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Monday, May 09, 2011
A Chat with Leeza Gibbons
Her marriage: On April 20, 2011, Leeza married Steve Fenton in a small family ceremony. Her two oldest children even became ordained so they could conduct the ceremony! Steve read vows to Leeza's three children to celebrate the fact that he was marrying the whole family, not just Leeza.
Her new book: After caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease, Leeza wrote Take Your Oxygen First to stress that caregivers need to take care of themselves first in order to effectively care for others. At her organization, Leeza's Place, they provide support for caregivers, primarily women who are caring for their parents. Unfortunately, looking after ourselves is often counterintuitive for women, so they need to be taught that this is important and not feel guilty about it so they don't become victims of "compassion fatigue." This can deplete the immune system and disrupt our spiritual balance. Sometimes, the caregivers can become sicker than the patients!
Her makeup line: Leeza's Sheer Cover beauty line, sold through the Home Shopping Network, features mineral makeup developed by a dermatologist for problem skin, and is sold to women all over the world. She'll also be starring in HSN's Hollywood Beauty Hour, starting in June, where they'll feature products and tips that work for celebrities. Other products she's touting are Sexy Legs, which covers the broken capillaries, spider veins and sunspots on your legs, and Perfect Style, an affordable line of hair extensions featuring 18 shades to blend in with your own hair color.
Motherhood: Leeza's two oldest children are now adults, but she still has a 13-year-old son at home. So, with her recent marriage, they are navigating the waters of a blended family. Balance is always an issue when you have children and a busy career. Leeza believes in the "F words" -- flexibility and forgiveness! She has learned that it's okay to fail sometimes and to forgive yourself when you come up short. As mothers, we often make ourselves responsible for our kids' choices, but we have to empower them to "own" their own decisions.
Her talent: As a child, she didn't excel in anything in particular -- music, sports, etc. But her mother helped her to recognize that storytelling was her special talent. This led to her career in broadcasting and writing.
It was such a great experience to be able to catch up with Leeza Gibbons. Stay tuned because I'll be doing reviews of her new book, Take Your Oxygen First, and her makeup line, Sheer Cover!
You can connect with Leeza at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialLeezaGibbons
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LeezaGibbons
YouTube: www.youtube.com/LeezaGibbons
P.S. Enjoy the beautiful pictures in this post from Leeza's recent wedding!
Posted by Susan Heim at 8:52 AM
Labels: Alzheimer's disease, caregivers, Leeza Gibbons, makeup, motherhood
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The University of Michigan's Monitoring The Future (MTF), an annual survey tracking teen drug abuse among eighth-, 10th- and 12th- graders, shows an increase in the abuse of the prescription medicine Adderall among high school seniors in the U.S. over the past few years. Adderall is a prescribed stimulant that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
According to MTF, the past-year non-medical use of Adderall among American high school seniors has been steadily increasing since 2009 when abuse rates were 5.4 percent. In 2010 and 2011, past year Adderall abuse increased to 6.5 percent among 12th-graders, continued increasing to 7.6 percent in 2012 and is now at 7.4 percent in 2013.
Full story of increased adderall use in high school at drugfree.org

subset: commoncrawl


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Corrupt third-parties in the legal arms trade
This paper presents a preliminary typology of arms trade intermediaries as encountered in the more than 40 cases of corruption in the compendium.
For the latest updates and guidance from Tufts University, please visit: go.Tufts.edu/Coronavirus
This paper presents a preliminary typology of arms trade intermediaries as encountered in the more than 40 cases of corruption in the compendium.
Bridget Conley speaks with Sana Yazigi about her work as project leader of "Creative Memory of the Syrian Revolution." Access the entire interview, transcript, art and music through our blog, Reinventing Peace.
Our relaunched Compendium of Arms Trade Corruption details 36 cases of corruption in the global arms trade, and the broader military sector, with key information on the buyers, sellers, the weapons sold, the money that changed hands and the shady intermediaries oiling the wheels and greasing the palms.
Andrew Feinstein, our colleague from Corruption Watch UK, discusses his role revealing massive corruption in a South African arms deal from the late 1990s.
WPF's Sam Perlo-Freeman introduces the Compendium on Arms Trade Corruption, a new resource documenting corruption charges in a wide array of cases from around the world.
Alex de Waal discusses some of the main points from his book, Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine (Polity 2018).
Vijay Prashad, journalist, historian and director of Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, discusses the flow of weapons from 'friends' to 'enemies' across today's war zones. Produced by World Peace Foundation with Corruption Watch, original footage produced for Shadow World.
Memory from the Margins
THE INDEPENDENT | November 29, 2019 'When they come, they will kill you'
"The Turkish incursion into northern Syria demonstrates clear hallmarks of ethnic cleansing," Professor Bridget Conley
August 2, 2019
Who finances the Sudanese regime? Alex de Waal discusses the economics of repression.
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2010 will likely be a strong year for information technology outsourcing. For companies where IT is not the core business, it can seem compelling, especially from a management perspective.
Reducing operating expenses has been a focus of many organizations during the last few years, and the services contract should provide a high level of expense predictability. There are also strategic objectives that outsourcing IT operations can help achieve, like becoming a more efficient global operation, to be considered. And finally, who in management doesn't like the "one hand to shake, one neck to break" idea to avoid internal finger pointing?
Earlier this week, I read about Microsoft's outsourcing deal with Infosys Systems in India. Microsoft is not the first or only significant IT vendor whose products are an important part of many enterprise infrastructures to outsource. What I really struggle with is this:
If these are the vendors selling us the software, hardware, managed services, tools, and best practices we are depending on to run our IT operations, and they have surrendered their own IT operations to another, dare I say, more efficient vendor, well...what does that say?!
What do you think?
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Looking for affordable piano moving services in Orange County? You've just found them!
We are located and are operating in and around Los Angeles and are the best choice you can make for your piano or organ to be moved or stored. If you are having trouble making a decision between the many companies out there, let us help you out take a look at their experience. That's right, most companies out there are a few years into the business. We've been moving pianos for over 20 years now and for a good reason.
Orange county piano movers come and go, but we stay. We are getting better and better at what we do, getting the best tools for this highly specialized job, moving into new areas and actually reducing pricesas we go. You heard us right the price is going DOWN.
We save by having our own crew, our own trucks, and our own storage facilities. We outsource nothing, we own and do everything ourselves, taking good care that the job is done right.
We Use Top of the Line Equipment.
From manual lifting and safety gear to powerful but delicate cranes and hydraulic lifters on the back of the trucks everything we use is top notch technology and is meant to carry your piano or organ safely and effortlessly.
The trucks themselves are carpeted and lined with blankets, as well as weatherproofed. A perfect understanding of how delicate, precious and fragile a piano is makes us care for it and treat it with utmost caution. No extreme temperature, dust or humidity will be allowed to touch your prized possession while it is in our care.
We are covered by a full Freight Insurance.
We have never had to cover a claim (that is actually one of the main reasons we managed to thrive when others don't stick around for long), but still we add insurance that will cover any unexpected damage. Anything that happens on the road that may cause damage to the instrument will be covered by us even if it is not our fault. Hazards, slides, fires, accidents we are covered.
We cover a vast area
As mentioned before, we are not just Orange County piano movers we cover the entire area around LA, including San Diego and San Fernando Valley. A move between the cities? Sure, no problem!
Fully Weatherproof Storage
In case you need to keep the piano safe for a while and don't want to stick the delicate instrument in a basement somewhere we can offer a set of excellent storage facilities with full climate control, where it will be kept nice and safe right until you want it back. We do difficult piano moves as well, and can use a crane to tuck it right into a second storey balcony or up a very narrow staircase. Call us now to book the services of the best Orange
County Piano Movers and you will be also pleasantly surprised by the prices!


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Personalized Pocket Knives are the meaning of American Knives that manufactured in specially California, San Diego and nowadays in Idaho & Post Falls located in above places. See more at http://www.logo-knives.com/
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See your Logo on engraved Leatherman tools! We laser engrave your corporate logo or imprint on any Letherman tools. They make great gifts for your employees or customers. Major corporations use them as safety awards and service awards. To show your appreciation, give the best multi-tool made.
Just as man has evolved
throughout time, so too have our tools. From the time of the cavemen tools have
been an essential part of man's survival. One of the first and most widely-used
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Easy to wash because it is stainless steel. Your logo on the handle is a constant reminder to your customer or employee that you appreciate them. http://www.logo-knives.com/
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Promotional Fruit Knife With Your Logo Engraved On The Handle. Vegetable knives will promote your business to your customers. Sometimes called pen knives.
Starline has an innovative collection of engravable and laser custom engraved pocket knives, multi-tools. http://www.logo-knives.com
Engraved Buck Knives with your corporate logo are great employee awards. They are well-known for their high quality.
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Display your company's logo on a useful Dako tool or pocket knife. Laser engraving can be done on the blade, stainless steel handles, or wooden handles. Dakota…
Brian Debottis of Starline is showing off the latest engraved pocket knives at the promotional products show in Cleveland.
Buck knives engraved with your Logo make great safety and service awards


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WASHINGTON - AT this moment, clustered in front of a single computer screen, speechwriters are putting the finishing touches on this evening's address. They have been working for weeks. Tonight, at long last, their words will take flight.
If only America were listening. It probably won't be, because these speechwriters are working on the other speech -- not the State of the Union address, but the Democratic response. Tonight's rebuttal will be brought to you by the minority leaders of the House and Senate, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Even in Washington, the rebuttal will elicit, at most, a collective yawn -- unless it takes a dramatic turn. If the two speakers bicker, for example, or announce a decision to join the Republican Party. That could get people talking.
Regardless of what happens tonight, the genre itself is in need of rethinking. The rebuttal is a dog of a speech. If it achieves anything it is a lightness of being, an instant irrelevance. Or worse: the State of the Union response has a long record of diminishing anyone who delivers it. It's time either to reform the rebuttal -- or retire it.
It wasn't supposed to be this way, but the history of the rebuttal speech reveals few, if any, moments of glory, and not a single quotable line, despite the best efforts of speechwriters, including myself. This doomed and dreary business began in 1966, a few moments after President Lyndon Johnson concluded his State of the Union address. Republican leaders did not respond to the speech immediately, but instead announced their intention to respond. Five days passed. Finally, they delivered a speech so supportive of Johnson's policy in Vietnam that the White House press secretary thanked them publicly.
The rebuttal's low-water mark came in 1996, when Senator Bob Dole -- then a White House hopeful -- scowled and slashed his way through the speech. Reviews, especially among Republicans, were unsparing. "I gave a fireside chat the other night," Mr. Dole said later, "and the fire went out."
In fairness to Mr. Dole, it must be noted that the deck is stacked against any who dare to follow the State of the Union. Every year, the speech is preceded by a Super Bowl-like buildup, and Washington's version of the Hollywood red carpet: the familiar procession of Supreme Court justices in black robes, generals adorned with medals and, then, with a booming introduction and lots of backslapping, the president of the United States.
Never mind that the address itself is rarely notable; "laundry list" is the usual epithet. But the surroundings -- the majestic House chamber -- confer a kind of grandeur on the speaker.
When the speech is over, the networks cut to a cramped room somewhere inside (or, it appears, underneath) the Capitol. The flag in the backdrop seems real enough, but the leather-bound volumes in the bookcase look fake. It is not an auspicious environment for a call to action. There is no audience; there will be no applause.
Can anything be done to save this speech? Is there some way to make it mean something, to capture just a little of the limelight and remind the public that the United States has a two-party system?
One possibility is to get out of that confounded room and find a better venue. Both parties have tried. During the Clinton presidency, one Republican delivered the response to an audience of high school students; another spoke at a partisan pep rally. In the past few years, Democrats have taken to issuing a "prebuttal" -- like the one that Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reid delivered at the National Press Club earlier this week.
A better idea is to forget about the packaging and fix the product. The biggest problem with the rebuttal is that speakers and speechwriters tend to see it as a downsized State of the Union -- there may be less laundry on the list, but the speech is still overstuffed, lacking in coherence and clarity. Iraq, Social Security, health care, the economy -- if the president's speech covers it all, the response will, too, however hastily.
Why the pressure to check every box? Because the opposition party, by definition, has no president, and thus no ultimate authority, no final word on the core message of the speech. Instead, the rebuttal has to satisfy a party caucus -- and that's a lot of editors. As a result, the response, no less than the State of Union speech itself, is written by committee.
A short speech should have a sharp focus. It ought to make one clear, provocative argument and leave the audience with no doubt about the speaker's purpose. A less ambitious speech may well be a more effective one. For example, the Democrats could use their less-than-equal time to define an exit strategy for Iraq and leave it at that. Or they could present a plan to save Social Security from privatization. With an unambiguous message in hand, the Democrats could then build on their speech as the president does -- by heading out to the heartland, repeating a single, memorable refrain, and making the case for a clear course of action.
If that doesn't work, there's a third possibility: Call it off. Let the president have his night. No one would miss the annual response; few would even notice it was gone. And while the State of the Union Message may be a constitutional requirement, a rebuttal, thankfully, is not.
Op-Ed Contributor Jeff Shesol, a speechwriter to President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001, is the author of "Mutual Contempt: Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy and the Feud That Defined a Decade."


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Saturday, June 15, 2019 8:00 am
Italian director Franco Zeffirelli dies at 96
Associated Press
ROME -- Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, famed for operas, films and television, has died in Rome at the age of 96.
Zefffirelli's son Luciano said his father died at home at noon on Saturday.
"He had suffered for a while, but he left in a peaceful way," he said.
Zeffirelli delighted audiences around the world with his romantic vision and often extravagant productions, most famously captured in his cinematic rendering of "Romeo and Juliet" and the miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth."
Showing great flexibility, he produced classics for the world's most famous opera houses, from Milan's venerable La Scala to the Metropolitan in New York, and plays for London and Italian stages.
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If you have placed an order and you would like to check its progress, please visit our order tracking page. Please feel free to tell us what you think about our web site, our products, our organisation, or anything else that comes to mind. We welcome all of your comments and suggestions.
The Bookmark Shop
22 Freemans Way Harrogate North Yorkshire HG3 1DH
Tel: 01423 883811
9am – 5:30pm GMT Monday-Friday
Email: email@example.com


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What is the future of urban transport? What are the current challenges and how to overcome them? Watch some of the leading experts debating and sharing their views.
View video...
Foresight For Development - Funding for this uniquely African foresight site was generously provided by Rockefeller Foundation. Email Us | Creative Commons Deed | Terms of Conditions
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This week we are being sponsored by Pink Cat Studio! Melissa has graciously offered 5 digital images to the winner this week! So do you want to play? Of course you do! The challenge this week is to create a Christmas card using 2 or more different ribbons.
For my card, I got to use Itty Bitty Betty - Candy Cane Swing. Isn't she cute?! I used my Copics to color her and added some Crystal Stickles to the candy cane to give it some sparkle! I also added a small pom pom to her elf hat...I mean it was screamin ADD ME, don't you think?!
I don't think I was very creative with the ribbon...just added two different colors. But honestly my mojo just isn't flowing like it should. I didn't have any problems coloring the image...just putting the card together. I guess I'm having trouble completing things!
I hope you decide to join us this week and play along. Just visit CSAYL blog for all the details and to enter your creation for the PCS digi giveaway!
I hope you have a great weekend! Ours is packed full. Guess that's the way it's going to be for awhile now that school has started again. It's good for Abby though...she loves to stay busy! Thanks for stopping by!!


text: Atsumari 0 Report post Posted January 5 Hello, We have added a chat system to the site for support as well as just general conversation. Guests can interact with the support chat should they need help. As a result of this change we have removed the staff live chat function from the site. We are in the process of also adding share functionalities to the forums. If you have any ideas on how to improve the site please let us know. Josh View full article Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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He stares off
towards the sunset
eyeing the view
of the deer.
He yearns to bound,
an anxious whimper
escapes his throat; then
a snort.
He tugs—
the leash—
A Deer whistles,
bouncing through the
thick brush
into the edge of the woods.
Others follow.
He watches, never tiring,
the deer—perked ears,
Curious eyes
staring off towards the sunset.


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FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for residents living in the Old Fort Subdivision due to Sunday's landslide.
The Evacuation Alert went into effect at 10:00 a.m. Monday and covers all properties east of 7605 Old Fort Road in the Old Fort Subdivision. 7605 Old Fort Road itself is not under an evacuation alert.
The landslide that occurred on Sunday has caused significant damage to the Old Fort Road, which has been closed to all traffic. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has advised that the road will not be repaired for a number of days, and no alternate vehicle route exists at this time.
Community Interviews with Moose FM
The Evacuation Alert has been issued to allow residents to either:
- evacuate their premises if they feel it necessary to do so. Residents who evacuate will be provided assistance with food and lodging in Fort St John through the Reception Centre at the Pomeroy Sports Centre, 9324 96th Street, Fort St. John; or
- stay in their homes and be self-sufficient. Residents who choose to stay will not be provided with additional support such as supplies, medication, etc. at this time.
Those wishing to evacuate must contact the Peace River Regional District immediately at 250 784-3200 to make arrangements for safe transportation out of the area. Residents who have any concerns for their safety or the safety of their neighbours should call the Regional District 24 hours a day at 250-784-3200.
The PRRD says that residents can be prepared for an evacuation by:
- Locating all family members, and preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
- Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependants. Have these items readily available for quick departure.
- Gathering necessary clothing and toiletries.
- Preparing pets to move by gathering all necessary supplies (food, kennels, crates, leashes). Ø Arranging accommodation for your family if possible.
- Preparing to register with Emergency Support Services upon self-evacuation.
- Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.
Further information will be issued should the situation change. Updates will be posted at www.prrd.bc.ca. For more information contact the Peace River Regional District at 1-800-670-7773 or 250-784-3200.


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- Properties
Leading independent hotel operator Iconic Hotels' newest 63-room property, Abode Kingston, reached 100% occupancy just eleven days after officially opening.
Abode Kingston is the sixth hotel within Iconic Hotels' flagship Abode Hotels portfolio, designed, developed and constructed by Geocon.
Iconic Hotels general manager Rien Donkin told The Hotel Conversation that the high occupancy experienced at Abode Kingston is testament to the fact that Canberra's accommodation market demand continues to grow.
"As a local independent organisation, it is important that we actively contribute to industry growth and development by responding to business and leisure tourism needs."
"Reaching the 100% occupancy milestone two nights in a row, just eleven days after officially opening the hotel shows that Abode Kingston has hit the mark in terms of product, position and market placement," Mr Donkin said.
Revenue and distribution manager Rudy Kalele said that Abode Kingston experienced high interest as soon as it hit the market, gaining solid pre-opening business.
"Abode Kingston entered the accommodation market strongly and presented a new product offering in a key Canberra location."
"The hotel achieved an average RevPAR of $216 across both nights, which is a strong rate for the current market," Mr Kalele said.
Current STR data reveals that in the last five years the occupancy and average daily rate in Canberra has increased substantially. New supply over this period hasn't had any negative impact on the growing Canberra market. If at all, the new stock is of high standard and has assisted in attracting more travel tourism and trade.
Abode Kingston opened on 31 August 2018 and offers 63 studio apartment-style rooms across four storeys.
Click here to view the official Iconic Hotels website.
See also:
Iconic Hotels opens Abode Kingston Hotel, Canberra
Canberra's new Abode hotel opening July next year


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At R1.650,000 this is really a neat, north facing home with an enclosed patio and folding/stack doors.
Entrance from the front patio
Open plan lounge / dining room with laminate flooring (in good condition).
Fitted kitchen with a double grocery cupboard, fitted for a top loader washing machine.
Two bedrooms – 2 bathrooms
The main bedroom has very good BIC's with wire drawers, carpet is in good condition.
Main en-suite with shower, hand basin over a cabinet & a wc.
The second bedroom also has BIC's, with a computer workstation & shelving. There are shelves on the wall. As well. The carpet is in good condition.
Off the passage is a full bathroom with bath, hand basin over a cabinet & a wc. It has a wall heater.
Both bathrooms are in good condition.
Pre-paid electricity metre.
All rooms have one opening window with a fly screen.
There are Remote controlled fans in the lounge and main bedroom.
Patio is fully enclosed with folding / stack doors.
Garage has auto door and a good shelf area with a drying wash line.
The drying courtyard & walkway round to the front garden have terracotta tiles.
The back garden is very private & has a pergola under a creeper and water tank which is quite protected & unseen. Whilst there is a dog fence at the back, it is open to the front garden. The back area has a lovely indigenous small garden and the front garden is very private and pretty.
Occupation: by agreement
This is a particularly well presented home and well-priced.
(Photos to follow)


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The First Feminist – 3 markers for Mary
Described as the original suffragette, author and free thinker Mary Wollstonecraft was a pioneer of women's rights. She defied the norms of 18th century society, travelling Europe independently and arguing for women's equal right to education and representation – definitely an 'Extraordinary Woman'! This September three places will be celebrating her story and their connection to her over Heritage Open Days, and featuring the work of street artist STEWY.
1. A place to grow – Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Prof. Barbara English of Beverley Civic Society introduces Mary
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759 – 1797), author of 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman', has a growing reputation; this year BBC History magazine placed her 8th in a list of the women who changed the world. Her unconventional life style and feminist views made her unpopular with male authors of her time, although she influenced later women authors including Jane Austen, Elizabeth Barratt Browning, George Eliot and Virginia Woolf. In 1892 Millicent Fawcett called her the foremother of the struggle for women's votes, so it is particularly appropriate that she be recognised in this centenary year.
Mary in Beverley
In 1768 Edward Wollstonecraft moved his family from Barking (London) to East Yorkshire, where he hoped to find his fortune in farming. The family remained there until 1775 when they returned to London, the farming venture having failed. During their time in Beverley though, Mary acquired some sort of education. She probably went to one of the many Dame schools that came and went, but her chief influence seems to have been Dr John Arden, father of her great friend Jane. He was a scientist and philosopher, famous in his time.
Beverley historians always knew Mary Wollstonecraft lived in Beverley, but it was only in January 2018 that we discovered which was her house. Research and luck found two sections of a parish rate book, showing the Wollstonecraft tenancy of 2 Highgate – the two parts were in different record offices, and some pages were missing, torn out – fortunately not the vital pages. It was an exhilarating discovery, and when we saw inside the house, we realised that almost all the 18th century features survived.
Celebrating Mary over HODs
For many people it is Wollstonecraft's daughter, Mary Shelley, who is the remembered one, because she wrote Frankenstein. We hope now to make her mother equally famous in this town. Over Heritage Open Days:
- A plaque on 2 Highgate will be unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding, the only woman in history to hold that office
- A huge image of Wollstonecraft by the street artist STEWY will be projected on to the façade of the Beverley Arms Hotel; a building that has absorbed Dr Arden's house, where Mary was taught
- A day-long session on our Twelve Extraordinary Women will feature talks beginning with St Hilda of Whitby and ending with Pat Albeck
2. A place to think - Newington Green Meeting House, London
Kate Eden explains how Mary came to Newington Green
Mary arrived in Newington Green in 1784, aged 25. This was her escape from an unhappy family situation – and especially from her spendthrift, violent father. With her sister Eliza and friend Fanny, she set up a girls' school, within sight of the Meeting House. She joined the congregation (her pew can still be seen), and its minister Richard Price became an important friend and mentor. It was at his house that she met her future publisher, Joseph Johnson.
Celebrating Mary over HODs
- Sit in Mary's pew, marked by STEWY's print
- Take the 'discovery trail' for children, which includes information on Mary and asks 'what do you think Mary is thinking?'
- Take a selfie with STEWY's portrait of Mary on the outer wall
3. A place of joy and rest - St Pancras Old Church, London
Father James Elston tells us how St Pancras Old Church is of great significance for Mary
On the 29th March 1797 she married William Godwin here and they began married life together in the parish. After her tragic death on the 10 September 1797, her funeral took place in the church and she was buried in the churchyard.
Celebrating Mary over HODs
We are delighted to welcome visitors to St Pancras Old Church for our Open weekend celebrating her life. There will be:
- A Wollstonecraft art exhibition, STEWY has kindly donated some prints of her to sell in aid of our restoration fund
- Churchyard tours every hour to learn about some of the other famous people who have been connected with St Pancras, including Sir John Soane, Thomas Hardy and J.C. Bach to name but a few
- Tea, coffee and homemade cakes
Depicting an icon
Street artist STEWY created a stunning stencil of Mary Wollstonecraft on the wall of Newington Green Meeting House. It can still be seen there but this year for Heritage Open Days the image will also be travelling north for a special projection in Beverley and in artwork available at Old St Pancras Church. Hear more about STEWY's work and inspiration on our latest blog.
Many thanks to Barbara English, Kate Eden, Father James Elston and STEWY


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At the beginning of January we all went around wishing each other a 'Happy New Year' and I suspect that, given the current climate, there was considerable feeling behind each greeting. The Credit Crunch is has now become a financial crisis and this country, as well as many others in the world are moving into a recession which is set to last for some time. It is a difficult time for all of us. Those who are employed are worried about the security of their jobs. Others have lost their jobs and face an uncertain future. Those who are retired are finding their income restricted as savings or investments show poor returns. A difficult beginning to a new year and the prospect of it being a peaceful one are also in doubt. As I write, the situation in Israel and Gaza remains tense if not critical. No one knows what will happen when we pull out of Iraq later this year and it looks as if we are in for the long haul in Afghanistan. Europe is being starved of gas by Russia and her neighbours. Zimbabwe is now attracting world attention as surrounding nations call for international military intervention and George Bush has just issued a solemn warning to Barack Obama that the USA faces imminent attack.
Most of us have lived through the recession of the eighties and can remember paying sixteen percent interest on our mortgages! Some of you experienced the Second World War and served in the armed forces. Some of us have lived and worked in a war zone and know the fear and horror that is part of everyday life. With these experiences behind us, we may look with fear and trepidation towards an uncertain future.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said 'Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' In this he echoes Jesus who, speaking about fear said 'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.' (Matthew 10:29-31)
There are times when we are all fearful. Sometimes of the future, or of the present and sometimes we are plagued by memories of things that happened to us or that we witnessed in the past. And when that happens, we lose our sense of wellbeing and our quality of life deteriorates. Jesus tells us to put our trust in God, to take all our fears and worries to him. And by that he means take them to God and leave them there, recognising that we are more important to Him than anything else in this world. If we do that, in all sincerity, then God will respond by filling our hearts with a peace beyond anything that the world can offer. It is then that we realise that FDR was right when he said that we have 'nothing to fear but fear itself.'
With all good wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year.
Revd David Sherwood


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I bought some oxtail from the farmer's market on Sunday, and turned it into a rather delicious stew. As I was attempting to be both frugal and healthy I served it with a baked potato and some purple sprouting broccoli. For a more decadent meal some buttery mash would be great.
The total cooking time for this is about 3 and a half hours, but for 3 of these hours the stew is sat in the oven minding its own business. There's very little actual effort involved, so it's perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Here is my recipe. Enough for 2-3 people.
You will need:
800-900g oxtail
1 tbsp flour
1 pint stout
boiling water
6-8 shallots
250g mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
1 beef stock cube
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tbsp tomato puree
handful fresh thyme, chopped
2 bay leaves
oil (olive, groundnut, sunflower, any will do really)
3. While the meat is browning chop the shallots into chunky pieces, and the garlic finely.
4. When the meat is a nice golden brown remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the shallots to the pan and fry for 10 minutes or so, then add the garlic and fry for another minute.
Meantime London Stout, because that's the only one they had in individual bottles in the supermarket. A good choice though because it's lovely.
7. Add about 100ml of boiling water, give it a good stir, put the lid on then put it in the oven.
8. Leave it well alone in the oven for 2 hours. Don't bother checking it, it will be fine.
10. Roughly chop the mushrooms, add them to the pot then return it to the oven for another hour.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Oxtail Stew
Posted by Dave at 18:42
3 comments:
- PDH said...
Cracking stuff, cracking stout! I do a similar dish wish beef shin that works really well but I try to use Porter where I can just that wee bit sweeter I find!
- 6 April 2011 at 19:58
- Unknown said...
This looks amazing!
- 6 April 2011 at 22:38
- Dave said...
Pavel - cheers, I saw your shin recipe. Will have to give it a go..
Rach - cheers, it was pretty good.
- 7 April 2011 at 21:32
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More about Fabulous Flowers
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Fabulous Flowers offers a range of services, including a 1 Hour Dream Wedding Consultation with Josie. This expert florist and her passionate team have been creating and styling incredible events for over three decades, and we pride ourselves on our unique, creative style. Every project we undertake is filled with love, passion, and a flair for exceptional beauty.
Our team is comprised of expertly trained professionals, whose passion and mission in life is to design, style and create magnificent floral masterpieces for events, functions and weddings – with us, customer satisfaction is guaranteed!
Our services
At Fabulous Flowers we specialise in weddings but clients will be delighted and excited by our other range of professional services, including:
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Please, stop "sparing me!"
It is a universally accepted truism that we medically complicated folks "have enough on our hands" and mustn't be troubled with your problems. No matter how much we ask, how much we insist, however close we are, you are always "fine", your life is always uncomplicated and all is going exactly as you planned.
How many of you have told me when I've felt guilty about relying on you yet again for some necessary kindness that it's not only not a bother to help but is even a distraction for you from your own day-to-day problems? Lots of you. Did you say that just to shut me up? Over concern for my health? Please. I'm not that fragile.
So why are you robbing me of the essential human tic of worrying about you like you do about me? Why do you deny me the right to fret over your hardships and troubles? Just because some jerk named Conventional Wisdom insists I can't take on any more?
Did I ever tell you how much I admire Conventional Wisdom?
Now I'm the first to admit that at times my life is so damned complicated or painful or just plain insane I can't handle any input. But it's pretty obvious when that's the case: a) I'm usually in a hospital, and b) I'm even more heavily medicated than usual. It's not like you aren't getting strong signals when not to trouble.
So if you don't see the flashing signs, please, dear friends, stop sparing me!
Despite my somewhat frankensteinish life I am human. And just like the rest of you hominids I can solve everybody else's problems with ease. Just ask me! Its my problems that are crazy nuts impossible to fix… just like yours are to you. I believe that's what is called the human condition.
So share already.


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The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and Pacific Community (SPC) met with national stakeholders from Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji this week to discuss the serious threat of pests and diseases for Pacific agriculture.
The meeting was an opportunity for the three participating countries to highlight the enormity of the pest and disease issue, and how it is impacting biosecurity and nutrition security efforts across the Pacific. Participants discussed the need to take a regional approach to research in order to improve agricultural and biosecurity approaches toward building a more resilient Pacific.
In her opening remarks, SPC's Deputy Director General, Dr Audrey Aumua, stated that the increasing number of agricultural pests and diseases was pushing farmers towards the use harmful pesticides and chemicals, which posed even more harmful environmental and health risks. She stressed the need to ensure that farmers had a full understanding of full range of safe adaptation and mitigation tools at their disposal.
Dr. Aumua also noted the risks to Pacific agriculture from climate change saying, 'Climate change is a major contributor to the increased threats of transboundary plant and animal pests, diseases and invasive species. Integrated approaches ensure the food and nutrition security of the people in the Pacific is not compromised.'
FAO's Climate Change Officer, Ana Tiraa echoed this view noting that climate change adds a layer of complexity to forecasting and controlling biosecurity risks and impacts. Ms. Tiraa highlighted that the primary drivers for the dynamics of plant and animal pests are weather and climate change. Yet, despite the increase in food pests and diseases in recent times and the devastation caused on food security, scant information is available regarding the impact of climate change on pests and diseases.
"Although the Pacific Islands are considered the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is clear that we need to better understand the problems and gaps in knowledge that exist, and significantly, how to address these problems," said Ms. Tiraa.
Based on the feedback provided at this meeting, along with other consultations across the region, SPC and the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme will develop a comprehensive initiative to improve national capacities to address climate change impacts on biosecurity and food security.
Media contacts:
Mary Rokonadravu; Adviser – Information, Communications and Knowledge Management; Land Resources Division (LRD), SPC Narere Campus, Suva | Telephone: Landline - (679) 337 0733 Ext. 35514; Mobile – (679) 721 5335 | Email: [email protected]
About Us:
The Pacific Community (SPC) is an international development organisation gathering 26 Member Countries and Territories. SPC harnesses science, knowledge and innovation for the sustainable development of Pacific people, since 1947.


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So you think you want to be your own boss and you feel that a vending business is the right way to go.
With simply a couple of machines, owning a vending route can solely need needs half time effort. Naturally, route homeowners schedule to service all of their machines on constant day every week. This set up eases the time commitment betting on the proximity of your machine locations and also the variety of machines in hand.
We know that not each owner will begin a route with over 10 vending machines. During this case, you want to have a business arrange if it's your intention to expand incrementally. Once determinant vending machines for sale costs think about what percentage machines you would like to get the revenue that you'd prefer to build. If you're a bulk candy merchandiser, generating $10 per month per machine, you'll would like many machines to get the financial gain you'd prefer to build monthly. On a positive note although, you merely got to stock some varieties of candy, and repair these machines each different month. If you own full sized combos, snacks or soda machines, you ought to be able to collect a median of roughly $200 per machine per week. When you obtain your product expense, you'd be left with or so five hundredth as profit ($100). Of course, there square measure several variables which can sway your profit margins and that we definitely don't warranty you may be profitable. If your machines produces lots but these numbers, we'd advocate you discover new vending locations as this is often usually the amount one consider determinant your success within the vending business.
We have mentioned that there are several types of machines that you can own and each has its own appeal. Bulk candy vending machines sell one type of candy per machine. Combo vending machines sell both snacks and sodas. Soda machines can typically stock 12 oz cans, 16 oz cans, 16 oz & 20 oz bottles. Healthy vending machines stock items for health conscious consumers. The thing that we have found to be most profitable in this industry is to go with an overarching healthy theme while stocking a few tried and true favorites that might be considered junk food.
No matter what stage of ownership you are in, you can always benefit from evaluating how to best boost your profits. When evaluating a potential purchase, think about the warranty offered and if technical support is offered for your buy. Another factor to consider is if your price includes tax & shipping. At The Vending pro Service, we sell 75% of our machines to new startup companies so we understand the need for additional tech support, warranties, and we offer all the essential information about starting up your business!


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Two years have elapsed since the release of Fozzy's most popular album to date, Sin and Bones. Today, we welcome their newest addition to their ever-growing discography; Do You Wanna Start A War.
Since the release of the album's first single, 'Lights Go Out' (our review can be read here), 'Do You Wanna Start A War' is one of the year's most hotly anticipated albums for Fozzy and metal fans alike. While two years may seem like a long time to some, the band has been far from quiet. Touring with monster rock bands such as Buckcherry, Steel Panther and Avenged Sevenfold, it's a wonder how they found time to record the album. Regardless, the band has managed to out-do themselves with what could be the best album of their 15 year tenure together.
The first song we hear on the album is the title track, 'Do You Wanna Start A War'. Mixing sirens and a bouncing guitar riff, we're thrust into a world we didn't know existed in terms of Fozzy's music. Capitalizing on the catchy choruses that were praised highly on the Sin and Bones album, 'Do You Wanna Start A War' is based around a verse catchier than anything the group has released prior to this. In the last minute of the song, you'll find yourself singing along with Jericho's lyrics, even if it's your first time hearing the track.
'Bad Tattoo' does a great job in showcasing Rich Ward and Billy Grey's superb riffing skills. The main riff of the song is actually very reminiscent of some of Mark Tremonti's work in Alter Bridge. The tune's chorus is quite tongue-in-cheek, as Jericho claims he "can't get rid of you, you're like a bad tattoo." 'Bad Tattoo' does a nice job of showing us Fozzy's fun side, without sacrificing their musical prowess in the process. The same can be said later on in the album, when the band surprisingly cover ABBA's 'SOS'. Putting a rock n' roll twist on the song, this version wouldn't seem out of place on a classic rock compilation – complete with chorus harmonies and flawless keyboard/synth work!
'Died With You' shows Fozzy's somewhat softer side in the form of their most mature ballad to date. Following the quiet intro, the chorus manages to punch you in the face with its sheer power, all the while holding on the roots of the ballad. This song is one of the stand out tracks from the album, and showcases Jericho's underrated abilities as a vocalist and a frontman.
Following the ballad is one of the band's most joyful and fun tracks released to date. Featuring Michael Starr from Steel Panther, 'Tonight' is an upbeat tune that details the bands' wish to have a good time while "throwing caution to the wind." While it may not be a musical masterpiece, this song is definitely an uplifting effort that you won't easily forget anytime soon.
Seemingly taking influence from bands along the lines of Black Label Society, 'Brides of Fire' is a fast, catchy tune complete with a blistering riff and excellent double bass work from drummer Frank Fontsere. Rich Ward's growling makes an appearance here, reminiscent of 'Blood Happens' from the band's previous album. This is easily a must-listen for fans of any sub-genre of metal, being another stand-out track from the album.
Next up is 'One Crazed Anarchist'. Also released as a single prior to the album's release, this song is extremely infectious. As soon as the verse hits, you will find yourself bobbing your head to the solid beat and singing along to the lyrics which I can describe best as "badass". In my opinion, this here is the album's hottest song, though it was an extremely tough choice to make given the incredible track list on 'Do You Wanna Start A War'.
'Unstoppable' features vocals from Christie Cook, and adds a brilliant new element to Fozzy's music. The harmonies present here are reminiscent of Halestorm's work, and make it a song that could easily be a fan-favourite. 'Scarecrow' follows this, oddly. This is an obscure track that could also be described as fairly creepy. The band doesn't let you settle into a comfortable state until the chorus, changing the tempo at each phrase up until then. We're haunted by the echo effect littered throughout the verse, and the lyrics remind us of 'Paraskavedakatriaphobia', a fan-favourite from Fozzy's 2010 release Chasing The Grail.
'No Good Way' is an awesome song towards the end of the album that once again shows us how Jericho has hugely improved as a vocalist and song-writer. Declaring there's "no good way to die", the band rip through a musically sound track that should become a staple to their live set.
Album closer, 'Witchery', is the heaviest song present on the album. It was definitely the best choice to end with, as we have all of the album's best qualities present. Ward's growling and underrated guitar work, Fontsere's great drumming and the catchy hooks are all found in this song. If anything, the only thing we could ask for at the end of the song is for the album not to end. Thank God for the repeat button!
'Do You Wanna Start A War' is an excellent effort by Fozzy. They have managed to reinvent their sound without disposing of the traits that we've grown to know and love, as to not alienate long-time fans but to attract newcomers. It seems as though Jericho has managed to silence the critics who had claimed the pro-wrestler couldn't carry the band with serious intentions.
We look forward to seeing Fozzy soon, and to all future releases they produce!
Listen to 'One Crazed Anarchist' below.


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Buying Your First Rental Property
There's been an enormous upswing in the number of (smart) people putting money into real estate as a viable investment opportunity. We need to remind you, right off the bat, that real estate won't make you rich overnight. It will, however, dramatically increase your net worth in the longer run. In other words, there will be a payoff.
Before you take your first drive around neighborhoods or step a single foot into an open house, you will need to know how much you can afford to spend on your fledgling real estate venture, and what are the most common responsibilities that come with the purchase.
Talk about nightmares! There is perhaps nothing scarier than lying awake at night stressing over your expenses, and that includes any deals you've made to buy real estate.
Here are some tips to consider before making any offer:
1. Eliminate your debt.
If you're in your 20s, you're likely dealing with large student loan payments monthly. Or maybe you have car payments that eat up too much of your income. Or even credit card bills that, unpaid in full, are racking up considerable interest. Clear this debt pronto!
It may take a few years, but in the meantime, you can be studying up on the most successful real estate investors and learning how they do their magic. At the very least, consolidate your debt into one monthly payment and write it into your budget. If you can easily swing it, and if you've got a decent cushion in your calamity account, move onto the next step.
2. Save up the down payment.
Investment properties by nature need a significantly larger down payment than owner-occupied properties, so you need to be ready for what's ahead. The approval process will be much lengthier, and you will need more cash. For example, if you put 4 percent down on your current home (if you have one), that won't be adequate for a rental property. Plan to put down around 20 percent.
Twine can help you save up for major life purchases like buying your first property. You can automatically tuck away a few hundred dollars or any set amount each week or month. The Twine savings feature is completely free, or you can invest that money to allow it to grow while you save. For the investing feature, Twine collects a 0.60% annual fee.
All you have to do is sign up and now's a great time, because Twine is offering a starting credit of $5 to you.
3. Count on higher interest rates.
Because of their inherent risk, interest rates on investment properties are higher than a regular home mortgage rate. Make sure the numbers add up in your favor.
You want to keep your mortgage payment as low as you can to see a profit from the rent.
4. Add up your operating expenses carefully.
These are things like insurance, repairs, homeowner's associations, and property managers (if you choose to hire one). If you have no idea how to start, we recommend the 50 percent rule of thumb. If you charge $3,000 in monthly rent, you need to plan to pay around $1,500 in expenses. When in doubt, estimate high, not low.
5. Calculate your return on investment.
Do the math! For every dollar you spend, determine your return. In general, stocks may offer a 7.5 return, bonds may pay 4.5 percent, but experts say a 6 percent return in your first year as a landlord is considered excellent, especially since that figure is likely to rise over time.
6. Remember the number one rule: find the right location.
You're wise to look for an affordable yet profitable rental property, but that doesn't mean we recommend buying in the slums. There's a long list of things to consider, but overall you want to find low crime rates for everything from petty crimes to drug busts; a flourishing job market; an excellent school district; plenty of cultural and outdoorsy places to visit, such as parks, restaurants, theaters, and museums. Bonus points if the location is close to a walkable downtown.
7. Avoid fixer-uppers.
Unless you're a well-experienced handyman, don't get in over your head. All of us look at older homes and see potential, but in truth, few of us can make that happen. The idea of flipping, too, can be enticing, but again, you need to be an expert builder to take this on. Yes, these older properties come at a lower price, but you need to figure in the materials and labor to bring it up to snuff. A better option is to look around for a house priced below the market value that needs only small repairs, like front steps, gutters, or landscaping.
8. Don't be dazzled by fancy homes you can't afford.
This is the opposite of buying a fixer-upper: you find a lovely house that's flawless and move-in ready. Chances are good you won't be the only one drooling over this opportunity. The price will be high, and you may even fall into a bidding war if there are tons of interested buyers. Keep your eye on the bottom line. We recommend not even looking at properties outside your financial limits because it will only make them less expensive houses look drab and unappealing.
9. Buy less than you can afford.
Some real estate experts throw out the figure of around $150,000 as what you should spend on a first investment, but this varies greatly from market to market. Since this is your first rodeo, you should consider playing it save. Even if you can comfortably afford to spend $250,000, you might want to spend less your first time around. There will always be unforeseen costs and expenses!
10. Don't try to impress your friends.
You're smart enough to be looking at your first real estate investment. Be astute and buy what you can comfortably afford, not a beachside bungalow your friends will love, but you won't have occupied year-round.
At the end of the day, the purpose of a good real estate investment is to put money in your pocket.
The goal is not to impress people by buying the most expensive listing in your area.
11. Get advice from actual experts.
Your parents, friends, real estate agents, and mortgage brokers may have a lot to say when you're in the middle of figuring out what to buy.
Take all that with a grain of salt! All the people on this list lack one important thing: objectivity.
Instead, take the high road and make an appointment with a financial planner. They will look at your entire financial picture before recommending a range of what to reasonably spend on a first investment. Or, find local real estate
12. Make sure the time is right.
You must understand the major headaches of being a landlord. Unless you hire a property manager, you'll be the one called in the middle-of-the-night for a clogged toilet, leaky sink or burned out fuse.
Again, if you're a home improvement expert, this may not seem daunting. Or, maybe you have friends and family who are electricians, plumbers, masons, landscapers, and AC repair people, you are in a good place.
Chances are that, like the rest of us, you will be learning as you go along. This will be challenging and time-consuming. It will certainly eat into your recreational free time. But at the end of the day, you could be seeing a nice profit from the rent, after expenses, which is money you can funnel into your NEXT real estate purchase.
13. Consider a partnership.
Having a partner – in the best-case scenario, someone other than a family member – gives you another voice in decisions, another set of hands for small repairs, and someone else to help carry the financial weight if the property goes vacant for any period of time.
Understand Risk Versus Reward
It isn't as easy as, say, slipping a coin or asking a psychic. As with any financial decision, you need to carefully weigh out the risks versus the rewards to figure out if buying real estate rental property is right for you, right now.
- This is passive income at its best. Sure, there will be the initial investment plus some time commitments for repairs, but overall, you can earn good money on the side, along with your day/night/regular gig
- The interest you pay on loan for an investment property is tax-deductible. Consult an accountant to make sure you're taking advantage of this.
- With time, you can expect your income to take off! You'll be earning money through rental income while paying down the mortgage. In addition, as real estate values increase, your investment spirals upward in value.
- You can keep an eye on your investment. You will need to ensure your site isn't getting trashed by tenants by visiting regularly or asking your property manager to check in bi-weekly. Always have a good lease spelling out who pays for damages, and also have a considerable security deposit on hand.
- The money you earn from rent is not included as part of your income that's subject to Social Security taxes.
- Real estate values are more balanced and less likely to swing up and down than the stock market.
- Although rental income is passive, tenants can cause disruptions to your life when they fail to pay on time, break things, become a noise problem in the neighborhood, leave the trash out, and 100 other things they can do to give you a migraine. As an optional choice for dealing with all this, you can hire a property manager, but that will subtract from your profits.
- You may not be able to charge enough rent to cover the total mortgage payment. Similarly, if the place sits vacant for any period of time, you will see zero income.
- You will need a landlord's insurance.
- Unlike stocks, you can't instantly sell real estate if you become overwhelmed or decide to try something else to supplement your income.
- You can't just unload part of your real estate. With stocks, you can sell a set percentage. But you can't sell 50 percent of your rental house.
- Down payment and interest rates will be high and need to be planned for well in advance.
When it's all said and done, your first venture into real estate can be thrilling, daunting and exhausting, but in the long run, it will help build your bank account in a big way.
Follow these tips, keep your wits about you, do the homework, and leave yourself a back-up cushion. You may just be the country's next enviable real estate mogul and a role model for investors to come.


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I have a heavy heart today as the love of my stomach will no longer be a convenient 5 minute drive from me. It's hard to see how Paducah will make it without my beloved El Chico's! No more mixed fajitas, no more thin chips and salsa, no more fried apple pie! Life just got a little more bland.
Let this serve as a reminder that we need to thank God for the little things in life. Don't take them for granted for we are not promised they will be here tomorrow.
I'm headed off now to Olive Garden… You had me at minestrone.


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By Toni Gasparis
Have a stubborn stain you need removed? Smelly feet that you can't get rid of? Dr. Oz scanned his social networks to see what ways you're using everyday household items to solve those little annoying dilemmas. Try out some of these new uses for everyday things to see for yourself!


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Source: Kimberly Nielson, The Daily Californian, May 16, 2016
After seven months of protests by campus employees and students, UC Berkeley finalized plans to insource 69 campus workers from three private contract companies last week. The decision to insource workers was part of the Fair Wage/Fair Work Plan, a broader university movement aiming to support campus employees and raise their salaries, campus spokesperson Janet Gilmore said in an email. She added that campus officials have coordinated with AFSCME, a labor union representing UC workers, to work out appointment details since March. The campus has offered employment to all formerly contracted night shift and athletic custodians, as well as campus parking attendants contracted through LAZ Parking, according to Gilmore. She also noted that workers from ABM and Performance First were also given priority employment with the university. … Campus officials will also discontinue contracting additional parking or custodial workers for the remainder of the existing service agreement, extending their efforts to remedy "grotesque injustice" endured by contracted workers on campus, according to Stenhouse. …
Opinion: Union calls for reasonable reform at UC
Source: Katherine Lybarger, President of AFSCME Local 3299, Sacramento Bee, May 8, 2016
As a widening scandal involving misuse of public funds and other ethical breaches by its top brass grips the University of California, The Sacramento Bee's editorial board criticized UC's largest employee union for advocating greater scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest at UC ("Let's step back from UC Davis turmoil"; May 1). The board also criticized AFSCME Local 3299 for legislation that would encourage UC elites to stop squandering public funds on private contractors that exploit low-wage workers. There are thousands of contract custodians, landscapers, food service workers and others who do the same full-time jobs as direct UC employees for a fraction of the pay and no benefits. Instead of bringing these workers in-house, UC has fought to ensure its well-connected contractors continue to profit by condemning legions of these workers to lives of poverty and second-class status. … UC has recently told the Legislature that providing livable wages and direct employment to contract workers affected by Senate Bill 959 wouldn't cost UC a dollar more. In fact, they've said it might even save money since $138 million of the $345 million that UC spends on such deals is squandered on overhead and contractor profits. In other words, the editorial board's assertions about SB 959 simply do not add up. …
Campus sheds light on rationale for insourcing formerly subcontracted workers
Source: Ericka Shin, The Daily Californian, March 30, 2016
The campus already had plans in the works to insource or fill vacant positions for at least 55 custodians prior to the recent agreement, but the March 18 decision has resulted in the campus offering jobs to an additional 14 custodians and 24 parking attendants, according to an email from Mogulof. Among these newly insourced employees are the 69 workers employed by ABM, PerformanceFirst and LAZ Parking who are being officially insourced as UC employees, according to Kristian Kim, a member of the campus's Student Labor Committee. The agreement also stipulates that the campus will not contract out regularized parking or custodial work through June 30, 2017, Mogulof said in an email.
UC Berkeley Agrees to Hire Subcontracted Workers After Threats of Boycott
Source: Josh Lefler, The Guardian, March 27, 2016
The University of California hires at least 45 different private companies to fill staffing positions across the UC campuses in the areas of custodial work, food services, landscaping, security, parking and more, according to an AFSCME 3299 report. The same report concluded that these workers are paid as little as 53 percent less than workers who are employed directly by the University of California and do not receive the same benefits. The nearly 100 subcontracted workers, who were just recently hired by the university, were described as having "more than 440 years of combined experience working at UC Berkeley," but were paid below the wage of an official UC employee, according to Stenhouse.
UC Berkeley reaches labor agreement on contract workers
Source: Tom Lochner, Contra Costa Times, March 18, 2016
UC Berkeley, in what one of its unions hailed as a "historic victory for contract workers," has agreed to offer direct employment to all regular night shift and athletics custodians currently working at the institution through private contractors, the university announced Friday. As part of the agreement, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 will end its "speakers boycott," the university said. Under the boycott, AFSCME objected to speakers with engagements at the campus. … The union said 93 custodial and parking workers fall under the agreement. The university said it will offer to hire all campus stack parking attendants currently employed through LAZ Parking. …
Subcontracted campus workers insourced as UC employees, ending speakers' boycott
Source: Adrienne Shih, The Daily Californian, March 18, 2016
After nearly seven months of campaigning, 69 previously subcontracted workers have officially been insourced as UC employees, ending an ongoing campus speakers' boycott. The workers — employed by ABM, PerformanceFirst and LAZ Parking — were previously a part of the University of California's two-tier employment policy. The campus employs some individuals directly, or in-house, while others who do temporary or seasonal work are employed as subcontracted workers, receiving reduced pay and fewer benefits than their directly employed counterparts.
Berkeley City Council passes item in support of campus speakers' boycott
Source: SHRADHA GANAPATHY AND PATRICIA SERPA, Daily Californian, March 16, 2016
At its Tuesday meeting, Berkeley City Council adopted a resolution to support UC Berkeley's subcontracted workers and endorse AFSCME Local 3299's speakers' boycott on campus. The boycott intends to highlight the issue of subcontracted employees on campus, said AFSCME Local 3299 spokesperson Todd Stenhouse, who added that those workers are often paid less than workers employed directly by the university and face alleged labor abuses such as wage theft. The council's resolution would send a message that the public recognizes the concerns of subcontracted workers, he said.
UC workers union calls on Bill Clinton to cancel appearance at UC Berkeley
Source: Ivan Valenzuela, California Aggie, March 2, 2016
On Feb. 4, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, the University of California's largest employee union, called for a speaker's boycott to bring in nearly 100 subcontracted custodians and parking attendants at UC Berkeley and to hire these workers as direct UC employees. The protest, which the union hopes will last until the remainder of the spring semester or until the university decides to hire the subcontracted workers, calls for support of speakers who are set to appear at the university to boycott their appearances. Speakers scheduled to appear at UC Berkeley include civil rights activist Angela Davis, former President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea Clinton.
UC Labor Union Accuses University of Wage Theft
Source: Josh Lefler, The Guardian, February 29, 2016
According to a report generated by AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California enlists at least 45 different private contractors across all UC campuses. The same report also states that subcontracted workers are paid as much as 53 percent less than UC workers and do not receive benefits. President of AFSCME Local 3299 Kathryn Lybarger argued that, though these workers are hired and paid by private companies, the university is partially responsible for the wage theft that occurs.
California Public Employment Relations Board issues complaints against university, alleging unfair labor practices
Source: Suhuana Hussain, Daily Californian, February 23, 2016
The charges — filed by the American Federation State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 union — allege that the university violated its collective bargaining agreement with the union, which represents UC workers. The university allegedly entered into or extended about five contracts with private companies without properly notifying the union, as it is legally required to, according to Todd Stenhouse, AFSCME Local 3299 spokesperson. These private firms source workers for everything from janitorial work and parking security to patient transport, and according to Stenhouse, this work is often equivalent to work done by UC employees. … PERB also issued a complaint earlier this year alleging that the university unlawfully retaliated against about 20 workers — many of whom are Chinese immigrants — employed by UC San Francisco contractor Impec Group. After Impec Group allegedly cut the workers' wages, workers sought direct employment with the university. The workers organized, sending delegates to speak at a UC Board of Regents meeting and setting up meetings with UCSF management, as well as picketing and distributing leaflets at various events, according to the complaint issued by PERB on Jan. 15.
UC receives second complaint of unfair labor practices
Source: Ryan Leou, Daily Bruin, February 19, 2016
The California Public Employment Relations Board, or PERB, issued a second unfair labor practice complaint against the University of California last Friday. The American Federation State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 union filed the complaint, which alleged the UC violated its collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3299 by extending or renewing contracts with individual contractors without properly notifying the union. … PERB issued another complaint in January, alleging the UC unlawfully retaliated against contracted workers at UC San Francisco who tried to collectively organize and seek direct employment with the UC after their employers cut their wages.
Union calls for speaker's boycott, urging improved treatment of subcontracted workers
Source: Maya Eliahou, The Daily Californian, February 8, 2016
A UC labor union is calling for a speaker's boycott at UC Berkeley for the duration of the spring semester, urging the campus to improve its treatment of subcontracted workers. In a press release published Thursday, the labor union, AFSCME Local 3299, said it wants UC Berkeley to hire the nearly 100 subcontracted campus workers employed by Performance First, ABM and LAZ Parking as direct employees.
Union Calls on Bill Clinton to Cancel Speech at UC Berkeley
Source: Alana Goodman, Washington Free Beacon, February 5, 2016
AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California's largest employee union, announced on Thursday that it is calling for a "speakers boycott" of the Berkeley campus until the school agrees to hire around 100 subcontracted campus janitors and parking attendants as direct employees. … According to AFSCME 3299, many of the subcontracted workers receive significantly lower pay and benefits compared to direct employees—even though some of the contract workers have been at UC Berkeley for years.
Workers unite to protest campus's treatment of contract workers Wednesday
Source: Ericka Shin, The Daily Californian, October 14, 2015
About 3:30 p.m., protesters organized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 — a union that represents UC workers — gathered, circulated a petition letter and circled around with picket signs to demand that the campus provide fair treatment for all workers. The crowd consisted of contract workers, union workers and students. Organizations involved in the protest included AFSCME Local 3299, Fight for $15 and Service Employees International Union. … On Wednesday, protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the campus's alleged unsafe working conditions and understaffing with chants of, "What do we want? Safe staffing. When do we want it? Now," and "If we don't get it, shut it down."
Brown vetoes bill on UC employment wages, benefits
Source: Maxwell Jenkins-Goetz, The Daily Californian, October 12, 2015
Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed legislation Friday that sought to ensure benefit and wage fairness for the University of California's contracted workers. While Brown acknowledged that state Senate Bill 376, which passed in September, was well intentioned and cautioned the UC system to provide transparent accounting of its relations with contracting companies, he said he was "not prepared to embrace" the provisions of the bill, which would have instituted new requirements for the university's process of selecting contracting companies. … SB 376 would have ensured that for contracts exceeding $100,000 annually, the lowest bidder must provide a written statement that its employees will be compensated at rates comparable with those of workers employed directly by the UC system.
Business groups help bring down labor bills
Source: Allen Young, Sacramento Business Journal, October 12, 2015
After the dust settled Sunday on the final day of the year's regular legislative session, business groups were quick to claim victory over a torrent of labor-backed bills. … The California Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that it helped bring down 18 of 19 "job killer" bills, or legislation that the organization targets as having the worst impact on private industry. …
Gov. Brown vetoes bill on paying contracted, UC-hired workers equally
Source: Shreya Maskara, The Daily Bruin, October 11, 2015
Earlier this month, UC President Janet Napolitano sent a letter to Brown urging him to veto the bill. The University predicted the bill would cost between $48 and $60 million annually, although the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 3299, which represents UC service workers and patient care workers, claimed the bill would cost about $9 million annually. In the letter vetoing the bill, Brown said he thinks the University has already started to move in the direction of improving wage and contracting practices, citing its plan to increase minimum wage for employees and contract workers to $15 an hour by 2017. In the letter, however, Brown urged the University to provide a transparent accounting of its contracts to show how interests of low-income workers are protected.
UC Berkeley independent contractor investigated for allegedly underpaying workers, refusing overtime
Source: Grace O'Toole and Brenna Smith, The Daily Californian, October 4, 2015
Department of Labor spokesperson Leo Kay confirmed that an open investigation of Performance First for potential wage violations is being conducted. Kay declined to comment further. California state law requires that employers pay workers 1.5 times their normal wage after working more than eight hours on a single workday or more than 40 hours in one week. If the allegations against Performance First are proven true, the company would be in violation of these overtime laws. According to the allegations made by workers, Performance First wrote two paychecks under two different names for one employee to avoid overtime payment and also asked employees to work extra hours without pay entirely. Additionally, employees allege that at times, workers did not receive lunch breaks and worked up to 80- or 90-hour weeks. … Beyond these allegations, the university is facing criticism from some California lawmakers for the unequal benefits and salaries received by UC contracted workers as compared with those of official UC employees. According to a report by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 3299, a union that represents many UC employees, after three years working as a custodian, a contracted worker makes $11.05 an hour, while a UCSF custodian makes $17.01 an hour.
Feds Investigate Claims UC Berkeley Underpaid Custodial Workers
Source: Associated Press, October 1, 2015
Federal authorities are investigating allegations that a UC Berkeley custodial contractor underpaid workers who cleaned up after football games and other sporting events at the university. The Los Angeles Times reports employees of Performance First Building Services say they often worked 16-hour days, but were denied overtime and only paid $10 an hour.
UCSC wage hike effective Oct. 1
Source: Ryan Masters, Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 1, 2015
UC Santa Cruz increased the minimum wage for employees, including contract workers, to $13 an hour Thursday. The wage hike is the first stage of a plan to raise the minimum wage to $14 an hour Oct. 1, 2016 and $15 an hour Oct. 1, 2017. All employees hired to work at least 20 hours a week are eligible for the raise, which UC President Janet Napolitano has dubbed the UC Fair Wage/Fair Work Plan. Napolitano announced the plan in July "to support employees and their families, and to ensure that workers being paid through a UC contract are likewise fairly compensated." … Not everyone is convinced that the Fair Wage/Fair Work Plan is a victory for contract workers. Todd Stenhouse, communications director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, UC's largest employee union, said the wage hike perpetuates the contract worker's "second-class citizen status." "Contract workers make 53 percent lower wages than the directly employed and receive no benefits," he said. "While we're pleased that they will be making $13, the private company paying them charges the UC system $30 to $33 an hour."
Workers allege 80-hour weeks with no overtime at UC Berkeley sporting events
Source: Chris Kirkham, Los Angeles Times, October 1, 2015
Federal authorities are investigating allegations that a UC Berkeley custodial contractor underpaid workers who cleaned up after Golden Bears football games and other sporting events, denying them overtime pay for weeks that stretched to 80 or 90 hours. The probe of Performance First Building Services, which has provided janitorial services at UC Berkeley for nearly seven years, was launched by the U.S. Department of Labor, according to the agency and former and current employees. … The state Legislature passed a bill last month that would require UC contractors to pay wages and benefits on par with direct employees of UC who perform comparable work. The bill has not yet been signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Juliana Robles worked at Performance First from 2008 until she was fired in July, cleaning the California Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley. During football season, she said, she worked seven days a week, often putting in 16-hour days from Thursday through Saturday to prepare for and clean up after Golden Bears games. She said she never received more than $10 an hour, though California law requires that employees be paid at least 1.5 times their regular pay after exceeding eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Robles said Performance First evaded the rules by issuing her checks under two names — one for her and one for her boyfriend, who hadn't worked at the company for years.
UC system is shortchanging low-wage contract workers
Source: Bulmaro Vicente, Sacramento Bee, September 30, 2015
In opposing state Sen. Ricardo Lara's Equal Pay for Equal Work measure (Senate Bill 376), UC administrators are doubling down and claiming that their recently enacted minimum wage increase somehow solves the problem. It doesn't come close. First, the minimum wage fails to meet the standard of equal pay for equal work. Instead, it condemns thousands of people to permanent, second-class status and a life of poverty. It's also worth noting that the day after UC's minimum wage was introduced, 15 of the highest paid administrators – some earning almost $1 million in base salary every year – were granted yet another pay raise by UC regents. One week later came reports that UC paid former President Mark Yudof more than $500,000 for not working. UC's suggestion that equal pay for contractors is somehow cost-prohibitive does not even begin to pass the smell test. The truth is – as with food-insecure students – UC knows very little about its contractors.
Student, community activists organize 'speak-out' for subcontracted workers Thursday
Source: Ishaan Srivastava and Young Min Kim, Daily Californian, September 27, 2015
Student and community activists organized a "speak-out" for workers Thursday evening, raising their concerns regarding the campus administration's use of subcontracted workers. … The university's contract with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees stipulates that subcontracted employees cannot be hired solely to save money on wages or benefits that would have been paid to UC employees. The document specifies various circumstances under which subcontracted workers can be used, including instances in which a special service or expertise is better provided by an outside contractor, and for financial necessity. The Student Labor Committee alleged that subcontractors are paid 53 percent less for some jobs than workers directly employed by the campus.
UC Opposes Bill to Increase Wages for Contract Workers
Source: Kelsey Brugger, Santa Barbara Independent, September 20, 2015
… According to analysis of the bill, a UC Berkeley Labor Center study found temporary workers in 2010 were slightly younger, more likely to be women, less likely to be white, and less likely to have a high school diploma than the average non-temporary worker. The union argues these employees do the same job for less pay and more uncertainty. Contingent worker Irene Su, who worked at the medical center in UCSF, said in a press release contractors retained for years by UC will fire employees for being sick, speaking out against working conditions, and questioning hazardous work assignments. But the UC Office of the President argues the legislation unfairly targets the UC system, and does not place the same requirements on the California Community College or the California State University systems. UC further argues its contract with the labor union already prohibits them from outsourcing services solely if the savings would result from paying contractors less wages and benefits for services typically done by university employees. If signed, UC argues, the bill would essentially end contract work — and the flexibility it provides for short-term projects — and cost the university system at least $36 million.
A Fight Over Economic Inequality Is Brewing At The University Of California
Source: Danny Feingold, Huffington Post, September 11, 2015
…The fate of Senate Bill 376, sponsored by state Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), likely will rest with Pat Brown's son, current California Governor Jerry Brown, who has yet to indicate whether he would sign or veto the legislation. The bill would require UC contractors to meet the same wage and benefit standards as the university for comparable labor … UC argues that it has already addressed the issue of low wages through the July enactment of a $15 hourly minimum wage for all employees and contract workers. But this raise leaves intact a system whose many custodians, parking attendants, food prep workers, landscapers and others languish for years as what critics regard as perma-temps — doing the same work as UC employees but receiving significantly lower pay and few or no benefits. … UC claims it does not even know how many contractors it has across the state, let alone how many subcontracted workers these companies employ. But the union that represents UC's blue-collar employees, AFSCME 3299 (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), believes that the vast majority of UC's contract workers are perma-temps – long-term employees who are nevertheless considered temporary workers by their employers.
Editorial: Lawmaker's favor for labor hamstrings UC
Source: The Sacramento Bee, August 24, 2015
… Senate Bill 376 would ban the university from outsourcing full-time jobs to companies that don't match UC pay and benefits for comparable employment. The union estimates the proposal would increase UC's labor costs by about $9.1 million, and improve health care and other benefits for about 650 full-time custodians, groundskeepers, caterers and other workers. UC officials say the impact is far broader and the price tag on SB 376 is more like $36 million – no small expense for a university that turns away thousands of qualified students. Hence the effort to head it off with the minimum wage. …
Why UC's new 'minimum wage' falls short
Source: Kathryn Lybarger, San Francisco Chronicle, August 14, 2015
There is a difference between acknowledging that a problem exists and solving the problem. Case in point is the University of California's decision last month to enact a minimum wage that will apply to "many thousands" of its contract workers — custodians, landscapers, food service workers and others who do the same jobs as career UC workers, but are instead employed by private firms who profit from paying poverty wages with no benefits.
UC's $15 minimum wage leaves out many workers
Source: Chris Kirkham, The Los Angeles Times, August 12, 2015
Del Rio considers himself lucky. Like many of the nation's largest employers, the University of California system relies on a vast network of subcontracted and temporary employees to fuel its daily operations — custodial work, landscaping, food preparation, security services. Many work the same shifts for years, with little in the way of job security, earning close to the minimum wage. When the UC system announced plans to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2017 for both direct and contract employees, it rekindled a long-standing debate about working conditions at one of the world's most prestigious learning institutions — California's third-largest employer. UC officials said the vast majority of its direct employees already make well above $15 an hour. The university estimates only about 1.6% of its 201,000 direct employees across the state will get a raise. … A study this year from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that contingent workers, including subcontractors, earned an average of 16.7% less each week than standard employees. Such work arrangements typically lead to "lower earnings, fewer benefits and a greater reliance on public assistance," the report concluded. … UC's chapter of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees union released a report Friday arguing that the university's two-tier workforce model is "eliminating middle-class career pathways, and adding to the ranks of California's working poor." Drawing on public records requests, the report identified at least 45 contracts across the system in which subcontracted employees performed the same tasks as career UC workers.