text:
No Offer
Neutral Experience
Average Interview
I applied online and the process took 4+ weeks - interviewed at Ipsos in February 2013.
Interview Details – First I had an interview with HR manager via phone and then I was invited to a face-to-face interview. I was interviewed by 5 people. Later they informed me that they hired somebody within the company.
Interview Question – What is your experience with SQL? Answer Question
Accepted Offer
Positive Experience
Average Interview
I applied through an employee referral and the process took 6 weeks - interviewed at Ipsos in September 2008.
Interview Details – The hiring process is rather lengthy, however, necessary. Ipsos does a very good job of ensuring the employee is actually qualified to do the job. They also are quite good at explaining exactly what the position entails.
I had over 6 interviews with Ipsos employees. The disadvantage to this is it makes the interview process very lengthy. The advantage is you get to speak to the majority of the people you would be working with on a day to day basis.
Interview Question – Tell me about a time you worked in a team enviornment Answer Question
Negotiation Details – I was able to negotiate.
Accepted Offer
Positive Experience
Average Interview
I applied in-person - interviewed at Ipsos in July 2012.
Interview Details – 2 months unpaid internship led to a permanent offer.
Interview Question – A furniture manufacturer wants to do a study in UAE. Who should be his target group? Answer Question
Negotiation Details – Initial salary was higher relative to other agencies
Accepted Offer
Neutral Experience
I applied through an employee referral and interviewed at Ipsos.
Interview Details – 1st round: several general questions, like self-introduction, process of data analysis and modelling philosophy.
2nd round: quiz on stats and SAS.
Interview Question – modelling philosophy? it is a bit tricky. Answer Question
No Offer
Positive Experience
Average Interview
The process took 1+ week - interviewed at Ipsos in April 2012.
Interview Details – 1st interview with HR Manager...asked same questions as on application:
Please describe your specific relevant previous experiences that you have:
What were the difficulties that you faced in your previous positions? How did you solve them? What were the results of your solutions?
What do you think that you will bring to Ipsos if you will be selected to this position?
Why you think that you will succeed in this position?
What are the specific skill set, know-how and capabilities that you have that will allow you to excel at Ipsos and specifically in the job duties and profession that you are applying to?
• Why have you opted to apply to Ipsos?
• Please describe in detail what you know about Ipsos?
2nd interview a few days later w/ GM of Marketing and an Account Manager... less than 15 min long... asked very basic easy competency questions
3rd interview w/ Managing Director... a very rushed interview... took 5 mins ... why ipsos? why market research? he said he just wanted to meet me to put a face to my test results and what he heard from others who interviewed me
Interview Question – Please describe your specific relevant previous experiences that you have: Answer Question
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Archives for Moving
Moving: Working with a professional moving company, part two
This is part two of a two-part series on this topic.
It's exciting to move into a new home and have a crew unload and unpack your household goods. As far as employment perks go, it's a very nice perk. If you want to make settling into your home even easier, keep some of these tips in mind.
As with any move, plan to arrive a day or two before your household goods. Complete the deal with the real estate agents and lawyers, and clean the house if required. It is much easier to clean an empty house.
Designate a special spot for incoming paperwork and mail so that it doesn't get lost in the shuffle of boxes and wrappings. Ideally, you should have a small portable filing box to keep the papers organized. You could store the box in your car during the move-in or designate a special spot in your new home. Make everyone aware of the location of the box and encourage everyone to put important papers in that box.
Set up disposal systems. Place a garbage bin in every room in a spot as close as possible to where the garbage bin will permanently live in that room. If garbage bins are not available, use Painter's Tape to attach a garbage bag to the wall.
Decide where you would like to place the big pieces of furniture such as beds and sofas. You only want to move the heavy items once. There are some online tools you can use to easily plan and design your space: Icovia Room Planner and Roomsketcher.
When the unloading crew arrives, show them around the house and let them know where the furniture should be placed. Placing signs on the doors of the room with a sketch of the furniture layout will help the crew know where to put the furniture. (Again, Painter's Tape is good for this task.)
Watch as the crew opens truck doors and examine the load to see if it shifted in transit. If so, take photos so you can include them if you decide to make a claim for damages.
The unloading crew will provide a list of tag numbers as all of the items were tagged prior to loading onto the truck. As each item, box or piece of furniture leaves the truck, cross off the tag number. Note beside the tag number if a box is damaged (scuffed, dented, torn or crushed). Sometimes tags fall off the item or get stuck to the wrappings so an item may be missing its tag. On a separate sheet of paper or the back of the list, write down the piece of furniture or the size of the box. At the end of the unloading session, crosscheck the "no tag" items with your tag list. You should find that all the tag numbers are crossed off. Note in detail any items that are missing.
Unpacking generally takes place the following day. However if you do not have much stuff, it may take place the same day. Most unpacking services are "flat surface" unpacks. This means the unpacking crew will unpack the boxes and place the contents on any flat surfaces (including the floor). Normally the crew will not place items on shelving units or in cupboards in case the shelving unit tips over or the shelves break. If that happens, your items may not be covered by insurance.
It is helpful if you can work side-by side with the unpacking crew and place items in their "homes" after the crew member places them on the flat surfaces. This is important in the kitchen where there are usually more dishes than counter space.
As the crew is unpacking, note any broken or damaged items. Take pictures.
One other tip: Unfold and lay flat all of the packing paper prior to it being removed from your property to ensure that all small items are taken out, such as the lid from the sugar bowl or the remote control for the TV.
Once the crew has departed with the boxes and packing material, you'll be able to enjoy setting up and organising your new home.
Moving: Working with a professional moving company
This is part one of a two-part series on this topic.
Like many people, I had moved houses several times with the help of family, friends, pizza and beer. I prepared, planned, organised and the move went smoothly. After I married my husband and he was transferred for his job, we were entitled to full-service moves (pack, load, ship, unload, unpack) by professional moving companies. In our 22 years of marriage, we have moved 8 times with professional moving companies. On our very first move, I learned hard and fast that there are different things to take into consideration when working with a professional moving company than when doing it on your own.
First of all, declutter and organise as much as you can prior to the moving date. The moving company will base the estimated cost of the move on the weight and volume of your goods and effects. The less you have, the less the move will cost. The cost of moving household goods is approximately $6-$12 per kilogram ($3-$5 per pound) for a full-service move. The less you have, the less it will cost not only in shipping fees but in the time it takes to pack and unpack these items.
Prepare a home inventory. This is essential for your insurance purposes as well as any loss or damage claims you may wish to file with the moving company after your move. Although a list of goods is sufficient, having pictures of all your items is beneficial in case you need to prove that an item was in good condition prior to the move.
Ensure you understand the moving company's policies regarding claims. Prior to the move, mark the claim deadline in your agenda at least one week before the claim needs to be submitted. This will allow you to gather your documentation for the claim and submit it on time.
Decide what to do with items that the moving company will not ship. Because of transportation safety regulations, flammables (matches, solvents), explosives (fertilizer, aerosol cans), corrosives, (bleach, drain cleaner), cannot be shipped. If the move takes place in the winter, the moving company may refuse to take any liquids (including canned food) because these items can freeze and burst. You may wish to transport these items in your own vehicle or leave them with friends and family. If you throw away any hazardous material prior to moving, please respect the environment and use a designated municipal disposal facility.
NOTE: Transporting alcohol, tobacco and firearms across state, provincial or international borders may require special documentation. Contact the appropriate government departments prior to moving these items.
If your household goods are clean, dry and in their proper place in your home prior to packing, they will be very close to their proper place in the unpacking phase. A little extra cleaning and organising in advance will save time and energy in your new home.
Although most moving companies are very good, occasionally something gets packed that should NOT be packed so empty all of the garbage pails before the packing crew arrives. Wash and sanitize your garbage cans so they arrive fresh and clean in your new home.
Keep your wallet, purse, valuables, and important paperwork locked in your car during the packing process, but, if you need to, designate a bathroom as a "Do Not Pack" area. This will make sure that essential extra roll of toilet paper won't be packed.
When the packing crew arrives, introduce yourself and give them a tour of the house. Point out any fragile or oddly shaped items that require special care. Let the crew know that you are available to answer any questions.
Before your goods are loaded onto the moving van, politely ask if you can look inside the cargo area. You may not be able to enter the cargo area because of liability reasons but look inside if possible. If you notice any stains, greasy spots or holes in the walls or roof of the cargo area, politely point them out to the driver. Contact the moving company if you are concerned about possible damage to your household goods.
ANOTHER NOTE: During the loading day, never leave an open moving van or house unattended. A member of the loading crew or one of your friends/family members should be in the house and truck at all times. Passers-by can easily walk away with a box or two!
Before the truck rolls away, do a final walk through of your home. Verify that all the closets and cupboards are empty, especially on the highest and lowest shelves. Check behind doors too! Exchange contact information with the driver. Ask when he/she expects to be arriving at the destination and what route he/she expects to be travelling.
Say your final good-byes to your home and as you drive away you can look forward to your next adventure in a new and organised home.
Building a custom home: Four steps to help you stay organized
There's a wonderful discussion happening on the Unclutterer Forums. The topic: Building a new house. Quite honestly, it has me feeling a little envious. Building a custom home has got to be an exciting experience. At the same time, I suspect that it also can be a little overwhelming because there are so many things to consider and decisions to be made.
The process can go smoothly and with fewer hiccups if you do a bit of planning ahead of time. A key step would be to get everything out of your head and to organize all the necessary information in an easy to use system.
Think about changes you'd like to make
Start thinking about the home you presently live in. What seems to be working well? You'll want to make sure those elements are present in your new home. What are some things that need to be improved upon? Do you have particular solutions in mind? Walk through each room in your current home and record the things that you would like to change.
Keep a list of "must-haves"
Once you've walked through each area in your home, you'll have a better idea of the features that are most important to you. Create a list or chart of each room with the specific features you would like to have (hidden storage areas, extra outlets). Be specific about the things that you think would make each room function better based on your current lifestyle, and include any elements that you would find it difficult to live without. Your list will likely start out as a wish list and then get refined once you begin working with your contractor.
Collect important information in one central location
Speaking of contractors, consider using a binder (with tabbed pages) or a digital notebook (like Evernote or Springpad) to keep track of builders and other professionals (architects, designers) that you want to contact or who have given you proposals. Your binder, digital notebook, or a website like Houzz.com is also a great place to keep track of your ideas. Be sure to also include a copy of your budget in your notebook. That way, you'll be able to find it easily and see the budgeted dollar amounts as you think about features you want to include in your new home.
Plan your next move
It's never too early to start preparing you current home for your departure. You will get a timeline for completion from the builders, so you can schedule time to unclutter your current space. Then, when it's time to pack, you'll only be handling the things that you will be taking with you. To help you stay on track, consider using a moving checklist.
Building a custom home can be fun and managed without feelings of stress. With a solid plan and understanding of the process, you can successfully see your plans come to life. Keep in mind that you can always get more information before you make any final decisions. There are lots of articles (like 10 Things to Consider when Building a Home) and books (check out Building Your Own Home For Dummies) on building your home from scratch — as well as the mistakes to avoid — that can be great resources for you.
If you were to build your dream home, what uncluttered features would you include in the space?
Ask Unclutterer: Helping parents downsize
Reader Amanda submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:
After over 40 years in their home, [my 73 year old parents] … have decided to sell and build a house in a nearby community where HOA fees will pay for things like taking care of the yards. I am delighted for them.
… my mother has already expressed:
A) Anxiety about having to clean out their house to get it ready to sell. This also includes having small repairs made and staging the home.
B) Excitement about this being a chance to go through the things that they've collected over 40 years and toss/donate/sell the things they no longer want. She sees this as a chance to dump the unwanted and move forward only with what they want, need, and enjoy.
Do you have advice and resources I could pass on to my mother? … Any help you can offer would be welcome! Thanks.
Question A is easy to answer because good real estate agents have contractors and stagers on their staffs who do exactly these types of projects or they have a short list of trusted professionals they recommend using. When we sold our house last year, our agent's team patched small nail holes, replaced a broken latch on a window, brought in a professional cleaning crew, mulched our flower beds, and staged the whole house. If the agent your parents are considering working with doesn't have quick access to these services, they may want to interview some more agents to find one who really knows what he/she is doing. Since your parents are planning to move in just six months, now is a great time to start working with an agent.
Question B is terrific news because it means your parents are already thinking about the uncluttering and moving process in a positive way, too. You can help your parents by researching names of local charities and what types of donations the charities accept and how to make donations (drop off times, days of weeks, locations) to those charities. You can research what types of trash your parents' waste management service collects for those things that really do need to be purged, as well as the area's hazardous waste policies for any chemicals you parents won't want to move into their new space. You can set up a Craig's List account for your folks, if they're interested in selling items. You can also find out names of local professional organizers who are specifically trained to help move people over age 65 through the National Association of Senior Move Managers.
If your parents are interested, you can also help them to unclutter, drop off items at charities, and pack. Work out a schedule with them so each day a little work can be done, and so you'll know when you're welcome to lend a hand and when they would rather privately work. Most of all, be prepared to listen. Downsizing from a family home can be emotionally difficult — even if it is a welcome move — and the difficulty is often alleviated through the sharing of stories about the memories that were made in the home.
Thank you, Amanda, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. Good luck to your family over the next six months. Also, be sure to check the comments for even more advice from our readers.
Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as "Ask Unclutterer." If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.
You don't have to turn off your emotions when uncluttering
We sold our house yesterday. We signed a lot of papers, handed over the keys, and said an official farewell to a place we loved.
The rational part of me accepts that a house is just concrete, bricks, glass, steel beams, and wood. As George Carlin once pointed out, a house is simply a container for you and your stuff. The emotional part of me, however, has a difficult time separating all the wonderful memories created in the house from its drywall. The house we sold is where we brought my son when we brought him home. I wrote my book in that house. There are six and a half years of my family's laughter and happiness within those walls.
As with almost all possessions, though, there comes a time when an object stops meeting your needs. Something that was perfect for you in the past, is no longer a perfect fit in the present. And, as difficult as it is to let go, it's the right thing to do to be able to pursue the life of your dreams.
Even though I've been living as an unclutterer for close to a decade, I still haven't come to the point where I can completely turn off my emotional attachments to sentimental things. I'm not an automaton. I still mourn a little when I say goodbye to objects that have passed through my life, but now I can at least bid them farewell when it's appropriate.
There is nothing wrong with feeling a little sting when saying goodbye to objects you have loved. Just don't let that sting keep you from parting with something that no longer fits with your life and the life you desire. When uncluttering, if you need to take a few minutes to mourn the end of ownership of an object, take a few minutes to mourn.
Staying organized during an office move
In some ways, moving offices is more stressful than moving a home. Personal appointments can be scheduled around a home move, but work demands continue regardless of an office move. Some things need to be unpacked right away during a home move (toilet paper, bed sheets), but for the most part you can take a few days, weeks, or months to put your belongings in their new locations. With an office move, it all needs to be put away instantly or you could suffer negative repercussions, like losing productivity, clients, income, or even your job.
I've learned a great deal during this recent move about what works — and, more importantly, what doesn't work — when moving offices. If you're gearing up for an office move, the following tips can help you to stay organized and avoid a good amount of chaos:
- Before unpacking a single box, make sure your office furniture is in its best place for your work. If you're in a cubical, this decision has usually been made for you. If you're lucky enough to have furniture you can move around the room, adjust it to accommodate your needs. You'll want a location for your desk that will avoid glare on your computer screen, allow for a quick and unobstructed exit in case of emergency, will make it easy to plug in your computer and peripherals, and best suits your ergonomic needs.
- Once your horizontal surfaces are in place, grab your computer keyboard and a chair and establish the best location for these two objects. You want to be able to work so that typing at your keyboard every day won't create any pains in your neck, arms, or back. Most people also need a good amount of empty work surface to spread out with projects during work hours. Make sure your keyboard will be in a location to work with these needs, too.
- Set up all of your technical equipment — computer, monitor, keyboard, printer, telephone, back-up drives, scanner, speaker system, headset, etc. Put the devices you access multiple times a day in the most convenient locations and those pieces of equipment you access the least often further out of your reach. Remember to leave yourself open work surfaces as necessary.
- Manage your cables. If you didn't do so before your move, label the device plug with the device name (a silver permanent marker or label maker work great for this) so you'll never wonder what cable belongs to what device when you're crouched under your desk. Group and shorten cables with velcro cable ties or turtles or whatever works best for you. As best as you can, keep your cables from becoming a mess of a nest.
- At this point, locate any work associated with your current projects and set it in your open work surface area. You'll want this at your fingertips if needed.
- Continue on to setting up your desk drawers. Again, put most accessed items in the most convenient locations.
- Set up the very few desk supplies that will take up space on your work surface. I only keep a pen cup and a pad of sticky notes next to my phone, and a well-labeled inbox on my desk so co-workers will know where to put items for me when they come into my office. You may also want a tickler file/to-do list, a reference book or two, and a to-be filed bin on your work surface if they fit your work needs.
- Books, binders, and archived files are usually the last items that can be put away in your new office. When you pack these items before the move, keep like objects together and label each box so you know exactly what items are included — labels like "Archived files A-N" or "Conference binders 2009-2011″ will be more meaningful to you than "Files" or "Binders."
Similar to a home move, unclutter as much as possible on both the packing and unpacking side of the move. You may also benefit from unpacking your office outside of regular business hours. You may not get paid for this time, but you will be rewarded for it in other ways during the work week — mostly with your sanity. Also, be prepared to be responsible for your most sensitive and current projects during the move. Many employers do not wish for these items to be moved by professional movers for security reasons.
What method do you use for unpacking your office during a move? Share your experiences in the comments.
Ask Unclutterer: Emptying a storage unit
Reader Allicia submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:
I recently moved to Minnesota from New Mexico. I didn't have a job at first so I moved most (almost all) of my stuff into a storage unit. Now that I am settled, I have a plan to go to New Mexico to unload and organize my storage unit and get rid of stuff I no longer need, etc. I am sitting here in Minnesota and cannot fathom an idea of how to sort through the stuff packed away. I also wonder how to deal with family who will be helping me and may not want me to get rid of stuff. They have more attachment to things than I usually do. Can you help me devise a plan to attack my storage unit?
Storage units are great resources when you temporarily need a place to put your things for three to six months, like you needed to do with this move. Storage units, however, are not where things should go to live for years. When you abandon things in storage units you end up spending more money storing the items than you would selling everything and buying replacement items in the future. Additionally, the storage units are much more likely to be infested with bugs, rodents, mildew, mold and other possession-ruining things than they would be in your home.
It's not exactly clear in your question if you plan to move your items to your new place in Minnesota or if you just want to organize the unit and leave your things in New Mexico. Whatever your current thoughts, I'm advocating that you completely get rid of the need for your storage unit. I think you'll find that you don't want or need the majority of the things you left in New Mexico when you headed to Minnesota.
Think of the first step of your storage unit clean out like a treasure hunt. Go through the unit on your own and find the irreplaceable things you truly value — photographs from your childhood, your favorite pieces of jewelry, and whatever else you would feel truly crushed about if they were destroyed by a fire. For most people, these items fit in one medium-size box.
Tape up the box and carry it with you on your flight or drive back to Minnesota.
For the next step of the process, have your family come in to help you sort through the remaining stuff. Before opening the storage unit door, let your family know that you plan to close the unit by the end of the day. This goal should be crystal clear in everyone's mind, including yours.
Then, clearly mark four areas near the storage unit for your objects — trash/recycle (these are things everyone agrees are ready to be purged), sell (these are items you can post to Craigslist or take to a consignment shop), donate (these are things in good shape that a local charity could benefit from having), and family stash (these are items your family members will take with them at the end of the process).
The family stash pile is going to be the most controversial pile you create (or, rather, don't create). What will likely happen is that someone in your family will say, "Oh, you can't give that away!" about an object in your storage unit. In response to their declaration, you can respond, "I will gladly give it to you if you would like it." If the person says she wants it, then it will go into the family stash pile for that person to take home. If the person says, "I don't want it, but I think you should keep it," the object will then go into the donate or sell pile. If someone doesn't want an object enough to want to care for it themselves, they have no leverage to try to guilt you into keeping it.
Have a truck or trucks available at the end of your sorting process to immediately haul the four piles to their appropriate destinations. If you are selling objects on Craigslist, you will likely need to store these objects in someone's garage for a few days so potential buyers can come by and view the items. Give yourself a strict deadline that any objects that haven't sold by the day before you leave will be donated to charity.
With the money you get from selling items on Craigslist or through consignment, you can buy things (if you want) for your new place in Minnesota.
Finally, I strongly recommend thanking your helpers by providing them with drinks and snacks as they work and dinner when you are all finished. People tend to be more level-headed and easy going when they're well fed and hydrated.
Thank you, Allicia, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. I hope I was able to help you navigate this process, and congratulations on your move. Be sure to check out the comments for even more suggestions and different perspectives from our readers.
Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as "Ask Unclutterer." If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.
Moving: Change of address notifications
Changing your address when you move can sometimes feel as exhausting as unloading a moving van full of boxes. Having an organized checklist of all of the institutions and individuals you need to notify can reduce some of the stress you're feeling and help to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Using these lists as a guide, create a list tailored to your specific needs.
Two weeks before your move you'll need to call your utility companies to set dates to end your service at your old place and subscribe to utilities at your new place. These utilities are usually:
- Electric
- Water
- Gas
- Telephone
- Cable and internet
- Sewer
- Postal service
- Trash collection
- Regular home care service providers (lawn care, snow removal, etc.)
Then, once you've arrived at your new place, the adventure will begin to notify individuals, government entities, companies, and organizations of your address change. If you drive, always start your address change process by notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles. In some states, you have less than a month to update your records. After the DMV, I recommend setting a goal to make five notifications a day. You won't feel overwhelmed when you do only a little bit each day, and you'll be done in less than two weeks.
By no means is the following list a comprehensive one, and not all groups on the list may apply to you, but it's possible you'll need to change your address with the:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Post office (if you didn't take care of it with your utilities)
- Bank (and don't forget to order new checks)
- Voter registration
- Human resources and payroll where you work
- Magazine subscriptions
- Insurance companies (auto, home/renters, life, workers comp, etc.)
- Doctors offices
- Schools (yours/your kids)
- Cell phone company
- Credit card companies
- Loan companies
- Personal and professional clubs, licensing boards, organizations, and memberships with benefit plans (like AAA for your car)
- Places of worship
- Gym memberships
- Lawyer
- Financial advisor/investment firms
- Accountant
- Possibly the IRS (Form 8822), especially if between filing and receiving a return/refund or if you pay quarterly taxes
- Regular deliveries (such as restaurant delivery places or CSAs)
- Friends and family
Many businesses, organizations, and government entities now will allow you to change your address online. Save yourself some time by checking out a group's website before hitting the streets.
Also, be sure to check the comments to this post for even more suggestions from our readers.
Moving: The art of unpacking
If there is a stage of the moving process I dislike the least, it is probably unpacking. I'm not suggesting I enjoy it, because I certainly do not — I garner about as much enjoyment from unpacking a house as I do from getting a cavity filled at the dentist. However, compared to packing and carrying boxes, the unpacking stage of the moving process is the bee's knees (and since bees have six legs with multiple joints in each leg, I guess that is worth something).
If a new place wasn't cleaned before the previous residents moved, I start the unpacking process by having professional cleaners come in and give the place a good scrubbing. No one wants dust and grime under their belongings in closets, on shelves, and on the floor.
After the cleaning crew is gone, I unpack supplies and rooms in this order:
- Essential items: Toilet paper, hand and body soap, shower curtain, bath towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, paper towels, trash bags, scissors (I use them to open boxes), a change of clothes, vacuum, broom, dustpan, pillows, bed sheets, and pet food and bowls. I usually pack these things in a clothes hamper and have it packed in the car, not the moving van.
- The kitchen. I start by unpacking the food first and then dishwashing supplies, drinking glasses, silverware, plates, pans, and finally everything else.
- Assemble beds and put on sheets.
- Bathrooms. They're easy to unpack, and easy is what you'll need at this point.
- Coat closet. This is more of a priority in cooler weather than in warmer weather.
- Clothes closet and dressers.
- Laundry room. Dirty clothes tend to pile up quickly when moving.
- Remainder of bedroom.
- Home office, if you have one. Beware, hooking up equipment with all of its cords and cables can be stressful, so take your time with this step.
- Dining room. After putting your office together, you'll need this low-key room.
- Family room. Setting up the television and all of its peripherals can be just as frustrating as putting together the home office. Take your time.
- Porch. You'll need a breather.
- The garage, basement, and storage spaces. Save these spaces until late in the process because it might take you weeks to get these the way you want.
- The last thing I do is hang artwork throughout the entire house.
When you're unpacking boxes — and unpack all boxes — be sure to lay all pieces of packing material flat to ensure you don't miss small items. Also, break boxes down as you go instead of waiting to do them all at once. Moving boxes are great to sell on Craigslist, so try not to damage them if you can.
I try to wait until I'm in the process of unpacking a room to buy any organizing products. You may not need bookshelves, storage bins, etc., once you're in a space.
Finally, a few weeks after you're unpacked, evaluate all of your decisions and make any changes as needed or desired.
Do you have unpacking methods you can share? Add your insights to the comments.
Also in this series:
Moving: How to transport the belongings of your home
I'm not sure there are words to fully express my feelings of loathing about moving. After a week of boxing up our things, moving the things to the new house, and starting to unbox our things, my animosity about moving has only deepened.
I'm of the opinion that if you can afford it, you should have professional movers handle the entire process for you — packing, moving, unpacking. At the very least, have professionals take care of the moving part. Your body and mind will greatly appreciate not carrying boxes and fighting with large pieces of furniture.
Our move is actually happening in two parts, and we decided to only get movers for the second part. Since we are selling our old house, we needed to leave some furniture in it to stage it. Staging a house is when you make it look like a home that belongs in a magazine or catalog — no personal items, no clutter, and nothing in the cabinets or storage areas. Our real estate agent told us that staging a home can improve the sales process because it allows people to see the space in use, but also imagine their lives in the home.
As a result, our dining table, chairs, bookshelves, and other large pieces of furniture are still in the old house. These items will remain there until someone buys our place, and then we'll have professional movers come and do the heavy lifting for us.
Unfortunately, this means we handled the first part of the move on our own. We carried boxes and boxes and boxes out of our old house, into a van, out of the van, and into our new house. I'm honestly surprised I have enough arm strength after carrying so many boxes to type this post.
The following are lessons learned about moving from this experience and the 14 times I've moved previously:
- As previously stated, if you can afford it, hire professional movers to take care of the move for you.
- If you can't hire movers, the first thing you should do is have a lot of drinking water and food on hand. You don't want to get dehydrated or hungry during this process. You need as much energy as possible to keep you going and in a good mood.
- When loading a moving truck or van, I like to put the heaviest objects in a U-shape against the sides and back wall of the space. Mattresses, couches, dining tables, and dressers are the things that I usually load first.
- Use blankets to wrap the objects and keep them from being damaged.
- In the open space at the center of the van, I stack the heaviest boxes in a single layer on the floor. Then, I build up boxes from heaviest to lightest and from back to front. Since you tried your best to get absolutely everything into boxes, you shouldn't have much left after creating your tower of boxes.
- Play a game of Tetris and fit in the last, unboxed items. Again, use blankets to wrap these items to protect them from damage.
- Get a large padlock and lock up the truck.
- When you arrive at your destination, plan to unload the truck in the opposite order, starting with the unboxed items and finishing with the large furniture.
Be sure to check out our article "Moving: How to pack your home" and the comments for advice on packing. The next article in this series will cover the more pleasant, yet still mentally demanding process of unpacking. Also, please share any advice you have about the actual moving stage in the comments to this post.
February resolution wrap up, and introduction of March resolution
In 2011, I'm trying out small, monthly resolutions instead of large, annual New Year's resolutions. My public resolution for January was to be more organized in the kitchen, and create and use more nutritious meal plans for my family. In February, my public resolution was to go through everything — absolutely everything — in my office.
Within days of declaring my February resolution, I had abandoned it. My aunt passed away and I ended up traveling to Kansas and tending to family responsibilities for awhile. Uncluttering my office wasn't a priority on my list of things to do, and I wasn't even physically near it had I wanted to organize. After returning to the east coast in the second half of the month, my immediate family then decided to sell our house and move. Without intentionally doing so, I ended up sorting through everything in my office after all.
February came to a close and everything in my office had been sorted, dusted, and packed in a box, dropped off at a charity, sold, recycled, or thrown in the trash. Even the Elfa shelving system was disassembled and sold, as we purchased new office furniture for the new place. Packing the office was similar to packing the rest of the house, but with some notable exceptions:
- Sensitive data. My corporate clients almost always have me sign non-disclosure agreements. As a result, I have to transport their files personally and can't let a professional mover or friend tend to them. If you're in a corporate or government setting, you might have similar restrictions when moving offices. I recommend color coding all of these sensitive boxes with bright orange or red stickers and numbering them (Box 2 of 7) to help keep track of them. Then, personally move the boxes last out of the old place and set them up first in the new space. Don't leave these boxes in your car overnight if you are making a multiple-day move — your job and/or client relationship depend on it.
- Knick knacks. I realized I had a ridiculous number of personal knick knacks in my office. For example, I had four pictures of my husband on my desk … and he works seven feet away from me. It's nice to personalize a space (it sends a cue to your boss that you are not planning on leaving), but not let the personal items become a distraction to you or others. In the new office I'm going to try to limit knick knacks to one per every two or three feet of desk space, which will be about three knick knacks total.
- Cable control. With the help of a label maker, I labeled both ends of every cable before packing it (external hard drive, scanner, stereo speakers). This will speed up the unpacking process and make things easily identifiable the next time I have to crawl under my desk to unplug a device.
- Office supplies. Painter's tape is great for keeping cables with electronics, lids on small containers, and little objects grouped together. Don't use Scotch tape, masking tape, or packing tape for these objects, as you will waste too much time removing the adhesive once you're in the new office. You can also write on the painter's tape to identify objects.
- Scan and recycle. Paper is extremely heavy, and you will want to move as little of it as possible. Use the move as an excuse to sort through all of your paper files and purge anything you don't need in physical form. Scan the data you want, and then recycle the paper. Also, don't move any "to be filed" piles — file before you pack to avoid moving something you don't really need.
It should be no surprise that my public resolution for the month of March will be to completely unpack and organize our new home and office. In fact, my husband's family is coming to visit in mid-March and my goal is to have almost everything unpacked before they arrive. I'm trying to think of it like an adventure instead of a chore. Wish me luck!
Do you have resolutions? What are you doing to achieving them? Can you do something today to get one step closer to your goal?
Moving: How to pack your home
This week is a bittersweet one for me. After six years in our amazing home, we are moving. I'm sad to say farewell to this place — we love our neighbors, we love the house, and this is my son's first home. Unfortunately, the house isn't configured for our needs. My son really needs his own bedroom (he's been in a crib in our bedroom for the past 18 months), and we also want a dedicated office space since both my husband and I typically work from home.
We found a new place, which surprisingly has fewer square feet than our current house but has the exact room arrangements we need. Honestly, the new house is incredible and it's going to greatly improve our quality of life, but packing up everything we own, moving across town, and selling our current home is very stressful in the short term.
I've moved fourteen times in my life, and I've learned a great deal from these experiences. Additionally, I'm learning even more on this fifteenth move. Over the next couple weeks as we personally go through the moving process, I'll write posts sharing tips and tricks for each stage. Please feel welcome to jump into the comments and share advice you've garnered from the moves in your life. My hope is for these posts to become guides for anyone going through the moving process who wants the move to be as simple and organized as possible.
- Wear shoes with good arch support and full-foot coverage. If weather permits, also wear long sleeves, jeans, and socks to help avoid injuries.
- Gather supplies: boxes (small, medium, and large), packing tape, roll of bubble wrap for fragile pieces, permanent black markers, band-aids, ice packs, pain reliever, trash bags, a wardrobe box for each person in the house, a good sense of humor, and anything else you'll need.
- When acquiring boxes, make a stop at your local liquor or wine store to grab a few boxes with divided inserts. These boxes are perfect for safely transporting alcohol and other kitchen liquids like vinegar and olive oil. (If moving across state lines, check regulations for transporting alcohol and make certain to abide by these laws.)
- Make a hotel reservation for the night you arrive at your new place. Your goal will be to get the best night's sleep possible so you can start refreshed for your first day of unpacking. You'll also want a shower after moving stuff all day, and it's best to not have to worry about making sure these things can easily happen.
- Clear floorspace in your home in four different locations and mark each area: Packed Boxes to Move, Charity Donations, Giveaway/Return, and Sell. These areas are where you will put these items until you're finished packing your things. You will likely need at least a 10′ X 10′ area to hold the Packed Boxes to Move. Also, the area holding items you intend to sell should be easily accessible from the front door or in your garage so that potential buyers can see the product without having to climb over boxes and mess in your home.
- If you have children under the age of five, see if a grandparent, friend, or babysitter can keep your child occupied while you work.
- Your first act of packing should be a suitcase with two weeks of clothing and supplies. Be sure to include your toothbrush and toothpaste, a couple bath towels, soap, shampoo, hair dryer and anything else that is part of your daily hygiene routine.
- Your second act of packing should be an essentials kit — but don't tape it up! These will be the last items you take out of your current house and the first items you unpack in your new place. These will be things like cleaning supplies, two or more rolls of toilet paper, a frying pan, a few paper plates and plastic utensils, sheets for all the beds, and anything else you will need the first couple days in your new place.
- Make large print signs for your new home with room names: Living Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom, Sally's Room, Sally's Bathroom, etc. These signs will make it easier on you and anyone helping you move boxes into your new place. Bring a roll of painter's tape with you in your essentials kit and plan to hang the signs immediately upon getting access to your new place.
- As you move throughout your home packing boxes, I recommend starting with the heaviest items that will form the base of your Packed Boxes to Move area. Books are almost always a good item for this. Use small boxes, and group similar types together (cookbooks with cookbooks, children's books with children's books).
- Label the top and all four sides of a box with a short explanation of what is in the box (Toys) and what room the box should be placed in at the new house (Bobby's Room). You want to label the top and sides so that the box can be facing in any direction and you can still know what is inside it and where to take it.
- Try your best not to mix different types of things in boxes (your shoes shouldn't be with your coffee mugs). If this is unavoidable, at the very least do not mix items that belong in different rooms. Only pack kitchen things with other kitchen things, bathroom things with other bathroom things, etc.
- Sort and clean everything before packing it. If you never plan to use eight vases, put some of the vases in the Donate to Charity pile. The key is not to move ANYTHING you don't want in your new home. Clear the clutter now so you don't have to spend time and energy moving it.
- Only use trash bags for trash. This will keep you from accidentally throwing something valuable away. If you want to use trash bags for transporting charity items, use differently colored bags (black for trash, white for charity) and write DONATION in big letters on the bag. Be sure to let the ink dry before using the bag.
- Set packing goals the same way you set other goals in your life. Be as specific as possible: Pack the living room on Monday, the garage on Tuesday, or whatever systematic method works best for you.
- Take breaks at least once an hour for five or ten minutes. Your sanity depends on it.

subset: commoncrawl


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$ 2.99
The Reluctant Prince : A Loveswept Classic Romance
Author Linda Cajio ratchets up the intrigue in a thrilling story of two people who are inexorably drawn together-and desperate to stay alive. All Emily Cooper wants is some time to heal the wounds from her broken engagement, and Peraco, a city on the Aegean sea, seems like the perfect getaway-until a sudden military coup closes the borders and traps her in a roiling chaos of riots and armed patrols. So much for her relaxing European beach vacation. As she retreats to the American Embassy, a mysterious man insists she will be safer with him. Now Emily must trust an actual prince with her life-and resist the temptation to surrender to his intoxicating charms. Despite his royal family, Alex Kiros works hard to have a normal, everyday life in the States. He came back to Peraco to open a branch of his computer business, unaware that his uncle was about to go off the deep end and plunge the country into chaos. Now Alex is desperate to keep his presence in the city a secret while keeping this American tourist safe at the same time. The odds of them both getting out alive are slim, but there's something about Emily Cooper that makes Alex want to protect her-at any cost. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Escape Diaries, The Devil's Thief, and The Magic.
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- Also Known As:
- Vain Boutique Buenos Aires
- Hotel Vain Boutique
Phone Number:
Argentina >
Capital Federal District >
Buenos Aires
> Palermo
Business Center
Fitness Center
Free Breakfast
Free High-Speed Internet
Room Service
#48 Family Hotel in Buenos Aires
#50 Business Hotel in Buenos Aires
#58 Romantic Hotel in Buenos Aires
Price Range (Based on Average Rates):
Hotel Class:3.5 star — Vain Boutique Hotel 3.5*
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Located in the heart of "Palermo Viejo" neighborhood, only 15 minutes away from the main tourist attractions, VAIN gives the guest the possibility of having another alternative to the noisy BA downtown.It preserves the "Porteño" neighborhood feeling, combined with a bohemian and avant-garde mixture that can be sensed in the variety of stores, from fashion designers, antique and design furniture to coffee shops, fashion restaurants and bars, along with the traditional ones. ... more less
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- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Priceline, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Tingo, Agoda, Cheap Tickets, Escapio, Travelocity and HostelWorld so you can book your Vain Boutique Hotel 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.


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Mango Salsa
"This is a very tasty mango salsa that is great served over fish. My favorite is any fish blackened with Cajun seasoning and then topped with this salsa....
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Fresh Pepper Salsa
This is a tomato-less salsa made with fresh bell peppers and other fresh vegetables. It's great on any Mexican dish, or anything you might use salsa for....
lemon juice, red pepper, +chili powder, +cucumber, +olive oil, +garlic, +onions, +paprika, +sea salt, +yellow bell pepper
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Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Roasted-Pepper Salsa
It's made from one of the hottest chiles on earth, so heat seekers \ncan slather the salsa all over their rib eyes with bravado; but those \nwith refined...
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Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa
"Don't let the list of ingredients fool you. This is super easy, and gets rave reviews whenever I serve it. The salsa can be made the day ahead to save...
lemon juice, red pepper, +black pepper, +basil, +olive oil, +garlic, +jalapeno, +lime juice, +mango, +red onions, +salt
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Gazpacho Salsa
Love roasted red peppers and salsa so this will be a big hit. Canned whole tomatoes can be substituted if fresh ripe tomatoes aren't available. Also white...
lemon juice, red pepper, +celery, +cucumber, +olive oil, +garlic, +black pepper, +salt, +sherry vinegar, +tomato
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Salmon With Red Pepper And Corn Salsa Recipe
I found this recipe years ago in a little magazine. I've changed it somewhat but it is delicious with salmon or other fish. The salsa isn't cooked and...
red pepper, lemon juice, +cilantro, +corn, +red onions, +salmon, +cajun seasoning, +black pepper, +honey, +olive oil
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Salsa II
"This is a very good salsa recipe. Simple ingredients are boiled and blended to created a flavorful, spicy mixture that's great with tortilla chips and...
red pepper, lemon juice, +cilantro, +cumin, +garlic powder, +jalapeno, +red onions, +tomato, +salt, +onions, +yellow onions
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Red Onion Mango And Chile Salsa Recipe
From my Country Wisdom Salsa Cookbook. Prep:10m
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Review by confirmed purchaser
Was very pleased with the service I was given. The items I ordered were out of stock and was notified that they would order more and ship them to me as soon as they were in. I recieved an email a week or so later stating my goods were about to be shipped and they arrived the next day. Great commumication!


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- groupsreserve a group of guestrooms
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Book a minimum of 2 nights over any weekend and receive Double Points for each night of your stay.
From I-24 - Proceed on HWY 60 East Exit 4 less than 1 mile turn left on Coleman Road and travel approximately .5 miles and the hotel is on the left.
From IL-MO on HWY 60 heading east pass under I-24 and then turn left on Coleman Road and the hotel is on the left.
From Purchase PKWY take HWY 45N to I-24W and continue to Exit 4-Coleman Road and the hotel is approximately .5 mile on the left.
Cross Streets - HWY 60 and Coleman Rd
Type | Typical Minimum Charge |
Bus Service | Call Hotel for information |
Super Shuttle | Call Hotel for information |
Taxi | 14.00 USD |


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Whyred 'Bob' Shoes
This classic mens shoe comes from Swedish label, Whyred's, Fall/Winter 08 collection. I've become a big fan of shoes offering a more sturdy looking shape and sole unit. This Whyred shoe is very understated but of the highest quality and sits amongst numerous similar styles for the season.
Similar posts
Whyred Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection
July 3, 2009


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Some information is missing or invalid below.
Dana Buchman keeps you organized with this fashionable colorblock wallet. Slip it in your bag or carry as is for a look that's always great.
Product Features
- Sliver-tone logo plate
Product Details
- 4 1/2" H x 8 1/4"W x 1" D
- Zipper closure
- Interior: 12 card slots, 4 slip pockets, & zip pocket
- Faux leather


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5 Things FIFA Can Do to Stop Match-Fixing
By Adrian Melville ,
At a recent conference in Rome, it was revealed that international match-fixing generates approximately hundreds of billions of euros each year. The appeal of match-fixing has existed forever, but recently it has become especially prominent in the football world.
In order to fight this, FIFA's Head of Security Ralf Mutschke concluded that FIFA will need to collaborate with other global entities. He concluded that "Where money flows, corruption often follows. We need and must target our action at a global level. FIFA cannot fight and win this battle against corruption in football alone; involving all parties that need to work together is the key to the battle against corruption in football."
Mutschke is right to say that FIFA cannot tackle such an epidemic on their own, but there are some steps that they can take in order to curb the wave of corruption that we have seen in football over the last decade.
One of the biggest reasons players are susceptible to bribes is that they are in some kind of desperate financial need. When the match-fixing was recently discovered in China, for example, it was revealed that players in the top league were making as little as €235 per month, and that money was never guaranteed to come on time. Naturally, this does not just create resentment for the player toward his club, but also incentive to make a better living through questionable methods.
UEFA is currently undertaking a big task with its Financial Fair Play initiative, but FIFA as a whole needs to make sure that salary floors are met as well. Issues in the Chinese Super League are well documented, particularly with popular club Shanghai Shenhua. Stiff penalties, along with further collaboration with the country's football governing body will be needed in order to make sure these issues disappear.
It may be asking too much for a sport to lead the way in cleaning up organized crime, but in order to seem credible about eradicating match-fixing from soccer, FIFA must clean up its own shop. After the embarrassing Mohamed Bin Hammam debacle, followed by his lifetime ban being overturned so he could peacefully retire, nobody can really listen very closely when FIFA tries to announce with a straight face that they do not stand for corruption.
Until FIFA gets its own house in order, it will always be seen as a target for match-fixing. The agreement that it reached with Interpol is a good first step, but there is still a long way to go.
Most of the people who are "behind" match-fixing are commonly linked to organised crime, and not necessarily the sports world. This raises the question of whether sports organisations are capable of tackling the problem of match-fixing alone (sport autonomy) or whether cooperation with public authorities and legislative intervention are necessary.
Recent cases of corruption show that in order to catch match-fixers, authorities need to use formal criminal justice methods. This includes police expertise, phone-tapping, police interviews, prosecutions and trials. In using these methods, and not just relying on the sport's governing bodies, countries must be in constant communication with members of FIFA about potential corruption.
In addition to holding players and teams responsible, FIFA must also hold betting operators responsible. There should be an obligation for operators to provide a detailed report of activities every quarter relating to income from bets on competitions (volumes by competition and team, obligation to declare instances on the basis of predefined thresholds).
Going a step further, FIFA and Interpol should work with these companies to create a more detailed method of flagging suspicious activity. In the same way there are algorithms and trading tools to facilitate wagers instantaneously, FIFA should regulate a minimum standard of anti-corruption compliance with all betting operators.
In the European Commission's report on match-fixing, it was noted that penalties differ greatly around Europe. For common offenses, maximum penalties for corruption varied from 2 years in Finland, to 15 years in Romania. With more serious offenses, such as fraud, prison penalties ranged from 2 years in Slovakia, to 5 years in countries like Germany and Ireland, to as much as 10 years in the Czech Republic and Hungary. In some cases, the range of maximum penalties ranged from 6 months in Greece, to 8 years in Bulgaria for the same offense.
As its own governing body, FIFA needs to step in and create uniform penalties for players and teams involved in match-fixing. With uniform penalties, there will be higher awareness for all clubs towards match-fixing, knowing that even if they are only indirectly involved, they could face stiff penalties.


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Gravity, the new wine bar and bistro on Emerson Street in Palo Alto, is impressive for many reasons. The interior is sleek and refined, the service knowledgeable and friendly, and the food both arresting and exceptionally well-prepared.
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, March 18, 2011, 12:00 AM


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Looking for something else?
Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle105 1/2 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101 (Show map)
Very good
Score from 271 reviews
great atmosphere, good common area size. Beds with individual curtains which is pretty good to give a bit of privacy while sharing bedrooms. Enough number of bathrooms, and excellent location! I recommend this hostel!
Curtains in the beds Great bathroom/toilet combinations Great value for money Make your own pancakes/eggs breakfast! Your own private/secure locker!
Free breakfast starting at 6:00 am everyday and free dinner 3 nights a week are appreciated. The drapes to every bed provides privacy and also a shield blocking bed lights lighting up the room.
Yuen Long
I like dinners three times a week and constant coffee and internet
Perfect location for a backpacker who wants to travel aroun Seattle very close to pike public market and public transportation.
Great location, friendly staff, toilets were especially clean, but had some pretty smelly room mates (not the hostels fault). Other than that it was a very pleasant stay, kitchen was well equipped and the free breakfast was a bonus.
Very friendly hostel suitable for budget travellers. Hostel offers free breakfast and sometimes free dinner during week, which was nice surprise for me after a long flight.
I liked everything about this hostel. From my experience of staying at hostels around the world, I would rate Green tortoise the best among all. Great location, amazing front desk staff, and they offer free tours and free dinners etc. I will stay here again if I go to Seattle.
Very friendly and helpful team plus perfect location. Definitely good for value.
Across from downtown Seattle's famous Pike Place Market and near the Seattle Art Museum, this hostel offers a free continental breakfast every morning and free wireless internet access. Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle provides guests with a free dinner 3 nights a week. Guests can also prepare their own meals with the hostel's fully equipped kitchen. After a busy day, guests can relax in the common room and watch a movie or play a board game. Attractions including the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Aquarium are only minutes from the Seattle Green Tortoise Hostel. Guests can also tour underground passageways in the city's Underground Tour or see a show at the Seattle Center. Hostel: 30 rooms Why use Booking.com?Why use Booking.com?Low ratesNo booking fees • Save money! • Best Price Guaranteed 433,261 properties worldwide
Including 116,390 vacation rentals Unbiased reviews26,040,000 reviews from real guests We speak your languageWebsite and customer service in English (US) and 41 other languages Booking is safeWhen you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection. ActivitiesBicycle Rental, Game Room InternetFree! Wi-Fi is available in all areas and is free of charge. ParkingPublic parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges apply. ServicesVending Machine (Drinks), Vending Machine (Snacks), 24-Hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Laundry, Fax/Photocopying GeneralSafe, Non-smoking Rooms, Heating, Designated Smoking Area Check-inFrom 12:30 PM Check-outUntil 11:00 AM Cancellation/
Belltown InnLocated a 15-minute walk from the Olympic Sculpture Park, overlooking the Pudget Sound, this Seattle Inn features a furnished rooftop terrace.Most recent booking for this hotel was today at 06:34
Score from 249 reviews
Very good
- 8.3/10
Travelodge Seattle by the Space NeedleFree Wi-Fi is available in all rooms at this Seattle hotel. The Seattle Centre, EMP Museum and the Space Needle are all within a 5-minute walk of the property. A daily breakfast is provided.Most recent booking for this hotel was today at 13:21
Score from 550 reviews
- 7.4/10
Kings InnCentrally located in downtown Seattle, this convenient hotel is within walking distance of many of the city's attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.Most recent booking for this hotel was today at 11:19
Score from 621 reviews
Review score
- 6.3/10
Hotel FIVEFree bicycles are available for guest use at this downtown Seattle eco-friendly hotel. Modern rooms feature an iPod docking station and free Wi-Fi. Safeco Field is less than a 10 minute drive away.Most recent booking for this hotel was today at 11:03
Score from 308 reviews
- 8.7/10


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Series 4 Programme 4
Conal Gillespie meets the Londonderry-duo, 'Hollow': Joanne and Chris talk about their interest in Ulster-Scots and the importance of young people showing an interest in it - and we hear their song 'La Bombe'.
Last month, a conference was held in Trinity College in Dublin called "Tracing the Enlightenment: the Ulster-Scots in Ireland and America". One of the speakers, Dr Patrick Griffin from Ohio University, shares his thoughts on Francis Hutchinson - a man born in Drumalig, County Down, but whose thoughts and notions went across the Atlantic to impress the Ulster-Scots and other folk in America, about to rise up against colonial rule.
Starting on March 15th at 7.00pm, in the Ballyboley Centre, Manse Road, Dr Philip Robinson will be taking an eight-week course of evening classes about Ulster-Scots language, writing and culture. He tells Conal about the content of these classes.
Conal chats to Richard Archibald, a Ballymoney scholar with an interest in Ulster-Scots, now based in Edinburgh and qualified in astrophysics. Richard has made a website with a collection of local Ulster-Scots words collected over the years. http://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/~s9905488/other/index_us.html. Richard also reads from his poem, 'The Scunger'.
The two Wills talk about their language survey and some of the words they've discovered. They recall gathering potatoes in the school holidays, and different words associated with potatoes. They also talk about people they've met, places they've been, and the talks they give when they meet people, including poetry and verses.
BBC Radio UlsterSun 7 Mar 2004 19:03 BBC Radio Ulster
BBC Radio UlsterThu 11 Mar 2004 19:30 BBC Radio Ulster


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Posts Tagged 'economy'
describe what quantitative easing does for the economy?
Question by William Skinner: describe what quantitative easing does for the economy?
What is the effect on quantitative easing on the US economy and what exactly is quantitative easing?
Best answer:
Answer by priya
Quantitative easing is when money is added into the economy by a central bank (in England it's the Bank Of England but i don't know what it is in the US sorry).
Basically it means that banks have more money to lend out. This means more people consume more money. As people have more money they are more willing to spend. This increase consumption and investment which as both components of aggregate demand so aggregate demand increases.
If aggregate demand increases, yes it causes inflation, but it increases real GDP which is and increase in economic growth
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Related Posts:
April Jobs Report: US Economy Adds 165000 Jobs; Unemployment Rate Down …
April Jobs Report: US Economy Adds 165000 Jobs; Unemployment Rate Down …
In another sign of strength, the unemployment rate managed to fall despite the fact that 210,000 people joined the labor force to look for work in April. In several previous months, unemployment had fallen simply because workers had dropped out of the …
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PEI unemployment rate falls below 12%
The unemployment rate on P.E.I. fell from 12.1% to 11.6% in April, partly due the first drop in the size of the labour force since September. The provincial economy did create some jobs, 200 full time and 100 part time. There were 200 fewer people …
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Cape Breton unemployment rate down
Labour market information released Friday by Statistics Canada showed that the unemployment rate in April for Cape Breton was 16.9 per cent, down from 18.6 per cent in March. That compares with a rate of 14.2 per cent in April 2012. Unemployment was …
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Spotlight on the economy: Jobless claims seen rising – MarketWatch (blog)
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MarketWatch (blog) Jobless claims can be erratic at times, and economists are expecting the Labor Department's report due Thursday at 8:30 a.m. to show an increase following the 18,000 drop to 324,000, which marked a five-year low. Economists polled by MarketWatch are … |
Jobless Claims Drop Again, Stay Near 5-Year Low
NPR (blog) There were 324,000 first-time claims for unemployment insurance last week, down 18,000 from the previous week's 342,000, the Employment and Training Administration reports. Claims continue to run around the lowest pace since early 2008 — they haven't … |
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As Economy Improves The Risk Mortgage Rate Hikes Rises
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 21, 2013
The Federal Savings Bank encourages first-time homebuyers to seriously consider the implications of an improving economy. As the housing market improves as evident in Tuesdays housing starts, and as unemployment declines, the risk of mortgage rate hikes increases. The Federal Reserve has already stated its thresholds with respect to when it will begin begin to raise interest rates which is, 6.5% unemployment and/or 2.5% inflation. Currently the US unemployment rate is 7.7% and inflation is according the latest CPI report is on the decrease. While the Federal Reserve has estimated unemployment to fall between 7.3% and 6.8% by year end, homebuyers cannot expect to wait forever to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Home Prices Are Rising
In January new homes sales soared to multi year highs at 431,000. In February new home sales took a breather and declined to 411K, however, it remained at 12.29% above year-over-year levels. To re-confirm that things are on positive full swing Tuesday's March housing starts figure jumped dramatically by 7% from February. The housing starts number of over 1 million was the highest seen since June 2008.
First-Time Homebuyers must take notice at the ways things are improving now, because while interest rates may remain low for the next year, the possibility of housing prices continuing higher remains probable. "The trend is your friend, until the very end" says Nick, a bank at The Federal Savings Bank. "Right now housing inventories remain low and more people are becoming employment, both factors help raise housing prices."
The Federal Savings Bank encourages first-time homebuyers to consider the implications of obtaining an mortgage at a later time, which is the possibility of higher interest rates, and moreover, higher property values. The benefits to getting pre-approved for a mortgage now is that the individual can understand how much of a home they can afford, and at which rate. In addition, if the applicant finds a home they desire, their bid will be taken seriously by the listed seller due to the mortgage approval. For more information on obtaining a loan or to speak about the housing market in general: please contact a loan officer at: TheFederalSavingsBank.com
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Newsmax Announces Jeb Bushs Plan for Immigration and the US Economy
West Palm Beach, Fla (PRWEB) April 18, 2013
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, co-author of a controversial new book on immigration, tells Newsmax that Americas incredibly complex immigration laws should be reformed from stem to stern with strict attention toward attracting and retaining more skilled workers from other nations. In the exclusive interview with Newsmax, Gov. Bush shares his revealing thoughts on dealing with the nation's unsustainable public debt and entitlement programs.
The leading Republican sat down with Newsmax to elaborate on a number of topics he discusses in his cover story for the April edition of Newsmax magazine, arguing that America can be great again if we open up the doors to economic opportunity. Bush believes that economic growth is the answer for the nations economic woes.
Bush offers an optimistic view of Americas future and straight talk about its problems. Regarding the hot- button issue of immigration, he tells Newsmax that high- achieving people with great aspirations should be able to come if they can make an immediate contribution to our economy.
In his Newsmax magazine article, Bush never once mentions Democrats or President Barack Obama. He tells Newsmax TV that other Republicans could be too focused on talking about what the opposition is doing instead of what they have to offer. "Today's conservatives have spent the past several months nursing their wounds from the elections and focusing on deficits, sequestration, and tax policy," he says, and suggests that Republicans could be spending too much time on the nations debt and deficit instead of narrowing in on growth.
The former Florida governor ends his Newsmax interview on an optimistic note, saying, I just have total confidence that a dynamic world will yield benefits that we cant even imagine. If you believe like I do that the world is abundant with possibilities, then we need to make sure we build capacity so that everybody is successful or can be successful in the pursuit of their dreams not the dreams of someone from government, but their own dreams.
To obtain your copy of Jeb Bushs Special Report Growth Is the Answer with our FREE Offer visit http://www.Newsmax.com/Bush13.
To watch Bushs in-depth interview with Newsmax, click here.
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Spotlight on the economy: Jobless claims lay an (Easter) egg again – MarketWatch (blog)
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MarketWatch (blog) Initial jobless claims jumped to 388,000 in the week that included Good Friday from 357,000 in the prior seven-day period. Claims have since fallen to 352,000 and are expected to hew close to that mark when the latest weekly report is released Thursday … |
U.S. DATA WEEK AHEAD: Little Change Expected in Jobless Claims
NASDAQ DATE TIME RELEASE PERIOD CONSENSUS PREVIOUS (ET) Thursday 0830 Jobless Claims Apr 20 350K (19) 352K 1100 Kansas City Fed Mfg Svy Apr N/A -5 Friday 0830 Real GDP (1st Read) 1Q +3.2% (28) +0.4% 0830 GDP Prices (1st Read) 1Q +1.3% … |
News Summary: US jobless claims rise slightly
Las Vegas Sun SLIGHT RISE: The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits increased just 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 352,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose only 2,750 to 361,250. MODEST HIRING: The slight increases … |
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Meanwhile, Back in the Economy, the AP's Rugaber Spins Mediocre Jobless … – NewsBusters (blog)
Meanwhile, Back in the Economy, the AP's Rugaber Spins Mediocre Jobless …
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Jobless Claims Rise by 4000
Wall Street Journal WASHINGTON—The number of U.S. workers applying for jobless benefits rose for the fourth time in five weeks, a sign the economy is only slowly adding jobs. Initial jobless claims, an indication of layoffs, increased by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted … |
Oregon jobless claims fall, but tough market leaves unemployed on program …
OregonLive.com Initial unemployment claims dropped to 26,300 last month, compared to 34,000 in March 2012. In all, the state signed off on $ 98 million in jobless benefits last month, about two-thirds of which came from Oregon's regular unemployment benefit program … |
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Housing and consumer spending to drive economy
Housing and consumer spending to drive economy
HOUSING and the high street will drive the UK's short term growth, according to an economic think tank.Ernst & Young ITEM Club said that with over one million housing transactions expected by the end of the year and rising disposable incomes more money …
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Children's Place Grows Bearish as Consumer Spending Slows
Citing unfavorable weather and the weak macroeconomic environment that has affected consumer spending, Children's Place forecast earnings in the range of 60 cents to 65 cents compared with a year-earlier EPS of $ 1.14, on negative same-store sales.
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Canadian consumer spending up 3.31 per cent in Q1
TORONTO, April 11, 2013 /CNW/ – Moneris Solutions Corporation ("Moneris"), Canada's largest credit and debit card processor, announced today that Canadian spending increased by 3.31 per cent during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same …
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Big drop in jobless claims: this week in the economy – Christian Science Monitor
Christian Science Monitor |
Big drop in jobless claims: this week in the economy
Christian Science Monitor This was an encouraging sign for many analysts, who took it as a signal that recent jobless claims reports, which have been higher than expected, could be the result of fluctuations in seasonal hiring and a modest slowing in the labor market, rather … Drop in Jobless Claims Counteracts March Data Jobless Claims Fell Sharply Last Week Jobless claims point to fewer layoffs |
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World markets solid ahead of weekly jobless claims
CBS News The focus later will likely center on weekly U.S. jobless claims figures as traders try to assess whether last week's disappointing employment numbers were a harbinger of more difficult times ahead. The consensus view in the markets is that claims … Markets solid after drop in US jobless claims |
Weekly jobless claims plummet to 346K
CBS News Weekly jobless claims plummet to 346K. WASHINGTON The number of Americans seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to a seasonally adjusted 346,000, suggesting March's weak month of hiring may be a temporary slowdown. |
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Clinical Audiologist
Job Description:
Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.
*A job as a Clinical Audiologist falls under the broader career category of Audiologists. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category. We are still seeking more specific information about this career from experts in this field. If you can provide us with more information, .
Is Clinical Audiologist the right career path for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!
What Clinical Audiologists do:
- Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
- Advise educators or other medical staff on hearing or balance topics.
- Conduct or direct research on hearing or balance topics and report findings to help in the development of procedures, technology, or treatments.
- Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
- Educate and supervise audiology students and health care personnel.
- Engage in marketing activities, such as developing marketing plans, to promote business for private practices.
- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
- Recommend assistive devices according to patients' needs or nature of impairments.
- Measure noise levels in workplaces and conduct hearing conservation programs in industry, military, schools, and communities.
- Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
- Plan and conduct treatment programs for patients' hearing or balance problems, consulting with educators, physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health care personnel as necessary.
- Examine and clean patients' ear canals.
- Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as managing office functions and finances.
- Refer patients to additional medical or educational services if needed.
- Develop and supervise hearing screening programs.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams to assess and rehabilitate recipients of implanted hearing devices through auditory training and counseling.
- Provide information to the public on hearing or balance topics.
- Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
- Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.
What work activities does a Clinical Audiologist do?
Importance | Activities | |
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. |
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization. |
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
Find YOUR college major
The fastest way toward knowing if Clinical Audiologist is the career for you is to take this quiz to find your college major and career recommendations.


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After an artistic schooling, followed by fashion college, Sacha Wendt has chiefly worked in (street)theatre. Collaborating with designers and stylists, she has created the most diverse array of costumes for theatre, festivals, film and television.
Read more...
With a witty approach toward designing products, Marianne van Ooij likes her work to tell a story. Marianne started her design career at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and later moved to New York to finish her Industrial Design degree at Pratt Institute.
The designer Darifa Rahroh studied fashion design and visual arts at the Utrecht School of the Arts. She lives and works in Amsterdam.
Karin Rianne Westendorp studied Visual Arts with specialisation Media Art at the Academy of Arts AKI/ArtEZ in Enschede.


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How to Lose Desired Weight
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Dr. George Russell shares how obese women can lose the desired weight.
ust begin to walk a bit more and just beginning very simple changes can make a big difference. And I think that probably the most important thing is to remain hopeful. It didn't happen right away and you won't lose the weight right away, but appreciate that it's a very long process with ups and downs, but ultimately, if you plan well and you work hard towards that goal, you can achieve what you want to achieve.


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Anybody's ball gameWith no clear-cut favorites, title race is wide openPosted: Tuesday August 8, 2006 11:13AM; Updated: Tuesday August 8, 2006 5:17PM
By Stewart Mandel, SI.com Earlier this month Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was asked whether it surprises him that his team, despite losing nine defensive starters (including five first-round draft choices), is considered the preseason favorite by many to win the national championship. "I don't know much about the rest of the country," said Tressel, "but that says to me there's obviously not a lot of teams out there that have everybody coming back." That certainly wasn't the case at this time last year. It didn't take a rocket scientist to pencil in defending national champion USC, whose 14 returning starters included offensive stars Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White and Dwayne Jarrett, and Texas, which brought back QB Vince Young and 15 other starters from a squad that finished 11-1 in '04, as the top two teams in the preseason polls. And lo and behold, the Trojans and the Longhorns met in the Rose Bowl for the national championship. The pollsters also looked like Nostradamus in 2004, when their preseason top two of USC and Oklahoma also wound up meeting in the national-title game (much to the chagrin of undefeated Auburn). That year the Trojans and the Sooners were also considered obvious choices, with USC coming off a 12-1 season led by Leinart and a dominant defense and Oklahoma bringing back 16 starters from a 10-2 team, including Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jason White. Try finding such no-brainer picks this year. Would you bet your mortgage on the aforementioned Buckeyes, who will likely start six sophomores on defense when they visit defending national champion Texas on Sept. 9? What about the Vince-less Longhorns, who will be breaking in a freshman quarterback in the same game? USC's cast of stars from the last few seasons are now playing on Sundays. Notre Dame has the star power -- Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija, Darius Walker -- but it also has a defense that gave up 617 yards in a Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State. And so on and so on. The fact is, there isn't a team in the country entering this season without at least a couple of major flaws. What does that mean for the nation's national-title hopefuls? "Last year everybody was talking about how no one could beat USC," said Miami coach Larry Coker. "This year it's probably wide open." How wide open? Based on recent history, it's entirely possible that this year's national champion will not be one of the teams ranked in the preseason Top 10. Maybe it's not even in the Top 20. While the past two seasons have played out largely as predicted, there have been three seasons since 2000 in which a team that finished with five losses the year before rose up to win a national title the following season: 2000, Oklahoma (7-5 the year before); 2002, Ohio State (7-5); and 2003, LSU (8-5). Auburn's undefeated 2004 team also went 8-5 the preceding season. All four teams started the year outside the Top 10. This year the Buckeyes, Texas, Notre Dame and USC sit atop the preseason coaches' poll, but the No. 1 team come January could just as easily be a lower-rated squad such as No. 11 Miami (9-3 in '05), No. 13 Louisville (9-3), No. 15 Michigan (7-5) or No. 17 Iowa (7-5). |
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