text:
Political Parties
Illinois In Worst Shape Of 43 States That Filed FY 2014 Audits
William G. Holland, the Auditor General for the State of Illinois, has just reported on Illinois' finances.
It's still fugly.
From the Summary Report Digest for "Statewide Financial Statement Audit For the Year Ended June 30, 2014":
The Illinois Office of the State Comptroller prepares the State of Illinois Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR is the State's official annual report which provides the readers with the financial position of the State as of June 30, 2014, and results of operations during the fiscal year.
The financial section of the CAFR includes the Independent Auditors' Report on the basic financial statements, the management discussion and analysis, the basic financial statements, required supplementary information, and individual fund statements and schedules…
The June 30, 2014 financial statements of the State of Illinois are fairly presented in all material respects.
The financial statements at June 30, 2014 reflect the following:
• The net position of governmental activities continued to deteriorate and the deficit increased by $1.3 billion from FY13 to FY14. Overall, the net position of governmental activities is reported as a deficit of $49.2 billion. (Exhibit 1)
• The General Fund deficit decreased by $658 million from FY13 to FY14. The June 30, 2014 deficit was $6.7 billion. (Exhibit 2)
Over time, increases and decreases in net position measure whether the State's financial position is improving or deteriorating. A comparison of Illinois' financial position to other states is contained in Exhibit 3…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
And the results of that "comparison of Illinois' financial position to other states"?
Karen Pierog of Reuters reported Wednesday:
This left Illinois in the worst shape of the 43 U.S. states that had filed fiscal 2014 audits. The only other state with negative assets was Massachusetts at $29 billion. Texas reported the biggest positive net assets at $119.4 billion…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Good ol' Texas. Probably get even more sneers from local folks at my University of Texas t-shirt I picked up while at that Food Insurance-sponsored prepper conference in Dallas the other year.
Pierog added something else of note:
The state marked its thirteenth consecutive year with a general fund deficit…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
For most of those years, Democrats have dominated state government, occupying the governor's office and the majority of both houses in the Illinois General Assembly.
I'll keep typing it on this blog until my fingers fall off:
"Financial reckoning day" is eventually coming to the "Land of Lincoln."
As such, it might be wise for Illinoisans to start preparing if they haven't done so already.
It won't be the end of the world, but for many it could feel like it. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to start addressing various vulnerabilities for such an occasion- financial and otherwise.
You can read that Summary Report Digest (.pdf format) on the Illinois Auditor General's web page here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
(Editor's note: I am not responsible for any personal liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence of the use and application, either directly or indirectly, of any information presented herein)
Pierog, Karen. "Illinois finances continued downward slide in FY 2014: auditor." Reuters. 18 Mar. 2015. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/18/us-usa-illinois-audit-idUSKBN0ME2M920150318). 20 Mar. 2015.
Illinois Gun Owners Descend On State Capital To Lobby Lawmakers
Yesterday was Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) down in Springfield. Nick Swedberg of the Associated Press reported last night:
Gun owners from across the state flooded the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday for an annual rally, and many spoke with lawmakers from their home districts about legislation to broaden gun rights…
I've blogged about this annual gun rights event before. From the Illinois State Rifle Association website:
Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) was started back in the early '90's to put a face on Illinois gun owners. Up until that time the media had portrayed gun owners and those who believed in the Second Amendment as some knuckle dragging Neanderthal throw backs, barely worthy of being called humans. IGOLD helped change that although the mainstream media still labels gun owners that way, when they can get away with it.
The first ISRA Lobby Day was attended by about 200 people. Among those attending were four undercover policemen. In 2006, the ISRA joined with several other groups and ISRA Lobby Day became Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD). The Illinois Gun Owners' Lobby Day (IGOLD) has become the number one demonstration of citizens promoting gun owners' rights in the United States – the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) is its primary sponsor. The crowds have grown each year. In 2013, 8200 gun owners showed up to lobby their legislators and to become the face of all the gun owners in Illinois. Because of IGOLD and other ISRA activities, gun owners have increased in stature in Illinois…
I understand that this year IGOLD pushed for expanding gun rights in the state- particularly concealed-carry. Swedberg added:
Proposed legislation in the General Assembly would allow concealed carry in places prohibited under current law, such as bus stations, churches and bars…
The state's top gun rights advocacy group is expected to meet with [Illinois Governor Bruce] Rauner this month, a meeting that previous Democratic governors only promised to have. The organization's executive director said that's a positive sign that the new administration will be more favorable to their cause than the last.
"It's hard to deal with people who just shut you out," Richard Pearson, head of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said.
Illinois gun owners should be grateful for ISRA and IGOLD. Because when the next mass shooting along the lines of Newtown comes along, their keeping the spotlight on gun rights will remind politicians across the "Land of Lincoln" they'll have a battle on their hands attempting to implement knee-jerk ineffective and unconstitutional gun "control" laws.
For more information about the Illinois State Rifle Association, visit their website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Swedberg, Nick. "Gun owners rally for right to carry guns in more places." Associated Press. 18 Mar. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-gun-rights-st-0319-20150318-story.html). 19 Mar. 2015.
Illinois Democrat Introduces Statewide Gun Registration, Ammo 'Control' Bill
"A list, record, or registry of legally owned firearms or law-abiding firearm owners is not a law enforcement tool and can become an instrument for profiling, harassing, or abusing law-abiding citizens based on their choice to own a firearm and exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed under the United States Constitution. Further, such a list, record, or registry has the potential to fall into the wrong hands and become a shopping list for thieves."
-State of Florida Statutes, 790.335 Prohibition of registration of firearms; electronic records
The push for more gun "control" is on the march in the "Land of Lincoln."
Last year around this time, State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) spearheaded statewide gun registration and ammunition "control" in Illinois with HB4715. Creating the "Firearms Registration Act," the legislation eventually went nowhere.
This time around, State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) is the torch-bearer of more gun and ammo "control" in the Midwestern state, filing the resurrected Firearms Registration Act legislation in the Senate (SB1413) on February 20. From a synopsis of the bill over on the Illinois General Assembly website:
Creates the Firearms Registration Act. Provides that every person in the State must register each firearm he or she owns or possesses in accordance with the Act. Provides that a person shall not purchase or possess ammunition within this State without having first obtained a registration certificate identifying a firearm that is suitable for use with that ammunition, or a receipt demonstrating that the person has applied to register a suitable firearm under the Act and that the application is pending. Provides that the Department of State Police must complete a background check of any person who applies for: (1) a registration certificate for a firearm that was lawfully owned or possessed on the effective date of the Act, was brought into the State by a new resident, or was acquired by operation of law upon the death of the former owner; or (2) a renewal of a registration certificate unless, within 12 months of the date the renewal application is submitted, the applicant passed a background check conducted by the Department in connection with the applicant's acquisition of another firearm. Provides exceptions. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is a Class 2 felony to sell or transfer ownership of a firearm to another person without complying with the registration requirement of the Firearms Registration Act.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Before Illinois gun owners dismiss the chances of such legislation becoming law in the state, it should be noted that:
• 2014 was as an election year for state senators and representatives
• Illinois Democrats maintain a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in 2015- 71 Democrats to 46 Republicans in the House and 39 Democrats to 20 Republicans in the Senate
• A future mass shooting along the lines of Newtown or some other mass casualty event on American soil "featuring" firearms could be all it takes for the public to get behind the Firearms Registration Act
For more information about Illinois Senate Bill 1413 and to track its status, you can visit the Illinois General Assembly website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Obama Taunts Republicans On Economy: 'The Sky Hasn't Fallen, Chicken Little Is Quiet'
Back when I was running this blog's predecessor, Boom2Bust.com, "The Most Hated Blog On Wall Street," I remember coming across a number of infamous statements made prior to and during the Great Depression by leaders in government, finance, and industry of the day. For example, as Fox News cataloged back on October 26, 2009:
"We will not have any more crashes in our time." – John Maynard Keynes (1927)
"There is no cause to worry. The high tide of prosperity will continue." – Andrew W. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury. (September 1929)
"There may be a recession in stock prices, but not anything in the nature of a crash." – Irving Fisher, Leading U.S. Economist, New York Times (Sept. 5, 1929)
"This crash is not going to have much effect on business." – Arthur Reynolds, Chairman of Continental Illinois Bank of Chicago (October 24, 1929)
October 24, 1929, eventually became known in the history books as "Black Thursday," when "the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 11% at the open in very heavy volume, precipitating the Wall Street crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression of the 1930s," according to Investopedia.com.
Right before the weekend, the White House published a press release on their website containing a transcript of U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks Friday at the Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. From that document:
I just want everybody to remember that at every step as we made policies, as we made this progress, we were told by our good friends, the Republicans, that our actions would crush jobs, and explode deficits, and destroy the country. I mean, I want everybody to do a fact-check — (laughter) — and go back to 2009, 2010, '11, '12, '13 — just go back and look at the statements that were made each year by these folks about all these policies. Because apparently they don't remember. (Laughter.)
And now that their grand predictions of doom and gloom, and death panels and Armageddon haven't come true — (laughter) — the sky hasn't fallen, Chicken Little is quiet — (laughter)…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Something tells me this remark- akin to calling the outcome of a baseball game while it's still in the early innings- will end up in the U.S. history books as well down the road, under that section entitled "Second Great Depression."
"Let's play two!" No thanks, Mr. Banks.
To be fair, President Obama isn't entirely responsible for the coming financial crash. The actions of both sides of the political aisle through the decades have made the approaching "financial reckoning day" possible- and likely- in America.
You can read the complete transcript of President Obama's speech on the White House website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
"False Hope: Famous Quotes During the Great Depression." FoxNews.com. 26 Oct. 2009. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/10/26/false-hope-famous-quotes-during-great-depression/). 22 Feb. 2015.
Congressional Democrats Push 'High-Capacity' Magazine Ban
Like I blogged Monday, the gun "control" crowd is off-and-running several weeks into the new year. In addition to a ban on certain AR-15 rifle ammunition, they're also pushing to ban "high-capacity" firearm ammunition magazines. From the website of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislation Action (NRA-ILA) last Friday:
Anti-gun U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.), have introduced their Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act (S. 407 and H.R. 752, respectively), in yet another attempt to ban magazines that accept more than 10 rounds. Similar legislation has been introduced in previous Congresses, and has repeatedly failed since the expiration of the Clinton "large" magazine ban in 2004.
Firearms designed to use magazines that hold more than ten rounds have been around for more than a hundred years. Today they constitute a majority of all new firearms manufactured, imported and sold in the United States, for what the Supreme Court, in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), called the central purpose of the Second Amendment: self-defense. While gun control supporters claim that the magazines are unnecessary for self-defense, millions of Americans disagree, and the Supreme Court has ruled in Heller that laws are unconstitutional if they prohibit firearms that are in common use for defensive purposes.
Moreover, studies have shown that magazine bans don't reduce crime. The congressionally-mandated study of the 1994-2004 federal "large" magazine "ban" concluded that its 10-round limit on new magazines wasn't a factor in multiple-victim or multiple-wound crimes. A follow-up study concluded that "relatively few attacks involve more than 10 shots fired," and "the ban's effects on gun violence are likely to be small at best and perhaps too small for reliable measurement." And a majority of law enforcement in the United States acknowledges that banning standard-capacity magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds will not increase public safety.
A person attacked in a parking lot, or at home in the middle of the night, will probably have only the magazine within the firearm. No one should be arbitrarily limited in the number of rounds he or she can have for self-defense.
The NRA opposes this legislation and will continue to fight attempts in Congress to limit magazine capacity.
As I type this, each and every co-sponsor of this legislation is a Democrat (16 in the Senate and 107 in the House).
You can track the status of Senate Bill 407 here and House Bill 752 here via Congress.gov.
Permission has been granted by the NRA-ILA to reproduce the above.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
NRA: BATFE To Ban Common AR-15 Ammo
It was only a matter of time. Several weeks into the new year, and the gun "control" crowd is off-and-running again. There's been a number of developments lately, but here's one that seems to be really worrying American gun owners- particularly those possessing the popular AR-15 rifle. From the website of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislation Action (NRA-ILA) this past Friday:
In a move clearly intended by the Obama Administration to suppress the acquisition, ownership and use of AR-15s and other .223 caliber general purpose rifles, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives unexpectedly announced today that it intends to ban commonplace M855 ball ammunition as "armor piercing ammunition." The decision continues Obama's use of his executive authority to impose gun control restrictions and bypass Congress.
It isn't even the third week of February, and the BATFE has already taken three major executive actions on gun control. First, it was a major change to what activities constitute regulated "manufacturing" of firearms. Next, BATFE reversed a less than year old position on firing a shouldered "pistol." Now, BATFE has released a "Framework for Determining Whether Certain Projectiles are 'Primarily Intended for Sporting Purposes' Within the Meaning of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(c)", which would eliminate M855's exemption to the armor piercing ammunition prohibition and make future exemptions nearly impossible.
By way of background, federal law imposed in 1986 prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale by licensed manufacturers or importers, but not possession, of "a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely . . . from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium." Because there are handguns capable of firing M855, it "may be used in a handgun." It does not, however, have a core made of the metals listed in the law; rather, it has a traditional lead core with a steel tip, and therefore should never have been considered "armor piercing." Nonetheless, BATFE previously declared M855 to be "armor piercing ammunition," but granted it an exemption as a projectile "primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes."
Now, however, BATFE says that it will henceforth grant the "sporting purposes" exception to only two categories of projectiles:
Category I: .22 Caliber Projectiles
A .22 caliber projectile that otherwise would be classified as armor piercing ammunition under 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(B) will be considered to be "primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes" under section 921(a)(17)(C) if the projectile weighs 40 grains or less AND is loaded into a rimfire cartridge.
Category II: All Other Caliber Projectiles
Except as provided in Category I (.22 caliber rimfire), projectiles that otherwise would be classified as armor piercing ammunition will be presumed to be "primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes" under section 921(a)(17)(C) if the projectile is loaded into a cartridge for which the only handgun that is readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade is a single shot handgun. ATF nevertheless retains the discretion to deny any application for a "sporting purposes" exemption if substantial evidence exists that the ammunition is not primarily intended for such purposes.
BATFE is accepting comments until March 16, 2015 on this indefensible attempt to disrupt ammunition for the most popular rifle in America. Check back early next week for a more in-depth analysis of this "framework" and details on how you can submit comments.
How to comment – from the BATFE
ATF will carefully consider all comments, as appropriate, received on or before March 16, 2015, and will give comments received after that date the same consideration if it is practical to do so, but assurance of consideration cannot be given except as to comments received on or before March 16, 2015. ATF will not acknowledge receipt of comments. Submit comments in any of three ways (but do not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method):
ATF email: email@example.com
Fax: (202) 648-9741.
Mail: Denise Brown, Mailstop 6N-602, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20226: ATTN: AP Ammo Comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise Brown, Enforcement Programs and Services, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, 99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20226; telephone: (202) 648-7070.
Permission has been granted by the NRA-ILA to reproduce the above.
"BATF to ban M855/SS109 ammo"
YouTube Video
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Quote For The Week
"To state the obvious, the past six years have been really, really hard for this country."
-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, at a House Democratic Retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 29, 2015
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Democrats Push 'New Message' Of Rebounding U.S. Economy
Big eye roll on my part when I spotted the following on my Internet service provider's home page this afternoon. Charles Babington of the Associated Press reported Friday:
Democrats' new message on America's economic recovery is: We told you so, and we're going to keep telling you so.
The economy is rebounding on nearly every front, even if the middle class still needs help, and it's time to tell that story loudly, top Democrats say. That's the key to reversing their midterm election setbacks, according to a host of House Democrats, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, all of whom came to Philadelphia this week for pep talks and strategy sessions.
"Democrats have to stand up, you've got to explain what we did," Biden said to loud applause Friday. "Be proud of it… We can't let the Republican Party rewrite history."
Obama said much the same the night before. "The record shows we were right" the president said, referring to the 2009 stimulus, the bank and auto industry bailouts, and other strategies to pull out the great recession of 2008…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
A couple of thoughts here:
1. The true state of the U.S. economy and larger financial system is worrisome, as the "great recession of 2008" was merely "papered over" (I talk about that enough on this blog on a regular basis that I don't feel the need to go into it today).
The news radio station I listen to most often in Chicago has been going on and on this week about the U.S. economy being on such strong footing these days. It's almost as if they (like others in the mainstream media?) are carrying out the marching orders of the Democratic spindoctors to promote this "new message." It's been so ridiculous that if you didn't know any better, you might think you were listening to old newsreels laying it on thick with the propaganda of the day:
"Vintage 1930s Inflation Propaganda"
YouTube Video
2. "We can't let the Republican Party rewrite history." "The record shows we were right." Democrats vs. Republicans. Us vs. Them. Liberals vs. Conservatives. Left vs. Right. Coke vs. Pepsi…
Personally, I prefer RC.
And like that situation with the sodas, two choices often aren't ideal for me. Particularly when it comes to the major U.S. political parties, who I've come to see as merely two "heads" belonging to the same monster (special interests of the rich and powerful).
3. Finally, I've said this before but it bears repeating:
Use this economic "rebound"- as much of an illusion as it may be- to your advantage.
Is your employment status less than ideal? You may want to consider improving that situation while "the getting's good." Need some extra income? You may want to look at taking on a part-time job while they're available. Looking to purchase some emergency preps? "The shadow of crisis has passed." President Obama said so in his recent State of the Union speech. Shop around for discounted gear, supplies, and other items while demand isn't as strong as it has been lately and will be when hard times arrive down the road.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Babington, Charles. "House Democrats' new message on the economy: We told you so." Associated Press. 30 Jan. 2015. (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/house-democrats-message-economy-told-183956034.html). 30 Jan. 2015.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner To Push Drastic Spending Cuts, Sales Tax Hike In Near Future?
Some local news outlets have been giving new Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner a hard time lately, claiming he's still in "campaign mode" and not providing much in the way of tackling the state's economic ills.
But yesterday, Illinoisans got a glimpse of one potential measure the Winnetka businessman may turn to for improving the state's finances. Jessie Hellmann and Ray Long reported on the Chicago Tribune website Thursday:
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner pressed a bit harder Thursday for an expansion of the Illinois sales tax as part of an agenda to right the state's financial ship.
Using charts and graphs, Rauner explained how surrounding states use broader-based sales taxes than Illinois to take advantage of growing service economies. "We're not competitive," Rauner said.
The idea of expanding the state's sales tax base to include services, such as on auto repairs, dog grooming or haircuts, has been debated in Illinois since the late 1980s. Expansion efforts repeatedly have stalled in the face of heavy resistance, but Rauner outlined how he thinks Illinois is "out of balance" with other states.
"We are not thoughtful about this," Rauner said, adding that the Illinois sales tax is too high and too narrowly applied.
Expanding the sales tax is one of the few items Rauner repeatedly has mentioned as a part of an unspecific overhaul of the entire tax code, saying Illinois can't "just nibble around the edges."
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
It's going to take a whole lot more than a sales tax hike to turn around the state's economic fortunes. And Governor Rauner knows that.
So what other measures could be on his agenda for the near-term?
Rich Miller discussed the governor's visit to the University of Chicago on January 22 and wrote on the Crain's Chicago Business website the following day:
What is crystal clear is that he won't ask for any more revenues without first making deep and even drastic cuts.
The new governor pointed to flat population growth and flat job growth as the roots of the problem.
Without "booming" growth, he said, Illinois can never dig itself out of the hole it's in. And Rauner always HAS said that high taxes are a hindrance to growth.
Rauner singled out two items for his chopping block. First up, Medicaid spending.
"When you realize our job growth is flat, how do you pay for it?," Rauner said of Medicaid. "I want to do that, but that is not sustainable." Medicaid, which pays for everything from childbirth to nursing home care, consumes a quarter of the state's operating budget, and despite some real reforms almost two years ago, costs are continuing to rise. And that's a problem when next fiscal year's budget deficit is being pegged at a whopping $9 billion.
Rauner also claimed state employees make too much money, saying they earn more than private sector workers (which AFSCME rejects, pointing to a recent University of Illinois study) and are the third-highest paid in the country. The number of state workers is declining, Rauner noted, but payroll costs are still increasing. Their health insurance is based on "low contributions" from workers, but has a high cost. So, while workers aren't chipping in much, "you're chipping in a lot," he told his audience…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
"Deep and even drastic cuts." "Expansion of the Illinois sales tax."
It will be interesting to watch how Illinois Democrats- who hold veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly- react to such proposals if Governor Rauner goes this route.
This could get ugly real quick…
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Hellmann, Jessie and Long, Ray. "Rauner presses for sales tax expansion in U. of I. speech." Chicago Tribune. 29 Jan. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-champaign-appearance-met-0130-20150129-story.html). 30 Jan. 2015.
Miller, Rich. "Watch out: Rauner sharpens his cleaver." Crain's Chicago Business. 23 Jan. 2015. (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150123/NEWS02/150129882/watch-out-rauner-sharpens-his-cleaver). 30 Jan. 2015.
Illinois Diaspora Latest: Net Loss Of 94,956 People In State-To-State Migration In 2014
More evidence that Illinoisans are voting with their feet rather than be around as the "Land of Lincoln" is run into the ground. From the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board back on January 6:
Even on days when the temperature is above zero, Illinois struggles to keep people here. They're leaving, in droves, for states with sunnier economic opportunities.
New census data and other figures reveal the cold hard truth: More people are moving away than coming, tipping Illinois last year into the dreadful category of states with declining populations. From July 2013 to July 2014, Illinois shrank by about 10,000 residents in all…
Illinois suffered a net loss of 94,956 people in state-to-state migration last year, the highest rate in decades. That number is one part of an equation involving births, deaths and immigration from other countries that yields the overall population loss. But Illinois' state-to-state migration loss is the biggest contributor to that overall population decline, Frey says. The last year Illinois had lost population was 1987-88…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
The Illinois Diaspora has been a recurring-yet-unwelcome theme on Survival And Prosperity lately. I blogged as recent as January 4:
The Illinois Diaspora continues…
Gregory Karp reported on the Chicago Tribune website Friday afternoon:
Illinois was the No. 3 state in America for outbound moves in 2014, United Van Lines said Friday.
Earlier this week, Allied Van Lines said Illinois was No. 1 for outbound versus inbound moves in 2014, according to its moving data for the year. And Atlas Van Lines said Friday its data also show more people leaving the state than coming, with Illinois ranking second among states with the highest proportion of outbound moves.
Whatever, people sure seem to love to leave Illinois…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
I'm skeptical that a Republican governor now at the helm will be able to reverse the outflow- or the state's fortunes- anytime soon. First, the Democrats who have mainly presided over the fiscal mess are pretty much still in power- sans Pat Quinn. Second, I'm awaiting the Rauner administration to announce down the road that "drastic times call for drastic measures" (or something like that) to bring the state's economy back. I'm guessing those "measures" might not be too appealing to prospective Illinois residents, let alone those already here.
"I'm awaiting the Rauner administration to announce down the road that 'drastic times call for drastic measures' (or something like that) to bring the state's economy back"
Anyone hear Governor Rauner's multiple mentions of "sacrifice" in his inaugural address just the other day?
Stay tuned…
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Editorial Board. "Goodbye, Illinois: residents are leaving for other states." Chicago Tribune. 6 Jan. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-illinois-census-brookings-edit-0107-20150106-story.html). 15 Jan. 2015.
'People Sure Seem To Love To Leave Illinois'
The Illinois Diaspora continues…
Gregory Karp reported on the Chicago Tribune website Friday afternoon:
Illinois was the No. 3 state in America for outbound moves in 2014, United Van Lines said Friday.
Earlier this week, Allied Van Lines said Illinois was No. 1 for outbound versus inbound moves in 2014, according to its moving data for the year. And Atlas Van Lines said Friday its data also show more people leaving the state than coming, with Illinois ranking second among states with the highest proportion of outbound moves.
Whatever, people sure seem to love to leave Illinois…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
So where are all those former Illinoisans heading? Oregon, North Carolina, and South Carolina according to Karp.
Oregon? Must be the dream of the 90s being alive in Portland.
Regular Survival And Prosperity readers shouldn't be surprised to hear about any of this. I blogged back on May 13 of last year:
"Diaspora- the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland."
-Merriam-Webster Online
On April 28, I blogged about a recent Gallup poll which revealed 1 in 4 Illinois residents (25 percent) say the state is the worst place to live.
On May 1, I talked about the same poll and the finding that 50 percent of Illinois respondents said they would leave the state if given the opportunity.
I had previously discussed how Illinoisans were departing the state in significant numbers.
And this morning, I read a commentary piece on the Chicago Tribune website that provided more evidence of a "diaspora" taking place from the "Land of Lincoln." Diana Sroka Ricker of the Chicago-based non-partisan research organization Illinois Policy Institute wrote:
A startling pair of Gallup polls recently suggested that Illinoisans are an unhappy lot. Half of us would move elsewhere if we could. One in 4 says Illinois is the worst possible place to live in the entire U.S.
Naysayers claim it's all talk. It isn't.
Not long after the Gallup polls came out, the Internal Revenue Service released fresh numbers showing which states people are moving to and which states people are fleeing.
Spoiler: Illinois didn't earn any positive marks in this report, either.
According to the IRS, Illinoisans don't just want to move; they are moving. And they've been moving for a long time.
From 1995 to 2010, Illinois lost more than 850,000 people to other states. That's after you offset the number of people who actually moved in.
The bleeding is bad; on net, 1 person leaves Illinois every 10 minutes.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
I'm skeptical that a Republican governor now at the helm will be able to reverse the outflow- or the state's fortunes- anytime soon. First, the Democrats who have mainly presided over the fiscal mess are pretty much still in power- sans Pat Quinn. Second, I'm awaiting the Rauner administration to announce down the road that "drastic times call for drastic measures" (or something like that) to bring the state's economy back. I'm guessing those "measures" might not be too appealing to prospective Illinois residents, let alone those already here.
As for me? Permanent residency in Wisconsin is still a possibility, with the move depending quite a bit on how the "Land of Lincoln" fares in the next few years. If it all goes to crap, then there's a good chance I'll be seeking refuge behind the "Cheddar Curtain."
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Karp, Gregory. "Another moving survey shows people leaving Illinois." Chicago Tribune. 2 Jan. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-illinois-outbound-moves-0103-20150102-story.html). 3 Jan. 2015.
The Economist Magazine Investigates Preppers
"Some Americans find survivalists sinister. After Adam Lanza shot 26 people in a school in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012, the media made much of the fact that his mother was a gun-stockpiling prepper. Yet there is no evidence that preppers in general are more dangerous than their compatriots. On the contrary, when natural disasters strike, it is useful to have neighbours who know how to stormproof a house and have bandages to spare."
-The Economist website, December 17, 2014
Late this morning, I stumbled on an article on The Economist website about preppers. I just finished reading "Preparing for the apocalypse: I will survive," and thought I'd blog about it a little. The author (couldn't find a name attached with the piece for some reason) did a pretty good job writing about preppers/survivalists, not falling victim to the usual stereotypes/generalizing echoed in a comment on the article. From "walrusandthecarpenter":
Preppers are people who are unhappy with their life and can't wait for the end of the world to come and the tables to turn. They are excited for it to happen.
Me? I like my smartphone. I have a first aid kit though.
"I like my smartphone." What a goof.
Like I was saying, the author did a pretty good job (points deducted for trying to link those Westboro folks to preppers) with the material. I found what James Wesley, Rawles of SurvivalBlog.com-fame had to say particularly interesting. From the article:
So how might TEOTWAWKI come about? The biggest threat, says Mr Rawles, is a huge solar flare. The last big one, in 1859, known as the "Carrington Event", disabled telegraph lines. A similar disaster today would "fry the circuitry" of electronic devices and take out the power grid "from end to end". It would take years to reactivate. Perhaps 60% of the American population could die, predicts Mr Rawles…
I've seen some put that die-off figure at 90 percent.
There was also this about present-day preppers:
Survivalists vary politically—just as they are dispersed geographically—and their views colour their apocalyptic imaginings. Many are conservatives, worried about crime, terrorism and hyperinflation and sure that the state cannot be relied upon to protect ordinary citizens. But a fair number are environmentalists, convinced that the planet can only take so much abuse before it becomes uninhabitable. The movement is broad enough to encompass anyone who suspects that disaster is looming, for any reason. It used to be mostly "Bible-believing Christian conservatives", says Mr Rawles, "But now we have a lot of alfalfa-munching Birkenstock-wearing leftists." He adds: "The more the better."
One more reason for me not to bash specific political ideologies/parties- except when they really ask for it, of course.
(Editor's note: Any former readers of Boom2Bust.com out there remember when I used to savage "Dubya" and Hank Paulson? Thinking of that reminds me this giant economic mess belongs to both sides of the political aisle.)
Jason Charles, a New York firefighter of Doomsday Preppers-fame (blogged about here), is also featured in the piece.
You can read the well-written article in its entirety on The Economist website here.
By Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Illinois Named Worst-Run State In America In 2014
"'We don't have the time to mess around. We are in deep, deep trouble financially,' [Illinois Governor-elect Bruce] Rauner told a meeting of the Illinois Farm Bureau at a downtown Chicago hotel. 'The next 24 months are going to be rough. And I apologize. I ain't going to be Mr. Popularity for a little while. That's OK. Four years from now I think, though, everybody will appreciate what we did.'"
-Chicago Tribune website, December 8, 2014
Talk about lists you don't want to be on. In 2012 and 2013, Illinois was the 3rd worst-run state in the annual best- and worst-run states in America survey conducted by New York City-based financial news and opinion organization 24/7 Wall St.
So how did the "Land of Lincoln" fare in 2014? From the 24/7 Wall St. website on December 3:
How well run is your state? Assessing a state's management quality is hardly easy. The current economic climate and standard of living in any given state are not only the results of policy choices and developments that occurred in the last few years, but can also be affected by decisions made decades ago, and by forces outside a state's control.
Each year, 24/7 Wall St. attempts to answer this question by surveying various aspects of each state. To determine how well states are managed, we examine key financial ratios, as well as social and economic outcomes. This year, North Dakota is the best-run state in the country for the third consecutive year, while Illinois replaced California as the worst-run state…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Ouch. Worst part is, the people who brought us this mess are the same ones still in charge, more or less. It will be interesting to see how much of a difference Governor-elect Rauner- who ran on the Republican ticket- can make in the Democrat-controlled state.
24/7 Wall St. went into more detail about my home state's latest "honor." From the piece:
Illinois is the worst-run state in the nation. Like many other low-ranked states, more people left Illinois than moved there. Illinois lost more than 137,000 residents due to migration between the middle of 2010 and July 2013. A poor housing market may partly explain the exodus. Median home values fell 16.2% between 2009 and 2013, the second largest drop nationwide. Illinois has extremely poor finances by many measures. Just 39.3% of Illinois' pension liabilities were funded as of 2013, worse than any other state. Further, the state's reserves are estimated at just 0.5% of its general fund expenditure, the second lowest reserves rate nationwide. Both Moody's and S&P gave Illinois the worst credit ratings of any state, at A3 and A- respectively. According to Moody's, the state's rating reflects its low fund balances and high pension obligations, as well as its "chronic use of payment deferrals to manage operating fund cash."
As for our neighbors, Indiana is ranked 28th and Wisconsin comes in at 26th in 2014- down from 19th and 21st- respectively.
That's quite a hit (9 places) the Hoosiers took from last year. Wonder what's behind the drop?
Curious as to where 24/7 Wall St. ranked your state in 2014? Head on over to their website here.
By Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Chicago Selected To Join 100 Resilient Cities Network
Nice to see Chicago is finally not on some list you really don't want to be on.
In all seriousness, the following sounds promising. From the Mayor's Press Office last Wednesday:
Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the City of Chicago was selected by the Rockefeller Foundation as one of 35 global cities to join the 100 Resilient Cities Network. The Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities Network (100RC) includes a leading community of pioneers, innovators, and highly esteemed cities ready to build urban resilience across the globe by improving their own capacities to prepare for, withstand, and bounce back rapidly from shocks and stresses. Chicago was selected for its emergency preparedness, continuing 21st century infrastructure improvements, economic diversity, and urgency to identify, prepare for and combat threats that are most likely to challenge its resiliency. As a part of the award, the City will be granted funding for no less than two years to hire its first Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), as well as expanded resources to strategize and execute long-term goals with a holistic focus on resilience at the neighborhood level…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
If the City of Chicago gets a CRO who's actually qualified for the position (not picked because of clout/ties to "The Machine"), and doesn't blow the wad pursuing foolish gun "control" initiatives, they might do okay with this project.
One more thing. What's got the Rockefeller Foundation so spooked they're bankrolling this 100 Resilient Cities Network? I'm guessing they've come to realize- like I did some years ago- life's not going to be all about rainbows and unicorns anytime soon.
You can read that entire press release on the City of Chicago website here.
By Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Peter Schiff Blasts U.S. Jobs Report, Irrational Exuberance 2.0, So-Called Experts
"Bullish U.S. jobs report keeps Fed on track for mid-2015 rate hike"
-Reuters website, December 5, 2014
"U.S. Stocks Rise After Strong Jobs Report"
-The Wall Street Journal website, December 5, 2014
"Hiring surged in November as employers added 321,000 jobs, crowning 2014 as the strongest year for job growth since 1999."
-CNN Money website, December 5, 2014
Any readers thinking Friday's U.S. jobs report sounded too good to be true?
Euro Pacific Capital's Peter Schiff did, and in his Friday entry on The Schiff Report Video Blog on YouTube, the "crash prophet" let the Pollyannas have it. Schiff pointed out:
If you actually look beneath the surface of this "strong" report, there are a lot of problems. First of all, again, more than half of the jobs that were created were low-paying jobs. You're talking about secretarial, administrative assistant-type jobs, waiters, bartenders, retail. Also jobs in leisure and hospitality, temporary services- that's more than half the jobs. Also, there's another report that comes out which is the household survey. This is the establishment survey- the non-farm number. But there's a household survey, and that one was flat. Basically, no gain in jobs in November. And in fact, they reported about 150,000 decrease in full-time jobs. So it was made up by an increase in part-time jobs. And in fact, in that household survey, you find that the big job losers went to younger people. People 16 to 24- there was a big drop in their numbers in the workforce. But you had a record number of people 55 and older entering the workforce. Labor force participation, which is still 62.8, which matches the lowest level since 1978. The labor force participation for older people, who should be retiring- that's going up. But the labor force participation for younger people, who should be entering the work force- that's going down…
Why can't we produce full-time jobs for these millions of Americans who are working part time but who want full-time jobs? And the answer is- because we're not creating full-time jobs. We're really creating part-time jobs. And I believe a lot of these jobs have to do with an anticipation of a robust holiday shopping season and a robust 2015. Because everybody is convinced that we have this recovery that businesses are gearing up to prepare for. And I think they're gearing up for a huge disappointment. I've described the recovery as a mirage, and the closer we get to when it's supposed to start, I think the more people will see it for what it is. It is a fantasy, it is not a reality…
This is supposedly the best year for job creation since 1999- this is what the media is saying. Well if this is really the case, if this is the best year for job creation, why is the shopping season so poor? And why did the Republicans just win in a landslide in these mid-term elections that just happened, when the voters said the reason they were voting Republican, is because they were frustrated by a weak economy. They felt the economy was going in the wrong direction. Well everybody is so excited about this "miracle"- this economic miracle of a recovery- except for the people who are supposedly living in the miracle. Because to them, it's not a dream, it is a nightmare.
Noting that Friday was 18 years to the day that former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave his "irrational exuberance" speech, Schiff warned about the new "irrational exuberance" in America that easily surpasses 1996's version. From the vlog:
If we're going to talk about irrational exuberance in the markets, eighteen years ago is nothing compared to the irrational exuberance that we have today. Today, we are off the charts irrational and exuberant considering the enormity of the problem…
None of the so-called experts who are talking about the "economic miracle" and "these amazing numbers" and how "our economy is the envy of the world"- none of these guys saw the problems at the peak in 2000. They didn't see the problems in the housing market or the coming financial crisis in 2007 and 2008. So they have a lousy track record when it comes to identifying in advance the problems that underlie the economy. And I think the problems that are underlying the economy now are bigger than ever, and the "experts" are blinder than ever.
"Does Today's Overhyped Jobs Report Mean 1 Out of 4 Ain't Bad?'
YouTube Video
By Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
(Editor's note: I am not responsible for any personal liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence of the use and application, either directly or indirectly, of any information presented herein.)
Please Rate this Blog HERE
Christopher E. Hill, Editor
10,773 Visits February 2015
550,836 Visits 11/22/10-2/28/15
Limited Time Offers
Recent Posts
- U.S. Geological Survey: Around 7% Chance California Will Experience Magnitude 8.0 Or Larger Earthquake In Next 30 Years
- RK Shows Prepper Show At Indiana State Fairgrounds On April 18-19
- JM Bullion Sale: 1 Oz Sunshine Silver Bars Only 99¢ Over Spot Any Quantity
- Chicago School Of Wilderness Skills Offering Many Survival-Related Training Classes In April
- Project Prepper, Part 33: Focus On Food
- Great Lakes Emergency Preparedness Expo To Be Held In Birch Run, Michigan, On April 11
- Robert Shiller: 'I Think Now Could Be A Good Time To Invest In Oil'
- Jim Rogers: 'When This Ends, It's Going To Be Much Worse Than The Last Time We Had A Big Collapse In The Financial Markets'
- Free, Discounted Rain Barrels For Cook County, Illinois, Residents
- Quote For The Week
Recent Comments
- Peter Schiff: China, Other U.S. Creditors Could Emulate Switzerland, Implode America When Fed Attempts QE4 on
- Are Expandable Batons Legal In Cook County, Illinois? on
- The Percentage Of Adult Americans That Own Investment Gold Is… on
- Chicago, New York City Cops Talk 'De-Policing,' 'Blue Flu' on
- Chicago, New York City Cops Talk 'De-Policing,' 'Blue Flu' on
- Project Prepper, Part 31: How Much, How Long For Survival Needs? on
- Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Blasts Barack Obama, Eric Holder, Bill de Blasio For Anti-Police Sentiment In U.S. on
- Project Prepper, Part 31: How Much, How Long For Survival Needs? on
- Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Blasts Barack Obama, Eric Holder, Bill de Blasio For Anti-Police Sentiment In U.S. on
- The Economist Magazine Investigates Preppers on
- Bug Out Survival
- Illusion of Prosperity
- Modern Survival Blog
- Offshore Safe Deposit Boxes
- Patrick.net
- Prep-Blog.com
- SHTFplan.com
- SurvivalBlog.com
- TEOTWAWKI Blog
- The Echo Boom Bomb
- The Great Depression of 2006
- The Mess That Greenspan Made
- TheSurvivalistBlog.net
- Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest
- WC Varones
grekland resor
Finance blogs
SEO services provided by Search Engine Optimization
Add blog to our directory.


text:
Help Desk: Active vs. Passive Speakers
The UniqueSquared Help Desk is back and this time we are covering the difference between active and passive speakers. A lot of people have been asking us what the difference is between the two and what are the advantages that each speaker type can provide. Well check out our video below to get all the answers.
Video Transcript:
Hello, my name is Chris welcome to the UniqueSquared Help Desk. Today we are talking about the difference between active speakers and passive speakers, otherwise known as powered and unpowered speakers.
Let's begin with what makes it an active speaker? Well it has an amplifier built into the back. You can just power this thing on and hook it up to your mixer or instrument or even a microphone for that matter and you got sound coming out of it.
This is a passive speaker. It doesn't have an amplifier built in, you can't just plug it into your mixer and have sound come out of it. You've got to hook it up to a powered amplifier first, which is what I have here. So passive speakers are better suited for permanent installations where you don't have to break down your amplifier and your speakers. You can just run your wires from your speakers to your amp and leave them. I've seen them in houses of worship and nightclubs usually.
The other reason that passive speakers are nice is that it really lets you fine tune what sort of pairing you want to do between your amplifier and your speaker, so if you really care how your sound is going to sound, you have all the control in the world to make it sound exactly how you want it to sound.
Now the problem with this setup comes with people who don't really know what they are doing. It's very easy to fry your amp and blow out your speakers. That's what makes the active speaker really nice, that and a few other things. If you are a mobile DJ or are traveling band and you don't want to have to deal with the hassle of all the set up that comes with your amplifiers and speakers, you can go with your active speaker and you have your amplifier built in. Just throw it up, plug it in and you're ready to play.
Now that being said you're not going to have the ability to fine tune what amplifier you match with what speaker but at the same time if you are new to the whole amplifier speaker combo thing, this is perfect for you because you will never fry your amp, you'll never blow out your speakers because the manufactures have already set up this amplifier to work with this speaker and be efficient at it too.
So there you have it. That is the basic rundown of the differences between passive speakers and active speakers. For all the best prices in pro audio gear be sure to check out UniqueSquared.com and my name is Chris I'll catch you guys next time.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hotel Stella-Marina
No availability found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
How has this hotel rated in the past?
- Free High-Speed Internet
- Free High-Speed Internet
- Free parking
- Free parking
Photos of Hotel Stella-Marina
Travelers also recommend:
TripAdvisor Reviews Hotel Stella-Marina Corsica
Travel Blogs from Corsica
Back to life, back to reality - sort of.
Tonight is the last night in Corsica. What a wonderful reunion (and introduction) it has been with the Angonno's. We were musing that none of us had much knowledge of Corsica and selected it as a destination somewhat on a whim. How fortunate our whims are so wise. This place is full of beautiful scenery and lovely people. ...
Photos from La Plage!
... pretty beach town. We arrived and realized they were having a fair. What serendipity! We enjoyed seeing the various carnival rides and vendors. And it was eye-opening to experience an outside perspective on America -- check out my photo of the Team USA ride. Yikes. We then found a lovely little restaurant and sat waterside. Like, toes in the sand by the side of the water.
No insights. No quips. Just a fun day with some wonderful friends.
Netherlands to France -- via Italy, naturally.
... a lack of light and windy roads, I suspect some beautiful scenery awaits us in the morning.
Now Nico is having dreams about barcos and autos. Rudi is opening some Tuscan wine they brought along and Gaby is trying to find us some English TV. So far we've settled on the French Dancing with the Stars. And I spotted a familiar SYTYCD face, Jean Marc Genereux is a judge!
Va bene. �a C'est �a. Life is what you make it.
Monticello and beyond!
... The officer was really quite nice and was interested that we live in a suburb that is also a suburb in Paris. After the strip search, we were allowed to go. Again, just joking. Calvi is quite interesting and we both would like to have the opportunity to be here for a few more days. The French Paratroopers Base in located here and there was a plane doing a circuit around the beach and dropping paratroopers out of the plane while we ...
Corsica: The top end.
... around. I am currently sitting on a white leather lounge, enjoying a vodka and tonic whilst looking out across a deep valley to mountainside on the other side.Tthe sunset was spectacular. We are dining in tonight and will explore the local area a bit more tomorrow. This area is known for its natural beauty and is sporting opportunities - sailing, mountain bike riding (no, he's not going), trekking and so. If I am able to drag myself out of the triple king size bed, I might do ...


text:
Red Deer, AB, Canada | Member Since 2015
"A very good, informative introduction."
This book has been in my physical home library for a few years now but it wasn't until I found the audible version that I actually had the time to go through the entire work. When it comes to scientific literature here on audible.com were very luck to come across a book like this that has a Narrator who doesn't sound like an 80 year old retired university professor.
Loved the book, i recommend the download as an introduction. I also recommend you follow up this book with some more on basic genetics so you get a better idea of what is going on.
"Practice makes perfect."
This was a great introduction. I'll be practicing it more though before going onto the next lesson.
"Worth every cent!"
So this book actually got me back into Shakespeare. After reading the middle to modern English plays in high school I was a little hesitant in purchasing. I did though, and don't regret it one bit. My attention was kept through this audio book, the narrator is quite good. I recommend this.
"Good book, worth the purchase."
If I could go back, I would have still purchased this audio book even though I gave it three stars. It's an awe inspiring story. The narration is good in parts, a little dry in others. I didn't read any intro's or listen to a sample before purchasing and was sort of expecting a historical non-fiction story, but it is in fact, a simple history text. Still worth it though!
"Probably the best of the war chronicles..."
I listened to this audio book while researching the first world war. It is probably the most complete compilation (at least in any readable or audible format) of the great war. The author is meticulous in his effort, paying special attention to the details. The book is even entertaining in parts - how often can you say that for a history book!
"Get this course now!"
This is my all time favorite history course, in any genera! The professor is extremely knowledgeable and this course if just, well, 5 stars no matter how you put it. I am critical of many things, and I do not give high reviews lightly. It is earned. Excellent course.
"Classic Churchill."
So this is actually, the second half of the auto biography of Sir Winston Churchill. It's a good read, I'll recommend it. You get what you can expect from him, a semi biased personal account of the second world war and the events leading up to it. I really enjoyed reading history from this colorful author ;)
"Excellent course!"
This is my second, all time favorite history course thus far. I have only been a patron of the Great Courses for about 7 or 8 months when my favorite podcaster mentioned they were now on Audible. I highly recommend this particular course. The professor is very good at what he does, captivating, interesting, and knowledgeable.
"Excellent and amazing literature!"
Be warned, the narration can be kind of dry in some parts; but stay focused, it is so worth it because this book is amazing. It really gives you a first hand account of what it was like to be in 1945 Berlin; It's rare to have such personal accounts of battle and I really would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this type of history; especially those of you interested on the specific war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
"Couldn't make it through."
I bought this audio book with high hopes. I own the hard cover book and could never find the time to read it all, it's so huge! So I thought the audio would help. It's not really the narrators fault that I couldn't make it through the entire length; it's just that the material is so dry that even for a history fan I became disinterested fairly fast. Luckily, Audible has several other selections on the same material that are better suited and that I actually made it through :)
"Interesting and compelling."
So I have been interested in Russian History since I was a boy; in particular into the assassination of the Tsar and his family in 1918. Massie does an amazing recount of the event, the investigation, and aftermath of this historically relevant time in history. If you're at all captivated by this subject than I strongly recommend it.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
Packing Tips for the Smart Traveler
Credit: Davies + Starr
Published: April 2009
By Rima Suqi, Jessica Shaw, Christine Ajudua
With ever-changing airline rules and restrictions, packing can be a nightmare. But it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up the latest techniques, our favorite new rollaboards, and ways to pare down a carry-on. Plus, advice from expert travelers.
Hers: 9 Tips for the Perfect Carry-on
His: 8 Tips for the Perfect Carry-on
Pack Like a Pro: Diane von Furstenberg
Pack Like a Pro: Tumi's David Chu


text:
The Top 10 In Action Sports
01Welcome to Qasr Al-Farid: The Rock With A Door That Will Rock Your World
0218 Things That Will Give Anyone Who Did Duke Of Edinburgh A Serious Flashback
0316 Things That Will Give 90s Skater Kids A Serious Flashback
04This 10 Year Old Kid Just Nailed A Dub Cork 1080... On His Second Attempt
05The 10 Most Spectacular Road Trips on Earth
06Water Slides, Plane Wings and Danny MacAskill: This is Road Cycling Like Never Before...
0724 Reasons Why Snowboarding Was Better In The Early Noughties
08Could Scientists Be About to Build a Terminator? They're Closer Than You Think…
09Win a Holiday for 2 in Chamonix with Three #holidayspam
1017 Holiday Beer Photos That Every Skier Takes to Make Their Friends Jealous
Gridset - Sean Kerridge BASE Jump: BASEhead Wednesdays on WIDSIX TV
Gridset - Sean Kerridge BASE Jump: BASEhead Wednesdays on WIDSIX TV Just what the name implies... just some archive footage of a quick, raw BASE jump from Sean Kerridge, Ben Gibbs, & Patto (Brad Patfield). Sometimes, simple is better. RIP Sean: Sean passed away in a speedflying accident in February of 2012. "A good friend of mine and maybe yours passed away in new zealand speedflying, i guess if you knew him you knew he was a great guy and as we always say very safe... I am glad i spent some time with him. Tributes can me made here: http://www.facebook.com/seankerridge and if you cant remember his face you can see it here: http://vimeo.com/37168278 " ~ PATTO (posted on basejumper.com forum after the accident) See more edits at: http://widsix.com/tv


text:
State says city won't get storm water credits for Grass Lake project, but project planning continues
WILLMAR -- Construction activities could begin next year on the 1,200-acre Grass Lake restoration project, even though the city of Willmar is no longer a participant.
Get the full story
Subscribe or Log In
Are you a newspaper subscriber but you don't have a Digital Access account yet? Activate your account.
You will need your subscription account number and phone number. Not sure if you have an account? Email us or call 320-214-4364 and we can help you.


text:
Book your room at The Clarence Hotel
4-star adults-only hotel in Southsea with a restaurant
Collect 200 points
Simply enter your Nectar card number when prompted. Your points will be credited 30 days after you return from your trip.*Offers may apply
Situated in Southsea, this hotel is close to Portsmouth D-Day Museum, Gunwharf Quays, and Spinnaker Tower. Also nearby are Southsea Castle and Blue Reef Aquarium.
Hotel Features
In addition to a restaurant, The Clarence Hotel features a bar/lounge. Other amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access.
Room Amenities
Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, air conditioning, and climate control.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access.
This Edwardian hotel also offers coffee/tea in the lobby and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Limited complimentary onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Clarence Hotel is a smoke-free property.
- Total number of rooms - 8
- Number of floors - 3
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Parking (limited spaces)
- Luggage storage
- Restaurant
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free parking nearby
- Free self parking
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Free self parking, Parking (limited spaces), Free parking nearby
Room Amenities
- Climate control
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Free bottled water
- Daily housekeeping
- Slippers
- Bathrobes
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Digital TV service
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
- Egyptian-cotton sheets
- Individually furnished
- Individually decorated
Where to Eat
A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
Onsite venue - This bar serves dinner and light fare.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-in time ends at 11 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Minimum guest age is 18
Caters to adults only
No cribs (infant beds) available
No elevators
No pets or service animals allowed
Parking height restrictions apply
We should mention
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties. A resort fee is included in the total price displayed. Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.


text:
We all know that there are plenty of cam sites over the internet but there is one that stood out from the crowd: My Free Cams. It's currently one of my favorites live cams site online. So what do you get? Free access to over 1000 live sex shows. Solo babes, couples and more. I am talking about 1000+ live sex cams that are running now. This is not just a list of all performers.
At the time I am writing this post I see 1097 models online now. This is really one busy adult cam network. As a member you get free access to live sex in HD, full access to the PM (private messaging) system, the ability to hook up your own webcam, special large cam features, your own profile, and much more. No longer you would need to search for another webcam site. Another reason I really enjoy My Free Cams is because I did find someone special there. Her name is MerryLuv and she is a goddess. You don't believe me? See for your self: MerryLuv likes a man that is into music. Maybe even plays the guitar or battery …. She haven't had many boyfriends. She was always looking for love but can never find it.
Give yourself a try and signup at My Free Cams and enjoy the best live cams shows.


text:
I enjoyed my stay at Markos Studios, mainly because the owner is extremely helpful and hardworking. The location is also excellent. The accommodation used by EasyJet (the block across the road from the pool area) is definately not so great. Although self catering accommodation in Greece is always basic, this was beyond basic. The balcony of each room is overlooked... More
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with TripOnline SA so you can book your Villa Markos reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Villa Markos Hotel Perissa
- Marcos Apartments Santorini
- Marcos Apartments Hotel Santorini
- Villa Markos Santorini/Perissa


text:
MusicLab RealGuitar v3.1.0-R2R
MusicLab RealGuitar v3.1.0.Incl Crack and Keygen WiN/MAC-R2R
TEAM R2R 2014.11.24 | WiN: 191.62 MB | MAC: 194.84 MB
If you are serious about creating truly realistic sounding solo and accompaniment guitar stuff for your songs, our product called RealGuitar is just what you need. RealGuitar is a sample-based virtual instrument with an innovative approach to guitar sound modeling and guitar part performing on keyboard.
Author: Mirana / Date: 26-11-2014, 22:52 / Comments: 0


text:
Edmonton >
Welcome to Edmonton.FoundLocally.com which covers central Alberta along the #16 Yellowhead Highway, and the #2 Highway north of Red Deer!
Edmonton Oilers host Calgary Flames in excting NHL hockey action (runs 4/4/2015)Catch exciting NHL hockey action against top teams across Canada and the US! More InfoEdmonton Oilers host Los Angeles Kings in excting NHL hockey action (runs 4/7/2015)Catch exciting NHL hockey action against top teams across Canada and the US! More InfoEdmonton Oilers host San Jose Sharks in excting NHL hockey action (runs 4/9/2015)Catch exciting NHL hockey action against top teams across Canada and the US! More Info
Posted Edmonton area Movie listings, showtimes, movie reviews and rankings for week of March 20th (3/20/2015 to 4/3/2015)Hot New Releases this week include: The Divergent Series: Insurgent, Do You Believe?, The Gunman, with Friday matinee of Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), and Sat matinee simulcast of Metropolitan Opera: Der fliegende Hollander (Opera: The Flying Dutchman) More InfoEdmonton and area ski and snowboarding conditons for weekend of March 19th (3/19/2015 to 4/2/2015)Excellent conditions across the country (except West Coast), expecially in the Maritimes... when will the ski season end?. More InfoEdmonton DVD, Blu-ray, video, and video-on-demand releases for week of Tuesday March 17th (3/17/2015 to 3/31/2015)Hot New Releases this week include: Annie, Boyhood, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Jack Reacher, Penguins of Madagascar, Top FiveMore Info
New Listing: EdmontonWebmaster.com (added 3/26/2015)Edmonton Webmaster builds high quality custom websites from in-house web designs. We are the 2015 Consumer Choice Award Winner in Edmonton. Visit our web site or give us a call for more info. More InfoNew Listing: Tooth Works Dentistry (added 3/26/2015)Welcome to Tooth Works, your Edmonton Dental Team who have provided quality, patient-friendly care for over 40 years. At Tooth Works, we don't just fix teeth; we develop lasting relationships with our patients and create healthy, beautiful smiles. More InfoNew Listing: Maxx Reliability (added 3/21/2015)Contact us at (587) 410-2025 in Edmonton, AB, for an industrial contractor that services manufacturing plants. More InfoNew Listing: DD's On Site!™ (added 3/21/2015)Its' a lot cheaper for us to take you AND your car or truck home safely, than it is to mess with cabs, or the Police, or your Driver's license, or worse! More InfoNew Listing: Aberdeen Apartments (added 3/21/2015)Aberdeen rental apartment building is located close to a major hospital and other amenities. Oliver Square restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance. More Info
Edmonton Sports & Recreation
Golfing season is now upon us. Check out this city & area's most complete golf course listings & information.
You can also check out golfing in the Alberta and BC Rockies
Check out our complete Sports section for info on your favourite summertime activity.
Edmonton Travel Tourism
Edmonton, Alberta is nestled in the northern prairie, about 400 km east of the Rocky Mountains.
Edmonton is a fascinating place to live or to visit, with two "downtowns", one on the north side, where business and government are located, and the other on the south side where the university and industry is. Both have plenty of attractions and plenty of shopping and dining.
Edmonton Business
Businesses and self-employed individuals are welcome to add themselves to our FREE LISTINGS and post news, events, and job opportunities. FoundLocally has lots of tips and information for businesses, and their staff and managers.
Edmonton Shopping
The city is very modern, and much of the downtown was built since the 1974 Oil Boom.
The population has also tripled since that time, and is now over a million residents.
With many young people moving here from all over Canada, the restaurant, nightlife and cultural scene is quite vibrant.
General Photo Credit: Edmonton photos by Nanette Samol, Mark Ruthenberg and Spectrum Multimedia, unless otherwise noted
Copyright 1999-2015 FoundLocally.com Media Inc (403) 245-2194 Contact FoundLocally
Local Map - What's around me?
Edmonton Movies
Edmonton Ski/Snow Reports
Edmonton Ski & Snowboard Report
101 Kids Things To Do
Edmonton Festivals
Edmonton Visitor Intro
Weekly DVD & Video Releases
Edmonton Golf Courses
Edmonton Farmers Markets
Edmonton School Calendars
Trans-Canada Trip Planner
Other FoundLocally Cities


text:
- News
- Local
- Sports
- Business
- Politics
- Opinion
- Lifestyle
- Entertainment
- Obituaries
- Classifieds
- Autos
- Housing
- Jobs
Page 2 of 2 Previous
A National Academy of Sciences study found that from 2006 to 2011, 1.3 million acres of grassland and wetland were converted to crops in the Dakotas, Nebraska and parts of Minnesota and Iowa — a conversion rate that the National Wildlife Federation compared to the Dust Bowl era.
Environmentalists say that taxpayer-supported crop insurance has contributed to that decline. Farm groups maintain that the conversion rates are a reflection of acreage set aside during hard years of low commodity prices.
The majority of corn acres added in Minnesota in recent years have come not from virgin land, Peterson said, but from acres that were used for pasture or for other crops such as wheat.
"Where are you going to find these grasslands to plow up?" he said. "They're just not there."
What is clear is that there is little virgin land to convert to cropland in Minnesota. By some estimates, as little as 1 percent remains of the vast native prairie that once stretched across the state.
The state and a consortium of conservation groups have launched a 25-year plan to preserve the vanishing prairie, to offset the land pressures of development and farming.
Farmers are critical in that effort, Wenzel said, but they need help from Congress. "We have nothing against farmers trying to maximize their bottom lines," he said. "The problem is in the policy."
Kevin Diaz • 202-383-6120


text:
Kifer, Nord have big days in Iowa
Dillon Kifer and Pat Nord led a big day for the Jimmie wrestling team in Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday.
Kifer and Nord combined to go a perfect 10-0 with individual titles, spearheading a second-place finish for the University of Jamestown at the Briar Cliff Open.
Get the full story
Subscribe or Log In
Are you a newspaper subscriber but you don't have a Digital Access account yet? Activate your account.
You will need your subscription account number and phone number. Not sure if you have an account? Call 701-252-3120 and we can help you.


text:
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|2 - 3 nights
This tastefully decorated luxury apartment is located on the world famous Champs Elysees Avenue. It is within short walking distance to key attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower. It is also ideally located in the heart of the best shopping, restaurant and entertainment district.
The apartment with its hardwood flooring, tall ceilings and windows has retained the Parisian cache but has been decorated and appointed in a contemporary style to meet modern taste and comfort.
The spacious, beautifully decorated living room is equipped with a large Plasma flat screen TV, IPod player and telephone.
The newly redesigned kitchen is fully equipped and includes a dishwasher, toaster, microwave and coffee maker.
The bedroom features a tall window, 30'' flat screen TV, upholstered bench, comfortable queen size bed and ambient lighting for a romantic setting.
As you exit the building onto the Champs Elysees you will be surrounded by multiple shops, cinemas, restaurants and coffee shops including a Starbucks and the famous Laduree Salon de the. You will also find a Monoprix department store which has a supermarket on it's lower level should you choose to eat in.
Upon your arrival, you will be met by someone who will show you around the apartment and answer any questions you may have relative to your stay.
Someone will also meet with you at the conclusion of your stay to facilitate your departure and complete the experience.
I have lived in various countries and visited several dozens more but have always had a soft spot for Paris. Each time I visit, I am in awe at the beauty of the city, it's architecture, incredible museums and monuments but also with the fabulous food and shopping. It is the reason why I have chosen to invest in a pied-a terre in Paris.
Jacqueline purchased this apartment in 2010
As I love to walk, the Champs Elysees location was perfect in every sense. It is not only an amazing avenue with all it's shops, restaurant and more but is so centrally located that most major attractions are within walking distance.
Nous y reviendrons prochainement Nous vous recontacterons
It was perfect. Very nice. Location right in the middle of everything ! Michelle, the hostess was very informative. An absolute perfect place. Will definitely re book. If you're thinking about it. DO IT !! ❤
The apartment is just as described in a beautiful building in great location. Isabelle was right on schedule to get us the key, knowledgeable of the area, courteous and overall wonderful to work with. Would definitely stay here again.
Location was awesome ! Was in the heart of everything. Enough space for family of four. Things that could be worked on the tv in bedroom did not work. No DVD player and the towel warmer did not work. The info provided for the washer was not in English and the info book didn't mention the landline USA as ok to call. After 4 days you need housekeeping and there is a smoky smell that comes from the outdoor corridor.
This apartment is in the perfect location - easy walking distance to everything we wanted to see. Jacqueline was extremely accommodating and helpful. The apartment is lovely and has everything we could ask for. It's perfect for any balance of sight-seeing and relaxing. We would be delighted to stay there again.
Arriving after a long drive, we parked right outside the apartment to offload our luggage and were immediately impressed by its location, right in the middle of the bustling, high end shopping strip of the Avenue Champs Elysees. The apartment was very bijoux, a small gem of French chic, elegantly decorated and with a well equipped kitchenette. We were met by a delightful young lady who took time to familiarise us with the features of the apartment: tv; phone; wifi; etc. and then told us she would be in the vicinity for the next hour or so should we need any further help. The location was very central for walking to most places of interest, with a metro station nearby for quick transport to those a little further afield.
The very comfortable double bed thoroughly filled the bedroom and the only hanging space was in a small cupboard in the lounge room, so it would be recommended to travel light to avoid juggling with luggage, but for two people it was a lovely space to spend a Parisian holiday as a hotel alternative. We were travelling with three adults and there was a pull out couch in the lounge room for the third person. Ok for a short stay like ours, but could get a little awkward in a long stay situation.
Overall, the apartment suited our needs perfectly and its ambience and location were ideal.
Other Activities: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, Jardin des Tuileries, Shopping on Avenues Montaigne and Champs Elysees, Lido...
|Rental Period
|Minimum Price
|Additional Nights
|Weekend Night
|Monthly *
|Event Price
High season
2 Apr 2015 - 31 Oct 2015
2 night minimum stay
for 2 nights
Christmas holiday
18 Dec 2015 - 3 Jan 2016
3 night minimum stay
for 3 nights
My Standard Rate
2 night minimum stay
for 2 nights
|Property Damage Protection
From $225/night to $1,645/week
Refundable security deposit or Damage Protection Insurance required in addition to a $100 cleaning fee.
* Approximate monthly price. Actual pricing will depend on the days of the month you stay.
Please Note: The owner of this property accepts payment in the original currency specified (USD), before use of conversion tool. The conversion tool is provided for your convenience only. The owner may accept other currencies if specifically agreed in advance.


text:
*components of 100% pure steam-distilled essential oils 18% certified organic ingredients
Roll over image to magnify & Click to Zoom
Why Set & Save?
Just click "Add to Set & Save" when placing items in your cart.
Vitacost price: $60.95
"I formulate my nourishing day cream as the rich, luxurious age-defying cream of the suki care regiment. To keep skin hydrated, firm & feeling super-smooth all over.
know your beauty - Suki
The suki difference: Vitamin C is a volatile acid, easily oxidized on your skin, therefore used in small proportions in most skincare. Our patented, stabilized-ingredient technology, TLC vitamin C the first clinically-proven & powerfully potent sustained active at our deeply-penetrating & high concentrations provides overall even tone, hydration, help for signs of premature aging, fine lines & wrinkles, lost elasticity, sagging & slowed collagen, spots & hyperpigmentation without the irritation of primitive forms of vitamin C.
Solution: Helps fight free radical oxidation, reducing signs of premature aging, the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, smoothing & evening the complexion, providing glowing, radiant smooth skin tone.
|Know your beauty
|TLC vitamin C
|ascorbyl glucoside
|collagen peptides
|bio0fermented yeast
suki challenges the industry & provides real solutions & results - no side effects.
We promise to use only 100% pure ingredients · no synthetic allergens · no parabens · no phthalates · no petrochemicals · no synthetic fragrances / dyes · no sulfates · Never!
Every active in suki is used at the highest %, & must be clinically-proven effective.
Real results
In our clinical trials, 84% of participants report dramatically improved overall appearance.
While dewy from toning, gently massage 1-2 pumps into face & decollete until completely & thoroughly absorbed.
Vitacost price: $12.00
Vitacost price: $13.40
Vitacost price: $50.95
Vitacost price: $32.95
Vitacost price: $60.95
Vitacost price: $58.95
Vitacost price: $32.95
|Enter Shipping Zip Code:
|Please enter a valid zip code


text:
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|2 - 4 nights
The Cabin is a charming spot for a respite from the 'civilized' world.
Two bedrooms one with a queen, the second with a double bed.
Soak in the claw foot tub.
Sit on the deck and see miles and miles of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains.
Marvel at the number of stars and fireflies you can see at night.
Spend your days relaxing and letting your dog run on the 21 acres, or mosey down the mountain for the many many nearby activities. There will be something for everyone.
Spend your evenings snuggled inside by a fire in the fireplace built from stone gathered on the property or gather around the outdoor firepit to roast marshmallows, make smores, and tell ghost stories.
The Cabin was built in 1963. We have updated it just a bit for comfort but we treasure the place so we believe we have maintained its charm. We think you'll agree.
Keywords: mountain cabin, acreage for hiking, pet friendly, stone wood burning fireplace, blue ridge parkway, linville gorge falls, appalachian trail, mountain biking, golf, fly fishing
After I bought The Cabin in 1998, my husband became a mountain lover too. Being in the mountains reminds me of the old Native American, Nesmuk, who is credited with saying, 'We don't come out here to rough it. We come out here to smooth it. Things are rough enough in town.' Just driving up the road to the place creates a feeling of serenity we don't find anywhere else. We're sure you'll agree.
The Owner purchased this cabin in 1998
The location is perfect because it is isolated yet close to everything you need.
My fiancé and I were tired of the city and decided to retreat to this adorable cabin on the top of a ridge on 21 acres for a month. Look no further if you are looking for a great view, comfortable cabin with everything you need, and close enough to town for easy trips in for quick errands. Peg and David were amazing hosts. Once we settled in, Peg provided many options for hiking, sights to see, and answered any questions we had right away. The drive to the cabin for the first time ( and each time after ) was so exciting. It takes you through the trees slowly up until you reach the cabin, and the view and feeling you get up top is so peaceful. Linville Falls, great local restaurants, blue ridge parkway, lots of hiking, Grandfather Mountain, Boone and wineries just to name a few of the nearby attractions. We were also lucky enough to see an array of birds and a couple of deer visits as well. There's hiking right on the property too! We were just soooo happy and impressed with our decision, and if you are looking to get away to the peace of the woods, you will not be disappointed!!
The cabin is very nice and the views are breathtaking! So beautiful. Our Beagle is having the time of her life too... running around the yard area and enjoying the cool weather and hiking the trails with us.
Perfect! Views, bed, cleanliness and amenities were ALL perfect!
It was a wonderful, relaxing stay! Suggestions for visitors (1) get your groceries before coming to the cabin because you will not want to leave once you see the view and nest in, (2) get up early to see the mist come up the valley over the mountainsides, (3) don't forget your camera - it is beautiful up there! Wish we could have stayed longer and want to come back.
We greatly enjoyed our stay at The Cabin. The pictures do not do justice to how quaint and cozy the cabin feels inside. We loved all of the wood and stone details that went into the construction/interior of the cabin. It was very well maintained and very tastefully decorated. Fully furnished and stocked with all the basics we needed to be very comfortable. The property is gorgeous and you feel secluded and hidden away in the mountains, with a gorgeous view from the deck. We enjoyed the fire pit most evenings we were there. The cabin was convenient to a local grocery store and the nearby attractions such as Grandfather mountain, Linville caverns etc. There were also trails near the cabin for light hiking, we didn't stray too far but did some exploring on the property which was very enjoyable. We stayed with my 6 year old and I think it's a great place for a small family. I will definitely return and stay here again!
This property was everything we hoped it would be and more! We really loved the "antique" inviting feel from the moment we walked in the cabin. My husband and I took our dog, Dixie for a quick weekend trip. It was so relaxing to be able to sit out on the deck and enjoy the views, while she was out "exploring" the land. It was well-equipped with everything you would ever need and then some. We were lucky to have perfect weather for our weekend. We spent our days hiking in nearby areas, nights enjoyed dinner on the grill and smores by the bonfire. I contacted Peg earlier in the week to get some suggestions as far as places to go near the water. She generously gave me a suggestion of a nearby waterfall which we enjoyed. The directions she provided to waterfall and cabin were spot on! I miss this place already and hope to be able to visit again soon. We have already shared with all our friends and would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a "home away from home" in the mountains.
The cabin is on 21 acres where your dog will love to run. We live on the same acreage, but you can't see one home from the other although you could walk from one to the other.
Appalachian State University in Boone which offers a fabulous summer festival of entertainment, Blowing Rock has a live theater company, Linville Gorge the 'Grand Canyon of the East' offers hiking and fly fishing in the Linville River, numerous fly fishing spots all around, the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway also offer spectacular hikes as does Grandfather Mountain which also offers a zoo of rescued animals including owls and bears! And don't forget the Zip Line!
There is more to do than you'll have time to do!
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
My Standard Rate
2 night minimum stay
|Cleaning Fee
|Pet Fee
|Tax Rate
Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions regarding The Cabin rental.
Thanks, Peg
Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (USD) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.


text:
Hoppin' 5k Fun Run & Parks and Recreation Egg Hunt
Bring the whole family to this fun, free event with over 5,000 eggs! April 3 in Manteo
more info
Free Health Screenings at the Baum Center
Friday, April 25 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am
more info
Diabetes Self Management Group
The Dare County Center in Manteo hosts monthly meetings for individuals with diabetes, pre-disposed to diabetes, and family members that want to learn more about diabetes.
more info
Mommy and Me at the Fessenden Center in Buxton
Parents and toddlers are welcome every Monday from 10 AM to Noon and Thursdays from 9-11 AM for an open gym setting.
more info
Dare Home Health and Hospice
Dare County Department of Public Health is seeking caring, compassionate people to assist families in our community receiving Dare Home Health or Dare Hospice services.
more info
Dare County Receives Excellence in Communications Award
Dare County, was among 17 North Carolina government agencies to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators' Excellence in Communications Awards. more info
Restricted Access for Most Vessels at Oregon Inlet
The U.S. Coast Guard announced enforcement of a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) at Oregon Inlet on Saturday morning , March 28 more info
Quarter Cent Sales Tax Increase Requested for Inlet Management
Dare County Board of Commissioners request quarter cent sales tax to secure dredging funds for Oregon and Hatteras Inlets. more info
Dare County Offices Closed Friday, April 3 in Observance of Good Friday
Revised trash collection schedule for March 30 - April 3. more info
Large Item Pick Up Schedule
The Dare County Sanitation Department has released the large item pick up schedule for spring. more info
Health Rankings Note Progress & Opportunities for Dare County
Dare County placed in the top 15 for health outcomes and top 25 for health factors. more info
40th Annual Dare Day Festival
The 40th Annual Dare Day Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6 along the Manteo Waterfront. Applications for vendors accepted through May 15.
Read Full Article
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 12-18, 2015
The week of April 12-18, 2015 is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the otherwise unsung heroes on the other end of the line when you call 911.
Read Full Article


text:
211,501 users
This extension is for those TB3 users who want the multiple-columns view that TB2 allowed
55,588 users
True "Send Later" functionality to schedule the time for sending an email.
32,292 users
Did your friend send you a cool link? Want to read the rest of that interesting article? Don't want to open up your web browser just to view it? You don't have to! Just view it in Thunderbird with ThunderBrowse!
170,964 users
Add symbol in header plane to switch between compact and expanded view. Options to switch between one or two lines compact view, which buttons should be displayed in header pane. Linkify RSS subject. Optionally darkens header if message has focus.
39,676 users
Extracts all attachments from selected messages and then can delete, detach or mark-read.
26,593 users
The "Swiss army knife" of folders. Turn your favorites into tabs - open folders and subfolders, move mails without scrolling around or searching. powerful + easy.
See new mail at a glance after automatic filtering - supports quickFilters addon!
4,297 users
Automatically fill your address books or send mass mails with e-mail addresses extracted from all your e-mails.
7,675 users
Adds many new mail filter actions - launch a file, suppress notification, remove star or tag, mark replied or unread, copy as "read", append text to subject.
11,552 users
Collapse and expand quotes. Please see the extension homepage for...
3,734 users
Enables access to various about: dialogs from the View menu.
2,347 users
Select all the mails in a directory sent by the selected authors.
372 users
Email Bookmarks are here ! ... eMark your important emails.
Do you have an email that will need to revisit/attend later on ? Would you like to keep it handy and get it with a simple click ? Bookmark your important emails with the eMarks addon.
939 users
Looks up the origin country and city of an e-mail message, using the IP address.
189 users
Inspect the DOM of HTML, XUL, and XML pages, including the mail...
Collections are groups of related add-ons that anyone can create and share.Explore Collections
To create your own collections, you must have a Mozilla Add-ons account.


text:
You don't hear much from Harmon Kardon, but they've just released their first Blu-Ray player, the aptly named BDP 1. It's got several features and features a hefty price tag, coming in at $499.
Tag Archive for Player
Slacker Portable G1 2GB Personal Radio Player w/4" LCD
by Kristofer Brozio •
I used to always listen the radio when I was younger, but after a while I just got sick of commercials, and now I rarely listen to it, usually it's when I've forgotten to charge my Zune while driving…
iLuv i1255 5.1 Channel Slim Desktop iPod / DVD Player
by Kristofer Brozio •
Yesterday I took a look at a Blu-ray DVD drive, today I'm taking a step back and looking at a very unique DVD player. Yes Blu-ray of high definition is the future, but I can bet that there are still…