank ($22.5bn), Morgan Stanley ($10.5bn), Goldman Sachs ($21bn), Merrill Lynch (£12.3bn), Deutsche Bank ($13bn) and Barclays ($12.7bn) and still have $8bn change. With that they could have picked up General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and the Honda Formula 1 Racing Team.
Not only did the deal cripple at least two of the three banks involved, requiring taxpayers to part with billions to keep them afloat, it also probably played a part in tipping many economies into prolonged recession.
Yet one of the initiators of this fiasco, Merrill Lynch's "head of financial institutions" Matthew Greenburgh, recently trousered a bonus of $10 to $20 million for his role in the deal.
On Monday, prime minister Gordon Brown said "people have a right to be angry" at the "wrong investments" made by RBS while Goodwin was chief executive, and particularly the massive £15bn to £20bn write-offs incurred as a result of the ABN Amro deal.
Maybe Brown should be directing his wrath at Greenburgh rather than his scapegoat of choice, Fred the Shred?
After all, Greenburgh was the fee-hungry Svengali who egged the naive but ambitious Goodwin on to make a string of other overpriced takeovers of banks and other financial institutions between 2000 and 2007. Greenburgh didn't seem to give a monkeys whether the deals were good or bad for RBS. All he wanted to do was earn massive fees for Merrills, and vast bonuses for himself.
During the takeover of NatWest, Greenburgh used "dirty tricks" to secure a deal, having persuaded the Takeover Panel to accept the notion of "conditional acceptances" — an irregular manoeuvre that infuriated Bank of Scotland's chief executive Sir Peter Burt and is seen as having enabled RBS to clinch the takeover.
RBS earlier this week confirmed that it will report a full-year loss in February which could hit £28 billion — with £15bn-£20bn ascribed to goodwill write-downs on the ABN Amro deal — and it is the taxpayer who is picking up the tab.
Fortis has also had to be bailed out at Belgian and Dutch taxpayers' expense. The third bank involved in the three way buy-and-split takeover of Madrid-based Banco Santander, got off more lightly, but still looks set to miss its $10bn profits target for 2008.
Other Merrill Lynch dealmakers who have in recent weeks received bonuses of at least £1 million each for their roles in the ABN Amro deal include Henrietta Baldock, Richard Slimmon, Meritxell Maestre, Jim O'Neil, Barry De Reuver, Rupert Hume-Kendall, Siddharth Prasad, Steven Black and Oliver Greaves.
Timothy Cobb, head of communications at Merrill Lynch International confirmed that all eleven individuals are still employed by Merrill Lynch but declined to comment on whether they had received bonuses.
It remains unclear whether the most senior member of the team, Merrill's 'head of orgination' Andrea Orcel — whose idea it was and who has admitted that, even at the time, he thought the whole scheme was a bit "crazy" — has opted to eschew his bonus. But, given the nature of these guys, that would seem extremely unlikely.
In an article published in November 2007, Siddharth Prasad, head of financial institutions, capital markets, and financing for Merrill Lynch EMEA, claimed:
"This is the king of all hybrid capital-offerings. Like so much of this entire transaction, this will be remembered for its historic significance in serving clients."
Oh yes??!!
The bonuses are all the more obscene given that Merrill Lynch last week declared a record loss of $15.31bn for the fourth quarter, and that its former chief executive John Thain managed to sneak in the payment of $3bn to $4bn in bonuses to staff on December 15th — a few days before his bank was rescued from oblivion through the completion of a questionable takeover by Bank of America.
Last week's terrible results from Merrill Lynch came within hours of Bank of America being thrown a $20bn lifeline by the US government, in addition to a taxpayer-funded guarantee of $118bn on potential losses on toxic assets inherited from Merrill.
In an interview with Euromoney magazine (since removed from the Euromoney website), Orcel said:
"We changed our M&A philosophy a few years ago. We decided that if Merrill Lynch is to succeed in this business, we needed to create value. Instead of fighting for league table status by chasing lesser roles, such as providing fairness opinions, we chose to focus our efforts on providing advice that would genuinely help grow or strengthen a client's business."
Well, Andrea, you didn't exactly achieve your goals with the ABN Amro deal, did you? No wonder some seasoned City types — the ones who still have some integrity — are today describing today's generation of investment bankers as "vermin".
Orcel added:
"This could not have happened if we had not determined, as a firm, to try to create actual value for clients rather than merely the perception that we were doing so."
You couldn't make this stuff up!
See also this article I did for the Daily Mail published on 24th January 2009
Short URL: https://www.ianfraser.org/?p=742


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Last week, the Girl!Twin called home from college. I miss having her around, and it was a good talk. I'd posted on Facebook about the day her dad proposed to me, and how I hadn't taken him completely seriously at first because it was April Fool's Day.
This is the Girl!Twin, headbutting a goat. As you do.
She asked, "How did you know he was the one?"
[I should add a caveat here: I don't believe in The One. I do think some people are more suited than others, but a mature, basically decent human being can build a life with any number of potential spouses. We all have so many choices in life, so many varied experiences. And the idea that you have to somehow stumble upon the one right person, at the right moment? That seems like way too much of a crap shoot for my tastes.]
One of these fabulous beasts is the Spousal Unit.
Looking back, I can't say there was one defining moment when I looked at the Spousal Unit and thought, Yep, that's the one. More like a series of moments, when I saw the pattern of our lives intertwining, when I recognized in him someone I'd enjoy being with for the long haul.
But there was one conversation early on, which caught me off guard in the best way possible. It was late 1990, early 1991, just before the first Gulf War started. The future Spousal Unit were driving around—probably headed out for shakes at that great little place off campus in Provo that doesn't seem to exist anymore—and discussing current events. I don't recall what we disagreed about. It wasn't an argument; I just expressed my opinion, and then commented that he probably wouldn't want to date me again.
I do remember, vividly, what he said next: "I think it's sexy that you're smart. I'm tired of dating girls who couldn't find Afghanistan on a map."
Until that moment, I hadn't realized how badly I needed to hear that from my significant other. I'd dated a few guys before that, some of them nicer than others, but not one of them—not a single one—ever made me feel that the quality of my mind was important. I'd long since decided not to play stupid for anyone, because that's a horrible way to live, but I'd gotten used to boys politely ignoring that part of me. Having any measurable degree of intelligence was at best the sort of defect that someone could overlook if I had enough acceptable traits. I'd never imagined that holding my own in a discussion of geopolitics might be a selling point.
That's the story I told my daughter. And I said, "The right person for you is the one who loves your whole self." Too often in life, we accept less-than because that's how we see ourselves. Even the good parts of us can make some people feel uncomfortable. But that's not the kind of person you want to wake up next to for the rest of your life. The right one fuels your good ambitions, because they already see the culmination of them in you.
It's good to be loved for being a whole person.
We were both fairly intelligent people until we had children, and we've been wrong and stupid pretty much every day since then. True story.
[Side note: If you ever meet the Spousal Unit, and happen to ask him who's the brains of the family, he'll probably say it's me. Apparently he's known for bragging me up behind my back. But you should not believe him, because he's an absolute whiz at a number of things that stump me, and he's one of those people who's always willing to learn something new. Which, to my mind, is one of the best measures of intelligence.]


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DEADLINE ALERT - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Reminds Investors of Class Action Against Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS) & Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 17, 2017
/EIN News/ -- NEW YORK, July 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. ("Dick's" or the "Company") (NYSE:DKS) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased Dick's securities between March 7, 2017 and May 15, 2017, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: http://www.bgandg.com/dks.
This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Dick's, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Dick's had overstated its adjusted EBITDA amounts; (2) accordingly, Dick's lacked effective internal controls; and (3) consequently, Dick's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
On May 12, 2017, Dick's filed on Form 8-K/A with the Securities and Exchange Commission and stated that a "computation error resulted in a $23.4 million overstatement of Adjusted EBITDA amounts for both the 13 weeks and 52 weeks ended January 28, 2017." Following this news, Dick's stock dropped $2.62 per share, or 5.22%, to close at $47.57 on May 12, 2017.
On May 16, 2017, Dick's revealed that its sales at its existing stores in the first quarter of 2016 were short of its predictions and counseled shareholders that it planned to scale back new store openings in 2018 and 2019. Following this news, Dick's stock dropped as much as $6.82, or 14.34%, during intraday trading on May 16, 2017.
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm's site: http://www.bgandg.com/dks or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Dick's you have until July 17, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm's expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz 212-697-6484 | email@example.com
EIN Presswire does not exercise editorial control over third-party content provided, uploaded, published, or distributed by users of EIN Presswire. We are a distributor, not a publisher, of 3rd party content. Such content may contain the views, opinions, statements, offers, and other material of the respective users, suppliers, participants, or authors.


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Nanay's Trip Review : Step Out and Enjoy Live Theater
Repertory Philippines truly saved the best for last. Stepping Out The Musical is the third and last show for its 79th season and it only made the audience crave for more live theater masterpieces from the country's premier theater company.
This musical comedy is about the different life stories of eight people and how their weekly tap dance class helped them gradually open up, become close to each other and bravely face their issues together. The play written by Richard Harris started its theater run in 1984 and has been adapted to various audience in its world wide stage run. Stepping Out was also produced as a movie in 1991.
Repertory Philippines' version of Stepping Out brilliantly utilized the power of music, dance and acting to weave the unique stories of each character. Different emotions were revealed through the songs and tap dance movements. As the characters learned to move more confidently and gracefully, they also learned to work as a team and genuinely care for each other.
The friendship they built in their weekly tap dance class helped the characters to come out of their shells and face their life issues. The new steps they learned every week not only challenged their dancing skills but taught them to dance with life's changing realities as well.
The actors' powerful voices helped the audience internalize the various emotions the characters are going through. Besides the fierce singing talent of Bituin Escalante (Rose), the strong and emotionally packed musical scenes of Angela Padilla who portrayed Mavis, the hardworking teacher and a neglected woman were outstanding.
The scene where the three women characters (Mavis, Vera and Andy) poured their hearts out and sang how easy it is to love someone but hard to lose, like and leave them was truly touching and moving. Joy Virata's great talent, enduring charm (she's 80!) and intelligence as a stage actress never cease to amaze the audience.
Seeing live tap dancing on stage was a refreshing and exciting experience for the Filipino audience. The actors themselves disclosed how they were challenged to learn this new skill in a short time to prepare for this production. The dance sequences showed they were not only fast learners but they enjoyed the new skill they acquired with the close guidance of choreographer Rose Borromeo. It would have been more interesting if there were more scenes to highlight their tap dancing talent.
Overall, Stepping Out The Musical created meaningful conversations through touching lyrics, heartwarming music and artistic choreography. Learning tap dance paved way to true friendships and it gave them the confidence to perform on stage and the courage to dance along life's challenges.
Catch Stepping Out the Musical at Onstage Greenbelt 1 in Makati every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinee at 3:30 PM, from April 1-24. For full show schedule, call Repertory Philippines at (+632) 843-3570 and (+632) 451-1474
Don't forget to bring a friend to the theater! Enjoy!
Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for this wonderful live theater experience!


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Stellar Customer Service
The company that I work for, The Lulawissie Gas and Grocery, has produced a number of training videos for its employees (or "associates" as they like to refer to them) to coach them in virtually every facet of customer interaction. We have been given a script to follow when approaching customers and we are not supposed to waver from that prescribed dialog. But if every associate approached every customer with the same phrase or line, then pretty soon they would catch on and become annoyed because they can tell that we were not sincere. Customers are not stupid. They can recognize a robot when they see or hear one.
Get To Know Your Clientele
I have been at the Gas and Grocery for nearly 5 years. During that time, I have gotten to know nearly all of my regular customers on a first name basis. I know what their buying habits are, and what their families like to eat. This kind of relationship does not happen overnight. Most shoppers come in twice or three times a week, and after several weeks or months, you can easily predict what they will buy. I like to use each opportunity to pick their brains ever so slightly to learn more about how I can better serve them. I try to remember what their last purchase was, or what I recommended to them two visits ago. Once you can associate a customer's face with a certain product, that will make the customer feel more like you actually cared what their shopping experience was like. After a while, I can make sure that I have a certain cut in the case on a certain day because I know that "Julie" or "Bob" will be in looking for it.
The Approach
When I go into a store, the last thing that I want to hear is "Are you finding everything okay?" or "How can I help you today?" To me it is like walking onto a used car lot and being assaulted by salesmen. What I really want is to be left alone, but to know that there is an associate nearby if I really need one. So naturally, I allow my customers the same courtesy. Instead of the usual "Can I help you?" in a disinterested sort of way, I talk to them like real people, like I want to be talked to. I like to approach people like I have already met them, whether I have or not. "Hey, what' sup?", or "How's it going today?" This type of approach seems to break the ice in a casual, friendly way. From that point on, the conversation takes off. If it is a familiar face, and I know his or her name, I approach them even more informally, "Hi, Mary" or "Hey, Scott!" I never try to hard sell or push any items down a customer's throat. If it feels right, I will let them know what is on sale, and step back to let them shop.
Body Language
"Browsers" will just walk slowly and steadily down your aisles and fresh cases, searching for something to leap out at them. "Buyers" know what they want, go straight for it, pick it up and walk out. "Shoppers" pick things up and put them back, over and over again until they settle on something. But you have to look for the "Puzzled" ones. They are the ones that have a worried or confused look on their face, and usually welcome a helpful associate. They are the ones that need a certain something, but can't find it, or worse, don't know what it is yet. This is where your knowledge comes in, and you can usually help them find what they need.
Suggest Companion Items
If a customer is buying a steak, suggest a vegetable side dish. If it is a roast, suggest gravy or a sauce. Help each shopper as if you were shopping yourself.
Basic Rules
Don't be over bearing. Don't be aggressive or flirtatious. Give attention to all customers equally, and be polite. There will be times when a customer is rude, demanding and abusive. It is nothing personal, don't take it that way. Always be nice. Again, don't be over bearing.
Well, I hope that helps those of you in the customer service business. Many different methods of dealing with clientele work differently for many people. I am open to suggestions that you may have as either a retail service rep or a customer. If you are ever down here in Lulawissie, feel free to stop in at the Gas and Grocery and introduce yourself. I will treat you to a soda at our full service fountain.
As always my friends, do good deeds for people that you don't know. Give the Good Lord thanks for everything, and stay healthy. I bid you peace.
©2012 by Del Banks
Definitely voted up. Thank you, badegg, for honestly expressing your empathy for customers who don't want to be hassled or inconvenienced with patronizing banter like we're helpless or just plain idiots. I like your writer's voice and the fact that you cared enough to write for and about both consumer and grocery courtesy clerk. Having been on both sides of the aisle, so to speak, your hub definitely brought back nostalgic memories. That's one of the key marks of a good writer--the ability to connect with your readers. Keep up the great work! By the way, where is Lulawissie?
Having a stellar customer service is what make people stay. These are great tips that companies could integrate in their business. It is simple but the result would be great. Voted up.


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- Jeff
Hey, guys. First off, thanks for showing up to the budget meeting on time. I know we all hate this stuff but it's important that we figure out our finances. We are quarantined off from the rest of the world after all.
- Gang Guy #1
Get on with it, Jeff. I've got a face tattoo appointment to make.
(the rest of the gang grumbles in agreement)
- Jeff
That's actually what I wanted to talk to you guys about. I've been crunching the numbers and it seems like 99% of our resources go towards tattoos and makeup for the gang.
- Gang Guy #2
Don't forget those sick spiky shoulder pads.
(claps from the rest of the gang)
- Gang Guy #3
Ya those things rock.
- Gang Guy #1
The rest of the world abandoned us, Jeff, and you don't want us to look as cool as possible?
- Jeff
That's my point! We have limited resources. I propose we stop using all our oil and water for tattoos and face paint and instead we use it to set up, I dunno, an irrigation system? Potable water would be nice. Maybe we even figure out how to grow our own food so we don't have to eat other members of the gang.
- Gang Guy #1
Now you're too cool to eat members of the gang? We're a post apocalyptic gang, dude, that's what we do!
- Gang Guy #2
What happened to you?
- Jeff
We ate my brother last week. We put him on a giant skewer, hovered him over a fire and devoured him like hyenas because, and I quote, "dude this is what we do." That's what happened to me.
- Gang Guy #1
Listen, Jeff. We get it. We really do. None of us wanted to be stuck behind this wall left to fend for ourselves. But will you look at it from our point of view? The virus that decimated this city turned us into freaks. I literally have doggie parts from the waist down and Jimmy over there has no butthole. If there's one thing we've learned it's that putting makeup and tattoos all over our bodies while slowly regressing as a society are the only things that motivate us to wake up everyday. It's all we've got dude. Granted we probably didn't have to eat your bro but we're making the best of a bad situation. Our bad.
- Gang Guy #2
Those sick ass shoulder pads more or less replaced my wife. She's on the other side of that wall and I'm here. Don't take that away from me so you can grow your own summer squash, Jeff.
- Jeff
Can we at least stop adding plows and flame throwers to all our cars? These weekly Demolition To The Death Derbies we have don't seem to accomplish anything
- All Gang Members
Oh, come on!


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A new bill proposed in Maryland would create a more extensive taxpayer credit for long term care insurance policyholders.
Long Term Care Insurance Tax Credit
Senator Katherine Klausmeier (D-Baltimore) introduced SB 478 in the legislature this week. The bill would half the value of the state's current tax credit for the first year the policyholder pays premiums.
Monthly Archives
January 2014
Maryland Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Long Term Care Insurance
A new bill proposed in Maryland would create a more extensive taxpayer credit for long term care insurance policyholders.
Medicaid Underfunding for Long Term Care Reaches All Time High
Long term care providers faced the highest level of underfunding last year, according to a new report.
Long Term Care Provider Report
The nation's largest long-term care provider association American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living released a report which details the long term care costs incurred across the country and those that were reimbursed by Medicaid.
Most Boomers Think Affordable Care Act Covers Long Term Care
Since its initial implementation, confusion has surrounded the Affordable Care Act. People are unsure about what it covers, how it affects their benefits, premiums, and hospital networks. A new study, however, shows that more people than ever believe the Affordable Care Act covers long term care costs.
Overconfidence Can Hurt Retirement Plans, Study Says
"Confidence is key", we so often hear, whether it's in terms of a relationship, job, or just day-to-day life. But can too much confidence ever be a bad thing? According to a new study, the answer is yes. Being overconfident in your financial ability might be more detrimental than helpful when it comes to planning for retirement.
Millionaires on Medicaid? Program No Longer Serves Just Those In Need
An interesting article appeared in the Wall Street Journal earlier this month that discussed the current state of Medicaid across the nation.
Boomers Delaying Retirement Turn to Startups in Large Numbers
The struggling economy and job market has left some Boomers without a job but still in need of income. With lengthening life expectancies and high health care costs, retirement at 55 just isn't an option for most people. Many Baby Boomers are turning to startups as a new way to make money and keep themselves occupied.
Addressing the Nation's Long Term Care Problem
As families face health care costs in retirement beyond what they could have ever imagined, politicians and other public officials grapple with the issue of long term care and the best way to approach it as a nation.
High Net Worth Investors and Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care insurance isn't for every one, and many wealthy investors seem to think they don't need a policy. Even those with an extremely high net worth are ignoring long term care insurance, according to a new study.
Maine Long Term Care Commission Suggests $10M More Needed for State Medicaid
The recently created long term care commission completed their evaluation and analysis of the Maine long term care system and released their final report last week. After taking time to study the dynamics and current trajectory of long term care within the state, the panel is now proposing an additional $10 million be allocated to the MaineCare program in 2014.
New Study Links Cholesterol and Alzheimer's
High cholesterol is often connected to heart disease and even stroke, but typically not Alzheimer's. A recent study has changed all that by linking cholesterol and Alzheimer's and is among the many pointing to environment and lifestyle as a major contributor to the disease.


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CloudyTags Directory - Health/Cause
Page 1 of 6
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by glennrbzz (2016-12-23 04:24:21)
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|Health First: Causes & Treatments of Sore Throats
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by healthcaretips (2016-11-09 11:00:04)
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|Physical Health: Thinking of getting a breast reduction? Here are some pros and cons
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text:
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Survey: 70 percent of older Americans concerned about their future financesPosted On Thu, April 7, 2011
A new poll is indicating that a high number of older Americans are so concerned about how they'll be able to afford health insurance that they may put off retirement.
The survey - titled Voices of 50+ New York and conducted by the AARP - questioned New Yorkers over the age of 50 and found that almost universally, financial concerns were high.
Lois Wagh Aronstein, director of AARP's New York division, said the country's fiscal crisis has profoundly affected the baby boomer generation.
"In the wake of the national recession, older adults don't have what they need to accomplish their most important goals due to growing concerns over healthcare and financial issues," Aronstein said.
Among the findings, the survey revealed that 70 percent were worried about how they'd maintain their lifestyle in retirement and 66 percent were concerned about losing their health insurance.
The worries carried over to their children, as 61 percent of respondents said they were fearful their kids would be worse off than they were.
These fears may be due to the large number of people who currently lack health insurance. According to U.S. Census data, 46 million Americans are not covered.
Feedback or questions? Email the editor here.


text:
Referral system
Hi, Trying to add a referral system on the site. It needs to be put on the success page.
Do I put the code below on the checkout success page or the cart_readonly.php page? I see that the read only cart is called in and has the WA store cart values. Do I use them?
<img src="http://myclient.zferral.com/e/1?rev=$rev&customerId=$customerId&uniqueId=$uniqueId&coupon=$coupon" style="border: none; display: none" alt=""/>
These are the values.
$rev (required) – Total value of the transaction
$customerId (required) – ID of customer who completed the event
$uniqueId (optional) – A unique ID (i.e. order id, payment id or something similar). HIGHLY Recommended for security
$info (optional) – Additional information about the order (it is only visible in your dashboard, near the recorded commissions)
$coupon (optional) – Affiliate coupon


text:
Feeling blue about the holidays ending? You may be able to lift your spirits by adding some fresh new paint color to your home. Starting a brand new project can be re-energizing, and when the job is done, the mere presence of the new color may permanently brighten your mood!
There are plenty of good reasons to consider painting now: winter is an opportune time to improve your home interior; with no holiday in sight, you can work at a stress-free pace; and your walls may well need some attention after all the activity they endured over the past few weeks.
Still, your home may not be the biggest beneficiary of your painting project: It could be you! Staying active — by painting or otherwise – will contribute to your sense of purpose. Once you complete your painting project, you'll have a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. And creating colorful new surroundings is a proven way to improve one's mood.
That last statement isn't just opinion; it's science. Psychologists have found that exposure to certain colors boosts the level of serotonin in the brain. And the presence of more serotonin has the effect of making us more joyful!
Which colors have this power? A number of studies have shown that yellow is the top "pick-me-up" color. Spending time in yellow surroundings creates, in effect, a "natural high"!
Not keen on yellow? Then shift over to the next-best happiness inducing color, orange. According to color psychologists, tints and shades of orange give off good karma that we perceive as energy and warmth, nice feelings to have as winter sets in.
If you're not a fan of yellow or orange, you still have some options. You can brighten your surroundings with off-white paint or any other light hue. Enveloping yourself in one of these colors will help counter the gloom of winter's gray days and help foster a better frame of mind.
Should you decide to follow this prescription to improve your outlook, pay attention to the sheen of the paint you use. Products with higher sheen – gloss, semi-gloss, and satin paints — are more reflective, so they'll make your interior even brighter and more uplifting than flat paints in the same hue.
The bottom line is this: If you feel that you need a pick-me-up after the holidays, think about picking up a roller or paintbrush and a couple cans of top quality paint (100% acrylic latex is best). Get started on some interior painting, and you'll likely improve your spirits as much as the place you call home!
Debbie Zimmer is editor-in-chief of the Paint Quality Institute blog. She's a widely cited authority on color, use of paints in interior and exterior design, and decorative painting techniques. She can be found on Twitter as @PaintQualityIns.


text:
Life for me, often has synchronicities….
A theme this week was Peace. I was producing a track for a film/tv placement. When I dug up my song to record, the original version incorporated the Prayer for Peace by the Sufi Poet Hazrat Inayat Khan. Then a very talented writer friend of mine invited me to an event where she is going to be singing her version of "Grant us Peace" adapted from Gates of Prayer. I Love my Friends and am so grateful for their amazing creativity that often brings me inspiration.


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Sign-up for our newsletter for exclusive charter information, offers, sailing tips and much more!
The holiday season is over and as the decorations come down, our thoughts turn to the boat shows. Our first shows are in January in Toronto and Chicago - we look forward to seeing you there.
09 January - 18 January 2015 - Booth 1453
Seminar: Saturday 10 January at 12.00
14 January - 18 January 2015 - Booth S1108
Seminar: Friday 16 January at 11.45
Seminar: Sunday 18 January at 14.15
Your charter experts for yacht and by the cabin charters in Greece, Croatia and French Polynesia. Over 25 years' experience and recognized by the Greek National Tourist Organization US and Canadian offices.
Poseidon Charters | 1246 Bayview Drive | Woodlawn | Ontario | K0A 3M0 | Canada
Poseidon Charters INC is a Canadian federal chartered company
Company registration 3568792
website by www.webfuel.com


text:
"It is rare that I am the subject of pictures, unless I've taken it myselfie.
I haven't "sat" for photographs since my senior pictures. There's a part of me that secretly relishes being the subject of photos, and another part that was scared to do this. But I have gotten to know Hillary over the last year (and change) and I know she's a centered and kind being, so I was ready to take the leap for my first adult photo shoot with her.
I have no idea what I feared, but absolutely zero of that happened. It was a joy to be encouraged by her, with her improvisational style, to find different things I could do to "pose" without being too pose-y or unnatural. She's super easy, and calming, and I trusted her, and it was all so cool that if that was it, I'd have been happy.
But then she sent me a couple photographs, and they floored me! She captured my soul, said one friend. I love the way she "got" me, and I love the style of her photographs.
I loved everything about this experience with Hillary.
Follow her, go see her work, and HIRE HER when you need photographs."
Kelly Dillbeck
"I've known Hillary for quite awhile outside the realm of photography, and thus can vouch for what a tremendous human being she is. Hillary is incredibly compassionate, brilliant, and creative in everything that she does. After hiring Hillary for a recent event, I was able to see these talents come to life in her role as photographer. She did an excellent job capturing the essence of our event in a way that highlights the vision of our organization. Her work is of an exceptional quality, and the turnaround to get our photos back was immediate. I would recommend Hillary's work to absolutely anyone!"
Valerie Groth, Founder Ryan Banks Academy
The short story of it is, I saw some of Hillary's portrait work and decided to go for it. This lady is amazing and empowering!
The "long" story of it is, I met Hillary at a Mac & Cheese event and immediately noticed how she exudes calm. I haven't been very keen on being photographed, afraid of how the pictures would turn out, the judgment. As it turns out, her calming nature was just what I needed in a photographer to get over my fears. Hillary took the time to discuss my expectations – why did I want photos and doubts – why was I freaking out about it. I walked into the shoot with all the necessary tools…except for modeling skills. No worries! Hillary had that covered. She provided guidance every step of the way from wardrobe selection to the "poses" (or simply letting go) to that gentle nudge to say "yes, and".
One can tell photography, her art, is something that brings Hillary absolute joy. It's contagious and it comes through in her photos. So happy I had this experience. Book her! Now! Really!
Cicely Harris
"Hillary captured beautiful photos of children and families participating in VOCEL's Child Parent Academy. We are so appreciative of Hillary's time, talent and care of capturing these moments and the loving spirit of these moments. Hillary's passion for her work is clear. Thank you for sharing that with us and our families, Hillary!"
Jamie Hausch Thomas , VOCEL Child Parent Academy
"Working with Hillary was an awesome experience!… I have always disliked having my picture taken, and I have rarely been pleased with the results. Hillary is the consummate professional yet she has a very disarming style which made me feel less like I was having my picture taken, and more like having coffee with an old friend. I liked that she composed the pictures in natural settings and did not get bogged down with all of the lighting equipment. She personalized the experience and made it fun. In the end, she delivered some amazing natural portraits that I absolutely love and have been able to use to brand my professional image. I highly recommend Hillary for portraits that are exquisitely unique and professional service without gimmick."
Steve Remmert, LCPC
"Hillary went above and beyond what we expected when documenting our wedding. I was amazed at the outcome of the photos — there are moments that look as though we had 3 different photographers catching 3 different angles, but it was all Hillary. She is a master at moving around you effortlessly, finding unique and meaningful perspectives.
What I love most about our photos is that Hillary really captured moments from the heart. Every photo holds the essence, the truth of what is happening — there is magic in her photography.
When I think back on the wedding day, I remember the wedding. I actually have very little memory of Hillary — in a good way! She captured moments that I really wasn't even aware of, so gracefully and stealthily. I never felt like she was in the way, or commandeering a moment. Instead, she blended in and integrated so easily.
We have absolutely no regrets about inviting Hillary to spend the day with us. We received more than we expected and are so grateful to have these moments documented so beautifully. I would without hesitation recommend working with Hillary!"
Zachary Zube


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Media Relations
We have deep relationships with reporters, and they trust that the companies we work with and stories we share are worth their time. Our team of former journalists and media relations experts identifies the right reporter at the right outlet to bring your company's story to the world.
Influencer Relations
Bloggers and social media influencers play a major role within many of the industries our clients serve. We're masters at identifying and collaborating with these tastemakers to ensure you get exposure where it matters most.
Social Media Engagement
At Barokas, we enable clients to amplify their voice through integrated social media campaigns. We create and execute campaigns of all sizes to support your business goals, and monitor metrics to ensure your social campaign is performing to our standards.
Writing and Thought Leadership
Our in-house writers partner with clients to help turn their team into industry influencers through ghostwritten articles, blog strategy and management, whitepapers, case studies and more. Our writing services deliver a strong industry voice, while ensuring cohesion across all content touchpoints.
Survey Campaigns
Companies are finding it increasingly challenging to make their perspectives on market trends heard above the noise. We help clients break through this barrier by developing creative surveys that provide validation and meaningful attachment to key trends.
Trade Show and Event Support
Industry trade shows and conferences are critical to a company's overall PR and marketing strategy. We work with our clients to break through the noise at busy events, ensuring in-person touch points with the media while internal teams juggle event-day demands.
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Media Training
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Internal Communications
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – YourMembership.com Inc., a St. Petersburg-based online community developer, today announced it will donate 100% of each new client setup fee to help benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"The campaign will begin today and continue through October 15th of this year," said Bill Stover, President of YourMembership.com, Inc. "We must do our part, both in business and our community to help those that have suffered and will continue to struggle due to this disaster."
The contribution will be given to the American Red Cross, www.redcross.org. In times of disaster, the American Red Cross immediately mobilizes workers and supplies to address the urgent, critical needs of disaster victims, which include providing emergency shelter, food, water, counseling and other assistance. The Red Cross response to Hurricane Katrina is the largest response to a single, natural disaster in the 125-year history of the organization.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new–the nearly one million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 900 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Some four million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.


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Three years ago on Feb. 11, 2014 (in the days of the Obama Administration) I joined the good folks here at Blog for Arizona, after more than four and a half years blogging at the Tucsoncitizen.com, as "Carolyn's Community". You readers have noticed that I have been tirelessly working on posting progressive events on our image Calendar (upper right corner) or online here:
Visit the post for more. … Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area
I am passionate about informing our readers about what our non profits and progressive groups and people are doing here in Arizona. Some activists in town are telling me that we now have the "best political calendar" online. Many thanks for the praise.
As for elections, only the Tucson City Council races to report on in 2017: Ward 3 has (so far) 3 Democrats and 1 Libertarian seeking the open seat (with Karin Uhlich retiring), and no challengers to date in Ward 5 (Richard Fimbres) or Ward 6 (Steve Kozachik). Both Councilmen are seeking re-election.
We will keep on blogging…esp. now in the early days of the Trump Administration Stay focused and vigilant, and be aware.


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Holmes boys were scheduled for rendezvous in Hong Kong today. Got an email from Tim saying he'd missed his flight. I caught mine though, and Brendan was already in Hong Kong, so I'd say two out of three ain't bad (or unusual for a Holmes gathering). Not casting aspersions though - in order to make my flight, I only had enough time to pack a spare t-shirt & jumper, rock climbing shoes and toiletries. Travelling light and fast!
Met Brendan and co, had a beer in what could have been Kensington Market if Chinatown expanded (i.e. nice, bustling, pedestrian-friendly), time to crash.
Setting the bar low for photos.


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At Anenberg's backlot sale. We'll be selling our t-shirts and boxers, and some surprises too!
Saturday November 28th
10am – 5pm
9521 Business Center Dr. #104
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
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(function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();
The objectives of the C4D coalition are:
- To build the capacity of the international development community to address the challenges climate change poses to sustainable development. The coalition helps its members acquire new knowledge and understanding to address the risks posed by climate change to development activities. Members share their experiences to enhance our collective knowledge of climate change as a development issue, and the coalition 'leads by example' through the development of appropriate tools and methodologies to address climate change mitigation and adaptation in development programming, including reducing our own carbon footprints.
- To bring the voice of the international development community to the debate on Canada's response to climate change. Through public outreach and dialogue with elected officials and civil servants, C4D promotes government policies that assist developing countries in climate change adaptation, support sustainable energy in development, and integrate climate change into development programming, and achieve deep reductions in domestic greenhouse gas emissions.


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Beijing local government has invested $500k to trial the introduction of tablets in primary schools, with one device per child. The aim is to replace books with what they are describing as an 'e-bag'. The first schools have started trailing this Spring. In one school where the tablets are being used for Maths, Chinese and English, teachers report that the devices facilitate "vibrant interactions in class". The usual fears and concerns are also raised: won't the kids just start playing games as soon as the teacher isn't looking? Could staring at a screen all day be bad for their eyesight? And, of course, there's a lack of decent materials design for use on the tablets.
Tablet technology enters classrooms, accompanied by concerns
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As we near the Superbowl, football is definitely on the brain! This football CVC word game is a fun one to add into your reading instruction for some engaging learning for any little football fan!
Learning to read CVC words takes time and practice. Kids need to blend and then find meaning to the words they read. This matching game takes CVC words and then gives them meaning with their picture match.
To get the game ready, I print out the cards (below) and laminate them for repeated use. Then I put the football words in one pile and the goalpost picture cards in another.
I introduced this game in a small group, and my kids took turns grabbing a football word, reading it, and pairing it up with a goal post picture.
We played it in a non-competitive way, but you could play a version where it is timed, or if they get it right they keep the cards and the person with the most is the winner, etc. It really depends on what works best for your child or students.
This game works with all 5 short vowels and pairs up 15 CVC words and pictures. I love it for a simple review or even a reading center game. Several of my students love it because, well – it's football!!
Download the Football CVC Word Game
Ready to play some football? Of the reading kind, that is? Download your copy of this fun football game by clicking the yellow button below.
Then, for more CVC word fun, hop over and grab our most popular resource, our CVC word family fluency passages!


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"Little America," our colleague Rajiv Chandrasekaran's stunning new book about this country's efforts to defeat the Taliban, is not as much fun as his "Imperial Life in the Emerald City," which recounted the rollicking early days of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad.
The ineffable stupidity in Iraq, the colossal miscalculations, the spectacular arrogance — all were so ridiculous, you laughed to keep from crying.
"Little America" is a much grimmer recounting of how the U.S. effort in Afghanistan, difficult enough in a "country" plagued by endemic corruption, was undermined: by vicious infighting among administration officials, by "the stubbornness and incompetence at the State Department and the Agency for International Development," by the "tribal" Pentagon, and by the scarcity of officials who actually spoke the languages and knew anything about Afghanistan.
And when two-thirds of the supposed nation-building civilians are camped out in Kabul and not out in the field, one shouldn't expect much.
Despite all the supposed lessons learned from Iraq, the Afghan effort, Chandrasekaran concludes in his superbly reported book, was "almost as embarrassing as the first year in Iraq."
The disheartening chaos within the administration, with the military, the National Security Council and the State Department waging their own wars, hugely compounds the problems.
Still, there are some laugh-out-loud moments — if you're into black humor — based on the author's 15 multi-week trips to Afghanistan since early 2009.
For example, 11 Bolivian engineers were brought in to show how a U.S.-backed program there to build cobblestone roads could be repeated.
A short demonstration stretch was built. But the Afghans objected. They wanted gravel and asphalt. The cobblestones, they claimed, hurt their camels' hooves.
Huge amounts of money were dumped into one district to employ lots of day laborers at good wages. Then the schools "suddenly closed," Chandrasekaran writes. Seems the "teachers had become day laborers because the pay was better."
Similar follies highlight the destabilizing and unintended — even opposite — consequences of throwing money at poor countries.
"For years, we dwelled on the limitations of the Afghans," Chandrasekaran writes. "We should have focused on ours."
This book should be required reading for any diplomat or Agency for International Development official going to work in any developing country.
We hear that the book has sparked a scramble in the Kabul embassy compound to compile "success stories" for publication to counter the book's analysis.
Please. Haven't we wasted enough money already?
Hillary Rodham Clinton has racked up plenty of accomplishments: a Senate seat, a diplomatic triumph or two as secretary of state — plus, she's dealt a few good knocks to that glass ceiling.
But for the social-media-obsessed, here's another: Clinton has amassed more than 44,000 Twitter followers to an account with the name @HRClinton. That's a serious constituency. (Her spokesman says it's not an official account, and Twitter tells us Clinton doesn't have a "verified"account, but clearly, all the folks following @HRClinton are interested in what the secretary of state has to say . . . er, tweet.)
And she's racked up all those followers without tapping out a single tweet. Not one lousy 140-character missive.
What is she waiting for? Teddy Roosevelt finally winning the presidents' race at Nats Park?
With that kind of readership, we can understand that there's some pressure involved. And so we thought we'd enlist Loop fans to generate ideas for what Clinton should tweet about in her maiden voyage, should she ever take it. What 140 characters should mark her entry into the twitterverse? To put it another way, WSHT? (What should Hillary tweet?)
The 10 best entries will win a coveted Loop T-shirt. Submit your suggestions to email@example.com, and be sure to provide your name, profession, mailing address and T-shirt size (M, L or XL). You can enter "on background" if you like.)
The contest will end Friday, Aug. 3, so get those entries in!
The House is expected to pass Sen. Jim Inhofe's Pilot's Bill of Rights as early as Monday evening, a measure that would make it easier for pilots facing disciplinary action by the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain the evidence against them.
The bill, dubbed by one wag as "The Inhofe Revenge Bill," was sparked by an October 2010 incident in which the Oklahoma Republican, a private pilot, landed his Cessna 340 on a closed runway at a small South Texas airport — scaring the daylights out of workers doing maintenance.
A recorded call to the FAA from the crew's supervisor said Inhofe "sky-hopped" over the men and trucks and really "scared . . . us." You can listen to the call at wapo.st/
inhofefaa (hat tip to politics Web producer/guru Matt DeLong).
There were huge (60 feet long by 10 feet wide) yellow X's on the runway showing that it was closed.
The FAA in January 2011 barely gave Inhofe a slap on the wrist — let alone a license suspension — and ordered what he called some "painless" remedial training in lieu of any enforcement action. He praised the FAA and said "I could not have been treated better" by the agency.
Even so, Inhofe told us this February that he would introduce a bill to give pilots greater rights. "If a person is going to be accused of something," he said, "he has to know what he's being accused of." (The Senate has already passed the bill.)
"I was never appreciative of the feeling of desperation," Inhofe said, "until it happened to me."
Think how desperate those workers on the runway that day must have felt.
With Emily Heil
Alice Crites contributed to this column.
The blog: washingtonpost.com/
intheloop. Twitter: @InTheLoopWP.


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Blog Writing Services
It's quality or nothing. That's the nature of today's content marketing, and it's the expectation we
bring to every piece of content. We write blogs that tell stories and increase search presence.
As North America's largest content marketing agency, we've developed an expert model of in-house content creation and blog writing services built on proprietary software, creative storytellers and hard metrics. If it doesn't serve a purpose, we don't write it.
A typical Brafton blog post starts with data. Through analytics tracking, competitive analyses and industry conversations, we review what is currently performing and what has historically shown sustained results. We uncover searcher intent and collaborate with your team of business experts to scope out the topics that need to be written at that moment.
From there, we formulate campaigns centered on your core themes, marketing goals and target audience. We get the right eyes on the right content at the right moment.
It's more than just content writing; it's content excellence.
Blogs are top-of-funnel assets intended to capture web traffic, define your brand and address customer pain points. Prospects have questions, and blogs answer them.
A strong blog writing and distribution strategy should serve as the entry point to your sales funnel, and that's why we've designed our creation process around mapping every asset to your commercial goals.
There's a dollar amount attached to every blog post, and we aim to prove it.
Our content writers utilize SEMrush, BuzzSumo, Moz, Google Analytics, MarketMuse and other proprietary tools to lay the foundation upon which to write. We know the industry, the trends, the topics, the keywords, the audiences, the angles, the experts and the perspectives before we put pen to paper.
If your blog strategy is still based around high-level keyword targets, intricate backlinking schemes and formal, mechanical writing, it's time for a course correction.
You're a human. Your readers are human. Our content writers are human.
Our blog writing services are led by professional writers who hold degrees in various specializations, including journalism, English, creative writing, marketing and education, to name a few. Throw in several MAs, MFAs and PhDs for good measure as well.
We are professional journalists, published authors, live-lit performers, entrepreneurs, teachers and writing consultants. We've got the best.
Higher organic rankings are achieved through consistent, strong article writing that serves user intent, not gaming search algorithms and dousing your content in keywords.
Every day, search engines become more human – they've actually outsmarted the engineers who built them. You need blogs that make a human impact.
It's impossible to rank for any of your search terms through dishonest marketing practices. That includes churning out more blogs than are necessary and inundating your readers with web content they could never hope to consume.
Reader attention spans are dwindling, and average word counts on blog posts are rising – something has to give. The only way to stand out is to produce quality blogs that provide value. We consider this simple customer experience.
Google's ranking algorithms utilize search signals to determine whether a blog post is well-written, contextually accurate, user-friendly and objectively better than competitors'. It no longer matters how many blogs you post; search visibility is decided based on the moving target of content quality.
At Brafton, we do quality.
It's not enough to simply have a writer produce blogs. A true content marketing strategy comprises a variety of asset types, distribution channels and promotion efforts.
We use blogs as part of a comprehensive approach to marketing ROI, and you should too. This involves turning gated assets into blog posts, collaborating with social influencers, embedding rich media like custom graphics and videos into all content, sending out email newsletters, inviting real-time feedback from readers and much, much more.
That's what quality is.


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It all started with a contest: The rules were pretty simple: Tell us what your asking for this holiday season, and why… for a chance to have your wish granted. One listener… Stacy, asks for a gift of getting her Grandmas house carpets replaced. Willie B DJ of KBPI publicized her selfless request, and calls… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Ductworks Press Release
State Shuts Down Several Air Duct Cleaning Companies For Scamming
Customers thought they were getting fresh air when they hired Seabreeze Air, Quality Air and Fresh Air. "Well, it starts out as a classic bait and switch," Suthers said. Suthers says the companies advertised duct cleaning for $35 and then charged up to $1,000. He says customers weren't the only ones they lied to. "They… Read more »
Polar Bear Plunge
While Ductworks Inc., participates in numerous charity events, none of them are quite like Polar Bear Plunge. The Polar Bear Plunge took place at Boulder Reservoir on February 9th, 2013. The motto of the event was "Freezin' for a Reason", more than 300 people plunged into the icy cold 37 degree water to raise money for the… Read more »
Ductworks Helping Critically Ill Children Returning Home
Ductworks is contributing time and resources to help the non-profit organization There With Care. When critically ill children are returning home from the hospital and need a clean home environment, Ductworks will provide expert air duct cleaning services for the house. Eddy Frisk, General Manager of Ductworks stated, "Parents are already stressed with caring for… Read more »
Ductworks on Experience Pros
The Experience Pros will feature locally-owned Ductworks on their program this Friday, February 24th at 10 a.m. The segment will air on KLZ, The Source AM560. The feature is due to fan-based appreciation for the great job Ductworks does in their profession. With the proliferation of Internet-based social media sites, such as Faceboook and Yelp,… Read more »
National Jewish Health® Collaborates with Ductworks for National Asthma and Allergy Month to Help Families Detect Allergens at Home
National Jewish Health and Ductworks, Inc. are collaborating for the second year during National Asthma and Allergy Month, (May) to provide a comprehensive approach for people with allergies and asthma to help them learn if the environment in their homes is contributing to their illness. National Jewish has developed a diagnostic kit to assess the… Read more »
100 Five Star Air Duct Cleaning Reviews
100 FIVE STAR AIR DUCT CLEANING REVIEWS Denver, CO.— Air Duct Cleaning Industry Leader, Ductworks, Inc., achieves "100 Five Star" Air Duct Cleaning Reviews from the Customer Lobby in less than 6 months. Customer Lobby is where consumers share their ratings and reviews on the local companies they hire. Company ratings are based strictly on… Read more »
NADCA on Dateline NBC
BUSTED! Duct Cleaning Scammers Exposed We've all seen the coupons and advertisements promoting "whole neighborhood air duct cleaning for $49.95," and heard the horror stories from consumers who got taken by these companies. Now the national media is taking notice. NADCA worked with Dateline NBC over the past six months to expose a scam operation… Read more »
Ventilation System Mold Remediator
Local HVAC System Cleaning Contractor Achieves Prestigious Certification WASHINGTON, DC – Local contractors Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc. have successfully completed the training and examination process to be certified as a Ventilation System Mold Remediator. The certification, which is administered by NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, is recognized… Read more »
Certified Ventilation Inspector
Local HVAC System Inspector Achieves Prestigious Certification WASHINGTON, DC – Local contractors Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc has successfully completed the examination process to be named a Certified Ventilation System Inspector (CVI). The certification, which is administered by NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, is… Read more »


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It's very likely that you're not getting enough sleep.
According to a new report from the CDC and the first study to look at survey data from every state in the US, one-third of all Americans are getting less than seven hours of sleep per night, which is the minimum for what's considered a "healthy sleep duration."
Getting enough sleep is critical: Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
The details
Of the more than 444,000 people who took their self-reported survey in 2014, just 65% said they got at least seven hours of sleep every night.
On a state-by-state level, more South Dakotans and Coloradans got sufficient sleep compared to Hawaiians (71% vs. 56%). The CDC also found that the people getting sufficient sleep varied by race/ethnicity, with only a little more than half of all non-Hispanic blacks, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, and multiracial respondents reporting they got more than seven hours of sleep per night.
The CDC recommended that for those not getting enough sleep, they might want to try keeping track of their sleeping habits as well as behaviors that may be affecting their sleep and chatting with a doctor.
Quick tips to help sleep better:
- Keep consistent sleeping hours, even on weekends.
- Avoid phone, computer, and TV screens before bed.
- Try not to hit the snooze button — as tempting as it might be, it could be detrimental to your sleep quality.
- Steer clear of caffeine for at least six hours before you plan on heading to bed.
Your body will thank you.
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