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The boss of John Lewis has called the "red wall" of slow moving buses on Oxford Street the "biggest single threat" to its future prosperity.
Andy Street, managing director of the department store chain, which has its flagshop on Oxford Street, demanded "purpose and resolve" to solve the problem.
He said drastic reductions in the number of bus routes along Europe's busiest high street and the introduction of a "rapid transit" shuttle service between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road are essential if the West End is to retain its global status.
Mr Street told the Standard: "Oxford Street is arguably the shopping capital of the world, it is something very, very special for London that has got to be cherished.
"But it is competing against places like New York, Paris and Berlin and it cannot be taken for granted. Perhaps its biggest single disadvantage is the wall of buses that often make it impenetrable.
"Two things have got to happen. First we support a review of bus routes to take them off Oxford Street. They need to terminate at either end with a slick rapid transit system moving people along Oxford Street quickly.
"Second we need a modern ticketing system so passengers are not forced to stay on buses moving slowly along Oxford Street. They need to be able to hop on and hop off at no extra cost.
"Nobody really disagrees with this, it needs to be forced through. In a year when London has achieved incredible things it shows they things can be done if people show purpose and resolve."
The high profile intervention of one of London's most powerful retailers will add pressure on Boris Johnson to find a "big bang" solution.
His Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy has ruled out some suggestions such as bus depots at either end of Oxford Street.
It comes as deputy mayor Victoria Borwick launched a report urging Transport for London to radically rethink bus routes in central London in order to remove more buses from Oxford Street.
She called for sponsored shuttle buses offering free travel, flexible ticketing and shorter and more circular routes instead.
The Tory politician also suggested bringing in a time limited bus ticket to encourage passengers to change services at no extra cost.
However, a one-hour bus ticket, a Lib Dem election proposal, was rejected by both the Mayor and TfL who claimed they would lose up to £40 million revenue a year.
Ms Borwick, speaking as a London Assembly member, said: "Experience has shown that this area can have standstill traffic due to the excessive number of buses that travel down it. The status quo has been on place since the 1930s, we now need to challenge past assumptions".
Nearly 300 buses run along Europe's busiest shopping street every hour and it has a pedestrian-vehicle collision rate 35 times the London average.
Since 2006, there have been more than 300 bus-pedestrian accidents, in which at least 77 people have been killed or seriously injured.
- More about:
- Buses
- Liberal Democrat Party
- London
- New York City
- Oxford Street (London)
- Pedestrians
- Retail
- Tottenham


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Geo Metro $1,750
Out the door EV converted price
Asking Price $1,750
72 Volt Motor
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25 HP Peak
Seven 12 v batteries (1 = accessories battery)
15 miles range with current used batteries, should be able to get
double that with new batteries.
This is a dirt cheap car for a real good price (can't even buy the
components for that).
Top Speed 40 mph
Email or call for more details:
firstname.lastname@example.com 801-628-6509.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Making cloth diapering so easy Daddy and the babysitter can do it!
These are some of the best prefolds for absorption and durability. These are hard-to-find, top quality, heavyweight 100% cotton twill diapers. They are far superior to the store bought kind, and will stand up to repeated washings. It works very well. Consider the infant size for young babies. It's very easy to pin these diapers on babies who don't yet roll over. But you don't have to pin them. You can just fold the diaper in thirds and place it in a wrap style cover or use it as an insert in a pocket. The infant size can be used a doubler later on as well. DSQs "quilt up" after washing. You will not be disappointed in these wonderful, versatile diapers. They are commonly known as "Chinese prefolds", although some sizes are made in Pakistan and some in China. There are many brands of prefolds on the market, but these are the very best, with the strongest edge stitching available.


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Rafe for Target Zip Duffel Hobo - Brown
2 Recommendations
glamazon5's recommendation
I just ordered this so I don't have it in my hot little hands yet. However, based on the other Rafe handbag I have purchased from Target (see my other review for details), I have very high hopes for this one. The Rafe handbags at Target are surprisingly high quality. They are styllish and roomy inside. I also love the lining (my blue handbag has brown and blue stripes...so cute). And, just look at this style. This will carry me through spring and summer and let me be organized and stylish while doing it.
My Collections:
retrodiva's recommendation
I got a lot of compliments on my last Rafe for Target bag. Well worth the $50 I paid for it. This one is super cute and in great spring and summer colors.
My Collections:


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One of the interesting things about the HTC One is its unusual approach to smartphone imaging: While most modern phones focus on high megapixel values, HTC has opted to go with fewer but larger megapixels for the One. The result, according to the company, is better real-world performance for the types of pictures most people take -- particularly those in low-light environments.
So does the HTC One actually deliver? I'll share some in-depth thoughts in my full review soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to let you look at some sample images I've captured with the phone in a variety of conditions. All of the images were taken using the One's default settings, with no editing or adjustments.
Click on any image to view a larger (and optionally full-resolution) version.
[SEE ALSO: HTC One vs. Galaxy S4 & Nexus 4: Which should you buy?]
These images were taken outdoors (obviously, right?). The first two were during partly sunny weather while the third was on an overcast day.
This image was taken indoors on a cloudy day, with only natural light from a nearby window.
Another indoor shot -- this one with a bit of natural light from a nearby window and also artificial light from an overhead fixture about five feet away.
This image (left) was taken in a dimly lit garage; there was a small amount of natural light coming in through a covered window but nothing significant. I took the same image with a Nexus 4 (right) so you can see the difference in low-light performance.
These shots were taken in an even darker area of the garage (again, HTC One at left and Nexus 4 at right). Note how the One still managed to produce a visible image while the higher megapixel camera showed next to nothing.
In one more low-light demo, these last two images were captured in a dark closet with just a teensy bit of natural light shining in from a window in the adjoining room. (Please try not to be too distracted by the stunning nature of my artistic composition and/or pants.)
That's all for now, folks, but we're just getting started. For some broader thoughts on the HTC One, check out my hands-on impressions and interview with the company's camera guru -- and stay tuned for my full in-depth review, coming soon to a website near you. This one, to be specific.
[UPDATE: HTC One: To buy or not to buy?]


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This traditional style single-light wall sconce features a long arm crafted from hand-forged iron. A well-worked texture and Pompeii Bronze finish gives it a warm, inviting patina and a small cylindrical hardback linen shade with trim sits atop the arm. A beautifully constructed bronze wall light from Troy Lighting.
Troy Lighting's signature chandeliers are carefully designed to offer contemporary brilliance for years to come. The highest standards of engineering and inspection come together with fine materials to ensure a quality product. Designed with style in mind, a contemporary chandelier from Troy will make an instant impact on your home decor. Browse the bold, modern designs ... they're sure to brighten any interior space.
Our team has over 100 years combined experience with contemporary lighting.
Every EuroStyleLighting.com order is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Pledge.
Shipping and Delivery Information - For item EUW4508 if ordered by 1 pm Pacific Time


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Nope, it wasn't in the past few days. It was 17 years ago. The reason? Wayne LaPierre, then-executive vice president, and today CEO, of the National Rife Association. (h/t Being Liberal)
The letter was originally published on May 3, 1995 in The New York Times. It came relatively quickly after the Oklahoma City Bombing.
I was outraged when, even in the wake of the Oklahoma City tragedy, Mr. Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of N.R.A., defended his attack on federal agents as "jack-booted thugs." To attack Secret Service agents or A.T.F. people or any government law enforcement people as "wearing Nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper uniforms" wanting to "attack law abiding citizens" is a vicious slander on good people.
George H.W. Bush's Letter of Resignation from the NRA
Current Status: Blessed (1)
Seeded on Sun Dec 23, 2012 5:05 AM
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WFSB 3 Connecticut
ShelfGenie of Connecticut owner, Alex Modica was the guest speaker on a podcast with Almost Practical business coach, Neena Nandagopal. Check out their great discussion on how to get organized and stay organized!
For National Home Remodeling month, the popular syndicated news program, Fox & Friends invited ShelfGenie as one of the featured companies on their "Remodel Your Life with a New Job" segment. Participating companies were asked to share available job opportunities across their organizations.
In this video, Alex Modica talks about some of the training that his team of designers & installers have to go through.
In this video, Alex Modica talks about the differences between ShelfGenie and kitchen designers.
In this video, Alex Modica talks about typical glide out installation costs.
A unique pantry solution that creates space for your mops and brooms.
Lorie Marrero of The Clutter Diet demonstrates how her kitchen storage was upgraded with custom pull out shelves and accessories from ShelfGenie.
Hi, I'm Lorie Marrero, here on assignment for Woman's Day with Pam in her kitchen, and we wanted to show you the solution we have for this blind corner. As you see, this is the corner of the kitchen where there is a lot of storage back in there, but this cabinet really didn't reflect that and make that very easy for her to access. So, part of doing this, what you're about to see, Pam had to crawl back in there almost just literally crawling in her whole body to reach whatever was in the back there. So, now, this is the brilliant solution instead. We have a pull out shelf here and another pull out coming from the side. This was done by ShelfGenie and it is ingenius. It has both top and the bottom the same way because she's got her cake pans and things that she doesn't use quite as often back there, but they're still extremely accessible without any climbing or crawling. See more great organizational ideas from Project Declutter.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player
Professional organizer Diane Albright attended the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) annual conference and shared her favorite organizational finds, including full-extension pull out shelves by ShelfGenie!
Alex Modica, owner of ShelfGenie of CT and NY attended the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on April 24, 2013, as you can see from the above photo of Alex "networking" with the local restauranteurs. Read the entire article here.
From the Hersam Acorn Ridgefield Home section of March 2013
Introducing ShelfGenie of Connecticut & New York
ShelfGenie hit the national airwaves in January of 2013 during The Price is Right. Watch our ad spot!
Alex Modica, member since 2011, believes in the power of the Greater Valley Chamber. Alex's time at the chamber has proved beneficial for not only his business, but also his continued growth of contacts and relationships. To learn more about the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce please visit GreaterValleyChamber.com
ShelfGenie's Coast-to-Coast Support of Disabled Vet
The story begins with ShelfGenie client, Joe Kowalski of Connecticut. Sgt Joe Kowalski USMC (Retired), "Sarge", happens to be the co-host of a TV program called theUltimate Fishing Experience. The show features the truest of American Heroes, our Veterans, who have made unimaginable sacrifices, and illustrates the therapeutic value fishing has on the wounds of war. After recognizing the therapeutic value fishing has on his own PTSD, Joe made it his personal mission to take his fellow veterans fishing to help cope with and heal the wounds of war. In addition to fishing therapy, the Ultimate Fishing Experience seeks to improve the Veterans' lives in other ways. After ShelfGenie installed Glide-Outs in his house, Joe recognized what a help they could be to the Veterans he meets on the Ultimate Fishing Experience. He asked ShelfGenie of Norwalk's Alex Modica if ShelfGenie would be interested in providing Glide-Outs to the Heroes featured on the show. Alex brought this worthy cause to the attention of the ShelfGenie Home Office. This is where the story takes a turn to Colorado. Aaron Bugg of Brighton, Colorado was to be featured on the Ultimate Fishing Experience. What he didn't know was that while he was away fishing, his home would be getting a makeover. ShelfGenie Glide-Out Shelving Solutions were to be part of the package. ShelfGenie of Denver's Rosemarie Rae met secretly with Aaron's wife Lisa to design a solution to meet Aaron's needs, and Stuart Rae, Rosemarie's husband, installed the Glide-Outs amidst other enhancements being made to the Bugg's home. On January 10th, the Buggs arrived at their newly refurbished home. Rosemarie said, "Lisa was a delight to work with and is a genuinely lovely person. She texted me the very next day that they love the Glide-Outs!" ShelfGenie is proud to have supplied the Glide-Outs and greatly appreciates the contributions made by Alex for bringing the cause to our attention and Rosemarie and Stuart for donating their time to the Bugg's project. You can watch the Bugg's story unfold on the Ultimate Fishing Experience, Thursday, February 23rd, at 8:30pm Eastern Standard Time on NBC Sports.
Here's a personal welcome message from Alex Modica, the franchise owner of ShelfGenie of NY and CT.
A short demonstration of ShelfGenie Glide-Out Shelves from Alex Modica, franchise owner of ShelfGenie NY and CT.
See and hear what a difference our solutions made in the life of the reporter! Click here to read a post on TheGoodStuffGuide that shows the steps of a Glide-Out pantry installation.
Joe Sassano and Alex Modica are franchisees of ShelfGenie, a national company that custom designs, builds and installs Glide-Out™ shelving systems. "While most home improvement projects are costly and time consuming, adding this shelving is affordable and easy," says Sassano. A professional designer develops a custom solution for existing kitchen cabinets and pantries that can increase storage by up to 50%. Glide-Outs are then custom-built out of Baltic birch, an earth friendly material. These top quality pull out shelves can hold items up to 100 pounds and glide in and out easily with just the touch of a finger.
Solutions range from single and double height pull out shelves to tray bins and risers that fit under sinks and around plumbing. A popular product is a solution for blind corner cabinets that is superior to the Lazy Susan. Two shelves are used—the first slides outward while the second slides perpendicular to the first allowing access to all items in the back without having to unload the shelf or dig into recessed space.
While kitchens and pantries are the most popular places for this system, it can be installed in bathrooms, closets, home offices, media rooms, bars and garages. Cabinets are organized, and storage is accessible, efficient and clutter free. According to Modica, "Designing and building solutions for cabinet organization is ShelfGenie's only business. This is why these are the best pull out shelving you can buy."
Sassano and Modica also work with architects, builders and remodelers on new homes or larger remodeling projects. Call (888) 848-1375.
Organizing 2011: Meet ShelfGenie March 10, 2011 Say goodbye to my old pantry, because it is outta here! Here's the problem: I see the first couple of cans, then it's a huge jumbled mess. Behind that big jar of Jif right there are 4 more because they got caught behind things, and I didn't know I had them and bought more. The bottom baking area was also a huge repository hidden away. When I stock up on extra brown sugar, etc during sales, I couldn't see them after I stowed them away. Here's where you can see how really deep these shelves were, which was great for storage, but not for retrievable storage… Then ShelfGenie entered my life. Joe came and talked me through the process, then the installer came to measure my cabinets. Then all was quiet for about 2 weeks while my custom glide-out shelves were handcrafted. Then this little miracle occurred…. See those 2 boxes there? I just couldn't wait to get everything organized and I took these before I remembered that you'd like to see the shelves without all of our consumables on them. This is the middle shelf pulled all the way out. I could sit a 75 pound kid on there just fine. I wouldn't do it, but I could. But if I did, it wouldn't break. (And that's probably the information you're after.) And here we are all loaded up: all 4 jars of pasta sauce, 5 bags of flour (!), 3 brown sugars, 5 jars of Jif, and 9 different random boxes of pasta I didn't know I even had. Obviously, I'm so much happier to open this now organized pantry. It's uber user-friendly. I also hope it makes me a much wiser shopper. Here are some other ideas from ShelfGenie: Words aren't necessary for this… These folks may already have been neat. I store our games, puzzles, etc in a similar hutch and this would be pretty incredible… Can you imagine the change from the old pantry? We don't even need to see the before. This one was actually the most dramatic change for me. There's even an extra empty shelf!! Do you have glide-out shelves in your kitchen/pantry/laundry/bathroom? How have they helped you? If you want them, where would you use them first?
May 12, 2010
Two years ago, Alex Modica was a jet-setting executive earning six figures in the apparel industry.
The Connecticut resident had spent 23 years in the business, working upper management jobs for companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Banana Republic.
Then came the recession. In October of 2008, he was "downsized" from his position as a senior marketing manager at BlueFly.com.
Suddenly, Modica was hustling for a job.
For months, he went on interviews, but to no avail. Over-qualification was his primary problem, or so his interviewers said.
"It makes you stop and think, 'What am I going to do?'" he told HispanicBusiness.com. "I'm not an old guy. I'm only 46 — I'm not dead."
Modica turned to franchising. In September — nearly a year after he was let go — he launched ShelfGenie, a franchise that designs, builds and installs Glide-Out(TM) shelving systems.
Quite a departure from his previous line of work, but Modica said he has no regrets.
"I could not be any happier with my decision," he told HispanicBusiness.com. "God willing, it's been very good. We've had growth every month."
Modica is among many high-skilled unemployed workers across the United States who have turned to franchising amid the downturn in the economy.
For him, the option has been a godsend. But it is far from a cure-all.
2009 A Tough Year for Franchising
Franchisers were not immune from economic misery of 2009. That year, franchise businesses reduced employment by 4.1 percent, shedding 409,000 jobs nationwide. Revenue dropped 0.7 percent, or by $5.7 billion, according to a December report from the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising.
However, in prior recessions, the industry has bounced back faster than others. After the recession of 2001, franchise companies added 1.2 million jobs over a five-year period, and expanded at an average of 9 percent a year, according to the IFA.
The IFA expects things to turn around. The organization's December report forecast a slow recovery for this year, predicting the industry will reclaim 36,000 of the 400,000 lost. It also forecast a boost in revenues by 2.8 percent, to $868.3 billion.
Alisa Harrison, the IFA's vice president of communications, told HispanicBusiness.com that the organization doesn't yet have hard figures for 2010, but said discussions with individual CEO's indicate some positive movement.
"Many are certainly optimistic," she said. "Some companies are really seeing franchises fill rapidly. But credit remains an issue."
Jeff Young, a franchise consultant with MatchPoint — an agency that matches franchisees with franchisers — acknowledged that much of the movement is the result of the rising unemployment rate over the past year.
"It's cyclical," he told HispanicBusiness.com. "With more people out of work, more, by virtue of sheer numbers, get into starting their own business."
How to Get the Start-Up Money?
To start a franchise, prospective owners need to pay the franchising company a start-up fee. In Modica's case, it amounted to $40,000, and had to be made in one lump sum — no payments.
Franchisees sometimes obtain the money for their start-up fees through home-equity lines of credit.
But Young said that the option is less common, now that the banks have tightened the rules on lending. Others get the money from their personal or retirement savings, and a select few — maybe 2 percent — obtain loans from the franchising company, Young said.
The terms of agreements vary, but franchisee entrepreneurs often keep about 95 percent of their proceeds, and pay the franchise company a 5 percent "royalty."
Minorities and Franchising
The IFA estimates that minorities make up about 20 percent of all franchise owners, and that Hispanics constitute about 6.8 percent.
Given how minorities now amount to about a third of the U.S. population — and Hispanics, 15 percent — those amounts seem disproportionately low.
However, while roughly 1.8 percent of all white-owned businesses are operated as franchises, 2.1 percent of all Hispanic-owned businesses are franchises. For African Americans, the figure is 2.3 percent; Asians, 3.9 percent, according to Census data.
Also, a 2007 survey conducted by the IFA indicates that minorities are more likely to own franchise businesses than independent businesses. That survey found that roughly 19.3 percent of all franchises are minority-owned, versus 13.2 percent among all non-franchise businesses.
Success Rate is Murky
The success rate of the franchise is difficult to nail down. One oft-repeated statistic among industry insiders asserts that 95 percent of all new franchise businesses are still in business after five years.
Some say this is a myth, and even the IFA has disputed this statistic, calling it dated. It also disputes the frequent claim that the success rate of franchise startups is better than that of regular small businesses.
Among all the nation's small businesses, roughly 70 percent survive the first two years, and about half survive the first five, according to SCORE, a national non-profit organization providing free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs.
So far, Modica is on pace to join the lucky half. Others have gotten off to a slower start.
The Story of Jaime Porras
Like Modica, 45-year-old Jaime Porras is a highly skilled worker who struggled to find a job in the down economy. He grew up in Mexico City, where he thrived as a computer software developer, and started his own company.
In 2007, his wife landed a good job in Houston. The couple relocated with their two kids, now 8 and 6 years old.
For six months, Porras searched for a job to no avail.
"My skills were more management and database design," he told HispanicBusiness.com. "I don't have any specialization on energy or health care. Nothing useful for Houston."
As with Modica, the idea of franchising found Porras, not the other way around. A franchise broker had spotted his resume on a job site, and wanted to know if he'd like to try his hand at opening a franchise business.
"In the beginning I was a little skeptical," he said. "I thought maybe they worked just for the commission."
But the broker with the company FranChoice grew on Porras, and he decided to give it a go.
Like Modica, Porras made an initial investment of $40,000. But he also had to invest in marketing, sample materials and two employees, bringing the total startup cost to $150,000.
In February of 2009, he launched the Houston branch of Floor Coverings International, a shop-at-home floor-covering retailer.
Porras said he expected 2009 to be slow. But the actual performance failed to even meet his low expectations. So far, he's made no money.
"It has all been investing," he said. "I expect to recover some money after next year."
Meanwhile, he admits that his wife is skeptical.
"When she saw that $150,000 was out of the bank, and saw the loss of the last year — it was very huge — there was panic," he said. "She is not convinced it can work."
Porras makes home visits to people looking for improvements. He has two employees, one in sales and the other in operations. Their small company contracts out with vendors that perform much of the painting, carpeting and tile work.
Despite the slow start, Porras said he remains optimistic.
"When you see there is movement, and see you're going to have a business that is, in the end, good for your family and everything, I think it's worth it," he said.
The Story of Gilbert Enriquez
Some franchises take off and are almost immediately profitable.
Such is the case with the startup of Gilbert Enriquez.
Since opening his first Hungry Howie's Pizza branch McAllen, Texas near the border, Enriquez — a former accountant in the construction industry — has opened another in a nearby town, and plans to open a third in a few months.
So far, his profit margin, depending on the season, ranges from 8 percent to 15 percent, he said.
"I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and open my own business one day," he said.
Hungry Howie's is a pick-up and delivery establishment, with no dining in. This helps keep costs low.
Enriquez's start-up fee was only $15,000 for the first restaurant, and $9,000 for the second.
Unlike Modica and Porras, Enriquez got out of his industry on his own terms, quitting his job in the summer of 2008 after saving up money to pursue his dream. His timing was impeccable: About a year after he quit, the construction industry tanked.
But for all his success, Enriquez — who now wears a uniform and delivers pizzas — said he still isn't making what he used to earn as an accountant.
"I'm sure it will get there," he said. "I eventually plan to open four stores."
Better Homes and Gardens.
Genie in a Drawer
Posted by Veronica BHG Editor at 1/8/2009 1:55 PM CST
I love anything that makes life a little easier. That's why I'm a big fan of glide-out shelving for cabinets. I'm not alone. Allan Young, a National Associate Director for the National Association of Professional Organizers, loves glide-out shelving so much that he co-founded ShelfGenie.
ShelfGenie custom designs, builds and installs shelving systems for kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, closets, home offices, media rooms, and garages. These shelves glide in and out with touch of a finger. Not only do these systems reduce back and knee strain, but they also make it easier to organize and find items in your cabinets. Who doesn't need that?
In these economic times, it's not often one hears of a success story. Yet, despite the many headlines of foreclosures, unemployment and bailouts, some people are making major changes to emerge from their own personal economic crisis.
A case in point is longtime Ridgefield resident Joe Sassano, who has left his more than 30 years in the financial sector and opened a new franchise with ShelfGenie.
Having been laid off from Citigroup three years ago and aware of the sad condition of the financial sector, Mr. Sassano decided to fulfill a longtime dream – running his own business.
"I needed to find something that would balance my living," he said. "After job hunting for a number of months, nobody was doing any hiring whatsoever, so I thought it was time to start my own business."
He examined the franchise market, and found ShelfGenie, a growing company that specialized in shelving systems.
"ShelfGenie just spoke to me," he said. "I read the concept, loved the concept. I was extremely impressed by the support and infrastructure. Here's an opportunity to step into something that is really put together."
"ShelfGenie custom manufactures, sells, and installs glide-out shelving systems for existing cabinets, primarily in kitchens, but also in bathrooms, garages, entertainment centers, and anywhere where easy access and maximized capacity can benefit the homeowner or business,' Mr. Sassano said.
"They key is existing cabinets—we don't' build or install cabinets, just the very high quality glide-outs that fit inside. Each unit is individually measured and custom manufactured to exact one-millimeter tolerance for perfect fit and solid performance."
Mr. Sassano is optimistic, citing the affordability of the shelving systems as well as the locale where he will be working.
"My role will be to do most of the sales myself as I get the business up and running," he said. He manages the installer network—"these are handymen that want to have an additional source of business—believe me with the building industry laid low at the moment, these guys are easy to find!"
"Ten years ago, I never expected to be in this situation," Mr. Sassano said. "With many years in the corporate world, the thought of owning a franchise business was way down my list of possibilities.
"I feel very fortunate that I took this step, and am confident that this is the right move for me at this time and stage in my life."
accentHome – The Hour
Minimize, organize to simplify many of your day-to-day tasks
Sorting household items to maximize space and still have easy access will forever be an annoyance to homeowners. With Get Organized Month jumping into full throttle, finding a new home for items around the house cannot only be exasperating, but also a huge hassle.
A local franchisee of ShelfGenie wants to help solve the problem, and says one can quickly reduce or diminish that clutter, disorganization and frustration altogether.
"First and foremost, do one piece at a time," said Alex Modica. "I recommend that before getting started, pick an area that bothers you the most," said Modica. "If you don't, you'll look at your house and say, "Oh my gosh! There's so much to organize!" and you'll be overwhelmed before you get going."
Once you choose an area, the next step is to empty everything out and get started.
"For the kitchen, focus on a couple of cabinets and think it through. Then take everything out," said Modica. "Physically touch everything that's in there. IF you hear yourself say, "I didn't even know I had that," then that goes in the out pile."
Modica advises sorting through the items and picking out the things you use frequently.
"Those that you use the most often are the things that should be included," he said. "The items you use once a year probably shouldn't be there."
For excess things that you use once a year, Modica suggest putting them into a secondary location.
"Stuff you don't use as often shouldn't be in your primary location," said Modica. "If you haven't used it in over a year, I'd get rid of it. Reality is, when you do need it, you won't find it anyway."
If the items are still in good condition and not yet ready for the garbage, he encourages donating them
"Give to the poor, give to a charity – just get rid of it! You'll be amazed at how much space you create for yourself when you start," said Modica. "Bu the key is to take a small piece of the puzzle rather than trying to do everything at the same time."
After going through each of the items, decide what you really want and need in your primary space.
"Think about what you want in there. The things you use the most often – for example pots and pans – should be near the stove," said Modica. "The only time they're not near the stove is if you have limitations in terms of the cabinet itself. But, that's a good starting point."
ShelfGenie franchisee Alex Modica says having a place for everything, and putting things where they belong, is among the keys to staying organized.
That method of taking everything out and starting from scratch is a method that can be used for any space.
"These rules apply to the closets as well. Take everything out, do your sorting, take out the things you haven't worn in a year or two and get rid of it," said Modica. "You'll find a lot more space for yourself."
Once reorganized and incorporating the changes into a daily routine, Modica stresses maintaining your work.
"It just takes that extra minute to put an item back where it belongs," said Modica. "Once you've thought it through, done your sorting, reorganizing, and cleaned out the clutter, take that extra minute to put things back. It's a slippery slope. If you start putting it somewhere else, the next thing you know, you beautifully organized plan suddenly becomes nebulous, and you're right back where you started."
Modica's company has been helping people get organized through a system of custom-built glide-out shelving for cabinets.
"I used to have to move stuff to see in the back of the cupboard," said Marilyn Bender of Southbury. "Now, I just pull out the shelf and pick up what I want; I don't have to move anything. I've just arranged things as to how I like them. Other people need to organize everything to suit their needs."
Phyllis Kauffman of Hamden also sought the help of Modica and ShelfGenie.
"Everything used to be a mess, I couldn't find anything." said Kauffman. "I would just throw everything in the cupboard and had lots of dead space. Now I have a lot more room."
With or without ShelfGenie, making the extra step to put things back makes a big difference.
"Try to take that extra minute to put it all back," said Modica. "It will save you lots of aggravation."
Starting a business 101
Chamber event prepares budding entrepreneurs
by James Nash – Hour Correspondent
NORWALK – Few businesses likely begin without a dream. Fewer likely succeed without the tools and skills needed to forge cerebral sparks into hot commercial form.
And so dozens of visionaries came to the Norwalk Inn & Conference Center this week for the kick-off session of the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Small Business Development Academy. For 25 years the chamber's annual academy course has offered free business creation expertise, along with caution aplenty, to those with the grit to serve their entrepreneurial imaginings.
Paul De Graaf, 58, said he started a garage door installation and servi e business, AGP Door, from his Norwalk home a month ago. He's worked as an employee in the industry for 15 years, and has also run two small businesses in the past. He said he signed up for the chamber's academy to update his knowledge and possibly gain elbow rubbing insights.
"I'm sure that since the last time I had a business things have changed." De Graaf said. "You never know who's going to have a good idea."
Norwalk resident Martha Agrado, 52, said she has no business experience, but has long been curious about how to start and run one.
"I always wanted to have business like a jewelry store," Agrado said. "I need to know how you setup a business, how does it work, who to call to get supplies, merchandise."
Sponsored by Citibank, the no-cost, once-weekly sessions cover essential business start-up topics such as: developing a business plan; acquiring financing; tax, insurance; money and profit basics; employing technology; marketing, advertising and communication plans; and understanding the importance of sales and customer service, as well as the resources and reference materials needed for business.
The sessions are taught by chamber volunteers possessing corresponding proficiency. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Nov. 15.
This year's kick-off speaker was Tony Aitoro, owner and operating chief of Aitoro Appliance & Electronics at 401 Wesport Ave. in Norwalk. With jovial, homespun charm, Aitoro related how his family's original business, a variety store, got started with a $600 loan. The sidewalk sale of a single wringer washing machine eventually grew into a showcase emporium of work-saving appliances and high-end electronics. Although he now owns and runs the store with his brother and cousin, his father remains a delighted presence in the business he founded.
"My dad is there every day,' he said. "He walks around like a million dollars."
Aitoro said the business witnessed the dawning of interactice electronics and welcomed the new day, recalling the time with amazed humor.
"We had the first video game in the world. It was called Pong. We sold hundreds of those things," he said. "I remember the first video recorder we sold. It cost $1,900."
Aitoro said he started working at the store while still in high school and values the experiencegained from working various aspects of the business. But, he told the audience, he values, trusts and gains knowledge from his employees.
"I've learned to surround myself with good people. What's always stayed the same in the business is the great people working for me. People love to share their business ideas," he told the audience. "Ask them."
In response to a question from the audience, Aitoro said the internet has created a tough retail market and he see shrinking margins on the horizon. He said businesses must be flexible, and a dropped-shipped 800-pound refrigerator delivery is not equal to the service he can deliver.
"We make adjustments. We do whatever we have to do," he said.
Aitoro said giving back to the community is important and the store continually hosts charity functions. Upcoming events to be held in the store's Westport Avenue showroom will benefit the Caron Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and The American Cancer Society.
Diane E. Winston, a SCORE counselor and founder of the strategic communications firm Winston Strategic Partners, advised session participants to avail themselves of free business advice available through the SCORE chapter at 24 Belden Ave. in Norwalk. Winston also gave a presentation debunking business startup myths, and offered advice on what to do, and not to do, when building a business.
During a break, Mike Rettenmeier, a UConn landscape architectural graduate, said he will be attending academy sessions with his boss who recently founded Eric Rains Landscape Architecture in South Norwalk.
After 20 years working on corporate side of the apparel business, Alex Modica said he's running a franchise called ShelfGenie, an installer of slide out shelving for existing cabinet and closet frames. Modica said he signed up for the academy to measure his senior vice-president level corporate experience against what's needed to run a small business.
"You don't' know what you don't know," Modica said.
Mayor Richard Moccia was on hand to greet hopeful entrepreneurs. Before stepping to the microphone, he chafed a bit at some online criticism regarding time he spent at ribbon cutting ceremonies.
"I'll cut a ribbon every day if it means a new business," Moccia said.
Moccia went on to tell audience members they're in for a valuable treat, and pointed to the success of Michele's Pies, whose founder Michele Albano was an academy graduate.
"She actually was a student here, and she came back as a graduate. You're going to hear from some great people who know what they're talking about," Moccia said.
Before offering introductory remarks, chamber president and CEO Edward J. Musante, Jr. noted more than 1,000 people have attended the academy over the years.
For more information about the remaining sessions, call (203) 866-2521.
Business group's goal is growing members' businesses
by Karen Kovacs Dydzuhn –Correspondent
In these tough economic times, it's nice to know someone has your back.
Members of Monroe's Business Network International (BNI) have a sense that there are other entrepreneurs in the community looking out for their business.
"I like to think of BNI as having 37 people working out there as my sales team," said Ed DeFeo, president of the Monroe chapter of the global networking organization.
Every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 A.m., Monroe BNI members meet at the Stone Barn at Whitney farms to help each other grow their respective businesses.
"We're there to give referrals, not to get them," DeFeo said. "It's based on the idea of 'what goes around, comes around.'"
He said business people who receive referrals and increase the amount of their "closed business" – or sales – are more likely to reciprocate with referrals back.
During the weekly meetings, members are given the opportunity to state in one minute what their company does and what they are specifically looking for to "grow their business."
At last week's meeting, Lisa Bartlett, a real estate divorce specialist for Century 21 Greengarden, asked that members refer people to her who are selling or purchasing a residence because of the dissolution of a marriage.
A BNI member for two years, Bartlett emphatically asserted that the networking group has helped her increase sales leads.
Like DeFeo, Bartlett said she often feels as if she has a in the community working on her behalf because of her BNI involvement.
As Tuesday's keynote speaker, Bartlett was able to speak for 10 minutes about her business. "Eveery week we have oneo f our members give a longer 'comercial' about what thtey do so we could get to know them better," DeFeo explained.
Building relationships
The Monroe BNI chapter has almost 40 members, and 20 people showed up for last week's breakfast meeting.
Absenteeism is not taken lightly, DeFeo said, and those who miss a few meetings are asked to leave the group.
"The biggest benefit of joining BNI is that you are getting 'word-of-mouth' advertising, and that happens through building relationships," DeFeo said. "We encourage members of the group to get together during the week for one-on-one meetings."
TO encourage unconditional support and avoid having conflicting agendas, a BNI chapter limits its membership to one representative from each occupation. Although three attorneys attended last week's Monroe BNI meeting, each has a unique practice specialty.
This membership rule may sound stringent, but it's in place "to protect our members," DeFeo said. It's also what motivated him to start the Monroe chapter in 2006.
His membership request at another local chapter had been declined because it already had a mortgage broker in the group. "I thought about it and decided to be pro-active and help myself out and, hopefully, other business people in the community," DeFeo said.
More than five years later…chapter – which is called the Synergy group – to be "my prized proessional achievement."
Only one other member from the original group – Palm Stenger, of Bearingstar Insurance – is an active member today.
New members
As they grow their businesses together, BNI members are encouraged to expand the Synergy group by inviting business people to attend a meeting.
Guests may attend only twice, though, before they may be asked to join. Again, this is done to protect members who are sharing referrals with each other.
DeFeo said that annual dues are about $390, plus a fee for breakfast and use of the Stone Barn facility.
For Nick Santarsiero of Monroe, it's the "Sense of community" that has kept him attending BNI meetings for five years. He said his security and alarm business, Property Protection Consulting, has benefited from his association with BNI members. "It's absolutely increased my business." Santasiero said.
Mike Liebensohn, owner of Connecticut Local Marketing in Shelton, thought he would check out BNI's Monroe chapter to help generate leads for his new business.
Alex Modica, owner of ShelfGenie, a company that provides custom glide-out shelving, told Liebensohn about the group.
Liebensohn said having only one person from each industry is what initially attracted him to BNI. "The idea is that everyone is there to support one another and give each other referrals," he said.


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Current event series
Books and Ideas at Montalto
In this regional events series, we transport a taste of the best Australian writing from the city to the coast. Enjoy wonderful guests, good conversation and great food and wine.
Invasion of the Pod People
In celebration of all things audible, we're bringing you some of podcasting's best and brightest to share their thoughts and insights on the art (and business) of listening.
Question Time
The Fifth Estate
Sally Warhaft hosts a dizzying array of guests from the worlds of politics, culture, international relations and beyond, in a witty and revealing analysis of current affairs.
The Longform Society
Love longform? Join the club. The Longform Society is a reading club for lovers of the essay form.
The Next Big Thing
A Wheeler Centre stalwart, our Next Big Thing series showcases the best in fresh Australian writing – with a focus on a different genre each month.


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The Most Ridiculous 'Sexy' Halloween Costumes
Halloween is not that far off, and I'm sure you've seen those costume shops popping up all over the place.
I took a spin through one over the weekend with Duzzy, who seemed baffled at the endless 'sexy' costumes for ladies.
Here's a collection of the most ridiculous 'sexy' costumes I've come across.
1. Sexy Chinese Take-Out Container
The site added, 'He'll want to take you out when you wear this sexy Chinese takeout costume.' Nothing says sex appeal like a fortune cookie on your head.
2. Sexy Mental Patient
'No amount of medication can keep her from going crazy over you.' I thought guys wanted to AVOID the crazy chicks?
3. Sexy Chewbacca
Alright, that's just some weird Star Wars fetish gone very, horribly wrong.
4. Sexy…prostitute?
This was labeled a 'working girl' costume. That's just lazy.
5. Sexy Ernie
Anyone else really creeped out by this? (There was a matching 'sexy Bert' costume, too.)
6. Sexy Luigi
One of my favorite joke costumes of the last few years was seeing guys dress up as Mario and Luigi from Super Mario Brothers. Sexy Luigi? Pretty sure a mustache on a girl is a turn-off.
You can choose from Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, or Michaelangelo…a four-pack of mutant turtles? It's just ridi…oh, who am I kidding…I'm pretty sure I found my costume for this year. (Leonardo, for the win!)


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Internet Book WatchAs a pre-wedding present to his fiancee, Dennis McFaile hired Three Dirty Women to landscape his future bride's yard. However, while working in the dirt, the three women, Amilou Whittier, Korene McFaile, and Janey Bascom uncover the corpse of a man in the midst of the garden. The deceased turns out to be Amilou's spouse Greg who supposedly ran off with a younger woman last month. Janey's husband J.J. heads the official investigation. His first reaction is that Amilou might have killed her husband in a fit of rage. He has not ruled out that Greg's last known lover might have killed him in a fit of homocidal anger. Amilou's partners wonder if Susannah, the mother of the future bride killed Greg her former lover in a fit of anger. As two dirty women try to prove the innocence of the remaining dirty woman, they learn how difficult that can be especially when the person they want to rescue refuses to cooperate. Three Dirty Women And The Garden Of Death is an entertaining regional mystery that will thrill sub-genre fans. The story line is fun as the audience observes the aftermath of the womanizing Greg on much of the townsfolk who simply detested the deceased. The three women are intriguing charcaters, but at times trip over each other and clog the plot. The secondary cast adds a southern small town feel and insight into Greg's trifling with too many hearts. Julie Wray Herman writes a warm mystery that will provide much enjoyment to readers.
Internet Book Watch


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Busy family escapes reality on a wonderful ship: Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Review by ingreece
Overall Member Rating
Busy family escapes reality on a wonderful ship
Destination: Middle East
Embarkation: Barcelona
We are big fans of the Windjammer. The way it is set up is perfect, prefilled tall cups of lemonade were the best, plenty of good food to choose from! The salad bar was terrific except people were frequently dripping the salad dressings into each other.
Our son (age 6) was always happy to go to Adventure Ocean. The staff was first class, always had excellent learning activities each day. Family activities were held once or twice a day. There were only seven children in Adventure Ocean and they all got along well. The staff is really amazing. They understand kids, like them and know how to keep them busy. Graham was the manager and was professional yet fun. The facilities for the kids are just fantastic. We More left them with a nice tip and recommend people tip them even though it is not required. They deserve it! One complaint though- the video arcade leads to the entrance of Adventure Ocean. The games are turned on max. volume and some of the games are not kid friendly with suggestive characters and violence. They also were making repairs in there during our cruise and the industrial odors were noxious. Just wish we weren't forced to go through there.
Our servers were absolutely amazing. They were attentive, knew the menu, bent over backward to please us and gave us extra dishes to sample. We tipped them extra. RCI's menu is truly wonderful. It amazes me how they can offer so many choices each night. For some reason on this cruise I was on a fish kick. I ate fish nearly every night and was amazed at the variety of ways they prepared it. The quality of the fish was first rate. My husband ate lots of beef and was always pleased with it. The new children's menu is a mom's dream come true. Plenty of healthy choices!! My son loved his food in the dining room. Kid friendly- yet healthy! Way to go RCI!!! Five stars for wonderful dining! It was one of our favorite parts of the cruise.
We enjoyed the Cruise Director- Gordon. He was lots of fun. The entertainment was terrific! So many wonderful shows, I'll just mention a few- Tracey Chield singing Celine Dion was tops. The McDonald Brothers were excellent. The East Coast Boys and Enrico Cifiello were fabulous. The singers and dancers of the Brilliance were great of course! It was all wonderful. Missed a few shows after busy touring days though.
I enjoyed the Thermal suite immensely. Paid $138 for the 14 night cruise and it was worth it. Spent at least an hour each day there relaxing and I recommend spending the extra money to use it. I used the gym once but mostly enjoyed the walking track in the mornings in the fresh air.
We met many wonderful people through cruise critic. Mostly an older crowd since it was a repositioning cruise- very international. Were annoyed with the people who reserved deck chairs when signs everywhere say it is not allowed.
Cabin steward was a sweetie and very responsive to our requests. We were very pleased with all of the service we received on the cruise.
We enjoyed the lectures and I had fun at the dance classes. Oragami classes were taught by a very impatient woman who kept getting annoyed with people. We loved the game room and had a lot of fun playing games after dinner. We enjoyed the ping pong and mini golf. The kid's swimming area and slide were fantastic! Kept our son happy when the weather warmed up. Sailing the Suez Canal was a fantastic experience. Loved the captian's interview on the tv about the canal. Good lecture about the canal too.
Alexandria- in light of recent anarchy in Egypt we consider ourselves very fortunate to have had a safe time. Took our son to see the pyarmids with a private company "American Star Travel." Long day, lots of driving though.
Aqaba- the most amazing travel day in my life! Petra is in a league all it's own. You must see if you haven't. RCI tour was perfect. Had a fabulous day.
Safaga- Used "American Star Travel" again. 3 hour drive each way to and from Luxor. Saw the Valley of the Kings and Karnack Temple. Incredible experience but tiring. Took our son with us on both Egypt tours, but left him onboard for Petra. DO NOT MISS PETRA!! I've been to 30 countries and it was one of the top place I've been to.
We would love to sail on Brilliance again. The staff, food, entertainment, facilities were all five stars! Thank you RCI for an incredible family vacation. We loved it all!! Please people- tip the staff extra until they get their raises. They deserve more! Less
Published 02/09/11
Cabin review: FO8000 Family Outside View Stateroom
Quiet, spacious cabin. End of the hall. Nice big windows that overlook the helipad.Read All Family Outside View Stateroom (FO) Reviews >>
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by Staff Writers
Brest, France (AFP) Nov 14, 2013
An iceberg the size of Manhattan has broken off a glacier in Antarctica and could survive long enough to drift into international shipping lanes, scientists said Thursday.
A team led by British scientists has been monitoring the iceberg since it broke off the Pine Island Glacier in July in a bid to predict its path and environmental impact.
"An iceberg that size could survive for a year or longer and it could drift a long way north in that time and end up in the vicinity of world shipping lanes in the Southern Ocean," said Dr Robert Marsh, from the University of Southampton.
"There's a lot of activity to and from the Antarctic Peninsula, and ships could potentially cross paths with this large iceberg, although it would be an unusual coincidence," he said.
Icebergs that large -- Manhattan is 33 square miles (87 square kilometres) -- break off glaciers on average every two years, the scientists said.
The team's work will help track such drifting behemoths, which are likely to become more common as global warming encourages glacier "calving".
Large icebergs are not only a potential threat to shipping but also have an impact on the environment and could affect ocean currents.
"If these events become more common, there will be a build-up of freshwater which could have lasting effects," said Professor Grant Bigg from the University of Sheffield.
Related Links
Beyond the Ice Age
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The 2003 MSA spring meeting will be held in conjunction with the Clay Minerals Society in Athens, GA,
June 7 - 12, 2003
. MSA special interest groups have been asked to help organize special or topical sessions for this meeting. On behalf of the Planetary Materials Interest Group, Brad Jolliff would like to solicit an indication of interest for your participation or ideas regarding a planetary-oriented session at this meeting.
If you are not directly interested or are unable to attend, but know of a colleague who might be interested, please feel free to pass this information along.
The desire is to make the environment of this meeting more like that of last year's Goldschmidt conference than the usual spring AGU. To my knowledge, there will not be an MSA short course, but there will likely be a workshop on developments in IR spectroscopy of clays and other hydrous materials.
Something that we might consider for a topical session would be
"Remote sensing IR spectroscopy of phyllosilicate clays and other hydrous materials on planetary surfaces."
If this topic is of interest to you or if you have other ideas, please let me hear from you. If you would like to take a leadership role in organizing such a session, please let me know that, too.
The conference website is:
For information, please contact:
Brad Jolliff
Dept. of Earth & Planetary Sciences
Campus Box 1169
Washington University
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
ph: 314-935-5622
fax: 314-935-7361
Community meeting page
Home Page
: www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kirkland


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Tim McGraw And Kenny Chesney Take On Greg Bates On Today's Daily Duel [AUDIO/POLL]
We're back. After a direct lightning strike to the station, we're getting back to a sense of normalcy, which means the return of Danny's Daily Duel.
On our last Duel, Greg Bates and his new song 'Did It For The Girl', won by a final score of 122-100 over the new song from Mesquite, Texas native Craig Wayne Boyd – 'I Ain't No Quitter'
Today, Bates will take on the new song from Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.
Here's Greg Bates with 'Did It For The Girl'
And Tim and Kenny with 'Feel Like A Rock Star'


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Paving Contractors in Georgetown SC 29440
Paving Contractors in Georgetown SC 29440
Georgetown Paving Contractors - Serving Georgetown and surrounding areas. Highly trusted for over 15 years!Call Now! (855) 781-6834
Pavers are the granite countertop for your driveway, pool, or patio. They are the best hardscaping product available to homeowners today. Their durability and aesthetic qualities are unmatched by any other product. On a residential scale in Georgetown SC 29440, pavers can cost between three dollars a square foot all of the way to twelve dollars a square foot.
Cost per square foot is dependent on the number of square feet you have to cover. The rule of thumb is the smaller the area, the higher the cost per square foot. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that transforming a ten by ten area of their backyard from grass to pavers can cost them upwards of fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars. There are fixed costs associated with small jobs, as well as large jobs, which do not change. These costs are delivery charges. Everyone knows that the cost of fuel has sky rocketed over the past five years. Unfortunately in Georgetown SC 29440, if you want pavers, that is something that you are going to pay for. Normal delivery fees from the manufacturers range from two to three hundred dollars. Not to mention the cost of bringing the base material to the jobsite or hauling away the excavated, dirt, grass, and jobsite debris. Without paying for any labor, material, or company profit, the initial fixed costs to install one hundred square feet or one thousand square feet can be upwards of five hundred dollars.
Typically small jobs are left up to the homeowners as do it yourself projects. Paving companies are happy to install the small job, but the client must be prepared to pay for the service that the paving company is providing. The reason for prices well above five or six dollars a square foot for the small job can be justified by the fixed cost overhead.
As you increase the size of the paver project, the cost per square foot decreases, but the bottom line cost increases. The type of paver you choose in Georgetown SC 29440 can have a minor impact in the cost of the job. Some paving companies have pricing from their vendors that allow them to encourage their clients to choose whatever color and shape paver they like. Whereas other vendors have price points on varying styles and colors that are fifty cents to a dollar a square foot different.
Geographical location of your job will also play a part in the cost of the project. In the southern states, pavers have become more main stream. Therefore, there is higher demand for the product, a larger supply of qualified contractors, and more vendor options. In these areas, pavers are going to cost less than in other parts of the country where paver vendors and installers aren't as numerous.
Finally, the type of project you plan to undertake will have the most significant effect on the bottom cost. If you are going to remodel an existing patio or pool, thin pavers can be used with do not require excavation or base material. Driveways in Georgetown SC 29440 can easily be accessed by large equipment and the concrete or asphalt that is removed can be taken to recycling plants and disposed of for free. The most costly project to undertake, on a per square foot basis, is the new patio in the backyard. Typically grass and dirt has to be excavated. In most cases, it has to be removed by hand due to the inaccessibility of machinery to the back yard. The grass that is removed cannot be disposed for free either. Your contractor will have to pay to dump the material.


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The problem is that profiles all start sounding the same after a while, so it is hard to make your profile stand out. The strategy seems to be that you tell something about yourself that is a bit "different" and hope to catch someones eye. Hmmm, different. OK, how about this...I really like bag pipe music. Maybe its the old celtic blood or something but nothing sounds nicer than a well played set of bag pipes in the distance. Now don't get me wrong, I don't listen to a lot of it but I do have a couple of songs on my iPod.
So now that I have tried the odd bit, I guess its time for a more standard approach.
I would like to think I am a gentleman, at least most of the time. I suppose my friends would describe me as a nice guy, though I sometimes start to hate that. I think I would prefer awesome or amazing, but I guess it could be worse.
I try to balance a life of active and sedate past times. I love the outdoors, either just walking my dog or camping is always great. I try to get to the gym or at least hit my elliptical trainer every day though some mornings I just don't have it in me. I also like the martial arts and have a black belt. Its great exercise, its great mentally and you meet some of the greatest people.
On the flip side of the coin, I appreciate the lazier days. I have a fairly extensive movie collection (its my one true vice) and love taking the occasional evening of just movies and hanging out. I also enjoy a good book and am currently trying to buy some of my favorites for the Kindle my brother gave me for Christmas last year. The latest is new though, I saw Hunger Games the other day and liked the movie so I downloaded the trilogy. After all, the books are always better.
In the middle would be hanging out in the yard with friends for BBQ and maybe some beersbie.
I also love puzzles. Give me a mystery or a problem to solve and that's it. I am hoooked. It can be something as simple as a crossword puzzle or sudoku or it can be a real life issue. I love "trying" to fix things that are broken. I probably have a better than 50% success rate too.
As mentioned before I do have a dog. He is a Jack Russell/Pomeranian cross and probably the cutest little guy on the planet. He is also way to smart and way too fond of getting in to trouble for his own good (and mine).
Well as intros go, I hope this sounds good the next time I read it. More importantly, I hope it sounds good to you when you read it.
Well thanks for stopping by, maybe I will hear from you. If not, have a great life and good luck in your search.
Movies are among my favorites, most action and comedy. I am a sucker for a happy ending, and usually disappointed with a movie when I don't get one. A couple of my favorites are not well known - The Man Who Knew Too Little and Hudson Hawk but the list of ones I like is huge. That is why I started collecting movies a few years ago, so I could watch my favorites any time I want.
I don't watch a lot of TV though. I have a few shows I like and tend to download them to watch at my leisure or buy the DVD's when they come out. Some of the ones I like would be Bones, How I Met Your Mother and Chuck (before the series finished).
Music of all types. Mostly I like something I can sing along with. A lot of 80's and 90's music and I have to admit I like country. And of course there are the bagpipes. I suppose I would call my taste eclectic, my buddy just calls it weird. After listening to a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, AC-DC, Kermit the Frog and Black Eyed Peas...who am I to argue with him.
My family
My friends
My dog
A fulfilling job
Various hobbies/activities (I like being active)
And lastly, as much as I hate to say it, my Smart phone. I have become pretty addicted to the instant access to information. I try leaving it home every now and then, and often turn the ringer off but its nice to have the world at your finger tips.


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Copyright Standard for Libraries/IDS
The use of copyrighted materials whether print, media, or electronic, is limited by federal statute. The University of Detroit Mercy Libraries and Instructional Design Studio productions, duplications, graphics, media, or downloading of information, including the service provided to faculty and students, must comply with the copyright regulations. The Copyright Revision Act of 1976 and the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Fair Use Guidelines, and The TEACH Act are applied in the use of all copyrighted materials for teaching, learning, scholarship, or creative endeavors.
Title 17 of the United State Code - Copyright: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/
1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf
Fair Use Guidelines: http://copyright.lib.utexas.edu/copypol2.html
The Teach Act: http://copyright.lib.utexas.edu/teachact.html
Brief Guide to The Teach Act: http://www.copyright.com/media/pdfs/CR-Teach-Act.pdf
Statement of Librarian of Congress Relating to Section 1201 Rulemaking http://www.copyright.gov/1201/2010/Librarian-of-Congress-1201-Statement.html


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21 Tachwedd 2013
We will be celebrating the 100th birthday of composer Benjamin Britten, in collaboration with Wales Millennium Centre, by participating in the nationwide singing project Friday Afternoons, created by Aldeburgh Music.
The event, which will take place on the Glanfa Stage in the Wales Millennium Centre foyer Friday 22 November from 2pm, will showcase students from three Cardiff Bay primary schools (Mount Stuart Primary, Grangetown Primary and St Mary Primary), who have been taught by WNO animateurs, as well as members of WNO 10 – 14 Youth Opera. The singers will perform songs from Britten's Friday Afternoons; a cycle of 12 songs composed by Britten for the Prestatyn school where his brother was headmaster.
Parents and members of the public are invited along to support the students and join the celebrations. The free performance will also be live streamed by Wales Millennium Centre.


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2010: The Golf Year In The Rearview Mirror
As we wind down the golf year, I am sitting and thinking about what I took away from this year in golf. It certainly was different than any golf season I can think of in recent times. And it really started about this time (well really tomorrow, or late tonight) last year. So here are my memories and thoughts from the 2010 golf season. Be interested in your thoughts Golf Nuts!
Of course we have to talk about Tiger, so let's get it out of the way first. I believe that Tiger is really trying to change his personal life and rid himself of his demons. Good luck to him, only time will tell there. But as far as the golf world, I believe that Tiger will never be the totally dominating golfer that he once was. I believe that he will win again and probably win a good bit.
I don't think he will blow away Jack's record on major tournaments, he might just sneak past it. But I say all of this because of my belief that part of what made him so dominating is also what got him into trouble in his personal life. So I actually don't think that what has happened is bad or that Tiger not being the golfer he was before is all bad.
Phil Mickelson, boy he just can't seem to stand success. The #1 ranking was there for the taking and he just couldn't take it. He has proved that he can win majors. And overcome many of the labels that were used about him in the past. But he just can't seem to take it to the top. Or can he? I think that 2011 will be a defining moment for Phil if he cares anything about the label of "#1″. But then again, maybe it's not that important to him.
Young guns. Wow a lot of exciting young golfers coming along and it's exciting to see. People ask "Who is the next Tiger?". Wrong question, I think we should be asking "Who are the next Jack, Arnold, and Gary?" I'm looking forward to there being a little more parity at the top of the PGA ranks in future years. I think it's a lot more fun for the golf fans that way.
The FedEx Cup. It was definitely fun to see Jim Furyk win the FedEx Cup this year. But I still think that the PGA Tour has a long way to go to make it something that will get fans and golfers excited. I'm looking for a major shakeup, but, sadly, like a BCS playoff, I don't think it's going to happen.
Overall. Well I have no crystal ball so I don't know where the economy is going. But golf has struggled and seems to have weathered the storm so far. And golf without the dominance of Tiger wasn't a disaster as some predicted. So I am excited to see what 2011 will bring. On this day of Thanksgiving, I thank all of my readers and fans for your support! It means a lot and is fun to share with you.


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Falls Overlook Cafe
Falls Overlook Cafe
Visit Falls Overlook Café on the east bank of the Big Sioux River in Falls Park. Located in a restored 1908 hydroelectric plant, the restaurant serves a variety of foods and beverages and offers dining inside and outside with a view of the falls. Historic exhibits are displayed inside the building. The facility is also available for receptions, meetings, and other gatherings. Call 367-4885 for more information, including hours of operation.
Free Public Wi-Fi available!


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MandM Direct is one of the UK's leading fashion and sports retailers selling your favourite top brands - Bench, Firetrap, Timberland, Fred Perry, adidas, Nike, Puma, Henleys, Berghaus and loads more, all with savings of up to 75% off UK recommended retail prices.
Ratings guide
All Feefo reviews are gathered anonymously from genuine customers. Read more about how our review system works.
Fast efficient delivery & quick replacements for returns
all products good apart from the one that is be returned it is not as it looks in the picture
Happy with t-shirt.
Nice, good looking t-shirt. Material good quality & great feel. XL size is more a large but fits perfectly nonetheless. Great product, would recommend.
excellent product and delivery service
Lovely fabric
Great fit
Very poor sizing
Sizing incorrect but otherwise good.
Great price and fast delivery.
Excellent service good quality products at a reasonable price
Bought a white French connections tshirt and this navy one in xxl and the navy is no where near the same size as the white. Think wrong label has been put on it. White is true to size. Disappointed!!!!
Always great service
Fresh design, top quality
Very easy to deal with


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About the Book
Looking back when facing this project, the photographer sincerely assumed that that not a soul needs another set of pictures of New York skyline… In its end, the camera work assignment was evolved from documenting the landscape of the greatest city into a personal exploration of novel elements in the familiar cityscape.
Features & Details
- Category Fine Art Photography
Standard Portrait, 7.75×9.75 in, 20×25 cm
58 Pages
- Publish Date Apr 19, 2011
- Tags empire state, west side, George Washington Bridge, United States of America, New York, Hudson River, 2011, militia, Bridge, America, USA, city, foggy, fog, skyline, cityscape, NY
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Sometimes great things happen! 🙂
(I love his negatively charged halo)
[from flashingLEDs by way of discuss.amphour]
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Edited press release
Eight Hall of Fame jockeys – with combined earnings of over $1.5 billion from 49,163 victories -- will compete in a pari-mutuel wagering event, "The Living Legends Race," on Oct. 18 during the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meet as a prelude to the following weekend's Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Held in conjunction with racing's new "Legends on Tour" as well as the Breeders' Cup, Hall of Fame jockeys set to compete in Santa Anita's unprecedented race are, in descending order of age: Angel Cordero Jr., 65; Jacinto Vasquez, 64; Sandy Hawley, 59; Pat Day, 55; Chris McCarron, 53; Jerry Bailey, 51; Gary Stevens, 45, and Julie Krone, 45. Their average age is 55.
The allowance event will be contested at a sprint distance. Each rider's mount, a California-bred selected by draw, will be assigned 126 pounds. And the winning jockey will provide the elite group with its 49,164th combined victory while increasing the number of total mounts by eight to 261,854.
"We are pleased to be able to host this unique promotion," said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, Oak Tree's executive vice president, in making the announcement on Friday. "This truly is an event that will be difficult to ever duplicate with such a distinguished, accomplished group of riders."
The race will be the fourth on Saturday, Oct. 18, and will be preceded by a Living Legends salute and ceremony in the winner's circle. Popular local Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay Jr. and Eddie Delahoussaye, retired due to injuries, as well as East Coast riding star Jorge Velasquez will serve as Living Legends Ambassadors. Factor in their career figures (Pincay, 9,530 wins and $237,120,625 in earnings; Delahoussaye 6,384 and $195,884,940, and Velasquez, 6,795 and $125,544,379) and the assembled stars' joint figures swell to 71,872 wins and earnings near $2 billion.
"I'm very proud to be associated with Legends on Tour and this race," said Pincay. "We've worked very hard to put this together."
Jerry Bailey added, "I'd be surprised if we ever see the likes of this gathering again. The total number of our wins and purse money takes your breath away."
Exhibitions involving "old-time" jockeys have been staged at various racing venues over the years, but none has included such a dazzling array of the sport's everlasting stars while being granted pari-mutuel wagering status.
Race victories and mount earnings by the participants during their active careers: Day, 8,803 and $297,912,019; McCarron, 7,141 and $263,985,505; Cordero, 7,057 and $164,570,227; Hawley, 6,449 and $88,681,292; Bailey, 5,893 and $296,104,129; Vasquez, 5,228 and $85,754,115; Stevens, 4,888 and $221,207,064, and Krone, 3,704 and $90,125,644.
When Day announced his retirement on Aug. 3, 2005, his earnings surpassed those of any jockey in history. He is a four-time Eclipse Award winner with victories in 12 Breeders' Cup races including four Classics and nine Triple Crown events. Day is the all-time leading rider at Churchill Downs and Keeneland in his adopted state of Kentucky.
McCarron closed out his career on June 23, 2002, with a victory aboard Came Home in the $107,500 Affirmed Handicap at Hollywood Park while exiting as racing's leading money-earner. He won nine Breeders' Cup races including five Classics as well as six Triple Crown races during his 28-year-career.
Widely regarded as one of the sport's fiercest competitors, Cordero won six Triple Crown events and four Breeders' Cup races while becoming the only native of Puerto Rico to be inducted into racing's Hall of Fame. The leading rider at Saratoga for 13 seasons, he went on to become a trainer and subsequently the agent for top Eastern-based rider John Velazquez, a fellow Puerto Rican.
A native of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Hawley rode for 31 years until his retirement on July 1, 1998. After apprenticing in Canada with 230 winners in 1969, he moved to the U.S. where he led all jockeys in victories in 1970, 1972, 1973 and 1976. He became the first jockey to ever win 500 races – 515 -- during a single year in 1973 when breaking Bill Shoemaker's record. He earned the Eclipse Award in 1976 setting an all-time money winning record for a single year.
Bailey retired on Jan. 28, 2006 with the most Breeders' Cup victories, 15, of any rider in history including five Classics. He won each of the Triple Crown races twice and took four of the first 10 runnings of the Dubai World Cup including the inaugural aboard Cigar. He may be best remembered as the regular rider of Cigar, who tied racing's record for consecutive victories at 16 in 1996. He currently is a racing analyst for ABC Sports and ESPN
Vasquez won a pair of Kentucky Derbys (Foolish Pleasure, 1975, and Genuine Risk, 1980), but might be best known as the regular rider of the great filly Ruffian. The native of Panama chose to ride Ruffian over Foolish Pleasure in their historic match race on July 6, 1975, when Ruffian broke down. Vasquez would proceed to capture the Ruffian Handicap, named in her memory, four times at Belmont Park. He retired in 1996.
The youngest jockey to surpass $100 million in earnings at the age of 30 in 1993, Stevens reached the winner's circle in eight Triple Crown events including the Kentucky Derby three times. He was victorious in eight Breeders' Cup races and won the Santa Anita Derby a record nine times. Stevens announced his retirement on Nov. 27, 2005 and currently works as a racing commentator for NBC Sports and HRTV.
The only female rider inducted into racing's Hall of Fame, Krone became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race in 1993 when taking the Belmont Stakes aboard Colonial Affair and remains the only female to ride in that classic, having done so five times. She also is the sole female to capture a Breeders' Cup race, winning the 2003 Juvenile Fillies aboard Halfbridled. Krone won five Oak Tree races on Oct. 4, 2003, at Santa Anita. She led jockeys' standings at Belmont Park, Monmouth Park, Meadowlands, Gulfstream Park and Atlantic City during a career that spanned 25 years.
For updates on the Living Legends Race at Oak Tree at Santa Anita visit www.oaktreeracing.com, www.santaanita.com or www.legendsontour.com
8 Retired Jockeys in Pari-Mutuel Race
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When I first got my iPhone however many years ago now, I was very much in "download all the apps!!!" mode.
More specifically, I was in download all the health and fitness-related apps mode.
Also, the iPhone brought the dawn of the fitness selfie
Over the years I've found some of the apps have come and gone, but a few have endured stuck around for the long haul.
Here's a peek at what I use on a regular basis.
1. Sleep Cycle. I did a review of the Sleep Cycle app a while back now, but the gist is the alarm on this app wakes you up during a 30-minute when you're in your lightest sleep. It judges that based on your movement in bed through a sensor in your phone. Plus it gives you a million awesome charts. (Data porn!)
2. Fitsnap. This is a photo overlay app specifically geared toward athletes. It lets you select a workout type (I usually select running) and then it puts your time, distance and various other notes right on top of the picture before you Instagram it, post it to Twitter, etc. I've only had this app for a few months, but it's fun.
3. My Fitness Pal. I actually have a really love/hate relationship with this app. In general, I despise tracking the food I eat. I find it extremely annoying and tedious, and it makes me get way, way too worried about what I'm eating. I prefer to you know, just eat and not think about it. But, I think tracking has its place every once in a while. It was especially helpful when I was having some dairy sensitives in 2012. (Thank goodness that seemed to resolve itself.)
4. RuntasticPro. This is the newest addition to my fitness apps collection. For a long time I never had any interest in an app that tracks time and distance on a run. I mean that's what my Garmin is for, and I always found Garmin's data way more accurate than my phone. But Runtastic released the newest version of its app yesterday with a sleek new design and bunch of new features that I was curious to check out. (And for full disclosure, I was given a sneak peek before it went live.)
I like that it's got a library stocked with routes for when I'm not feeling very motivated to run my same loop for the millionth time. And it's got some voice encouragement built in (though if that's not your thing you can opt to turn it off.) And also, more charts and data.
That's actually probably my favorite part about all of the apps is that they give you quantifiable metrics about yourself. Pardon me while I veer into some major nerdiness over here, but ever since I started running seriously, I have loved getting data and feedback about myself…speed, pace, time, calories burned, hours slept, etc. etc.
I don't have a FitBit, Nike FuelBand or anything like that, which sort of surprises me since I'm obsessed with having all the latest data about myself. For now, I use my suite of fitness apps to satisfy my need for fitness data.
What's your favorite health and fitness app? And why? What should I download immediately?


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The police can't help youFormer CIA agent Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily--and his staff of investigators uses the world's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.The press will destroy youJack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.Only one place to turn: Private But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever.
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13 Recommendations
böbe's recommendation
this is a superfunny online wall-decal shop. you can get everything you ever wanted but could never get - in a form of a life-size black/white sticker. pets, plants, furniture, etc. i looove the concept and the site looks cool as well.
nothinsirius's recommendation
More great wall art. Many possibilities for creative designs.
Joshalism's recommendation
It makes me feel like I'm living in the opening scene of "Fight Club" where Jack views his apartment through the lens of an Ikea catalog (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2212138945413693796)
My Collections:
Petehassometime's recommendation
It can be quite hard to find modern wall art pictures that are not the same everywhere. This is a great idea and is an alternative to the usual canvas prints that you see everywhere
whosdiary's recommendation
They have all this cool wall decal, from french bulldogs, to whatever you think will look nice in your house.
My Collections:
natasha_begingfield's recommendation
funny wall sticker, for unique interiors
pequenabuda's recommendation
Love it! At last I'm going to have a dog in an apartment!
mandsmarie's recommendation
love it.
Yournewbestfriend's recommendation
Perhaps the funniest wall decals available today. Want a cat but mom won't let you have one? Get the decal and rest assured knowing at least you have a sticker on your wall of the thing you want but can't have. If that makes you rest easier. Now if I could only get one of Brad Pitt...
My Collections:
yellowgoat's recommendation
wall decor with a funny touch.
My Collections:
alicekeyse's recommendation
superfunny online wall-decal shop. Only black and white.
fengshuifashionista's recommendation
Many designers and store owners are adding touches of this wall decor to create a unique look with depth!!
monkeybird's recommendation
Added to my Shopping Guide Wish List