text:
Hello From Central California
Long-time pizza maker, first time poster.
OK, it is finally time. After pouring thru all of the great information on this board, and getting the motivation by seeing a couple of examples of ovens down at our local Graniterock store, I am going to take the plunge and build one. I even have my wife reluctantly onboard (she is all for it, as long as it does not cost anything, and she can have her pizzas tonight!).
My thoughts are to do a geodesic dome out of castible pentangles and triangles - it keeps down the parts count, but should not be too unwielding. Sort of a combination of ideas that I have seen from the wonderful people who have preceded me in this endevour - thanks in advance for the ideas and details you have documented here. I promise to repay in kind by providing a lot of pictures.
I have learned that Google's SketchUp is a great free tool, and not bad to use, once you learn it. And I did go down last week to Harbor Freight Tools and picked up the 10" tile/brick saw that has been mentioned so many times here. By the way, it is on sale now (and being HFT, will again be on sale in a couple of months!). For those who may not know this, you can get a 20% off coupon online (and thru their emails). Just do a "Harbor Freight Tools Coupon" search in Google, and one of those sites will link you to the HFT coupon page. The current 20% off coupon is good till 5/31/09. The cement mixer is next...
As far as finding materials I need, I know where I can get most of what I need locally, though the closest place I can find castible refractories is up in the Bay Area (AMH Refractories). Though that is not too bad a drive, I prefer local, if possible - anyone know of a supplier/dealer in the Monterey/Salinas area?
Once again, thanks to all of the contributors and creator of this board for the great information contained here. I would have hated to have to have tried this from scratch!
Re: Hello From Central California
Welcome. It sounds like your off to a great start HF wet saw and I'm assuming you've downloaded the FB oven plans. I can assure you you won't be sorry you built an oven. The build is very satisfying and using the oven is just as fun. I grew up in Pacific Grove and Carmel Valley but its been too long to remember the supply yards. James will probably have some info for you. Looking forward to your pix. Any questions you have have will be answered by the many helpful members around the world.
Re: Hello From Central California
Hey Ed,
Graniterock is now a Forno Bravo dealer, and we are putting more ovens on display at their various showrooms. They're a great company. I can't tell you how much time I spent at the Seaside warehouse when we were remodeling our house. Memories.
I haven't spent any time there thinking about firebricks, but I think they will take care of you on that for the cooking floor. You are close the to the FB warehouse in Windsor, and we can ship you Refmix pretty reasonably priced if you decide to build the dome from brick. Something to think about. I don't really have any local leads on castables. That's a different animal.
Mark, we are close to the PG gate and we do all of our shopping in Pacific Grove -- and our daughters have friends in Carmel Valley. Of course you get a lot more sun. Do you miss the peninsula?
Re: Hello From Central California
James - speaking of Windsor. How frequent is the warehouse open on the weekends? We might want to drop by when we go to Ramekins next month.
Re: Hello From Central California
Tammy is typically available to meet at the warehouse on most weekends (isn't it terrible the way I just committed her time?).
Why don't you drop her an email and you can work out a time that's good for everyone. It would be fun for you to see everything in one place.
Re: Hello From Central California
Thanks. San Diego is not a bad place to be - we use to make trips from Tucson (when we lived there) to go to Dog Beach. Now I take the dogs to Carmel - a lot closer!
Re: Hello From Central California
Thanks. I actually saw the oven (I guess it was a Primavera) while driving by Graniterock - I figured it was one of yours. Tempting, but the engineer in my blood wants to build one myself. They also have a brick oven built into a kitchen island outside, but I noticed that the opening is about 2'+ off the ground - it seemed too low. Great for ideas, but it seemed impratical for use. But being a Newbie and being 6'1", I may be wrong!
We have a lumber yard right by the PG gate (I work at our corporate office in Monterey, though). Needless to say, if someone could figure out how to make a WFO out of lumber, material would not be a problem for me!
When it comes time, I will give you guys a call. It is the least I can do to support you for all the effort you have put into this board.
Thanks again,
Re: Hello From Central California
I'm the local geodesic maven, and for what it's worth, i'm not sure I'd build another one. The thinness of the oven works in modular ovens because there are few pieces to shift during heating and cooling cycles, but the 4" thickness of the half-brick dome distributes the forces more evenly in a multi-piece oven.
Something I'd read before committing to a thin-wall oven:
Auroville Earth Institute is a research, design and developing agency for vaulted structures, construction of various Vaults, Arches, Domes (VAD).
This article holds that for maximum strength, a hemispherical arch or dome should be thick enough to encompass the shape of the catenary arch within, the catenary being the strongest and most supporting shape.
Re: Hello From Central California
You are more like the geodesic GOD, my inspiration for wanting to try a geodesic dome. This is why I am sounding out my ideas here, to get the experience that I don't have now, but will soon.
What I was thinking was to go with a 36" ID 2V geodesic dome, and cast only two types of parts - 5 full pentangles, one partial pentangle (for the opening), 8 equilateral triangles and 2 partial triangles. I figured I would make them 3" thick, with up to 1" of refractory cement coating the dome. I am kind of up in the air about embedding some type of reenforcement in the outside coating. I realize that the parts may be a bit heavy, this is a lot of mass, and this probably is not the most cost-effective way to go. But it sounds like fun to try! I also figured I would make the molds and cast a few parts in (inexpensive) concrete as prototypes, to see if my theories (and geometry calculations) are even valid. Of course, I may change my mind several times before I finally do something. So all input is welcome.
By the way, most all of these ideas I have stolen from the forum here - building on the shoulders of giants, so to speak...
Re: Hello From Central California
Ed - it reads like you have a plan - go for it! It's awesome to see progress outside the box. As this forum keeps building, I can only imagine what the ovens will be in 5 years (might be made out of brick :))
|All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:16 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2006/10 Forno Bravo, LLC


text:
The book may have numerous typos or missing text. It is not illustrated or indexed. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher''s website. You can also preview the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a trial membership in the publisher''s book club where they can select from more than a million books for free. Original Publisher: J.M. Dent Publication date: 1907 Subjects: Painting; Art; Art / General; Art / Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions; Art / History / General; Art / European; Art / Individual Artist; Art / Techniques / Painting; Art / Techniques / General
There are no customer reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
No Items
There is nothing to display yet, check back soon.
I need a new pair of car mats. I've got no children of my own but moved in with this lovely woman that has four children and they are all under ten. You can imagine what they'd be performing to my car as well as the car mats.
She is expecting her fifth child with me now. I trust these car seats and car mats don't have to move through a delivery the car. It occurred to my partner's friend. Ruined her car mats. Her friend's partner had only bought those car mats just weekly before. He can have desensitized them and recycled them, but he has something about human DNA residue. They wash their sheets and quilt at ninety degrees almost regular. Well it offered him an excuse to get a better established of car mats to change the old car mats.
We live in the state, so it can take an hour addressing the closest maternity center so child births on car mats aren't that uncommon in this community. There was a community midwife in the village but for some cause the practice must be shut down some years ago.
I think the authorities are planning on creating a mini clinic in the area but until then there will be many more infants having car mats as their area birth on their birth certificates.
I am not worried about my car mats, but I do not want my child to be produced on the car mats rather than under the care of a competent midwife. Delivering on car mats is not really going to be safe or comfy for my partner both. I do really hope we can get to the clinic in time.
My partner's children use the Car Mats as dumpsters for their sweet wrappers, crisp remnants, chocolate muffin crumbs and the sugars gums. It is not uncommon to have spillages of a wide range on those car mats. I do hoover the inside of my car frequently but my car mats were not still considered by me as being hygienically safe enough for delivery my first born.
So we've not really been able to finish of planning the nursery i am not sure about the gender of our child. Everytime we went for your check the infant might not position itself so that its gender was identifiable. We are taking a cream coloured wall paper and my companion has pine furniture and cot etc therefore there was simply little once we learn the gender of the baby to do.
Window blinds, wall paper border and crib covers and things would be the only things that could be purchased after the baby is born. I question a boy might appreciate mummy daddy giving him pink blinds or woman having blue ones once they look back on their pictures.
Oh my God... my mom gave me a maximum preview of her present that she's got me and my partner for becoming a new parents together. I do not know where she identified these car mats with the wording this car belongs to a new father. So I may as well buy new pair of car mats as my existing car mat have become antiques now Those car mats could be only used by me for about half a year. Therefore she is only over joyed my mum also is now a first time great mom. She financed all the nursery preperations for the baby.
There is nothing to display yet, check back soon.
There is nothing to display yet, check back soon.
No one has commented yet.
I haven't added this to my profile yet
No users fitting this criteria.
There is nothing to display yet, check back soon.


text:
Twins Sign C Kurt Suzuki
By Sports Talk Florida
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Athletics' catcher Kurt Suzuki has signed with the Twins.
Kurt Suzuki has a one-year deal with the #Twins. #Athletics
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) December 20, 2013
Tags: Minnesota Twins


text:
My boss bought me a MillerMatic 175 for my xmas gift. My first question is wheres a good place to get a extension power cable. The second is as any of you guys built a car trailer and where did you get the plans. I looked on the internet for both, but wasnt happy with what I found. Thanks
Results 1 to 10 of 13
Thread: trailer, ext. cord
Threaded View
12-13-2006, 07:58 PM #1Junior Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
- Location
- se wisconsin
- Posts
- 21
trailer, ext. cord


text:
Arizona program to help teen smokers quit
PHOENIX -- A new Arizona program is focusing on helping teens quit smoking.
The program is called "The Cignal" and it's the first ever "quit while you can" program that has been rolled out in Arizona.
"The Cignal has the potential to forever change young lives," Arizona Smokers' Helpline and THE CIGNAL director Stephen Michael said. "It can help reverse the trend among those who graduate from casual smokers to permanent smokers."
It's believed that about 17 percent of Arizona kids use tobacco products and at least half have no intentions of quitting. Also, about 90 percent of adult smokers said they were already addicted by the time they hit 18.
Most young smokers do not view themselves as daily smokers, especially if they don't take a drag everyday.
"When we counsel young adults we stress that quitting will take time and they have the ability to achieve their goal," Michael said. "We may encourage them to abandon social circles that sustain their tobacco use, and we may also encourage them to enlist friends and, if possible, family who support their desire quit. The Cignal maximizes existing resources and is developing best practices to help adolescent and young adult smokers in Arizona."
For more information, go to TheCIGnal.com or call (800) 556-6222.


text:
College Football Week 10 Opening Line Report
- Updated: November 1, 2011
College Football Line Report Week Ten
The college football schedule for week ten is very busy and has plenty of college football games for the bettor to take advantage of. In fact the college football games start Tuesday and play all week long up to the big game between the top two teams in the country. Here is a quick line report on some of the biggest and best games of the week.
Ohio vs. Temple
This Wednesday night tilt brings some college football excitement to midweek. The line opened up with Temple at 3.5 and I snow up to 4 as 70% of the public is backing the more popular of the two teams.
Florida State vs. Boston College
This ACC match up is worth the watch on Thursday night as Florida State tries to continue the recent winning ways. The Noles opened up as 16 point favorites in this contest and although 66% of the public money is on the road team this line has dipped and is now at 14 in most offshore sportsbooks.
USC vs. Colorado
The Trojans will have to respond on a short week after losing in 3 overtimes against the Stanford Cardinal. 84% of the early betting money believes they will do just that as this line is more than three touchdowns as it sits at 21.5.
South Carolina vs. Arkansas
This is not the marquee game in the SEC this week, but it deserves some attention. Although they have barely scraped by with a few wins it the last couple of games the Hogs are still 5.5 point favorites against the Gamecocks. This line has dropped from the opening number of six.
LSU vs. Alabama
The game of the week is LSU vs. Alabama. The Crimson Tide opened up as 6 point favorites and that was quickly bet down as 63% of the early betting money was coming in on the Tigers. The line now sits at five points in many offshore sportsbooks.
Make sure to investigate the opening lines to try and get the edge when betting on football. Stop by www.bangthebook.com every week, for the latest odds report on college football and the NFL.
Latest posts by JT Sneaks (see all)
- 5 Dimes Props, Reduced Juice and Football Betting - August 26, 2013
- Bookmaker Live In-Game Betting! - August 19, 2013
- NFL Super Contest Picks From the Las Vegas Hilton Week 17 - December 30, 2012
You must be logged in to post a comment Login


text:
Available Cats
Available Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Small Pets
Benefits of adopting older animals
So You Want to Adopt a Puppy....
All adoptable animals (except farm animals) are now housed only at our Tom & Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, located at 1450 Rollins Rd. in Burlingame.
These are only some of the wonderful cats we have for adoption. We do our best to update this page regularly, but we can't guarantee every animal shown here is still available. It's also typical for us to have cats who haven't had their photos taken yet, so you are welcome to visit our adoption center and have a look around the 3rd floor! We are happy to help you find the perfect pet.
Check out live video of adoptable cats in two of our kitty condos:
Cats in condo 320 include: Jemma, Manie, and Bertha. Cats in condo 329 include: Jasmine, Derby, and Kitty (updated 6/29/15).
Cats adopted recently include:
To adopt an animal, please come to the center to meet with a Customer Service representative and get acquainted with available animals. You can download an adoption profile (PDF link), complete the form and bring it with you. We open at 11am every day except major holidays. It is often not possible for our staff to complete adoptions when visitors arrive less than an hour before closing (7 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on weekends). Please allow at least an hour if you think you might be adopting a pet.
Photo credit: Thank you to Justin Schlesinger of Justin Schlesinger Photography, Julie Kitzenberger of Cat Snaps Photography, and Hiromi Motojima of C&M Photography for photographing our adoptable cats.
Home | About Us | Our Services | Adopt an Animal | Volunteer | Events
Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion
Coyote Point Shelter


text:
An ex-senior officer of Card Compliant (a company formed to help affected companies avert having to report unredeemed gift cards to the states, including the State of Delaware) has initiated a whistleblower ("Qui Tam") lawsuit against 33 major retailers, the National Restaurant Association and the whistleblower's (legal term, "relator's") predecessor employer.
The Complaint alleges that these companies, including the Relator's employer, Card Compliant and its predecessor CardFact, LLC violated the Delaware False Claims and Reporting Act ("DFCRA") by knowingly failing to report and remit the value of unredeemed gift card balances in a scheme to deprive the state of hundreds of millions of dollars due to the state under its unclaimed and abandoned property laws.
Under the provisions of Delaware's False Claims and Reporting Act "DFRCRA", if the Relator's claims are upheld by the court then the named defendants could be required to report and remit, as unclaimed property, all of the previously unremitted gift card balances to Delaware together with interest and penalties, which amounts up to 125% of the unredeemed balance plus three times the amount otherwise due (arguably excluding interest and taxes). This could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.
More than 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and close to one million business entities, have made Delaware their home>>>Why Corporations Choose Delaware
Gift cards were introduced in the mid '90s by Blockbuster. Aite Group forecasts that prepaid retail transactions will grow to $252 billion dollars market-wide by 2016, with prepaid making up 5 percent of all retail transactions. More than $1 billion on gift cards goes unredeemed annually. (One thousand million = 1Billion). If the state of domicile explicitly exempts gift cards from escheat, the issuer can generally recognize breakage income for cards with an "unknown owner." Companies have to do relatively little for those easy earnings, just buy some plastic cards or implement digital ecards or branded currency. DELAY IN RECOGNITION OF SALE Bulletin no. 101 requires the transfer of product (merchandise) as a necessary condition for revenue to be recognized. So, instead of recognizing actual revenue on the sale of gift cards, retailers record a deferred revenue liability on the balance sheet for the cash exchange until the gift card is redeemed. Popular unclaimed property compliance management techniques are for holders to establish separate gift card management companies or other entities. These companies/other entities manage a gift card program from the purchase and design of cards to the sale of cards, tracking, redemption and other aspects of marketing gift cards. Depending on where it is domiciled and other factors, the management company/other entity also may be intended to enhance unclaimed property compliance with respect to unredeemed gift card balances. Consumer behavior trends show 10-19% of many gift card purchases will never be redeemed, the key element in maximizing revenue via breakage. A quarter of gift card recipients still haven't spent gift cards a year after receiving them. "The Gift That Keeps Giving" is also a 3 minutes 20 seconds long Christmas single.
Federal Reserve's Highlights Of The Gift Card Rule
Gift card protections offered by state laws.
Arizona: Expiration and fees allowed only if they are made clearly visible to consumer before purchase. Does not cover prepaid telephone cards or promotional or rewards cards.
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §44-301(15) Gift certificates/cards are not considered property and not subject to escheat laws.
Arkansas: No inactivity fees within the first two years.Any fees after two years must be printed clearly on front or back of card in at least ten point font.Covers gift cards usable at single store or chain. Does not cover prepaid telephone cards, promotional or rewards cards, cards linked to bank accounts, or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Ark. Stat. Ann. §18-28-201(13)(B) Gift certificates/gift cards, in-store merchandise credits, or layaway accounts issued or maintained by any person in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail are not considered property and not subject to escheat laws.
California: No expiration dates.No fees, with one exception: a monthly fee of $1 or less per month is permitted on gift cards with balances at or below $5 if the gift card is reloadable and has not been used for 24 months. A gift card that will charge this fee must include notice in ten point font. Any card with a cash value of $10 or less may be redeemed for cash at the consumer's request. Covers gift cards at a single store or chain. Does not cover cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §1520.5 Gift certificates purchased after 1997 are not subject to escheat. The escheat law does apply to any gift certificate that has an expiration date and that is given in exchange for money or any other thing of value.
Colorado: No fees. Any card with cash value of $5 or less may be redeemed for cash.Does not cover prepaid phone cards, promotional cards or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants. Also does not cover paper gift certificates.
Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-13-108.4 Gift certificate redeemable in cash subject to escheat if unclaimed by owner by more than five years. Certificates issued for food, products, goods or services are not subject to escheat provisions.
Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-13-108.9 This article does not apply to unclaimed gift cards where the holder or issuer is a business association with annual gross receipts from the sales or issuance of all gift cards totaling $200,000 or less.
Connecticut: No expiration dates. No fees.Does not cover prepaid telephone cards; different rules apply to general use prepaid cards.
Conn. Gen. Stat. §3-73a Gift certificates and general-use prepaid cards do not escheat to the state.
Delaware: Del. Code Ann. tit. 12, §1197 et seq.If owner dies intestate, is missing for more than five years or abandons property the gift certificate/card reverts to the state. The period of dormancy shall be the shorter of five years or the expiration period, if any, of the gift certificate less one day.
D.C. Code Ann. §41-101 et seq.Gift certificates held or owing in the ordinary course of the holder's business that have remained unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after becoming payable or distributable are presumed abandoned. If a gift certificate is redeemable for cash or merchandise, its value shall be.
Florida: No expiration dates.No fees.Does not cover promotional cards, or cards issued by financial institutions and usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Fla. Stat. §717.1045 An unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo as defined in §501.95 is not required to be reported as unclaimed property. The consideration paid for an unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo is the property of the issuer of the unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo. An unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo is subject only to any rights of a purchaser or owner thereof and is not subject to a claim made by any state acting on behalf of a purchaser or owner. It is the intent of the Legislature that this section apply to the custodial holding of unredeemed gift certificates and credit memos. However, a gift certificate or credit memo described in §501.95(2)(b) shall be reported as unclaimed property. The consideration paid for such a gift certificate or credit memo is the property of the owner of the gift certificate or credit memo.
Georgia: Expiration and fees allowed only if they are conspicuously printed on the card or have a sticker affixed to the card at the time of purchase. Covers cards that can be used at multiple unaffiliated merchants, gift certificates or store gift cards.
Ga. Code §44-12-205 A gift certificate issued in the ordinary course of an issuer's business which remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after becoming payable or distributable is presumed abandoned. The amount presumed abandoned is the price paid by the purchaser for the gift certificate.
Hawaii: Funds on gift cards do not expire unless the card has an expiration date. No service fees, including dormancy fees.Any activation or issuance fees cannot exceed 10% of face value or $5, whichever is less.Does not cover loyalty or rewards cards, prepaid phone cards or other reloadable prepaid cards.
Hawaii Rev. Stat. §523A-14 A gift certificate issued in the ordinary course of an issuer's business which remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after becoming payable or distributable is presumed abandoned. The amount presumed abandoned is the price paid by the purchaser for the gift certificate.
Illinois: No post-purchase fees. Does not include prepaid phone cards or cards usable with multiple merchants.
Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 765, §1025/10.6 Only applies to gift certificates/cards with an expiration date or fees or if the card/certificate was issued before the 93rd General Assembly (2003-2004). After property is abandoned, it reverts to the state.
Iowa: No fees unless there is a written contract.
Iowa Code §556.9 Gift certificates unclaimed by the owner three years after issuance are abandoned.
Kansas: No fees for one year. Does not cover prepaid bank cards.
Kentucky: Gift cards without expiration dates good until redeemed or replaced. No fees.Does not include prepaid calling cards or cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants or ATMs.
Louisiana: Gift cards without expiration dates good until redeemed or replaced.No service fees allowed except for a one-time handling fee of $1.Does not cover general purpose reloadable prepaid cards or loyalty or promotional cards.
Maine: No expiration dates.No fees except for transaction fee for initial issuance or for adding value to existing card which must be disclosed in separate writing before purchase.Gift or rewards cards with a value of $5 or less may be redeemed for cash, but this does not apply to rewards cards issued with an initial value of $5 or less, and it does not apply to promotional cards, prepaid telephone cards or to cards issued for returns without a receipt.Does not cover "prefunded bank cards."
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, §1953(G) A gift obligation or stored-value card is presumed abandoned if it is unclaimed by the apparent owner two years after Dec. 31 of the year in which the obligation or the most recent transaction involving the obligation or stored-value card occurred, whichever is later, including the initial issuance and any subsequent addition of value to the obligation or stored‐value card. (1) The amount unclaimed is 60 percent of the gift obligation's or stored-value card's face value. (2) A gift obligation or stored‐value card sold on or after Dec. 31, 2011 is not presumed abandoned if the gift obligation or stored‐value card was sold by a single issuer who in the past calendar year sold no more than $250,000 in face value of gift obligations or stored‐value cards. Sales of gift obligations and stored‐value cards are considered sales by a single issuer if the sales were by businesses that operate either: (a) Under common ownership or control with another business or businesses in the state; or (b) As franchised outlets of a parent business. (3) A period of limitation may not be imposed on the owner's right to redeem the gift obligation or stored-value card. This paragraph does not apply to prefunded bank cards.
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, §1953(G-1) A prefunded bank card, three years after December 31st of the year in which the obligation or the most recent activity involving the prefunded bank card occurred, whichever is later, including the initial issuance and any subsequent addition of value to the prefunded bank card.
Maryland: No fees for four years.Any terms and conditions must be printed clearly in 10-point font on the card, on a sticker affixed to the card or in an envelope containing the card.Does not cover prepaid internet or telephone service cards, rewards cards, or prepaid bank or credit cards.
Md. Commercial Code Ann. §17-101(m) Gift certificates are exempted from unclaimed property act.
Massachusetts: No expiration dates for seven years.If fees are charged, notice in writing - either on the card or the card packaging – is required.Non-reloadable cards redeemed for 90% of the face value may be redeemed for the remaining cash.All eligible gift cards – reloadable or not – that have $5 or less remaining value may be redeemed for cash.Does not include prepaid calling cards or any electronic cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Michigan: No post-sale fees (initial purchase fee allowed).Covers gift cards issued by retailers or service providers; does not include prepaid calling cards or prepaid bank cards usable at multiple unaffiliated retailers or ATMs, health care spending cards, payroll cards, or rewards cards.
Minnesota: No expiration dates.No fees.Does not include debit cards linked to a bank account, prepaid calling cards, rewards or loyalty cards, or cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Montana: No expiration dates.No fees.If original value of gift card was more than $5, and remaining value is less than $5, can redeem for cash.Does not cover prepaid telecommunications or technology cards, rewards or loyalty cards or gift cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Nebraska: Expiration dates and fees are only allowed if a notice of the fee or expiration date appears on front or back of card or in location visible to purchaser at the time of purchase.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Nevada: Expiration or fees allowed only if properly disclosed.No fees within first year and no fees that exceed $1 per month. No dormancy fees before 3 continuous years of non use.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.Does not cover prepaid telecommunications or technology cards, or rewards, rebate or loyalty cards.
Nev. Rev. Stat. §120A.520 Sixty percent of the unredeemed or uncharged value remaining on a gift certificate which is issued or sold in this state and which has an expiration date is presumed abandoned and subject to the provisions of this chapter on the expiration date. If a gift certificate is issued or sold in this state and the seller or issuer does not obtain and maintain in his records the name and address of the owner of the gift certificate, the address of the owner of the gift certificate shall be deemed to be the address of the office of the state treasurer in Carson City.
New Hampshire: No expiration dates for gift cards of $100 or less; for cards of $100 or more, expiration date when considered abandoned under state law, which is five years.No fees.
New Jersey: Funds on gift cards purchased on or after December 1, 2012 cannot expire.For cards sold on or after December 1, 2012, no fees allowed except activation or re-load fees, or fees for replacement cards.For cards that were sold before December 1, 2012, no dormancy fees until after at least two years of inactivity. Dormancy fees cannot exceed $2/month.Gift cards with an initial balance of more than $5 that have a balance of less than $5 may be redeemed for cash. This section does not apply to gift cards that can be used at multiple merchants or to cards provided in lieu of a refund for returned merchandise.Does not include rewards cards, telephone or technology cards or prepaid bank cards.
New Mexico: No expiration for five years and no expiration unless proper notice given.No fees except for purchasing the card itself.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.Does not cover prepaid calling cards, rewards cards, bank-issued cards, or general use prepaid cards.
New York: Expiration dates and any fees that will be charged along with other terms and conditions must be clearly and conspicuously stated on the card, package, or accompanying printed document.No dormancy fee before 13th month of inactivity.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.Does not cover prepaid calling cards or and cards linked to deposit accounts
North Carolina: Fees to be conspicuously disclosed on card at time of purchase.No fees for first year.Covers prepaid calling cards.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.
North Dakota: No expiration for six years.No fees.Does not cover loyalty or rewards cards, general use prepaid cards, cards that can be used at multiple, unaffiliated merchants or cards linked to bank accounts.
Ohio: No fees for two years.Does not cover rewards or loyalty cards, cards for use at an employer's businesses or cards given to an employee by an employer as a bonus, prepaid calling cards or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Oklahoma: No expiration and no fees for five years, with one exception.Permits a $1 per month fee only when the card has a balance of $5 or less, the card has been unused for 24 months, the card is reloadable and the fee is properly disclosed.Does not cover cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.Does not cover rewards or loyalty cards, or cards issued for a food product.
Oregon: No fees.No expiration dates with one exception—if card is sold below face value and does not expire until 30 days after the date of sale and card has printed "expires on" or "expiration date" with the date of expiration.The prohibitions above do not apply to prepaid calling cards, prepaid commercial mobile radio services, or cards usable with multiple merchants.A gift cardholder has the option to redeem the card for cash when the face value of the card has declined to an amount less than $5 and the card has been used for at least one purchase. The cash redemption option is not available for promotional cards, telecom cards, or gift cards redeemed to an online account for the purchase of goods or services.
Rhode Island:No expiration dates.No fees.When cards are redeemed and the remaining balance is less than $1, the balance shall be provided in cash.Does not cover rewards or loyalty cards, prepaid wireless telephone service cards, or cards that are useable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.
South Carolina:No expiration dates for first year, unless expiration date is on front of card in capitalized letters in 10-point font.No fees unless disclosed on the card, the envelope, as an insert, or on the receipt given to the purchaser of the gift card.Covers cards sold by businesses for goods or services from those businesses.
Tennessee:No fees for two years.Does not cover rewards or loyalty cards, cards for use at an employer's businesses or cards given to an employee by an employer as a bonus, prepaid calling cards or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Texas:Expiration or fees and other terms must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed at time of purchase. The expiration date and fees must be legibly printed on the card.
Utah: No expiration date if not printed or information is not included.No fees if not printed or information is not included.Expiration and fees must be printed in readable manner on instrument, packaging or record.
Vermont: No expiration if expiration date not clearly marked, or otherwise made available on the sales receipt, website or by toll-free phone number.Consumer may redeem unused portion after expiration date if requested.No fees, except a licensed money transmitter, financial institution or credit union may charge a one-time issuance fee of either $10 or 10%, whichever is smaller.If remaining value is below $1, the cardholder may redeem remainder for cash.Different rules for loyalty, rewards and promotional gift cards: fees and expiration dates are permitted provided that proper notice is given to the consumer.
Virginia: Expiration or fees must be clearly and permanently imprinted on card with a telephone number or Internet address to obtain information.
Washington: No expiration date with an exception.No fees with one exception.Permits a $1 per month fee only when the card has a balance of $5 or less, the card has been unused for 24 months, the card is reloadable, and the inactivity fee is disclosed on card in at least 6-point font.After a dormancy fee is assessed, the remaining value on the gift card is redeemable in cash on demand.Any card with a $5 or less remaining value may be redeemed for cash.
When you shop for a gift card, the FTC recommends that you:
Buy from sources you know and trust. Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites, because the cards may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.
Read the fine print before you buy. Is there a fee to buy the card? If you buy a card by phone or online, are there shipping and handling fees? If you don't like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere.
See whether any fees will be deducted from the card after you purchase it.
Inspect the card before you buy it. Verify that none of the protective stickers have been removed. Make sure that the codes on the back of the card haven't been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.
Give the recipient your original receipt so they can verify the card's purchase in case it is lost or stolen.
Consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant.
If you buy a card from a company that files for bankruptcy or goes out of business, the card may be worth less than you had anticipated.
If the business closes a store near the recipient, it may be hard to find another location where the card can be used.
A company that files for bankruptcy may honor its gift cards, or a competitor may accept the card. Call the company or its competitor to find out. Even if the company is not redeeming gift cards now, check back with them periodically; they may start redeeming cards at a later date.
When gift cards go unused, gift cards could end up leaving you -- or your giftee -- with less money than you thought. If a gift card has not been redeemed after two or three years, there is almost no chance it will ever be redeemed, regardless of when the card expires.
CardCash.com, with revenues of $56M and Forbes' #14 of Americas most promising companies, buys unwanted gift cards at a discount from consumers and resells them at a discount to the original purchase price. i.e, A $100 iTunes gift card, is purchased by the company for $70 and sells for $95 on their website.
Adventures of Gift Card Recipients
On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, before you try to redeem those gift cards you forgot you had, take a few moments to honor those who laid down their lives in the defense of our nation this Memorial Day,
President Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.


text:
First question:
Is this is going to be a good year?
"It's started out to be the best season ever… the people, the weather, the business."
In this man's world, every year is a good year, but some just have better snow. Such is life at Whitegrass Touring Center, 3,200 feet above sea level and roughly four hours from Washington DC.
The man in question is Chip Chase, a highly active, very happy Nordic fanatic who launched the operation back in 1981. He and a few others had started a Nordic venture in western Virginia in 1978, but the spotty snowfalls pushed them west. On one trip to meet friends they came across the base lodge and single slope from the Mountain State's very first downhill enterprise. Thus was born Whitegrass, named for a mountain near Harrisonburg, Virginia, where the idea started.
Chip has run it with enthusiasm and savvy year after year, through winters good and bad, from spectacular seasons in the nineties to last season's long warm spell that limited skiing to just seventy days. This season, they were skiing on Thanksgiving Day. By mid-December, they've had thirty inches of snow.
How to Run A Business and Have the Time of Your Life
The laid-back aura at Whitegrass is deceptive. What appears to be an amorphous collection of folks going about various chores and manning counters in the lodge is really a well organized and tightly run operation. Chip is the driving force, and freely admits that one of the centers greatest strengths is his personality, vision and enthusiasm. You can't really separate him from the business; they're one in the same: "We mix our lifestyle totally with the business. We can't do this without the rural setting, without being self-employed."
The business plan is simple: minimize expenditures on things that don't count, maximize investment in things that do count, make the best out of what nature provides. Own some land, lease what else you need. And when the snow is on the ground, get out there and ski on it. Ski on it the instant there's enough. Ski on it as far into the spring as you can, just to say you did. Set up fences to catch every windblown flake and groom the drifts flat.
The natural capital is a prime tract in West Virginia's Canaan Valley, home to larger resorts like Canaan and Timberline, and the Nordic concession at Blackwater Falls State Park. (It's easy to find on a map; the sharp southern tip of western Maryland points right at Tucker County.) Terrain and altitude combine to make sure that the valley gets snow when the big storms come up the east coast (if it's raining in Washington DC, chances are it's snowing in Whitegrass).
Capital is one thing, but the people are what make Whitegrass hum. Chip credits the staff as being key to the success. To say that the staff are like family is, well, to admit that some of the staff are family, and the rest might as well be. "I work with my best friends, I work with my wife, I break all the rules!" Some of his original partners are still with him today.
The other folks who pitch in are locals, ski enthusiasts, friends. They come out when needed and go back to their own homes and farms and projects when there's no snow. They are all friendly, completely at ease and helpful. Spot one of them out on the snowfarm at work on various chores and ask, "Hey, what am I doing wrong with my skating stride?" and you will get a few minutes of pointers and tips, and probably not even a subtle hint to sign up for a lesson.
Never Ski the Same Trails Twice
What all these folks created and work so hard to maintain is a touring center that offers something for everyone. Chip and his crew maintain 50 kilometers of trails up and down the side of a mountain—including the single, vestigial run from that old downhill operation—and around a large meadow, forming the "snow farm." The snow farm is the ingenious harnessing of little snows to pile up big drifts. They string hundreds of meters of flexible fencing to catch windblown flurries. Old cast-off skis jammed into the earth hold up the fences. The snow piles up against the fences, Chip and the gang go out and groom it down: instant base, no need for snow guns.
Backcountry types can get away very quickly to connect with other trails or explore the famous Dolly Sods (see sidebar). Families of novices can glide along on groomed tracks while the faster set can skate all day long. Telemarkers can tackle the long downhill run and several glades back in the trees, like Yitzhak Ravine and Boutros-Boutros Gully. Says Chip; "There are thousands of combinations of trails. You never ski the same trails twice."
A Day in the Life
With a full work schedule, I'm a day-tripper when it comes to Whitegrass. When a rare day off comes along I'm off. I live south of Washington DC, near the Quantico Marine Base; the trip to Canaan Valley is about four hours one way, but it's worth every minute.
Before I leave, I begin by scanning the weather link at their website—www.whitegrass.com/report.html. There's plenty of good information in other sections, but this is where you'll find the daily conditions. Don't expect a staid accounting of inches of base snow and expected accumulation. Stand by for a fire hose of information, mild chitchat, wild expectations, all replete with fish-eye lens photos, and some great raw emails from devoted fans. Creative capitalization and nonstandard spelling vie for your attention in a wild, stream-of-consciousness delivery of news and forecasts. For the uninitiated, it's a great preview of the place and its proprietor.
My standard day trip to Whitegrass begins with a shakedown on a corner of the snow farm to rouse my rusty skating skills. Then I'll try a full loop around the meadow to see if I can concentrate enough to skate properly the entire way. A brief respite, and then it's up the mountain on Three Mile Trail. Lunch in the café, a few minutes to dry sweaty clothes and read a chapter in whatever book I brought, and I'm back out again. As for the afternoon, maybe a lesson, maybe nothing in particular.
Whitegrass offers boundless possibilities beyond the marked trails and snowfarm loop. A check of the calendar of events on the website offers a list of activities like full moon skiing, tours of the Dolly Sods and other points of natural interest, telemarking and skating clinics, races and more.
Just Get Out There and Ski
The sparse appearance of the lodge belies its capabilities. The rental shop offers a great selection of all sorts of Nordic gear. Same thing goes for the retail side. They rent good equipment and they sell good equipment. They are happy to demonstrate the gear you are interested in buying. Also, they have a great used gear selection, and a clever trade-up program for children's skis to help keep the family skiing together. Paying $175 gets your son or daughter a full set, which they can trade up for free as they grow up.
The café is worth the trip alone; you could legitimately say that you are going there to eat but might do some skiing while you wait. In keeping with the eclectic nature of the place, no two chairs are alike; silverware may or may not come in a matching set. But the food is out of sight. The bill of fare is advertised as "ethnic vegetarian cooking" but I spy some flesh creeping into this season's entrees. Anyway, it's all good. It's everything you want for Nordic ski fuel—hot, cheap, plentiful and good. Dinner is offered a few nights a week, by reservation only and those are often hard to get. Menus are posted on the website.
Are there any drawbacks to Whitegrass? No, not really. Yes, maybe I'd like to have a little more room to relax by the woodstove after lunch. Yes, it would be nice to have a room other than the restroom to change in. This isn't what you'd find at, say, one of the big name resorts in New England, but this isn't New England. At Whitegrass Touring Center it's all part of the fun. It's Whitegrass gestalt. And who cares? Just get out and ski.
Chip Chase has big plans for Whitegrass improvements. First in line is a biathlon competition, Whitegrass style. Skiers will come up to the firing point, grab an air rifle stowed there, fire one string, dash to the next point and fire again, then once more after that. Targets are pie plates. "We want to use the same course, and keep a running score of times," Chip says. "It gives people something different to compete at, instead of just racing." They tried it last year, on a small scale, and apparently it was a hit: "The kids loved it."
Anything else on the drawing board? " Yes. Perfecting what's there. I have a lifetime of work ahead of me," says Chip with absolutely no hint of remorse. In fact, he can't wait to get started.
I must admit this is still on my to-do list, but a major attraction in Canaan Valley is the Dolly Sods. This oddly named place is apparently one of the best backcountry excursions around, a land unto itself, more like Canada than West-By-God Virginia. Read all about it at the US Forest Service's website:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/dolly_sods_wilderness.htm. Note that this was a live-fire training area in World War II; heed the warnings on unexploded ordnance.
There's a good directions link on the Whitegrass website, but no matter which way you come you need to plan ahead. The weather changes rapidly in the mountains and conditions can get marginal quickly. Also, the alpine resort traffic can clog up the roads. Just budget enough time and be careful because these are rural roads. You will be treated to some unforgettable scenery, like the spectacular Seneca Rocks. The main Whitegrass website also has a section on lodging.


text:
Numeridex brand thermal transfer labels and direct
thermal labels are ideal for any application where sharp, crisp print
quality is a must. Our thermal transfer labels are suitable for a wide range
of uses such as barcoding, shipping labels, price tags and inventory
tracking. Choose from fan-folded or rolled, perforated or non-perforated,
wound-in or wound-out label rolls depending on the type of printer you
use. Available substrates include: paper, semi-gloss, high-gloss,
polyester, kimdura, polypropylene, kapton, clear and others. Thermal
transfer and direct thermal labels are available with permanent, removable,
repositionable, aggressive, all temp, cold temp, and opaque adhesives.
Numeridex brand thermal transfer ribbons yield deep, dark
barcodes, text and graphics. Prints on a wide range of stocks including
coated and uncoated paper tags and labels, polyethylene, polyester, kimdura
and polypropylene. Available in a variety of colors in the following
Wax thermal transfer ribbons, for printing on paper and tag
Wax/Resin thermal transfer ribbons, for printing on
kimdura, polyolefin and polypropylene.
Resin thermal transfer ribbons, for printing on polyester,
polyethylene and vinyl.
We offer Zebra, Datamax-O'Neil, Intermec, Sato, Printronix, and other popular printers. Many of these printers are available in
Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer or both. Whether you are a small user or an
industrial user, Numeridex will help you select the correct barcode printer
for your application.
Our printing process allows you to create even the most
complex label, including UV ink, water based ink, four color process, spot
colors, foil, embossing, and more. We have extensive experience in label
printing for the following applications: inventory control, barcoding,
consecutive numbering, warehouse marking, product identification, packaging,
food and beverage labeling, point of purchase and brand recognition.
Call attention to your shipments with informational stock
pre-printed labels in the following categories: international safe handling,
hazardous waste, anti-static labels, pallet corner and protection labels,
production, special handling, fragile, rush and arrow.
Our Laser Labels are compatible with most laser, copier
and inkjet printers. These labels are manufactured with premium paper stock
which anchors toner for a crisp, no-smudge text and vivid images, always
with worry-free performance.
Our EDP labels have been the standard of the industry for over forty years.
Whether you need to design and print barcode, compliance
or RFID labels, Numeridex has the label software to satisfy your
requirements. We offer the complete line of Teklynx, as well as Zebra label
Numeridex media is designed specifically for CAD
and engineering applications. Our broad product selection ensures a
product for all your imaging needs. Numeridex CAD media is
compatible with even the fastest inkjet plotters on the market
Available in the following formulations:
20lb Monochrome Inkjet Bond, 18lb Translucent Inkjet Bond, 15lb
Translucent Inkjet Bond, 24lb Monochrome Inkjet Bond, 17lb
Monochrome Inkjet Vellum, 20lb Monochrome Inkjet Vellum, 3mil
Monochrome Inkjet Film, 4mil Monochrome Inkjet Film.
True Xerographic, Laser and LED quality, designed
specifically for engineering copiers.
Choose from 20lb opaque bond, 24lb presentation bond, 18lb
translucent bond, 17lb and 20lb vellum, 3mil and 4mil films.
Numeridex offers toner cartridges for all major brands including
Xerox, Oce and KIP.
Numeridex carries an extensive line of OEM
cartridges including Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Canon, Brother, and
Additionally, the Numeridex Compatible Line of Laser and Inkjet
cartridges provide equal or better results than the OEM brands, but
at huge savings.
Numeridex carries a complete line of:
Disposable liquid ink plotter pens, Fiber tip plotter pens,
Rollerball plotter pens.
Our plotter pens are compatible with your Hewlett-Packard, Houston
Instrument, CalComp, Encad, Mutoh, Roland, and many other plotters.
Numeridex media is designed specifically for CAD
and engineering applications. Our broad product selection ensures a
product for all your imaging needs. Numeridex CAD media is
compatible with even the fastest pen plotters on the market today.
Available in the following formulations:
20lb Pen Plotter Bond, 18lb Pen Plotter Translucent Bond, 15lb Pen
Plotter Translucent, Bond, 24lb Pen Plotter Bond, 17lb Pen Plotter
Vellum, 20lb Pen Plotter Vellum, 3mil Pen Plotter Film, 4mil Pen
Plotter Film
Numeridex applique film saves you time and money
when reproducing repetitive details, title blocks, symbols or
standard notations.
Available in translucent matte, clear, and opaque white film.
For use in plain paper copiers, laser and inkjet printers
Numeridex features the Dispense-Rite line of cup dispensers.
Dispense-Rite quality cup dispensers have been installed in tens of
thousands of locations around the world, dispensing billions of cups
year after year. We are committed to achieving complete customer
satisfaction through product excellence, personal attention and
prompt service. The professional assistance of a Numeridex
representative will ensure that you fully satisfy your cup dispenser
requirements. Numeridex stocks the largest selection of cup
dispensers, as well as a complete selection of dispensing products
for lids, straws, condiments, and napkins.
Many of our cup dispensers are NSF listed.
Site Map Copyright: Numeridex, Inc. 2008


text:
In "On Purim," Cathy Goldberg Fishman's fourth Jewish holiday story book (Atheneum, 2000, ages 5 up), a young girl tries to understand the deeper significance of the Purim masks her family is busily trimming.
We welcome your feedback.
Privacy Policy
Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.
Terms of Service
JewishJournal.com has rules for its commenting community.Get all the details.
JewishJournal.com reserves the right to use your comment in our weekly print publication.


text:
- Entire Place
- Listings where you have the whole place to yourself.
- Private Room
- Listings where you have your own room but share some common spaces.
- Shared Room
- Listings where you'll share your room or your room may be a common space.
- Room Type
- Price
- Size
- Social Connections
- Employee Host
- Instant Book
- Superhost
- Neighborhoods
- Amenities
- Property Type
- Host Language
- Keywords
1000+ Rentals · Kuta
1000+ Rentals · Kuta
Kuta Ecostay has ten Deluxe rooms with double bed in each room. This listing is for one of the ten rooms. Description is the same as for the other Deluxe rooms listed for Kuta EcoStay. So if this room is booked try one of the other rooms listed! Learn More
Kuta Village, Kuta
Hi I am Vivian. I like travelling and meeting people that's why I open a hostel .We are a chill out environment in the heart of Kuta. Its real strategic Location.Esay to access everywhere.We are only 10 USD /bed/night with big qulity breakfast. Learn More
Inspired by Bali's luxury hide away, we offer you a chill out environment in the heart of Kuta. But with its real strategic Location which is only takes 2 minutes to the most well-known Bali surf outlets shops; 5 minutes to The Famous Mall Bali Galleria and the duty free shop with a lot choices for shopping and the access for the KURA-KURA Bus which is public shuttle bus service connecting to most popular tourist areas in Bali, 3 minutes walk to BIMC or SILOAM hospital and less than 10 minu...
Kuta Village, Kuta
Jesen's Inn II features simple accommodation with an outdoor pool and a restaurant, a 15-minute stroll from Kuta Beach. Its air-conditioned bedrooms are all fitted with a seating area. Wi-Fi is accessible in all areas of the property Learn More
Stay in the bussling Kuta District just 5 minutes walk to the Kuta Beach,Discovery Shopping Mall, Waterboom Recreational Park. Large parking space and swimming pool eith kids pool along with the free wifi in the are good spot to stay with affordable price in the center of Kuta. With the newly built and added now ready for service and rooms up to 40 and newly bar is fit for family vacation. Sitting on just five-minute walk from Kuta Beach, Jesen's Inn II offers 40 rooms (please refer to my ...
Kuta Village, Kuta
New,inspirational,very charming,one bedroom villa with swimming pool in Seminyak area will definitely introduce you from the beginning to the luxury and relaxation that only Bali is able to offer. Spacious living area overlooking the swimming pool, touches of Balinese furniture mixed with contemporary ones, a modern 4.2 meters kitchen in organic hues,granite and lava stone,calm blues on the walls ,have all been carefully combined for a perfect balance of the 4 main elements to assure a ...
Seminyak, Kuta
Double Room En-Suite Room. Free Airport Pickup. Included in all rooms, Free choice of Breakfast, including Freshly Cooked Omelets/Pancakes with various fillings, Indonesian Noodles, Continental Breakfast, Fresh Coffee and Tea, Fresh Tropical Fruit. Learn More
Kuta Village, Kuta
Nearby airport , centraly located , Close to the beach Learn More
Nearby airport,jimbaran beach,groceries store Located in main road. We are happy to serve our guest with hospitality
Kuta Village, Kuta
A simple and unique homestay, in the middle of the hustle and bustle Kuta. Comes with 3 ensuite bedrooms, an open dining room and pantry, makes it suitable for group of travellers who want to enjoy the real living of Bali. Learn More
Only 700 meters to the famous Kuta beach,it is only around 15 minutes walk. In the middle of Balinesse souvenirs shop, and Bali local food shops. Only 5-10 minutes drive to Bali International Airport. Simple continental breakfast (toast, jam, tea or coffee) will be served every morning.
Kuta Village, Kuta
Balinese style house with a private garden and pool. It's just five minutes walk to the beach, 5-10 minutes walk to Seminaks best Bars, Shops & Restaurants and still perfectly quiet. It has 2 bedrooms with AC, 2 bathrooms and of course TV & WIFI. Learn More
This cozy house is located in a small dead end street, very safe, very quiet and still only five minutes walk to Seminyaks Restaurants and Bars. And even better, it is only 5 minutes walk to La Plancha beach with great surfing and swimming possibilities. There are also some small restaurants at this famous sunset spot. We have special rates for weekly and monthly rental and also for low and high season. (For monthly prices in high season please hover over the little questionmark). House...
Seminyak, Kuta
Best breakfast in Seminyak! Inclusive of all transfers, security guard, unlimited wifi, housekeeping, all taxes! Vehicle full-time driver, chef available. Flat screen TVs in all bedrooms, Ipod docking station. Wifi throughout. Learn More
Daily car & driver please add USD 25
Seminyak, Kuta
Book a private room or the entire villa at Villa BaBiBu, located a 5-minute drive from Brawa Beach. The property features 3 bedrooms, an outdoor pool and a fully equipped kitchen. Villa BaBiBu is a 10-minute drive to Echo Beach & Restaurant and Canggu Club. Seminyak is a 15-minute drive away while it takes 35 minutes by taxi to reach Ngurah Rai International Airport. Featuring brick walls, the luxurious and air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen cable TV, Wifi, seating area, wardrobe a...
North Kuta, Kuta
Kuta EcoStay has 10 Deluxe rooms listed with Airbnb so if a room is already booked just try another room listed under Kuta EcoStay! Learn More
Situated just 60 meters from the famous Warung Made restaurant located on Jalan Raya Kuta (main road towards the beach), Kuta EcoStay Guest House located on Gang Lotring is an ideal place to stay here in Kuta with other like-minded eco-conscious travellers. With our strategic location in the heart of Kuta close to beach, shops and restaurants, our guest house is located along Gang Lotring , a small laneway next to ATM Bank Danamon opposite the famous Warung Made restaurant in Kuta. Walk ...
Kuta Village, Kuta
favehotel Kuta Square is a brand new budget hotel one street down from Legian. It is 5 min or less to KFC/McDonalds, Hard Rock Hotel, Kuta Beach and the brand new Beach Walk Supermall. Also, the hotel is only a 10 minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, Waterbom and Discovery Shopping Mall. ABOUT : - 95 rooms available - restaurant/room service - pool - free buffet breakfast - free WiFi - airport pick up available - in room massage available - 24 hr housekeeping - NO EXT...
Kuta Village, Kuta
An independent private bungalow, part of a large villa in a two acre property, which is called Beo's house, with amazing views, a constant cool breeze and a quiet, lush garden. Learn More
The bungalow has it's own attached bathroom, a kitchen and porch, as well as free access to HIGH SPEED WIFI INTERNET. The bedroom has a large and comfortable double bed and is air-conditioned. International TV available. Have a look at these other private spaces on the property: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1742714 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/465650 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/465694 Amenities on the property include an eleven-meter long, shared,"infinity" style swimming pool, which o...
South Kuta/Bukit Peninsula, Kuta
Located in a peaceful village setting in Canggu, this Villa brings a modern and comfortable feeling for a short or long stay. A traditional Javanese house finished with the best materials mingle to give a luxury feeling right from the entrance. This villa has 2 Spacious A/C Bedrooms with private bathroom. Big living area with kitchen. Nice tropical garden area with (website hidden), Wifi, Gardener, cleaner and pool service included. This area is super quiet and is only 5 minutes from World...
North Kuta, Kuta
Das Appartement liegt innerhalb der Hotelanlage "THE JAYAKARTA BALI" direkt am Strand von Kuta-Legian, im Süden der Insel Bali. Alle Annehmlichkeiten unseres Appartments im Überblick: Klimaanlage im Wohnraum und im Schlafzimmer Telefon (nur ankommende Gespräche) Sateliten-TV im Wohnraum Sateliten-TV im Schlafzimmer Küchenzeile mit großem Kühlschrank Mikrowelle Dusche Doppelbett Extra-Bett (faltbar) Baby-Bett (faltbar Kostenlos) Privater Balkon Das "JAYAKARTA HOTEL BALI" bietet Ihnen in ei...
Legian, Kuta
Cozy Guest House is a boutique Villa in Batubelig, just 200 m from the beach. Restaurants are in walking distance in Batubelig street, which has become a gastronomic area. The night life in Seminyak can be reached within 10 minutes by taxi or Motor Learn More
Cozy Guest House is strategically located as it is in walking distance to the beach and dining places, as well as shopping areas and night life can be reached within minutes by motor bike or taxi. The beach is at Batubelig, the now main gay beach in Bali. On the other hand, located in a small gang, this place is still quite and comfortable. Our concept is to provide a cozy place with emphasis on privacy and a relaxing atmosphere. With its tropical garden, this guesthouse will make you feel...
North Kuta, kuta
Woooow! When we walked through the gate into Villa Tao we were immediately enchanted and swept off our feet. It was even better then I expected. Great location in close vicinity/walking distance of shops, restaurants, beach!'TAO' the right way to GO! Learn More
Om Swastiastu, Villa Tao is a quiet, cozy, idyllic and romantic 2 bedroom villa with en-suite bathrooms, a lush garden and a 4 x 8 meter swimming pool, tugged away right in the middle of Seminyak Bali. A little oasis in the hustle and bustle of Seminyak Kuat Bali with access to all the facilities and amenities in the villa, its all yours NOTHING has to be shared with other guests. Once your inside of Villa Tao you be surprised of quietness and serenity that Villa Tao offers and overflow...
Seminyak, Kuta
Located in the heart of Seminyak,close to all the main restaurant-bar-boutiques in Seminyak road and 10 minutes to double six beach.This air-conditioned double room allow guests to enjoy a direct pool access from the terrace,free wifi & satellite tv Learn More
The room offers a modern chic design with a direct access to the outdoor swimming pool,and is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, seating area, minibar, personal safe, an electric kettle, and a wardrobe. There is also an en suite bathroom featuring shower facility, hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers. Fresh towels and linen are provided in the room. Guest can access the outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa and wellness centre, games area, restaurant and bars. The friendly and attentiv...
Seminyak, Kuta
Instant Book
Book without waiting for your reservation to be accepted


text:
Yeah, yeah, so the SEO Boy blog has only been around since October. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little bit of the "year in review" limelight. Right? The last 3 months have been a blast, and in that time we've been able to publish some great content. I've pulled the top 10 articles based on pageviews for SEO Boy's best posts of 2008!
- So many people use Google Analytics, but not just everyone is certified as an official consultant! This post describes in detail the required steps for becoming a "Google Analytics Authorized Consultant."
- Back in November Google announced the new SearchWiki function that allows users to basically customize their search results. The big question that followed was, "How will this affect SEO?"
- Flash programming and SEO have been at odds for years. Thankfully, there are some helpful tips for making Flash and SEO play nice together.
- Every SEO blog needs a post that is the ultimate checklist of basic tasks. This is SEO Boy's top 10 SEO to-do's. Read it. Learn it. Love it.
- If you can spare 10 minutes a day, you can take the time to monitor your company's online reputaion. Learn how to harness the power of blogs and social networking sites to ensure your reputation remains intact.
- As with any process, SEO has a very discernable first-step: Keyword Research. This post describes the basics of kicking your SEO campaign off the right way with effective keyword research.
- Not to jump too far onto the holiday sales bandwagon, we threw in our entry with helpful holiday shopping season tips like implementing customer reviews, ramping up blogging and creating original content for boosting sales.
- Sitemaps – you either love 'em or hate 'em. In our case, we love 'em. Read this post to learn what Sitemaps are, how to use them and why!
- One of the most important elements of SEO is your website's internal linking structure. This factor determines how well PageRank (or link juice) flows through your site, and how well deep content will rank in the search engines.
- Great content attracts links like a magnet. This post details how you can harness basic copywriting skills for boosting your link building efforts.
Well, that's the top 10 for 2008! Stay tuned, we have much more planned for 2009…


text:
Leave a Review
I have a convection oven so my chicken was done after the first 30 minutes and the vegetables after 20. I added a half of a red onion. I also drained the grease before serving. Next time I would probably try to cut back on the salt. My husbands and I loved how crunchy the skin was and the carmelized carrots
This was fine but not great. I will keep the "perfect pan roasted chicken thighs" recipe and the Cooks Illustrated Chicken in a Pot recipe as my go to. I think this needed more depth - leeks, shallots¿.something.
Great recipe. It has everything that I have in my pantry. I roasted the chicken first for 15 minutes, then put the vegetables in to roast in another pan...this cuts down on the overall baking time. I transferred the vegetables into the baking pan that the chicken was roasting in to get the juices and put the chicken on top. This is not the healthiest recipe... just have to trim back on the chicken.
Very good! I am glad I read the reviews - backed off on the salt, and also cut down on the total roasting time for the chicken to 30 minutes. I made with cauliflower, but would like to try with the potatoes and carrots, as written. Chicken comes out so nice and crispy, and veggies have the extra flavor from the chicken fat - not the ultimate health recipe, but great taste!
Has anyone been successful using skinless, boneless thighs??
This was very tasty. A little too much salt. I cooked it in the convection oven and it cooked a little quicker. Definitely would make it again.
I am making this recipe right now. Did anyone else have trouble cooking at such a high heat? The chicken was sputtering so much it kept setting off my smoke alarm. I put it in a pyrex baking dish with a lid and hope this helps. I turned down the oven to 350....
Easy and delicious. I did drain a few tablespoons of fat off the pan after the initial cooking of the chicken. My chicken was not organic and had a good deal of fat on it. Otherwise, perfect.
Made this for a quick weeknight dinner and my kids loved it! I substituted the potatoes with vidalia onions and it really was simple and delicious. The chicken could roast for a little less time than 45 minutes. It was a tad dry but very tasty! excellent recipe that I will add to my family menus!
This recipe was recommended to me by a friend. I make it with 1 small rutabaga, 1 small turnip, 1 red onion, and butternut squash instead of the potatoes and carrots and it has become a family favorite. I buy the butternut squash pre-cut into 1 inch squares and cut everything else about the same size. It is so simple and delicious. Everyone should give this one a try and, if you don't like carrots and potatoes, try other vegetables and it will still be great. I hear that purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cabbage also work well. I would not recommend trying brussell sprouts as those did not work for me.


text:
Tune in for a nightly mix that spans the centuries: from full-length operas, oratorios and major symphonies to the latest offerings from New York's vibrant new music scene.
Daily Schedule
- « Wednesday
- Thursday, May 02, 2013
- Friday »
05:30 AMJeff Spurgeon
Jeff Spurgeon has been the morning host of WQXR since 2006. He joined WQXR in 1997, and during his 30-year career in radio, Spurgeon has been an announcer, reporter, newscaster, interviewer and producer
Go to program: Jeff Spurgeon
- Host:
- Jeff Spurgeon
10:00 AMAnnie Bergen
Annie Bergen
Annie Bergen's reports on film, music, theater, books and art have won several awards, including an "Outstanding Feature Story" award from the NYSBA. She has interviewed more than 300 arts personalities and is now featured on various WQXR programs.Go to program: Annie Bergen
03:00 PMNaomi Lewin
Naomi Lewin is the weekday afternoon host on WQXR, and the host of WQXR's weekly podcast Conducting Business. Before arriving at WQXR, Lewin was the midday host at WGUC, Cincinnati's classical public radio station.
Go to program: Naomi Lewin
- Host:
- Naomi Lewin
07:00 PMThe Romantic Piano
Frédéric Chopin: The Poet of the PianoNo one had understood the piano's special resources and enchantments more completely than Frederic Chopin, as David Dubal illustrates.Go to program: The Romantic Piano
08:00 PMNew York Philharmonic This Week
Alan Gilbert, Christopher Rouse and Joshua Bell
New York Philharmonic music director Alan Gilbert returns to the podium to conduct the world premiere of Prosepero's Rooms, a New York Philharmonic commission by Christopher Rouse.Go to program: New York Philharmonic This Week
10:00 PMExploring Music
Cello Concertos
For many music lovers, the cello's melodic capacity and deep timbre represent the pinnacle of musical expression. This week host Bill McGlaughlin explores some of the great works written for this instrument and the musicians that made them famous.Go to program: Exploring Music
11:00 PMOvernight Music
Tune in for a nightly mix that spans the centuries: from full-length operas, oratorios and major symphonies to the latest offerings from New York's vibrant new music scene.Go to program: Overnight Music


text:
Lily Sabrini Mohamed
A.S. in Legal Studies
Hometown: Milford, CT
Favorite Thing About Post University:
Post University provides an excellent online degree program, which is very convenient for me because I work more than 40 hours a week.
Like to Thank:
My professors for being professional, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Age: 22
Are you a first-generation college graduate? No


text:
usually catacombs, from Old English catacumbas, from Late Latin (400 C.E.) catacumbae (plural), originally the region of underground tombs between the 2nd and 3rd milestones of the Appian Way (where the bodies of apostles Paul and Peter, among others, were said to have been laid), origin obscure, perhaps once a proper name, or dissimilation from Latin cata tumbas "at the graves," from cata- "among" + tumbas. accusative plural of tumba "tomb" (see tomb).
If so, the word perhaps was altered by influence of Latin -cumbere "to lie." From the same source are French catacombe, Italian catacomba, Spanish catacumba. Extended by 1836 in English to any subterranean receptacle of the dead (as in Paris). Related: Catacumbal.


text:
Members present: Todd Grappone, Sarah Pritchard, Paul Soderdahl, Ed Van Gemert , John Wilkin, Bob Wolven
Members absent: John Butler, Patricia Cruse, Julia Kochi
1. The July 22, 2011 SAB minutes were approved as revised.
2. Update on HT development, John Wilkin.
3. HT Print Repository Proposal, Bob Wolven
4. HT Print Disabilities update, Paul Soderdahl
SAB reviewed and discussed Paul's "Draft Overview of the HathiTrust Functionality for Users with Print Disabilites" Chart. It was mentioned by several committee members that the chart is very helpful when used to explain the process to staff helping them to better understand services planned for unautheticated users, authenticated users without print disabilities and authenticated users with print disabilities. It was suggested that a statement might be added such as, "You need a procedure in place to certify a user. Normally that comes through student disability services".
5. Constitutional Convention discussion—How best to structure Session #2.


text:
10 February 2011
It's making me blue, Pantone 292
It touched on a couple of things that interest and irritate me:
(1) Is having 1,925 colors a lot? Maybe I'm crazy, but that doesn't seem like very many to me. Of course, I'm a nutter and can look at hundreds of green paint chips and declare them all wrong for my office. It's not a question of not being able to pick: I'm very decisive and I'm looking for something specific that I would be happy to find, but it is not at Sherwin-Williams, Ace, Lowe's or Home Depot I still haven't painted; I'm thinking of going gray, except that seems kind of trendy...which brings me to my next point.
(2) I wish colors weren't so trend-driven. Because of "trends," I either I can't find the color I want (I'm thinking here about clothing and quilting fabrics) or a color I like is everywhere and on everything---making it feel less "mine"---and thus, like what I wear and make is not a form of self-expression, but like some sort of joining/uniform-wearing/exercise in conspicuous consumption.
Sometimes I just avoid color issues entirely...
So, what do you think? Do you like color trends? Does 1,925 Pantone colors seem like a lot or not?
By the way, I'm not actually feeling blue, the title of this post comes from this Magnetic Fields song:
13 comments:
I don't think 1,925 colors seems like a lot. And I totally agree that it's sometimes frustrating to see colors we like appearing everywhere (they no longer feel like "ours"). Even choosing among the grade school 8 Crayola colors though, there are some people who manage to "own" colors as generic as red or green.ReplyDelete
Love that piecing!
Look at Benjamin Moore color deck. I just spent the last year picking out a green for my basement! Finally settled on Buckingham Gardens.ReplyDelete
1925 colors SOUNDS like a lot to me, BUT I wouldn't be surprised if I still couldn't find the specific shade I had in mind.ReplyDelete
I loved grey in my young adulthood and used/wore a lot of it. Then it sort of disappeared and I was probably ready for a change. Now, I have welcomed it back with much enthusiasm.
Colors, to me, remind me of eras. If you say "orange, mustard yellow, pea soup green, and brown" I will automatically think of the 70's. If you say "neon [anything]" I think 80's. "Hunter green, navy, maroon" is the 90's (to me), along with peach and rosy pink and periwinkle. I like that colors can take me back in time, so I don't mind the color trends. I'm colorphobic (I like neutrals) so these trends help me break away from that. But, I do agree that there should be an infinite number of colors. Maybe colors are like species, they only have a record of those, but they are discovering new ones daily.ReplyDelete
I don't know about the 1925 colours...I just know what I like. I painted my living room 5 years ago with Behr's Honey Pear and I'm still not sick of it. One of my friends recently redid her basement and asked me for the paint chip because she also loved the colour. Go with what you love and, remember...paint is relatively cheap.ReplyDelete
I hate colour trends...sorry but I feel rather strongly about it. The market gets flooded with a "trendy" colour until we reach the point that we actually start hating a perfectly good colour. They then they slowly remove that colour from the market place and if you are the odd person that happens to still love that colour you will have trouble finding it. Paint is not a problem...you can always custom mix but fabrics and home decore stuff is harder to deal with. I don't like to be dictated to in this way. examples: Orange and Advocado Green of course. How many years passed before they were allowed back. Hunter green and burgundy are two other prime examples. As you can see this topic gets me hot and bothered. As an artist I need to work with what I love not what someone dictates to me is in or out. I also believe they want us to spend money redecorating because our stuff is no longer trendy. I really am hot and bothered aren't I??? Great Topic!!!ReplyDelete
I worked at a place once that had all the Pantone colors on a ring. I was the editor, but also pulled into jr graphic designer duties sometimes. I loved that ring of colors. I really don't think there could ever be too many colors.ReplyDelete
Color trends? I find them interesting, but I don't find them impacting my own life much. :)
I don't like trends of any sort. They're a result of herd mentality. I like to do my own thing.ReplyDelete
Someone else posted about Benjamin Moore--yes! Go there. They have some wonderful greys that look almost green. My parents just used one, and I wish I could come up with the name but I can't remember. _____ gray...A color that they've had around a long time. Someone who has worked there a long time might be able to tell you what I'm thinking of. I want to say it starts with an S, but I don't remember.ReplyDelete
If you haven't been to Benjamin Moore, you haven't been to a paint store yet. Don't try to choose with those little chip strips. Ask to see the designer books, which have 8" solid pages of all the colors on the chips, plus more that aren't on the chip strips. The colors on my walls all came from the books - I also get tints (half the colorant that is supposed to go in the can), or you could have them add black to get a shade.ReplyDelete
Well....there can never be too many colours really because there are so many individuals out there. I painted my living room grey 7 years ago and I love it today as much as then. I put a yummy brown on one wall just cause I loved it and the room suits me to a T. I can put almost any colour I like in the room and it works. But what I think is really important is to not care about what is trendy or not or how someone might connect your colour choice to a trend and then judge your lack of originality. Care about what you LOVE and go there. It's your nest feather it how it suits you and to heck with the rest of the world.ReplyDelete
I guess I'm a bit of a dissenter then, because I do like the color coordination that the Color Council manages. It's a fascinating process and there are some good sides to it. (Of course during the 60's and 70's I was miserable because I hated those colors with a bloody passion!) Perfect example: you can buy kid (or adult) clothes at Target and Kohl's and Nordstrom's and mix and match the pieces and they'll all "go." If a color proves popular in apparel it might make it into home dec. The rebel in me wants to resist the trends, but practically? Not so much!ReplyDelete
#2-- Amen!ReplyDelete


text:
The Republican National Convention has been gaveled into order, and an already-hoarse RNC Chair Reince Priebus has begun the proceedings. The first day will include the roll call to formally nominate Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan for President and Vice President. What may have been an uncomfortable floor fight over the seating of delegates appears to have been averted, with a deal between Mitt Romney and the Texas delegation (LATE UPDATE: or perhaps not).
Also, in a couple hours' time, the RNC will formally adopt the party platform. Republicans aren't really interested in having anyone read that platform, but it offers plenty of clues into the policy trends of one of the major parties in America. We've heard about the abortion plank, calling for a ban on the procedure with no exceptions. There are planks that support African nations that persecute members of the LGBT community, planks supporting the establishment of a commission to study the return of the US to the gold standard, planks that draw a red line on Iran's nuclear program at a weapon "capability" instead of a weapon itself, even planks recommitting to a forceful prosecution of pornography.
But perhaps the most important plank in the platform, considering the prominence of the nation's fiscal debate, is the plank on Medicare, which spells out quite directly the GOP plan for the future of the program.
The text details the privatization policy that GOP lawmakers have supported for years, and that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are selling as necessary to "save" Medicare. But in an unusual twist, it addresses the specific aspect of the proposal that makes it a departure from what Americans know as "Medicare."
"The first step is to move the two programs [Medicare and Medicaid] away from their current unsustainable defined-benefit entitlement model to a fiscally sound defined-contribution model," the draft platform reads. "While retaining the option of traditional Medicare in competition with private plans, we call for a transition to a premium-support model for Medicare, with an income-adjusted contribution toward a health plan of the enrollee's choice. This model will include private health insurance plans that provide catastrophic protection, to ensure the continuation of doctor-patient relationships."
The platform will also reportedly support increasing the Medicare eligibility age.
Fact-checking organizations who have mistakenly called the proposition that Republicans would "end Medicare as we know it" a lie must pay attention to that paragraph. Simply put, Republicans want to, well, end Medicare as we know it, from a defined benefit, a government-run insurance program for all seniors, which pays medical bills like any other insurance program, to a defined contribution, where seniors instead get a coupon to purchase their own insurance on the private market but the contribution likely won't keep up with rising costs and premiums. The menu of options may include a government-run alternative, but it too would be a defined contribution rather than a defined benefit.
Republicans call the defined benefit plan unsustainable. But private competition, which is the method that they prefer for lowering costs, has never worked to do so in any test you can muster. Medicare is far better at containing costs on health care in the United States than private insurance. Every advanced country in the world, with their more coherent and less fragmented health care system, has lower costs than this country. The only thing a premium support plan would do is to offload those higher costs onto individuals as the higher costs exceed the "defined contribution." In the name of keeping providers fat and happy with higher reimbursements, Republicans would throw seniors into the vicissitudes of the marketplace, which has not worked for individuals.
Let's not overlook the part of that language that supports the block-granting of Medicaid, which would make massive cuts, shoulder costs onto beneficiaries, and lower the enrollment of the program.
The final platform language will not be made public until after the vote, a sign that Republicans don't really want anyone to know about it. But these are basically the programs for Medicare that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have supported.


text:
Nairobi — A year after the near-collapse of Uchumi Supermarkets, attention is focused on the latest manoeuverings in the tortuous recovery strategy.
The company's receiver-managers are offering reluctant shareholders one last chance to inject Sh600 million into the company under a recapitalisation plan. If that fails, the retail chain must find a new equity partner to fund the recovery.
Uchumi Supermarkets receiver-manager Mr Jonathan Ciano, last week announced an effort to get shareholders to participate in a Sh800 million recapitalisation programme. Picture by Jenipher Wachie
However, given the dodgy dealings before the stock was suspended from trading at the Nairobi Stock Exchange a year ago, getting more money from shareholders is proving a hard sell indeed.
Fresh details of the dramatic last two weeks of trading in Uchumi shares continue to emerge.
Capital Markets Authority investigations have involved the questioning of several stockbrokers and investors.
Former Kenya Commercial Bank chief executive, Mr Terry Davidson, is one of the key personalities questioned. He was put on the spot by the market regulators after investigations revealed he sold 300,000 Uchumi shares in the days before the company was put into receivership.
Davidson's position on the sale has been tricky since it was KCB, jointly with PTA Bank, that moved in to take control of Uchumi after the board threw in the towel.
When contacted by FS, Davidson confirmed that he actually sold the 300,000 shares in the final days of Uchumi's trading. However, he denied that the transaction was due to prior knowledge of the impending closure of Uchumi.
"I initiated the transaction long before any major decision was made," he says. "It was purely coincidental that the transaction was completed in the final day of Uchumi's trading."
Davidson told FS that he had instructed Suntra Stocks to sell 500,000 shares on May 9 last year: 300,000 Uchumi shares and 200,000 KCB shares. He added that the Uchumi transaction delayed due to a technical problem with one of his bankers.
"As a result, the deal just was just concluded just hours before the announcement," he added.
Davidson says that as the CEO of a major Uchumi creditor, he had no idea that the board planned to throw in the towel.
"We were just as surprised as anyone else when we heard the announcement," he says.
Massive insider trading
A look at trading last May shows investors dumped huge amounts of Uchumi shares in the final two weeks. For instance, on Friday May 13 the trading price was Sh14.40 and 140 shares sold. But opening of trading the following week saw suspicious heavy trading.
By Wednesday 18th May 273,450 shares had been sold to unsuspecting investors. Thursday and Friday of that week saw low trading with about 10,000 shares traded in the two days at Sh14.50.
However, the bombshell came on Monday May 23 when in a single investor dumped over 500,000 shares at Sh14.50. That Monday 513,675 shares of Uchumi were traded. In the final three days of trading May 27, May 30 and May 31 another 317,756 shares were sold. The trading average in the previous month was just around 10,000 shares per day.
Many shareholders cried foul, saying their stockbrokers advised them to invest heavily in Uchumi. Mrs Mary Njoroge told FS that she invested slightly over Sh1 million in Uchumi in the last week of trading.
"I was advised to put in that sum since the prices were expected to hit the Sh24 mark in June or July," she says. Njoroge adds that her broker hinted that the Government was expected "to pump in a good amount of money" after the Budget speech in June.
No report
The closure of Uchumi came as a result of a board disagreement on the way forward in raising Sh500 million from the market through private placement. A section of the board felt that the money that had been raised through a rights issue appeared to have had no impact on the status of the company.
The board disagreement led to a series of critical meetings between Uchumi and the major creditors, Kenya Commercial Bank and PTA Bank between May 10 and 25. It is during this time of stormy meetings that heavy transactions of Uchumi shares took place.
Apart from the CMA Investigations, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) have also been conducting their investigations.
ICPAK announced last year that they had commenced investigations to establish whether any of its members involved in the 2005 rights issue, the management of the company and provision of accountancy services played their roles in full compliance of the required professional standards. To date neither the CMA or ICPAK investigations have yielded a detailed report.
Riding on good reputation
Last week, receiver-manager Mr Jonathan Ciano, announced an effort to get shareholders to participate in a Sh800 million recapitalisation programme. Should that fail, he said, Uchumi will have to get a strategic partner. Two local consortia are believed to be jockeying for this role.
Ciano told the FS that the two aspects of the recovery plan will be given to shareholders at a meeting that has been called for the last day of this month in Nairobi. He said that other than using the meeting to launch the Uchumi Rescue Plan and Performance Brief, it will be the last opportunity for the shareholders to play their bit in changing the supermarket's fortunes.
"It will involve asking shareholders the way forward because our ultimate goal is to be admitted back to the stock market," Ciano said in an interview with the FS. "We have built a road map which we want to share with the shareholders."
Ciano says that over the last one year, the company has worked on ways it could ride on the reputation it still commands among Kenyans.
Other than raising the additional funding, shareholders are expected to give their vote on a new business plan that will see the firm adopt a global retail business and marketing strategy.
New business strategy
An approval by shareholders will allow the company to adopt a similar business strategy to Nakumatt Supermarkets, which is its key competitor. The business strategy involves the use of leasing as a way of growing the business. Under the leasing arrangement, Uchumi Supermarkets will enter into a series of agreements with property owners in Kenya that will allow it to get a foothold of new locations.
"This means that we shall open and maintain the branches that have passed the business test," Ciano said. So far three branches have been closed permanently after they failed to justify their presence in the company.
The new business outlook is expected to provide a boost to the real estate market because according to Ciano, Uchumi wants to grow the business into new areas and locations. Particularly, the retail chain wants to take advantage of an increase in the consumer's purchasing powers and the growth of key sectors such as agriculture and tourism and actualise its come-back plan.
The retail chain's return is hinged on five pillars that are led by revival, survival, synergy, profit and growth. A look at the company's report card indicates that the revival has been secured after the government injected Sh670 million.
Revival successful
The company has also been able to keep debtors at bay by paying off 50 per cent of the Sh800 million worth of debts primarily to suppliers, Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) and the PTA Bank. As the supermarkets plots its final push out of receivership, Ciano says that available figures indicate that all the branches have started returning into profitability which is a break from the past when the Uganda operations is said to have been contributing upto 40 per cent of the entire group's bottom-line.
"Most of the branches are now able to report positive cash," he said. "We are now heading into profits and you will be surprised as to how much we have done because it is far much better than before."
The firm was forced to close its doors after another recovery strategy failed to pay-off.
At the time, the process was being driven by the then Chief Executive Officer and group managing director, Mr John Masterten-Smith, who announced that the firm had failed to recover five years after reporting losses running into billions of shillings and the collapse of its traditional market share within the retail market.
"The board is of the view that the business is facing insolvency and it is only prudent that necessary action is taken to stem further losses," Smith told a hurriedly convened media briefing at the company's head offices in Nairobi Industrial Area at the time.
He said that Uchumi's board and management had initiated "structured but painstaking initiatives" to address the company's financial standing. The steps included cutting costs, disposal of non-strategic assets, raising additional capital, optimising its service delivery and inventory.
However, after that strategy failed, Masterten-Smith was forced to raise the white flag, insisting that the company had been forced to seek insolvency.
Among others, the turnaround strategy wanted to reduce the inventory holding period for each store to less than 30-days of sales, closure of loss making and poorly located branches and injection of fresh capital.
The Uchumi board had also secured the consent of the company's lenders to dispose of land, buildings, and other non-core assets from which it expected to realise more than Sh900 million.
God prospects
According to Ciano, shareholders had not understood the gravity of the problem at their beloved company. He, however, says that based on the firm's performance over the past one year, he hopes to convince shareholders that the turnaround strategy would work this time round.
"That first turnaround strategy was poorly timed because several other companies also raising funds through rights issues, which were direct competition to us," he says.
Ciano says that other than supporting the adoption of a new business strategy, shareholders will have to support the payment of the third tranche of Sh220 million to the debenture-holders. Shareholders will also provide the direction in the restructuring of the company's balance sheet.
Highly placed sources told FS that the Uchumi shares are likely to start trading by July this year. According to the source, the direction taken by shareholders will determine the speed of re-listing.