text:
For investors, this summer is going to be anything but a day at the beach.
With skyrocketing oil prices, the continued threat of recession, and no end in sight to the housing slump, investment pros are expecting a rough time for the markets. A stock rally? Not likely.
Still, that doesn't mean you should bury your head in the sand. Investment advisers say there are plenty of opportunities not only in stocks but bonds and commodities.
Here, then, are some tips to get your portfolio in shape for the summer.
Outside of Dow transports, playing index funds, at least to the long side, could be a little risky. Analysts think there's not much reason to bet on a sharp move upwards.
"It helps me if the market goes up, but there's no reason to buy stocks right here," says Dave Rovelli, managing director of US equity trading at Canaccord Adams in Boston. "If we see light at the end of the tunnel then I would say start chipping away. But with oil at $134, $135 a barrel now, I think it's just too scary."
For the time being Rovelli is keeping his money in cash--a money market account to be specific, which speaks to how much reticence there is towards playing stocks under current conditions.
The biggest opportunity likely will come in finding moves specifically related to the bad news hitting Wall Street lately.
Specifically, David Kotok, chairman of Cumberland Advisors, says he's long right now on ETFs for transport, and likes rail and large trucking companies, which he says are chewing up their smaller competitors because they can more easily withstand the surging gasoline costs.
CSX has been an especially popular choice among rail companies, which analysts say will benefit as carrier services reliant on fuel to transport their goods suffer.
Technology also is a popular choice going forward as a sector not as heavily influenced by rising fuel costs.
Nadav Baum, managing director of investments at BPU Investment Management in Pittsburgh, thinks cutting-edge companies such as Blackberry-maker Research in Motion and Apple will prosper. Baum also is sticking with his strategy towards financials like Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase that may have lackluster earnings ahead but pay handsome dividends.
"It's going to continue to be tumultuous, but for those that have that long-term horizon there are some great buys out there," Baum says. "The volatility is going to come back in the summer and right now when you look at it there's no catalyst for the market to move higher."
In the meantime, consumer-staple health care companies are attractive to John Massey, senior vice president and portfolio manager at AIG SunAmerica Asset Management, who recommends pharmacy chain CVS and Dow stalwart Procter & Gamble.
"We continue to be invested in some of the defensive areas because we're still a little bit worried about the consumer," Massey says.
Emerging markets get the nod from Bruce Fenton, president of Atlantic Financial, who advises ETF plays on growth in the Middle East. SPDR offers the S&P Emerging Middle East and Africa fund based on equity markets in the two regions.
"In my opinion it is by far the most underlooked story but it's one of the great growth stories of our lifetimes," Fenton says of the MidEast.
Oil obviously is the big story in this group, but keep your eye on the grains as well, say analysts who expect stormy weather to generate low crop yields and higher prices for corn and possibly others in the group.
"Typically we see the market slow down in activity during the summer, but I think this summer is going to be a little different," says Kevin Kerr, an analyst with the Resource Trader Alert online newsletter. "We have a lot more players in the market and I think commodities have been underestimated."
But Kerr is more favorable towards grains, where he is long on corn futures and also is looking for an upswing in soybeans and perhaps wheat. Oil, he says, is too risky.
"Fundamentally there's plenty of oil in the market at the moment, so in our opinion it does not justify this price," he says. "But that would mean going contrarian to this very parabolic market, so it leaves us no opportunity but to stay on the sidelines."
"The narrow play on crude is dangerous," Kotok adds. "People are going to get their fingers burned on this. We are on a parabolic curve. ... We're not seeing what economists call 'elasticities' come in to change (consumer demand), but I believe that is soon to happen. Behavioral changes at $4-plus dollars a gallon (of gas) has got to happen."
Kerr thinks oil drillers like Anadarko will do well as the world looks for more supply, he says, adding refineries to that list as well.
He also says silver will be a strong play in the metals due to high demand, and he even identifies orange juice futures as a strong play in part because of why he likes corn--a rough storm season ahead.
"It's really been sold off very, very hard on the idea that the (orange) crop will be fine this year," he says. "This is ahead of hurricane season, and who knows what could happen with that?"
Treasury bond prices slipped and yields grew as the stock market staged an impressive rally in early May. But while stocks face an uncertain mid-term future, many who trade US government debt think yields will continue to rise as inflationary pressures mount.
Benchmark 10-year notes could see a 4.25 percent yield by the end of the year,
David Dietze, chief investment strategist at Point View Financial Services in Summit, NJ, told Reuters.
"On the one hand you have higher producer prices, commodities and higher energy prices, which will be pushing up inflation and inflation expectations. On the other hand I am not sure we have seen the end of near-recessionary conditions in this country," he said.
Dennis P. Barba Jr., managing partner at The Oxford Group of Raymond James, favors municipal bonds as investors face the sobering prospects of the stock market. Even at relatively low yields, he says, munis are paying better than CDs and some other cash positions.
"What I'm sensing in talking to people is they're getting complacent. I think we've still got issues we have to work through," Barba says. "I don't think the storm is completely over."
Volatility and Volume
When stocks made their surge, the Chicago Board Options Exchange's Volatility Index fell to areas not seen since last October. But in the past several trading days the VIX has regained some ground and is now approaching the volatility threshold of 20.
Analysts are seeing choppy days ahead.
"There's a lack of conviction," Massey says. "There's plenty of opportunity for the trading community, the fast-money crowd that wants to get in and get out. Long-term investors are seeing anemic volumes, and a lot of that has to do with people who have made their best and are in for the long haul.
"Then there's a community that's out of the market. They're sort of waiting for the economy. There's 20 percent of the people who are sort of sitting on the sidelines to see how all this transpires and unfolds before getting involved in the market."
Baum says both increasing volatility and low volume can be traced to oil and the uncertainty it is spreading through Wall Street.
"This whole oil thing is starting to catch up with everybody, and it's interesting because May is usually not a big inventory month when the prices of oil go higher. Now everybody's saying wait until June or July," he says. "Markets always react to uncertainty."


text:
Because of the above, I haven't watched any Olympics yet, but that will be happening from now on. OLYMPICS. YAAASSS.
OMG Colby Keller. I'm just saying.
Tonight I get Cheesecake Factory with buddies and then tomorrow I'm back to work, boo. Speaking of, in exactly TWO WEEKS, all my summer stress will be OVER! REJOICE!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mortgage Help When Unemployed
One of the biggest worries people have when they lose their job is how to pay their mortgage with a reduced income, or no income at all. If this is your situation you will be happy to know there are steps you can take to protect your mortgage and avoid foreclosure. However, you must act quickly. Your best chance lies in asking for help before you are behind--or too far behind--in your mortgage payments. There are also measures you can take before you are unemployed to protect your home.
Types of Mortgage Help
There are several state and federal institutions that provide help for unemployed borrowers struggling to pay their mortgages. If you are struggling to pay for your mortgage, contact an approved free housing counselor. These counselors are sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide quality advice for struggling borrowers. (See Resources.)
The Home Affordable Unemployment Program, or UP, helps unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure. UP provides borrowers with a period of time during which their mortgage payments are reduced or suspended.
HomeOpeners is sponsored by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). It is an involuntary unemployment insurance that protects your mortgage. This insurance is included in all CalHFA conventional mortgages. HomeOpeners will pay up to $2,5000 towards your mortgage for a maximum of six months. Although not a long-term solution, this program gives you six months to get back on your feet before having to worry about foreclosure proceedings. However, this program will only help you if your loan included HomeOpeners before you lost your job.
Time Frame
Time is of the essence when it comes to looking for unemployment and mortgage help. The sooner you contact your lender and ask for help, the more choices to avoid foreclosure you have. Programs like UP require borrowers to be unemployed for 30 days before they qualify. Unemployment programs provide mortgage help by paying your mortgage for three to nine months. However, foreclosure sales can occur within three to nine months from a lender sending a notice of default on payments.
On the other hand, CalHFA requires borrowers that want unemployment mortgage protection to contact CalHFA before the end of 60 days to qualify for a claim.
Homeowners often worry about the effect mortgage help will have on their credit score. You should understand what outcomes each mortgage protection method has and take them into account before choosing a mortgage program. Asking for counseling will not lower your credit score. However, if you are granted a loan modification, forbearance, or some other kind of workout that includes a reduction of debt, this will reflect negatively on your credit score.
Many homeowners view asking for help as a loss of face--something embarrassing to avoid. However, asking for help early on is a smart option you should take. Financial problems can hit the most cautious of homeowners. There is not shame in finding help to avoid foreclosure and working hard to save your home.
If you do not qualify for a loan modification or simply cannot afford your mortgage payments, you can apply for a foreclosure alternative like a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. In both cases you lose your home, but you can avoid some of the financial consequences of a foreclosure. In a short sale, you sell your home for less than the mortgage balance, while in a deed-in-lieu you hand over your home to the bank in exchange for not pursuing a foreclosure. However, ask for advice from a housing counselor and a lawyer before choosing a foreclosure alternative. You could end up footing a substantial tax bill or paying the difference between the selling price of your home and the mortgage balance.
Photo Credits
- coins image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com


text:
Shown is the constellation of Capricornus (see lines) which for mid northern hemisphere observers never climbs high above the southern horizon. Neighboring constellations are Sagittarius to the west (right), Aquila to the north (top), and Aquarius to the north and east (top and left).
In mid of August Capricornus culminates at about 23:30 LT (11:30 pm). The declination of the constellation borders ranges from -28 to -8 degrees. Brightest star is Algedi, alpha Cap, seen at the upper right. Algedi is an optical double star i.e. the two components are aligned by chance along the line of sight. The two stars have magnitudes of 3.5 and 4 and can be separated already by naked eye (6,4' separation).
The center of our galaxy is quite close in the neighboring constellation of Sagittarius. However, we don't look into the plane of our galaxy and therefore don't find open star clusters or bright emission nebulae in Capricornus. But the globular star clusters distribution is sphericaly concentrated around the galactic center and not restricted to the plane of our galaxy. So a couple of globulars join the shown field and can be found already with a pair of binoculars (see magnifications).
Since the ecliptic crosses Capricornus it is a sign of the zodiac. Frequently the sun, moon and planets are crossing the star field.


text:
UC Davis to release report on pepper-spray clash
The University of California is set to release a long-awaited report on the pepper-spraying of student demonstrators by UC Davis police last fall.
The university plans to publish the document online at noon Wednesday, a day after an Alameda County judge approved its publication without the names of most officers involved in the Nov. 18 clash.
The task force that wrote the report originally planned to release it on March 6.
But the UC Davis police officers' union sued to keep the document under wraps, saying that naming officers would violate their privacy and subject them to harassment.
The task force was created to investigate the incident, which made national headlines after online videos of the confrontation went viral.
Task force members are scheduled to present the report Wednesday afternoon at UC Davis.


text:
The Stateless Service design principle has become ubiquitous in the tech industry for creating horizontally scalable services. However our applications do have state, we just have moved all of it to caches and databases. Today as applications are becoming more data intensive and request latencies are expected to be incredibly low, we'd like the benefits of stateful services, like data locality and sticky consistency. In this talk I will address the benefits of stateful services, how to build them so that they scale, and discuss distributed and scalable services and lessons learned from scaling these in the real world.
Caitie McCaffrey is a Backend Brat and Distributed Systems Diva at Twitter. Prior to that she spent the majority of her career building large scale services and systems that power the entertainment industry at 343 Industries, Microsoft Game Studios, and HBO. Caitie has a degree in Computer Science from Cornell University, and has worked on several video games including Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Halo 4, and Halo 5 She maintains a blog at CaitieM.com and frequently discusses technology on Twitter @Caitie
While many of the distributed systems we operate today are built with language like Java and Go, distributed programming has a long history of innovation and adoption of its ideas. This include innovations seen all throughout the various fields of computing: novel type systems for dynamic languages; the concept of the promise, now a standard programming technique in web development; and unified models of programming when data lives across nodes. Some of these ideas had major impact, while some fell incredibly short. Many technically superior ideas were not adopted simply because they were too "research" focused. During this talk, I will present a brief history of some of major innovations in distributed programming languages and highlight their relevance to building systems and applications today.
Christopher Meiklejohn loves distributed systems and programming languages. Previously, Christopher worked at Basho Technologies, Inc.
on the distributed key-value store, Riak. Christopher develops a programming language for distributed computation, called Lasp. Christopher is currently a Ph.D. student at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium


text:
If it still isn't abundantly clear that the press baron with a thin skin Dr Iqbal Survé (who incidentally blocked Noseweek on Twitter from viewing his account) has turned the Independent Media empire into his personal diary and scrapbook, then the launch edition of the African Independent magazine should clear things up.
This was picked up by Cape Town reader Dave Fair who informed Noseweek via Facebook: "Further to your article on Survé's self-promotion (nose219: "Survé rides his unicorn up the newsroom Everest") check out the front cover of the African Independent – Paul Lamontagne on the cover! And Survé's daughter on the editorial staff! Coincidence?"
As revealed in nose219, Lamontagne is the CEO of a little-known company called Sagarmatha Technologies which, despite relative obscurity, has enjoyed an unusually large amount of publicity on the front pages of Independent Media's Business Report since October 2017.
The company is effectively an extension of Survé's business empire, sharing office space and staff.
The good doctor was a listed director of the company almost from its registration in October 2013 until he resigned 9 October 2017 just days before the company received bucket-loads of free publicity from Independent Media.
But throughout the exorbitant amount of positive coverage that Sagarmatha has enjoyed there is no mention of this. Instead the articles are written in such a form, including editorial pieces, that tries to falsely convince the reader that the articles have been naturally reported in the process of news gathering, free of bias, and hold serious news value.
The African Independent magazine article is no different. However it is slightly more obvious, as the piece is co-written by Survé's 24-year-old daughter Saarah Survé, who also happens to be the magazine's editor.
Saarah's editorial stated: "Lamontagne is embarking on an exciting venture to make his company the leading digital technology platform in Africa".
Copyright © 2020 www.noseweek.co.za


text:
Dutch Account Executive - Copenhagen in Københavns Kommune, Københavns Kommune, Denmark, Denmark
Dutch Account Executive - Copenhagen
Dutch Account Executive wanted for a well-known international platform in Copenhagen. Do you have 1 year experience in sales looking to achieve new career highs? Look no further, because Copenhagen is calling your name! You will receive an extensive 7-month training so you will be fully prepared. Join a vibrant and fun team and expand the business in the Dutch market.
Your Tasks:
Grow the business in the Dutch market by identifying and acquiring new clients via cold calling and email.
Build and maintain lasting client relationships to ensure loyal clients for future revenue.
Aim to achieve and exceed KPI's and sales targets.
Document all sales activities in the CRM system of the company.
Our Client:
Work for a leading international platform in the beautiful city of Copenhagen. This company has grown to multiple offices in various parts of the world with over 800 employees. Work for an exciting platform that helps businesses around the world gain valuable insights, increase customer satisfaction and can improve business processes.
Main Requirements:
You will need the following to qualify for the job:
Near native Dutch
Good level of English
Excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
Minimum 1 year experience in sales (telesales/business development)
You have a proven track record in deal closing
Highly motivated and success driven
Passion to start a promising career in sales
You're a real team player
Where is the job located?
Denmark's capital - Copenhagen - one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Explore all the cultural highlights of the city such as Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid by bike. Feeling hungry? Eat smørrebrød or try one of the many delicious Danish pastries.
Interview & Salary:
The interview process will consist of a phone/Skype interview with the recruiter a phone interview with the hiring manager and if you are successful a final face-to-face interview with the hiring manager in Copenhagen.
Salary: 27,000 DKK gross per month and you have the chance to double your salary if you're hitting all your targets. There is also a good relocation package on offer for those who need it.
Keywords: Dutch Account Executive, Dutch Sales, Dutch Sales Jobs, Dutch Sales Copenhagen, Werken in Kopenhagen, werken in Denemarken
Similar Job Searches
- Dutch Account Executive Copenhagen
- Dutch Account Executive Copenhagen in København
- Dutch Account Executive Copenhagen in Hovedstaden
- Dutch Account Executive Copenhagen in Denmark
- Top-Language jobs in København
- Top-Language jobs in Hovedstaden
- Top-Language jobs in Denmark
- Sales dutch
- Executive
- Sales Executive
- Account Executive
- Dutch IT
- dutch Sales
- Account
- Recruiter It
- Typing
- It Recruiter
- Danish Sales Executive
- IT Sales
- CRM Manager


text:
Windscreen Replacement
Today's auto windscreens incorporate an array of sophisticated technology such as rain sensors, light sensors, antennas, heads up displays and solar control products which can lead to ever increasing prices of replacement glass. Even safety air bags rely on a properly installed windscreen to work correctly.
Over 10 years experience and ATA Approved technician, you can rest assured that all work undertaken by us will be of the highest standard. You should only use fully qualified auto glass technicians to replace your glass, they should be NVQ qualified or ATA approved, if in doubt ask to see a certificate of competence.
Windscreen Replacements are offered to business and private motorists for all types of vehicles:
- Fleet
- Commercial Vehicle
- Private Motorists
- Plant
- Agricultural Vehicles
- Motor Trade
Whether you are a business wanting to discuss fleet services or a private motorist who needs to book an urgent windscreen replacement you can contact Smart fit Windscreens. we are a main supplier of windscreens in Carlisle.


text:
ST. PAUL — Minnesotans with diabetes will have a safety net to provide affordable insulin beginning Wednesday, July 1.
Part of a new program to help diabetic Minnesotans gain access to insulin supplies is set to take effect Wednesday. Insulin manufacturers are set to pay for the supplies to fund it.
The measure is one of a handful of new state laws that are set to take effect this week. Other laws granting funding for farm safety measures and additional incentives for solar energy generation are also set to come online Wednesday.
Before they take effect, here's a look at what is set to change.
Critical access to insulin
Starting Wednesday, Minnesotans with diabetes will have access to a safety net program that will offer a 30-day supply of insulin for no more than $35. Diabetics with less than a seven-day supply of the drug available or who need insulin "to avoid the likelihood of suffering significant health consequences" would be eligible to access the insulin supplies.
Applicants need to be Minnesota residents, show proof of their prescription and meet certain eligibility requirements set by the state to obtain the supplies from a pharmacy. Insulin manufacturers will be required to pay back pharmacies for the supplies or provide replacements.
The bill, titled the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, was named after a Minneapolis man who died of complications of rationing his insulin because he couldn't afford a refill. Smith's family spent months at the Capitol urging lawmakers to make insulin available for uninsured Minnesotans and those who couldn't afford it.
Funding available for farm safety measures
A separate bill would pull from the state's general fund $100,000 to be used for farm safety and outreach efforts. The state will have $50,000 to distribute to farmers for grain storage safety protocols and another $50,000 will be used for grain storage safety training. Lawmakers also reinstated a grant to help prevent tractor rollover accidents. The Department of Agriculture will provide grants to those with tractors built before 1987 to retrofit them.
Prairie Island to launch net-zero energy plan
The Prairie Island Indian Community is set to get $46.2 million from the Renewable Development Fund to launch an effort to become a net-zero energy community, generating more renewable energy than the community uses. The community will generate energy through solar and geothermal sources and set up micro grids to store and distribute it.
Another $25.8 million appropriation from the Renewable Development Account will continue an incentive program for small solar energy systems.


text:
About us
Norwegian Sports Travel AS is a travel agency that is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund.
We operate exclusively with official tickets that we are allowed to resell and must in no way be compared with most other travelagencys operating within the black market.
We sell packages including flights, transfers, hotels and tickets as a package but can also offer individual parts of our packages.
Contact us for any questions.
Cell: +47 45286154
Regards Thomas Lein
Partner & CEO
Norwegian Sports Travel AS


text:
Geared for all levels of fitness, aqua classes offer full body resistance ensuring both the cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems are worked. Great for people with injuries or those looking for a low impact workout.
Make a Splash
Our instructors are here to help whether you're learning to swim for the first time or just wanting to stay fit.
We will respond to your inquiry when your preferred club reopens.
Soak It All In
Enjoy a wide variety of aqua class, then unwind in the hot tub or our eucalyptus steam room.
Aqua Intensity
Push yourself in this challenging aqua workout designed to improve cardio conditioning. This class uses a variety of equipment that will keep you moving through different levels of intensity.
Aqua Sculpt
Increase strength through specific muscular conditioning and core exercises. A variety of equipment with cardio components may be used to keep this class challenging.
Stay Current
Our clubs offer a wide variety of classes and open swim times in their women's only and co-ed pools.See Schedules ›
Stay Current
Our clubs offer a wide variety of classes and open swim times in their women's only and co-ed pools.


text:
Jabrill Peppers is either the best football player in the 2017 NFL Draft or an overrated bust-in-waiting.
That depends on who you ask after reports Peppers tested positive for a dilute sample at the NFL Combine. Peppers' agency offered a response to the test, and now we have two sides to the story. The same could be said for Peppers' NFL Draft prospects.
Given Prescott's shorter offseason and late rise as a No. 1, opponents weren't sure what to expect from him. Now he has a full season of tendencies, strengths and weakness for defensive coordinators to examine.
Because it's so tough to stop the run first against the Cowboys, Prescott will still get plenty favorable looks. But there will be lot more information on how to contain him early and late in games.
The North Charleston, S.C., officer who shot Walter Scott while he was running away whose state trial had ended last December in a mistrial pleaded guilty last week to federal civil rights charges.
And the Department of Justice chose last week not to pursue federal charges against the officers in Baton Rouge, La., who last July shot and killed Alton Sterling while holding him down on Cheap Baseball Jerseys China the ground. This is significant because several pro athletes took to social media to protest this shooting, and were told by many to "stick to sports."
One of the first, and most prominent, to speak up was Colin Kaepernick.
Nearly a year later, still no justice for Sterling's death. And for the man who used his football platform to bring attention to it … still no football job.


text:
EACPT 2015 - Welcome
Closing in 2 seconds...
Dear Colleagues,
The 12th Congress of the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT 2015), taking place 27-30 June 2015 in Madrid, Spain, will be a major opportunity for clinical pharmacologists, from Europe and from all around the world to meet and discuss hot scientific topics of interest for the scientific community and for society in general, as well as key professional issues essential for the enhancement of our career development.
We are preparing a top-notch scientific programme that will review the most important aspects of our discipline, from clinical research to patients' care. We intend to make EACPT 2015 a forum for intense debate participated by clinical pharmacologists, other medical specialties and, in general, any healthcare professional with interest in a wide spectrum of topics related to drug development and patients' care. It is also our aim to engage patients in our discussions, thus recognizing their growing role in the discussion of healthcare and drug-development and drug-access policies.
Guided by the motto EACPT as the Driver of International Networking in Clinical Pharmacology, there will be dedicated sessions to plan and reinforce the role of EACPT and its National Societies to promote networking initiatives amongst clinical pharmacology professionals. Our EACPT Congress in Madrid 2015, organised in close collaboration between the EACPT and the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology (SEFC), intends to be the crystallization of this initiative and serve as a visible platform to establish paths of collaboration and networking, eventually leading to strengthen the impact of our discipline across Europe and making EACPT the common house of European Clinical Pharmacologists and a worldwide reference for professionals in the field.
The EACPT and the SEFC want this Congress 2015 to be the kick-off of a new era, which projects us to the future with confidence and enthusiasm, through a participative open-minded project. Thus, we are not only inviting you to come to Madrid, we are encouraging you to join this common project, where not only every national society, but every single person involved in this area can make a difference.
We look forward to welcoming you to the enchanting city of Madrid in June 2015!
Gonzalo CalvoEACPT 2015 Co-ChairChair of EACPT
Antonio PortolésEACPT 2015 Co-Chair
Cristina AvendañoEACPT 2015 Scientific Committee Chairof SEFC


text:
Another reason to avoid Vista: it cannot subtract. (I suppose we already knew that with the math bugs being found in Excel.) According to Microsoft propaganda, the company hires the smartest people in the world. Yet, they cannot subtract.
My uncle had one of his sermons posted to his German church's Website. My parents wanted to hear it, but are not savy in the Way of The Podcast. So, I downloaded the 30-minute MP3 file, converted it to WAV, and then wanted to burn it to a CD -- which they could listen to in their car.
Upon inserting the blank CD in my new notebook computer running the unfortunate Vista operating system, I clicked the omnipresent Burn icon in Explorer. (I have no idea why Explorer has the rarely used Burn icon, but lacks the far more useful New Folder icon.) After a few more clicks, Windows announced it could not burn the CD. I was to click the icon next to the filename to find out why:
Windows could not determine the length of the WAV file. Amazing, because there is a one-to-one corespondance between WAV file size and CD capacity. CDs hold 800MB of data, including WAV files that are just 319MB. The math is simple: 800 - 319 = sufficient space.
So, I switched to Roxio Creator Basic (included with Vista) and it had no problem (1) determining the size of the file; and (2) burning the CD.


text:
As if there was any doubt that Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is popular these days, a Democratic poll confirms it.
On the heels of news about Goucher College andWashington Post polls, both of which showed Hogan with numbers that any politician would envy, the new poll, conducted for a prominent Maryland Democrat and obtained by Center Maryland, contains plenty of additional good news for the governor.
But the survey also offers insights and delves into issues that the other polls didn't.
For one thing, the survey contains some more potentially bad news for Democrats, who are struggling to regain their footing after Hogan's surprise victory last November. Not only are Hogan's numbers sky-high; Baltimore city voters seem especially gloomy. That's significant because the city is one of three reliable Democratic jurisdictions in the state, and voters who are unhappy may not turn out in the numbers that Democrats need to rebuild in 2016 and 2018.
Several prominent Democrats have less than stellar job approval numbers – especially in the city.
The poll also contains an early trial heat for the 2018 Democratic primary for governor.
The survey of 501 Maryland voters, conducted Sept. 21-27 by a leading national Democratic polling firm, had a 4.4-point margin of error.
But margin of error is irrelevant when it comes to measuring Hogan's popularity. Sixty-two percent of the survey respondents viewed Hogan favorably compared to 15 percent who didn't. Sixteen percent of the poll respondents were neutral, while the rest offered no opinion or said they hadn't heard of him.
But voters don't just like Hogan personally; 64 percent approved of the job he is doing, compared to 32 percent who didn't.
Hogan's support is pretty much across the board. His approval rating is highest in the exurbs of Baltimore, where it stands at 82 percent. It's 73 percent in rural areas of Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore, 70 percent in Howard and Anne Arundel counties, and 66 percent in Baltimore County. Even in Montgomery and Prince George's counties and in Baltimore city, the three jurisdictions that Democrats rely on in statewide elections, it's fairly high: 58 percent, 53 percent and 54 percent, respectively. Forty-five percent of Democrats viewed Hogan favorably, compared to just 22 percent who didn't.
In July 2014, Hogan had a 26 percent favorable rating and a 15 percent unfavorable rating – meaning he is enjoying a 36-point swing in voter approval since then.
Hogan's standing may also be fueling voter optimism: 56 percent of Maryland voters said they believe the state is headed in the right direction, compared with 34 percent who don't. That's a significant change from 14 months earlier, when the right track-wrong track numbers were 37 percent and 51 percent, respectively – the same 36-point swing that's evident in Hogan's favorability ratings.
Again, the good vibrations are being felt almost everywhere in the state. With one exception, voters in every region said the state was headed in the right direction – from a 12-point margin saying so in Prince George's County to a 35-point margin who said so in the Baltimore exurbs.
But in Baltimore city, voters are feeling considerably less optimistic. Only 40 percent of the poll respondents in the city said the state is heading in the right direction, compared with 53 percent who said it isn't.
So-So Numbers for Democrats
As Hogan rides high in the polls, the Maryland General Assembly – whose Democratic members are trying to serve as a counterpoint to the Republican governor – has low ratings. Just 27 percent of voters had a positive view of the legislature's performance – compared to 63 percent who had a negative opinion. Even among Democrats, the positive to negative numbers were 30 percent and 60 percent. That's not quite congressional-level disapproval ratings, but it's uncomfortably close for state lawmakers.
Voters' opinions of several prominent Democratic politicians seemed to vary. President Obama was viewed favorably by 57 percent of Marylanders, compared to 37 percent who viewed him unfavorably. That's an improvement from July 2014, when his favorable-unfavorable numbers were 49 percent and 39 percent. Obama's job approval ratings were 51 percent positive, 49 percent negative – hardly stellar, but better than they are in nationwide surveys.
Attorney General Brian Frosh (D), who took office in January, does not appear to be widely known. He had a 15 percent favorability rating and a 13 percent unfavorable rating. But Frosh's job approval rating was not great: 27 percent of the poll respondents approved of the job he is doing, compared to 37 percent who did not.
Reps. Donna Edwards (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D), who are competing for the right to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D), both had middling poll numbers. Edwards was viewed favorably by 23 percent of poll respondents and unfavorably by 19 percent. Only 49 percent of those surveyed could identify her.
Edwards' highest numbers were on her home turf, Prince George's County, where she had a 58 percent-9 percent favorable-unfavorable rating. But if she's hoping to make up ground in the state's other majority-black jurisdiction, Baltimore city, she's got some work to do. Her numbers there are 10 percent favorable, 21 percent unfavorable.
Van Hollen was viewed favorably by 27 percent statewide and unfavorably by 20 percent. He had 10 percent greater name recognition than Edwards.
Van Hollen's best numbers were in his home territory, Montgomery County – 53 percent favorable, 21 percent unfavorable. In Baltimore city, his numbers were 13 percent favorable, 16 percent unfavorable.
The poll did not test Van Hollen and Edwards against each other in the Democratic primary. But it did test them in a hypothetical general election against Chrys Kefalas, the attorney who is competing for the Republican Senate nomination.
Van Hollen led Kefalas 48 percent to 29 percent, with 23 percent undecided. Edwards led Kefalas 45 percent to 30 percent, with 25 percent undecided.
The Franchot Factor
State Comptroller Peter Franchot had the strongest across-the-board numbers for Maryland Democrats tested in last month's poll. He was viewed favorably by 34 percent of those surveyed and unfavorably by 13 percent. When it came to job approval, Franchot had a 48 percent positive rating and a 30 percent negative rating.
Franchot's job approval rating was highest in Baltimore County, where he has camped out since taking office in 2007 – 61 percent positive, 27 percent negative. Ironically, it was lowest in his home base of Montgomery County – 40 percent positive, 24 percent negative. In Baltimore city, 45 percent of voters had a positive view of Franchot's job performance, while 52 percent had a negative view.
Like his two most recent predecessors, William Donald Schaefer and Louis Goldstein, the media-savvy Franchot seems to have built a brand that is impervious to conventional partisan considerations. His approval ratings were about equal among Democrats, Republicans and non-affiliated voters. He is clearly benefiting from his decision to ally himself with the popular Republican governor as well.
That strength translated in a hypothetical 2018 Democratic primary for governor. A subset of 255 Democrats was queried about the 2018 race, and while an exact margin of error was not available, it is considerably higher than the 4.4-point margin for the overall poll.
Franchot finished on top in the poll, with 25 percent, compared to 14 percent for Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, 10 percent for Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, 6 percent for Congressman John Delaney, and 5 percent for U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez.
Franchot led in every region in the poll but one – Prince George's, where he trailed Baker 42 percent to 14 percent. In Baltimore County, Franchot tied for first with his nemesis, Kamenetz. Each got 29 percent of the vote.
It must be pointed out, however, that unlike these other Democrats, Franchot is highly unlikely to run for governor in 2018 – unless his friend Larry Hogan steps aside.
Josh Kurtz is editor of Environment & Energy Daily, a Capitol Hill publication. He can be reached at . Follow him on Twitter -- @joshkurtznews


text:
A development group headed by the Rouse Co. has selected the Stubbins Associates Inc. to head the architectural and engineering team being assembled in the group's bid to build a $97 million federal office tower next to Camden Yards stadium in downtown Baltimore.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based firm, founded by Hugh A. Stubbins in 1949, is perhaps best known for its design of Manhattan's Citicorp Center, a 46-story office tower whose sharply sloping roofline made it an
instant landmark on the New York City skyline when it opened in 1977.
Stubbins has no buildings in Baltimore and has not previously worked for Rouse. Its selection is a sign that Rouse felt it needed a first-rate designer to compete against suburban developers vying for the project, a 664,000-square-feet headquarters for the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration.
Tom Brudzinski, associate director of design for Rouse, said his team finalized negotiations with a Stubbins representative yesterday after considering four finalists.


text:
By the glass
4.051 Reviews
By the glass in Athens is one of the best options for fine wine and mediterranean cuisine. In one of the most historical regions of Athens, in Ralli Gallery, you will find a culinary heaven of flavors, and the most exciting wine list in Greece. The space is elegant and cozy, with a lovely bar and a cool patio, ideal either for romantic dinner or for business meetings. The By the glass menu features mediterranean classics and gourmet choices to accompany, more than 50 wine labels from the Greek vineyard and all over the world, 250 labels - unique magnum bottles, and antique wine bottles. Try risotto, burger, chicken fillet with citrus sauce, succulent meats, a great variety of cheese and the special Sunday brunch. By the glass restaurant is a real paradise for the city's wine lovers. Make free online reservation through e-table.gr and get discount on the best wine restaurants in Athens.
3 Georgiou Souri St. & Fillelinon St. AthensGet directions
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 13:00 - 00:00
Phone reservations via e-table211-311-5555
Wine Restaurant
Cost per person
36€ - 50€
Payment Methods
VISA Diners MasterCard
WiFi Wheelchair Access Wine List


text:
#1 The restaurant @ Clos Malverne
#2 Rust en Vrede
3 Mont Marie restaurant
#1 Clos Malverne
From the moment you drive up to this lovely estate you will be surrounded by the beautiful views of Stellenbosch. I can think of no better way than to spend an afternoon at their lovely restaurant while enjoying their 4 course tasting menu. Although they are only open for lunch, they do offer Gourmet dinners once a month on the last Friday of each month.
#2 Rust en Vrede
You will most definitely feel the urge to come back once you have visited this historic and award winning Wine Estate. Not only do they use the freshest ingredients, but also carefully select the wines to compliment the dishes served.
#3 Mont Marie
What a pretty sight when relaxing on the deck with the views of Stellenbosch Mountains and the peacefulness of the dam in front of the deck Your taste buds would have the pleasure of tasting the most excellent dishes as Chef Pieter Vlok's passion is to transform simple ingredients into exquisite meals


text:
It might not even be released yet, but Warner Bros. are already developing a sequel to 'The Lego Movie'.
The computer-animated comedy directed and penned by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, has been in development at the American production company since 2008 and is due for release later this month.
According to The Wrap.com, 'The Internship' writer Jared Stern is already working on the script for a follow-up with Michelle Morgan.
'The Lego Movie' is produced by Dan Lin and Roy Lee and edited by David Burrows and Chris McKay.
The film tells the story of Emmet - voiced by Chris Pratt - who is mistaken as being the greatest Master Builder who can save the Lego universe.
He teams up with wizard Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), female fighter Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett), unicorn/kitten hybrid Uni-Kitty (Alison Brie), Benny (Charlie Day), and a pirate Metalbeard (Nick Offerman), in an attempt to unlearn instructions and use his imagination to defeat the evil tyrant Lord Business (Will Ferrell), who is determined to destroy the Lego.


text:
Amazingly all these wonderful bloggers are agreeing to be interviewed for my own blog!! The brave and beautiful Brittany Gibbons, of Brittany, Herself, is one of these epic bloggers!
- Where are you from? Have you thought of living anywhere else?
I am from a very small farm town in Northwest Ohio. I have lived here my whole life, and while I know that one day I'll probably need to relocate, I really love having this as my home base. My family is here. My friends are here. And I live near an airport. For now, this works.
- How is married life treating you?
I really enjoy married life. I married my high school sweetheart, and it's been pretty amazing growing up alongside someone, struggling beside someone, and then celebrating alongside someone. We appreciate each other so much, and have found such an awesome balance of independence and partnership.
- When did you start blogging? Was Brittany, Herself your first blog?
I began blogging in 2007, same blog, though it was called something else food related. I thought I wanted to write about food. Turns out, I just wanted to eat food.
- Walk me through the process that you went through to get your blog to where it is today.
I get asked this question a lot, and I really wish I had some sort of calculated plan I could share with you, but the truth is, I was a chubby writer in a small town who was looking to connect with people. So I began writing about my life, not really fitting into the monstrous mommy-blogging sector, and one by one, my audience grew, and every person mattered to me. I'm very engaged with readers, not only on my blog, but on Facebook and Instagram and Tumblr. Really, it was just women all over the globe, looking to connect. I wasn't looking for fans, I was looking for friends, and I am just so thankful for how my life has evolved thanks to this experience.
- How long were you running your blog before you started getting many followers?
I would say it probably took around 6 months for me to garner any sort of real footing with reader numbers. I never really advertised or worked with brands, so my growth was completely due to women sharing it with their friends and other women in their lives. By the end of the first year, I had around 60k monthly readers, and it basically doubled every few months from that point on.
- Is everyone supportive of your body love and acceptance blog, or do you get heat from fat-haters?
You know, at first yes, I'd get shitty comments. And the internet is always ready and welcoming to people who want to spend inordinate amounts of time tearing others down, but I guess I just don't care enough about them to even have it weigh on my radar. I used to freak out about negative comments and talk, but that is giving too much attention and power to people who hate you, and not enough to the millions more that love you. I respect my readers too much to do that anymore. I don't shill, I don't exploit, I don't hurt anyone. I do what I love and work hard for women, that is what I focus on.
- What are the top questions you get asked by your readers?
It's a three-way tie between "who does your eyebrows?" (me), "Is that your real hair?" yup, and "Where did you get your outfit?"
- If a new blogger came up to you today, and you only had a few minutes to talk, what would be your best blogging tip?
Tell your story. Seriously, nobody wants to be marketed to, nobody wants to be bored, you have people making a conscious effort to go to your site and read something meaningful. Think about what that is, and write it.
- How do you juggle blogging, working, reading, and family time so flawlessly?
Well, thankfully, it's all pretty connected, but it's definitely not easy. As my plate grows, my time dwindles. Right now I am balancing the blog, the book, a Curvy Girl community of thousands and am in pre-production for a new show, so making that all work while being present for my kids is difficult. My husband and I have a motto that keeps us motivated "we work hard now so that soon, we won't have to."
- I was one of the pictures you used in your Confidence post, which was very empowering. Have you always been this brave about putting everything out there?
At first, no way. I hid all the time, heavily cropped photos on my blog and facebook, and genuinely felt terrified of people seeing my body. But, once I womaned-up and did it, I think when I really got brave about it was the first time I went to Times Square in a bathing suit, and the support was just so immensely empowering. I didn't die. It didn't kill me. I lived, and as long as I realized that I would survive putting myself out there, the fear was gone.
- You wrote a letter to your kid apologizing for him being bullied, and you didn't feel like you did enough to stop it. I think this was amazing and supportive of you. Were you bullied?
You know, I was. Very different from what my son experienced, he was actually physically harmed at school; I experienced more constant teasing and harassment for my weight. I was always a fat kid, and graduated into a fat teen. I had a male bully who would scream "fat ass," "fat whore," or moo at me when I walked down the hall or walked into an assembly. The teachers did nothing. I think they just truly didn't want to be involved, he was a dick. My junior year, he hit and killed my dog with his car. Nothing was done. There was just nothing you did back in 1999 for such things.
- What are 5 items you never leave home without?
My iPhone, my aviators, a Diet Pepsi, chapstick and a purse full of clean underwear (I have 3 kids).
Stalk Brittany
My blog: http://brittanyherself.com/
My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BrittanyHerself
Twitter: @brittanyherself
Thank you so much for doing this interview Brittany!! It was very informative. You are, as always, charming and inspiring. Bullying, bikinis, confidence, fashion, sex, your blog has it all, and we can't stop reading! Look forward to your book next year!
See my interview with Jaimie from Legos in my Pocket
See my interview with Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner


text:
- audio
- Podcast
- Leave a comment
- permalink
045: Downsizing
Downsizing has been in the news with Australia Post cutting 900 jobs this week on Beers, Blokes and Business Sean, Samma and Josh discuss their experiences with downsizing and what you can do when faced with it.
Signup to our email list to receive the #BBB show notes first every week: beersblokesbusiness.com/signup
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:24 — 36.2MB)
http://beersblokesbusiness.com/NoniTunes iTunes | Android | RSS | More
Downsizing – what you will learn
- How important your relationship with your boss is
- How you can turn a redundancy into an opportunity
- What is it like on the other side, letting people go
- Importance of keeping up with your professional network
Links and resources from the episode:
The blokes on this podcast were:
- @seancallanan from Sports Geek
- @joshrowe from realAs.com
- @sammartino from Startup Blog
The beer enjoyed by the blokes in this podcast was Budvar in a can
Pre Order The Great Fragmentation
Download this episode here but we'd prefer you to subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud or this feed if you don't use iTunes.
Don't forget you can get these show notes via email subscription.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments
- enclosure:
- http://traffic.libsyn.com/beersblokesbusiness/BBB045.mp3 37988596 audio/mpeg a:1:{s:8:"duration";s:8:"00:31:24";}
- dsq_thread_id:
- 2768554829


text:
Our Services
ALL our staff including admin are qualified Accountants or undergoing training to be an Accountant
Business Start ups & Business Plans
If you are just starting in business we recommend going to meet a professional Accountant and a bank manager. Most offer a free consultation
At Jones Accountants, we will listen to the information about your business.
Advise you on your options
Guide you through the registration process
Support you throughout
Making Tax Digital - MTD
Making tax digital may seem like another new problem HMRC are putting on the shoulders of businesses, and it is but there is an opportunity here to make life easier.
New software now available make it so easy to keep records and they give vital information to help you run your business.
Jones Accountants offer a full bookkeeping service which is MTD compliant or, we offer Free software and training by video to any businesses who wishes be more hands on.
Book Keeping
Keeping good records saves you time and money in the long run.
At Jones Accountants, we will listen to how you prefer to work and advise you on your options
If you prefer Pen & Paper
We have a pre-printed pad for you to log your income and expenditure. Jones Accountants will process all the accounts.
If you prefer software
We have a FREE full working cloud-based software you can use for sending quotations, invoices, receiving payments and record transactions.
If you prefer not to do any paperwork whatsoever
Jones Accountants are happy to compleat all your accountancy and taxation requirements.
Advanced Certified trainers
Tax . Self Assessment Tax Returns
Self Assessment Tax Returns
Growing your Business - We go the extra mile
Jones Accountants have business advisors are there to help you in all areas of business.
How to control stock
How to get the best prices
How to raise an invoice or a quotation
G.Ps, KPI
Any grants available and lots more ....
Limited Companies Services
Limited Company formation with Companies House plus registration with HMRC office. Paye, VAT Corporation tax.
48 hours service. We must have proof of ID
Limited company processing
Payroll - Pension - Auto Entrollment
Jones Accountants offers Digital Payroll
Weekly/Monthly Payroll
Construction Industry CIS
An employee portal so save time making copies for staff
How We Can Help Your Business
You can rely on us to:
We also assist with:
Our team provides:
Providing A Wide Range of Accounting Solutions
At Jones Accountants, we believe that no single solution works for everyone. We will intently listen to you and provide strategies tailored to your organisation's needs and goals. Our team will advise you on how you can maximize your sales, reduce your costs and taxes, and improve your profitability.
Get in Touch With Us
We provide a wide range of accounting solutions to clients in various industries. Let us help you determine which services are the best fit for you and your business. Set up your complimentary consultation by reaching out to us.
Who am I? - Charlotte Haughton, from Ossett
What do I do? - Accountant, Tax Specialist, and customer care manager
What is my area of expertise? - 10 years as a qualified Accountant plus personal and business taxation consultant. I have concentrated on staff training and development
Why do business hire you? - Oh to save on tax I think, and the confidence that I will do the job right.
Why you, how can you help? - I do not stop at just Accounts. I try to resolve any issues our customer have. It is so trilling when I receive flower and chocolates because I have been able to sort out something the client has struggled with.
I like to point out to clients that you are not tied into a contract so the only way we get to keep our customers is by giving good service.


text:
What we do » Families (Marriage, Parenting, Baptisms...) » Marriage Prep
Marriage Prep
This course has been designed to help couples who are approaching marriage to be as well prepared as possible for married life together.
We meet on two evenings to look at some of the significant issues we bring to marriage, as two individuals becoming a single unit. The course is intended to provide you with a framework to think about some of these things that will be important to your married life together. There is plenty of time to give you the opportunity to discuss issues quietly together as a couple during the course of the evenings.
As Christians, we value marriage, both as significant for society and also as God's pattern for couples to commit their lives to each other. During the course, we will outline the Bible's view of marriage and its guidance to us as couples. Our hope is to give all couples a chance to weigh up and consider how what God says could help in their life together.
Here are some of the elements we include within the course:
- A chance to discuss what you're each expecting from marriage and why
- A chance to think about your marriage vows together before you make them for real
- An opportunity to discuss unexpressed anxieties
- Some useful facts about communication
- Practical tips on handling conflict
- A chance to discuss what each of you wants from life
- Some guidance on forgiveness and its importance in our relationships
- The dangers of taking each other for granted and tips on how to avoid this, including related issues in your sex life
- An explanation of the Christian and biblical pattern for marriage
- Contact details and resources for those who want to take things further
We try to make the evenings informal, conversational and enjoyable, with an emphasis on you having private discussions of topics together.
Contacts for Marriage Prep …
Carolyn Edmonds
Ministry Support Assistant
Carolyn is married to Bob and they have 2 sons and four grandchildren. She came to Sheffield from Lancashire as a Uni student in 1973 and has worked in the Church Office since 1996.Contact Carolyn


text:
UPDATE (April 27, 2018 1:09 p.m.):
Jerome Irvin Leudtke Jr. was located and arrested by detectives in the Baltimore County Police Precinct 11 Investigative Services Unit on Wednesday, April 25, at 1:35 p.m. Police believe Leudtke shaved his head in an effort to avoid apprehension. Leudtke remains incarcerated at the Baltimore County Detention Center, charged with Aggravated Cruelty to an Animal.
WANTED: (March 28, 2018 1:25 p.m.)
Jerome Irvin Luedtke, Jr
Baltimore County Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating Jerome Irvin Luedtke, Jr. (33), wanted on charges of Aggravated Cruelty to an Animal for beating a small dog to death with a glass bottle.
Police were called by staff to Pet ER on Cromwell Bridge Road on January 13 when Luedtke and a female roommate brought in their severely beaten Chihuahua for treatment around 6:30 a.m. with conflicting stories as to how the injuries to the dog were incurred.
Detectives have determined that Luedtke struck the dog, Ginger, numerous times with two different large glass bottles causing severe trauma to its head after the dog bit Luedtke in the hand. The roommate convinced Luedtke to take Ginger to Pet ER after a failed attempt at calling for an ambulance for the dog, where Ginger was subsequently euthanized due to the extent of the injuries.
A warrant was issued for Jerome Luedtke on January 29, but police have been unable to locate him and are now asking for the public's assistance. He is known to frequent the Essex Precinct area, having recently stayed in homes on Goodwood Avenue and Maryland Avenue.
Anyone with information on Luedtke's whereabouts is asked to contact police at 410-307-2020 or contact detectives in the Precinct 11 - Essex Investigative Services Unit at 410-887-0230.
Reward Offered
Metro Crime Stoppers, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.
Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, text message or online.
Phone: 1-866-7LOCKUP
Text message: Text "MCS" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637)
Web tip: www.metrocrimestoppers.org


text:
Economic Development
Current Projects
Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment
Formally established in 2008, the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA) facilitates the rehabilitation, revitalization, and reuse of environmentally contaminated, blighted, or functionally obsolete properties identified as "brownfields." The OCBRA can offer several financial tools to help developers offset costs incurred for environmental assessment, demolition, lead or asbestos abatement, and other activities performed as part of an approved brownfield plan. Learn More »
Ottawa County High-Speed Wireless Broadband Initiative
Broadband internet is defined by the Federal Communications Commission as an internet connection with a download speed of 25 Megabits per second and an upload speed of 3 Megabits per second. Although Ottawa County does not own or operate a high-speed broadband internet system, it has been working to identify the barriers to broadband access and is working on collaborative solutions to extend broadband to underserved areas—primarily located in the rural areas of the County. Ottawa County is also working to collaboratively promote the availability of existing broadband options. Learn more »
Agricultural Initiatives
Agriculture is a thriving economic industry in Ottawa County! That is why the County is developing and implementing a Farmland Preservation Strategy to help our farmers succeed, whether through coordinated, effective land use planning, technology advancements, market development, succession planning, and more. Learn More »
ACRE AgTech
What is ACRE?
Meet any experienced farmer, and they know exactly what an acre is - a tract of land, a unit of measurement, fertile soil, boundaries, a place to grow. Experienced farmers know everything about that acre.
Our ACRE is also a place to grow, a fertile ecosystem in which to cultivate ideas, whether that idea is equipment, machinery, a software program, or any innovation that could benefit the agriculture industry. We have the experience to help entrepreneurs navigate barriers, connect with opportunities, and access the expertise they need grow their idea into a thriving business. Learn more about ACRE AgTech »
Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds (2010)
Ottawa was the first county in Michigan to allocate a Recovery Zone Bond allotment. A Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond (RZEDB) award of $5.6 million was allocated to the City of Grand Haven in August 2009 for their Washington Avenue Improvement Project.
The Planning and Performance Improvement Department recommended a second RZEDB allocation of $6.4 million to the City of Coopersville for upgrades to their wastewater treatment system, as well as for public infrastructure improvements to accommodate growth in the community. These bonds were allocated in April 2010.
Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (2010)
In February 2010, Ottawa County allocated their entire $31.1 million allotment in Federal Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZFB) to the Michigan Strategic Fund for the Continental Dairy Products project. The project includes construction, renovation, and equipment purchases to convert the vacant Delphi facility that is located in the City of Coopersville into a milk processing plant. The plant will be capable of processing four million pounds of milk daily into longer shelf life products such as butter, cream, condensed milk and milk powder. The project will create 70 permanent, full-time jobs over the next two years at a total cost of $90.5 million.
Renaissance Zones (2010)
In 2010, the Planning and Performance Improvement Department worked in conjunction with Request Foods and Holland Charter Township to successfully process an Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zone designation to accommodate a proposed plant expansion. This designation, which the Board of Commissioners approved, will result in a $40.6 million investment in the new facility and the creation of 250 new jobs.
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (2009)
Ottawa County became its own single county metropolitan statistical area (Holland-Grand Haven MSA) after the 2000 Census because it was 317 individuals short from reaching the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) 25% commuter threshold in order to be included with the larger Grand Rapids MSA. The OMB's standards created a serious misconception regarding the economic size of this region. In 2009, the Planning and Performance Improvement Department pursued a dialog with the OMB to modify its standards for defining MSAs and the County Planning Commission approved a Resolution which supported having Ottawa County join the Kent County (i.e. Grand Rapids) region in order to achieve an MSA that has a population of more than 1,000,000. This Resolution was forwarded to the OMB.
In March 2013, the OMB designated Ottawa County as part of a four-county MSA (Grand Rapids-Wyoming) that also includes Kent, Barry, and Montcalm Counties. The Grand Rapids-Wyoming MSA has a population of more than 1 million. Learn more »
Completed Projects
Contact the Planning and Performance Improvement Department for more information about other projects completed prior to 2009.


text:
05/25/2010 // Washington, D.C. // TiffNews10 // BP oil spill blog marketing
Washington (WiredPRNews.com) – Many are calling for action from the White House regarding the cleanup of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), many have questioned why there is not more control by the current administration in dealing with cleanup, after efforts by BP have done little to improve the situation. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen has reportedly asserted that BP's expertise and equipment are needed in continued efforts to handle the situation.
BP CEO Tony Hayward is quoted by the AP as stating of continued efforts, "We are going to do everything in our power to prevent any more oil from coming ashore, and we will clean every last drop up and we will remediate all of the environmental damage."
BP Lawsuit Help for Lawyers is now available using CEPAC Lawyer Marketing.
The CEPAC Lawyer Marketing – legal blog marketing group has assembled an experienced team of BP lawsuit writers for this effort. Together, we can build a coalition of legal blogs for your law firm dedicated to getting your lawyer blog front and center as an authoritative BP lawsuit voice.
Together, we can build a coalition of legal blogs for your law firm dedicated to getting your lawyer blog front and center as an authoritative BP lawsuit voice.
Call Kevin Quinlan– BP oil spill blog marketing help desk to launch your BP Lawsuit Legal Blog
Photo Credit: Wikipedia User U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District External Affairs
Media Information:
Phone: 561-653-3266
Url: http://TiffNews10.visionsmartnews.com/many-urge-white-house-to-intervene-in-oil-clean-up_457.html


text:
First Look: Mamie Gummer Joins Manhattan and Cast Describes Season 2 at NY TV Fest (VIDEOS)
Neve Campbell and Mamie Gummer join WGN America's original drama Manhattan next week, and we've got an early peek.
In the episode "The Threshold," viewers are introduced to recurring characters Kitty Oppenheimer (Campbell) and Women's Army Corps recruit Nora (Gummer). The hour offers a flashback look at the days before Pearl Harbor, including the early stories of Liza (Olivia Williams) and Frank (John Benjamin Hickey).
RELATED: Why the Manhattan Season 2 Premiere Started at the End
"The Threshold," written by Lila Byock and Vinnie Wilhelm (and directed by Andrew Bernstein), airs Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 9/8c. Here's a first look:
RELATED: Manhattan's New Characters: Season 2 Mixes Fact and Fiction
Hickey and Gummer joined fellow stars Ashley Zukerman, Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Chernus and Katja Herbers at an Oct. 19 New York Television Festival panel showcasing the show's second season.
RELATED: A Look at Manhattan's Second Season (PHOTOS)
Series creator/executive producer Sam Shaw and director/executive producer Thomas Schlamme also appeared; here's a video from the event:


text:
Multi-channel List Brokerage
Available from Infogroup/Interactive – Walter Karl
You've identified that direct mail, email, or telemarketing works for your marketing program. Great! Now, all you have to do is find the list. Oh, wait – there are over 10,000 to choose from. Which one is right for my business?
What you need is a List Broker, a professional trained and certified to find you the right list for your direct marketing program
Walter Karl has a team of experienced and qualified List Brokers who specialize in email, postal, and phone lists. They use a carefully formulated questionnaire to help understand your business and goals and use state of the art search systems to find the right lists. This combined with over 75 years of combined team list brokerage experience, they know the lists that are the best on the market.
Join clients like Lumber Liquidators, Citrix, Wunderman, and Disabled American Veterans who have used Walter Karl list brokers for years as their marketing partners.


text:
The Straight Skinny on Successful Drop-off – All You Need To Know
Michael Reisman, M.Ed.
Director, HCYMCA Early Childhood Education
And just like that September is upon us. Summer is waning and school is beginning. With that come the new schools, new classrooms, new teachers, new grades, new backpacks/lunchboxes and new schedules. Maybe you are reading this as the parent of a seasoned Kindergartener or elementary schooler. Maybe you are a first time parent dropping your baby off at the HCYMCA Child Learning Center for the first time. Likely you are somewhere in between, and your family is adjusting to the annual round of NEW. It can be overwhelming and challenging at drop-off time, especially if you are unprepared or unsuspecting of the challenge of separation at the classroom door. At the Hunterdon County YMCA Child Learning Center and Milford Preschool, we pride ourselves in our pursuit of child understanding during challenging times. We are ready and equipped to help you and your child successfully maneuver into each day with a healthy, predictable routine. Here are some valuable points of advice to consider as you wade through the waters:
· Create a night time and morning routine all about "getting ready" for school. Talk about the fun stuff they are "gonna get to do at school!" Play, friends, snack, stories and lunch are reliable key words to work into the conversation. Read stories at bedtime that acknowledge the questions of the first day of school. Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama Misses Mama and Audrey Penn's The Kissing Hand help ease the transition and normalize the process of separation.
· Develop a Goodbye Ritual for the preschool/childcare drop-off mornings. This ritual should begin at the home, maybe with breakfast, and, for older preschoolers, include empowering responsibilities like putting the lunchbox in the backpack and setting it by the door. Feeding the dog/cat/iguana (if applicable) or watering the house plants are also examples of feel-good jobs that children can do. Empowering and entrusting builds confidence, which is what you want your child to have to successfully drop-off. Make sure your ritual carries you through the separation. Secret handshakes, high-fives and hug/kiss routines work great. Say goodbye, and "I will see you when…" so the last thing they hear from you is your plan to return. Don't sneak out when they turn their heads. Being sneaky teaches sneaky and betrays the trust you are trying to build.
· No matter what age your child once you say goodbye, go. Don't look back, linger, or try to sneak peeks. This potentially adds insult to injury when you are trying to get out the door. Productive options include crying in the admin office, crying in your car, requesting a supportive escort out of the building, requesting email photos and phone calls to let you know your little one is adjusting. At the HCYMCA preschools you are welcome to call and check up on your child whenever you'd like. We are always happy to check on them.
· Acknowledge your feelings of apprehension or anxiety as your own, distinct from your child. He or she will pick up on those feelings and translate them as information to heed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, guilty or nervous about your child's drop-off, you are welcome to talk those feelings out with school leadership. But when you are with your child, especially during separation, you must exude confidence and positivity. You chose your preschool center for a number of reasons, and you must remember and rely on those reasons to push you through the separation in a manner that gives your child the best opportunity to be successful. Feel your fears, acknowledge theirs, but don't make yours theirs.
· Please allow your child to cry when they are upset. As a parent, I understand how heartbreaking (or sometimes even embarrassing) it can be seeing your child really let it out at drop-off. But saying, "Stop crying," "Don't cry," or "You are fine/okay. You don't need to cry," shows disregard for their very legitimate feelings. It also shames them, which is counter to what you are trying to accomplish when you order them not to cry. Transitions and changes are hard for children, but they are essential learning experiences, and crying is a healthy expression of attachment to you. Why would you every want to undermine that? You can simply say, "I am sorry you are so sad. I love you and will be back at the end of the day." Then turn and go. Your child's teachers are experienced, educated caregivers who know how to help children cope with goodbye.
And on that note, here's legendary New York Giant, Rosy Grier to back me up
Congratulations on making it through another summer.
Michael Reisman
Michael Reisman, M.Ed. is Director of Early Childhood Education for the Hunterdon County YMCA. firstname.lastname@example.com 908-483-4623
For information regarding Round Valley Child Learning Center Programs call 908-236-0055, ext. 4605. For the YMCA Milford Preschool, 908-995-9107


text:
Movement in our chimp group! (part 2)
Transfers of chimpanzees from a zoo to another can be challenging (chimps are very sensitive to stress and can be very aggressive to one another). That's why we have proceeded very gradually to give Homer enough time to get used both to his new keepers and his new living place.
A few weeks after Homer's arrival, we moved Lily next to him but in a separate cage without any visual contact. As the mother-infant bond continues several years after birth, Lily's 2-year-old son Sanaga was of course moved close to Homer with his mother.
A few days later we started the introduction process between these 3 individuals. The first contact was a protected contact, meaning that the individuals had limited physical contact through a mesh-wall.
The video below shows this first stage.


text:
Brazil is the fastest-growing advertising market on earth and in Sao Paulo's Almap BBDO it has the hottest agency, at least according to the judges at Cannes.
Almap won the press Grand Prix for a Billboard magazine ad after Ogilvy & Mather Mexico was disqualified and swept up numerous other gold lions (admittedly there are more lions at Cannes than in the Serengetti these days but there you go).
Omnicom's BBDO and DDB were the two top networks followed by WPP's Y&R while Leo Burnett Sydney was the media agency of the year. Hasn't Starcom travelled as far as Sydney yet?. Unilever was top advertiser.
The Americans acquitted themselves creditably with Y&R New York coming second to Almap with Wieden & Kennedy Portland in third place. Germany's Jung Von Matt Hamburg won the best independent agency gong, a new award.
As for the Brits AMV BBDO won the best direct agency of the year (and it isn't even a direct marketing agency). And that was about it.


text:
© AskMen
19 Best Gifts for Beer Lovers
Brewtastic Gifts Sure to Please Even the Biggest Beer Fanatic
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
A six-pack might not get you a six-pack – though beer does have some B vitamins and potassium – but for beer geeks and casual drinkers alike, there's nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a cold brew. And to elevate the experience even further? The coolest brew gadgets and gear should always be within reach.
RELATED: Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Men
When it comes to selecting gifts for beer lovers, you can't go wrong with an item that calls out to their hops-loving heart. And, no we aren't suggesting grabbing a six-pack and calling it a day. The ideal gift should allow your beloved beer lovers to optimize their drinking experience, learn more about their beverage of choice or enjoy it in a whole new way.
Here, we're laying out all of the best gifts for the beer lovers on your list – and perhaps for you, too. No judgment here!
Best Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers
THAT! Inventions Chill Beer Glass
This isn't your ordinary beer glass. Featuring a freezing fluid within its double glass walls, it keeps beer nice and cold from start to finish – after being placed in the freezer to cool. The cork base doesn't hurt, either. Not only does it provide an easy grip, but it reduces the need for coasters.
Stainless Steel Growler
This stainless steel growler is as sleek as it is functional. Not only can it store eight to 10 beers, but it can keep beer fresh for weeks, meaning they can buy their brews in bulk to rack up savings.
$199 at Amazon.com
Beer of the Month Subscription
Subscription boxes are still all the rage and a beer-themed one is a great option to go with if you're shopping for a beer lover who seemingly has it all gadget-wise. Since the delivery comes every month, they'll also be reminded of your thoughtfulness on the reg.
Find out more at BeerMonthClub.com
Swag Brewery Brew Candle Set of 3
Beer scented candles might not sound so appealing at first. No one wants their living room to smell like a stale pint. But these candles feature only the best brew notes. With more than 40 hours of burn time, they will fill their space with fresh, fruity and, at times, spicy fragrance.
Corkcicle Chillsner Beer Chiller
No beer, watered-down beer or warm beer is not a decision any beer lover should ever have to make, and with this chiller, they never will. All they have to do is freeze one of the chillers and when they're ready to drink, insert it into the beer bottle.
$28.40 at Amazon.com
Beer Bottle Cap USA Map
Great for the beer lover who takes great pride in trying unique, lesser-known varieties. This wooden beer cap USA map will allow them to display their finds in an artful way.
Stout Gift Box Set
Tis the Season for stout. With this gift set, they'll receive eight bottles or 16 cans of 100 percent independently brewed and crafted stouts from across the country.
GrowlerWerks uPint
It's no German beer boot, but it's a heck of a lot more functional. This insulated pint glass is designed from food-grade stainless steel to keep beer optimally cool. It also has side divots for easy gripping, even if they've thrown back a few too many brews.
$28 at Amazon.com
'Drink Better Beer' - Joshua M. Bernstein
Beer expert Joshua M. Bernstein is back with more insights on what beers to enjoy and how to best savor them. With recommendations from more than 100 professionals, this book taps into everything from brew shopping to glass cleaning.
Sudski Shower Beer Holder
Ever heard of a beer shower? Your giftee surely has. And this Sudski beer holder is about to make his shower beer dreams come true. Designed with patented technology, this cup holder will attach to any smooth, glossy surface ie. the shower wall.
$14.99 at Target.com
Guinness Dart Board
Have a Guinness fan on your list? Let them showcase their love of an Irish stout and upgrade game nights with this themed dartboard.
$199.95 at GuinessWebStore.com
'The Bucket List' - Justin Kennedy
Great for the traveling beer lover in your life, this book offers all the insider recommendations they need to drink only the best of brews around the globe. From long-standing breweries to fresh, trendy spots, its got 'em all.
Flight of Beer Soap
Beer lovers would bathe in brews if they could. However, the sticky end result might not be quite what they pictured. Instead, gift them a flight of soaps. From stout to Pilsner, these beer soaps will give them a sudsy fresh feeling without a lingering brewery smell.
$28 at UncommonGoods.com
Press Here for Beer Canvas Wall Art
Sure, this might seem a little pricey for a piece of wall decor, but its impact will loom large.
'Goodnight Brew' - Karla Oceanak
Bonus points if this gift is for a new parent, "Goodnight Brew" offers a playful take on the children's classic, "Goodnight Moon." While this humorous parody comes in the form of a children's book, it's just as informative as it is whimsical thanks to the brew infographics that follow the story.
Beer Making Kit
Every beer lover should experience at-home brewing at least once. While quality will always vary, making your own beer gives you a newfound appreciation for the craft – and the act of brewing itself offers a crash course on the scientific side of enjoying beer.
Craft Beer Tasting Glasses - Set of 6
Sometimes there's nothing better than a cold beer straight out of the bottle and some quality Netflix and chill, but when you're going for something more sophisticated, these tasting glasses reign supreme. Their shape was specifically designed to bring out the full array of aromas and flavors locked in craft beers. Why should wine flights get all the glory?
$59.99 at Amazon.com
'Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out' - Josh Noel
If the beer lovers you're buying for are history buffs, they'll love this engrossing book which looks at how craft beer became the mega-industry it is today, while bringing up questions about how breweries should optimally grow.
$17.99 at Amazon.com
Yeti Hopper Backflip Cooler
It's not peak camping season, but that doesn't mean they can't benefit from a top-of-the-line cooler. This Yeti cooler is not only incredibly durable and water-resistant, but it doubles as a backpack, making it easy to tote beers along on hikes and camping excursions.
You Might Also Dig:
AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.


text:
The Oxfordshire Squash and Racketball Association is a group of volunteers who take on the responsibilities of organising all the county squash in Oxfordshire.
This includes:
We are always looking for new and enthusiastic people to join the committee so you want to get involved we would love to hear from you! Please contact the secretary, David Quinn on: firstname.lastname@example.com if you are interested in offering some time - most jobs are as big or as small as you want them to be so dont be put off!


text:
An addition to the family ShamanRacing chainguides – Drake LITE. The main difference compared to the classical Drake chainguide is the weight that has managed to push below 120 grams! You can´t mount ShamanRacing bumper on Drake lite baseplate, so we recommend using it primarily on 4X, DJ and Enduro bikes with one chainring.
Combination of black or white plastic parts is cheaper. If you want to tune the colours, you can purchase only baseplate of Drake LITE and choose any colour combination of plastic parts in nine shades.
Chainguide Drake LITE works independently. It is not designed for combination with ROCKRING!
Color: Lower guide: black, white – other colours optional
Color: Upper guide: black, white – other colours optional
Size: 32-42z.
Type of mounting: BB, ISCG, ISCG 05
Weight: 114 to 120 g
Material 5 mm ALU, encapsulated ball bearings, stainless steel and aluminum fasteners, plastic (polycarbonate)
Colour: black baseplates
Price 69 EUR
Chainguide Drake LITE on Pinkbike


text:
Scirpus fluviatilis, also known as River Bulrush in common name and San Leng in Mandarin, is a popular circulation-activating and stasis-removing Chinese herb that is particularly used to reduce flatulence, relieve stagnant Qi, and remove abdominal masses in gynecology. Clinically scirpus and White Turmeric Root (Curcuma zedoaria, E Zhu) are often combined together since they are in a mutually beneficial relationship. If put them in the framework of Western medicine, the corresponding disease names would be coronary heart disease, hemiplegia after stroke, urolithiasis, malignant tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and so on. The medicinal part of this herb is the dried tubers. When it comes to its Chinese name, it actually include 2 main marsh plants in 2 different families – Scirpus fluviatilis in the family Cyperaceae and Sparganium stoloniferum in the family Sparganiaceae. People in China often get them mixed up since they share the same name and similar healing abilities in herbal remedies. In comparison, the scirpus's spherical tubers are much softer in texture but second in healing properties.
What is scirpus fluviatilis (River bulrush)?
Medicinally it refers to the tubers of Scirpus fluviatilis (Torr.) A.Gray, which is a member in the sedge family. Hence, this herb is also called Scirpus Rhizome. And synonyms of this aquatic plant include Schoenoplectus fluviatilis and Bolboschoenus fluviatilis. It is usually dug in autumn. After that, it still needs to remove stems and leaves, clean with water, cut off the fibrous roots, and dry them in the sun or by the fire.
Scirpus fluviatilis is a perennial herb. Rhizome develops horizontally and it is often inflated and with single or occasionally more than one branch. At the end of the rhizome comes a tuber that is 2 to 4cm long, 1.5 to 3cm in diameter, dark brown, sharp at both ends, and light and bubble-like in texture. Tall and stout stalk is upright, smooth, from 70 to 150cm in height, and in the shape of prism with sharp edges. Alternative leaves are 20 to 30cm long, 6 to 10mm wide, in the shape of narrow strip, and with entire margin, acuminate apex, and sheath-like clasping base. It blooms in summer and inflorescence is complex spikes. Most spikes gather at the top of stem and form sessile-umbrella-like clusters; long, round spikelets are about 1cm; awn-like glume is oblong, slightly membranous, and with cute apex; stamens are 3 in number and with linear or oblong anthers; pistil is with long 2-lobed style. Achenes are triangular obovate and brown. Habitat is swamp. In China, it is distributed in Northeast, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Sichuan.
Scirpus health benefits
As mentioned above, scirpus is frequently paired with White Turmeric Root in a clinical context. This is simply because ancient physicians in China have found that these two herbs could supplement each other. That's to say, on the basis of the common healing properties, scirpus is particularly good at removing blood stasis while White Turmeric Root is better at relieving stagnant Qi. And here are some clinical cesearch records for your reference as follows:
a) 35 cases of coronary heart disease were ever treated with compound scirpus injection, 2ml each time, twice a day. And the results showed a 82.8% efficacy;
b) 22 cases of hemiplegia after stroke were ever treated with the herbal formula that contains ingredients of scirpus, zedoary, Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza), Chuan Xiong (Lovage Root), Di Long (Lumbricus), etc. Generally the patients could began to move the limbs affected by stroke 7 days after the oral administration and get out of bed and walk for the first time with the help of a stick within 2 to 4 weeks and meanwhile the upper limb function will be also restored;
c) 100 cases of urinary tract stones were ever treated with Hua Yu Niao Shi Tang, which consists of scirpus, zedoary, Chi Shao (Red Peonies), Tao Ren (Peach Seed), and so on, 1 days a course, interval of 3 days required after each medication. And 73 cases were cured and 14 cases were improved. The total efficiency was 87%.
Modern pharmacological actions of scirpus
1) Its water extract can cause a prolonged thrombin clotting time (TCT) on human fibrin;
2) Its decoction can significantly inhibit platelet aggregation and meanwhile reduce blood viscosity;
3) It can significantly prolong the plasma thrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time with kaolin as activator;
4) It can prevent thrombosis in vitro, extend thrombus formation time, shorten the length of thrombus, reduce the weight of thrombus, and shorten euglobulin time;
5) Its decoction has excitatory function on isolated rabbit uterine.
Sample scirpus recipes on herbal remedies
According to the record in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" (2010 version), it is acrid and bitter in flavor and neutral in nature. It acts on meridians of liver and spleen. Normal functions are getting rid of blood stasis, promoting the circulation of qi, and removing food retention to relieve pain. Basic scirpus uses and indications include abdominal mass, amenorrhea due to blood stasis, and upper abdominal pain, bloating, and fullness in dyspepsia. Recommended scirpus dosage is from 4.5 to 9 gram in decoction.
1) San Leng Cao Jian from Qian Jin Yi Fang (Supplement to Golden Prescriptions). It is decocted with water first, thickened in copper pan again, and drunk with wine to treat a lump in the abdomen.
2) San Leng Wan from Yi Xue Qie Wen (Pulse-taking and Interrogation on Medical Science). It is combined with Da Huang (rhubarb), Peng Sha (sodium borate), Gan Qi (Resina Toxicodendri), and Ba Dou (Croton Seed) to make pills for the purpose of removing all sorts of stagnations and abdominal mass.
3) San Leng Jian Wan from Ji Sheng Fang (Life-saving prescriptions). It is formulated with Curcuma zedoaria, Yuan Hua (Genkwa Flower), and Qing Pi (Orange Rind) to cure absence of menses and a hard mass that is as big as a cup below the belly.
4) San Leng Wan from Tai Ping Sheng Hui Fang (Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief). It is joined with Mu Xiang (Costus), Nao Sha (sal ammoniac), Genkwa Flower, and Croton Seed to heal intraabdominal mass in a postpartum woman.
Scirpus side effects and contraindications
Scirpus fluviatilis is known for its effect on removing blood stasis, which inevitably will increase menstrual flow at the same time. As a result, it shouldn't be used during pregnancy, skipped periods caused by anemia, and a very heavy flow. Besides, TCM wise it should not be used in cases of damaged kidney-yang, Qi deficiency, and chronic bleeding.
a) Zhong Cao Yao Tong Xun (Journal of Chinese Herbal Medicine), 1978; (8):27;
b) Si Chuan Zhong Yi (Sichuan Chinese Medicine), 1990; 8(2):13;
c) Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Chinese journal of modern developments in traditional medicine), 1996; 10(3):183;


text:
What is Hypopigmentation?
Hypopigmentation is the lack or loss of natural skin color. This is caused by a decreased level of melanin, the substance that is responsible for the pigmentation, or color, of the skin. A depletion of melanocytes, or the cells located on the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, causes a decrease in the amino acid, tyrosine. This amino acid is necessary for the production of melanin, or pigment. Without it, or when there is not enough, hypopigmentation occurs.
There are three main types of hypopigmentation, including vitiligo, albinism, and the loss of pigmentation due to skin injury or damage. These are most often permanent, but in some cases they can be treated or even cured. However, treatment depends on the type, severity, and cause of the problem.
Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce pigment are damaged. It is an auto-immune disorder which causes smooth, white or very light colored hypopigmented patches to appear on the skin. There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments can be used to cover the patches. These include special cosmetics, light treatments, and corticosteroid creams prescribed by a doctor.
Albinism is inherited, and results in the complete lack of melanin. This causes an absence of pigment throughout the body, including the skin, hair, and eyes. People who suffer from albinism are unable to produce melanin, due to an abnormal gene, and have a greater risk for developing skin cancer or sun damage. Wearing sunscreen anytime they are outdoors can help decrease this risk, as well as staying out of the sun for long periods of time.
Pigmentation loss caused by skin damage or injury is the third type of hypopigmentation. Areas of the skin that have been affected by blisters, burns, infection, or other injuries may experience a loss of pigmentation. It may also be caused by aging, or laser resurfacing treatments. This is the only type of hypopigmentation that is not always permanent, and the skin may actually re-pigment over time.
This condition affects Caucasians most often, but can occur in any race. Individuals with the disorder often have very light red or blonde hair, and light blue or gray eyes. However, individuals with albinism will have no pigment in their hair, skin, and eyes, resulting in a very pale appearance, almost white colored hair, and pink skin and eyes.
Readers Also Love
Discussion Comments
These types of conditions sound like they could be really stressful. I would imagine people might stare at a person with facial hypopigmentation quite a lot. It seems like a condition like albinism might be slightly easier to deal with rather than the spotted look that results from vitiligo.
I'm sure life would be easier for people with these conditions if the general public was better informed that the conditions are auto-immune and not something that is contagious from person to person.
@hanley - You are right -- you can't just develop albinism. You can't just "catch" vitiligo either. However people often mistakenly think they can develop vitiligo because the condition can appear at any time and also worsen over time.
Vitiligo in children often begins as a few spots somewhere that isn't noticeable. A person with vitiligo will often not realize they have it until it has developed further. Some patients even choose to treat their skin with lightening chemicals because vitiligo leaves them with a very distinctive spotted look.
Other patients aren't affected as much and choose to go other routes with treatment. I suspect @malko may have vitiligo because the depigmentation caused by vitiligo can also affect the hair.
@Malka - No, you can't just "develop" albinism. it's entirely a genetic and inherited condition -- basically, kind of a slight gene mutation, though if you called people with albinism mutants I can guarantee they'd get mad. Bottom line is, people with albinism look really different, but they're people at heart.
I've never met anybody with your kind of hypopigmentation with the white lock of hair -- that sounds unique, and like it could be very pretty, and you could always dye it to match the rest of your hair if you didn't like it, right? I know personally I would pretend to be Rogue from the X-MEN!
Wow, this is a really interesting conversation! I came here looking up hypopigmentation because I have some hypopigmentation on my face and a bit on my scalp, and I was curious why exactly it happens. The doctor explained that it wasn't anything dangerous, and that my hair growing a white streak where the pigment-free spot is on my head is just a natural genetic quirk. I had no idea it's related to the kind of thing that makes people with albinism get white hair -- that's kind of cool!
The pale spots on my forehead are kind of a trade-off for me; I dislike them, but I like how unique my one white lock of hair makes me to my friends and family, so I guess it's a case of winning some and losing some. I'm really curious now... WiseGEEK says that a form of hypopigmentation like mine can develop when you didn't have it before. It's called vitiligo. What I'm wondering is, can you develop albinism like that when you didn't have it before?
@SkittisH - Yes, her eyes are purple. They actually don't have any color in the irises at all -- the purple shade that people see when they look at them is the color of the blood vessels in the back of her eyes. And yes, when a camera flash goes off, her eyes look brighter-colored -- in fact, in photos they look bright red a lot if she doesn't blink. It's just the blood vessels showing.
Yes, albinism makes you look really unique, but it's not all positives. Having no pigment means you sunburn really easy -- and when you have albinism, treatment for hypopigmentation is pretty limited since it's genetic, so the best you can do is put on lots of sunscreen and try to cover up as much as possible when you go outside.
Also, something about albinism that people don't usually know unless they personally know somebody who has it is that it affects eyesight. Individuals with albinism almost always have such bad eyesight that they are legally blind, and unable to drive a car. They use magnifiers to read things that are right in front of them, and since contact lenses don't do much of anything to help, they almost always end up wearing thick glasses.
@hanley79 - Real life albino people can have purple eyes? That's awesome. Why are they purple, though, if they don't have any color in them at all? Wouldn't they be like, transparent or something? No disrespect meant to you or your friend, I'm just really curious. I think being albino would be awesome -- she's so lucky!
Did you know that individuals with albinism aren't the stereotypical pale white with red eyes that everybody says they are? I have a friend with albinism. She's Caucasian, and we like to laugh about how wrong everybody seems to be about skin hypopigmentation. Her eyes are not red, they're this gorgeous soft purple, and her hair isn't snow white, it's a soft cream color. She's very pale, but not all pasty pale like the movies like to portray people with albinism.
Because individuals with hypopigmentation actually have little or no pigment in their skin, when you see somebody real who has it one of the first things you notice is that it makes their skin kind of translucent. You can see veins easier on the skin of a person with albinism, because there's no pigmentation there to hide them.
I think the stereotypical look for albinism that people show in movies, with the red eyes, stark white skin and snow white hair, is based on how albino animals look. Humans with albinism don't look the same as mice with albinism, people.