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When Lageshia Moore and her husband found their home in 2006, they thought it would be a perfect place to raise their family. The $549,000 Far Rockaway, N.Y., duplex even had future income potential if they could find a reliable tenant and rent out one half of the house.
In order to purchase the property and avoid primary mortgage insurance, the couple took out two mortgages to cover the costs.
Like millions of Americans who purchased homes at the peak of the housing bubble, their timing could not have been worse. Moore, a teacher, left her job in 2007. It soon became impossible to meet their $4,000 total monthly mortgage payments. By the summer of 2008, they were deep in default, and the recession sent their home value plummeting.
They were officially underwater on their house, and the family was living solely on Moore's husband's income as a driver. Eventually, they were notified that their lenders had begun the foreclosure process.
"Some people might say, 'OK, just get a new house.' But it wasn't that simple," Moore said. "This was the house where we were raising our family. My husband is very proud and homeownership means a lot to him — so we weren't going to just let it go."
Instead, Moore and her husband did what many families facing foreclosure do: They began looking desperately for "foreclosure relief" companies, law firms, and groups who promised help. A nonprofit connected them to a court-appointed attorney, but it didn't stop the foreclosure process. So they turned to companies that advertised foreclosure relief on radio stations and online.
Over the course of six years, the family handed over thousands to a handful of relief groups they thought could stop the foreclosure. "We were desperate, and we thought, 'OK, we'll hand over this money to someone and they'll just fix it,'" Moore said.
One of those foreclosure relief companies was Florida-based Homeowners Helpline, LLC. In 2015 the family gave the company a total of $6,000: an initial $2,000 down payment, and then $1,000 in four monthly installments. By that time Moore had found a new job, but the family hadn't paid the full mortgage amount in years.
Moore shared the contract with MagnifyMoney, in which Homeowners Helpline says it will "perform a mortgage loan review and audit," including actions like sending a cease-and-desist letter and a "Qualified Written Request" for information about the account to the family's lenders.
Here's what Moore says happened: Homeowners Helpline connected her family with a New York City lawyer who "kept asking for endless paperwork, month after month after month," and who eventually stopped answering their calls, she claims. They finally got in touch with him just before the house was set to go up for auction, she said, and he told them the efforts to stop the auction had failed.
"We were horrified," Moore said.
Homeowners Helpline told MagnifyMoney a different story. Sharon Valentine, a processor at Homeowners Helpline who worked on Moore's husband's case, said the family was slow to hand over needed paperwork and "unrealistic about their expectations."
Crucially, Valentine said, the family didn't tell Homeowners Helpline the house was actively in foreclosure until they mentioned the auction. "And then it was like, 'Wait, what?'" Valentine said. The company would have taken different actions had they known about the foreclosure proceedings, she added.
"We can't help you effectively if you don't give us all of the information and the paperwork," Valentine said. "In general, some clients come in and they hear their friend was able to get a 2% [mortgage] rate or cut their payments in half, and it's like, 'Well, that's a very different situation.' We try to help educate, but sometimes you can't change that expectation."
The Best Help is Free
But there is a free resource to educate panicked homeowners about expectations and provide foreclosure assistance — as well as help them avoid scam companies that will steal their money. NeighborWorks America runs LoanScamAlert.org, which aims to be a one-stop shop for people with questions about or problems with their mortgages.
The Loan Modification Scam Alert Campaign launched in 2009, when Congress asked NeighborWorks America to educate and help homeowners. LoanScamAlert.org offers resources including information about how to spot and report scams, and lists of trusted authorities who can help. Its main goal: Drive people to call the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline, at 888-995-HOPE (4673), which is staffed 24 hours a day by counselors who work at agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"We provide them with a single, trusted resource," said Barbara Floyd Jones, senior manager of national homeownership programs at NeighborWorks America. "It gets confusing when you see companies with all of these similar names advertising on the radio or TV, and then you have to research them. We want to let people know they don't have to pay a penny for assistance."
Anyone — regardless of income or other factors — can contact the counselor network to receive free advice and help. Homeowners aren't always aware of the myriad government-affiliated groups that can provide assistance, or of the federal and state programs created to speed loan refinances and modifications, Floyd Jones said.
"We can never promise that everyone will be able to save their home; there are a variety of circumstances," Floyd Jones said. "But we can promise a trusted counselor will listen, take a look at your paperwork if you want, and tell you all of your options."
In fact, if a homeowner grants permission, the counselor can contact the mortgage lender directly to discuss options to stop the foreclosure, modify the terms of the loan, or otherwise make a deal. If need be, homeowners will also be connected with vetted legal assistance — although Floyd Jones noted not every situation requires a lawyer.
True to LoanScamAlert.org's name, the hotline counselors also take complaints about mortgage-related scams: third-party companies that take the money and run, or slip in paperwork that unwittingly gets homeowners to sign over the deed to the house.
The Federal Trade Commission received nearly 7,700 complaints about "Mortgage Foreclosure Relief and Debt Management" services in 2016 — down from almost 13,000 in 2014, but still a significant figure.
"Stopping phony mortgage relief operations continues to be a priority" for the FTC, said spokesman Frank Dorman.
Both the FTC and LoanScamAlert.org offer tips to avoid scams — and to make sure you're taking advantage of all federal and state programs that could help.
Red Flags:
- They ask you to pay before any services are rendered.
- Pressure to pay a fee before action is taken, sign confusing paperwork, or hire a lawyer off the bat. As with any scam, fraudulent mortgage relief services rely on high pressure to push vulnerable homeowners into taking action. Companies shouldn't ask for "processing fees" or "service fees" early in the process, Floyd Jones said, as early foreclosure-stoppage efforts don't cost anything. Be wary of signing any document, as you could unwittingly surrender the home's title or deed to a scammer.
- They make promises they can't keep.Promises or guarantees they'll save your home from foreclosure — or even claims like "97% success rate!" No one can guarantee results.
- They say they're affiliated with the U.S. government.Companies that claim to have an affiliation with a government agency. Some scammers may claim to be associated with the government, charging fees to get you "qualified" for government mortgage modification programs like Hardest Hit Fund. You don't have to pay for these government programs — and lenders, particularly big banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, may be able to offer you their own modification options directly.
- They want you to send your mortgage payments to them.
Companies that tell you to start paying your mortgage directly to them, rather than your lender. They may promise to pass the money along, but they could pocket it and disappear.Companies that ask you to pay them through unconventional methods: Western Union/wire transfers, prepaid Visa cards, etc., instead of a check. They're trying to get your money in a way that's hard to trace.
As for Lageshia Moore and her husband, the family ultimately filed for bankruptcy — a move that can stop the foreclosure process, but only temporarily — and are now working with a law firm on a loan modification she hopes will reduce their payments to a manageable monthly sum. In giving advice to others, she reiterates the simplest but most important tip: "Just do your research."
"You're panicked, but you have to do your due diligence," she added. "Really sit down and weigh the pros and cons: foreclosure, short sale, etc. What does this process or contract really mean? It's an emotional time, but you have to try to keep the emotion out of it. That's what I would tell myself."
What to Do if You're Facing Foreclosure:
- Call a HUD-certified counselor at 1-888-995-HOPE. You'll get advice and help for free, and while counselors can't ever promise to save a home, they'll be happy to take a look at any paperwork or information about your case, contact your lender about options if you grant permission, and connect you with vetted legal assistance if need be.
- If you're not facing foreclosure yet, but you're worried that you're about to run into trouble, contact your mortgage lender's loss litigation department. They may be willing to work with you. Your lender can also tell you whether you'll qualify for government programs.
- Overall, don't let desperation stop you from taking the time to research any potential actions, including signing on with a relief company. Explore the company's background and track record. Check online for reviews from other homeowners — and be sure to look up phone numbers too. Many scam companies simply shut down, reopen under a new name, and retain the same phone number.
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Church Management Software
Posted 09 June 2005 - 02:00 AM
Posted 09 June 2005 - 12:40 PM
Posted 09 June 2005 - 12:54 PM
Posted 09 June 2005 - 01:58 PM
Does anyone know of a decent church management program for mac?
Here are two options I'm aware of, but I don't know enough about either of these packages to make a recommendation.
ChurchWorks by StarSoft Technologies
Roll Call by By The Book
Hope this helps.
David Lang
Accordance Developer
Posted 02 July 2005 - 07:42 PM
Posted 22 July 2005 - 02:03 PM
I have recently started looking into the same matter. I want a software package that has membership, giving and accounting all together. Several people have told me about CDM + and CDM Pro. These look very interesting. The Pro version which is around $795 will only run on OS X. I hope some actual users respond.
We use CDM Plus and it works for us - they are good on upgrades and support email me and I will have you contact our in office user.
Posted 22 July 2005 - 06:45 PM
Posted 05 August 2005 - 04:32 PM
We have two product lines. CDM Plus is for small churches and runs only in the Classic environment at this time and CDM+ Pro which is for any size church and is MacOS X native. The price of $795.00 for the Pro version quoted in this forum is for a single user version that includes membership, attendance, preaching aids, visitation, media ministry support, contributions, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting and payroll. We offer two other Pro programs, Event Registration and RoomMate Facilities Manager. In addition you can purchase multi-user and cross-platform licenses. A 3-user version of the above listed product is $995.00.
If you want more info please visit our website at http://www.cdmplus.com
I hope this helps and if I can be of any assistance, please email me.
Terry Hatmaker
I have attached a screenshot.
CDM__screenshot.tiff 194.54KB 123 downloads
Edited by terryhatmaker, 05 August 2005 - 04:39 PM.
Posted 06 August 2005 - 08:43 AM
Welcome to the Accordance Forum and thank you for the helpful information.
OakTree Software
Posted 29 March 2006 - 09:31 PM
Just as an FYI, we use Roll Call now and while it is a fine membership and contributions program, it does NOT handle church accounting. CDM is your best option at this point. We haven't made the move yet, but I did have dinner with Terry at an NACBA convention a few years ago and we are still considering making the change.
Where are you guys at on a universal binary for CDM+ Pro?
Edited by mythrenegade, 29 March 2006 - 09:33 PM.
Posted 08 April 2006 - 08:38 PM
Hi Terry!
Just as an FYI, we use Roll Call now and while it is a fine membership and contributions program, it does NOT handle church accounting. CDM is your best option at this point. We haven't made the move yet, but I did have dinner with Terry at an NACBA convention a few years ago and we are still considering making the change.
Where are you guys at on a universal binary for CDM+ Pro?
Hi Joel,
We have had some exciting new things happen since we last spoke. We have introduced an SQL Client Server Database backend for CDM+ products. We will have a universal binary version, but it will probably be in the fall when we release it. We have made a lot of changes to our product. I pray that things are going well at your church. Your vision was very inspiring and still moves me when I think about how God is working there.
Posted 21 June 2006 - 11:18 AM
Posted 21 June 2006 - 10:51 PM
I was doing some research on the internet on Church management software for MACs and I found this forum. We are looking into changing from a PC base to MACS and need a mgmt software. Are they any more comments out there on CDM+Pro? We are currently using ServantKeeper.
I am currently in Nashville for a meeting, but will be in my office on Friday. If you send me an email with your contact info, I can get you more information about CDM+. We have updated our software with standard and pro versions now. With this update, we have given churches more flexibility than ever. My email address is [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you.
Terry Hatmaker
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The day following the MLB All-Star Game is one of the worst for sports fans—and sportswriters—due to a lack of major sporting events. (Don't ask for help from MLS; they only had one match yesterday and none tonight.) Since baseball extended the break by a day, we're in the same sports vacuum today we were yesterday. Helpfully, Canadian cable resource Rogers SportsNet has provided a few ways to fill your unexpected free time.
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The Instruments and Mechanical Arts Conservation Laboratory
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The Instruments and Mechanical Arts Conservation Laboratory treats musical instruments from the decorative arts and folk arts collections. Musical instruments are primarily keyboards (harpsichords and spinets, pianos, and organs), but also include strings, brasswinds, woodwinds and drums. The lab also supports musical performances in the Historic Area through the fabrication and maintenance of reproduction instruments. In addition, the lab is responsible for the preservation of astronomical, optical and horological scientific instruments.
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Stroke is preventable. Make healthy changes to reduce your risk of stroke.
Review Date: Tuesday, December 01, 2015
National Health Information Center - NHICU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Aspirin can improve the flow of blood to the heart and brain. This reduces your risk of heart attack or stroke.
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This site offers information about why African Americans have an increased risk of stroke. Risk factors include higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia.
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African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with Caucasians. But there is hope. By following these three simple steps, you can help protect yourself against stroke.
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Learn about the use of aspirin therapy for patients who've had or are at high risk for a heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "little strokes").
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This fact sheet focuses on stroke risk factors and prevention. Learn the warning signs and treatable risk facts.
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Find a vascular screening in your area. Screening can help detect vascular disease prior to active warning signs and before a major medical incident such as stroke, or sudden death from aneurysm rupture.
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If you've had a stroke, your risk of having another one is higher than the stroke risk of the average person. Learn what you can do to reduce that risk.
Heart attack,stroke, and cardiac arrest are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
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This guide offers information to help you on your road to recovery from stroke, including post-stroke issues, prevention, exercises, and recommendations. The guide is available online, Print copies may be ordered by calling 1-800-STROKES.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. The good news is that treatments are available that can greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability.
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Post-stroke psychological emotions are"natural." They're part of adjusting to the changes brought by a stroke. Often,talking about the effects of the stroke and acknowledging these feelings helps stroke survivors deal with these emotions.
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People living with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart attack or stroke. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk of CVD.
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Learn about the risk factors you can control in order to prevent a stroke: High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol, birth control pills and patches, and more.
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When seconds count, can you spot a stroke? Take this quiz to find out.
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Smithfield CEO: China deal won't hurt food safety
WASHINGTON — Congressional lawmakers grilled the top executive at pork giant Smithfield Foods Wednesday about how the proposed $4.7 billion purchase of the company by China's largest meat producer might affect the U.S. food supply and agricultural producers.
CEO Larry Pope told a packed Senate hearing his company remains committed to producing safe and plentiful food if the deal is approved. He underscored the benefits he said would come from the takeover by Shuanghui International Holdings, including jobs and higher pork exports.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the U.S. to do what it does best: produce agriculture products and ship them around the world," Pope told the Senate Agriculture Committee. "This is an opportunity for U.S. pork producers to grow."
Pope said the merger would have "no noticeable impact on how we do business in America and around the world, except that we will do more of it."
But committee members from both parties appeared unconvinced.
APPROVAL NEEDED: Smithfield deal must get past secretive panel
CONCERNS: Smithfield workers wary over China deal
Lawmakers expressed concern the takeover would squeeze the U.S. pork supply by shipping more of the meat to China and leave the U.S. susceptible to food safety concerns that have plagued Chinese companies, including Shuanghui.
They also raised a host of other concerns, including what would happen to Smithfield's intellectual property and the impact of the deal on U.S. agriculture producers.
"In the short term, I know this deal looks good for our producers. This also needs to be a good deal in the long-term," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee. "One pork company alone might not be enough to affect our national security, but it's our job to be thinking about the big picture and the long-term for American food security and economic security."
Smithfield, founded in 1936 and based in Virginia, sells packaged products under its own name and other popular brands, including Farmland, Armour and Cook's. The company, the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, employs more than 46,000 people in 25 states and four countries.
Pope said the transaction would not lead to food imports from China. Instead, he said, it would open up the market for U.S. pork farmers by giving them more access to Shuanghui's large distribution system and millions of meat-hungry consumers in China, South Korea, Japan and other Asian countries.
Smithfield has stressed repeatedly that the merged company would keep its current management and facilities in place and maintain existing relationships with U.S. pork producers. Pope made those points again Wednesday.
The deal, which would be the largest takeover of a U.S. company by a Chinese firm, is expected to close later this year. Shareholders and regulators, including the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), which reviews such transactions for their impact on national security, must approve the merger.
Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and other lawmakers have called for the CFIUS review of the Smithfield deal to include the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration. Lawmakers met privately with CFIUS officials after Wednesday's hearing to ask questions about the Smithfield merger and the notoriously secretive review process.
The proposed takeover of Smithfield has stoked growing concern about an influx of foreign investment in the United States. Many expect cash-rich China to be an active player in the future, much to the dismay of Washington lawmakers reluctant to cede control of U.S.-owned businesses to the communist country.
"I think it is reasonable for you to expect a wave of Chinese investments into our food and agriculture industry, and this potential purchase is not a one-off," said Daniel Slane, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a government agency that monitors trade and economic relationships between the two countries. "Today, it's Smithfield, but tomorrow, it could be Consolidated Grain, ConAgra or Tyson Foods."
Slane said Shuanghui likely views the deal as a way to help minimize the risk of volatile commodity prices and to obtain Smithfield's valuable intellectual knowledge of meat processing and animal genetics.
"This is really all about control," he said. "The Chinese could easily go out and buy pork."


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The Zdeno Chara hit has sent the country, okay, mainly a few politicians, an airline, an entire province and now the Police, into a frenzy. It was seven years ago this past Tuesday that Todd Bertuzzi jumped Steve Moore and the reaction wasn't close to the emotional outcry that we are witnessing right now.
First it was the politicians trying to gain popularity. via the Toronto Sun:
"I simply don't understand what the NHL is thinking here," Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told reporters after the NHL made its decision. "It's up to the National Hockey League to protect its players. It's up to the National Hockey League to protect all the young kids playing the game. It's up to the National Hockey League to act and I can tell you, there is strong feeling in the House of Commons that if they don't act, then, you know, we should get involved. No politician wants to get involved in this, it's not our business. But as a citizens, as a fan, I think it's outrageous."
The Chara hit came up during daily Question Period in the House of Commons minutes before the NHL released its decision.
NDP MP Glenn Thibeault, who has been pushing new legislation to reduce concussions and other serious injuries in amateur sports, told the House the Chara hit was more evidence new rules are needed.
Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn said the government had been consulting with national sporting organizations on the issue.
"It is something that we hope that the NHL also takes very seriously. This type of hitting is unacceptable," Lunn said. "We would do everything to ensure that NHL does not allow this kind of action to continue."
I'm sure all of us are happy that the Liberals, NDP and Conservatives are so concerned about the game. I'm not sure what new rule Thibeault would like put in, but based on their track record I'm sure they will follow up with a comprehensive study and actually try and do something to lessen concussions.
Or they might put as much work into reducing concussions as they have into making our criminal system more fair.
Then Air Canada sent a letter to Gary Bettman. Here is a portion of it.
"We are contacting you (Wednesday) to voice our concern over (Tuesday night's) incident involving Max Pacioretty and Zdeno Chara at the Bell Centre in Montreal," wrote Vandal. "This is following several other incidents involving career-threatening and life-threatening headshots in the NHL recently."
Vandal noted the controversial issue is becoming bad for Air Canada's brand.
"From a corporate social responsibility standpoint, it is becoming increasingly difficult to associate our brand with sports events which could lead to serious and irresponsible accidents; action must be taken by the NHL before we are encountered with a fatality.
"Unless the NHL takes immediate action with serious suspension to the players in question to curtail these life-threatening injuries, Air Canada will withdraw its sponsorship of hockey."
Not only does Air Canada own the naming rights to Toronto's Air Canada Centre, it's believed they're a major corporate sponsor behind all six Canadian teams. Air Canada's head office is also located in Montreal.
Call me skeptical, but I wonder how much of this letter had to do with their head office being in Montreal, compared to the backlash of fans/flyers who choose West Jet because they aren't a major NHL sponsor? I might be naive in thinking that this is another case of head office pandering to the rationale and bias-free Montrealers.
Finally the Montreal Police got involved (via TSN)
Law enforcement got involved following a request by Quebec's director of criminal and penal prosecutions, Louis Dionne.
A spokeswoman for Dionne said that, after seeing television footage of the incident, he issued a recommendation to the provincial Public Security department that an investigation be opened.
The department then forwarded the file to police.
"The police investigation will be held. Like all police investigations, evidence will be gathered and an investigation report will be submitted (to the DCPP)," said spokeswoman Martine Berube.
"(The DCPP) will then evaluate to see whether there's grounds for prosecution."
Asked what kind of punishment could be assessed in a case like Chara's, she replied: "It's too early to say. That would depend on what charges are laid. That's a little difficult to predict at this point."
The move came amid a burst of outrage after the National Hockey League declined to suspend Chara.
Earlier Wednesday, Dionne's own office downplayed talk of a criminal investigation but hardened its tone hours later when the league announced no sanctions would be taken.
I wonder if the Police in Montreal would have investigated this hit if it was a Boston Bruin on the receiving end? I'm sure the police would have been inundated with calls from Montreal fans livid that an innocent Bruins player was so maliciously attacked on the ice.
To me this is clearly a case where passion and biased emotion has taken charge. Politicians, Air Canada and the Quebec police are pandering to the highly emotional Canadien fans. I will be very surprised if any of these three factions follow through on their threats. Sure there will be an investigation, but I don't see any charges coming.
Air Canada has made their point with their Montreal flyers and I don't see them pulling their sponsorship, while the politicians will jump on the next hot topic very quickly and we won't hear from them until another borderline hockey hit, where a Canadian-based team has one of their players injured.
Check out this Jack Johnson hit on Ryan Smyth.
One of the biggest arguments/complaints surrounding the Chara hit is that he knew where the "turnbuckle" was and deliberately drove Max Parioretty's head into it. Did Johnson do the same thing here? Outside of Don Cherry showing it on CBC was it ever talked about as much as the Chara hit?
I know Smyth had the puck, but many of the Chara haters suggested his hit was intentional, so was Johnson who was facing the "turnbuckle" just as guilty?
I love hockey, and I love how passionate Canadians are about the game, but in this case too many people have overreacted and have made it more personal than rationale.
That is disappointing.


text: There are two kinds of people. People who love buttermilk and that hate it. I happen to think buttermilk is wonderful. When we were kids a half gallon of buttermilk would disappear in about 10 minutes at our house. Buttermilk is good with pickles {new find}, beans and cornbread, barbq tater chips, and just plain good drinking. It helps me go to sleep after a 3 am. service call. It fills you up and satifys when on a diet. Borden regular butter milk is about 2 percent butterfat. Its good for making salad dressings and dips. I find after a sweat drenching 12 hour day working in the Texas coastal heat and humidity, buttermilk hits the spot. 5 years ago we had a long drawn out job for ADM and I happened upon a great cooldown combo. First drink one quart gatorade next drink one quart of LONESTAR beer and finish off with one quart BORDENS COUNTRY STORE Buttermilk. This along with a bag of chips will rehydrate you after a hot one!! We do not have the higher quality milk products of some other parts of the country but in TEXAS Borden brand buttermilk is the best that I have ever found. It will last months past its exp. date; some say because it is rotten to start with. Buttermilk is also a must for making biscuits and cornbread. What is your favorite buttermilk in your area of the country.


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Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is playing well to the nation: The New York Times recently declared that he had compiled a record that "is substantial and is positioning him for advancement." And Time magazine, proclaiming the mayor's "resurrection," compared his run to a "practically scripted" tale that once threatened to be a "box-office bomb" but now, because of his selection as chairman of the upcoming Democratic National Convention, was back on top (one predictable fact of national coverage of Los Angeles is its rote reliance on Hollywood metaphor).
That's the view from far away. Up close, it looks a bit different. Mark Lacter, the insightful business columnist at LA Observed, considered the national pieces on Villaraigosa and countered by asking whether the mayor had done anything to deserve it. His blunt answer: "Well, no."
And a private poll conducted last week confirms that Villaraigosa may be charming national pundits, but he hasn't turned many heads at home. That poll of Los Angeles County residents, conducted by political consultant John Thomas for a candidate in an unrelated race, found that 8% of those interviewed regarded Villaraigosa's performance in office as "excellent," compared with 31% who considered it "poor." Overall, 40% viewed the mayor favorably, while 56% had an unfavorable view (the poll reached 500 respondents and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points).
So, which is it? Is Villaraigosa risen from the dead, recovered from the messy breakup of his marriage and the meandering middle years of his tenure? Or is he stuck on zero, a disappointment to his supporters and a fulfillment of his critics' most scathing predictions?
The answer: He's somewhere in between. He is not suddenly clear of trouble. Nor is he without accomplishment or mission.
Last week, I sat down at Getty House with the mayor to discuss some of his recent initiatives. We spoke in the same room where, in 2007, he admitted to me that his marriage was in trouble. This time, during the hour we spent together, he was rambling and unfocused, hopping from topic to topic and complimenting himself, frequently. He displayed, in short, much of what has so tried the patience of even his most ardent admirers.
And yet, he showed his better self too. The mayor has long reached for ambitious targets, and during our meeting, even as he fought off a flu, he was laying plans to advance his education agenda and his innovative transportation and jobs program, known as America Fast Forward. If approved, it would allow the federal government to advance money to cities and counties to pay for transportation improvements. In the case of Los Angeles, that would mean that the county could use its half-cent sales tax, which voters approved largely because of Villaraigosa's persuasive campaign, to launch projects now that would be funded by the tax rather than spreading them out over 30 years as the sales tax money was collected. The federal government would chip in the money today, and Los Angeles would pay it back over time.
The measure, which is embedded in the larger transportation bill, is scheduled for votes later this month, and it has opposition. Conservatives are generally averse to federal support for public transportation, and in this election year, the Republican-led House in particular is reluctant to endorse anything that might boost support for President Obama. But the concept has picked up broad support across the center, in part because Villaraigosa has indefatigably stumped for it, collecting endorsements from more than 150 mayors of both parties.
That, incidentally, was no small challenge, as Republicans initially resisted a plan they feared meant more spending, and Democrats balked at one that required local taxes to repay federal money. Villaraigosa successfully forged a bipartisan base that is remarkable in today's America — both the House and Senate transportation bills include his initiative.
Villaraigosa may not get this bill, though he deserves to. He may not live up to Time's cliche of the "inspirational tale of a troubled boy from the gang-infested Boyle Heights neighborhood of East L.A. who makes good" (really, that's a quote).
Villaraigosa may look best to those who appraise him from far away. But give him credit where it's due. He will keep working, he said as we wound down, "to the last day." "Can I guarantee that we're going to succeed? No, but A for trying."
Jim Newton's column appears Mondays. His latest book is "Eisenhower: The White House Years." Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter: @newton_jim.


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Bravo. The Obama administration has announced that it will halt deportations of young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and who do not have a criminal record, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The move that could prove important in a presidential campaign that will turn in part on who wins over Latino voters. Effective immediately, young immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before they turned 16 will be allowed to apply for work permits as long as they have no criminal history and meet other criteria, officials said.
The change the White House announced Friday would allow illegal immigrants under the age of 30 to stay and work in the country if they don't pose a national security or public safety risk. Those who meet the criteria will be eligible to apply for deferred action on deportation for a period of two years, and that status will be renewable, one official said. They also will be able to apply for authorization to work.
The policy change will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who have lived in fear of deportation. It also bypasses Congress and partially achieves the goals of the so-called DREAM Act, a long-sought but never enacted plan to establish a path toward citizenship for young people who came to the United States illegally but who have attended college or served in the military.
The announcement comes on the 30th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Plyler vs. Doe. That's when SCOTUS struck down a Texas statute denying funding for education to undocumented immigrant children.
TIME's cover story this week "We Are Americans—Just Not Legally" takes on the DREAM ACT and undocumented immigrant youth. Jose Antonio Vargas, who is gay and undocumented, wrote the cover article. Vargas tweets that he is ineligible for the new policy.


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Product Description
Walltastic Mermaids Kids Wall Mural
Walltastic Mermaids will make your child discover a magical underwater adventure. Bring your room to life and explore the treasures of the ocean with the Mermaids.
Walltastic Mermaids Kids Wall Murals are the next generation of designer wallpaper murals for children. With a fantastic range of unique, exciting and highly detailed designs to choose from, ranging from tots to teens, there is something to suit all age ranges.
Walltastic Mermaids Kids Wall Murals are a wall covering that covers any wall area up to 8ft x 10ft. Each Walltastic Mermaids Kids Wall Mural comes in panels which means it is easily applicable and flexible according to how much space needs covering. It comes rolled up similar to wallpaper in a retail gift box and is a great addition to any child's bedroom, nursery or playroom.
The paper used on the Walltastic Mermaids Kids Wall Mural has been supplied by companies that adhere to the FSC™ Forest Management Programme and improve the quality of the environment and the forest eco-system
Walltastic's room stickers can be applied to any smooth surface, including walls, doors and furniture, even create your own wall mural!Walltastic Mermaids Wall Mural Measurements:
8ft high x 10ft wide / 243.84cm high x 304.80cm wide / 2.4384 m high x 3.048 m wide.
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Your wallpaper mural comes in panels. We make every effort to deliver a top quality product in perfect condition, by applying strict quality control procedures. Before applying paste, lay out your Walltastic mural to ensure that you are happy with the print and colour match and that it fits together correctly – Please note all joining edges are printed with an approximate 6mm overlap. If any defects are found please contact your supplier immediately. We do not offer exchanges or refunds once you have hung any part of your mural. Walltastic takes no responsibility for any damage caused to your mural after it has been delivered or during hanging.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the order of panel installation. Do not wait too long between installation of each panel or the panel designs will not line up correctly. Be prepared to proceed with each panel until the job is done before taking a break.
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1. Select panel number 1
2. Lay panel face down on a flat surface. Apply the wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the panel, allow the paste to soak for 1 – 2 minutes, do not lay the pasted sheets on top of each other and do not fold the pasted panel. It is very important to take extra care to make sure paste is applied to the edges. Try not to get paste on the printed side, apply the panel on to the wall using a soft cloth. Work from top to bottom and from left to right taking extra care not to overwork each panel.
If one of the panels gets too wet or overworked by repositioning, it will stretch and make lining up the pattern most difficult.
3. Carefully remove excess paste from the front of the mural using a soft cloth. Too much rubbing or cleaning will remove the ink from the paper.
4. Repeat steps for remaining panels , following the printed guidelines on each panel overlap all joining edges by approximately 6mm, this prevents the seams from showing after they dry. It is common for each panel of a wet mural to be 1.25cm larger than a dry panel of the mural as each panel expands once paste is applied.
5. Trim the excess edges carefully after the paper has dried.
I have put up the top panels. Why are the bottom panels smaller?
When you received your Walltastic mural all panels were the same size, paste has been applied to the top panels which have now expanded and once paste is applied to the bottom panels these will expand too and match the top panels which you have already installed.
Why do I get air bubbles and creases in my wallpaper, even when I've smoothed it out?
Bubbles can be caused by uneven smoothing. If you are still hanging the wallpaper and can see a bubble forming, simply lift the wallpaper just beyond the bubble & re-smooth over. If a bubble is identified after drying it is likely to be worsened by pricking or slicing with a needle or knife, as when attempting to smooth over, the slightly stretched section of wallpaper may not shrink back and as a result will cause creasing.
Another cause of bubbles is if not enough paste has been used.
Why have the panels shrunk back at the edges and the pattern no longer aligns?
Shrinking occurs when the wallpaper does not adhere sufficiently to the wall before the wallpaper paste dries. Most wallpapers expand when paste is applied. If the wallpaper is not adhered to the wall properly or if it is over-stretched the wallpaper will start to shrink back as it dries.
Walltastic All Purpose Wallpaper and Mural Adhesive
Item Code – 43121
• For Hanging All papers including Heavyweights, Washable, Mural, Vinyl and Blown Vinyl.
• Mixes in 30 Seconds
• Hangs up to 5 rolls of wallpaper or 1 complete Walltastic mural.
• Paste the Paper
• Contains a fungicide to protect the adhesive against mould.
• Always follow manufacturers instructions.


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By the time we hit the hot months of July and August, most folks would rather be sipping cold tea in their air-conditioned homes rather than working out in their gardens or mowing their lawns. By this time, garden chores such as mowing grass, weeding flowerbeds and tending to our vegetable garden have been a major part of our schedules throughout the spring and early summer months. While most gardeners are usually equipped with the proper tools to accomplish necessary tasks, there are a few oddball tools out there that may be worth taking a look at. Many of these tools are designed to accomplish specific jobs that would otherwise be very time consuming and much more frustrating. The right tools can definitely make the job easier and more enjoyable. Here is a quick look at some of the equipment out there and how to decide what you really need.>> read "Odd Tools for Odd Jobs" #Summer #Tools #Unusual
When I want to get a room full of gardeners engaged in a lively debate, I bring up the topic of tomatoes. A question that transforms shy, reserved types into outspoken, opinionated verbal wranglers is this one: "Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?">> read "Tomato: Fruit or Vegetable?" #Fruit #Misc #Unusual #Vegetables
Japanese gardens have weathered the test of time.
Principles originating centuries ago still guide and inspire garden designers in search of harmony and beauty. Japanese gardens are often described as beautiful, simple, serene and harmonious. For the aspiring designer, intimidating also comes to mind. Some design principles are consistent across all design disciplines, while others seem new and challenging to a Western-minded gardener. Let's explore the Japanese garden and discuss a few concepts that make this approach so enduring.
Repurposing all types of objects into creative and sometimes wacky planters is a major gardening trend so hop aboard and I will give you some of my ideas. I have long been a fan of this idea – whether antiques or something you discover in the attic or barn – repurposing provides a vessel with non-traditional flair. Nothing is out of bounds, often the quirkier it is the more impact it will have. So let your imagination run wild. Pursue the flea markets, rummage through grandma's attic or go picking in farm outbuildings, any object is fair game.>> read "Creative Containers" #Containers #Decorating #Unusual
When I first heard about hugelkultur from Paul Wheaton, it was a true "aha" moment. Why are gardeners working so hard to keep their plants watered during the drought of summer when Mother Nature is doing just fine all by herself? No one is watering the plants in the woods during a drought! If there's one thing that makes me want to throw in the gardening towel, it's wrestling with a kinked hose when it's 95 F and 100 percent humidity outside. Just imagine not having that nightmare to contend with anymore!>> read "Hugelkultur" #How to #Irrigation #Raised Beds #Unusual
Today, many once-popular horticultural trends are just as passé as swim-tops for men and iceberg lettuce in a salad. Remember when everybody had an air plant pinned to the curtains in most rooms of the house and gardeners were happy to have plain white petunias? If you don't recall those days of yore, you certainly will not remember the popularity once surrounding the Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss-cheese plant.
The botanical name, Monstera, is Latin for strange or monstrous, and points to some of the oddities associated with this rambling vine. These include aerial roots and large, glossy leaves full of deeply lobed cutouts and neatly cut round or oval holes, hence the common name Swiss-cheese plant.
It does not matter how you come to embrace growing plants inside. Indoor gardening, putting plants in containers rather than in the ground, is a unique style. The hobby consumes a plant lover's life no matter how innocently the introduction came about.>> read "'Leave' the Color" #Colorful #Ornamentals #Unusual
"Go big or stay at home." It's become one of my springtime battle cries. Like me, my garden is becoming mature, (perhaps overgrown?), with plants becoming more relaxed, settled in and, some may even say, sloppy. It cries out for some eye-catching eye candy, something with a stately presence.
Luckily, Midwest garden centers finally are embracing the beauty of the tropics, so big plants are not hard to find. And I'm not talking about hardy shrubbery. Elephant ears, papyrus and tiger-striped cannas beckon and find rides in my cart along with the premium annuals and promising perennials.
In the move toward more ecologically sound growing practices, there is no insect that has gotten more attention than the honeybee. Though the honeybee is surely worthy of all our efforts, let us not forget to focus our attention on the many other pollinators that provide an invaluable service and are also on the decline.>> read "Meet the "Other" Pollinators" #Beneficials #Insects #Unusual
Resplendent green rooftops provide benefits all year
Tall, slender stems of grass swish in the warm summer breezes, while coreopsis and coneflowers bob their heads, as if waving. They and dozens of other plants grow in a diverse garden planted on top of a garage in the middle of St. Louis, Missouri. If a person doesn't look up when walking or driving by, they'll miss seeing it.>> read "Gardening Up High" #Unusual #Urban Gardening
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Yes, I know that's an oxymoron, but this bit of humor illustrates it well:
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. Not sure if I got it, but I do have the bike.
Yes, I know that's an oxymoron, but this bit of humor illustrates it well:
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. Not sure if I got it, but I do have the bike.
Recently received a forwarded e-mail from a relative (step-brother-in-law):
"Here's you can have fun Snoping if you have time to kill. Makes you feel kinda sorry for the one white guy though."
The e-mail started with: ""Let's see here. I need to shower, shave, eat some oatmeal, put on my new Obama T-shirt, grab my 9mm and hold up a convenience store."
After that was a series of photos; the photos won't reproduce here, but description is enough: It was a series of mug shots, all but one of black men, all wearing Obama T-shirts and allegedly convenience store robbers. The comment that followed the photos was:
Just think about this for a second: Did you ever see anyone arrested wearing a Bush T-shirt, or for you older guys, an Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, or even Nixon, or Bob Dole shirt. There MUST be a message here, but I can't quite grasp it. Maybe you can help me out here…. And don't forget ….. [photo of button "November 2nd: Take Out the Trash Day"
So I just had to respond, and felt this response needed to be public:
Yeah, Republicans don't bother with convenience stores, they just rob people through higher bank fees, insurance fraud, stock market scams, religious tax exemptions, etc. all while wearing suits and ties. But of course it's far easier to be racist and point at "those people" (and the "one white guy")than to recognize the people who are doing you the most harm are likely those "nice white folks" running your church, those so-called "pillars of the community." But hey, it's okay because they're white, dressed nice, and smile while they shaft you.
I don't need Snopes to recognize a sorry attempt to shift the blame. Tell me, how many of the guys who made the decision to lay off workers at your last few jobs looked like these guys? And how many were living in expensive homes in golf course communities? How many of those responsible for the mortgage industry collapse or the oil spill or the stock market collapse have mug shots like these?
Convenience store robbers are easy to catch, it takes intelligence to catch real crooks, and sadly there are far too few intelligent people going into law enforcement.
Okay, a quick note on law enforcement: I certainly wasn't implying that the field is devoid of intelligent people, but the reality is that even those who are quickly learn the system is one that rewards based on easy-to-quantify results like catching convenience store robbers, not lengthy investigations that result in one banker – often a fall guy since the system is the problem – getting caught. The laws are also set up to protect those engaged in highly unethical yet still technically legal practices – like a bank that loans money it knows can never be repaid on a property its officers (or shadow corporations working for them) want to acquire. The rank-and file officer, or even most of the administration, is not to blame for laws which make theft legal if done with paper instead of a gun.
Let me also note that this is far from the first e-mail I've received from conservative acquaintances that is more than just hinting at racism, and implying that President Obama would approve of criminals or those who abuse the government aid system because of their shared racial connection. So anyone who thinks that racism isn't behind much, if not most, of the right-wing anger in our country needs to start looking a little closer. We haven't evolved nearly as far as people like to think in this area, and as I predicted nearly twenty years ago the political correctness wave has done nothing but remove the rattles from the snakes, they are still just as venomous and even more dangerous now that they are hidden from view. The reason we managed to elect a black president is a population shift and a poor choice for vice-president, not any great strides against bigotry by our population.
I've recenly had a few believers claim that by denying the existence of their deity, I am insulting them.
Maybe they're right. After all, by denying that the claim they have yet to prove is true, I am implying that it is false, and thus implying that they are either lying or being fooled and thus gullible idiots. Of course, this is not my fault, because they ARE either lying – and claiming to know that which you only believe is still lying – or being fooled themselves, or their claim is true. If their claim is true, they need only prove that it is true, and I will gladly and sincerely apologize. However, barring that proof, I can only presume they are either intentionally claiming to know that which they do not, OR they are themselves being fooled. Neither of those is very flattering.
But then, they can easily avoid being insulted by providing proof. I'm waiting.
Start with this post, plan on spending half a day reading his stuff…don't miss his photography tips!
So conservative blowhard Rush thinks the Gulf Oil Spill is a natural occurrence that will take care of itself if we just leave it alone.
I got an idea! Let's ask Rush to volunteer to be coated with crude oil and let it dissipate "naturally." I realize that in his case it wouldn't make him much more slimy, but it could still be fun to watch!
I'd say Rush is merely a clown or a baboon that no one should pay attention to anyway, but that would be insulting to clowns and baboons and ignore the reality that people will, unfortunately, listen to him and repeat what he says as if it had some validity, not recognizing that even most morons can see that drilling for oil is anything but natural. That's like saying the radiation from a nuclear bomb is natural.
These days I seem to be seeing a lot of racism and bigotry sliming its way into the popular mindset disguised as patriotism. Here's an example: I was recently sent a forwarded e-mail that started:
All My Patriot Friends. We all need to be aware that we live in the greatest nation the world has ever known but because of that too many of our citizens are sheep swiming in a sea of apathy. These citizens have had life so good and ordered that they refuse to believe history and chose to ignore warnings that history teaches us are in our future based on the tendencys of mans nature in the past. If you are a student of history you will know that man there are men who strive to rule and control his fellow man. We have such a man in the white house now and he and his fellow conspititors in congress are attempting to do that to OUR REPUBLIC and it's people….[sic]
It goes on, but you're already starting to get the gist of it. Ignoring the spelling and grammatical errors that hint at the originator's intelligence level, it starts with flattery (We're WONDERFUL! Just ask us!) but quickly devolves into fearmongering (Watch out! We might not be so great if you don't do as I say!) and a political/racial attack. It continues, evoking Eisenhower and the Holocaust and of course building into a case for hating Muslims and Obama with wild accusations and innuendo that implied that the Holocaust was actually perpetrated by Muslims (!!!) and Obama is one of them and trying to control us all!!! Danger, DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!! (If you don't get the reference, look it up! What, you expect me to do everything for you?)
Well of course I had to respond, so I wrote:
Let's not forget it was a CHRISTIAN who was responsible for the Holocaust: "I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator. By warding off the Jews I am fighting for the Lord's work…Secular schools can never be tolerated because such schools have no religious instruction, and a general moral instruction without a religious foundation is built on air; consequently, all character training and religion must be derived from faith . . . we need believing people…My feelings as a Christian points me to my Lord and Savior as a fighter. It points me to the man who once in loneliness, surrounded by a few followers, recognized these Jews for what they were and summoned men to fight against them and who, God's truth! was greatest not as a sufferer but as a fighter. In boundless love as a Christian and as a man I read through the passage which tells us how the Lord at last rose in His might and seized the scourge to drive out of the Temple the brood of vipers and adders. How terrific was his fight against the Jewish poison." These are the words of Adolf Hitler, a lifelong Catholic Christian, and sound suspiciously like the words used against Muslims today. The problem is not Islam, or Christianity, or Judaism, the problem is faith and bigotry, it's hating someone because their beliefs differ from yours. I suggest everyone watch this video of an America soldier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akm3nYN8aG8
Hate begets hate. We cannot defeat terrorism by becoming terrorists. Yes, I agree, we should NOT be burying history because it offends someone, be they the Muslim or the Catholic denying their connection to terrorism and hate. We should NOT be burying our own country's sordid history of genocide against this land's natives or the slavery condoned by churches here in the South. Are you willing to forward this too, or are you just going to repeat the cycle of hatred?
To his credit, he responded: I JUST POSTED THAT ON MY FACEBOOK FOR EVERYONE TO SEE… YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT…
I'm not sure where I know this person from, so I'm not sure if I caused a major conversion in thinking or he just noticed the undercurrent of racism and bigotry in the forward after I called it to his attention, but in either case I'm betting there are plenty of people out there who wouldn't care anyway. And that just scares me. These inter-religious feuds and fanatical atrocities have been happening for centuries, and even if you accept the basic premise of patriotism – that you somehow should assume that anyone who lives near you is right and anyone living further away is wrong, regardless of the facts – patriotism should not be an excuse to automatically hate other people.
To me, a true patriot thinks independently and decides what is best for himself and his country, and works peacefully and ethically to advance those goals. He (or she) does not seek to encourage hatred or violence, both of which are costly overall to the race as a species. He makes decisions based on facts, evidence, and logic, not on fear or prejudice, or faith. But that's just me. What's your definition?
Frankly, I'd think if there was going to be mental illness screening it should be for those who want to give birth! So being an insane mother is okay, but being sane is required to get an abortion? Wow, that explains damn near the entire Republican Party!
Even a pretzel isn't twisted enough to describe what goes on in the mind of a guy like this:
But it's safe to say that somewhere in there he decided his beliefs took precedence over logic. And the faith of his victims surely made them easier targets. "…a prosecutor told jurors that Anthony Hopkins terrorized his wife and young children, isolated them and used the Bible to manipulate them." Of course he did, that's pretty much all the Bible – and other religious books – are good for, and why they're invented.
I'm sure you've noticed the new Evolvefish.com ad off to the RH side; if not, do it now! <G> Seriously, just about anything you could want to express your support of freethought or progressive thinking is available through them, whether you're a meek "just want to be mildly amusing but don't want to offend anyone" type or the hard-charging "I really don't care if I really tick off the believers" type. Pay them a visit and at the very least you'll find many amusing things on the site!


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German exams
Hong Kong
Young people
Goethe-Zertifikat A1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences that aim to satisfy specific needs. They can introduce themselves and others as well as ask other people about themselves, e.g. where they live, who they know and what they own, and respond to these types of questions. They can also communicate in a simple manner if the person they are speaking to talks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
Young people
Goethe-Zertifikat A2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand sentences and common expressions on topics that affect them directly (e.g. information about themselves and their family or about shopping, work and their immediate surroundings). Candidates can make themselves understood in simple, routine situations demanding a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and common matters. They can also describe in a simple way their background and education, immediate surroundings and other matters associated with their immediate needs.
Young people
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand the main points of information in conversations and texts on familiar matters relating to work, school and leisure time, etc. when clear, standard language is used. Candidates can also deal with most situations typically encountered when travelling in German-speaking countries. They can also express themselves simply and coherently when talking about familiar topics and areas of personal interest and can report on experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and ambitions as well as make short statements to justify or explain their own views and plans.
Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand the main contents of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, as well as technical discussions in their own respective area of specialisation. They can also communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is readily possible without a great deal of effort on either side. Candidates can also express themselves on a wide range of topics in a clear and detailed manner, explain their position on a current issue and state the benefits and drawbacks of various options.
Goethe-Zertifikat C1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand a wide range of challenging, longer texts as well as grasp implicit meanings. They can also express themselves spontaneously and fluently without frequently having to search for words. Candidates can also use the language effectively and flexibly in their social and professional lives or during training or their studies and make clear, structured and detailed statements on complex topics, whilst simultaneously using various appropriate cohesive devices in relation to a given text.
Goethe-Zertifikat C2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can effortlessly understand virtually everything that they read or hear in German. Candidates can also summarise information from various written and spoken sources, logically recounting reasons and explanations. They can also express themselves spontaneously with a high level of fluency and precision and make finer nuances of meaning clear when discussing more complex topics.
For Students
The TestDaF is an advanced-level language exam. It covers levels B2 to C1 on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is accepted by all German universities and institutions of higher education as evidence of the language skills needed to gain admission to study in Germany. No specialist knowledge is required.
For Professionals
The Goethe-Test PRO: German for Professionals exam is suitable for anyone looking for a job on the international labour market. The Goethe-Test PRO tests candidates' job-related language skills in 60 to 90 minutes.


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Tag: Strong Legs
Please never forget to stretch after all your workouts like I do
November 27, 2017
Even if you're just taking it easy and not even breaking a sweat during your exercises, including constitutional walks and family saunters and even really slow rows on your rowing erg, never forget to give yourself a nice stretch every time your done with your exercises, even if you just get just a little bit […]
Sedentary lifestyle injuries are infinitely worse than sports injuries
November 18, 2017
I remember the days when I was so fit that a sports injury was always looming but it was only temporary. My fitness and wellness aided and accelerated my recovery every time–even if it took just a little help from a doc or surgeon. As someone who's super-size and who needs to lose ~100 pounds–someone […]


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What's going on around Jacksonville this weekend? | News
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Here is a list of things going on around town this weekend.
THE 4TH ANNUAL LEGO COMPETITION AT MOSH: Ready...Set...Build! More than 100 Kindergarteners through 9th graders will battle it out in a LEGO® Building Competition designed to foster creativity and promote science education. Participants will work in teams or as individuals to build original LEGO® designs for the chance to win great prizes! The stakes are high with more than $300 in MOSH gift cards up for grabs. First-place winners will have their designs featured in the museum for one month. While the competition is sold out, spectators are welcome to come watch the competition as they visit the museum. There will also be a LEGO® building station set-up for non-contestants to practice their building skills. It's Saturday at MOSH from 9am to 1:30pm.
SATURDAY WORK DAYS AT THE JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM & GARDENS: On the Second Saturday of each month (other than July and August)- get your gardening on! Work days vary but you should be ready to work on the trails. Bring your gloves and favorite loppers or pruners. Note: Wear solid closed-toe shoes. Long pants are suggested to avoid skin irritation from accidental brushes with poison ivy. Be ready to go at 9AM! It's free to take part.
MSA (MOUNTED SHOOTERS OF AMERICA) EASTERN COLT CHAMPIONSHIP: Mounted Shooters of America is a national organization dedicated to holding the finest, most exciting mounted shooting competitions in the US and beyond. Competitors engage in a course of fire which consist of elevated balloon targets with a single action .45 caliber firearm, similar to those used in the late 1800's and early 1900's by the american cowboy. The ammunition used are blanks made with black powder which is safe for horses, competitors, and spectators. With the significant added money, $25,000, there will be some of the best competitors from across the country here in Jacksonville to run for the money. Come and join the excitement. Admission is FREE for this event on Friday and Sunday. Admission is $10 at the door on Saturday. Kids 12 years and under are FREE on Saturday. It's all going down at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center this weekend. For more info, please visit www.newmsa.com.
TRINITY RESCUE MISSION ''RUN FOR SHELTER'' 5K: This is an event to benefit the Women and Children's Shelter located in downtown Jacksonville- FL- at 622 West Union St. The 5k leaves the Trinity Main Campus at 9am Saturday. Shirts to all pre-registered entrants. Late and race day entrants are not guaranteed a T Shirt. Results will be posted near the finish line within minutes of the conclusion of the race and on the internet at www.milestoneraceauthority.com. Join the runners celebration post-race and enjoy juice, bagels, bananas, music and awards.
FARMERS RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET: The artists are taking a brief hiatus, but you can come get fresh produce this and every Saturday through February 23rd from 10am-1pm! The farmer/growers and food artists will be on site to satisfy your weekly grocery needs! We'll see you under the bridge for F(armer's)RAM!
JACKSONVILLE DOLPHINS BASKETBALL: The Dolphins take on the Mercer Bears at the Veterans Memorial Arena Saturday at 3:15pm.
CATTY SHACK RANCH NIGHTIME FEEDING AND FUNDRAISER: Enjoy a guided tour Saturday at 6pm and see all the residents (Siberian tigers- lions- cougars- spotted and black leopards- bobcats- coatimundis and arctic foxes) at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary! Tours last about 45 minutes and will give you great background of all our animals. At 7:30 PM- you will get to watch over 450 pounds of meat distributed throughout the sanctuary! There's sure to be plenty of roaring! Admission: Adults: $15, Children (3-11): $10, 2 & Under: Free
THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF RUSSIA - CINDERELLA: Hailed by the New York Times as a production full of enchantment with lovely scenery and graceful costumes, Cinderella is a ballet in three acts- with choreography and production by Vladimir Vasiliev and music by S. Prokofiev. The show is Saturday at 8 p.m. At the Times Union Center. For tickets to The State Ballet Theatre of Russia - Cinderella- call 904-632-3373 or visit www.artistseriesjax.org. Tickets start at $42.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - THE PASSION OF BRAHMS: Part of the Florida Blue Masterworks Series- come join the Symphony for a night of great music- featuring guest pianist Lilya Zilberstein in Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1. Fabio Mechetti- conductor Lilya Zilberstein- piano * TORKE Bright Blue Music STRAVINSKY Jeu de Cartes BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1*. The show starts at 8 p.m. At the Times Union Center. Tickets are $25 to $70.
AMERICAN BALLROOM & CONTEMPORARY DANCE ASSOCIATION: Ballroom dance at Boleros Grand Ballroom- the 2nd Saturday of every month. Live music for social ballroom dancing starts at 8pm Saturday. Six dances a year are formal. Please call to make guest reservations and to get details on monthly theme. Ballroom located at 10131 Atlantic Blvd. It's $12 to attend.
ZACH DEPUTY AND CHRISTOPHER HAWLEY: Performances at Freebird LIVE! Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
GREAT AMAZING ADVENTURE RACE & FAMILY ACTIVITY: Sign up for this fun adventure race and memory-making family activity! Kids in grades 1-12 can pair up with or race against parents- grandparents- family- friends or neighbors while competing in a series of fun challenges patterned after the show THE AMAZING RACE. Whether you run- jog- walk or watch- it'll be an experience you will never forget. Two adults can also pair up and compete! Qualify for National Championship and $2,000 Prize. Touring all NFL cities. The race is Sunday at 1pm at Little Talbot Island State Park. It's $40 per team to participate. Www.GreatAmazingRace.com
FLAGLER COLLEGE CELEBRATION COMMEMORATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOTEL PONCE DE LEON: On Sunday, Flagler College will kick off a yearlong celebration of the 125th anniversary of this National Historic Landmark with an opening day ceremony featuring an orchestra, special tours and Gilded Age re-enactors. At 9:30 a.m., trumpeters will announce the arrival of guests to Henry Flagler's Hotel Ponce de Leon as the gates open and an orchestra plays patriotic music on the Loggias. Visitors will then be able to walk the same halls as Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison and Henry Flagler once did. Visitors can mingle with the Gilded Age guests and hotel staff, and perhaps say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Flagler as they dine in the Hotel's grand dining room. The event is free and open to the public. During the event, guests will be able to tour the former Hotel Ponce de Leon and can peruse the "Celebrating the Legacy" exhibit featuring original artifacts from the hotel. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can also check out "Planning and Painting in Paradise: The Art and Architecture of the Hotel Ponce de Leon" at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum featuring historically and culturally significant ephemera relating to the construction and early years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon.
MAGNET MANIA/ SCHOOL CHOICE EXPO: At Magnet Mania/School Choice Expo you'll learn about the magnet programs, career academies, charter schools, high school acceleration programs and neighborhood schools available for the 2013-14 school year in Duval County. Vendors supportive of education will also have exhibits. The event is a fun, festive showcase of elementary, middle and high schools. Parents and students can talk with teachers to learn about programs of interest. Magnet and choice program applications will be available. Free admission and parking. For more information, call 390-2082. The expo takes place Sunday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ENSEMBLE - COVER THE TOWN WITH SOUND: San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church plays host to a Jacksonville Symphony Ensemble for this free concert. This small group of Jacksonville Symphony musicians travels to St. Johns for some evening music Sunday at 6:30pm.


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Greetings, Arsians! If the stats on the last few Dealmaster posts are any indications, you guys really like buying monitors. So to tempt anyone who's still holding out, our parters at Logicbuy have done some digging and produced even more monitor deals, including our top deal of the week: a 29-inch panoramic 2560x1080 Ultrasharp U2913MW for only $494.
However, if you've already got all the screen real estate you need (a situation I don't think it's possible to ever be in!), there are plenty of other deals this week, including a 256GB Crucial M4 for $192.99 and free shipping. Take a peek!
Top deal:
- 29-inch Dell UltraSharp U2913WM panoramic 2560x1080 LED-backlit LCD Monitor for $494.99 with free shipping (normally $699.99 - use coupon code G4DSC4?667FMDJ)
Laptops, desktops and tablets:
- 27-inch Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon Core i7 1080p Tablet PC w/ 2GB GeForce GT 620M, 8GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive & built-in 8-cell battery for $1,499 with free shipping (normally $1,899 - use coupon code HOMEPCDEAL)
- 17.3-inch Toshiba Qosmio X70-ABT2G22 4th Gen "Haswell" Core i7 Laptop w/3GB GeForce GTX 770M, 1080p screen, Backlit Keyboard for $929.99 with free shipping (normally $1,399.99 - use coupon code OFFERS700 | discount applied at final checkout)
- HP ENVY 15z-j000 15.6" AMD A8 Quad-core Laptop for $453.49 with free shipping (normally $529.99 - use coupon code SVD8492)
- Lowest price ever! 27-inch Dell UltraSharp U2711 2560x1440 LCD Monitor w/3-year Advanced Exchange Warranty for $494.10 with free shipping (normally $999 - use BOTH coupon codes SDW7RZ4J1P20BM and G4DSC4?667FMDJ)
- 27-inch Dell UltraSharp U2713H 2560x1440 IPS-panel LCD Monitor (Flagship 2013 Model) w/3-year Advanced Exchange Warranty, USB 3.0 hub, miniDisplayPort for $764.99 with free shipping (normally $999.99 - use coupon code G4DSC4?667FMDJ)
- 24-inch Dell UltraSharp U2413 1920x1200 IPS Monitor (2013 model) w/3-year Advance Exchange Warranty, USB 3.0 hub, miniDisplayPort for $449.99 with free shipping (normally $599.99 - use coupon code 8DLLTQCTZ8SPBX)
- 256GB Crucial M4 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD for $192.99 with free shipping (normally $219)
- Linksys EA6500 Smart Wireless-AC Dual-Band Gigabit Router (Refurbished) for $129.99 with free shipping (normally $169 - use coupon code HSEA6500RM20)
- 55-inch LG 55LA7400 1080p 240Hz Cinema 3D LED Smart HDTV (2013 Model) + Free 1-Year of Netflix for $1,299 with free shipping (normally $1,699 - use coupon code 553D1080P)
Office and miscellaneous:
- Brenton Studio Zentra Collection Main Desk for $99.99 with free shipping (normally $149.99)
- DiVOGA White Managers Chair w/Chrome accents, Lumbar Support and Swivel Tilt/Lockout for $119.99 with free shipping (normally $149.99)
- Brenton Studio Zaida L-Shaped Desk for $119.99 with free shipping (normally $149.99)
- Serta Big & Tall Executive Bonded Leather Chair for $199.99 with free shipping (normally $299.99)
- Brenton Studio Zentra Collection Computer Desk for $129.99 with free shipping (normally $169.99)


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Credit fixes—If it sounds too good to be true…
You've seen the ads: credit repair companies that will wipe out the negatives in your credit report. These days it's no wonder that people are tempted by offers to remove dirty little credit "secrets" like bankruptcy, judgments and tax liens from their credit reports!
Here's the law. You can challenge the validity of anything in your report. If the credit bureaus don't complete their investigation within 30 days, the disputed item must be removed, but it can be put back in if it's ultimately found to be valid.
Many credit repair companies simply bombard the credit bureaus with letters arguing that the negative items in your report are inaccurate. Sure, those items may disappear while they're being investigated, but unless the credit bureau has new information, the incidents most likely will be validated and will reappear.
Now, there are legitimate companies that can assist you in disputes. But there's nothing they can do that you can't do yourself.
Just order a consolidated credit report and get to work. If you see an inaccuracy, get in touch with the creditor who reported the item. It may take some persistence but it's the best way to get a permanent resolution.
If you choose to work with a credit repair company, watch out for ones that:
- Guarantee results. It's illegal to make these claims.
- Require prepayments. They're only allowed to charge after the work is done.
- Offer you a "new credit identity." This felony is called file segregation!
So, bottom line, you or a credit repair company can improve your credit report in the long term by contesting and removing inaccurate items. Anything more is too good to be true!


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Nov 12, 2013
By Angela Brock
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University is hosting several events to observe the month, including two events in honor of World Diabetes Day on Thursday.
Led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations, World Diabetes Day engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day is held annually on Nov. 14.
The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University is sponsoring "Unite for Diabetes" from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Bicentennial Park (the field in front of Walter Hall, also known as Punchcard Park) on the Athens Campus. During the event, attendees are asked to wear blue – the official color of the diabetes awareness movement – and will form a human circle around the park. A blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes. A group photo of the human circle at OHIO will be taken and entered into the International Diabetes Day Blue Circle Competition.
"Unite for Diabetes" will be followed by "Take a Step for Diabetes." This nighttime walk event will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning at the entrance to the bike path near Peden Stadium. All walkers will receive blue glow sticks to symbolize walkers as a light of hope for diabetes.
The event will kick off with opening remarks from Dr. Jay Shubrook, director of the clinical division at The Diabetes Institute, director of the Diabetes Fellowship Program, and director of clinical research and associate professor of family medicine at OHIO's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to his clinical and administrative duties, Shubrook conducts research focusing on the systematic improvement of clinical diabetes management.
Nearly 26 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 79 million U.S. adults have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and even death.
"We felt it was critical for The Diabetes Institute to join efforts to promote Diabetes Awareness Month in general as well as to tell the story of diabetes in this region," said Darlene Berryman, director of OHIO's Diabetes Institute.
"In Athens County, the rates of diabetes and obesity have been increasing annually – each by about 1 percent every year – and are higher than many areas in this state and nation," Berryman said. "So if you don't have the condition now, a family member likely does or you or a loved one is likely to already have pre-diabetes. But even if it doesn't touch your family directly, there is a community, economic and social impact of this condition for which we all need to be aware. Importantly, awareness and education can make a difference with not only treatment but prevention of this condition. So these events are meant to educate and raise awareness and to educate the community."
The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University brings together people and programs from the Heritage College, the College of Health Sciences and Professions and the community to improve the quality of life for those affected by diabetes and related diseases through innovative basic and translational research, progressive clinical care, education and community outreach. The Diabetes Institute is administratively housed in the Heritage College, with financial and personnel resources contributed by the College of Health Science and Professions, the Edison Biotechnology Institute, and the Office of Vice President for Research and Creative Activity. Additional funding for the Diabetes Institute comes from the historic $105 million gift to the Heritage College from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations.
For more information on other Diabetes Awareness Month activities at OHIO, visit http://www.ohio.edu/diabetes/Diabetes-Awareness.cfm.


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Frits and Rik are back with another episode of The Latest in Hobby Robotics! Find out about the coolest projects this week:
- LineIronBot (Hacked Iron Line Follower) by isotope
- Companion Bot by Emma
- Party Popper Alarm Clock by unigamer
- MontyPythonSillyWalkBot by TotoroYamada
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube.
Frits (from Denmark), who works professionally in web concept development, is the creator of Letsmakerobots.com, a popular international source for hobby robotics. His cohost, Rik (from Holland), is part of the team that runs Letsmakerobots.com and assists its online community.
This Week in Hobby Robotics 02
This Week in Hobby Robotics (pilot)