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: The balloon animal supply store is closing so i can spend more time on making videos.
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Balloon Distractions
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Topic: Balloon Distractions (Read 27600 times)
Hero Member
Posts: 2097
Off with his head!
Balloon Distractions
December 10, 2009, 09:45:03 AM »
Balloon Distractions is a somewhat controversial business. I do NOT know all the details so what I "know" is somewhat second hand...BUT
From what I understand. the owner/operator contracts with a restaurant or business to supply balloon twisting services for $XX an hour. Then sends twisters to the gig who work for free. they get tips. I will not comment on this practice, but really do not know the entire procedure. They provide "training" by teaching the twisters how to make a relatively small number of balloon creations. I believe 10 or 12 and evidently limiting them to those alone (?)
Supposedly the owner hires mostly college age, young and naive workers who think that working for nothing is a good thing. and admittedly, in SOME ways the training and experience are good. But after a few months I think that I would break off and do my own thing.
the ONLY real advantage is to get someone else to "book" you into a place so that you can get experience. But I would think that anyone with any real ability would leave after a few months or weeks.
I don't really have anything to say about the whole thing except that If it were ME doing the managing, I would make sure that the workers got at least SOMETHING out of the deal. I don't think I would call it "Marxist" exactly, but sort of EXTREME capitalism where the person with the business charges a high price but doesn't have to actually pay the workers. To be quite honest, if it is run in the fashion that I understand it is, I would not wish to be a part of it in any way shape or form.
as a side comment, a quote from a fictional character on the subject of "Evil"...."...Evil is when people start treating other people as things..."
how do you get to Carnige Hall? ...........PRACTICE!
Full Member
Posts: 224
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #1 on:
December 10, 2009, 10:18:27 AM »
Thanks for the info. I saw their ad on Craigslist and went to their website. I filled out the odd questionaire they had, but heard nothing back. Now, I'm glad I didn't. Thanks!
Sr. Member
Posts: 451
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #2 on:
December 10, 2009, 11:07:59 AM »
I started out working for a similar company called "Balloonabilites"
I was taught how to make about 10 things and they placed me in a restaurant.
I worked for tips only and bought my own supplies.
I learned a lot on my own and got good enough to get gigs on my own but I stayed with the company for 5 years. I liked going to a lot of different restaurants in a lot of different areas. When I moved across state all I had to do was let them know and I immediately had restaurants to work in my area. I was in college and it was nice to just call in and get my assignment.
They down side is all the $$$ they made off me being a good twister and that if the night was a bust, I wouldn't make any $. This is why most of my designs use only a few 260s, gotta save money to make money. Also, if I got sick they would want a weeks notice.
I don't think I'll ever work for another agency, but I value the roll they provided when I first started.
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #3 on:
December 10, 2009, 02:21:51 PM »
Any questions I would be glad to answer. I have been working with balloon distractions for over 2 years. They got me started and without them I never would have entered this fun world of balloon art. The artists do get paid by the company for training and recruiting locations as a residual. I of course can't tell prices but the money paid by the restaurant is distributed among the artists by those who contribute to the company. There are seasoned balloon artists on our team, and those starting off. I once worded it to a friend a junior monopoly of network marketing. Its a numbers game, not an hourly wage game. I can understand where the controversy comes from and can respect it. There are many other companies like balloonabilites that I have heard of in the past. I actually remember one charged the balloon artists to do gigs!??!
As with training they give a dvd that has an ok number of shapes on it, definitally more than 10-15, and your recruiter trains you more so. They have balloon Jams once a month to try to increase each others talent. Its a fun company to get plugged into and with it I land most all my paying gigs by meeting families at restaurants.
I know of many artists who work rogue and work in restaurants for free. Why not do it with a company, have insurance doing it, and get paid for expanding your abilities?
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Hero Member
Posts: 2097
Off with his head!
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #4 on:
December 10, 2009, 05:32:51 PM »
unicaw: I am glad to know this. I have heard so much bad stuff about Balloon distractions that i find it hard to get facts. If you work for them and like it..that is a great thing. I have always worked independently and had not heard of them until just the last few years. THAT was why I was cautious about making bold statements about them and their policies and practices. So much of what I had heard was regarding the company taking advantage of teh workers.
I am not likely to go to work for them, in fact, I highly doubt that there is a group working in this area. We have about a dozen workers around here who regularly work at restaurants and have established clients. So I doubt if they would have any traction here.
Good! I had no interest in trashing anyone's reputation...mostly because it was pretty trashed by others, and THAT is the information that I had!
how do you get to Carnige Hall? ...........PRACTICE!
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #5 on:
December 10, 2009, 05:44:34 PM »
Yeah I was talking about this with the CEO Ben a few days ago about the bad rep in the clown groups. Magicians and balloon twisters seem to like the idea when they know about all the facts. Clowns however, just hate it lol. I go to clown conventions regularly and I tend to at times get ostrisized because of my employer. If you are just looking for a few extra gigs a week to build up your clientel then its a fun lil company. If you are only an entry level artist who only cares to work a gig once in a while, then you will of course only work for tips like the multitude that I know who do this without a company. I don't think its a terrible company that abuses its artists, It may not be the next big balloon thing. But its a nice start in my humble opinion...
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Full Member
Posts: 224
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #6 on:
December 10, 2009, 05:54:01 PM »
I'm glad you brought a second view to the table. After what you've written, they don't seem too bad. So my only question, I guess, is: Why didn't they get back to me?
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #7 on:
December 10, 2009, 06:36:18 PM »
Lazy regional director most likely, where are you from bro? I can forward some info along if you want?
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Full Member
Posts: 224
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #8 on:
December 10, 2009, 09:32:53 PM »
Fort Lewis, Wa., near Tacoma. Thanks!
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #9 on:
December 10, 2009, 10:34:09 PM »
They have a cell in Seattle, its about 30min from ya I think.
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Jr. Member
Posts: 54
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #10 on:
December 11, 2009, 01:59:29 AM »
This is a link for a conversation with Ben on the clown forum. A lot of question and a lot of other responces from people that used to work for him.
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #11 on:
December 11, 2009, 02:27:20 PM »
Thanks for posting the link Ty-me
Some of those accounts are sadening to see. With the insurance information I have the paperwork for it sitting right next to me. Artists are covered up to $1million dollars in liability, and of course only insures gigs that are sanctioned by BD.
The starters kit that was mentioned is required for unexperienced artists to get, it consists of an apron, balloons, 2 pumps and a dvd. Its not an expensive price for tools you would need. I paid $60 for my apron alone outside of BD. If you are experienced and have your own tools then you dont need to get the starters kit.
With the wage system, the restaurant is only paying $45 to BD for 4 hours. Even if you paid the artist minimum wage its only a few dollars left over to go to managment. With out the inspiration of bonuses no artists would recruit new locations, or really bother to train new twisters. The company would just not expand to where it is now. Mr. Fudge and Ben designed a pretty nice business structure for BD to distribute wages evenly amung those who are active in the company, and to help it expand. The story of Jon's leaving strikes a bad tune with me, I dont know how something like that could have happened.
My history with BD has been just fine. I have had a hickup over a false complaint made by a guest
which had Ben calling me that morning to find out the whole story. Other than that I just know how to not clash personalities. With my own wages, I have never been shorted, he gives me money for gas when they are short handed in the next city and need help. I do know that if I begin to make any deals for over high dollar amounts I will get it in writting. Right now I make that of what a person makes part time off residuals, then I make my tip money and private venue money.
Im happy with BD, I understand the business model, and know that I am not forced to work. If I wanted to leave and go rogue, I could anytime I want. I have a nice list of clientel made through BD and am taking the applied knowledge frrom BD with me as I continue my career through the fun of balloon art =). If you can make money doing what you love, then you will never have to work a day in your life. =)
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Full Member
Posts: 108
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #12 on:
December 11, 2009, 03:57:40 PM »
Sad to hear the restaurants are paying 1970's prices for 4 hours of entertainment, Would be nice if BD would charge 2009 rates. Just double your price and you should have a two hour rate. I guest if your just a hobbyist this is good money. I guess like any business you need to have a low bidder in the group. Not looking to go in circles talking about BD - we had enough of that with Ben was saying in the mbd2.com forum, his comment was - "it just a bunch of DB haters and its the same people posting over and over again. So he said to me on the phone and was never going to post again." But that Ben.
That's just my two cents.
Magical Balloon-dude Dale - Balloon Artist
mbd2.com Balloon Entertainment at its Best!
Full Member
Posts: 215
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #13 on:
December 11, 2009, 04:38:54 PM »
I too would like to see balloon distractions charging more. But I just dont know of many restaurants that are willing to pay that. There are some locations that are canceling becuase the can't afford the $45 a shift and they are seeing it as just more overhead.
I dont want anyone here to think that I signed onto these forums to talk about BD. I signed on for the community, to learn, and to share. I think I have begun to make more posts in this thread than any other lol. There is alot of he said she said on this topic so im going to copy and past the compensation manual on how the money is distributed. Take it any way you want, as positive, just, demeaning, or even Marxist. There are 3 sides to every conflict with 2 parties. 1 for each side, then fact.
Here is the compensation manual...
Balloon Distractions, Inc. Compensation:
Updated MAY, 2009
All of the information in this document makes null and void any and all previous compensation agreements between Balloon Distractions and all Independent Contractors on the team.
Compensation Timetable:
All trainer and sales compensation will be processed no sooner than 30 days after the last day of the month being compensated: The July bonus would be paid out the first week in September, August bonuses go out the first week in October, and so on. This is done because the restaurants pay Balloon Distractions (on average) about 45 days after they receive the invoice on any given month.
If you did not qualify for a compensation bonus on any given month because you were inactive you will still receive a notice detailing why you did not qualify. If for any reason you feel there has been an error in your compensation please contact me right away.
Monthly Reporting:
Every trainer, salesperson and regional manager is required to email in a monthly progress report based upon questions asked in the NOTES section featured at the top of the internet scheduling page. (BalloonDistractions.com/xsched/)
These questions are normally short and sweet and require a quick email to answer. We believe that taking a couple moments to assess your progress at the end of each month will help you focus on your strengths, your weaknesses and where you need to concentrate your efforts in the coming month. These reports also allow us to communicate with all of our movers and shakers on a regular basis.
Active versus Inactive :::::::::::
To get your full monthly bonus you must do ONE of the following:
#1. Personally fill 10 restaurant gigs per month with zero complaints.
#2. Sell 1 new restaurant per month ( deal must be closed and on the schedule).
#3. Add 1 new artist, artist must fill 2 gigs with no complaints within that specific bonus month.
Regional Directors are exempt from the active / inactive requirement, the Regional Directors role is to grow the region while at the same time making sure that all the gigs in the region get filled every week.
Your monthly bonus will be forfeit if you do a NO CALL / NO SHOW on any scheduled gig, as a Trainer, Salesperson, or Regional Director in the company you have an obligation to fill all of your scheduled gigs. You are are getting a profit-share check, therefore you are being held to a higher standard.
Trainers Compensation:
You will receive $10 per (complaint free) gig filled by a twister that you have trained as long as you have been active within that month.
For areas that have 8 or less gigs per week that requirement drops to 6 gigs per month. If the area in which you are living has eight or more gigs per week that means you have at least 32 opportunities to fill gigs within that month.
If you personally fill 4 or less gigs per month and you do not add a new artist or a new restaurant you will forfeit your full bonus for that month, if in the following month you become active again you will qualify for any and all bonuses owed to you.
If you personally fill between 5 and 10 gigs per month:
Your bonus will be pro-rated accordingly:
5 gigs= 50% of the full bonus
8 gigs= 80% of the full bonus, and so forth.
Sales Compensation:
For every new restaurant that you sell this idea to you will get paid $15 per gig filled (complaint free) if you personally fill 10 gigs per month or add one new restaurant per month.
The sales professional that schedules the try-out with the new client gets the sales commission, even if another artist does the try-out. If two salespeople have approached the same store the commission always goes to the sales person that secures the try-out.
The restaurant info must be added into the scheduling computer accurately: correct street address, zip code, full name of the GM, etc.
If the restaurant is SLOW (beyond 60 days) in paying their invoice Balloon Distractins will hold back the commission on that specific client until the past due invoices get paid.
One of the main reasons that restaurants are slow to pay is that the salesperson puts th WRONG ADDRESS into the computer and the client never gets the invoice.
PLEASE put the correct information into the computer when you sell a new place !!
Regional Leader Compensation:
As our organization grows we have identified a need for regional leaders around the United States. The regional leader has FOUR main duties:
#1. Sell restaurants when needed.
#2. Train new staff as needed.
#3. Train TRAINERS to help in our expansion. (If you recruit a trainer who then goes on to build a crew you will make $5 whenever that recruit's crew fills one gig with no complaints.)
#4. Make sure that all the scheduled gigs in their respective region are filled, either by calling existing staff or training new staff to pick up the slack.
Regional Leaders are EXEMPT from the active / inactive requirements as long as all the gigs are filled every week in their region.
Average gigs per week in your region: Monthly Regional Leader Bonus:
0-4 none
5-25 $100
26-40 $250
41-60 $500
61-80 $750
81-100 $1,000
This is in addition to your sales and trainer commissions.
DESERTION : If ANY member of the team does not fill a gig, train a new artist or sell a restaurant within a 30 day window we will take you off the team automatically. The only exception to this is for medical reason in which case there needs to be paper verification from our doctor to document the reason for your medical absence.
If you quit without giving the company 2 weeks prior WRITTEN notice you will forfeit any and all bonuses owed to you. If you return to the company after resigning your crew bonus will NOT be restored to you. If you decide to quit by not showing up for a scheduled gig all your bonuses will be forfeit. If you have any questions please call or email my office:
Ben Alexander
(Phone number removed by poster)
Cody Freakin' Williams
Unicyclist gone Twister
Full Member
Posts: 108
Re: Balloon Distractions
Reply #14 on:
December 14, 2009, 03:18:52 PM »
I'm not sure this is legal
If you quit without giving the company 2 weeks prior WRITTEN notice you will forfeit any and all bonuses owed to you.
I think if a company owes you money for services, even if you quite by law they have to pay you. Imagine working for a company based on commission and quieting in the middle of the week. They would still have to pay you your commission that was do prior to you quieting. This is typically true for vacation days and bonus earned. I could see if bounces were paid yearly it would be forfited. But I'm not a lawyer nor do work for BD. So it really doesn't matter.
Magical Balloon-dude Dale - Balloon Artist
mbd2.com Balloon Entertainment at its Best!
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Another section of the user manual says the USB output is:
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It also lists a solar output but I don't have the solar attachment, just the USB charger.
Will this work with the Edge 800? I don't want to fry the Edge.

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text: Archives > Writers < Prior Page Page 2 of 17 Next Page > Trumbo By Sophia LeePosted March 4, 2016DVD | That a hagiography of a vocal Communist should claim an Oscar nomination testifies how far to the left Hollywood and America have moved. Trumbo , a biopic now… [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/03/trumbo] Deadpool By Sophia LeePosted Feb. 19, 2016Movies | That Deadpool is not your typical Marvel film is clear within the first minute. The opening credits, rolled over a slow-panning freeze-shot of men soon to be… [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/02/deadpool] Immigrants are meeting God in Thai jails By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 29, 2016Immigration | Christians seeking refuge in Bangkok find opportunities to share their faith with fellow detainees [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/immigrants_are_meeting_god_in_thai_jails] Pakistani refugees lose all but find Jesus By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 28, 2016Persecution | Amid extreme persecution, two brothers praise God for his faithfulness and provision [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/pakistani_refugees_lose_all_but_find_jesus] Stuff of heroes By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 22, 2016Movies | Unlikely leaders shine in an icy, harrowing portrayal of a 1952 rescue mission [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/stuff_of_heroes] Life in the shadows By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 22, 2016Persecution | Radical Islam has forced thousands of Pakistani Christians to flee to Thailand, a place of hidden refuge but also one of little hope or opportunity [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/life_in_the_shadows] The Big Short By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 8, 2016Movies | Yay, a 130-minute movie about subprime loans and collateralized debt obligations! —says no one, ever. But that's the amazing thing about The Big Short (rated… [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/the_big_short] Suffering and giving thanks By Sophia LeePosted Jan. 4, 2016Faith & Inspiration | Despite hardship on hardship, North Korean immigrant begins new year praising God [http://www.worldmag.com/2016/01/suffering_and_giving_thanks] Boston hospital expels doctor over LGBT views By Sophia LeePosted Dec. 30, 2015Religious Liberty | Paul Church argued Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center should not promote unhealthy lifestyles [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/12/boston_hospital_expels_doctor_over_lgbt_views] High spirits By Sophia LeePosted Dec. 22, 2015Movies | Hackneyed Mustang raises worthwhile questions about social modesty [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/12/high_spirits] Abused and exploited By Sophia LeePosted Dec. 11, 2015Trafficking | The digital age offers predators new opportunities to lure young girls into sex trafficking, and many victims have few places to turn [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/12/abused_and_exploited] The Islamic response to San Bernardino By Sophia LeePosted Dec. 7, 2015Islam | Southern California Muslims wonder how extremism crept into their community [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/12/the_islamic_response_to_san_bernardino] < Prior Page Page 2 of 17 Next Page >


text:
I think my brain just flipped over a couple of times
Smart perspective.
Woah, this is officially the best perspective shot Iv'e ever seen
This is such a genius picture! So much more than meets the eye.
This is pretty awesome!
This made my brain bend! It was wonderful to contemplate the puzzle of what is real and what is reflected.
one of the more composed reflection photos I've seen of this place. you just made me miss hong kong
Its awesome!!..but it makes me dizzy xD
nice shot
Sweet shot
awesome shot love the angle very trippy
Love the perspective. Good catch - I suspect most people walking by never notice this cool view.
a truly wonderful image!
I feel like this picture just had sex with my brains.
очень крутое фото) сразу и не разберешь где пол, где потолок)
im confused.... oohhhh so the pictureis upside down and the bottom in a mirror on the roof
awesome effect. I thought, that looks normal, then I saw the upside buildings.
This is a beautiful picture. I love the effect that you've given it. I was super tricked!
wow, cool. my head's getting dizzy looking at it.
Wow what a great illusion that reflective ceiling causes!
Bahaha! You almost triked me! What a nice concept!
wow! i could look at this for hours...
oh god my head ooowww wtf is that a reflection or something... *looks harder*
*turns head upside down*
AAAHHH HA you sneaky lill... that is awesome
*turns head upside down*
AAAHHH HA you sneaky lill... that is awesome
I lived them two years ago. My mom always shop in SASA. (The pink store over there)
You know,there aren't a lot of pictures I go like "woah!" about them but this definitely was one of the few.
I got my mind blown for a few seconds,hahahaha.
I got my mind blown for a few seconds,hahahaha.
That really messed with my mind for a couple of seconds!
Amazing shot . absolutely love it
First i was like "=/ wtf?" but then i was all like " O_O oh my god that´s amazing!"
Wait, what?
Oooohhh, I see. Clever.
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text:
Sonic Freedom Logo by MintenndoWatch
©2013-2016 Mintenndo
This is for a little fan project that I am helping with.
The style is inspired by the Sonic Lost World logo. [link]
The style is inspired by the Sonic Lost World logo. [link]
Pretty Nice
This could be a new game.
HOW DID YOU MAKE THIS?! xD
Game? Comic? Pics?
Looks like a new Sonic game....
Looks like a new Sonic game....
Nice! This looks like it should be a logo for a new Sonic game or even a new show (if their ever is a new one).
Well, seems like I, you and nothing are all on the same project.
Indeed it does.
So you're in too? I Provide music but i'm having some troubles with it.
Looks cool!


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KNX On Your Corner: Bowers Museum Santa Ana has a cultural secret.
Museum In Downtown L.A. Honors Trailblazers In World Of FirefightingA museum in downtown Los Angeles is honoring those who have broken barriers in the world of firefighting.
LA's Southwest Museum Designated As National TreasureThe Southwest Museum of the American Indian in northeast Los Angeles has been designated a national treasure, officials announced Thursday.
Best Family-Fun Activities At Griffith ParkGriffith Park is Los Angeles' grand recreational center with more than 4,000 acres of family attractions.
Best Of LA: Week Of November 17The only thing old about this week is a heated rivalry. New this week is a brand-new Passports to Wine series, a great new restaurant opening, a new season of the Metropolitan Opera, new Santa options, and anew exhibition at the Getty Center. Ready? Let's go.


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As Japan continues to deal with the devastating after-effects of a major earthquake and tsunami, MotoGP organisers announce the postponement of 2011 race
That's way the btesest answer so far!
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Australia's world champion women swimmers are closing in on more gold booty after a dominating session of heats at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne this morning.
Topics: commonwealth-games, swimming, melbourne-3000
Posted| Updated
Western Australia's Liberal leader Matt Birney says Paul Omodei will have a fight on his hands in challenging for the party's leadership.
Topics: liberals, states-and-territories, perth-6000
A federal parliamentary committee has asked the private contractor, who is supplying doctors to the Caboolture Hospital's Emergency Department, about its potential to provide core services to other hospitals.
Topics: health, federal-government, brisbane-4000
Posted| Updated
South Australian Premier Mike Rann has cast his vote in the state election in the most marginal seat of Norwood.
Topics: elections, states-and-territories, adelaide-5000, mount-gambier-5290, port-augusta-5700, port-lincoln-5606, port-pirie-5540, renmark-5341
Jim Maxwell spoke with Australian batsman Matthew Hayden after he top-scored for Australia with 94.
Posted| Updated
ACT environment authorities say it will take several more months to clean up a fuel spill from the BP service station at Chisholm in Canberra.
Topics: pollution, chisholm-2905
The ACT Opposition and Greens have accused the Government of taking a backward step on environmental policy with the release of a discussion paper on a climate change strategy this week.
Topics: climate-change, states-and-territories, canberra-2600
Posted| Updated
It has been revealed that new legislation introduced into Federal Parliament would allow phone and email taps of people who call the terrorism hotline.
Topics: defence-and-national-security, information-and-communication, law-crime-and-justice, terrorism, australia
Posted| Updated
Australia's Emma Snowsill powered away on the final run leg to win the gold medal in the women's triathlon at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne today.
Topics: commonwealth-games, triathlon, melbourne-3000
Posted| Updated
Australia's Emma Snowsill powered away on the final run leg to win the gold medal in the women's triathlon at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne today.
Topics: commonwealth-games, triathlon, melbourne-3000
Posted| Updated
Two women have died in the United States after taking the abortion pill RU486 but officials say they do not know if the deaths are connected to the drug.
Topics: abortion, death, united-states
The duck shooting season officially begins in Victoria today.
Posted| Updated
Wallabies star Scott Fava is expected to be released from hospital today after spending the night undergoing tests for a head injury he suffered in Australia's loss to Fiji in the bronze medal match of the rugby 7s tournament at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Topics: commonwealth-games, rugby-7, melbourne-3000
Hobart will see the top harness racing pacers from Australasia and North America compete in the first heats of the Inter Dominion this weekend.
Topics: arts-and-entertainment, business-economics-and-finance, sport, asia, tas
The Fatah party, led by the Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas, says it will stay out of a government being formed by the Islamist movement Hamas.
Topics: business-economics-and-finance, government-and-politics, unrest-conflict-and-war, palestinian-territory-occupied
Posted| Updated
There has been a rush at polling booths across Tasmania.
Topics: elections, states-and-territories, hobart-7000, launceston-7250
A preliminary investigation into the death of Slobodan Milosevic has concluded that the former Yugoslav president was not poisoned.
Topics: government-and-politics, information-and-communication, unrest-conflict-and-war, yugoslavia
An investigation is under way into the cause of a huge blaze in Perth's east that destroyed a retail warehouse and forced local residents to shut up their homes.
Topics: fires, perth-6000
There are concerns about the welfare of a mentally-ill Indian man who has been transferred to the Villawood detention centre in Sydney.
Topics: immigration, adelaide-bc-5000, sydney-2000, port-augusta-5700
Posted| Updated
Space shuttle Discovery's robotic arm was set to return to its Canadian manufacturer for repairs after the latest in a spate of accidents that prompted a stern call for caution at the Kennedy Space Centre in the United States.
Topics: space-exploration, accidents, united-states
The controversial Australian tourism advertisements featuring the word bloody will now be seen on British television in full after the British advertising watchdog backed down on its earlier ban.
Topics: arts-and-entertainment, business-economics-and-finance, government-and-politics, australia, united-kingdom
The Labor Party is expected to see a landslide win in the South Australian election while in Tasmania a minority government remains a possibility.
Topics: business-economics-and-finance, government-and-politics, information-and-communication, rural, science-and-technology, sa, tas
One of Australia's largest food companies, National Foods, has signed an agreement to buy the Burnie-based cheesemaker Lactos.
Topics: takeovers, small-business, burnie-7320
US and Iraqi forces have not encountered any insurgents after spending a second day hunting for them in villages and fields north of the capital Baghdad.
Topics: defence-and-national-security, disasters-and-accidents, government-and-politics, law-crime-and-justice, unrest-conflict-and-war, australia, iraq, united-states


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List Criteria: Must be a famous or well-known quote. If a quote is cut off you can hover over the text to see the full quote.
A list of the best Zig Ziglar quotes. This list is arranged by which famous Zig Ziglar quotes have received the most votes, so only the greatest Zig Ziglar quotes are at the top of the list. All the most popular quotes from Zig Ziglar should be listed here, but if any were missed you can add more at the end of the list. This list includes notable Zig Ziglar quotes on various subjects, many of which are inspirational and thought provoking.
This list answers the questions, "What are the best Zig Ziglar quotes?" and "What is the most famous Zig Ziglar quote?"
You can see what subjects these historic Zig Ziglar quotes fall under displayed to the right of the quote. Be sure to vote so your favorite Zig Ziglar saying won't fall to the bottom of the list.
- 1 ReRank
- 2 See list ranked by
- 1+ 128- 5
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily. Motivation
- 2+ 124- 5
You can have anything in the world you want if you?ll just help enough other people get what they want. Success
- 3+ 86- 3
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Goal
- 4+ 123- 6
If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere. Friends and Friendship
- 5+ 78- 3
Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. Attitude
- 6+ 141- 8
Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street. Failure
- 7+ 39- 1
You cannot tailor make your situation in life, but you can tailor make your attitudes to fit those situations. Attitude
- 8+ 96- 5
Our favorite attitude should be gratitude Gratitude
- 9+ 80- 4
Every choice you make has an end result. Choice
- 10+ 36- 1
It's not what you've got, it's what you use that makes a difference. Potential
- 11+ 35- 1
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. Success
- 12+ 61- 3
The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity. Persuasion
- 13+ 46- 2
You cannot perform in a manner inconsistent with the way you see yourself. Conflict
- 14+ 45- 2
Don't become a wandering generality. Be a meaningful specific. Purpose
- 15+ 31- 1
Winning is not everything, but the effort to win is. Winners and Winning
- 16+ 140- 17
If God would have wanted us to live in a permissive society He would have given us Ten Suggestions and not Ten Commandments. God
- 17+ 52- 3
A goal properly set is halfway reached. Goal
- 18+ 60- 4
When you put faith, hope and love together, you can raise positive kids in a negative world. Children
- 19+ 88- 8
Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side. Marriage
- 20+ 59- 4
- 21+ 39- 2
This I do know beyond any reasonable doubt. Regardless of what you are doing, if you pump long enough, hard enough and enthusiastically enough, sooner or later the effort will bring forth the reward. Perseverance
- 22+ 64- 5
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. Expectation
- 23+ 26- 1
You have to be before you can do, and do before you can have. Action
- 24+ 57- 5
Building a better you is the first step to building a better America. United States of America
- 25+ 55- 5
There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic. Critics and Criticism
- 26+ 34- 2
Happiness is not pleasure, it is victory. Happiness
- 27+ 59- 6
Money won't make you happy... but everybody wants to find out for themselves. Money
- 28+ 47- 4
Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage Planning
- 29+ 58- 6
Every sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust. Obstacles
- 30+ 32- 2
Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful. Adversity
- 31+ 39- 3
If you don't see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner. Expectation
- 32+ 39- 3
Famous archer, Howard Hill won all of the 267 archery contests he entered. He could hit a bullseye at 50 feet, then split first arrow with the second. Would it be possible for you to shoot better than him? YES, if he were blindfolded! How can you hit a target you can't see? Even worse, how can you hit a target you don't even have!? You need to have GOALS in your life! Goal
- 33+ 23- 1
Success is dependent upon the glands -- sweat glands. Success
- 34+ 62- 8
It's your aptitude, not just your attitude that determines your ultimate altitude. Achievement
- 35+ 43- 4
You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure. Attitude
- 36+ 28- 2
You don't pay the price for success. You enjoy the price for success. Success
- 37+ 34- 3
The way you see people is the way you treat them. Treatment
- 38+ 33- 3
If you have enough push, you don't have to worry about the pull. Effort
- 39+ 30- 3
People who have good relationships at home are more effective in the marketplace. Family
- 40+ 26- 3
Are you a SNIOP? Someone who is Sensitive to the Negative Influence Of Others? Control
- 41+ 36- 6
Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting -- in the trying, not the triumph, Success is a personal standard -- reaching for the highest that is in us -- becoming all that we can be. If we do our best, we are a success. Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. Success
- 42+ 22- 3
You cannot make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific. Goal
- 43+ 6- 1
Do it, and then you will feel motivated to do it.


text:
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text:
Sketch023 by TomScholesWatch
©2012-2016 TomScholes
Part of a collection of unfinished sketches I'll most likely never finish, but still value. Odds and ends, rough edges and recycling abound.
I love so much your works..
The depth here is insane. Awesome stuff!
you're amazing O_O if you pubblic an artbook i'll buy it!
painter or photoshop????
painter or photoshop????
nice. it reminds me of a scripture story. he looks really cool
What a striking image, the use of texture and colour is amazing! I would love for my 'unfinished sketches' to look like this - heck, I would love if my finished images looked like this! It is inspiring how the seemingly random brush strokes come together to form the vague, mysterious image of the forest. Great work!
This is striking and breath-taking. I love it!
Your sketches look nicer than my finished works. This is gorgeous.
someone that deserve an daily deviation,good job
i always make the typhus for your artworks
i always make the typhus for your artworks
I like this one...
beautiful work, my congartulations for the DD
There's something enigmatic about this.
Fascinating art style.
Fascinating art style.
I just really get into your work! Beginnings of stories and continuation of stories come to mind, and I just enjoy staring at the details, the light, the composition… thanks
Its a sketch!?! Its beautiful!
dang....this looks more like a painting than a sketch
Wow. I really like the mood here. The flashes of blue and green create a very interesting atmosphere. I Love it and will value it for inspiration.
Wow, it's gorgeous!
This is beautiful! Congratulations on the DD!
Beautiful blending of forest colors.
it looks great!you give me the inspiration to start sketching agian!
Reminds me of Skyrim. Love it. :3
great man!
I like the rough edges!
It's brilliant.
Can I borrow him sometime?
He'd make a great hero and storyline/plot thingy!
Can I borrow him sometime?
He'd make a great hero and storyline/plot thingy!
Wow! Excellent work!
It's vague but you can still make a picture out of it
It doesn't need to be "finished" to have an amazing sense of depth to it. Lovely.
Good to hear someone else feels the same! X-)
oh wow!, when i first saw the thumbnail, i almost thought this was a picture. Gorgeously well done!
Congrats on the DD!
Really captures the feeling of dence forest. Nice composition and values too.
Love the forest <3
bold and very well done strokes control....love this!
ah, I love the way you did the trees! it looks so impressionistic and rough, yet instantly recognizable.
I like how you're adding more detail to your figures. It opens a new avenue for storytelling.
Amazing values! How come you always (at least of the top of my head) feature a character in your environments?
my heart skipped a beat when i first saw this... I've been looking at it for 10 minutes now, amazing.
this is really cool, even unfinished!
Right click, save, new wallpaper
Still looks nice.
You, sir, prove again and again, that you're one of the greatest, most talented artists dA has.
Even these "sketches" are absolutely spot on.
Already looking forward to your next piece.
Even these "sketches" are absolutely spot on.
Already looking forward to your next piece.


text:
- Homepage >
- News Archives >
- Article
Homeless: Stray population increases
August 14, 2014
By Sara E. Martin, Army Flier Staff Writer
Related Links
FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 14, 2014) -- Hidden behind a high fence stands a building that many people driving on the installation might not even know is there, but the Fort Rucker Stray Facility on Andrews Road near the Enterprise gate needs the help of the community to save nine furry faces that desperately need a place to call home.
The facility currently has two puppies, four adult dogs and three kittens. And although facility technicians give all the love and care they can, there is no place like a fur-ever home with a Family that will love them unconditionally.
The facility is a kill shelter, and Donna Isom, stray facility animal care taker, said there is always the need for people to come and adopt the animals.
"You are saving a life by adopting this animal. They didn't ask to be in this situation, but with adoption they can have a second chance," she said.
The facility is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and anyone is allowed to adopt from them. The facility is located in Bldg. 8829 and has a Facebook page -- Fort Rucker Stray Facility -- where photos and information are updated on a regular basis.
Isom said the summer time is always busy for the shelter because many Families are permanently changing stations. Some of the dogs she has at the shelter have "clearly been abandoned by their owners."
"It is PCS time and, unfortunately, many pets get left behind or get lost during the transition. So it's important to make sure you microchip your pet, but it's even more important not to abandon them on the side of the road hoping someone will pick them up," she said.
If Families find themselves in a position where they cannot take a pet with them to a new duty station, Isom said the top priority should be to find that pet a new, loving home.
"Many people don't want to deal with the guilt of dropping them off at a shelter, so they just drive away without their pet. But that's not becoming of a person," she said. "No matter what it is that's causing you to give up your pet -- whether it's a divorce, a move or even allergies -- taking in a pet is a major responsibility that you choose to take on. So do the best you can to re-home them because you made that commitment to them.
"But if you do have to re-home a four-legged Family member, interview the person you are giving them to if you're not re-homing with a close friend or Family member," she continued.
A shelter is the last place a person should want to leave a pet, she added, but it's better than abandonment.
"Pets left to defend themselves can get hit by a car, get sick, get attacked by other animals and two stray cats that breed can easily turn into more than 80 million in 10 years . To me, it's animal cruelty to abandon a pet," she said.
The facility prepares the stray animals for home living by trying to teach the canines basic commands and dog manners, and exposes the cats to each other so they will be friendly with people and other animals.
Adoption fees vary per species and needs of each animal, but include all up-to-date shots, the first round of age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, and spaying or neutering.
"Animals are tested for everything by our vet, and we guarantee a healthy pet to the best of our knowledge," she said. "The animals are on flea prevention are de-wormed, and dogs are on heart worm protection and cats are tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus."
People are also welcome to bring their pets to the facility if they want to introduce their dog to one they are thinking about adopting.
"The dogs have a say-so, too," said Isom. "It's important to make sure they will get along."
Isom said that it seems that every time an animal is reclaimed or adopted, two more come in.
"We want the pets to go to happy homes where they are a good fit," she said. "I spend every day with these animals, and I can tell just by a few questions if an animal is going to be a good dog or cat for a person."
Isom asks when considering adoption to keep the Fort Rucker Stray Facility in mind.
"Please stop by. You never know when one of the animals is going to adopt you," she said. "One thing about shelter pets is they know they are being given a second chance of life, and they really show it."
For more information on animal adoptions, call the stray facility at 255-0766.


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Rurouni Kenshin Double Fic Post: Beyond Reach & Justice from Hate
current song: "They"--Jem
Title: Beyond Reach (Fic 1) & Justice from Hate (Fic 2)
By: PatriciaTepes (AKA Patricia de Lioncourt ; PatriciaLouise TTH)
Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, any related characters, or the images in the banner. Kenshin belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki and Viz Media. Credit for song quote given with quote.
Summary (Beyond Reach): Kenshin's thoughts as he pauses in his battle with Saito.
Summary (Justice from Hate): In response to the Guild of the Fantastic Quill's Hate Challenge. Kenshin dreams of his past...
Author's Note: Two drabbles I wrote long ago as I was just getting obsessed with Rurouni Kenshin. Here's the original Author's Note from Fanfiction.net for Beyond Reach: "Okay, so this was inspired from two things. First, I was re-watching the episode in season 2 where Kenshin and Saito fight, and I found myself more intrigued than usual in the scene where Kaoru reaches for Kenshin. Secondly, I was piddling around at about three o'clock in the morning, listening to music, and caught the lines that I used below as a quote." And this is the original Author's Note from Justice from Hate: "This is in response to the Guild of the Fantastic Quill's Hate Challenge. The prompt words used were 'red' and 'genocide.'"
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
-Jem, "They"
Beyond Reach
They thought he couldn't hear them. Couldn't hear her. But Kenshin heard. He always heard. Whether he was Battosai or not. He always heard her voice.
He heard when Kaoru's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. He heard her begging someone to stop him and Saito. And he heard every tear that hit the dojo's wooden floor.
And the sound of it all was deafening.
He wanted to break away from the fight. To stop the bloodshed and the pain. The want of his wanderer self, however, was not as powerful as Battosai. Battosai, who had been forged in blood and chaos. He heard Kaoru call to him again. But Battosai couldn't stop. He wouldn't allow this wolf to devour him. Battosai was good at justifying things. He was doing this for her. To keep Kaoru safe, alive. Even if she didn't know it.
He tore his eyes away from Saito for only a moment—a dangerous move. But it was just long enough to see Kaoru, drenched in her tears, reaching for him. It tore at his heart to see her like this, to know that she wanted to save him just as he wanted to save her. But there was no salvation for a tried and true murderer. For Hitokiri Battosai.
"Those two aren't fighting in Tokyo in the Meiji era," he heard Sanosuke say as he entered. "They're fighting in Kyoto in the Revolution."
And he was wrong as well. They didn't understand. They didn't know that Battosai was only doing was necessary. For them. They were grieving, and they didn't know that it was all okay.
As Kenshin readied himself to continue the fight, to finish it, it was for that alone that he was sorry. He had never meant to remain so far beyond his friends', Kaoru's, reach.
Justice from Hate
He dreamt about the past more often than he admitted. It was almost a constant occurrence. But he never saw the past, not really. He felt it instead. Which was much worse.
He could feel the hate from his opponents. And eventually, inevitably, from himself. All directed eternally at him. Hitokiri Battosai.
What he did see in the dreams came in flashes. The glint of his sword as he mercilessly cut down his opponents. The spray of their blood, dyeing the ground red. Red in color, pain, and hatred.
He would remember his missions in the dreams. Basically, the removal of the old regime. Almost liken to a genocide. They were wrong, and he was right. That's all that had ever mattered. He would kill them. And right would rule forever. Justice from hatred.
Kenshin's eyes opened, blinking against the sunlight. He could hear Kaoru in the distance, arguing with Yahiko. He smiled grimly.
Hate shouldn't produce happiness.


text:
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics GmBH
|Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics GmBH Patent applications
|Patent application number
|CULTIVATION OF DISPERSED MYCOBACTERIA - The present invention relates to a culture medium for disperse mycobacteria comprising at least one detergent and an antifoam agent, whereby said antifoam agent is a member of the silicone family. In addition, the invention provides for methods for the activation of dipressed mycobacteria, for obtaining a standardized mycobyterial culture or for the production of (a), purified protein derivates(s) (PDD) which comprise the cultivation of mycobacteria in the active medium disclosed herein. Furthermore, the use of standardized mycobacterial cultures obtained by the method of the invention for the preparation of pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions is described.
|MULTIPLE VACCINATION INCLUDING SEROGROUP C MENINGOCOCCUS - Various improvements to vaccines that include a serogroup C meningococcal conjugate antigen, including: (a) co-administration with acellular


text:
|Apple's booming Mac sales are increasing the pressure on PCs, according to Needham analyst Charles Wolf.
Apple Mac Market Growing Faster Than PCs
TheStreet) -- Apple's (AAPL - Get Report) Mac products, boosted by stellar enterprise sales, are increasing the pressure on PCs running Microsoft's (MSFT - Get Report) Windows software, according to Needham & Company analyst Charles Wolf. "Notwithstanding its premium prices compared with Windows PCs, the Mac should continue to grow faster than the PC market, propelled by the halo effects now emanating from the iPod, iPhone and iPad," he wrote in a note released on Tuesday.CUPERTINO, Calif. (
The consumer tech giant sold a record 4.13 million Macs during its recent fiscal first quarter, highlighting the technology's booming popularity. "At 23.5%, Mac shipment growth in December was a multiple of the PC market's growth rate of just 3.4%," added Wolf. The analyst explained that that, just as the iPod and iPhone helped lure consumers onto the Mac platform in recent years, so the iPad is continuing this trend among enterprises. "The surge in Mac sales in the business market coincided with the introduction of the iPad in the second quarter of 2010," he said. "In less than a year, the iPad has been deployed or piloted in 80 of the Fortune 100 companies, and it's reasonable to assume the device has invaded smaller businesses at a similar pace." Apple has already sold more than 14.77 million iPads, and is expected to sell almost double that number in 2011. "The halo effect emanating from the iPad will be far stronger than the iPhone halo effect in the business market if only because the iPad is a kissing cousin of Apple's family of notebook computers," wrote Wolf. The Mac, he added, should continue to gain share from PCs, aided by the preponderance of Apple Stores. Apple also launched its Mac App Store earlier this year, intending to emulate the success of its App Store for iPhone, iPod and iPad apps. The move was seen as an additional challenge for Microsoft's PC software business. There has already been talk of a decelerating PC market, with Goldman Sachs (GS) recently lowering its 2011 PC forecast. Technology research firm Gartner also noted that worldwide PC shipments grew just 3.1% year over year during the fourth quarter of 2010, as tablets and gaming devices gain in popularity. Gartner had originally forecast fourth-quarter growth of 4.8%. Bucking the trend somewhat is No. 2 PC maker Dell (DELL), which saw its revenue from commercial laptop and desktop computers increase 10% year-over-year in its fourth-quarter results, released after market close on Tuesday. PC share leader HP (HPQ - Get Report) reports its first-quarter results next week. Apple shares rose $4.54, or 1.26%, to $364.44 on Wednesday. --Written by James Rogers in New York. >To follow the writer on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/jamesjrogers. >To submit a news tip, send an email to: email@example.com.
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text:
So, I recently resubscribed to cable television. It had been a year or so, and I didn't really watch it to begin with, but one of my New Year's Resolutions was to ball 30% harder so this was kind of a no-brainer. And since paying excessive amounts for ordinary things is clinically proven to accelerate your balling, Comcast was the logical choice.
Television: still a thing
One night earlier this week, I was flipping back and forth between ESPN (Comcast channel 31) and ABC Family (39) - where they seemed to be having a Rachel McAdams marathon (*sweet*) - when my undiagnosed dyslexia took hold and I wound up on channel 93, which turned out to be friendly Bellingham station KVOS2. They were playing all kinds of music videos! A new discovery! There was a Better Than Ezra video followed by an infomercial, then there was Muse, and the Dave Matthews Band ("Funny the Way It Is"). What a fun mix for somebody! I checked back in the next night, and caught videos by Awolnation and Michael Franti ("Hey Hey Hey"). Last night, I stopped in long enough to see part of a Wale video which was long enough for me. Further research revealed that it's all part of a contracted subchannel called TheCoolTV, which provides music videos and E/I programming for stations who don't have anything better to show. Now you know! Thanks cable TV!


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The Power of Independent Thinking
Myths of Immigration, Ben Powell on Stossel
Recorded: Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Are immigrants taking our jobs and living off the taxes we pay? Are they criminals? Television personality John Stossel (Host of Stossel on Fox Business Network) interviewed Benjamin Powell, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, Director of the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech University, and Editor of the book, The Economics of Immigration.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Business, Civil Liberties/ Human Rights, Crime, Criminal Justice/ Prisons, Culture/ Society, Drugs (Illicit), Government Power, Immigration, Labor and Employment, Politics, Social Security, Taxes, Welfare
Ben Powell on Campaign Style and Taxpayer Legal Fees
Recorded: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Benjamin Powell engages with Tracy Byrnes on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch on the style of presidential candidates and SEC legal expenses to be paid by taxpayers.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Banking and Finance, Culture/ Society, Politics, Taxes
Benjamin Powell on the Payroll Tax Cut and Salt Regulation by the FDA
Recorded: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Benjamin Powell engages with Judge Napolitano on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch about the payroll tax cut and the FDA regulation of salt.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Agriculture, Fiscal Policy/Debt, Regulation and Deregulation, Social Security, Taxes
Benjamin Powell on Federal Fiscal Irresponsibility
Recorded: Friday, September 23, 2011
Benjamin Powell, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, speaks on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch on irresponsible government spending on dead retirees & Hostess Twinkies.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Fiscal Policy/Debt, Government Waste/Pork, Taxes
Benjamin Powell on Balancing Budgets Without Medicare Cuts
Recorded: Monday, May 23, 2011
Benjamin Powell, Research Fellow at the Independent Institute, talks to Freedom Watch's Judge Napolitano about Americans wanting to balance the budget without cutting from Medicare funds.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Economic Policy, Fiscal Policy/Debt, Taxes
Benjamin Powell on American Spending Levels
Recorded: Friday, May 20, 2011
Benjamin Powell, Research Fellow at the Independent Institute, speaks to Neil Cavuto on Fox News Channel about the wealthy class are continuing to spend at the precrisis spending levels despite the rising costs of food and gas.
Jeffrey A. Miron on Legalizing Drugs
Recorded: Friday, November 20, 2009
Originally aired on 11/20/09 on FoxBusiness.com Live. Jeffrey A. Miron, Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and author of Drug War Crimes, argues in favor of legalizing marijuana and other drugs in the U.S.
Experts: Jeffrey A. MironType: TelevisionIssues: Crime, Criminal Justice/ Prisons, Drugs (Illicit)
Drug War Crimes
Recorded: Thursday, May 6, 2004
Each year, the U.S. government spends over $30 billion on the drug war and arrests more than 1.5 million people on drug-related charges. Currently more than 318,000 people are behind bars in the U.S. for drug violationsmore than the number of people incarcer-ated for all crimes in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain combined. Have current drug laws deterred drug abuse and reduced crime? What are the real costs of this countrys war on drugs? Is there a link between the homicide rate and the amount of resources given to drug prohibition? Please join us as Boston University economist Jeffrey Miron (author of the major new book, Drug War Crimes) and former San Jose police chief, Joseph McNamara, examine these questions and explore real alternatives to Americas War on Drugs.
Jeffrey A. Miron
Boston University Professor of Economics and author of the new book, Drug War Crimes: The Consequences of Prohibition. His articles on Drug Policy have appeared in Social Research, Boston Globe and the London Observer. He received his Ph. D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Joseph D. McNamara
Research Fellow, Hoover Institution. Former Chief of Police, San Jose, CA and Kansas City, MO. He has published articles in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and other publications. He has been a commentator for NPR and has appeared on Meet the Press, Good Morning America, Sixty Minutes, and other programs.
Ethan A. Nadelmann
Founder and Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the leading organization in the United States promoting alternatives to the War on Drugs. Dr. Nadelmann received his Ph.D. and J.D. from Harvard University and a Masters degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. His speaking and writings on drug policy have attracted international attention and appeared in Science, American Heritage, National Review, and others.
Experts: Joseph D. McNamara, Jeffrey A. Miron, Ethan A. NadelmannType: Independent Institute EventIssues: Crime, Criminal Justice/ Prisons, Drugs (Illicit), Government Waste/Pork, Law Enforcement


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Malaysia uncovers 139 graves thought to contain the remains of migrants scattered around suspected human trafficking camps.
Most citizens of other European Union countries living in Britain will not get to vote in a planned referendum on Britain's membership of the bloc
Nigeria's leading cellphone provider warns it needs diesel to prevent shutting down services countrywide.
European equities closed lower on Monday amid low volumes, with a number of markets shut for the holiday weekend.
The euro kicked off the week weaker as a rejuvenated greenback and persisting Greek debt woes kept the currency under pressure.
Spain's ruling People's Party (PP) took a battering in elections after voters punished them for four years of spending cuts and corruption scandals.
A year after the military took power in Thailand, the regime has postponed elections and a former PM warns the junta may be running on limited time.
Crude oil futures edged lower towards $65 as the dollar strengthened, with a public holiday in the U.S. and much of Europe keeping trading muted.
Stock markets in Asia mostly rise on Monday, with Tokyo and Shanghai scoring fresh multi-year highs.
North Korea is a male-dominated society, but it is the women making the money as the nation allows an unofficial market-based economy to take shape.
Criticized and even sued for facilitating the counterfeit goods trade, Alibaba has been quietly piloting a plan to curb fakes at source.
There weren't as many fireworks at the Memorial Day weekend box office, as newcomer "Tomorrowland" disappointed with a $32.2 million debut.
BlackBerry watched the unveiling of the iPhone with awe—then could only watch as the device stole its market share, according to a report.
Having taken pictures in dangerous hot zones, Lynsey Addario built a career on her ability to capture compelling images.
After three meltdowns of Hong Kong-listed stocks this week, Dennis Gartman says not to be afraid of of investing in China.
Despite strict water restrictions, California's water parks are still wet, fairways are still green and showering at hotels is still possible.
With people increasingly plugged in to mobile devices, drivers are also more distracted than ever, according to a safety group.
Ken Fisher has made millions in real estate, but he prefers to put his expertise to work for injured veterans and their families.
$100 million is "the new billionaire benchmark" for trophy homes, according to a report from Christie's International Real Estate.
Gold was on course for its biggest weekly decline in four weeks, as the dollar rebounded after a stronger-than-expected rise in core consumer prices.


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On December 10 and December 14, 2015, Wells Fargo Funds paid year-end capital gains distributions for 2015.
Wells Fargo Funds recognizes the potential impact of capital gains distributions on shareholders' taxes, and our fund accountants and portfolio management teams work closely together to seek to minimize this potential impact while focusing on before-tax returns. Our portfolio management teams continue to follow consistent investment processes with a focus on long-term performance and risk management. Please refer to the subsequent Q&A for additional information about capital gains.
Please note:
Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Bond values fluctuate in response to the financial condition of individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, and changes in interest rates. Changes in market conditions and government policies may lead to periods of heightened volatility in the bond market and reduced liquidity for certain bonds held by the fund. In general, when interest rates rise, bond values fall and investors may lose principal value. Interest-rate changes and their impact on the fund and its share price can be sudden and unpredictable. Some funds, including nondiversified funds and funds investing in foreign investments, high-yield bonds, small-and mid-cap stocks, and/or more volatile segments of the economy, entail additional risk and may not be appropriate for all investors. Consult a fund's prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.
For municipal income funds: A portion of the fund's income may be subject to federal, state, and/or local income taxes or the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Any capital gains distributions may be taxable.
For government funds: The U.S. government guarantee applies to certain underlying securities and not to shares of the fund.


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5456 Views 1 Reply Latest reply: Sep 2, 2010 11:23 AM by a brody
a brody Sep 2, 2010 11:23 AM
in response to mdgrossmanWelcome to Apple Discussions!
Some discs do indeed have copy protection. You could try another DVD player software such as VLC or Interactual's DVD Player for the Mac and launch the program before inserting the DVD. If it still doesn't read, it is possible the movie publisher chose to have very specific copy protection put on the disc that the Mac doesn't understand. You could also try to play the disc running Windows or Linux on the Mac with Oracle's VirtualBox. If it works there, it says there is something about the Mac's DVD drivers that doesn't like the copy protection on the disc. Contact the movie publisher and let them know you are haivng this trouble.


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Top Definition
The design on the back pocket of a pair of blue jeans, usually unique and specific to individual clothing manufacturers.
I could tell by the fancy zipee doo on her jeans that she was out of my league
po trucksitting Мај 24, 2010
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Alpha Dog - Trailer
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Alpha Dog
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Sneaky snake makes support challenging for conservation branch
July 8, 2009
By Angie Thorne, Fort Polk Guardian staff writer
Story Highlights
- Community partnership focuses on environmental stewardship
FORT POLK, La. -- It's probably safe to say that snakes, as a species, aren't going to win any popularity contests. It can be hard to have warm, cuddly feelings toward something with scales, fangs and possibly poison.
Bite potential aside, snakes deserve the same help as any of their wildlife counterparts -- cute or not. "I understand there is some innate fear that people have about snakes. To a lot of people, a snake is a bad thing. We are constantly trying to change their minds," said Christopher A. Melder, contract wildlife biologist at Fort's Polk's Directorate of Public Works, Environment and Natural Resources Management Division, Conservation Branch.
One snake in a bit of a tight spot is the Louisiana pine snake. Without some help from Fort Polk's conservation branch, it could be in danger of fading away.
This large patterned, non-venomous reptile can reach four to five feet long as an adult and may be one of the most rarely seen vertebrates in the United States. It is already listed as threatened in Texas and a species of conservation concern in Louisiana.
It's a candidate for an endangered listing and is now only found in a handful of isolated sites in Texas and Louisiana. "There are three sub-populations of pine snakes. One is in Texas, one is here in the Vernon and Sabine parish area and the other is in Bienville Parish -- where the highest density of pine snakes has been found," said Melder.
The Louisiana pine snake's ecosystem of choice is the longleaf pine forest -- much of which was cut due to commercial logging from 1870 to 1920. By 1935, as little as 3 percent remained uncut. "There is just so little of it left and Fort Polk is one of the last remaining places where the snake has been found," said Melder.
This ideal habitat consists of dry, sandy-soiled pine ridges that are periodically burned with a little help from Mother Nature. Fire is critical to the longleaf pine ecosystem. As these forests have disappeared and deteriorated due to logging and fire suppression, so has the Louisiana pine snake.
Why is fire so important' Burning is necessary to destroy the middle branches (midstory) of the pines and young trees and bushes at ground level (understory) in these forests. When this happens, it allows enough sunlight to filter through the upper level of branches (upperstory) and encourages numerous grasses to grow.
Where there is a good supply of grass with young, tender root systems, there is a thriving population of Baird's pocket gophers to feed on those roots. "You don't want the ground to be covered in woody shrubs and things like that. You want it to be flowers and grasses. That's what the consistent burning that Fort Polk completes on a two to three year burn cycle does," said Melder.
Ample pocket gophers are required to have a healthy pine snake population. Louisiana pine snakes live in gopher burrows and spend a great deal of their time underground.
The gophers are also the snake's main source of food. So, to even the casual observer, a circular pattern emerges from this interdependency (sandy soil, longleaf pines forests, fire and gophers = Louisiana pine snakes) in which a break in any portion of the cycle can and has resulted in devastation for the snake.
That's why in March 2004, state and federal agencies met at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo to sign a Candidate Conservation Agreement to protect the Louisiana pine snake on federal lands in Texas and Louisiana. CCA participants include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fort Polk, U.S. Department of Defense, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The conservation agreement means that the people in charge of the lands that these snakes are still found on have agreed to do certain things to benefit the Louisiana pine snake's chances of survival. "Fort Polk has a responsibility to follow what we said we were going to do for this particular species. That includes continuing to burn regularly -- which is beneficial to this whole ecosystem of the longleaf pine savanna. As long as we keep the ecosystem healthy, the snake should do well," said Melder.
To make people aware of the long leaf pine snake's dilemma, Fort Polk uses a young Louisiana pine snake from Bienville Parish stock for outreach purposes.
Melder said they named her Lucy, short for Louisiana. Lucy is out and about in the community, especially at schools, helping kids understand that the snake is considered a threatened species. "There's a lot of concern about its rarity," said Melder. "What we try to push here in the conservation branch is that snakes should be respected and not played with," said Melder. "You have to start early -- that's the key. Let kids know that all snakes aren't bad. There is a place for them in this ecosystem -- in any ecosystem."
Melder said researchers still have questions about this species because it is so secretive.
So, the search for the snake -- and information -- continues. One of the things Fort Polk is working on with the National Heritage program from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is training a dog that could potentially sniff out Louisiana pine snakes. "That's important because it could impact a training event or a military construction project. Right now, you always have to assume that the snake is there, which can cause potential problems for those activities. A pine snake dog could help determine if the snake is currently in the area. That gives us a better ability to coordinate and consult with the wildlife service for anything that might impact the snake," said Danny Hudson, ecologist for the Conservation Branch.
Performing ground-penetrating radar on pocket gopher systems is another research option. "One of the things we are trying to do is keep tanks from crushing pocket gopher burrows," said Hudson. "We'll have the ability to determine the depth of the burrows which could allow us to calculate overpressure for vehicles. For example, if all pocket gopher holes are an average of 16 inches deep, and I drive a tank over sandy soils at 16 inches, I can have a reasonable expectation of not crushing the burrow. Conversely, if the burrows are shallow and you drive a tank or HMMWV over it -- the burrow could be crushed and that could be detrimental to the training and cross-country maneuvering that we do."
The challenge is that the Louisiana pine snake can be found on many of the same lands where Fort Polk Soldiers train. So, Fort Polk's conservation branch is trying to proactively manage the ecosystem to have the least effect on military training while still protecting the snake and its habitat.
"If we do the management now, we'll be able to predict impact and, working with our cooperative partners, hopefully prevent a designation of critical habitat (the land necessary to provide the physical and biological features essential for conservation at the time of listing). That will have a direct effect on training. If we can keep that from happening, we will be better able to train our troops," said Hudson.
In the end, Fort Polk's conservation branch, along with community and their conservation partners are trying to help Soldiers continue training while preventing the worst-case scenario for the Louisiana pine snake.
"If this snake disappears, you lose a portion of the ecosystem you can never recover. You'll never know what the impact is going to be. The fact is, it's our responsibility to ensure that we manage not only from a military standpoint or a natural resources standpoint, but also from an ecosystem standpoint because our role is to ensure the future of the sustainability of these lands for the military -- and the American public. Military installations tend to be strongholds for endangered species across the U.S. because we have managed the property and prevented encroachment. We have become that last bastion for these animals," said Hudson.
It's all about good stewardship -- locally and Army wide.
"The Army is a good steward of the land. I personally think that Fort Polk, as well as other installations, have pretty much proven that. It's important that continues. That's really just being part of this conservation agreement and showing that we want to do our part to protect this species," said Melder.
The Conservation Branch tries to document all snakes they come across. "If you come across a snake that you believe is a Louisiana pine snake, please don't kill it and report it to us if possible," said Melder. For more information call 531-1971.


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Can Money buy Happiness?
Would it be better to have one million dollar or would it be better to have a happy life? Some people are really rich but lonely, while others are poor but happy with their surrounding friends and family. For some people it may be not clear to define what is more important between money and happiness? Money can buy lots of things but happiness.
Money defines as life matter. There are lots of ways to have money. You can earn it. You can inherit it from somebody. You can win a lottery. A person's life style is depended on the money they have. Money can increase the quality of life. For many people, money and what they can do with money, is a measure of their identity and self-worth. "I am successful if I have a good paying job and can buy a new car every 5 years. The more money I have available, the better I feel about myself." On the other hand, limited money makes me feel powerless. For others, life is despicable if they do not make lots of money. They work hard regardless of thinking about family, danger, or anything else on their way. Money has the power. "Having money means having everything". That kind of power can help people reach their goals, or give them the power to rule their world or dominate others. Do we want to let money take control over everything?
Happiness on the other hand defines as life spirit. Happiness is the most desirable objective for everyone in life. There are many ways leading to happiness. In my opinion, if you are lucky enough to be alive, fortunate enough to have food, and content in the love you receive, and then you experience happiness which no money can take away. Happiness is an emotion that is characterized by a feeling of absolute contentment. It is the feeling of being where you should be, getting what you want. Different people get happiness in different ways. For some, it comes from having a fulfilling job or a satisfying relationship. For others, it could be the ability to deal with life's...


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Top Definition
Scottish word meaning: stupid, foolish, not very bright, thoughtless, vacant
"awa' yi glaikit bastirt!" (You are joking, you stupid bastard!"
by Steve W June 18, 2006
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