text:
Service Available to Indian Customers Only
Contact Us to Book this Breed
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sakhalin Husky Dog Breed Information
The breed, Sakhalin Husky, was originally developed in Japan, and was used a sledge dogs in earlier times. This breed is also known as Karafuto-Ken, representing their native land Japan. This dog is one among the Japanese splitz type dog. The average height of this breed is noted to be 56 cm to 67 cm, and the average weight of this breed varies from 30 kg to 40 kg. Sakhalin husky, has small and pointy ears, in some dogs, they are seen slightly tilted, and in some other they are seen hanging. This breed is available in varieties of colours starting from black to rusty red. The coat covering the body of this dog is very thick, and is also covered with dense hair. The body of this breed is very similar to that of the Greenland dogs. This breed is considered as one among the rare breeds of dog due to the ill effects caused during World War II. This breed is rarely found even in their native country Japan. They gained their fame over the Japanese Expedition to Antarctica in the year 1958. This mission was considered to be a failure, as it was asked for immediate evacuation and about 15 of Sakhalin huskies were left in the way back. They researchers who left for the expedition thought that the rescue team would come back to rescue these dogs back, and they left the dogs with a short supply of food, Anyways the teams was not able to rescue these dogs as the weather turned bad. Later after one year, when another expedition team arrived at the spot, they found that two among the fifteen Sakhalin Huskies, namely Taro and Jiro, managed to survive. It is after this that the breed acquired fame all around the world. These dogs are not suitable to live in hot climate as they have very thick coat which is only suitable for cold climate. They are working dogs, and are not well known to be family dogs or companion dogs. Even so if they are trained and socialized properly from an early stage, then they might be suitable as a family dog.
Search for More information about this breed
Buy, Sell, Groom, Mate and Train Dogs!!
"A dog Training Academy and a Boarding Kennel with a difference"
Email Id - firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
India Kerala Photo Adventure Vacations – Inspire. Create. Enjoy.
With the Arabian Sea to the west, the Western Ghats (towering 1600 – 9000 feet) to the east, and a network of 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after destinations in Asia. With an equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and paddy fields, Ayurvedic health spas, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, and exotic cuisine… Kerala delivers a unique experience that's truly beyond your imagination.
Kerala, and the south of India, is more verdant and tropical than the north. The people tend to be more friendly and move at a more relaxed pace. Yet Kerala is anything by relaxed when you think about just how exotic it is. Kerala conjures up images of Aladdin and his magic lantern. On this photographic journey you will experience it all. Hard to believe, but trust us. Kerala will not disappoint you.
The moment you start to think you're right on the precipice of unravelling one of India's deep mysteries, she has an uncanny way of reminding you that it would take more than just a few lifetimes to do so. Indeed, demystifying India is a perpetual work-in-progress. And that is precisely what makes the country so deeply addictive. The constant exploration. The playful unpredictability. And knowing that, just when it's least expected, you can find yourself up close and personal with moments that have the power to alter the way you view the world and your place in it.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity, so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better place to express your creativity than in Kerala, India.
Day 1 | Cochin – Fort Kochi – Chinese Fishing Nets
Whether you arrive the day of or the day before, our airport representative will welcome you at the airport in Kochi and transfer you to our hotel. After settling in we meet for some informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques. In the afternoon our leader will present PWA's "10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography" as well as our "THE ART OF SEEING" photographic technique. In the evening we will visit the famous Chinese fishing nets of Kochi, brought to the port by the Chinese explorer Zheng He 900 years ago. They're fascinating old bits of fishing technology — bamboo, teak, stones, ropes and nets — and are fabulous to photograph at sunset and into twilight. The darker it gets, the more attractive the nets become. Later, the fishermen will mount lamps on their nets to attract the fish, posing a fresh opportunity for us. Afterwards, we enjoy an amazing "Welcome Dinner" where we sample various dishes that Kerala is renowned for. (D)
Day 2 | Fort Kochi – Kalaripayuttu – Sunset Boat Cruise
After a delightful breakfast we visit the Jewish quarter and synagogue, the magnificent Santa Cruz Basilica, as well as some street photography around the lanes and alleys of Fort Kochi. After lunch we get to witness Kalaripayuttu, the Dravidian martial art, that's as Kerala in origin as the six billion coconuts the locals harvest each year. Like most martial arts, Kalaripayuttu is a rigorous system of movements, postures and techniques and is inextricably associated with religious practice and a master-pupil teaching model. It's top practitioners are formidably fast, supple, strong and graceful — and they are wonderful objects of photographic worship as well. While Kalari is blisteringly fast, the training sessions are usually slow-paced, full of photogenic ritual and elaborate choreography. We'll see Kalaripayuttu every which way: as a formal performance (with real weapons!), as individual demonstrations by students of their mastery of the art, and with the supporting commentary of the Kalari master to ensure that we connect and understand as well as capture stunning images. There's so much here for every kind of photographer: introspective slice-of-life closeups, mid-air freezes, fiery action sequences, soft scenes of worship and blessing… 100% pure shooting heaven. In the evening we will take a sunset boat cruise from our hotel. (B)
Day 3 | Fort Kochi – Kathakali – Kochi Beach
Today we set out for some early morning low light photography throughout the streets of Fort Kochi as the markets open up and the locals fill the streets. We'll return to our hotel for breakfast. After reviewing our favorite photos from the first two days, we set out to photograph the dance forms of Kerala. These classical dance styles offer everything photographers could ask for: rich colors, dramatic makeup, vivid and elaborate costumes. Rather than an off-the-shelf tourist shoot, we've planned a private performance and venue where we'll be able to get access to the artistes. Kathakali is a dance form which evolved during the 17th century. It has dance song, literature and make up art at its best. It is traditional and depicts stories from Hindu mythology. It is composed for overnight performance. Elaborate headgear, facial decorations and dressing, marks the dance form. In the evening we will walk the beach at sunset before enjoying a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. (B)
Day 4 | Cochin – Munnar – Pothamedu
After breakfast, we check out and head for the hills. It's a four-hour drive to Munnar, and you're going to love it! Winding roads run through dense forest and scenic hills; you'll get your first glimpses of the ribbed emerald-green carpets of the tea-planted slopes. Munnar is a hill region and we're there at the perfect time, when it moves from the winter season into summer. Munnar is an important high-point on our Kerala photography adventure. It's storybook pretty, it's authentic Kerala. We'll be making frequent stops along the way to grab some great photos. We will arrive in Munnar for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to settle into our hotel. Early evening we head to Pothamedu to photograph the whole transition from day to dusk, with stunning tea-estate scenery at our feet. (B)
Day 5 | Munnar – Kolukkumalai – Tea Plantations
This morning is a high point of our Western Ghats exploration. It's the loftiest tea-growing plantation in the world, perched at 2,400 meters (7,875 feet) with it's green slopes overlooking some truly remarkable Kerala scenery. The photographic treasure-hunt today is about tea-garden landscapes, sometimes with the clouds high above, sometimes with clouds so low that we literally drive through them. We'll capture the bright colors of the estate workers' clothes and machinery against the verdant green, and at the tea factory itself we'll walk into an engineering time-warp where old, battered machines process the tea leaves into top-quality tea. At Kolukkumalai, you're right at the historic heart of Kerala tea. Here on this estate in the 1930s, the British constructed a small processing facility to turn the freshly picked tea leaves into the classic cuppa — and that same factory is here today, with the very same Gainsborough-built machines whirring and clanking as they do the withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, extracting and grading stages of making tea. Anywhere else, these machines would be museum-pieces — but here they seem to be perfectly suited to the time-honored traditions of tea-making. After a long day photographing the most amazing tea-plantation panoramas, and the locals working the tea mills, we head back to our hotel for dinner. (B)
Day 6 | Munnar – Allepey – Backwater Houseboat
After breakfast we depart Munnar for our drive to Allepey. Upon arrival we check in to our beautifully appointed houseboat at the Lakes & Lagoons Houseboats. Referred to as the Venice of the East, Allepey has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for it's boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors. Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked versions of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only. Of late, houseboats come with all the creature comforts of a good hotel, including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying on a houseboat. We'll spend the afternoon making our way through the backwaters on our houseboat. Perhaps buy some prawns from a local fisherman and have our onboard chef prepare them for dinner. After a sunset shoot, we'll relax and chat with our crew. (B)
Day 7 | Allepey – Backwater Houseboat – Alappuzha – Vijaya
On our second day on the houseboat we will cruise deep into the backwater canals of Allepey where there are many isolated communities to explore. In the afternoon we will leave our boat and head for Alappuzha beach, the 137 years old pier and Vijaya Beach Park. We'll return to our boat for dinner and another night onboard. You are sure to enjoy our day in this very unique location. (B)
Day 8 | Allepey – Kovalam – Lighthouse Beach – Hawa Beach
After a lovely breakfast on our houseboat we de-board and begin our drive to Kovalam. Kovalam is located on the southern tip of India, where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean. Kovalam is a small coastal town, south of Thiruvananthapuram. At the southern end of Lighthouse Beach is a striped lighthouse with a viewing platform. Palm tree backed beaches also include Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Heading south to Vizhinjam, Juma Masjid Mosque overlooks the busy fishing harbor. Inland, Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium displays technology used in pearl production. We'll have an afternoon of leisure followed by a sunset shoot and dinner. (B)
Day 9 | Kovalam – Vizhinjam – Samudra Beach – Juma Masjid Mosque
In the early morning we will take you to Vizhinjam village, a busy port flooded with fishing boats. We'll photograph the many fishermen venturing into the distant sea. The village which is rustic and earthy, is very different from Kovalam in diverse aspects. We will witness the real life of fishermen who push their boats into the sea and fish from dawn to dusk. We'll have lunch on the beach and an afternoon of leisure. We'll photograph the lighthouse, coastal area and the sunset once again. In the evening we celebrate our amazing 10 days together with a "Farewell Dinner" fit for a king. (B) (D)
Day 10 | Kovalam – Trivandarum – Cochin (Flight)
After our morning breakfast we depart Kovalam for Trivandarum Airport for your fight back to Cochin where we will bid you farewell. If you are continuing on to our Goa Extension, we will be escorting you on a flight to Goa. In November, if you are continuing on to our Pushkar Camel Fair Photo Adventure, you will be flying to Delhi (instead of Cochin or Goa). (B)
NOTE: From Trivandarum you can fly to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Goa and several other cities for connections. We can arrange these for you instead of flying to Cochin.
Experience | Difficulty
Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
Moderate schedule
Travel by car or minibus, boat
Minimal elevation changes and lots of walking
(non-photographers also welcome)
Travel, landscape, architecture, seascape and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (4-8 guests)
5 star luxury hotels
Lakes & Lagoons superior houseboat
8 meals
Airport transfers
Modern AC mini-bus
Local transportation
Entry fees
Fort Kochi – Brunton Boatyard Hotel, Fragrant Nature or similar
Munnar – Blanket Hotel & Spa, Spice Tree Munnar or similar
Allepey – Premium Lakes & Lagoons Houseboat
Kovalam – Vivanta by Taj – Green Cove or similar
Travel Information
Arrival & Departure Airport: Cochin International Airport, Kochi, India (COK)
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality.
Single Supplement: $1500
(Optional) Early Arrival Hotel Room: $350
(Optional) Late Departure Hotel Room: $350
Options and Benefits
Private Guided Tours & Adventures
We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine.
Travel Insurance
We offer travel insurance through Travelex. The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating.
About Photographer
Travel, Wildlife, Landscape, Cultural and Aerial Photographer
An aspiring photographer who gave up his career as an electrical engineer to focus on his passion for photography in his native Kerala and throughout India. Sebinster, often referred to as Sebin, hails from the small town of Munnar, known for its amazing landscape, nature, wildlife and tea plantations. Beyond the beautiful nature that has surrounded him throughout his life, he enjoys capturing the cultural aspects of India including street and people photography, as well as colorful festivals and local authenticity. He aspires to showcase different cultural aspects of India through a photographers eye. He is an aerial photographer who loves to play with patterns created from the bird's eye view.
He is a naturalist and a licensed Tourism Guide holder. Sebinster's association with the Kerala Forest Department, gives him opportunities to travel to isolated and unique locations within India. He uses his photographs from these explorations to spread awareness about nature and wildlife protection. Sebinster has an extra special interest in elephants and their preservation and treatment.
He is an avid traveler throughout India and the Indian subcontinent, always on the lookout for new photographic opportunities and cultural experiences.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mens Cowboy Cross Necklace Horse Shoe Sterling/24k Gold/ Antiqued/ with Chain
- Mens Cowboy Cross necklace made in the shape of a cross of horse shoe nails.
- It is made from nickel silver, hand engraved, then plated sterling silver...then antiqued.
- The horse shoe nail heads and the center horse shoe are plated with 24k gold for the feature point.
- 18 inch sterling silver chain is included.
- Measurements 1 inch wide x 1-5/8 inch tall.
- Country of origin: Mexico


text:
Envision PeopleDoc for Your TeamTry it now
Take Care of Your Employees and Minimize Business DisruptionsDownload the Business Continuity Overview
See How PeopleDoc Customers Remain in Compliance GloballyLearn More About HR Compliance Assist
Ready to switch from paper to digital employee files?Get the guide
Everything HR Needs to Deliver Better Employee ServiceLearn more about HR Service Delivery Solutions
Envision PeopleDoc for Your TeamTry it now
Tips, ideas and inspiration for making HR's job easier and the employee experience better.
As we close the door on 2019 and prepare to enter a new decade, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year. What topics were top of mind for HR services and operations? Read on to revisit our most popular articles.
It's no secret that remote work is the new norm. In the U.S., the number of telecommuters increased by 159% between 2005 and 2017, and by 2018, 70% of professionals around the world were working remotely at least once a week. This isn't just good for employees, making it easier for them to avoid lengthy commutes and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Businesses reap the benefits, too: companies that allow remote work experience 25% less turnover than those that don't—and report higher productivity and lower overhead costs.
An organizational transformation can be quite complicated and take many years to accomplish. Finding the right balance of change effectiveness and impact is tricky but essential to successful transformations. The first question many organizations ask is, "where do we start?"
After several months of project implementation your new HR Service Delivery platform is finally live! The HR team and all employees are excited to use this new tool. Initial documents are signed and uploaded, requests are sent, and new knowledge base articles are published and read. The implementation phase is over, thank you everyone, it was a pleasure to work with you. Now let's celebrate and enjoy the success of our new tool! Hmm, not so fast.
We're halfway through the first "real" work week of the new year and as you think through your plans for 2019, it helps to look at the big picture. There are a lot of HR trends that experts predict will shape the year ahead, but we're taking a more narrow approach. Here are four predictions we have for this year and how they will affect HR Services in particular.
As 2018 comes to an end, we want to thank you for being a PeopleDoc blog reader! We know it's not always possible to stay on top of every new post, so we're making it easy for you to revisit the very best HR Service Delivery articles from the past year. Below is our list of the 8 most-read posts from 2018:
What is HR Service Delivery? HR Service Delivery is the function that supports and provides services to employees, whether they're a short term freelancer or the CEO. Unlike other functions, such as Compensation and Benefits or Talent Acquisition, HR Service Delivery is the one function that spans the entire employee lifecycle—from application to departure and all the moments in between.


text:
Highs and lows of love addiction
Shashank Anand takes his role as a champion of lovers very seriously. The 40-year-old sanyasi, who runs a meditation centre to help dejected lovers, wants to focus his energies in turning love into an "andolan" (revolution).columns Updated: Feb 10, 2014, 11:06 IST
He's not quite Mike Myers from disappointing Hollywood romcom, The Love Guru, but Shashank Anand takes his role as a champion of lovers very seriously. The 40-year-old sanyasi, who runs a meditation centre to help dejected lovers find inner peace under the shadow of India's biggest prison, Tihar Jail in Delhi, now wants to focus his energies in turning love into an "andolan" (revolution).
One of his posters calling for revolution (all lovers should gather at Jantar Mantar on Valentine's Day, February 14, but he's iffy about what happens next) led me to this Osho-disciple, who wants to help young people channel their emotions through love. Anand is convinced that if young people find love, they will not rape. His simplistic argument is laughable but not surprising, coming as it does from a school drop-out who, in between running a meditation centre and leading revolutions, runs a restaurant outside a college in his hometown Shahjahanpur.
So what do scholars who study relationships for a living say about love?
In a line, being in love is like a bad hangover. Your heart races, your head feels whoozy, your stomach queasy, and your mouth dry. You can't think straight, you trip over your feet, you can't sleep. This hypomanic state — heightened mood, energy and activity usually associated with bipolar disorder — lasts till you fall out of love and till, against your better judgement, you fall in love again.
The reason for the manic state lies deep in the brain. While your body feels like a used and very disposable diaper, your brain is in a euphoric state quite like that induced by drugs. Being in love is like being addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, illicit drugs, sex and gambling, says Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist at Rutgers University, and author of Why We Love. She uses stacks of brain scans done using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scientifically validate her theory.
Brain scans of people in love show heightened activity in areas that are rich in dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters associated with natural reward systems that makes us happy doing things essential for survival, like eating, drinking and having sex. It is also the system that gets hijacked by addictions.
This addiction also explains why breakups can be so tough. Fisher's 2010 study on the just-jilted and still-dejected showed that like a drug, love can make a dejected person crave, obsess and distort reality. Brain scans of the raw and reeling using fMRI showed activity in the regions of the brain associated with nicotine and drug addiction, physical pain and distress.
"Nobody gets out of love alive," Fisher said. "You turn into a menace or a pest when you've been rejected. That's when people stalk or commit suicide... There's a very powerful brain system that has a dramatic effect on your entire life." Fisher's prescription for the dejected is going cold turkey. Just as having a cigarette a day doesn't help people trying to quit smoking, trying to stay friends and exchanging texts and mails don't work for people getting over a break-up.
How intensely and who you fall for someone depends, like everything else, on your genes and environment, as does how likely you are to get along with your partner over time. Ted L Huston, professor of human ecology at the University of Texas at Austin, is more interested in why and how intimate relationships change when the honeymoon is over.
Huston's work shows that married couples are happier if they are satisfied with their sex lives and feel they have "influence" over their spouse. There are some gender differences-- women are more satisfied if they spend time with their partner, friends and family, while men are happier if they are doing well financially.
While the lovesick can do little else except to wait for time to heal, studies such as these help put love in perspective — an emotion driven by chemical changes in the brain that peak and ebb, and like a drug-induced high, don't last forever.


text:
Late winter may seem like an odd time to talk about nesting season, but it is the ideal time for the most underrated and helpful nesting birds: owls. These raptors begin nesting in late winter, and with the right owl box and an owl-friendly habitat, you can easily invite them to take up residence on your property. Why would you want to? Because owls are spectacular help for farmers, gardeners, and homeowners as they provide superior pest control without toxic chemicals.
Why You Definitely Want An Owl Nesting In Your Back Yard
Owls are not usually the first birds that come to mind when you think about attracting birds to your yard. Generally nocturnal, owls are rarely seen, and they do not typically visit the feeders or baths associated with backyard birds.
Mice, rats, gophers, voles, and shrews are some of the most common pests that damage crops and buildings. They eat livestock feed, contaminate stored seed, transmit diseases, and even gnaw on wires to cause power outages or dangerous electrical hazards. These very pests, however, are the most popular meals for owls—two mature parents with a hungry, growing brood may consume 1,000-3,000 rodents in a year. As owls successfully raise their families, the local owl population will grow year after year, providing excellent pest control for generations to come.
Which Owls Nest in Boxes?
Many small- and medium-sized owls are cavity-nesters and will happily take up residence in owl boxes. The barn owl is the most well known of these houseguests, but other owls that readily use boxes include:
- Barred owls
- Boreal owls
- Eastern screech-owls
- Elf owls
- Ferruginous pygmy owls
- Flammulated owls
- Northern pygmy owls
- Northern saw-whet owls
- Western screech owls
The exact owl that may be comfortable in your nesting box will depend on the bird's range, local habitats, the availability of other nesting sites, and the overall suitability of the box. Barn owls and both eastern and western screech owls are the easiest to attract to nest boxes.
Providing The Right Owl Box
Owl boxes are not like other birdhouses. Owls require larger homes not only because of their bigger overall sizes but also because their families can be quite large. A barn owl may have up to 18 owlets in one brood, while screech-owl families can be as large as 6-7 owlets at once. These baby birds require larger houses for safety and comfort and the parent owls need larger entrances to safely move in and out of the box as they care for their chicks.
The best sizes are:
• Barn Owls – Entrance hole 4-6" in diameter, 16" total box height, 12×23" interior floorspace; 8-25 feet above the ground.
• Screech Owls – Entrance hole 3" in diameter, 14" total box height, 10×12" interior floorspace; 10-30 feet above the ground.
Build or Buy An Owl Box
If you plan to build your own box for an owl, it is important to note that they like boxes made from weathered wood. You can find a wide variety of building plans and free downloadable details for different owl species from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch site. When building your box, be sure to include ventilation holes or slats under the eaves for temperature regulation, as well as small drainage holes in the base of the box to help keep it clean. A hinged or removable side or roof is also helpful to be able to monitor the nest throughout the nesting season as well as thoroughly clean it after the owlets have left.
If you lack the woodworking skills or just prefer to purchase one instead, many online retailers offer suitable boxes ideal for owls, including The Barn Owl Box Company and Best Nest.
Whether you build or purchase an owl box, it must be mounted safely and correctly to attract nesting owls. They should always be mounted with appropriate baffles to keep out raccoons, snakes, and other raiders. Adding a layer of wood shavings inside the box can also make it more welcoming for owls and easier to clean after the nesting season ends.
More Tips For An Owl-Friendly Habitat
Even the best owl box won't attract residents if the overall habitat isn't suitable. Be sure to follow these suggestions:
- Do not disturb! Once owls have taken up residence the box, do not attempt to move it. In fact, barn owls are protected and you could face fines if you disrupt their nests.
- Minimize pesticide and rodenticide use to avoid removing the birds' prey or accidentally poisoning owls.
- Minimize outdoor lighting near the nest box to help owls feel more comfortable when they're active at night.
- Keep pets indoors at night to avoid scaring away the prey that owls will be hunting.
- Avoid excess activity near the box, as many owls are sensitive to disturbances and may abandon nests if they feel stressed.
- Keep a nearby stand of trees or small brushy area naturalized as shelter and perching space outside of the box.
Owls make wonderful neighbors, and if you put up the right home for them and take a few simple steps to make them welcome, you'll soon enjoy the free pest control services they're happy to provide.
I Rule The Roost Trucker Hat
Price: $19.99
Let 'em know who's in charge with our Farmers' Almanac I Rule The Roost trucker hat! It features a six-panel jockey shape with eyelets and a mesh back to keep you cool in the summer heat and your eyes shielded from the sun year-round. The wax cloth allows water to just roll off if you're stuck in "fowl" weather. Adjustable Velcro back strap for the perfect fit.


text:
Latest Chicks
Exclusive Sites
Continue Tour >
Join Now!
"Adriana Rodrigues, Shakira & Matheus Axell"
Tranny Hotties Tag Team Thick Tanned Cock
Running time:
18mins 42secs
Why choose between a blonde and a brunette when you can have both? That's my philosophy anyway. Watch these hotties tag team my thick, tanned cock as I ready their tight assholes with my tongue, getting them nice and moist for deep penetration. Nothing's sexier than fucking a Brazilian from behind, pulling that long hair back and seeing those earrings dangle while my nuts slap against a round, plump ass. My delicious warm cum was meant to be shared among friends, and that's exactly what they do.
Enter now!
"Mel Voguel, Miriany Ribeiro, & Junior Carioca"
Sexy Swirl of Chocolate and Vanilla Trannies
Running time:
16mins 15secs
I love all kinds of flavors, but my hands down favorites are chocolate and vanilla. And nothing tastes better than a sexy swirl of both! I invited these two gorgeous ladies to join me for a romantic evening at my cottage. We made our own fire in front of the fireplace, as the ass-fucking friction created some intense heat. I nearly ripped blondie a new asshole, and poked the dark exotic princess so hard, she could barely walk after. Watch them share a wonderful wad of my warm jism. It's a thing of beauty.
Enter now!
"Leona, Monica & Douglas Torres"
Stunning Sperm Swappers Leona Andrev and Monica Rodrigues
Running time:
16mins 49secs
I guess you could say I'm a bit of a steroid freak who likes rough play. That's why I prefer fucking chicks with dicks. This way, I get the best of both worlds: the feminine looks of a girl, but someone with the ability to take it up the ass hard, like a guy. These two trannies were fucking fantastic. Especially the one with the big hoop earrings, what a hottie! I love seeing those tiny nuts dangling while I'm giving it to her from behind. Watch these sperm swappers each earn a moist mouthful.
Enter now!
"Karen Zaneth, Suzuki & Pablo Picasso"
Sexy Karen and Suzuky Swap Sticky Sperm
Running time:
19mins 57secs
Two shemales that are hot for his jizz? No wonder why this guy can't stop giggling! Karen and Suzuky E are so ready to milk his cock dry, and they get started right away on sucking his dick while he licked their bodies up and down. You can see how horny he is for them, as his cock keeps growing and growing. He pushed his dick inside of them, one after the other, ramming their asses while they jerked off, and then cumming all over both of them so they can share his cum.
Enter now!
"Pati Colt, Hilda Brasil, & Yuri Gatti"
Pati Colt and Hilda Munch On Some Ass
Running time:
19mins 55secs
What do you get when you mix 3 cocks, 4 tits, and 6 nuts? One truly amazing experience! Thank God for Brazilians! I mean, not only are the people tanned and lovely there, but it's the birthplace of the bikini wax! That makes ass munching as clean and refreshing as an ice cold beer on a hot summer's day! Watch me plug one hottie's butt while her mini cock gets sucked off by her friend. Talk about sensory overload! I spewed cum like a geyser here, and watched it flow languidly from one mouth to the other.
Enter now!
© Copyright 2020 Tranny Cum Swappers - All Rights Reserved


text:
Beachy Coffee Company Perks Up South Walton and Beach Lovers Everywhere
September 11, 2019 by SoWal Staff
Bob DeBellis and his wife blew into SoWal in the late nineties, after Hurricane George blew them from their island home in St. John.
Bob has always been a beach lover and a coffee lover. His love of both were the inspiration for the beach-themed Beachy Coffee Company he founded to live out his dream.
"We have good quality blends for everyday coffee with a fun mindset," says Bob. "I wanted to make sure we had good quality merchandise, too. Let's Get Beachy!"
Bob passes on his joy and wants beach and coffee lovers to know you don't have to be at the beach to enjoy that excellent cup and salty beach feeling. The idea is that being a "beachy" person is really a state of mind. You can indulge in the aroma of brewing Beachy Coffee & Tea and enjoy the first to the final sip...block out the world and let your mind drift off to your favorite getaways.
Beachy Coffee Company is an online shop that specializes in organic coffee, tea, and accessories. The beachy lifestyle brand captures a free-spirited 70's surfers vibe – a vibe that says you don't have to be on the sand to enjoy the beachy state of mind. The early 1970's surf theme is simple and fun with a Volkswagen Surfer Van logo. (Big Bug!)
Beachy Coffee Company has four signature blends of organic coffee available in whole bean or ground packages. The coffee is micro-roasted in small batches to control the equality of the beans for better flavor.
Surf's Up is a popular choice for those who love smooth full-bodied brews – minus the charred taste often associated with dark French roasts.
Sea Breeze is a classic medium roast with bright, crisp finish-as refreshing as a walk on the beach.
Lazy Days Decaf combines the perfect blend of nutty and earthy tones for moments when you just want to chill.
CAT 5 is a smooth brew with a hint of sweetness that packs a punch with double the caffeine of your typical cup of coffee-giving you that extra focus to help you own the day.
Beachy Tea comes in 8 signature flavors – from Darjeeling Tea grown at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains to energizing Ginseng Tea for an extra pick-me-up. Pyramid sachets offer the quality and flavor of loose-leaf tea with the convenience of a tea bag. Best of all, they're made with biodegradable material containing no glue or staples. Beachy Tea comes in a reusable tin that's so attractive you'll want to keep it on display or reuse it long after the last bag is steeped.
"People look forward to going to the beach - it's that beachy state of mind," says Bob. "With Beachy Coffee, you can have it before, during, and after. You don't have to mentally leave the beach."
Beachy Coffee Company is your online destination for organic coffee, tea, apparel and kitchen accessories. Pick up soft beachy tees, bistro mugs, handmade cherry wood coffee scoops, and high-grade grinders. Whistling kettles and stoneware tea sets make afternoon tea a special occasion to look forward to every day.
Have a Beachy Day!


text:
Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/787203
AUSTINWAY.COM 29 PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY PRICE (ANNUAL BLACK FRET GALA); DE ANN HOEFT (BLU EVENT) Suzanna Choffel and Wendy Colonna Matt Ott and Mayor Steve Adler Ray Prim (FAR RIGHT) and his band Terrany Johnson and Marie-Laure Carvalho Roggie Baer and Tim Palmer Black Fret co-founders Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott Leopold and His Fiction ANNUAL BLACK FRET GALA HELPS LOCAL MUSICIANS Austin nonprofit Black Fret gave out $220,000 at its sold-out, third-annual Black Ball gala at The Paramount Theatre. Its 10 major grant recipients, who each received $17,000, were: Bee Caves, Carson McHone, Dan Dyer, Nakia, Ray Prim, Suzanna Choffel, Swimming With Bears, The Peterson Brothers, Walker Lukens, and Wendy Colonna. Ten other artists received grants of $5,000. Presentations and musical performances made for a memorable evening. Jeannine Rock and Chelsea Thomas Joshua and Rebecca Gindele Tina and Russell Briggs John Springer and Mark Kyle Ian Weightman and Ginger Leigh Courtney and Gary Santana The scene at midnight RACING INTO THE NEW YEAR Known for its Formula One weekend celebrations, Blu Party ATX closed out 2016 in style at Blu New Year's Eve. Fashion designers Ross Bennett, Midi Soliz, and Linda Asaf were in attendance, along with musicians Courtney Santana, Joshua Gindele, Jessica Shepherd, and Executive Producer Ginger Leigh. Party favors, dancing, copious amounts of champagne, and confetti canons closed out 2016 with joy and celebration.


text:
Principal Investigator: Dr Ryan AmelonTags: 41044, Convolutional-Neural-Network, deep learning, Failure-Modes, featured, Image-Quality, Layer-Segmentation, OCT
Automated AI diagnostic solutions are expected to properly function and yield accurate results all of the time, but no solution will ever have perfect accuracy. It is important to consider failure modes of automated diagnostics components, both when they fail and how. The detection and proper characterization of these failure modes can make automated diagnostics safer and more efficient.
Glaucoma in the retina is characterized, in part, by a loss of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging results in a three-dimensional view of the retina which allows for measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. The usual first step in detecting Glaucoma using OCT is segmentation of the layers of the retina. Typical assessment of these algorithms consider the accuracy of the segmentation, which is important when considering algorithm utility. However, most assessments ignore, at a patient level, how often the layer segmentations fail and what is causing the failure. For automated algorithms to become common-place, it must be able to both perform the task it was trained for as well as determine when the task cannot be adequately performed. Further, if an algorithm can determine why it failed, a patient visit may be correctly salvaged by specifying the necessary follow-up steps required for an accurate result.
This work will shed light on the mechanisms of layer segmentation failures that developers should be aware of, how common such failures may occur, and the ability to which they may be automatically detected. This study will provide a proof-of-concept failure mode assessment that will increase device safety and efficacy by correctly identifying algorithm failures and suggest follow-up measures.


text:
In this guide, we are going to show you how to root Android device with the help of Magisk.Magisk allows you to get systemless root on Android smartphones.Rooting your Android gives you more control over your device.There are many apps for Android that require root access to do certain tasks.So if you want to do some task on your smartphone that requires root access than first you need to root your Android.
Magisk systemless root allows you to gain root access without modifying system partition.It allows SELinux to run securely under enforcing mode which means that you can install OTA updates after rooting without any issue.Systemless root also allows you to use the apps that are not allowed on rooted devices like Android Pay and Pokemon Go etc.
This guide shows you step by step how to gain systemless root on Android with Magisk.Your Android device needs to be running on custom recovery to flash Magisk files.Below is a tutorial to gain systemless root with Magisk.So follow this guide to systemless root your Android.
WARNING – Rooting your smartphone will void its warranty.We are not responsible if your device gets damaged during the rooting procedure.Make sure your device has at least 50-60 percent battery backup.
How to gain systemless root access with Magisk
- First of all, make sure that you have a custom recovery like TWRP Recovery flashed on your smartphone.
- Download Latest Magisk file and move into internal storage of your smartphone.
- Boot your smartphone into recovery mode.
- Go to Install and select Magisk file.
- Swipe to flash the file.
- Reboot your smartphone normally.
- Open the app drawer and find the Magisk Manager.If Magisk Manager isn't installed automatically download it from Play Store.
That's it you can gain root access with the help of Magisk Manager.You can uninstall Magisk MAnager by flashing Magisk-Uninstaller using the same process.


text:
Posted on September 26, 2018
Paid Surveys Payment Methods – How Do I Get Paid For Collaborating in Compensated Surveys?
Each and every study web site has its personal approach of spending incentives. The different types of incentives you could get are cash, price reduction coupons, sweepstakes, totally free samples, and so forth. You can select to sign-up in the sites which spend incentives in the sort you would like to get. Most of them prefer to be a part of the websites which pay out income. Even so, other incentives are also equally useful, if the survey site is a respectable one particular.
Let's do a limited analysis on all the payment techniques concerned:
o Cash – Most of the contributors desire study web sites which pay out incentives in the sort of funds because, they come to feel receiving paid out in the form of funds is secured. Moreover, getting paid out in the kind of money will help them to make use of the earnings to fulfill their charges. If you pick a internet site which pays funds, then you need to produce a PayPal ID or provide an account quantity to get the amount transferred from the site very easily.
o Discount Discount coupons – This is also one of the favourite strategy to get paid for a lot of participants. Teens are inclined to desire this method the most simply because, these price cut discount coupons could be used in lodges, cinema residences, restaurants, gift outlets, etc. Low cost coupon codes will be helpful for individuals, who commit a lot of cash on entertainment.
o Free Samples – At times, businesses supply cost-free samples for their contributors to get their suggestions about the merchandise, which is not too long ago introduced or however to be introduced. This strategy will be advantageous to contributors who are actually fascinated in making an attempt new items which are released in industry.
o Sweepstakes – Sweepstakes is a single strategy the place you could earn a prize if you are fortunate. Nevertheless, this strategy does not guarantee payment to individuals.
o Reward Details – This is also 1 of the common incentive technique followed by the business. Survey web sites award you set amount of points for every study filled. Once you accumulate the needed quantity of details by taking part in several surveys, you can redeem people points for money or other positive aspects.
Be it cash or any other reward, if you want to make positive you receive your incentive for the job you do, make sure you get registered only in respectable websites. Normally, you might conclude up operating for cost-free.


text:
State report: 26% of kindergartners demonstrate readiness in key areas
Data From Illinois State Board Of Education KIDS Report
A report released this week shows that just over a quarter of students statewide were ready for kindergarten in three key areas and in some western Illinois counties that figure is less than 10%.
The Illinois State Board of Education released the results of the second Kindergarten Individual Development Survey Tuesday.
"Data from the second year of KIDS implementation affirms the importance comprehensive, high-quality supports for early learners," State Superintendent Carmen Ayala said in a statement. "Systemic inequities in resources and opportunities can negatively impact the development of young children. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to increase the state's investments in early childhood education and close gaps in development as early as possible."
Kindergarten teachers observe students during the first 40 days of school on 14 measures that make up a sample of learning areas that are "linked to children's success in the early elementary grades."
The system is designed so that, by the 40th school day, there is enough information gathered to indicate whether the child has "reached a developmental level associated with the typical expectations for children at kindergarten entry."
Those who do in each of three areas — social and emotional development, language and literacy development, and math — are considered to have demonstrated kindergarten readiness and those who do not may need additional support.
There were 115,920 students — 89% statewide — assessed during the fall of 2018 for the 2018-2019 report.
Several western Illinois school districts exceeded the state average of 26% for students demonstrating readiness in all three areas, including Triopia, 84%; Waverly, 68%; Griggsville-Perry, 64%; and Brown County, 57%.
Several districts, on the other hand, had low rates of students demonstrating readiness in all three areas. Those districts included Pleasant Hill, 0%; Virginia, 0%; Carrollton, 4%; Pikeland, 5%; Schuyler-Industry, 6%; and Jersey, 6%. In these districts, the rates of students who were ready in none of the developmental areas ranged from 43% to 76% — compared to the state average of 39%.
Some, including Jacksonville schools, were on par with the state averages across the board.
English learners, students with individualized education programs and students receiving free or reduced-price lunches had lower rates of readiness in the survey.
Just 18% of students statewide who receive free or reduced-price lunches were ready in all three developmental areas compared to 34% of students who don't. Nearly half — 49% — of kindergarten students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
KIDS is a tool "designed to help teachers, administrators, families and policymakers better understand the developmental readiness of children entering kindergarten" and is not a metric used for accountability, classroom placement or evaluating teachers or early childhood education providers.
The system was developed by the state board of education, in coordination with early childhood educators and advocates, and was tested for five years in pilot schools. It was implemented statewide for the first time for the 2017-2018 school year.
"KIDS is an observational protocol. It is neither a pen and paper test, nor does it involve pulling children aside or disrupting instruction," according to the report. "Rather, teachers are trained to collect observational data on students as they go about their daily routines — such as playing, doing schoolwork, having conversations and following directions. … KIDS is designed to accommodate diverse learning, communication and language styles, allowing children to demonstrate skills and abilities in a variety of ways, such as use of a communication board, sign language or their native languages."


text:
DIR: David Yates
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has an extremely challenging job; it must be both the calm before, and the beginnings of the storm itself. Splitting JK Rowling's final book made sense in a lot of ways (not least commercially), but it does present a challenge for this film; how do you make setup play as an exciting and complete experience? Even though the first six films built to a grander point they all, to some degree, had a self contained quest. David Yates, now on his third Potter, deals with the challenge confidently, delivering a film that is pacy and exciting, but also, due to its different form (it's essentially a road movie, and set entirely outside Hogwarts) spends greater time and energy on character than any of its predecessors, making for a surprisingly satisfying experience for what is, basically, an extended prologue.
Much is asked of the core trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in this film. There are, for the bulk of the film, few of the regular minor characters to provide the spice that they usualy add. This is a film entirely on the shoulders of this young trio, and they carry it brilliantly. If Half Blood Prince showed how far Emma Watson's portrayal of Hermione has come, this time it is the turn of Rupert Grint, whose Ron finally graduates from comic relief status with some real heroism and a couple of extremely well handled dramatic scenes (particularly when, having been absent for a long time after arguing with Harry, Ron explains why he's come back to the fold). For much of the film's near two and a half hour running time we follow Harry, Hermione and Ron on their lonely quest to find and destroy the horcruxes that hold Voldemort's soul, it's here that we really get to dig into the characters and, rather than the visceral thrills that characterise both this and the other films in the series, get a couple of scenes of really taut tension as the group hide out from Voldemort's spies as they hunt the chosen one and his friends.
Two of the best scenes in this segment of the film are additions not found in Rowling's book. The first has Hermione almost discovered because, despite all her protective magic, someone smells her perfume, while the second sees Harry and Hermione, at their lowest ebb, dancing to a Nick Cave song on the radio. That moment is one of my favourites in the whole franchise; in 40 wordless seconds it speaks to all the years of friendship, all the feelings these two have for each other, giving them a brief respite from the darkness around them. It's rather beautiful.
Getting to this quest takes some work, and the process provides a handful of lighter moments. There's a lovely comic scene in which many allies take Polyjuice potion to make themselves look like Harry so that Voldemort and his Death Eaters won't know which Harry to attack, and a very funny scene, also involving Polyjuice potion, in which Harry, Hermione and Ron steal into the Ministry of Magic in pursuit of a horcrux. Even at these moments though, tragedy is never far away, in one of most movingly and subtly developed threads in the series, Hermione makes a huge sacrifice to go with Harry and Ron, erasing herself from her parents memory; another fine piece of acting from Watson there.
All the while, Voldemort and the Death Eaters, and both sides quest for the titular Deathly Hallows (whose background is filled in with a brilliant animated sequence which looks like the Lotte Reigner influenced fever dream of Guillermo Del Toro) are in the background, threatening the whole time to break through, which they finally do in a tremendous last twenty minutes. With Hermione, Ron and a heavily disguised Harry captured, Bellatrix Lestrange determines to discover if this is the real Potter she has. Thee resulting torture sequence is brief and not massively explicit, but actually it's all the more disturbing and upsetting for playing largely through Hermione's screams. This is where all the hard graft of the character work, all the history, pays dividends; it makes us care. We know these characters, most likely love them (unless you're rooting for Voldemort, in which case get the hell away from me you loony), and hearing one of them in pain, seeing her bleed, hurts.
This is what's uncommon about the Harry Potter films, and perhaps particularly about the last two (or one, depending how you wish to define it), there's a level of emotional engagement that most blockbusters either can't or simply don't care to reach.
The technical aspects of the film continue to be absolutely impeccable; the dark, desaturated, photography has a stark beauty, and matches the mood of the piece perfectly. Alexandre Desplat's score has an emotional tug, without seeming like it is instructing us as to how we should feel, and the special effects really deserve that designation, with the much improved Dobby the House Elf feeling, this time, like a real character rather than a digital approximation of one (which, again, gives a key moment a weight I'd never have expected given how I felt about him in Chamber of Secrets).
Aside from a couple of minor performances hiccups (the standard Bill Nighy performance; Welsh variation), Deathly Hallows Part 1 is just about perfect. It could have been little more than an extended trailer for part 2, but instead it continues to darken, and more importantly deepen this saga, and promises great things for the long awaited ending.


text:
The first half of the year saw its share of record highs for both the Dow and S&P 500 but also the return of market volatility, with a February mini-correction that surprised many, anxiety over subprime lending and interest rates and a healthy dose of M&A.
February's stumble was short-lived and it wasn't long before the Dow was breaking 13,000 for the first time in history and the S&P 500 reclaiming the 1500-level for the first time in more than six years. The first-half run ended about a month ago when both indices peaked on June 4 with the blue-chip index just 324 points shy of 14,000.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shaved 13 points Friday, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite moved lower. For the week, the Dow rose 0.4%, the S&P 500 ended flat while the Nasdaq rose 0.6%. The S&P ended the second quarter with a gain of 5.8% while the Nasdaq posted a three-month gain of 7.5%.
What does the second half have in store of investors? We asked some top market watchers and strategists to share their insights and predictions. Here is a sampling of CNBC's coverage.
Abby Joseph Cohen: Still Bullish
In a special edition of "Power Lunch at the Four Seasons," Abby Joseph Cohen, the chief U.S. investment strategist at Goldman Sachs, stood by a prediction from earlier this year: The S&P 500 will hit 1600 in 2007 -- "based on the idea that profit is [still] good."
S&P investors needn't fear a timid Federal Reserve, says Cohen. She assumes the Fed will continue to "stay neutral" -- and remains confident that, even without rate cuts, the S&P will be buoyed by "robust" industrials, and upper- and middle-income consumers "doing quite well."
Cohen says energy swings may not hurt the U.S. economy as much as some fear. She is more concerned" about the effects of seesawing fuel prices in other economies, such as China and India -- "who use a lot more energy per unit of GDP" than America does.
Cohen says growth in Europe and Japan is proving "very helpful" to the U.S., which is "not only a huge importer, but is even more a huge exporter as well."
Buy Tech
Andrew Acheson, portfolio manager at Pioneer Independence Fund, told "Street Signs" that he expects the market to move higher -- despite concerns about the subprime loan market.
"I think the market can continue to do well throughout the year," Acheson said. "The valuations are still very reasonable, and inflation is under control. The Fed is vigilant, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic."
Acheson recommended technology stocks: "Technology is one area where I think there are still plenty of good opportunities," he said. "The valuations are relatively low –- not just in relation to their history, but other parts of the market." He cautioned that utilities have posted stronger-than-expected earnings growth but face increased regulation.
Rates, Risk: Make-or-Break Factors
On "Morning Call," Ned Riley, CEO of Riley Asset Management, and Alan Lancz, president of Alan B. Lancz & Associates, agreed that interest rates may be the prime stock market mover. But they split on where rates and stocks are headed, as the economy enters the fiscal year's second half.
Lancz declared that "interest rates, not oil, not private equity" will be the "No. 1 factor" dictating stock market activity in the second half. In early June, rate hikes rendered him bearish. He said that June "put risk back in investors' equation," citing rising rates, "subprime loans and higher energy" as stimuli for "more volatility and 100-point swings" in the future.
Riley is more optimistic: Despite $70 oil on Friday, he pointed out that "Right now, the inflation rate is in target for the Federal Reserve." He does not believe interest rates will rise, and cites "very apprehensive investors" in the market -- but insists that the "reasons everyone cites for a correction have already been discounted."
'Between Cautious and Bearish'
Charles Bobrinskoy, vice chairman and director of research at Ariel Capital Management, is "somewhere between cautious and bearish," while Patricia Chadwick, president of Ravengate Partners, "is not as worried."
On "Morning Call," Bobrinskoy cited "one more bubble that's yet to burst: leveraged debt." He believes that when bonds' "historic" tightness relative to Treasurys finally widens, it will hurt rates at which hedge funds borrow -- sending ripples throughout the markets.
Bobrinskoy recommends quality firms with less risk -- particularly, consumer brands.
But Chadwick is more cautiously optimistic, calling the underlying pinnings of the market "good." She believes that the valuation of the market is still attractive, and earnings growth is "definitely fair."


text:
fha credit score requirements can you refinance if you have bad credit 7 home refinance options For People With Bad Credit. – If you don't have an FHA mortgage, you can still get an FHA refi. You'll need a credit check, Stevens says. While the average credit score for this refinance is 680 to 690, homeowners with.FHA credit score requirements – Houston Texas FHA loans – minimum credit score for FHA loan. As mentioned above, there are two minimum credit score requirements for an FHA: (a) 580 with 3.5 percent down and (b) 500 with 10 percent down. However, an FHA loan is not a sub-prime loan program.how to mortgage a home Home Value: the appraised value of a home. This is used in part to determine if property mortgage insurance (PMI) is needed. Loan Amount: the amount a borrower is borrowing against the home. If the loan amount is above 80% of the appraisal then PMI is required until the loan is paid off enough to where the Loan-to-value (LTV) is below 80%.fha mortgage rate today KeyBank Mortgage Center | KeyBank – Walk you through every step of buying or refinancing your home. Combination You have funds for a 10% down payment. Two simultaneous mortgages, one for 80% of the home's value (LTV) and one for 10% LTV. The remaining 10% is your down payment. Eliminates the.
The Federal Housing Administration, under the umbrella of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, insures loans for all types of properties, including mobile homes. However, the FHA now exclusively uses the term manufactured home to refer to these dwellings, so information on mobile homes falls under that listing. It sets.
Start the mobile home loan application process, continue your application or launch the payment estimator to get started at 21st Mortgage Corporation today.
Mobile Home Loan Calculator. Try different interest rates and term lengths to find the right monthly payment for you. To use the Mobile Home Loan Calculator below, just enter the appropriate values into the fields below (or use the default values provided), and click the Calculate button.
Getting a low interest rate mobile home loan is very possible using the FHA mortgage program. The reality is that in many areas, manufactured homes, also known as Mobile Homes, are the primary residence of choice and one of the most difficult types of homes to get a competitive low interest rate home loan on.
The idea of living mortgage-free can be particularly enticing for individuals nearing retirement. At this time, it's also common for empty-nesters to consider selling the large family home in favor of.
how old do you have to be for a reverse mortgage Get Help : Most Frequently Asked Questions – Reverse mortgage – Q: How long will my estate have to pay off the reverse mortgage once it has been called due and payable? A: The reverse mortgage is to be paid in full once it has been called due and payable. You and/or your estate must work closely with your loan servicer to ensure your reverse mortgage is paid in full in a timely manner.
If you are considering buying a manufactured or modular home, traditional mortgage loans are available, but financing options may differ from traditional home lending for manufactured housing. Knowing available loan options before looking for a home can help you decide what choice is right for you.
Manufactured home & lot – $92,904 The maximum dollar limits for lot loans and combination loans may be increased up to 85 percent in designated high-cost areas. For further information on high-cost area limits, contact (800) CALL-FHA. Maximum Loan Term 20 years for a loan on a manufactured home or on a single-section.
A Title I loan may be used for the purchase or refinancing of a manufactured home, a developed lot on which to place a manufactured home, or a manufactured home and lot in combination. The home must be used as the principal residence of the borrower. Manufactured Homes Placed on a Leased Lot


text:
Opinions expressed here are the opinions of the author. Influencive does not endorse or review brands mentioned; does not and can not investigate relationships with brands, products, and people mentioned and is up to the author to disclose. VIP Contributors and Contributors, amongst other accounts and articles, are professional fee-based.
David Abrams is the Co-Founder of Demio, Founder of Systemize.ly, an Internet Marketing Strategist, Operations Geek, traveler, and philanthropist. He's created, built, and sold multiple internet softwares and is now focused on building the simplest webinar platform for marketing and sales (check it out at http://Demio.com).
Published March 23, 2017


text:
InDesign FX
InDesign FX is a collection of self-contained effects projects designed to be completed in ten minutes or less. Taught by expert Mike Rankin, the series explores every aspect of InDesign's graphic effects capabilities through real-world examples, all without relying on Photoshop or Illustrator. The intent is to reveal the quick, practical, and sometimes surprising application of InDesign effects to creative projects.


text:
Calls to the helpdesk are always frustrating to the user. It has to be – otherwise, they would not have called. Yet many of those answer the phones have forgotten that this is the customer service business, and the focus must be on the service and on the customer, not just on the customer's computer.
In light of that lack of support, here are a number of tips for those who may step into the software technical support field.
Tips for users and support staff to solve the problem:
1. Close the application and try again.
2. If this doesn't solve the problem, log off, then log back in and try again.
3. If in doubt, reboot the computer.
4. If still in doubt, you have the option to reboot or use a real boot.
5. If the computer doesn't come back up after the reset button was pushed, check to see if they hit the power button, instead of the reset button, though usually by mistake.
6. If you on the helpdesk don't know what the problem is, they certainly don't. So never admit that you don't know. Instead, offer to escalate the issue. This is a way to redirect the call to someone who can help. This "escalation" may simply be a transfer of the call to someone nearby who is more experienced in that area, not actually an escalation of the call to a senior software developer.
NOTE: In no circumstance should you hang up on the customer and count it as a completed call for your metrics.
7. If they call you by mistake instead of the correct phone number, instead of redirecting them to the correct helpdesk and leading them on a goose chase, try step 1. You get credit for the ticket, and they get helped.
8. Remember that to the customer, every problem is critical.
9. If you get three or more tickets about the same error, call the big guns in. The server/software is down or this is a serious big.
10. If the problem is big, such as on the server, it is amazing how many big problems are solved by step 1 on the server's side.
11. There is no such thing as too much server memory space.
12. There is no such thing as too little CPU power.
13. If the users have problems right after upgrading Windows or Internet Explorer, that's the cause of their problem.
Those are some simple tips for technical support staff as well as general users. These tips are good for use by anyone and can solve the majority of computer-related problems. Also, the more you know, the better off you'll be.


text:
Consumer Advisory: Short-term health plans can fall short
Not covering pre-existing conditions and the limits on benefits could leave consumers with big medical bills.
DENVER (August 1, 2018) – Short-term health insurance plans, also called limited duration policies, may look attractive because of their low monthly premiums. However, consumers need to weigh those low premiums against the limited benefits in such plans to determine if short-term plans truly fit their health and financial needs.
So how could inexpensive health insurance plans be a problem?
"Short-term plans are cheap for a reason - they typically exclude pre-existing conditions that people have and they can cap the amount of coverage they provide," said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. "Because many people will need more coverage than these plans offer, what consumers end up paying out of their own pocket could easily surpass any savings from low premiums."
As the Federal government has released new rules loosening restrictions on these plans, the Colorado Division of Insurance, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, wants people to be aware of the many shortcomings of short-term plans.
Comparison of Features - ACA-compliant health plans* & Short-term plans
|Coverage / Feature
|ACA-Compliant Plans
|Short-Term Plans
|Discriminate against applicants due to pre-existing conditions / health history.
|Short-term plans can deny coverage or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.
|Provide Coverage of Essential Health Benefits, including prescription drugs and other routine services
|Short-term plans can exclude benefits such as in-patient hospital stays, outpatient surgery, and prescription drugs.
|Allow dollar limits on coverage
|Short-term plans can set coverage limits for the policy period for things such as hospital stays or surgeries.
|Provide preventive care at no cost to members
|YES, but exclusions apply
|Colorado law requires both ACA plans and short-term plans to cover preventive care, however short-term plans may not cover certain preventive procedures at 100%.
|Limit the number of factors to vary insurance premiums
|While ACA plans can only vary premiums based on geography, age, tobacco use and number of people covered (single vs. family plan), short-term plans can vary rates due to any number of factors, including health conditions.
* An insurance plan providing essential health benefits, has established limits on cost-sharing (deductibles, co-payments and out-of-pocket maximums), and meets other requirements to be considered minimum essential coverage.
How short-term plans might cost you more
"People understand that there are some differences in health insurance plans, but for the most part, they think the differences are minor, and that all plans have similar requirements and cover pretty much the same things, " said Dayle Axman, Director of the Life & Health section of Consumer Services in the Division. "While plans that conform to ACA requirements are more similar, things that sit outside of those requirements, such as short-term plans, are a world apart. Consumers need to know that if they are considering such limited coverage."
Short-term plans can discriminate against applicants because of their health history, meaning that for people with pre-existing conditions, the companies can completely deny coverage, or exclude services related to that condition. You or your family member's asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or allergies may not be covered. Even pregnancy would be considered a pre-existing condition. Because these plans are not required to meet the minimum essential coverage requirements under the ACA, they also don't have to cover many routine services such as in-patient stays, outpatient surgery and prescription drugs.
While the new federal rules allow such plans to last up to 12 months, and be renewed for a maximum period of 36 months, Colorado law only allows short-term plans to last up to six months. And although consumers can buy another plan when the first one ends (as long as the total coverage time doesn't exceed 12 months), it is important to understand that the second plan will be a new plan, not a renewal of the first plan. Medical conditions that were covered by the first plan will likely be considered pre-existing conditions under the second plan and may not be covered.
Short-term plans often have limits on benefits. So, if you have a serious illness or accident, you could hit that limit very soon and be stuck with the lion's share of some very large bills. Even if you're healthy, an accident that lands you in the hospital will quickly burn through a hospital limit of a few thousand dollars. In considering a short-term plan, you have to think about whether or not you can afford those costs.
Weighing your options
"Short-term plans can be problematic for consumers," said Debra Judy, Policy Director at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI). "The lack of coverage for pre-existing conditions, the annual and lifetime limits, the benefit exclusions - these are all factors that will leave consumers exposed to high medical bills. Any consumer considering a short-term plan should be aware of the severe limitations of such coverage."
Are there times when a short-term plan could work? Yes, when you need minimum coverage for a short period of time and you have no other health insurance options. Added Commissioner Conway, "Even when short-term plans might be a reasonable option, you have to be prepared to pay for most of your medical costs because of the skimpy coverage they offer."
Before buying a short-term plan, you should carefully consider the health services and insurance benefits you need. See how those needs fit with other types of health insurance as well as short-term plans. Remember, cost considerations should go beyond monthly premiums. Ask yourself these questions. Can you afford the higher monthly premiums of more traditional health insurance? Can you afford the high out-of-pocket costs beyond the monthly premium of a short-term plan? Put another way, will those low monthly premiums cost you more in the end?
If health insurance is important to you and your family - you have an existing health condition, you have small children, you are, or are considering becoming, pregnant, you take prescriptions to treat a condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma, or you just have an active lifestyle - this is an important decision. Low monthly premiums for short-term plans may look good, but with their limited coverage you could get stuck with high medical bills that definitely won't save you any money.
The DOI can help
While the Division of Insurance can't tell you which health insurance plan is right for you, we can help guide you through the questions to ask in making your choices, as well as helping you to understand the terminology, concepts and processes. Our dedicated Consumer Services team helps people untangle the complex world of insurance, as well as investigating formal complaints about insurance companies or insurance agents. Contact us at 303-894-7490 / 1-800-930-3745 (outside of the Denver metro area) / firstname.lastname@example.com, or for more information, visit AskDORA.colorado.gov and click the "health insurance" tab.
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit dora.colorado.gov/insurance for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 1-800-886-7675.
Media Contact:
Vincent Plymell
Division of Insurance
p: 303-894-2261 | c: 303-910-9614


text:
Henrietta Garnett
What Katey May Have Done
Katey: The Artist Daughter of Charles Dickens
By Lucinda Hawksley
Doubleday 398pp £33 order from our bookshop
There is a price to pay for being the daughter of a national celebrity, and Katey Dickens had to pay more than most for being the daughter of Charles Dickens. Born in 1838, his favourite out of the ten children, Katey, a spirited little girl whose nickname was 'the Lucifer Box', enjoyed a privileged, fairytale childhood. Dickens was enjoying the fruits of his phenomenal success, family life had not yet gone sour or fame become a problem. There were holidays at Broadstairs, Boulogne and Genoa. Admittedly, these interludes were fraught with terrible incidents: Katey and her siblings watched aghast as their Uncle Fred narrowly missed drowning; on another occasion their landlord and his daughter went raving mad and had to be taken away in straitjackets; their mother, Catherine, was nearly killed when the carriage horse bolted; the Punch cartoonist John Leech hit his head on a rock and was only saved by the application of twenty leeches to his forehead while Dickens mesmerised him back to life. In Genoa, Katey fell ill and insisted on being nursed by her father, who sat 'beside her bed, holding her feverish little hand in his'. Nevertheless, the Italian holiday was a success and when Katey recovered, she and her sister Mamie were taught to dance; Lucinda Hawksley can imagine how 'the palazzo lit up with torches and lanterns as the residents danced and drank and laughed together, with all the children running around the darkened gardens, playing hide-and-seek among moonlit fountains'. Back in England, the Dickens girls' best friends were Thackeray's daughters, Anny and Minny. There were unforgettable Christmas parties, charades and theatricals. Katey showed some talent for drawing and was sent, aged thirteen, to art classes at Bedford College.


text:
After living in her townhouse for 12 years, Agi Thompson felt an urge to move.
She found a real estate agent and toured a number of homes in northern Palm Beach County. But the search left her frustrated. Homes were more expensive and less plentiful than she expected.
Related: The shrinking yard: New homes grow bigger, lots get smaller
"There isn't that much around, and I'd still have to pay $150,000 or $200,000 more than I could get for my place," Thompson said. "Sometimes you look around and you realize what you have is pretty darn good."
So Thompson changed her mind about moving, and instead embraced an option that countless homeowners are turning to: She plans to stay in her Palm Beach Gardens townhouse and hire a contractor to gut her kitchen and redo a bathroom.
Americans are remaining in their homes longer than at any time in recent memory. Homeowners who sold this year had been in their homes for a median of 10 years, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Before 2009, home sellers typically lived in their homes for just six years before moving on.
The trend reverberates through the housing market. With homeowners staying in place for longer, fewer homes come on the market. Realtors in Palm Beach County and nationwide lament a lack of properties for sale, as do buyers like Thompson.
"For the price, she felt like she just couldn't get the value," said Kevin Spina, a Keyes Co. agent who showed Thompson a number of homes for sale.
Her decision to stay and renovate is an increasingly common one.
"I'm seeing clients I sold houses to 10 years ago, 12 years ago still sitting in the same homes," Spina said.
It's a reality that limited the choices Thompson found as she considered a move. And, of course, by not moving, she's keeping her property off the market.
"Longer tenures and a lack of new construction are both contributing to the current shortage of existing single-family homes on the market, particularly in the price ranges that are attainable for up-and-coming working families," said Brad O'Connor, chief economist for the Florida Realtors trade group.
Homeowners' longer stays are part of the reason that home sales have yet to return to pre-recession levels. Before the housing crash, national levels of home sales regularly topped 6 million units a year. Since the crash, sales routinely have fallen below 5 million — despite a growing population, a rebounding labor market and a stock market that has soared to record levels since Donald Trump's election.
Staying and renovating is a way to cope with a seller's market characterized by tight inventories and rising home prices.
"By staying put, they avoid the frustration of shopping for a home in this limited, seller's market," said Brad Hunter, chief economist of HomeAdvisor, a site that matches owners and contractors. "Some people are saying, 'It's a nightmare out there trying to find a home, so I'm just going to make my house my dream home.'"
For renovation contractors such as Marty Wallach of Boynton Beach, the renovation boom is a welcome trend.
"I'm having a banner year, and I'm booked up all through next year," said Wallach, owner of Wallach Builders & Remodeling. "The floodgates are open on the remodeling market, that's for sure."
According to HomeAdvisor, many homeowners are investing in such projects as outdoor kitchens, high-end landscaping, solar water heaters and swimming pools.
"These are the kinds of things you wouldn't do if you were planning to sell your house in the next year," Hunter said.
For homeowners, staying in a home for years or decades can be a wise financial move. By not selling, they build equity and avoid real estate commissions that typically cost 5 percent to 6 percent of the cost of the home. They also avoid moving costs and the closing costs associated with taking a new mortgage.
The trend of homeowners staying in place might intensify, in part because of rising interest rates. While mortgage rates have held at rock-bottom levels since the Great Recession, economists expect rates to begin climbing, from less than 4 percent in late 2017 to 5 percent in late 2018.
Homeowners can't take their cheap mortgages with them when they move, and the thought of taking out a loan at a higher rate might turn off some potential sellers.
Meanwhile, Congress is considering a proposal that would take away a tax incentive for quick sales. Under current tax law, married taxpayers who sell a home need not pay taxes on the first $500,000 in capital gains so long as they've lived in the property for two of the past five years. The House tax plan would lengthen that period to five of the past seven years.
"We may have more homeowners staying put for longer," said National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "That may pull inventory back even further."
Florida's property tax system also encourages owners to stay in place. Because the taxable value of homesteaded properties can rise no more than 3 percent a year, longtime owners reap the benefits of low property tax bills.
But moving to a more expensive home resets the clock on the Save Our Homes cap, a consideration that figured into Thompson's calculus about moving. Before moving into her current home, Thompson said, she routinely moved every few years.
"I used to be the five-year girl," Thompson said.


text:
Edward S Rhee
Podiatrist Baton Rouge
Address: 9050 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815
Phone: 3237331500
Website: Orthopedic doctors
Description - Edward S Rhee Podiatrist Baton Rouge
Doctor Edward S Rhee specialist Podiatrist. The address of the doctor's office is 9050 Airline Hwy. You can see the map to us on the interactive map. Find other doctors in Baton Rouge


text:
Get To Know Us
Our Programs
Valley Springs Youth Ranch provides residential treatment for young men ages 6-21 by utilizing behavior modification and therapeutic services. To more effectively meet the needs of our clients, we offer three levels of programming:
Level IV – Intensive Treatment Unit:
Level IV provides treatment in a locked, secure, highly-structured environment. Each resident has his own room while they learn new coping skills. The goal of the Intensive Treatment Unit is to provide a safe place to learn with the opportunity to move to a less restrictive setting.
Level III
The units of Level III provide residents the opportunity to learn and grow in an open cottage environment and require less structure. They may attend school on campus or at the Lesterville Public School campus. The goal of Level III is to prepare residents for a less restrictive environment such as home with their family or transitional living.
The Girls' Program at Valley Springs Youth Ranch is a Level III and IV structured programs that combine therapeutic residential treatment with opportunities for learning practical skills such as preparing menus and cooking, laundry, money management and other life skills. The residents live in Murphy House and graduate out to Omega. The house is designed to provide a home-like environment. Omega House has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, dining room, living room and three bedrooms. The girls are assigned a Case Manager and a primary Therapist. The girls' therapist and other facility therapists will provide group therapy and the primary therapist will provide individual therapy.
The girls attend school at the Lesterville Public School, Ranch Campus with the opportunity to attend the public school with the recommendation of the Ranch Campus staff and the treatment team which includes the therapist, case manager, direct care staff and program director. When they achieve the appropriate level, they may participate in Lesterville Public School sports teams.
Education at Valley Springs Youth Ranch is provided by Lesterville Public School. The Ranch Campus is fully accredited and offers small classes, individualized plans, and mastery learning including accelerated reading and math programs. All of our teachers are certified in Special Education. Ranch Campus students are eligible for team sports and other extra-curricular activities.
Lesterville Ranch Campus School
The Lesterville R1V School operates a unique, fully accredited alternative school on grounds at Valley Springs Youth Ranch. The school has been tailored to the needs of the residents and is a wrap around program with Valley Springs Youth Ranch. The Ranch School has fully certified and highly trained staff and state of the art technology in every classroom. Students are taught all the basic subjects as well as classes in careers, personal finance, personal development and life skills. They learn money and banking skills, how to get and keep a job, how to choose a career, find a home, get insurance, ect. The classes are very small, usually no more that 6 students, with a teacher and aide in each class. The instruction is individualized to the need of each student.
Mastery learning is required in all classes. Therefore, all assignments must be mastered with a score of at least 70%, or it will be re-taught and re-done. This promotes self esteem and success, as students realize that they are earning good grades and credits. Students are not suspended at the Ranch School. We work to teach appropriate behaviors and hold students accountable for inappropriate behavior. We value our time with them and believe that the more time they spend in school, the more time we have to teach them appropriate behaviors.
Therapeutic Services
All residents are provided with an individual licensed therapist who is available for weekly individual therapy. Daily group therapy is provided as well. In addition, therapeutic services may include treatment for substance abuse, trauma therapy, anger management, crisis intervention, grief and family therapy.
Valley Springs offers a wide variety of activities including horseback riding, camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing, painting and team sports. Soccer and basketball camps are held every summer. Residents also have the opportunity to work with animals including horses, a dog, donkeys, llamas, chickens and goats.


text:
The Michelago Fire Brigade is one of many Brigades in the Monaro area that form part of the Rural Fire Service. It is based in the village of Michelago and provides quick response to fires and other emergencies in the area. Membership is made up entirely of volunteers. The Brigade meets for training at 11.00 a.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Anyone who is interested in participating is very welcome.
Ring 000 or the Michelago Fire Brigade Captain (Brent Wallis) on 0435 794 432.
General Enquiries
e.g. Fire Permits, Brigade Membership, Community Education
Brent Wallis (Captain): 0435 794 432
For more information about training, who to contact and how to get involved, please download the information sheet (pdf, 235Kb).
The Michelago Region Community Association (MRCA) represents our local community and is actively involved in advancing the interests of Michelago and region. We need your ideas, so please consider joining!
The subscription for 2020 is still a mere $10 per person or $15 per family. Just fill in our membership form (pdf, 144Kb) and email to email@example.com or drop at the store.
MRCA meetings are normallyheld monthly at the Michelago General Store at 6:30pm on the first Tuesday of the month. Due to Covid-19 social disctancing rules the meetings will be held as video conferences. We welcome your participation and will post details of the next meeting shortly.
Check out our Facebook page for updates.
© Michelago Region Community Web Site 2017 . All Rights Reserved.


text:
Is Everyone Except Me on a Fitness Journey?
November 8, 2017
Ever since the end of high school in 2014, I started noticing that a lot of my peers were starting to get crazy fit.
Some of them were getting fit because of breakups with boyfriends or girlfriends, or because of sports, but all in all, everyone was fit.
Just about every morning, I would wake up to a picture of a girl flexing her buttocks in the big reflective mirrors or a video of someone benching a 200 pound weight on Instagram.
If it wasn't on Instagram, it was on Twitter. Tweets like, "I can't wait to gym after school" or "It's leg day" were constantly on my feed.
After three years, nothing has changed. Everyone on my social media is on a fitness journey, maybe even more so now.
Famous fitness gurus on social media such as Kayla Itsines, Cassey Ho, Jay Cutler and many more are inspiring many teens and adults to become a better them.
Heidi Lao, a liberal studies major at Fresno CIty College, says she enjoys working out here and there.
"I have been working out on and off after high school," Lao said. "I like to work out because it makes me feel a lot better at the end, but I don't work out everyday like most people."
Lao said she follows many fitness influencers on social media, and likes to see their progress which motivates her to go to the gym sometimes.
When it comes to me, I wish I had the motivation that many of these people do.
I would love the toned abs and leg muscles, but I seem to always have an excuse not to go to the gym.
It is either I need sleep because four hours of sleep isn't enough, or it's that I had a long day and I would rather relax.
It is not that I do not love myself enough to work out— I love myself and the body.
Yes, I would love some tweeks to my body, but I seem to lack the motivation and perseverance to work out.
Gabby Angulo, a high school classmate of mine, said she started her fitness journey in high school because of the pressures of being fit.
"I work out now because I love it," Angulo said. "When I was in high school, I felt like I had to be a certain way."
Hopefully one day in the near future, I will be able to make time and put in the effort to start my own fitness journey.


text:
Two weeks ago, an internal Federal Communications Commission (FCC) memo was leaked, calling to remake today's neutral Internet into a 'pay to play' system like cable TV. If set in motion, these rules would abolish the Internet's longstanding the concept of Net Neutrality, or nondiscriminatory access online. After the document was leaked, hundreds of thousands of Internet advocates flooded the … Read More
World Leaders Pave the Way for a Corporate Coup d'Etat: How to Stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Negotiations for the world's biggest trade deal have been conducted in total secrecy over the last four years. What's worse, deliberations are being held between world leaders and multinational corporations that are paving the way for a global corporate coup. The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) consists of twelve Pacific Rim countries: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, … Read More
PBS Mask of Respectability Sells Iran Nuclear Propaganda
There are few things more harmful to the public discourse than the cloak of false respectability – especially on a nationally or globally disseminated news network. When corporate media broadcasts propaganda, a benighted public is duped into believing the twaddle of stark raving mad political ideologues as though they were the very words of Socrates by satellite. The mainstream's reach … Read More
BP's PR Machine & Toxic Enterprise of Criminal Negligence
The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill dumped 172 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico and caused a holocaust of sea creatures. As a result, tens of thousands of Gulf residents are now suffering – both emotionally due to a loss of livelihood and physically due to contamination. Earlier this month, Gulf victims won a major battle … Read More
Incarceration: a New American Pastime
In 1984, a newly formed company Corrections Corporation of America acquired the United States' very first corrections facility contract for the state of Tennessee. This was the first time in American history that a private, for-profit corporation would control and care for the nation's incarcerated. Over the next 28 years, the power and reach of the privatized prison system consumed over … Read More


text:
As I drove home last week along Route 299, I wondered about the effectiveness of the large numbers of political campaign signs lining the sides of the road. I also thought about the motivation behind the candidates' decision to display them and what they thought they achieved. Did they believe that the signs influenced voter behavior?
A search of the internet and a review of the surprisingly few published research articles on the impact of political signage showed that there is no credible evidence whatsoever that these intrusive signs influence voter behavior. The only thing they seem to accomplish is some degree of name recognition. Researchers have found that if you put someone's name on a road sign, more people will recognize that name in a list shown to them a few hours and days later.
President Obama demonstrated during his 2008 campaign that he understood the results of this research when he eschewed the use of campaign signs. He knew he enjoyed a 100% name recognition score so what difference would they make? As a result, Obama supporters requesting a sign for their yard were actually charged a fee. Many chose to pay the fee, so it seems that supporters at least appear to like the signs. On the other hand, as we all well know, yard signs don't vote.
So what is the rationale behind the decision of politicians to purchase the signs and the effort of volunteers to place them on every available patch of ground? The justification for this blight on our landscape at election time generally seems to be, "we've always done it that way" or "my opponent is doing it so I have to as well."
And the cards and letters
As if we needed more reminders that U.S. voters go to the polls on the first Tuesday in November, my mailbox this fall was the receptacle for 51 cards, letters and various other pieces of mail in support of or in opposition to one of the many candidates hoping to be elected.
Do these mailings make a difference? It turns out there are even fewer academic studies of mailer impact than political signage impact. The best that can be said of the mailers is that some meagre evidence exists which indicates that both positive and negative mailers stimulate the 'intent to turn out' to vote. Again, no evidence at all that actual voter turnout takes place or that the mailers have any impact on which particular candidate receives a vote.
One thing we do know about political signs and direct mail is that about half of those candidates who use them get elected each November. These are much better odds than you get in a casino. So, just as people will continue to gamble, politicians will continue the tradition of using signs and direct mailings. Superstitious behavior works that way.
What about "Vote No" signs?
Voters in the New Paltz Central School District were confronted with at least two very large yard signs and one piece of direct mail urging them to vote 'no' on the $52.9 million capital improvement project recommended by the members of the Board of Education. Did the signs and letter impact the vote? Well, there was a 50% chance from the outset that the result would be negative, and it was. Out of a total of 2,610 votes cast, 1,380 were 'no'. Thus 53% of the voters were pleased with the outcome while 47% were disappointed. One day social science research may in fact be able to tell us to what extent "Vote No" signs and mailers impact voting behavior, but it has yet to provide us with a definitive answer.
There will no doubt be much discussion among supporters of the project as to what went wrong. The number of those eligible to vote in the New Paltz Central School District is 13,035. Given the current approximate enrollment of 2,200 students in our schools, it seems reasonable to estimate that between 1,000 and 1,500 of these voters are the parents of our community's school children. I know that some of them were disappointed that the proposition failed. With only 150 votes having made the difference (less than a three percent margin), and only 20% of the eligible voters in our community having turned out to vote, these numbers would appear to represent a logical talking point for any future strategic planning.
Another discussion point in the months to come will be whether those who voted 'no' will attend upcoming School Board meetings, engage individually with School Board members and speak out in other ways as to what they see as the best way forward for our school district. We certainly know what these voters don't want. Less clear is what they do want. Perhaps it's time to let the School Board members know.


text:
Sorry for being late, as so many postings flooded my reader list, this beautiful challenge has been missed. But this is my combination between blue and yellow. Enjoy it..
Bank Indonesia Museum, Jakarta
Salam Manis
I am a language, travelling, and culture lover from Indonesia . I love reading, traveling, photographing, writing and of course blogging. This is all about Indonesia especially my surroundings. You are the most welcome to visit and explore here.
ondelondelnya punya dua soang..


text:
Enter Dates
Enter your dates for accurate availability
Tekwane North, South Africa
Tekwane North Satellite TV Accommodation
Tekwane North in Mpumalanga
Casambo Exclusive Guest Lodge
Tekwane North Self-catering
Sleeps 21 in 6 rooms
Casambo Exclusive Guest Lodge is situated between White River and Nelspruit and just a short drive away from Kruger National Park. The private retreat is...
- Swimming Pool
- Braai/Barbecue
- On-site Parking
Avg per night
Avg per night
Tekwane North Satellite TV Accommodation
If you are looking for Tekwane North holiday accommodation , Travelstart has a selection of Self-catering, holiday accommodation in Tekwane North and surrounds. With 1 listings in Tekwane North, our handy Tekwane North map search and great low prices, it's easy to book the perfect holiday accommodation for your Tekwane North visit.
You can choose from a wide range of Kruger Park safari lodge accommodation