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News & Current Issues
Here are some of the current issues.
AT ITS monthly meeting Sligo County Council unanimously adopted a motion tabled by Cllr Declan Bree calling on the government to reverse its proposed cuts in Community Employment Schemes
Proposing the motion Cllr Bree said "As part of the recent Budget Minister Joan Burton cut the training and materials grant for Community Employment Schemes from €1,500 to €500 per participant.
"The cuts not only limits training opportunities for community employment workers, but puts the future of schemes in jeopardy as they struggle to pay for rent, insurance, heating, electricity and basic materials.
"Additional payments for workers on social welfare including single parents and those in receipt of disability were also targeted by Minister Burton.
"Community Employment schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment and to training for unemployed people. In addition many schemes provide vital community services. In areas of disadvantage, community employment is often the only access people have to work, training and education
"Today 2,463 Community Employment Scheme workers are employed in health and social services, 3,592 work in environmental schemes, 14,000 work in the community sector with another 272 in support tourism.
"In essence Community Employment has effectively become the labour force for the community and voluntary sectors.
"In this context the decision of Labour and Fine Gael, to undermine and dismantle the Community Employment Schemes must be opposed and the savage cutbacks reversed.
"I therefore propose the following motion:'Recognising the significant benefits of Community Employment Schemes to local communities and to CE participants, this Council calls on Minister Joan Burton and the Government to immediately reverse the proposed cuts in Community Employment Schemes.'"
DESPITE IT being €77million in the red. losing €7,000 a day and facing abolition, the Fine Gael members of Sligo County Council at its monthly meeting voted down a motion tabled by Cllr Declan Bree proposing that the Standing Orders of the Council be suspended so as to allow councillors to discuss the financial crisis and the recent meeting with Environment Minister Phil Hogan.
In proposing his motion Cllr Bree said "The meeting with the Minister was hugely important, not only with regard to the Councils finances but also with regard to the future of the Council.
"In fact we have correspondence before us today from the Ministers office expressing his concern and pointing out that failure to adopt a balanced budget has not only sever impacts on the community but can also result in the dissolution of the Council and the appointment of a Commissioner to carry out the Council's functions.
"This is the most serious issue facing the Council for decades if not since it's foundation
I therefore propose: 'That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the Council to discuss the outcome of the meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Phil Hogan T.D. regarding the financial crisis in the Council, which took place in Dublin on the 31st of January.'
Cllr Bree's motion was defeated by 11 votes to 7 with 2 abstentions
THIS IS AN issue that if we don't organise an opposition, in less than two years we will be facing major household taxes, the government's own figures are €800 for property and €500 in water taxes, said Clare Daly T.D. when she addressed a capacity crowd at a Public Meeting in Sligo's Glasshouse Hotel, organsised by the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes.
Other speakers at the event were: Dr Brian O' Boyle, Cllr Declan Bree, Mr Seamus O'Boyle and Mr John Gallagher.
Ms Daly told almost 300 people who attended the meeting that the government wanted citizens to act as their agents, to get information on properites so that additional charges could be intruduced. "Less than 5% of the population have registered and we're already half way to the deadline. There will be a huge problem for the government if people don't register. The citizens of Ireland need to stand together, we won't be the lambs of Europe" she said to huge applause from the audienace.
An appeal was made for support for the campaign's first public protest which will take place outside Sligo's GPO on Saturday 25th of February at 1.00.p.m.
SLIGO COUNTY Council cannot survive without a significant change in management and a major financial bailout Cllr Declan Bree told the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan T.D., when a deputation from the Council met with the Minister on Wednesday 1st of February
The all party deputation from Sligo County Council met with the Minister to discuss the Council's financial crisis.
The meeting took place in Leinster House just weeks after it was confirmed in a Local Government Auditor's Report that Sligo County Council was in the red to the tune of almost €77 million with its deficit growing out of control
The deputation which was led by the Cathaoirleach of the Council Cllr Michael Fleming also included councillors Gerard Mullaney, Hubert Keaney, Declan Bree, Jim McGarry, Sean MacManus and Patsy Barry. The Acting County Manger Mr Tom Kilfeather and the Council's Head of Finance Ms Marie Leydon were also in attendance.
In his submission to Minister Hogan, Cllr Declan Bree said:
"Over the past number of years I have been consistently pointing out at Council meetings that the draft budgets presented to the elected Council by the County Manager bore no resemblance to reality.
"I pointed out that the budgets were absurd and unattainable and indeed I also pointed out that the elected council had an obligation both legal and moral, to ensure that in so far as possible that sound systems of financial management were in place in the Council.
"However, despite the spiralling debt, the County Manager continued to implement his style of management with the silent acquiescence of the great majority of councillors and as a result, today, Sligo County Council stands on the verge of bankruptcy.
"Even as late as last month, the majority of the elected members of Sligo County Council voted for yet another of the County Managers budget. A Budget similar to budgets presented to us in earlier years – a budget which could only be described as another work of fantasy, which will lead to yet another huge deficit at the end of 2012.
"In addition I would point out that information relating the Council's finances which the elected council is entitled to have was consistently withheld from us over the years.
"It was impossible for councillors like me to scrutinize what was happening with regards to the finances. The record will show that when specific information relating to the finances was sought by the elected Council it was either not provided at all, or it was provided on a drip feed basis.
"Openness and transparency was anathema when it came to dealing with the finances of the Council.
"We now know that the Management of the Council committed millions of Euro to numerous projects despite the fact that the Council did not have the financial resources to cover the costs.
"We know this because the Management had to eventually seek approval from the elected Council to borrow millions of Euro to pay for the projects.
"Indeed when the most recent loan of €15 million was authorised in July 2010 councillors were told that it was to be applied to a number of items including the €7.5 million Revenue Account Deficit.
"However in 2011 when the elected council received the annual financial report we discovered that none of the loan was applied to the revenue deficit and that the deficit had in fact increased further to almost €10million.
"I understand that when Council officials sought approval for the loan it was also indicted to the Ministers Offices that portion of the loan was to be used to reduce the revenue account deficit.
"So in this context it would appear that senior staff in the Department of the Environment, who should have been watching, either didn't take note of, or recognise, or appreciate the fact that the finances of Sligo County Council were spiraling out of control.
"I have to admit that I am at a loss to understand how or why certain senior civil servants in the Department of the Environment gave the thumbs up for all requests from the County Manger for loan approval and for the Council's increasing overdraft facilities.
"Now Sligo County Council finds itself in dire financial circumstances.
"While the County Manger has not said it - I believe that the Council is running up a deficit in its revenue account of approximately €7,000 every single day, seven days a week.
"It is my opinion that as a result of gross incompetence and consistent mismanagement Sligo County Council now finds itself in a position which is unsustainable.
"In my opinion the Council cannot survive without a significant change in management and a major financial bailout." Cllr Bree told the Minister.
The Minister in his response to the deputation particularly referred to the €15 million loan which was approved in 2010 and said the Department had been advised that portion of it was to be used to reduce the revenue deficit. He said he was concerned that none of it had been used to reduce the deficit and he said Sligo was the only Council in the country with such a revenue deficit.
The Minister made it clear that the Council was obliged to adopt a balanced budget and he said he had written to the Council and had drawn attention to the consequences that faced the Council, including the ultimate sanction. The Minister said that Department officials will engage with Council officials on the ground. He said he wanted proposals from the Council with a view to addressing the financial crisis.
JUST ONE WEEK after it was confirmed that Sligo County Council was in the red to the tune of almost €77 million with its deficit growing out of control, it has now been revealed that the Council has been paying in excess of €800,000 per year renting office and storage space.
In documentation released by Council officials this week in response to a motion tabled by Cllr Declan Bree, it is admitted that the Council has been paying rent for 13 premises in Sligo including €193,448 per year for office accommodation on Cleveragh Road; €164,89 per year for offices in the Cleveragh Retail Park and €69,252 per year for offices in Old Market Street.
"Given the dire financial position of the Council over the past number of years I find it amazing that the County Manager would spend such excessive amounts of money renting private properties", Cllr Declan Bree said today.
"I sought this information at a Council meeting a year ago - back in January 2011. I specifically proposed at the time that the Council be provided with a report, including the identity of each property rented by the Council, the purpose for which each property is used by the Council, the annual rent paid for each property and the rent paid per square ft, and the date on which the rental agreement was entered into in respect of each property.
"It has taken the County Manager 12 months to pull together the information we sought and needless to say this doesn't surprise me. At our most recent meeting we learned from the Local Government Auditor's report that the Council's Registers of lands and buildings have not been maintained properly. With this type of management is it any wonder that the Council is in financial crisis.
"In 2008 the Council had a budget deficit on its revenue account of €4.2 million. In 2009 the budget deficit was €3.2 million, in 2010 the budget deficit was €2.4 million and all the indications are that the Council's budget deficit for last year will be approximately €3 million. This is a total of €11.8 million deficit on the revenue account alone. Yet, at the same time the County Manger was paying out over three quarters of a million euro each year on rents. It's incredible. Would this be allowed happen in any other County Council in the country? It's as if the Management of Sligo County Council was living in a parallel universe." said Cllr Bree.
"Now, with the Council on the verge of bankruptcy I understand that the County Manager is proposing to terminate some of the rentals. It's yet another case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted." said Cllr Bree
Council Votes For Ban on Fracking
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING or "fracking" is a technique for extracting gas from deep within shale rock and coal beds. The process involves using high pressure to inject massive volumes of water, plus sand, plus chemicals into dense rock formations, said Cllr Declan Bree, when he proposed a motion at this months meeting of Sligo County Council calling for a ban on Fracking.
"The outgoing Government awarded licences to a number of companies to explore for commercial gas in the Lough Allen basin and the Clare basin. The Lough Allen Basin covers parts of counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Mayo, Monaghan, Tyrone and Roscommon." he said.
"The dangers that fracking poses to water quality, to human safety and to the general environment has been highlighted in the media and by environmentalists in many parts of the world.
"France has banned the use of fracking and last year the Quebec Provincial government put a stop to Shale gas exploration in Quebec until a full environmental study can be done on the controversial drilling technique. Six months ago New Jersey became the first State in the USA to ban fracking." Cllr Bree said.
"In a study requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, scientists conclude and I quote that "at a time when sustainability is key to future operations it can be questioned whether the injection of toxic chemicals in the underground should be allowed, or whether it should be banned as such a practice would restrict or exclude any later use of the contaminated layer... and as long-term effects are not investigated."
"What we in Ireland need now, is not to indulge the greed of the oil and gas companies who will do anything to get further profit out of the ground, What we need is investment in clean, safe and sustainable energy that can provide for people's needs and protect the environment.
"If we have significant gas resources underground, it will only go up in value over time, and we can surely wait until such time as there is an acceptable and environmentally safe method of extracting it."
Cllr Bree proposed the following amended motion "That Sligo County Council calls on the government to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing /fracking and that the Council commence the process of amending the County Development Plan so as to ban the process of hydraulic fracturing/fracking in County Sligo." The motion was seconded by Cllr Sean MacManus and was unanimously adopted.
Auditors Report Damning Indictment of Managment of Council Finances
A NUMBER of councillors were unhappy when I referred to Sligo County Council as a basket case when we discussed the finances of the Council at our last meeting. Cllr Declan Bree told the January meeting of Sligo County Council
"However the Auditors Report for 2010 which we have before us clearly confirms that what I have been saying about the management of the finances of this Council is absolutely correct.
"The Local Government auditor may be somewhat more diplomatic with his language however the fact is that the report before us is scathing of the manner in which the finances of this Council have been managed.
"Given the ongoing refusal of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael councillors to challenge the County Manager over the past number of years this Council now finds itself in a major financial crisis.
"The auditor expresses concern in relation to the financial performance of the Council and the assumptions underlying the budgetary process. He expresses concern in relation to the financial standing of the Council and its increasing level of debt. He tells us that the Council's revenue debt increased by 33% in 2010 to €9.98 million and he points out that salaries were underestimated by €1.42 million or 11%.
"He says there was an insufficient audit trail in relation to a number of capital products and despite having raised the issue in the past he again highlights the fact that there is no evidence of legal services being tendered for in most cases.
"The report indicates that millions of Euro were spent on the Model Niland Gallery and other projects despite the fact that the Council did not have money to cover the costs.
"In addition the auditor says that the Council's registers of lands and buildings have not been properly maintained and he points out that the Councils long term debt increased by €10.7 million to €76.9 million.
"The auditor confirms that as a result of borrowing and refinancing in 2010 the Council reduced its short-term overdraft to €3 million.
"However we all know that when the Auditors Report for 2011 is published it will show that within months of the overdraft being reduced to €3 million, the majority of councillors supported the recommendations of the County Manger to consistently increase the overdraft and today this Councils overdraft stand at €11 million.
"It should now be obvious to most people that what is happening here in terms of the finances of this Council is not only unacceptable, it is unsustainable. In essence what is happening here is a microcosm of what occurred in Anglo Irish Bank.
"This report is a damning indictment of the manner in which the Council manages its financial business.
"And I have to say that I find it amazing that the County Manager is not present at the meeting on the day the Council is dealing with the Auditors Report. Can you imagine the C.E.O. of a company in financial crisis, being absent from the Board meeting on the day the Auditors Report is to be considered. It could only happen in Sligo County Council.
"Given the contents the Auditors Report I now challenge the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail councillors to propose a vote of confidence in the County Manager."
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion:- "Having considered the contents of the Local Government Auditors Report for the year ending 31st December 2010 and recognising the grave financial crisis the Council finds itself in, the elected members of Sligo County Council request the Minister for the Environment to meet as a matter of urgency with an all party delegation of councillors to consider the critical financial position of the Council and to seek the advice and assistance of the Department of the Environment and Local Government in terms of resolving the crisis." The motion was seconded by Cllr Sean Mac Manus and was unanimously adopted.
Audio Transmission of Proceedings of Council meeting
IN THE interest of openness and transparency and indeed to ensure value for money I am proposing that the meetings of all Borough Council meetings be transmitted live on the Borough Councils website,Cllr Declan Bree said at the Budget meeting of Sligo Borough Council.
Cllr Bree made the call as the County Manager continues to pay a Wicklow based consultant approximately €1,000 per meeting to observe the behaviour of councillors
"A number of councils in Ireland now broadcast full webcasts of their meetings. However I believe this Council could commence with audio transmissions and if sufficient funding became available in the future we could upgrade to full webcasts." said Cllr Bree.
"Currently the County Manager is paying out huge sums of money to a chap to sit in the public gallery to record the proceedings of Council meetings.
"If the proceedings of the meetings were transmitted live on the Council website I believe it would save the Council a small fortune and more importantly it would allow the people of this community to adjudicate on the behaviour of councillors, rather than someone who is on the payroll of the County Manager. It would also allow the public to adjudicate on the behaviour of the County Manager and everyone else who participates in Council meetings."
Cllr Bree then proposed:"That in the interest of openness and transparency, the proceedings of Borough Council meetings be transmitted live as an audio transmission on the Borough Councils website, and that a recording of each meeting be retained in an archive which will be available on the website, and that the sum required to fund such a project be deducted from the budget for the hire of private consultants." The motion was seconded by Cllr Chris MacManus. Following disucssion the matter was deferred to the February meeting of the Council so as to allow for an examination of the Council's Standing Orders and to have a costing provided by the Council's IT Department.
Retain Community Wardens in Cranmore
RESIDENTS IN Cranmore had concerns that the Community Wardens were to be laid off before Christmas and at the time I contacted ULA Deputy Joan Collins to raise the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Cllr Declan Bree told a meeting of Sligo Borough Council.
"The Minister told her that funding was initially provided from the Sustainable Communities Fund for the Community Warden Scheme. He said the Borough Council sought approval in 2010 to use Regeneration Funding to support the Community Wardens Scheme and approval to this effect issued in August 2011. The Minister said that €72,954 had been provided for the Wardens in 2011 and that his Department will review the continued funding arrangements for the scheme in the context regeneration work programme for this year.
"Given the valuable work the Community Wardens carry out in Cranmore I feel confident that the Minister will continue to fund the scheme.
"During the period 2008 to 2010 the total cost of the Community Warden scheme in Cranmore was €163,350. In contrast in the same period over €1million was provided to cover the salaries of the staff in the Regeneration Office in Cranmore. In addition the Regeneration office separately paid out a sum of €115,000 in Technical fees in respect of the grass mounds in the estate which still remain in place, and over €260,000 was paid in fees to consultants.
"In this context it is clear that the Community Wardens clearly provide value for money." he said.
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion:- "That the Borough Council, recognising the valuable work carried out by the community wardens confirms that it will continue to provide matching funds to maintain the community wardens scheme in Cranmore." The motion was seconded by Cllr Chris MacManus and was unanimously adopted.
IT IS very clear from the draft budget before us this evening that there will be significant cutbacks in a number of areas and these cutbacks will create serious problems for the Council and for the people of this community during the course of the next year, Cllr Declan Bree told the Budget meeting of Sligo Borough Council
"The new government of Fine Gael and Labour is now imposing the same type of cuts as the outgoing crowd.
"I have to say that I find it unacceptable that the Government can cut back on local government services and on health services; that they can cut the pay to ordinary working people, that they can cut the fuel allowance for the elderly; cut disability payments; cut child benefits for large families; cut back the school clothing and footwear allowance; cut back community employment schemes and cuts rent supplements while at the very same time they can provide billions to bail out the bankers and the speculators, the very people who have caused the economic crisis.
"The government would have us believe that the ordinary people of this country caused the economic crisis so as to justify their savage cut backs. I believe that this lie must be rejected.
"It is also clear from the draft budget that the new Household Charge will not result in any additional funds for local authorities as it is set to replace a similar amount that was formerly paid to local councils by the exchequer.
"The Government has been trying to con people into believing that the Household Tax is to be used to supplement the funding to local authorities to improve local services. But that is a lie.
"There will be no additional funding for local authorities. The Household Tax is not about paying for public services. It is about paying off the debts of rogue developers, bankers and speculators.
"The tax is part and parcel of the government and EU/IMF diet of cutbacks and austerity that has seen a slashing of our living standards and has only helped deepen the economic crisis.
"The Government expects every household to register for the tax so the most effective way to defeat this now poll tax is by refusing to register and by refusing to pay. Why should we have to pay the private debts of speculators, developers and bankers." said Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion "Alarmed that the Local Government Fund General Purpose grant for Sligo Borough Council has been reduced by 8.98%, and further recognising that the Government is spending billions of Euro bailing out banks and developers, this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for the Environment to provide the necessary funding for this Borough Council to carry out its statutory duties." The motion was seconded by Cllr Arthur Gibbons and adopted.
IS IT ANY WONDER that Sligo County Council is now considered a basket-case, Cllr Declan Bree asked when speaking at the annual budget meeting of the Council this week.
"The draft Annual Budget which has been presented to us by the County Manager can only be described as yet another work of fantasy." said Cllr Bree.
"It is very similar to the Budget presented to us last year, and the previous year, and the year before that – budgets that bear no resemblance to reality and budgets that have plunged this Council into spiralling debt.
"At budget meetings we as councillors are warned that if we include proposals for expenditure or income which the Manager believes is unattainable, that the Minister for the Environment will be advised and that the elected Council could leave itself open to being abolished.
"However year after year the County Manager produces Budgets which are clearly unattainable.
"At the end of 2008 there was a deficit balance of €4.2 million. After adopting the Managers budget in 2009 this Council ended up with a deficit €7.5 million. When it adopted the Managers budget for 2010 the Council ended up with a deficit of almost €10 million; and according to the most recent information, the Managers budget which was adopted for 2011 will increase the deficit by another €2.8 million and bring the total revenue deficit up to €12.8 million.
"These figures clearly confirm that the budgets which the County Manger presents to the elected council each year are absurd and unattainable. This does not happen in any other County Council in the country. It's as if the Management of this Council was living in a parallel universe - and it makes a mockery of the Budget exercise we as councillors participate in each year." Cllr Bree said.
"In addition, in July 2010, the County Manager asked the members of the Council to authorise borrowing of €18 million by way of a term loan of €15 million and a temporary overdraft of €3 million. We were told then that the main reasons for the loan and overdraft totaling €18 million was due to an accumulated deficit on the revenue account of €7.5 million and that there was expenditure of approx €10 million on capital related activity that awaited funding.
"However despite the fact that the Council borrowed the money to clear the €7.5 million deficit last year, we discovered this year that the deficit was not cleared.
"And it should also be noted that this year the County Manger recommended to the Council that the overdraft be increased from €3 million, then to €5 million, then to €7.5 million and then to the current €11million overdraft.
"And now we have this draft Budget before us today, which can only be described as another work of fantasy and which will lead to further increased interest repayments and another huge deficit at the end of 2012.
"Unfortunately the major political parties on this Council find this acceptable
"Is it any wonder that Sligo County Council is now considered a basket-case. If any business in the private sector behaved in such a fashion it would have gone to the wall long ago.
"And the question we have to ask the County Manger is: Why is Sligo County Council the only Council in the entire country where the revenue deficit is consistently increasing year by year?
"There are 34 County and City Councils in the state, and there are 34 County and City Managers. In this context I believe it is reasonable to ask the Sligo County Manager: Why is Sligo the only Council in the country where the revenue deficit is consistently increasing year by year?" said Cllr Bree
THE GOVERNMENT'S new household tax is unfair, unjust, immoral and must be resisted, Cllr Declan Bree said when he spoke at a meeting of the Campaign against Household and Water Taxes at the weekend.
"The government expects each household to register for the tax and to send the tax payment directly to the government. Fines and court proceedings have been threatened if people refuse to register to pay the tax. Contrast this with the manner in which the government has dealt with the bankers, developers and speculators who have ruined our economy. How many of them have been fined or jailed?
"This is the opportunity many homeowners have sought - to have their say against all the cut backs and austerity that has been foisted on them. Unlike the universal social charge, the cutbacks, and all the other measures which have taken money out of our pockets, this is something on which we will have a choice. We can boycott the tax by refusing to register."
"I will certainly not register for the tax and I will not pay this tax. And I will appeal to people in the community to take similar action." declared Cllr Bree.
"This is not about paying for public services. This is about paying the bank debt. The new household tax, like the universal social charge, and the ongoing cuts in health and public services is in essence a form of collective punishment against the great majority of Irish people who are being forced by government to pay the private debts of speculators, developers and bankers.
"A pensioner or low paid worker will pay the same as a millionaire. By any standard of fairness, it is wrong that the household tax will be imposed on people regardless of their ability to pay. One hundred euro may not seem a lot to government ministers who believe it is appropriate to pay advisers in excess of €135,000. To the unemployed or working poor, however, it represents a significant burden.
"Across the state a major campaign is being built to oppose this tax. The Campaign against Household and Water Taxes will be based on a refusal to register and a refusal to pay this new poll tax. Building this campaign will need the active involvement of ordinary people both urban and rural." said Cllr Bree.
AT ITS monthly meeting the members of Sligo Borough Council adopted a motion tabled by Cllr Declan Bree calling on Health Minister James Reilly, to meet with a deputation from the Save Our Cancer Service campaign group
Addressing the meeting Cllr Bree said "Six months ago the Save our Cancer Services campaign group wrote to the new Minister for Health Dr James Reilly, with a request that he meet with a deputation to discuss the restoration of the Breast Cancer service in Sligo General Hospital.
"Given that Minister Reilly and the Tanaiste Mr Eamon Gilmore, and Minister of State John Perry, and Deputy Tony McLoughlin, and Senators Imelda Henry, Susan O'Keeffe and Michael Comiskey, had all given solemn commitments that the Breast Cancer service would be restored to Sligo, the campaign group was understandably concerned with the lack of progress in delivering on the commitments.
"Their concern grew to dismay last month when the Minister refused to accede to their request for a meeting. The excuse he offered to the Cancer campaigners was that he had a 'very heavy schedule of government and departmental business'.
"Surely this can only be described as an insult to everyone in Sligo and the region who have campaigned for the breast cancer services in recent year.
"Last month when there was a proposal to close down a Community Nursing Home in Abbeyleix, the government deputy from the area Charlie Flanagan T.D. organised a meeting between a local deputation and the Minister for Health within 72 hours.
"This is a constituency with five government Oireachtas members - a Minister of State, a Dail Deputy and three Senators. What in goodness name are the doing? Have they no clout? Have they no influence? Or do they just not care?" asked Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion which was unanimously adopted: "Concerned at the refusal of the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly T.D., to meet with a deputation from the Save Our Cancer Services NW to discuss the re-opening of the Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital; and recognising the pressing need to have the service restored; this Council calls on the Minister for Health to reverse his decision and to meet with the deputation from the Save Our Cancer Services committee without undue delay; and further this Council calls on Government Oireachtas members from the area to make the necessary representations to ensure that the meeting with the Minister takes place."
SLIGO COUNTY Council pays the highest resurfacing costs in the country for the resurfacing of roads under the Roads Restoration Maintenance Programme, Cllr Declan Bree told this month meeting of Sligo County Council.
"Last year Sligo County Council paid an average of €10.87 per square metre for the resurfacing of Regional Roads while Clare County Council paid an average of €3.78 per square metre, Louth paid an average of €4.38 per square metre and Leitrim paid an average of €4.76 per square metre.
"And last year Sligo County Council paid an average of €11.53 per square metre for the resurfacing of Local Roads while Cavan County Council paid an average of €2.72 per square metre, Mayo paid an average of €3.72 per square metre and Roscommon paid an average of €4.56 per square metres." Cllr Bree told the meeting.
"Information held by the Department of Transport will confirm that other counties can resurface three to four miles of road for the sum it costs Sligo County Council to resurface one mile.
"The County Manager told us at our last meeting that the work carried out by Sligo County Council was of a much higher standard than in other counties and that it represented good value for money.
"However, as far as I am concerned that is nonsense and unacceptable. We are not taking about rocket science here. We know that that the Department of Transport and the NRA set down the same standards for all local authorities. These standards were put in place by the Department specifically to ensure that public monies were not squandered.
"And it's clear that the Minister and the Department doesn't accept the County Manager's view that we are getting good value for money.
"Because Sligo and a small number of other councils couldn't justify the exorbitant costs they were paying for resurfacing, the Minister was obliged to intervene this year, and the Department set maximum costs of €4.50 and €5.50 per square metre for surface dressing for local and regional roads respectively.
"The Department has also made it clear in its Circular that where these rates are exceeded without sufficient explanation a Council's grant will be reduced by an amount equal to the excess cost. This has major implications for Sligo given the fact that the County Manager believes it is acceptable and good value to pay €11.83 per square metre for resurfacing.
"Recognising that Sligo can ill afford to lose out on grant aid from the Department for the resurfacing of our roads I am now proposing that this Council calls on the County Manager to comply with the requirements as set out in the Department Circular." said Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion: "Recognising that Sligo County Council pays the highest resurfacing costs in the country for the resurfacing of roads under the Roads Restoration Maintenance Programme; and noting that Sligo County Council paid an average of €10.87 per square metre in 2010 for the resurfacing of Regional Roads while Clare County Council paid an average of €3.78 per square metre; and noting that Sligo County Council paid an average of €11.53 per square metre in 2010 for the resurfacing of Local Roads while Cavan County Council paid an average of €2.72 per square metre; and noting that the Department of Transport by way of Circular letter (RLR 2/2011)has set maximum costs of €4.50 and €5.50 per square metre for surface dressing for local and regional roads respectively; and further noting with concern that the Circular states that where these rates are exceeded a Council's grant will be reduced by an amount equal to the excess cost; this Council calls on the County Manger to comply with the requirements as set out in the Department Circular." The motion was seconded by Cllr Sean MacManus.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail councillors attempted to justify the council's exorbitant road costs and voted down Cllr Bree's motion.
REINSTATE FUNDING FOR PwDI
THE MEMBERS of Sligo County Council supported a motion tabled by Cllr Declan Bree at this month's meeting of the Council, calling on the government to reinstate funding to PwDI - People with Disabilities Ireland.
Addressing the meeting Cllr Bree said, "Last month the Labour Party Minister of State Kathleen Lynch T.D. announced that the government was withdrawing all funding to People with Disabilities in Ireland – PwDI,and she said she had established a new National Disability Strategy Implementation Group for people with disabilities.
"The government decision can only be described as outrageous. It will plunge people with disabilities back into the days when they had no voice, nor say in decisions made at both local and national levels and had little contact with each other.
"The decision will not only affect PwDI, but a significant group of smaller disability groups who were helped by PwDI to host conferences and events that were out of their reach as stand alone disability groups." Cllr Bree said.
"People with Disabilities in Ireland, PwDI, is the only national cross disability organisation. Its ambition has been to help all people with disabilities to take part in and influence the decision making process that impacts on their lives and opportunities.
"It is an organisation for all people with disabilities, whether those disabilities are physical, sensory, intellectual or emotional/mental health and it also welcomed the involvement of parents, carers, siblings, partners and disability groups.
"PwDI has a national network of local committees who raise and address local issues and organise events such as conferences and activities for members. It offers a bottom up model of giving members a louder voice to raise issues on a national stage.
"PwDI has over 8,000 members and affiliated organisations, 26 local network committees across Ireland with many giving their time on a voluntary basis to build the organisation
"Since its formation over ten years ago the Sligo Network Committee of PwDI has been pro active in all areas of Disability within the county. They have lobbied and advocated on behalf of their members with regard to Access, Employment, Transport, Health, Planning and Development and any issues brought to their attention by their members.
"The Network has significant links with the HSE and the Local Authorities. They have three representatives on the Sligo Borough Council Access Committee, also three representatives on this Council's Disability Consultative Group, a representative on the HSE Regional Co-ordinating Committee, a Director on the Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership, a Director on the Sligo Citizens Information Board, a member on Sligo Community Forum, a member on HSE Regional Data Base Committee and the HSE Care Group. And their Board Member, Mr Oliver Durkin represents PWDI nationally on an Advisory Group within the Department of Social Protection.
"I am aware that their involvement with the Borough Council Access Committee has resulted in many access issues being resolved successfully. In addition, their input into the County Council Disability Consultative Group has highlighted many issues regarding Employment, Transport, Housing and Access in the county." said Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree then proposed the following motion which was unanimously adopted: "Recognising that over the past decade the PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland) has been accepted by statutory and non statutory organisations and agencies as being the acknowledged expert voice of people with disabilities in Ireland, this Council expresses its dismay at the government decision to withdraw all funding from the organisation; and recognising that PwDI is the umbrella organisation which brings people together locally and nationally to work on common issues that affect all people with disabilities, this Council calls on the government to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the funding without further delay."


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Watercooler: Cat Futures
6:00 pm in Watercooler by Kit OConnell
Meow, y'all.
Last night in my watercooler, MyFDL's cmaukonen shared fascinating news from the New York Times — Google created a powerful neural network with the ability to recognize important or significant objects, and then set it loose on YouTube. The results? One of the most powerful computers ever created taught itself to recognize cats:
The neural network taught itself to recognize cats, which is actually no frivolous activity. This week the researchers will present the results of their work at a conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Google scientists and programmers will note that while it is hardly news that the Internet is full of cat videos, the simulation nevertheless surprised them. It performed far better than any previous effort by roughly doubling its accuracy in recognizing objects in a challenging list of 20,000 distinct items.
"We never told it during the training, 'This is a cat,' " said Dr. Dean, who originally helped Google design the software that lets it easily break programs into many tasks that can be computed simultaneously. "It basically invented the concept of a cat."
This story appeals to me on multiple levels. It's obviously quite funny — as a friend of mine commented last night, was there ever any doubt that a sentient Internet would think mostly of cats? And of course, the next steps seem just as clear. First Google's expensive computing array teaches itself to recognize cats, then it'll teach itself to make LOLcats, or to create autotuned music videos about them.
Hidden in the mirth is the reminder that we're on the brink of developing dramatic new technologies. New technologies bring new dangers — improved computer vision benefits many including repressive governments. Yet tools are tools — those who resist oppression can make use of them too. For example, new computer vision techniques might be used by Anonymous to analyze protest videos to identify repeat offenders among violent police.
And there's never been a technology we've successfully put away — the genie does not go back into the bottle. Human curiosity and inquiry have few, if any brakes. We can't stop the future, only do our best to shape it in ways that are ethical and equal for all.
In other words, as another Internet meme goes, "I, for one, welcome our new cat-loving computer overlords."
This is tonight's open thread. What's on your mind?


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Lathrop 3-Pc Bar Table Set by Coaster
This stunning bar table and stool set will be a welcome addition to your casual dining and entertainment space. The round pub table has a classic look, in a bold black finish for a modern update. The smooth round table top sits above a beautiful turned pedestal base. The stools have curved backs, featuring an "X" motif, with a pretty medallion in the center. The round swivel seats are covered in rich black faux leather, above cool turned legs. Add this classic bar set to your home for a fresh space for friends and family to gather.
This Set Includes 1 Table and 2 Stools.
- Traditional Style
- Wood Veneers & Solids
- Round Pedestal Bar Table
- Swivel Bar Stools
- Curved Stool Backs
- "X" Motif
- Turned Legs
- Smooth Lines
- Faux Leather Upholstered Seat
- Black Finish
- Assembly Required
- Ships Via Freight
- Table Size: 42"W x 42"D x 42.25"H
- Stool Size: 19.25"W x 20.25"D x 45.5"H
- Seat Height: 29"H
- 158.4 Lbs.
No posts found


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Angola's fearful culture of silence
The divided country is celebrating 40 years of independence but it has been denied the chance to confront the past and heal its wounds.
The divided country is celebrating 40 years of independence but it has been denied the chance to confront the past and heal its wounds.
Ending a long relationship with Novo Jornal, the Angolan cartoonist is still full of provocation.
The country has steadfastly been expanding its influence, but with that come big responsibilities.
The IMF is worried that aspects of the alluring sovereign wealth pool are not clearly outlined.
News analysis: No one knows how the long-serving 'O Chefe' will escape the web of corruption he has woven.
The Angolan central bank governor says there is room for lending rates to come down, but he wants to avoid unnecessary price pressures.
Angola's state-run phone company looks set to make a profit after receiving a $314-million government bailout.
The war in Angola was disrupting Jean-Yves Ollivier's life, so he took steps to put an end to it.
Aristides Cabeche & Drew Forrest
Lawyers are outraged over the freeing of an arms dealer on the run for a huge debt repayment scam.
The retailer will open its first store in Angola next week, with the help of an unnamed local partner.
We look at Julius Malema's court case and giant sleep-over (aka night vigil), Angola banning Islam and Radovan Krejcir's James Bond movie-style life.
Reports of mosque closures and restrictions on wearing veils in public have surfaced despite Angola's president denying the country's ban on Islam.
The government of Angola - a traditionally devout Catholic nation - has denied claims it has banned Islam and shut down the mosques in the country.
The disappearance of two activists is a serious challenge to Angola's leader before he retires.
Angola's sovereign wealth fund, chaired by the president's son Filomeno dos Santos, has denied spending R3-billion on a London office block.
South African packaging company Nampak is expanding in faster-growing economies on the continent to offset slower growth in South Africa.
The son of Angola's President José Eduardo dos Santos is at the centre of a controversial investment in a R3-billion property in London.
The South African company, Nampak, has cast its eye to the rest of the continent, with Angola and Nigeria first in its sights.
Angolan journalist Rafael Marques de Morais has won a prestigious award recognising his efforts to fight graft and expose human rights abuse.


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Online degree programs at IU's Kelley School of Business ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report
No. 1 rankings highlight the school's commitment to students seeking a traditional MBA degree and those who seek an MS degree
Two programs at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business are No. 1 in U.S. News and World Report's rankings of the Best Online Education Programs, remaining at the top of more than 200 graduate business offerings nationwide.
This was the first year that U.S. News has published two business rankings: one of online MBA programs and one of all other online master's programs in business, in areas such as finance, accounting or risk management. Kelley received a perfect score of 100 in both rankings.
Kelley School Dean Idalene "Idie" Kesner said the two No. 1 rankings support the Kelley School's commitment to excellence in all of its degree programs.
"We place the same emphasis on our online programs as we do for our in-residence programs -- the same world-class professors, the same emphasis on leadership, and the same emphasis on student collaboration and global experiences," said Kesner, who is also the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management at Kelley. "We saw the need for online education two decades ago and have been building successful programs for the past 16 years that others look to for best practices."


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Saddam in the Polling Place
Saddam Hussein may be sitting in an Iraqi prison awaiting trial, but that won't stop him from participating in his country's constitution referendum this Saturday. Tuesday's Times of London reported that the ousted Iraqi president will be able to cast his vote, according to Iraqi officials quoted by the paper.
By Jefferson Morley |
October 11, 2005; 5:40 PM ET
| Category:
Previous: Constitution Supporters Seem to Have the Upper Hand |
Next: Follow-up on Smut-For-Gore Story


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Collect and ship used books to troops, both abroad and in the U.S., to help them through tough times and let them know their service is appreciated.
The Problem
Soldiers serving the U.S. military often lack access to books, which they need for leisure reading, developmental goals, reading to their children via web cam, recovering from emotional trauma and enduring separation from loved ones.
The Solution
Operation Paperback (www.operationpaperback.org/) is a non-profit organization that helps volunteers collect and ship books to troops, both abroad and in the U.S. You can use the organization's material to send books and show others how to do the same.
Time Commitment
One hour or less per shipment. Fifteen to 30 minutes to introduce someone to Operation Paperback and either encourage contributions to your book drive or walk him/her through the process of doing his/her own book shipment.
Special Considerations
Volunteer shippers send over 90% of the books shipped under Operation Paperback.
Who can do this?
Great Reasons to do this Project
- Let U.S. troops know that people appreciate their service and sacrifice.
- Help U.S. troops stay mentally active with literature.
- Help U.S. troops stay connected to their children via web cam book reading.
- Ensure that our troops have reading material that may help get them through tough times.
- Clear books you've read from your home, and help others do the same.
- Connect with others in your community on a meaningful project.


text:
Invigo Fresh Natural Latex and Foam 8" Mattress
Item # WX2-209096
- Google+
This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
This item cannot ship to Canada.
This item cannot ship internationally.
- Details & Specs
Made in the USA Invigo FreshTM Natural Latex and Foam 8" Mattress. Recover from today, invigorate for tomorrow.
Not your ordinary mattress! Invigo's exclusive technology works nonstop to capture and destroy common household odors from pets, body odor, dirty laundry, cooking, and more. Additional antimicrobial properties naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, along with the odors and allergens they produce. And a built-in stain guard makes it harder for spills to penetrate fibers, so clean up is easy on the spot!
But of course, you wouldn't buy a mattress based on those things alone. Obviously, it's gotta be comfortable, too. And the Invigo Fresh Natural Latex Mattress is most definitely that. Constructed with 2" of natural latex, 5" of plant-based foam and a 1" double-knit removable cover, a combination designed to relieve pressure points and create a supportive, ultra-comfortable night of sleep. And the natural latex breathes easy, helping you maintain the ideal body temp while you sleep. Sweet dreams!
Cover Care Instructions: Cover for the Mattress is removable, however washing is neither needed nor recommended unless absolutely necessary.
State Size, as available in the Shopping Cart.
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Buyer's Club $251.99 Non-Members $279.99


text:
@feruze-- I don't know about the ones causing temporary whitening, I have never used them. But I have used a whitening booster as home teeth whitening.
I don't think it's harmful because it just has peroxide and calcium. Peroxide is the main ingredient in most whitening products so it can't be harmful. But the label does say that it shouldn't be used more than three times a day. So maybe it is harmful if it is used too often?
Whitening boosters don't work anyway. I've been using it for three months and my teeth are the same.


text: QWICK-FINGASBIODJ Qwick-Fingas Afro-Beat / Hip-Hop / Zouk DJ Qwick-Fingas was born in Boa Vista, Cape Verde on October 13th, 1983. At an early age he knew that music and entertainment were the life he wanted. Being the oldest of two kids and the only boy, growing up in Brooklyn, New York, back then there wasn't much to do except for listening to music. One day while listening to a couple of DJ's on HOT 97, in New York, he realized that he could do the same thing some day. At the age of 13, Qwick-Fingas and a couple of friends got their hands on a set of turntables from a friend who was a good DJ from around the way (DJ Iya). They started practicing and learning the in's and out's of playing music, soon they were making mixtapes and selling them from out of their backpacks in high school. After establishing a reputation for themselves in H.S, they formed a crew called Techni Sounds. After leaving the group in 2002 to move to the state of Rhode Island, He started his own production company called Topp-A-D-Line Productions. Being in the state of R.I. and surrounded by Cape Verdians, he started doing Cape Verdian music. With three Cape Verdian mixtapes under his belt, he became friends with DJ Helder and formed Elite DJs ..."I knew Helder from the first day I moved to R.I.. We were always on the same page with each other, music wise and life wise. We both want the same out of this experience and we clicked together." DJ Qwick-Fingas has worked with artist such as Denis Graca, Edson Danny, DND, Isidora, Novu Reino, Pulonga, CV Boys Band, Xaxe and The Boys, Djedje, Ferro Gaita, Johnny Ramos, Hugo, Sandro, Vargas and many more to come. Today the DJ duo goes by the name Elite Djs. You are welcome to visit their website and social networks to download previous mixtapes and remixes on Elitedjsmusic.com and Myspace.com/djqwickfingas. Thanks for taking your time to read up on DJ Qwick-Fingas. |


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The Bristol Anarchist Bookfair was contacted on Tuesday by Banksy's associates advising that he has produced a poster to be exclusively sold at the Bookfair - as a fundraiser for local groups in the Stokes Croft/Bristol area who support local art, squatting and those arrested & harassed as a result of the recent Stokes Croft disturbances.
The poster has been released online at the Banksy Forum and Pictures On Walls, announcing it is available for £5, with the following statement: "After the recent Tesco riots in Bristol Banksy has produced this fine commemorative souvenir poster. It's available exclusively from Bristol's Anarchist Bookfair this coming Saturday. All proceeds go to the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft and associates."
We understand the 'associates' will be using any funds raised to support Stokes Croft defendants and those in housing need.
We are sure the authorities in Bristol, who have been so full of praise for Banksy in recent times, will appreciate this gesture and not lose their sense of humour.
Quotes and more info here. More details when we get them


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Dear Friends and Faithful Subscribers,
It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to share with you the news of my new position as Digital Planner at Edelman Digital – the digital arm of the world's largest independent public relations firm. This is a senior position and I'm really excited about it. Continue reading Joining the Edelman Family


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« Top 9: Monday 3-28 | Gaga's surprise performance in Vegas this weekend » |
Will Ferrell might be takin' Steve Carrell's shoes?
Will Ferrell is eyeing a permanent desk job - he's hoping his upcoming turn in 'The Office' will become a regular role. The Elf star is to appear in four episodes of the U.S. sitcom's current season next month to fill the place left by outgoing star Steve Carell. And Ferrell has hinted his run in the show could be extended to a more permanent position once producers start looking at the future of the program.
Here's a teaser for it:


text:
Psych has plans to make season 8 great and that means adding great guest stars, in addition to continuing the relationships on the series that we already love. The latest stars to confirm their visits to the USA network's longest-running original series are Loretta Devine and Peggy Lipton. Isn't that divine?
The divine Devine has a great gig on Lifetime's The Client List, but when she visits Psych for the next all new season, she will "foxy" lady, Melba Birdson. Birdson is a real songbird and she'll pop up in episode 5 of season 8. She's a former back-up singer for a 1960s performer, Myles Valour Jr. When Lassie, acted by Timothy Omundson connects with Birdson, its to examine an angel on an old cold case from 1967. Birdson is still hard at work singing, too.
Peggy Lipton will play Scarlet Jones in the same episode, reported THR. Around the time of the cold case, Jones was the girlfriend of notorious mob boss Rodney Caruso. When Lassie gets to digging, he discovers that Scarlett Jones would know all about Archie's supper club, where Myles and Birdson used to perform regularly. It was quite an era and at the club, cops and criminals often rubbed elbows to the music.
Devine earned an Emmy in 2011 for her work on Grey's Anatomy. She's had stints on Eli Stone and Boston Public.
In addition to the exciting news of Cary Elwes' return, Kristy Swanson is also expected to come back in season 8. Season 7 finished up in May and a special musical episode is planned for late this year. The most recent news still suggests that season 8 will be 8 episodes long.
James Roday, Dulé Hill, Maggie Lawson, Kirsten Nelson and Corbin Bernsen also star.


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Pressure on RBA as ANZ lifts rates
PUBLISHED: 13 Apr 2012 17:26:00 | UPDATED: 14 Apr 2012 02:54:36PUBLISHED: 14 Apr 2012 PRINT EDITION: 14 Apr 2012ANZ has been trying to distance itself from RBA cash rate adjustments, arguing there is now less of a link due to the higher cost of wholesale debt and term deposits. Photo: Glenn Hunt
John Kehoe
ANZ chief executive Mike Smith. ANZ's rise will likely increase the probability of an RBA rate cut. Photo: Rob Homer
The Reserve Bank of Australia is under extra pressure to cut interest rates next month after ANZ Banking Group lifted mortgage rates on Friday, a decision it blamed on continued funding cost pressures.
ANZ increased home loan and small business lending rates 0.06 of a percentage point, the second time in three months it has moved independently of the RBA.
After ANZ's interest rate pricing committee met, ANZ Australia chief executive Phil Chronican said increased competition for deposits, and expensive wholesale debt, had pushed up funding costs.
"The funding environment changed quite dramatically in late 2011 as a result of the economic and financial crisis in Europe," Mr Chronican said.
"We wanted to ensure these costs were sustained before we acted to pass them on."
Treasurer Wayne Swan said ANZ's decision "flies in the face" of recent RBA statements that funding costs had eased. "There would be a lot of ANZ customers very upset about this decision by ANZ to jack up rates, coming after their recent massive profit announcement and staff sackings," Mr Swan said.
Wholesale funding costs have fallen lately, but analysts said most of the major banks' recent wholesale funds had been raised in international markets in the early part of the year when risk concerns had driven up rates.
Before ANZ's increase, interest rate traders were betting there was an 84 per cent chance a rate cut of 0.25 of a percentage point by the RBA on May 1. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said ANZ had given the central bank additional impetus to lower rates if inflation figures due out this month were low.
On Friday night, other banks said they were reviewing their rates.
ANZ's standard mortgage rate of 7.42 per cent is now the second-highest of the big four banks.
The Australian Financial Review
Related News
Read more
Companies | ANZ Banking Grp Ltd |
People | Philip Chronican, Wayne Swan |
Topics | Economy /Monetary Policy , Politics /Federal Politics , Financial Services Industry /Banking & Finance |


text:
Main Content
The Fanatics Authentic® NBA logo framed wall-mounted basketball display case makes it easy to hang up your hoops pride; all you need is the memorabilia! The case is finished with a wood frame, and the removable lid offers simple loading of the collectible gear you've got.
- Dimensions: H 11 1/4" x W 15 1/2" x D 15 1/2"
- Fanatics Authentic Presented by Mounted Memories
- Features NBA Logoman on the front
- Made in USA
- Memorabilia sold separately
- Mirrored acrylic base
- Officially licensed
- Perfect for displaying your collectible ball
- Removable lid
- Wall-mounted basketball display case
- Wood frame
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game
or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are
received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items
are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite
number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
Napa Inn
Description provided by Napa Inn
Two adjacent turn of the century Victorian buildings comprise The Napa Inn. Located on a tree-lined street just a short stroll from shops and fine dining and minutes to world-class wineries. The perfect retreat for a romantic weekend. A candlelight gourmet breakfast is served each morning in the dining room or on the garden patio. Dessert and liqueurs are offered throughout the evening in the parlor. Each of our 14 guestrooms and suites are individually decorated with antique furnishings. All have AC and private baths. Most with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.
List of Amenities for Napa Inn
· Air conditioning · Complimentary breakfast · Free parking · Heated guest rooms · High speed internet access for laptop in public areas · Ice machine · Massage services · Massage services · Non-smoking rooms (generic) · Parlor · Phone services · Private bath or shower · Wheel chair access |
Area Attractions
Room Information for this hotel
Superior QueenQueen bed
Deluxe Queen
Queen bed
Deluxe Suite
King bed
Deluxe Suite
Queen bed
Miscellaneous Information provided by Napa Inn
· American Dollars is the native currency.
· Check in time is 3:00 PM
· Check out time is 11:00 AM
· Time Zone is GMT
· Opened in 1998
· Renovated in 01/01/2013
· 0 rooms.
· 7 suites.
· 0 floors.
This Hotel's Guarantee Policy
Credit Card guarantee required for booking.
This Hotel's Cancellation Policy
by 1AM, 10 days before arrival: penalty 1nts


text:
Translate this page Temecula man sentence suspended for theft of goat, which resulted in its deathWednesday, October 17th, 2012 Issue 42, Volume 16.
Bryce Zubicki, 23, pleaded guilty last month to felony grand theft of an animal. He must stay away from Fallbrook High School and cannot own or possess any animals while he's on probation, according to Deputy District Attorney Elisabeth Silva. The defendant was arrested in July and linked to the June 15, 2011, crime by DNA evidence found at the scene. According to authorities, Zubicki duct-taped the muzzles and legs of two goats at the school on the morning of June 15 -- the last day of school. At the time, authorities speculated it may have been a senior prank gone wrong, but investigators later said Zubicki may have planned to add the goats to his collection of farm animals. About 5 that morning, a security guard saw a hooded figure in a livestock pen with the two Tennessee fainting goats inside and scared off the would-be thief by shining a flashlight on him. The guard then removed the tape from the goats' muzzles but it was too late for one of the animals. A necropsy -- the equivalent of an autopsy -- revealed that the goal died from suffocation, authorities said. 10 comments
Goat meat is the most popular meat in most of the world. For some reason it has not caught on in the U.S. except in Hispanic regions in Texas. Baby goat is especially tasty! The sick-o that did this should be punished but the punishment is too extreme for the crime.
You're a joke. What does the popularity of goat meat in most parts of the world have to do with not only trespassing, but animal cruelty. If the security guard never came across this freak both goats would have suffered a cruel death. I'm ashamed to live in the same town as someone who constantly has such ignorant and ridiculous viewpoints on almost every village news article. You must be related to "Ray (the real one)."
He didn't do it to torture the animal. He was just too stupid to properly steal a goat. Society won't benefit from locking him up and teaching him how to commit more crimes. Hopefully he'll make better choices in the future.
They identified this guy via DNA which means he has been in trouble before and with this slap on the wrist he will likely be in trouble again.
Agreed. And not that he shouldn't have gotten worse punishment, but doesn't he at least have to pay restitution?
This guy should have been locked up for a year minimum. He's a killer and a thief and probably a liar too. How about making him pay for a new goat? God help us. Fallbrook is not like it use to be at all. Kid's bring loaded weapons to fallbrook high school. One 13 year old was shot at school two or three years ago. What can we do? Gangs in fallbrook how did this happen?
If 'TRUTH EXISTS' please point out where kids brought "loaded weapons" to school and "one 13 year old was shot at school two or three years ago" here in Fallbrook. I do recall a 13 year old Fallbrook resident being shot / killed in Vista a couple years back; which was heavily discussed here: http://www.thevillagenews.com/story/47757/ Let's not distort the truth please. On the other hand I agree with your first five sentences...
Truth Exists, WE don't just choose to live among thieves and animal killers we also choose to live among child molesters, drug dealers, gang members and illegal immigrants. Other than the fact we don't want to pay the cost to lock them up I am not sure why we do this but one thing I am sure of is -- A Nation that does not support its own laws will fail.
Lets deport him back to Europe that's the answer
Truth Exists asks "How did this happen?" Answer: We the People allowed it to happen In fact, we have encouraged it.
The Valley News has tightened its' policy regarding comments. While we invite you to contribute your opinions and thoughts, we request that you refrain from using vulgar or obscene words and post only comments that directly pertain to the specific topic of the story or article. Comments that are derogatory in nature have a high likelihood for editing or non-approval if they carry the possibility of being libelous. The comment system is not intended as a forum for individuals or groups to air personal grievances against other individuals or groups. Please, no advertising or trolling. In posting a comment for consideration, users understand that their posts may be edited as necessary to meet system parameters, or the post may not be approved at all. By submitting a comment, you agree to all the rules and guidelines described here. Most comments are approved or disregarded within one business day. |
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text:
Dawson, A. (1999) Inferring user behaviour from journal access figures. Serials Librarian, 35 (3). ISSN 0361-526X
HTML (strathprints002287.htm) Download (26Kb) |
Official URL: http://cdlr.strath.ac.uk/pubs/dawsona/ad199901.htm
Using the BUBL Journals service as a rich source of data, this article outlines different methods of measuring usage of electronic journals, suggests that different types of access may be mapped to the user activities of browsing, reading and searching, and draws some inferences about why different titles have differing patterns of usage. It also proposes that by measuring the 'search-to-browse' ratio of a journal it is possible to assess whether journals are being used primarily for research and reference purposes or mainly for current awareness and casual browsing.
Item type: | Article |
ID code: | 2287 |
Keywords: | ejournals, Electronic information resources, Library and Information Sciences |
Subjects: | Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Information resources > Electronic information resources |
Department: | Professional Services > Information Services |
Related URLs: | |
Depositing user: | Alan Dawson |
Date Deposited: | 01 Nov 2006 |
Last modified: | 04 Sep 2014 10:03 |
URI: | http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/2287 |
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Room Dividers
Our panel screen dividers make excellent accessories for maximizing space without compromising the beauty of your home. Create new divisions and rearrange your furnishings with Home Decor Center's finely crafted panel screens. Whether you're in need of metal or carved wooden room dividers, we surely have the right product to match any room setting. Call any of our friendly sales associates for more information on designer quality panel dividers at affordable discount prices.
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Manage Your Business. Or Let It Manage You Only 45% of businesses remain in operation after 5 years from their starting. Of these, 71% wind up within 10 years (Source: www.statisticbrain.com). 46% of businesses cited the lack of planning as one of the most common causes of business failure. 30% cited the lack of management as the next most common cause (Source: www.statisticbrain.com). In Singapore, 32.5% of business owners pointed to lack of profitability as the main reason for business failure (Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report 2011 by NTU). Could these businesses have found a different route and survived to tell a different tale? In most instances, better management and planning could have revived profitability for these failed businesses. If only the owners had better
Author:Jill Neoe-mailWeb: www.astreem.comPhone: 06567499233


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More stories on: release date
Rocket men: Jagex announces Ace of Spades release date
Jagex has settled on 12 December as the release date for its intriguing hybrid of class-based, multiplayer shooter and Minecraft-esque digging shenanigans, Ace of Spades.
Skyrim Dragonborn DLC for PC coming in 2013
The latest news on the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim on the PC is that it won't be here for Christmas, or even to bring in the new year.
Aftershocks: Battlefield 3's 'Aftermath' DLC coming to PC in December
A new Battlefield 3 video from DICE and EA gives an overview of the design philosophy behind one of the four maps coming in the 'Aftermath" DLC map pack.
RaiderZ gets US launch date
Perfect World in the US has completed the Beta test for the monster hunting MMO RaiderZ, and with that now behind them, they have revealed a launch date.
Fireplace frolics: Little Inferno releases this weekend
I'm not going to pretend I know exactly what Little Inferno is about.
The Walking Dead's season finale coming to PC next week
Telltale Games has revealed the release date for episode 5, the season finale, of The Walking Dead.
Darkfall Unholy Wars delayed until December
Previously thought to be scheduled for a November release, the PvP-focused MMO Darkfall Unholy Wars has now been delayed until December.
Dark Vale to release FORGE on 4 December
Indie developer Dark Vale Games has revealed that their PC Unreal Engine 3 powered multiplayer fantasy action title FORGE will be released on 4 December.
StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm release date revealed
As is usually the case with Blizzard release date reveals, something pops up on Battle.Net to give the game away before any official announcement arrives.
Star Wars: The Old Republic goes free to play on 15 November
EA has finally revealed the launch date for the free to play version of Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Nadeo reveals second beta and release date for ShootMania
You'll be able to shoot up a storm in ShootMania Storm (sorry) come 23 January, for this is the date on which Nadeo will be unleashing the game upon the world.
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition is "targeting" 28 November release date
The release date for Overhaul Games' 'Enhanced Edition' of Baldur's Gate has travelled hither and yon in the past few months, but now seems broadly settled on 28 November (bumped up slightly from 30 November).
Take-Two confirms "spring 2013″ release window for Grand Theft Auto V
Publisher Take-Two has announced that Grand Theft Auto V has an expected worldwide release window of "spring 2013″ for the Xbox 360 and PS3 editions of the game.
PES 2013 gets ready for kickoff
Footy fans waiting for the next PES will be pleased to know that PES 2013 will be released on all three major platforms on 21 September.
DICE clarifies Battlefield 3 'Armored Kill' release schedule
The release schedule for Battlefield 3's upcoming 'Armored Kill' DLC is especially confusing, because not only do you have Battlefield Premium members to consider, but also a period of exclusivity on the PS3.
Tokyo Jungle hits the streets in September [Video]
E3 curiosity piece and IncGamers favourite Tokyo Jungle will be released in the US through PlayStation Network on 25 September.
Dead Space 3 to jump out and spook you in February
EA's Gamescom 2012 press conference revealed the release date for Dead Space 3 as 8 February (5 February if you live in the US), along with a new trailer and a couple of inevitable pre-order bonuses.
F1 2012 releases 21 September – New dev diary video
The annual cycle of F1 titles from Codemasters continues and the release date for F1 2012 has now been confirmed as 21 September for the PC, 360 and pS3.


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Struggle by Lindsey Carr
Lindsey Carr's world is one inhabited by foxes, monkeys, birds, eels and the King of Fairyland (who looks to be either extremely contemplative or down in the dumps). Carr's delightful paintings are rich in texture and detail, perfect on their own or easily imagined as illustrations for some even deeper narrative. Colours are soft and dreamy, or jewel-toned, with a lovely emphasis on greens and reds. Carr's flora and fauna are quietly elegant rather than cute, and the proof just might be the fact that quite a few are sporting crowns.
Artist: Lindsey Carr
+ pickle-town.com
+ papertiger.com
King of Fairyland


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The situation makes it critical for Crawford to demonstrate that FDA decisions will be based on scientific and medical evidence — and not on pressure from industry or political leaders. With five years experience as acting or deputy FDA commissioner, Crawford moved quickly following Senate confirmation to brief members of Congress on reports of deaths related to Mifeprex (mifepristone), announce new FDA leadership [see Stability at the Top], and answer pointed questions from members of the House Appropriations subcommittee, who are responsible for approving FDA's budget.
At that hearing in July, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reflected the fairly negative opinion of FDA operations, citing flu vaccine shortages due to "inept oversight," delayed withdrawals of drugs such as Vioxx, and failure to enforce an animal feed ban to protect against mad cow disease. In his written testimony, Crawford outlined key challenges facing FDA in the coming year. The agency has fast-growing responsibilities for ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply, as well as difficulties regulating a growing number of complex medical devices. He also noted FDA's central role in protecting against bioterrorism by spurring development and ensuring production of new vaccines and countermeasures. And finally, the agency's move to its new White Oak campus in the Maryland suburbs promises to be a costly and disruptive process.
Changes in the country's political landscape may affect the pharmaceutical industry market in the future.
The author discusses the various ways in which a quality-by-design program can enhance the extractable and leachable assessment of a drug product.
The use of commercially available media to achieve high titer in early process development is discussed.
The fast growth of the global biopharmaceutical market has prompted global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to increase their R&D investment in biologics.
The draft guidance contains policies for drugs that are processed with additional manufacturing steps such as remixing, dilution, and repackaging.
The agency releases five draft guidance documents related to drug compounding and repackaging.
Market forces may limit the success of CMOs.
FDA announced that it would postpone a meeting that would be critical for the advancement of Celltrion's Remicade biosimilar in the US.
Drug shortages are declining, but they're still a serious concern for regulatory authorities, policy makers, and bio/pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The company voluntarily recalls product due to FDA observations of potential sterility problems.
More Webcasts


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Learning about Celiac Disease and gluten-free
SUNBURY – You may have heard about gluten-free diets or Celiac Disease, which is more commonly diagnosed in the last several years. Beth Stark is a registered dietician for Weis Markets and says it's an autoimmune disease that happens in the small intestines and can be genetic.
Those who have Celiac Disease must follow a diet that is gluten-free. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley and sometimes oats.
Jessica Newell of Selinsgrove has Celiac Disease and is a member of a local support group. She said, "It's really easy when you have something like this to kind of get stuck on what you can't have instead of what you can have. It's easy to feel sorry for yourself or think I can't have cake at a birthday party, but I try to twist it around and look at the things I can have."
There are now many gluten-free products available in local grocery stores. You can visit email@example.com to learn more about gluten-free choices. There are also support groups for those who have Celiac Disease. Gluten Free Friends meets at Evangelical Community Hospital and you can contact their Community Health Education Department at 522-2000. (Ali Stevens)
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Get Service in Mitchellville
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Up to 40 Mbps (where available). Find out how to bundle your home phone and High-Speed Internet together.Speeds up to 40 Mbps (may not be available in your area)
Do you know CenturyLink® has a 3-Year Price Lock?. It's the only deal in Iowa that will give you an affordable price on High-Speed Internet and Phone, with no contracts, and no price increases for 3 years. If you want to get this great deal on reliable and affordable High-Speed Internet and Home Phone, act now. Call today and see how CenturyLink® in Mitchellville can start saving you money.
Now you can get a High-Speed Internet connection in Mitchellville that will let you download large files, shop, game online and much more. Providing download speeds up to 40 Mbps (where available), a CenturyLink® High-Speed Internet connection is fast and consistent so you can get more done. With a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured CenturyLink® services in Mitchellville is reliable. Call today and discover a High-Speed Internet connection that consistent in both speed and price.
If you are looking for reliable home services in Mitchellville, then CenturyLink® is a superb option. With a bundle you will get Home Phone with 10 calling features, a consistent Internet connection and 24/7 technical support. With download speeds up to 40 Mbps (where available), you will have more than enough speed to enjoy social networking, stream movies and download large files. Home Phone service offers you Unlimited Local, plus features like caller ID, and call waiting. If you are looking for reliable services at a price you can afford, then contact a representative today.
Iowa currently ranks 28 in America for its Internet speeds. If you live in the The Hawkeye State then the average download speed is 27 Mbps. The FCC recently conducted a Consumer Broadband test and in Mitchellville the average internet speed is 0.00 Mbps. If you want a consistent speed and a consistent price, call today.


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Analysis Of Macromolecule, Liggands And Macromolecule-Lingand Complexes
Available for
- Feynman Center
- (505) 665-9090
Analysis Of Macromolecule, Liggands And Macromolecule-Lingand Complexes
A method for determining atomic level structures of macromolecule-ligand complexes through high-resolution powder diffraction analysis and a method for providing suitable microcrystalline powder for diffraction analysis are provided. In one embodiment, powder diffraction data is collected from samples of polycrystalline macromolecule and macromolecule-ligand complex and the refined structure of the macromolecule is used as an approximate model for a combined Rietveld and stereochemical restraint refinement of the macromolecule-ligand complex. A difference Fourier map is calculated and the ligand position and points of interaction between the atoms of the macromolecule and the atoms of the ligand can be deduced and visualized. A suitable polycrystalline sample of macromolecule-ligand complex can be produced by physically agitating a mixture of lyophilized macromolecule, ligand and a solvent.
U.S. Patent No.: 7,469,036 (DOE S-97,811)
Patent Application Filing Date: May 31, 2002
Patent Issue Date: December 23, 2008
Licensing Status:
Available for (?). View terms and a sample license agreement.
For more information, contact email@example.com.


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Figures released for app usage in the UK
Twice as many UK users using iOS apps than Android
According to a recent study by GSMA, 65% of UK-connected app users are on Apple's iOS. Coming in second is the Android OS by Google, at 31% of UK's population. Symbian came in third at just 1%, with a mixture of other OS' at 3% of the total. |


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Spring, Texas Horseback Riding - Horseback riding lessons/trail rides given by ordinary women on the beautiful Spring Creek Greenway trails in Spring, TX. Come spend time with us and our beloved horses for a very inexpensive cost. No kids under 12. See our website for details.
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - Holiday Inn Express Big Spring is located approximately two miles from the Commanche Trail Park and 45 miles from Midland International Airport.
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - Perfect for business and leisure travelers alike, the BEST WESTERN Palace Inn & Suites is the perfect place to relax and unwind while on the road.
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - Big Spring Heritage Museum 1 mile, Big Spring Park 1 block, Scenic Mountain State Park 5 miles
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - The property is close to howard college. There is a lounge on premise and walking distance to a 24 hour restaurant. .
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - The Hampton Inn & Suites Big Spring, TX is the city that sits in a rocky gorge between two high foothills of the Caprock escarpment in West Texas.
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - The La Quinta Inn & Suite Big Spring is located between Abilene and Midland TX, where myriad of dining options, area attractions, shopping, and entertainment
Big Spring, Texas Hotels & Resorts - Conveniently located near downtown Big Spring, the Heritage Museum and Comanche Trail Park, Scottish Inns is an ideal base for those wishing to explore
Big Spring, Texas Vacations - Travel guide to Big Spring, Texas accommodations and vacation packages. Visit Big Spring, Texas for getaways and adventure travel. Plan your Big Spring, Texas vacation today.


text: It is a common belief that marinating adds to tenderness, but not so! It affects the outer few millimeters only and often leaves the surface mushy. It can add a flavor enhancement, but it is limited to the edges. Either buy a better grade or use a tenderizing method, like a pin rotator to, in effect, break down the collagen some. It's best to use a cooking method that is low and slow. Barding and larding are often used here, or braising or slow roasting. Season and sear first.


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New Horse Guards from St James's Park by Giovanni Antonio Canaletto
Credit: CEN
The oldest view of what would become the background for volleyball games played during this past summer's Olympic Games is up for auction. Giovanni Antonio Canal painted the new Horse Guards Parade as it was under construction in 1753, after the Old Horse Guards was demolished between 1749 and 1750. William Kent, chief architect to George II, designed the new grounds, and in the painting one can see scaffolding around the clock tower as the building went up. Also seen in the painting are other splendors of British architecture: the Admiralty building, the Treasury, and some of Christopher Wren's houses at Downing Street. But Horse Guards Parade, where monarchs march on their birthdays, is now also known for hosting Olympic beach volleyball—thanks to architecture firm Populous, who developed a strategy of using London landmarks to backdrop the London Olympics. New Horse Guards from St James's Park is estimated to sell for €2 to €3 million ($2.6 to $3.9 million) at the Dorotheum in Vienna on Oct. 17. • dorotheum.com
Arts and Culture
Lindsey M. Roberts
Exhibits Books Etc.
Please read our Content Guidelines before posting.
Check out these stories, which take a close look at innovative projects that are using wood in creative ways. Proudly sponsored by reThink Wood.


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Eucalyptus Trees |
We are a small family-owned business that sells electrical transmission woodpoles and firewoods (Wood fuel) for firing factories energy-plants. We currently have a plantation with more than 10,000 E'grandis eucalyptus trees ready-for-sale. |
COMMERCIAL FOREST FARMING: Commercial tree growing is a multi-billion shilling business in Kenya, thanks to the recent moratorium on harvesting of trees in public forests and emerging markets. Most farmers are turning from crop production to tree farming and in particular eucalyptus trees. Kenya has a forest cover estimated to be around 1.7% and shrinking very fast. Yet, tree planting is actually a great investment opportunity that has remained under-appreciated in many parts of the country. Nobody can deny the imposing beauty of trees in our indigenous forests such as the podo or forest olive or Prunus Africana. A shamba without trees is like food without salt. We like trees because of the shade, their fruits, their protection against wind and rain and, of course, they provide us with wood for cooking, for construction or for furniture. Trees have a multi-purpose value. Kenya like many countries in the globe does realize the effects of environmental degradation. The effects of the environmental degradation. The effects of the environmental destruction and degradation are well documented and the effects are too adverse not to be noticed. Thanks to many efforts in the global sphere and locally Kenya established the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to regulate matters affecting the environment. The authority is a step in the right direction but complimentary efforts are very critical to avoid disasters occasioned by missteps in environmental utilization. First, when it comes to say forest cover it is hardly enough to campaign for planting of trees and preservation of the same. Trees like any earthly living things will grow, wither away and die with time. At the same time demand for wood products will soar with global population growth. As a start the cost of oil globally is not encouraging. Cheaper sources of energy have not become globally easily accessible. Moreover, demand for other woods products like paper, furniture and construction materials will remain high. Use of technology like Internet platforms though set to ease paper usage will not do away with the need for paper as some of transactions and communication will still need paper till technology is proficient and rigorous protected in adequate measures. In a nutshell, wood products and consumptions of trees will still continue to play a critical role in people's lives. This means more consumption of trees and forest depletion. Nonetheless, scary as it is within human ability to manage this properly. What we require is better forest and tree management. The rate of consumption of wood and thus trees should be surpassed by a good factor by the rate of planting more trees and taking care of many more trees. In essence the critical issue is to ensure aggressive campaigns and actions of planting more trees continuously and ensuring adequate tree cover at all times. It is logical that commercial tree planting concentrates mainly on fast growing trees. The most common ones are the various types of eucalyptus. It grows very fast, one of the species, eucalyptus globules, can even survive in semi-arid zones, where usually only acacias and other hardy trees grow. Compared to other trees, Eucalyptus gives the fastest return of the invested money. The ever increasing demand for wood products is making eucalyptus cultivation a profit making enterprise. There is no regret in investing in the business. Potential farm forestry products range from firewood, industrial wood and charcoal, transmission and construction poles. |
About UsSelling matured eucalyptus trees Contact Us |


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You may have felt it in the air the past few nights...a chill, ever so slight—signaling the end of summer. It got me thinking: A hectic schedule and a devastating fire season (and the numerous fire bans that accompanied it) put a serious damper on my camping escapades this summer.
Now that it's cooled off a bit, I'm ready for some tent-pitching. But not quite ready to let the summer offerings of the city (free concerts, movies in the park, food truck festivals) go. With these quick trips from the Mile High City, you can still keep one foot in the door of summer—and welcome fall with a big batch of s'mores.
1. Dory Hill Campground: Tucked among the meadows and wildflowers near Black Hawk and Central City (the casino towns are just five miles away), Dory Hill offers tent, cabin, and RV camping. This is a great base for scenic drives and hiking, and there's even a small store for late-night snacks and forgotten toiletries.
2. Chatfield State Park: Just off C-470 in Littleton, Chatfield offers 200 campsites, all within walking distance to the water. You won't exactly be roughing it—all sites have electrical hookups for your gadgets—and the campground has luxurious amenities like showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, a playground, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park: It's just a few minutes away in Golden, but this park feels like it's far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's camping and cabins, but grab one of the yurts ($70 per night, sleeps six) for something different.
Be sure to check with each park individually about current fire restrictions. With the summer we've had, it's imperative that we all be responsible citizens and stewards of Colorado's landscape.
—Image courtesy of Shutterstock


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Atlanta Stone Fireplaces
People have always been fascinated by elements that add elegance and class to the decor of their homes. The beauty of stones has attracted people for centuries, to use them in various household furnishing and interior decorations. A stone fireplace is an example of one such endeavor to increase the visual impact of the room.
Stone fireplaces are exquisite to look at, reflecting the interplay of light and can be installed in any room. It could be the master suite, breakfast nook, living room or wine cellar. Marble, limestone and granite are some of the popular stones used for fireplaces. Stone fireplaces are also popular for their inherent nature.


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- dotTech - http://dottech.org -
New malware affecting Macs poses as an FBI notice and demands $300 in order to unlock your computer
Posted By William E. On July 21, 2013 @ 6:08 AM In Mac OS X | 3 Comments
Windows users are well versed in the art of malware — viruses, trojans, randsomware, etc. Mac users? Not so much. However, Mac users have recently been the target of a particularly annoying piece of malware or 'ransomware' — a preview of which we shared with you a few days back [2]. The malware hijacks your browser (Safari or otherwise) with a fake FBI notice which tries to scare users into paying up $300 in order to regain control of their browser.
There are ways to prevent the notice from popping up however. You can go the brute force way and reset the browser or — at least in the case of Safari — hold down Shift while loading your browser in order to prevent it from opening new windows and tabs from the last session. The feature which prevents the notice from disappearing even after closing the browser can also be disabled from the General pane of System Preferences on OSX.
I'm quite sure Mac users with a good eye will spot this hoax and eventually figure out how to avoid it but many users will probably be fooled an will not even be familiar with the methods which can be used to get rid of this threat. Hopefully this message is spread to as many persons using Macs as possible to prevent any unfortunate loss of cash!
[via Macrumor [3]]
Article printed from dotTech: http://dottech.org
URL to article: http://dottech.org/117443/new-malware-affecting-macs-poses-as-an-fbi-notice-and-demands-300-in-order-to-unlock-your-computer/
URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://dottech.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ransomwarevia-macrumors.jpg
[2] preview of which we shared with you a few days back: http://dottech.org/116817/whoever-said-macs-dont-get-viruses-is-wrong-image/
[3] Macrumor: http://www.macrumors.com/2013/07/16/os-x-users-hit-by-ransomware-websites-posing-as-fbi-notices/
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