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Archived - Where your Tax Dollar goes
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A multimedia presentation illustrating how federal revenues were spent in the most recent fiscal year available (2007-2008), as well as the main sources of government revenue. (requires a Flash plug-in)
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, Canada's federal government recorded $242.4 billion in taxes and other revenues. That represents close to 16 per cent of our country's over $1.5 trillion economy.
Here's a quick overview of where that money went—and how it was raised.
More about these numbers
The federal government calculates its financial results over a 12-month "fiscal year" that ends every March 31. This presentation is based on the Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada for the most recent completed fiscal year, 2007–08. Where Your Tax Dollar Goes is updated annually, after the Government's final financial results become available. Please note that numbers may not total 100 per cent due to rounding.
1. Public debt charges
The largest single federal spending item was interest charges on Canada's public debt (that is, money borrowed by the federal government over the years, which has not yet been repaid to the lenders). These payments—to institutions and people who hold federal bonds, treasury bills and other forms of the debt—cost $33.3 billion. That's almost 14 cents of every tax dollar.
2. Transfers
Payments that go directly to individuals, to provincial and territorial governments, and to other organizations are called "transfers." There are three major categories of transfers. Combined, they make up more than half of all federal spending—about 54 cents of each tax dollar ($131.3 billion).
Transfers to persons
The biggest transfer category was Major Transfers to Persons. These payments to people cost about 24 cents of every tax dollar ($58.1 billion).
- This included payments to eligible elderly Canadians through Old Age Security payments, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance for spouses. Total elderly benefits cost about $32.0 billion, or just over 13 cents of your tax dollar.
- The other major transfer to people was Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible unemployed workers (including for periods of unemployment due to sickness, pregnancy, parental leave and caring for gravely ill or dying family members). And funding also went to programs that assist people to prepare for, find and maintain jobs. Altogether, EI payments cost just under 6 cents of every tax dollar ($14.3 billion). For information on EI premiums, see the section entitled "Where the money comes from" below.
- The federal government also provided $11.9 billion in transfers to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children, through the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the Universal Child Care Benefit. These payments cost nearly 5 cents of every tax dollar.
More about support for families and children
The federal government also provides assistance to low- and modest-income families—especially those with children—through the goods and services tax (GST) credit ($3.5 billion). Since these payments are subtracted from ("netted against") GST revenues, they are not included in the spending calculations presented to Parliament in each year's federal budget.
Transfers to other levels of government
The federal government also funds several Major Transfers to Other Levels of Government. These payments—totalling about $46.2 billion last year—help provinces and territories pay for health care, post-secondary education and other programs for Canadians.
Between 1996 and 2004, much of this support came through a single program, the Canada Health and Social Transfer. However, to improve the transparency and accountability of federal support for health, the federal government created two separate programs starting in 2004.
- The Canada Health Transfer (CHT) last year provided provinces and territories with cash support for health programs equal to about 9 cents of each tax dollar ($21.5 billion).
- The Canada Social Transfer (CST)—to support post-secondary education, social programs, and programs for children—gave provinces and territories cash funding representing over 4 cents of each federal tax dollar ($9.9 billion).
Further major transfers, including the Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing programs, totalled 6 cents of every tax dollar ($14.6 billion). These are payments from Ottawa to less prosperous provinces, and to the three territories, to help them provide public services that are reasonably comparable to those in other provinces, at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.
There were also a variety of other large federal transfers, such as the $1.0-billion Community Development Trust to help provinces and territories assist communities and workers suffering economic hardship caused by the current volatility in global financial and commodities markets; $0.8 billion in gas tax transfers to cities and communities for environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure; $0.5 billion for public transit; and $0.4 billion for police officer recruitment. Together, these helped boost transfer funding by over 1 cent of each tax dollar ($3.0 billion).
Quebec Abatement
- During the 1960s, the Government of Canada offered provinces opting-out arrangements for certain federal-provincial programs, such as hospital care and social welfare. Only Quebec chose to use these arrangements.
- Under these arrangements, the Government of Canada reduced—or "abated"—personal income taxes while Quebec increased its personal income taxes by an equivalent amount. The Quebec Abatement represents 16.5 percentage points of federal personal income taxes: 13.5 percentage points (Alternative Payments for Standing Programs) are related to health and social programs and 3 percentage points (Youth Allowances Recovery) are related to changes to the federal family allowance programs in 1972.
- Quebec continues to receive the value of these extra tax points through its own income tax system, in lieu of cash, while other provinces receive the corresponding amounts in cash.
- Transfers to Quebec for the CHT/CST and Equalization are shown in the financial results on the same basis as transfers to other provinces. However, since part of the Quebec transfer is made through lower federal taxes, it is necessary to net this amount out of federal program spending.
2 More about federal support for health care
Federal support for health care goes beyond cash payments under the Canada Health Transfer and the Equalization program.
For example, in 1977 the federal and provincial governments agreed to have provinces take over a share of federal taxes to supplement direct cash transfers. In 2007–08, these "tax points" added some $21.6 billion to provincial finances for programs such as health care, as well as post-secondary education and social assistance and social services.
There is also direct health-related spending by the federal government itself, which
contributed roughly $6 billion last year. This included funding for First Nations health services; health care for veterans; and programs for health protection, disease prevention, health information and health-related research.
Other grants and contributions
Other transfer programs by various federal departments provide funds to individuals, governments and other organizations and groups for specific public policy purposes.
Last year, spending on these federal grants, contributions and subsidies added up to $27.0 billion, or over 11 cents of each tax dollar. This included:
- over $6.5 billion in transfers for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples;
- about $2.2 billion in assistance to farmers and other food producers;
- roughly $3.5 billion in foreign aid and other international assistance; and
- over $5.5 billion in support for research and development, infrastructure, regional development and assistance to businesses.
Other funding went to student assistance programs, health research and promotion, the arts, amateur sports, and multiculturalism and bilingualism.
3. Other program expenses
After transfers, the bulk of federal tax dollars went to cover the operating costs of government itself: the more than 130 departments, agencies, Crown corporations and other federal bodies that provide programs and services for Canadians.
Last year, these operating costs (such as salaries and benefits, facilities and equipment, and supplies and travel) made up just over 28 cents of each tax dollar ($68.2 billion).
A large share of this spending—close to 13½ cents of each tax dollar—went to just three organizations.
First, spending last year by National Defence on Canada's military forces made up over 7 cents of each taxpayer dollar ($17.3 billion).
Public safety
Next, operating costs of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness were just over 3 cents of your tax dollar ($7.9 billion). This includes funding for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the federal prison system, and border traffic and security operations.
Canada Revenue Agency
And third, there was funding for the Canada Revenue Agency, which administers the federal tax system (and also collects personal income taxes for all provinces except Quebec). Its operations cost 3 cents of each tax dollar ($7.4 billion).
Other operations
A further $28.2 billion—roughly 11½ cents of each tax dollar—was spent on the operations of the other federal departments and agencies.
These included major departments such as: Environment; Fisheries and Oceans; Health; Human Resources and Skills Development; Industry; Justice; Natural Resources; Public Works; Transport; and Veterans Affairs.
As well, funding went to federal agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Parks Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency.
2 More about paying for Parliament
One of the smallest slices of federal operating spending goes to Parliament
itself—the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament.
Last year, the combination of salaries and benefits for Members of Parliament, Senators and
parliamentary staff, and spending on facilities and services, totalled about $526 million.
That's less than one-quarter of a cent of every tax dollar.
Crown corporations
The last portion of Other Program Expenses were those incurred by Crown corporations (organizations owned directly or indirectly by the Government). This cost $7.3 billion, or a bit over 3 cents of your tax dollar. But the bulk of this spending was by just three organizations:
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which helps support home ownership and affordable housing, cost $2.2 billion;
- the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, our national television and radio networks, cost $1.7 billion; and
- Atomic Energy of Canada Limited cost $1.2 billion.
Funding was also provided to cultural organizations (including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canada Council for the Arts), to enterprises like VIA Rail, and to the Canadian Tourism Commission.
4. Budgetary surplus (debt reduction)
The remaining 4 cents of the tax dollar was the $9.6-billion budgetary surplus—how much money was left after paying for all federal programs, operations and interest on the debt.
This surplus was not money available for future spending. Government accounting principles mean that any surplus at year-end automatically reduces the federal debt.
That's our brief summary of the investments and operations where Canadians' federal tax dollars go. But before finishing, let's look at how these funds are raised.
Where the money comes from
The federal government's budgetary revenues came from a variety of taxes and other sources.
- Personal income tax is the biggest revenue source. Last year, it generated $113.1 billion. That's almost 47 per cent of all federal revenues.
- Revenues from the goods and services tax totalled $29.9 billion, or 12 per cent of total federal revenues.
- Corporate income tax raised about $40.6 billion, or close to 17 per cent of federal finances.
- A number of other taxes—such as non-resident withholding taxes, customs import duties, energy taxes and excise taxes and duties on alcohol and tobacco—made up $20.0 billion, or 8 per cent of revenues.
- As well, Employment Insurance premiums, which are treated as part of general revenues, contributed $16.6 billion to federal finances, or just under 7 per cent of the total.
- And other revenues—such as earnings by Crown corporations and proceeds from the sale of goods and services—provided the remaining $22.3 billion, or 9 per cent of total revenues.
So that's the story of where your federal tax dollar goes, and how it is raised. If you want more detailed information, we've provided a series of useful links—just click the icon at the top of your screen.
Useful links
More information on Government of Canada finances is available from these sources:
- Annual Financial Report
The Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada provides overall financial data on federal revenues and spending on a full accrual accounting basis for the most recent complete fiscal year. It is available through the Finance Canada website under Publications and Reports at http://www.fin.gc.ca/toc/2008/afr2008_-eng.asp.
- Fiscal Reference Tables
Along with the Annual Financial Report, Finance Canada also publishes its annual Fiscal Reference Tables. Financial information on the provinces and territories is also included. The tables are available through the Finance Canada website under Publications and Reports at http://www.fin.gc.ca/toc/2008/frt08_-eng.asp.
- The Fiscal Monitor
Produced by Finance Canada, this monthly newsletter highlights the most recent financial results of the Government. It is available on the Finance Canada website under Publications and Reports at http://www.fin.gc.ca/pub/fm-rf-index-eng.asp.
- Public Accounts
The Public Accounts of Canada contain the Government's audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, and details of financial operations by each ministry. It is available through the Public Works and Government Services Canada website at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/txt/72-eng.html.
- Federal Budget
Usually introduced in February or March, the federal budget presents the Government's fiscal plan for the coming year, introducing new spending initiatives and any proposals for changes in taxation. Information on recent budgets is available from the Finance Canada website under Budgets and Fiscal Updates at http://www.fin.gc.ca/access/budinfo-eng.asp.
- Estimates
The Government prepares Estimates—including individual departmental spending plans for the coming fiscal year—for presentation to Parliament in support of appropriation legislation. These are available on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat website at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/estime.asp.
- Debt Management Report
The annual Debt Management Report covers key elements of the federal debt strategy, and strategic and operational aspects of the Government's debt program and cash management activities over the past year. It is available on the Finance Canada website under Publications and Reports at http://www.fin.gc.ca/dtman/2007-2008/dmr08-eng.asp.
- Canada Revenue Agency
While Finance Canada is responsible for setting federal tax policy, it is the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that manages the actual revenue collection for the federal government. A quick overview of CRA operations (and access to the agency's annual operating report and Internet home page) is available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/nnnl/2006-2007/menu-eng.html.


text: Who We Are Company History Contact Us News & Events Consultants Corey Nathan Berger, FSA, MAAAPrincipal, Consulting ActuaryAtlanta, GA, USTel: +1 404 2377060E-Mail | Download bio | VCardBiographyPublicationsProfessional DesignationsFellow, Society of ActuariesMember, American Academy of ActuariesEducationBA, Mathematics and Economics, Washington University in St. LouisCurrent ResponsibilityCorey is a principal and consulting actuary with the Atlanta office of Milliman. He joined the firm in 2009.ExperienceCorey has more than 20 years of actuarial experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Milliman, he worked for WellCare as a senior director in charge of Medicare products. His prior experience includes consulting to employers and payers on a variety of issues. Corey works with HMOs, Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans, health insurance carriers, and provider organizations. He assists clients in developing and evaluating strategies in the commercial and Medicare markets. His client activities include: Medicare bid development (Medicare Advantage and Part D) Medicare expansion feasibility analysis Medicare Advantage risk score review and analysis Commercial risk score review and analysis Prescription drug formulary analysis Benefit design analysis Analysis of actuarial liabilities Financial reporting, forecasting, and projections Healthcare cost analysis and actuarial cost model development Trend analysis Work at Milliman "I was offered a chance to come in, shake things up, create something." Work at Milliman

subset: commoncrawl


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- Description
DetailsPlease note: The flat bench shown in the picuters no. 14 and 15 does not come with the power cage automatically but has to be ordered separately.
- Reviews
Customer Reviews 7 item(s)
- Value for money
Very good power rack for such price. Very easy to assemble (I don't now why some say that the diagram was inaccurate), I have it for a year now.
- (Important) Well built and sturdy
- (Important) Comes with band hooks, safety pins, dip handles, multi-angle pull up bar
- (Important in my opinion) You can buy webbing safety catchers that are more versatile for bench press (you can find the exact height which might be difficult with the metal safety pins)
- (Minor) Now comes with numbered holes (mine didn't have these and I painted them myself)
- (Good) Now you can buy plate sleeve attachment to store plates
- (Minor if used inside) I think the paint coating could be better. Some spots have chipped but I don't care since I use it inside so no fear of rust
- (Minor but maybe important for some) Since the horizontal bottom bars of the rack touch the floor, you can't do sumo deadlift inside the rack. Minor, but good to know if you're tight in space
- (Somewhat important) Bar holders and the optional upgrade j-hooks have no type of protection. That is they are bare metal. This could easily scratch your bar and chip some paint. Bear this in mind in case you have a colored bar
- (Minor) No option to add a vertical barbell storage insert
- High Quality
Nice rough/sandy feel to the paint. The weldings are solid and the metal is nice and thick. It is extremelly rigid which is all you need to know.
It feels more like a 700€+ Rack
- I highly recommend this!
- We have had this rack in our gym for about 2 years now. It has held up everything very nicely. The paint has started to peel of a bit, but it does not effect the performance. Many big squats and rackpulls have been done and the rack stands strong still. Great product for a very great price!
- Great cage !
I'm a beginner in PowerLifting so I haven't tested the PowerCage to its full potential.
Pros :
- Easy to build. I put the absober mat first and did not screwed the powercage but it stable enough. It only wiggle a little when doing dips.
- The pull-up and dips bars are well designed.
- The pin holes aren't numbered, so it can get annoying to switch the safety bars. I'll fix it by painting the numbers.
- The pull-up bar : the welding is at some point poorly made and the knurling not symetrical when there is one.
At this price even with some cons, 3 friends and I really do enjoy the cage.
I recommend StrenghShop and this PowerCage everytime I can.
- Great product for the price
Everything regarding the rack is stable and well made. the pull-up bar is very good allowing for a multitude of different grips at very good widths.
I guess my only complaint would be that the spray paint on the inside of the hollow metal beams leaves some bare metal in certain places. However, I don't even think that fully painting the beams on the inside through the holes was something that was aimed for during manufacturing. We keep the rack outside under a small roof and in heavy rain and wind it does get some water on it, which means that we have some minor rust, but that's sort of expected, since it's not made for outside use.
To summarize, my only complaint can be completely ignored and I've only got good things to say about it.
- equipment at the top
I will take the comments OLW above and add that for me the assembly was easy and no problem with the bolts.
indeed, the safety bars resist them has heavy loads without bending?
this is a very good power cage, very well equipped, with a capacity of settings adjustable safety pins to the desired height.
should add a visible numbering just because the setting is to the eye, and we must take it a 2/3 times sometimes.
the final word: I am very satisfied as to the quality of the material, the speed of delivery to France, but also excellent customer contact.
thank you to the team.
- Solid, functional, good value
Overall, I give this rig a 9 out of 10. And thanks for the swift delivery (Berlin - HH in <24h!)
- Excellent value for the money!
- In spite of relatively modest weight and footprint, very solid piece of equipment that is going to last for a long time (may have to replace the main pins though, see cons below)
- Plenty of pins for bands
- Well-integrated multi-grip pull-up bar;
- Heavy duty dip handles, for those so inclined.
- A few minor issues with assembly (inaccurate diagram, some of the lag bolts a little on the short side, barely make it into the nut thread).
-The safety pins are ok for now, but I wonder how well they'll hold up to repeated rack pulls @200k or more. Have already managed to work one out of the back hole after a few hard drops. It would be great to have an option to lock down / anchor them on the back upright...


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Columbia Asia, one of the largest and fastest-growing healthcare companies in Asia, announced today it is receiving $101 million in investment from Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest and most respected trading companies.
Columbia Asia, part of Seattle-based Columbia Pacific Management, has 27 hospitals and one clinic in India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, built with an innovative business model focused on serving Asia's rapidly growing middle class with modern and efficient multispecialty hospitals located close to where patients live and work.
Tokyo-based Mitsui & Co., Ltd, already a major healthcare investor in Asia, said it saw tremendous growth potential in the Columbia Asia platform, which is the only healthcare provider in Asia to operate hospitals in so many countries under a single brand, and one of the few large, multinational providers in Asia to build the vast majority of its hospitals itself.
"Columbia Asia has proven over more than 20 years that it can enter new markets across various countries and develop international, high-quality hospitals that meet the needs of the emerging middle class," said Mr. Koji Nagatomi, Managing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare & Service Business Unit, of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. "The company has also established a firm presence in countries where healthcare spending and insurance coverage are going up at a very rapid pace, which positions the firm well in coming decades."
Columbia Asia will use the proceeds from the Mitsui investment to continue to expand its network of hospitals across Asia, including several current development projects. In addition, the company will open its first facility in Africa next month, a multispecialty clinic in Nairobi, Kenya under a new brand, Columbia Africa.
Since opening its first hospital in Malaysia in 1996, Columbia Asia has focused on providing high-quality, affordable, standardized care in hospitals built on a single design.
The company currently has 10,000 employees serving more than 2.5 million patients a year, with 2,200 beds across 27 hospitals and one clinic.
As part of its investment, Mitsui will gain two seats on the Columbia Asia Board of Directors and play a role in company operations.


text: Located in the Dutch Fork region of central South Carolina, our practice is managed by a husband and wife team of clinical psychologists who have extensive training and experience in numerous areas within the field of psychology. We offer a wide range of services including individual, couples, and family therapy as well as psychological and neuropsychological assessments. Besides serving the residents of the greater Columbia area, we work with clients from throughout the Midlands and across the state.


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Meet the MIPS Assembly Track maintainers
The MIPS Assembly Maintainers are the brains behind the MIPS Assembly Track. They spend their spare time creating interesting and challenging exercises that we can all learn from. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work. Here are the bios of a few of the maintainers of this track.


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Over the past year, Michael Jackson's ghost earned more money than any other celebrity… living or dead.
Oww! Jamon! Hee-hee!
According to Forbes, Madonna earned $125 million between June 2012 and June 2013 — enough to place her at the top of its most recent list of highest-paid stars. The estate of her old pal MJ, though, raked in $35 million more, for a total of $160 million, making him easily the highest-paid star of 2013. As Forbes puts it: "It's the third time in the past five years that the top-earning celebrity in the world has come from the graveyard." How appropriate, just before Halloween!
Michael's money comes from a variety of sources, including two Cirque du Soleil shows — one that tours, one housed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Vegas — and his half of the Sony/ATV song catalog, which includes his own hits as well as tunes like "When a Man Loves a Woman."
Another artist represented in that catalog: Elvis Presley, who ranks second on Forbes' list of dead earners with $55 million. The top five is rounded out by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz ($37 million), Jackson pal Elizabeth Taylor ($25 million), and Bob Marley ($18 million).
See the full top 25 in a Forbes slideshow.


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Just busy. But I did manage to snag this picture of the latest socks while I drank my coffee the other day. I can wield an iPhone one-handed before I've had all my caffeine and I'm totally proud of that.
Pattern: Made up as I went along. 2*2 rib with a little twisty stitch pattern down the sides. Kinda forgot about what I did with the twisty stitch pattern on the first sock and I'm pretty sure the second sock didn't go the same way but whatev. Oh, and for the heel I slipped or knit stitches in pairs to match the ribbing instead of sl1, k1, etc., 'cause I liked how it looked and all.
Yarn: Crazy-Ass Zauberbizzle (have you Gizoogled your blog? 'cause Gizoogle your blog, I mean it)
Needles: 1.5 mm Knitter's Pride Karbonz. Which I loved. Which I ordered more of this morning when I saw my tax return had cleared. And also 1.75 mm and 2 mm and a DPN case. And fuck all other sock needles is what I'm saying.
Started: Early December
Finished: Last week
Also, I didn't go to work with my pants like that. Promise.


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There are no reviews yet.
Suitable for hospital visits, get well soon package, gift hampers, corporate gifts, corporate branding. Discounts available for bulk orders.
Category: Gift Boxes / Hampers
Flower type: Non flower
Dimensions (appx): 26cm x 20cm x 30cm
Hamper contains:
1 x Mini bouquet
1 x Red wine
1 x Yogood museli
1 x Baker Brothers crackers
1 x Snapmax long crisps
1 x Snapmax potato chips
2 x Quakers 3in1 cereals
• Free delivery above $30 orders.
• For bulk orders, please contact us for pricing and allow up to 2 weeks for production.
• Photos are for illustration purposes, products may vary as they are handmade or individually sought, and due to stock availability we may replace with a similar value product.
$ 68.00
There are no reviews yet.


text: POSTS EJA Futures Forum, Nov 17th November 12, 2009 Enterprise Java Australia are holding a conference on the 17th of November in Melbourne, with keynote speeches on the Broadband initiative, Green IT, SOA, and Google Wave. I will be facilitating one of the afternoon tech sessions on Cloud Computing. If you're at the event, come and say hi to me.There's a 2 for 1 registration offer open until mid day on Friday.


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Author: Jodi Meadows
Genre: Young Adult // Fantasy // Magic // Romance
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Format: Physical
Source: Borrowed (Library)
Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.
She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom's capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.
She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie's behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can't trust anyone.
She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina's magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil's magic, she will vanish like all the others.
Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl's battle to reclaim her place in the world (goodreads).
You wanted an intense fantasy with a strong female lead and just the right amount of romance? Well Jodi delivered.
Plot: How do I write this review without yelling at all of you to buy this? I probably can't, but I'll try. As the synposis says, Wil is the princess of a kingdom that was wiped out almost ten years ago. She and a band of orphans are out to get her crown back and exact revenge on those who wronged her. What I love about this synposis is that it doesn't really give anything away. Like anything. So I'll try not to give anything away as well.
As a spy for The Ospreys, Wil and her friend infiltrate the Indigo Kingdom to obtain vital information on the people who killed her family and other highborn families as well. There she is introduced to a new lifestyle and must get to know her enemy and maybe even feel sympathy toward them. And then there is the Black Knife. The charming young man who jumps roof to roof ridding the kingdom of evil.
What makes this book a winner is that Jodi Meadows understands balance. The Orphan Queen is not bogged down with romance, nor is it betrayal after betrayal. Meadows gives the reader just enough to make you want more, and I want so much more.
There is a cliffhanger so please prepare accordingly.
Characters: Wilhemina is a girl after my own heart. Only a handful of people know her true identity and she is able to flawlessly juggle multiple identities for various missions. She is a spy/princess. How badass is that??? I wish we were able to get to know the Ospreys, but there are select members of that gang that will definitely come back in future installments, and I can't wait to see how their roles develop.
The Black Knife was a character that kept me at the edge of my seat because, as the impatient reader that I am, I kept trying to guess his identity. Like from his first appearance (I'm happy to say that I guessed correctly). I loved Wil's interaction with Black Knife and that even a nameless vigilante was able to have a bit of character development.
World Building: The Orphan Queen would have really benefitted from a map. Not to say that Jodi Meadows did not properly describe her world, just that I think her explanations would have been better with a visual representation. Nonetheless, I loved the history of the kingdoms and how some of the kingdoms came to be after the appearance of wraith.
Short N Sweet: For readers who want their cake and want to eat it too (if cake was political betrayals and romance), then The Orphan Queen is a book you'll want for your shelves!


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Our mission is to provide quality orthodontic care and education, utilizing a caring and conscientious attitude in every aspect of our practice, from the first contact and appointment scheduling to assistant contact and direct orthodontic care, as well as management of accounts and billing.
We are open to serve you, answer questions or schedule an appointment during the following hours:
Monday: 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ( Non-patient administrative day)
Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. We request a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment, and appreciate your cooperation.
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must be paid at the time of service. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.


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The church seems to be led by the Holy Spirit through decade-long (decadal) seasons of topical emphasis. For example:
🔸The 1980's seems to have been "Purification of Church Leadership" (multiple high profile ministers had their sin exposed);
🔸The 1990's seems to have been "Calling the Church to Prayer" (multiple prayer movements and hot spots of revival that emphasized both group and individual prayer as a ministry of each church);
🔸The 2000's seems to have been "Let The Worship Arise" (multiple churches had their fresh worship music permeate the global church);
🔸The 2010's have multiple streams of emphasis that are gaining momentum.
It is exciting when the Holy Spirit moves the church in refreshing emphases and these subjects should always be recognized and emphasized. Each subject may have a season of emphasis, but just because a transition is made to a new emphasis does not mean that we can now neglect the previous ones. Each emphasis should be incorporated into our corporate and personal lifestyle.
There is a danger that we as Americans need to be aware of, and it is this: We are so fashion minded in everything that we wear, drive, listen to, watch, eat, etc. that we can easily treat the movements of the Holy Spirit like a fashion that appears and then we can throw it out or remodel for the next approaching fashion season.
The seasons of the Holy Spirit's emphasis are not fashion statements. We should never hear someone mention "purity" or "prayer" or "worship" and respond with a "that is so out dated" and "we have moved on." Neither should we get stuck in one season for the rest of our lives because "that season was real revival!"
Should we emphasize what the Spirit is saying or doing? Absolutely! Each season should be allowed to have its fullest impact upon our lives, and we should fully integrate them into our core being. What we should not do is run around looking for the "latest thing" just for the purpose of excitement, or for the adulation from some of the "slower folks" who aren't "fashion-conscious" of spiritual things.
"Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop, some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown."
~ Mark 4:20
#PastorsTip #Mark4 #Fashion #Spiritual #Christian #Revival #Emphasis #Prayer #Worship #Purification


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|Suppenküche means soup kitchen in German. A great place for friends to gather and have a great time!
A little hazy, a little out of focus, but a lot of fun. (And a TON of beer).
Suppenküche is a little German restaurant in Hayes Valley. My co-workers Adam and Matt have been going here pretty much since they moved to San Francisco, and Adam has declared it his favorite restaurant in the city.
So naturally, when I started the blog, they were determined to find a way to get me to Suppenküche without having to wait all the way until "S." Beer...for B week...was the first idea, but that was too early. Lederhosen...for L week...that could've worked. But eventually, we decided on G...for German.
If you've never been, I highly recommend it just for the experience alone. You step in from the cold streets of San Francisco and you are immediately welcomed into this warm, loud, boisterous, and extremely social environment. Before you even have time to take your coat off, you are handed a gigantic, 2 liter boot filled with beer and instructed by your friends to drink from it. Well...when in Rome....errr.....Germany. Das Boot!
The place gets packed, so naturally you drink while you wait. Once you are finally seated, a full smorgasbord of German delights await on the menu. Almost everyone in our group of 9 ordered something different (and not even on purpose!) so I got to sample pretty much everything on the table. (The benefits of having a food blog). These aren't the sexiest of food pictures, but I can tell you I enjoyed just about everything this place had to offer. So I'll let the photos do most of the talking. Enjoy, and PROST!!
I normally wouldn't think of ordering lobster bisque at a German restaurant, but this was fantastic. Look at all those meaty lobster chunks!
This was my dish. Jägerschnitzel. The pork is still pounded very thin, but it's not breaded, and it's topped with a savory mushroom sauce. It also came with spätzle...which is the stuff on the left. It's a German egg noodle with a really soft texture. Sort of like a German mac and cheese but without all the cheese if that makes any sense. I can confidently say it was my favorite dish of the night.
A close second favorite was the half chicken. Cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and juicy meat. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. OK, maybe this was tied for my favorite.
The rest get honorable mentions...including the meatloaf. ("Ma....the MEATLOAF!)
Snapper Schnitzel...like fish and chips, but better. I could've eaten the whole ramekin of housemade tartar sauce.
Sauteed Venison Medallions in Red Wine Plum Sauce with Red Cabbage...also very tasty.
And...since there were no less than 12 birthdays in the restaurant that night, we decided to celebrate our friend Drew's birthday about three weeks early. Just for the record, we were by far the loudest happy birthday singers of the whole place. So much so that Pam, who was also celebrating her birthday, brought over cupcakes made by the pastry chef at one of Michael Mina's restaurants. Score! Just goes to show how incredibly social and fun this restaurant is.


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Contract Laboratory is the first and leading platform for expediting laboratory testing and scientific research. Find, compare and communicate with Laboratories and Lab Suppliers. Quickly and easily.
DEVELOPMENT Packaging laboratory needed for determining the specific packaging requirements and packaging stability testing for vinegar based syrup. Considerations to determine are if products needs to be vacuum packed, refrigerated before and/or after opening, etc.
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Need Packaging Testing or Scientific Research?
Save time and money searching. Simply, submit a Packaging request to find the laboratories or lab suppliers that best meet your needs.


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Join Rach F1
We are diehard F1 fans, just like you. We like watching Formula 1, we like reading about Formula 1, we like analyzing Formula 1. So on 27th January, we started a website called Rach F1, with absolutely 0 investment.
Over a period of 10 months, Rach F1 has grown immensely and we've got nearly 50,000 pageviews from people of over 150 countries. That's awesome, isn't it? And we are giving YOU a chance to reach these many people.
Those who are interested in joining as Editors must attach an article of theirs while Web designers must have experience of building sites with Weebly.
In the end, we'd like to thank our partners I'm a diehard F1 fan, Formula1_com, F1 Head and Chris S. We wouldn't have reached this mark without their love and support.
by Rachit Thukral, Founder, Rach F1
and Bala Yogesh, Chief Editor at Rach F1
Many would always aspire to share their thoughts with the wide open World. It is always a great feeling to showcase your thoughts in that way. But how about sharing something with people in around 137 countries?
Well, Yes. We at Rach F1 having touched this amazing feat of covering 137 countries across the Planet are now willing to accept contributions from 'YOU'.
As we are in mood to expand, We have enough space to accommodate few more people. This is 'YOUR' Opportunity to be the part of the ever growing network. And like we stated earlier, 'YOU' can also send in your articles and we will post them on our site that is being viewed on a great scale.
Guess, It is not exactly the time to just keep on waiting, Wear your thinking cap on and join us as a Guest Editor or as one of the Regulars.
We are looking forward to your mail!
Head over here if your Interested!
Posted by
Bala Yogesh, Chief Editor
Rachit Thukral, Founder, Rach F1
We now have our very own domain!
Today we are proud to announce that we've moved to our very own domain www.rachf1.com . All those who visit our older domain(rachf1.weebly.com), will be automatically redirected to the newer one.
We are grateful to all those people who visited the site from over 100 countries. We thank them for visiting the site and we are looking forward to reaching more areas!
Over the next few weeks you'll see some major changes to the site which won't be limited to design. You can keep a track on that through our Facebook, Twitter and Google+ page.
Posted by Rachit Thukral, Founder and Bala Yogesh, Chief Editor at Rach F1.
Rach F1 is just over too months old and at this early stage we are glad to announce that the site has crossed 2000 visitors! People from over 80 countries accounted for over 6000 page views. India tops the list of visitors followed by UK, US and Argentina.
We'd like to thank I'm a die hard F1 fan, Mirage, Cristina and Velociudad Speedcity for helping us reach this mark.
Over the next few months, we'd improve our coverage, giving you all the latest F1 news and analysis. Next month, we'll integrate Google Adsense and make Rach F1 available on Pulse news and Google Currents. We'll also soon start working on mobile apps for various platforms including iOS and Android. Our plan is to make Rach F1 the world's first social F1 site.
We'd finally like to thank each and everyone of you visited the site and helped us reach this mark. If you are interested in joining Rach F1, visit the Join Us page and fill all the relevant details; if you are interested in investing on the site, visit the Contact Us page. In the meantime you can check the stats below or visit our Facebook, Twitter and Google+ page.
Full Stats
Visitors - 2000
Page views - 6000
Most visits from - India
Most popular browser - Google Chrome
Most popular OS - Windows
Most popular phone/tablet - Apple iPad
Most popular article - Journey of aerodynamics.
Rachit Thukral,
Founder, Rach F1
Rach F1 Blog
Latest news from Rach F1
November 2012


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Started some 17 years ago, the digital streaming service Netflix almost didn't make it. Today, the uber-popular platform has some 100 million subscribers and is an unbelievably successful company that has created a method to search for movies and digital originals from your home and/or mobile device. Their success has spawned copycats all over the globe, and many big name players are now trying to emulate Netflix's success.
Getting in at just the right time, then working with the improvements in technology and ever-increasing Internet speeds, Netflix was the first to market, then shifted gears and is now considered one of the best advancements in movies and television, helping users cut the cord on their cable bills and instead switch to binge-watching their favorite programs.
As you read this article, understand that you are probably one of the many Netflix users out there. But, like most Netflix users, you may have only scratched the surface of understanding what the service can do, where it came from, why it's set up the way it is, and what it really offers. To help make sure that you're a pro about everything Netflix, we've come up with a list of 15 things you should probably know.
Some of these things will improve your experience when using the service. Others won't change a thing but simply provide educational nuggets that you might find quite interesting when you consider just how Netflix came to be what it is today.
Next time you're at a party or sitting down with a friend watching Netflix, spill one of these tidbits of wisdom upon them and you'll blow everyone's mind. Okay, maybe blowing their mind is a bit dramatic. But, it's still pretty cool.
15 Started As A Mail Order Service
This is one that quite a few people knew but newer users might not have realized. The digital streaming service you know Netflix to be today didn't start out that way. Initially, the idea was to deliver DVDs by mail order to people's homes. They could rent up to a certain amount of movies, keep them as long as they wanted, and then mail them back. The idea was meant to combat the traditional video store rental blueprint that customers would spend $4-$5 to rent a video for one day and then have to return it whether they got a chance to watch it or not.
The logic behind the business model made sense but the business was extremely expensive to run and there was a limit on the number of movies that could be shipped since many customers wanted the same DVDs. Had the business model stayed this way, Netflix would have been doomed to fail.
14 They Tried To Sell The Company To Blockbuster In 2000
Knowing that Blockbuster Video lost millions of dollars and nearly every store has folded because digital streaming services made renting movies an obsolete idea, it would probably shock most people to hear that Blockbuster had an opportunity to control their own fate when Netflix offered to sell the company to Blockbuster in the year 2000. The founders of Netflix walked into the video rental giants offices and asked them to buy Netflix. Blockbuster declined.
The reason why Blockbuster said no is because the owners of Netflix wanted $50 million, and Netflix wasn't worth nearly that much at the time. When the founders of Netflix offered to sell, they were losing money and Blockbuster didn't see it as a business they could make profitable. The digital end of the service wasn't really a serious option at that time and based on that decision, Blockbuster probably made the right call. When digital streaming became an option, it changed everything. Now, Netflix is worth tens of billions and Blockbuster is pretty much dead in the water.
13 Founder Said He Started Netflix Over $40 Worth Of Late Fees
There's a story that exists citing the founder of Netflix suggesting that he started the company because he was once charged $40 in late fees at a Blockbuster Video when trying to return a VHS of Apollo 13 he'd forgotten he had. It's a great story because it effectively demonstrates the issue with traditional video rental services and provides a justifiable reason to try something different.
The only problem is that the story isn't true. It was a more convenient way to quickly answer a question one of the founders was getting on a regular basis. Instead of going through long and drawn-out details of why and how the company came to be, the late fees story was just easier for everyone. Many people still believe this is the reason why Netflix began but it isn't.
12 Has Over 75,000 Micro-genres
Usually, users of Netflix will search for movies by going through and picking by genres or accepting recommendations off their feed. Only looking for titles in that way severely limits a subscriber's ability to see what's actually available to watch. The reality is, when it comes to how Netflix sorts and organizes their multi-thousand strong video library, the genres are much more detailed.
Netflix has data on everything. So when they sort their titles, they go much deeper than the average user. The service has over 75,000 micro-genres they use to categorize their options, and you'll find anything from searchable actors to viewer history to things like YouTube sensations and cool mustaches. Don't forget, there are Kevin Spacey movies pre-House of Cards, high school musicals, and films with cute talking babies. If you can think of a category, Netflix has probably already used it to sort their films. The company has actually hired people whose sole job is to tag titles with categories subscribers might think of.
11 Netflix Tracks Everything You Do With The Service
One of the reasons why Netflix is so successful is because it tracks the data on everything that happens on its platform. It doesn't just know the movies or original programs its users watch, but it knows how long they watch, when they pause, when they come back to watch more, which films they quit watching, and countless more statistics that are a major factor in making key decisions.
Netflix chooses programs based on the patterns they recognize from subscribers. This information is often passed on to those who create content on the service so that they can produce material they know subscribers will watch. They also know if you're lying when you rate a movie high because you want to feel more cultured. How? They can see that you didn't actually watch it.
Basically, all you have to remember is that the information Netflix has on you and the way you watch movies and television programming is unprecedented in Hollywood. They know way more about than you know about them.
10 Chooses Originals And Greenlights Multiple Seasons At A Time
Because Netflix has so much data on pretty much everything, they can greenlight projects in a much different fashion than traditional movie studios or broadcast networks. Ever see a Netflix original that feels a lot like a popular film that's already been in its library? There's a good reason for that. They know you'll watch it.
It is for this reason that Netflix will often greenlight multiple movies from one actor or originals for more than one season. They're not worried because they have the evidence to show that they have a winner before they ever produce it. This was how they knew House of Cards would be a hit and why they were completely comfortable outbidding every other network for the show. They had Kevin Spacey and David Fincher in mind specifically based on how popular both were on other Netflix content that included them.
9 No Concern For Time
There are real restrictions for producers who make films and television shows on regular platforms. The length of a production or duration of an original is a huge factor, and advertising, network schedules, and other concerns become a part of how each film or episode is created. For example, if you're creating a 30-minute comedy for Fox, NBC, or ABC, you have to consider the content you can squeeze into one show. On Netflix, there is no such time concern and their subscriber base gives them guaranteed revenue to be flexible.
An episode of Fuller House can be 28 minutes in Episode 1, 24 minutes in Episode 2, and 31 minutes in Episode 3. It simply doesn't matter because there are no sponsors, there is no network schedule, and they know that most users will binge-watch most of their original programming anyway. Much less is left on the cutting room floor.
8 How To Find Secret Categories
In 2006, Netflix announced that they would give someone $1 million if they could come up with a better algorithm and way to sort, tag, and stream the content for the users. A team of seven guys actually did so and won the money. Netflix appreciated the effort but deemed that it was too costly to implement with not enough potential return so they declined the option to use it in their system.
Since things didn't change, today, taggers still receive an over 36-page manual on what to do when sorting movies and subscribers can take advantage of this system and search for these smaller categories quite easily. When you browse, simply change the last numbers of the URL. http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/### is something you might see. Replace the #'s with a different combination and your search options are completely changed.
Two examples of unique categories are Zombie Horror Movies: 75405 and Disney: 67673. A much more comprehensive list is here.
7 Wicked Employee Perks
You're not getting mega-rich working for Netflix when you first start out but you're not getting screwed either (they pay about $18 per hour). As an employee, however, you have some of the best perks on the planet. Their company-wide motto is "act in the best interest of Netflix." Anything else is pretty much okay by their standards.
If you want 20 days off in a row, you got it. If you need to leave early, you can. The company believes that by hiring good people and letting them make grown-up decisions that are best for the company, people won't take advantage of that freedom. It's not the type of approach billion-dollar corporations tend to take but it seems to work well for Netflix. Of course, like a grown-up, you need to arrange these perks and there are consequences for abusing privileges, but it makes for a much more comfortable and trusting work environment. Employees also get a free subscription to the service.
6 Netflix Takes Up A Whole Lot Of The Internet
The users on Netflix, at any given moment, can account for over one-third of the Internet traffic in many countries. It is by far the platform that requires the most usage, and it is why certain times of the day mean slower service or a pixelated viewing of their programming. In any one household, Netflix will be the reason why people use most of their bandwidth from Internet providers, and it's one of the reasons why the company now offers downloadable options so that users are not streaming content 24 hours of the day.
This is especially true since one account can have multiple users watching different titles at any one time. You can actually adjust the amount of data you use by logging into the settings section of your account and adjusting playback quality to a lower resolution. Your image won't be as clear, but it's a lot less taxing on your data plan.
5 Doesn't Care If You Share Your Account
The massive amount of subscribers is only the start of what makes Netflix so impressive. When you consider that the company is well aware that their clients share their Netflix passwords with other people who have not paid for the service, you then begin to realize that there should be millions more subscribers who are not accounted for but are actually using the service.
Netflix doesn't seem to care. Their philosophy is that if users are on Netflix, they aren't on something else and that eventually, getting hooked on shows will be enough to finally get many of those illegal users to switch over to legal accounts. Netflix smartly added an option to pay an additional fee so that a subscriber could add more users to their account. It means that they won't be kicked off the service because all their friends they gave passwords to are also using the account all at once. If you want to change your mind on who you share with, you can log into your account and locate your viewing history to find out if anyone is piggybacking on your account.
4 Chooses Some Programs Based On What's Being Illegally Streamed
Netflix employs people whose sole job it is to find out and data log how much illegal content is being downloaded by users who are trying to cheat the system by using torrents or other services to watch movies and television programs. They also have employees who simply track the most popular shows on websites around the world. Once these folks find out what everyone is watching, their job is to report that information back to Netflix so that they can decide what kind of shows they should produce next.
Game of Thrones is the most illegally downloaded show in the history of television shows. As such, part of the reason why Marco Polo was produced was because it offered a similar premise on the Netflix platform that they believed people would watch. The shows aren't always as good, but Netflix is confident that they're producing a winner when they know people break the law to watch something similar.
3 Originally Called Kibble
Before Netflix became Netflix, it was originally named Kibble. The website was kibble.com and it was named after co-founder Marc Randolph's dog. The idea behind the name was to be a constant reminder that it doesn't matter what the company does or creates as long as the dog will eat the dog food. Meaning, they need to choose titles and create content that the users will actually watch.
This theory is still in practice today. While many people complain about the Adam Sandler movies on the Netflix platform, he's one of the most popular searchable options and watched titles among all options on the service. It's why he was given a 4-film deal. Netflix knows that even if people say they hate Sandler, they watch him over and over again. In this case, the dogs are eating the dog food.
2 Producers And Directors Have Much More Creative Freedom
People who produce movies and television shows are attracted to Netflix for one very important reason. They have absolute freedom. There is no rating they need to worry about, no time limit, no shooting schedule they can't adjust, and no need to create hooks at the end of any one show or film to get viewers to keep watching the next one.
Producers are aware that most subscribers will binge-watch a show if it's good. That's literally their only concern. Sometimes, producers and actors can get projects greenlit without having to write a pilot simply because Netflix has the research to show that the people involved make good content and that subscribers watch it. They don't need proof beforehand and producers love that. To Netflix, if you've proven it before, they trust you to do your thing and don't micromanage the process.
1 Their Success Spawned The Birth Of Many Competitors
The sheer and utter success of Netflix and how much money it's now bringing in naturally spawned competitors to get into the digital streaming and original content programming business. Amazon, Google, Redbox, and now, Facebook are just a few and all are trying their hand at the medium while spending millions of dollars to do so.
Where Netflix might have these others beaten is that the company has been in the game and has gained much more experience over the long haul. Netflix is actually older than Google. And in that time, they've learned what not to do. They've also won awards and have been recognized for their productions. At the end of the day, if the content isn't good, no one will subscribe. They have the data to show what viewers are doing and that took a long time to master.


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Second Chance Apartments Miami Florida
Ways2Rent Provides second chance apartment rental assistance in Miami Florida. If you have been denied a lease in Miami or the surrounding metro Miami area then we can help. Ways2Rent has been providing assistance to clients nationwide over the last 4 years. It does not matter if you have an eviction or broken lease, we can help you rent again through our second chance apartment rental service and get you approved to rent again.
Ways2Rent provides a rental solution for anyone with rental problems. For more information regarding our rental programs please contact one of our case managers at 888-251-2247 or click here to apply for services.
Access rent help in Miami-Dade and information on eviction prevention programs locally.
One of the leading programs to turn to for help paying rent in the Miami area is the Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (EFSA) program. This service was created to help people who are faced with some sort of emergency or crisis situation. This program can assist local families and individuals who are in need of short term financial aid with issues including rent, housing expenses (like utilities) and even a mortgage payment.
Shelter can also be offered through EFSA for those people who are currently homeless, however the intent of the rent help provided is to keep people from being evicted in the first place. There are several non-profits in the Dade County area that are involved in this program.
The places to call for more information or to apply include Liberty City Community Service Center (dial (305) 756-2830), Accion Community Service Center (305) 547-4892, Opa Locka (305) 623-6500, Edison center downtown (305) 758-9662 and Isaac A. Withers Community Service Center (305) 233-2121. In some cases, these agencies may offer a zero interest loan to pay the rent for otherwise qualified individuals.
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is run by various local non-profit organizations, and was formed in partnership and from a contract with the Miami-Dade Public Housing Agency. They also provide funds for the government run section 8 housing program. Call (305) 416-2080.
Braive Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) (305) 644-1200. Rent help is offered for OEF/OIF service members, veterans, military member and families who face financial hardships, a short term crisis, unanticipated and emergency needs.
Homeless Hotline – A free service provides information to both tenants facing an eviction and the currently homeless. Callers can learn about grant programs for paying rent or energy bills, sources of motel vouchers, resources for single mothers, and other places to try for emergency rental assistance. More on Miami-Dade County eviction and rehousing assistance.
HAND – Housing Assistance Network of Dade will only offer support to low income families with an eviction notice. Any aid is first come and served, and the funds for rent are temporary. In some cases, if the family is in an un-affordable apartment, then money may be used for a security deposit or first months rent as well as moving costs. Phone – (305) 231-7667.
COFFO is an agency based in Homestead. Emergency rent help is for tenants facing eviction/homelessness. There may also be grants for utility bills if this were to create a housing challenge. Dial (305) 246-0357 for details.
Housing Authority of Miami Beach (phone – (305) 532-6401) not only runs section 8 HUD grant program, but they offer assistance with rent to seniors, the disabled, or families with children in the immediate area.
Camillus House of Miami will provide help with rent to otherwise self-sufficiency families that are in a crisis. The applicant needs to be out of resources, be able to sustain future rent and housing costs, and not have been chronically homeless. Telephone number is (305) 374-1065.
Most of the aid is from partnerships in the community. There may be information on places to turn for emergency rent assistance, loans for housing needs or paying security deposits. The non-profit also works closely with state of Florida, federal agencies, and government organizations to receive funding and maximize resources in the community. (305-573-3333)
Section 8 housing vouchers and counseling from Public Housing Agencies in Miami are also available to qualified low income, working poor, and possibly unemployed residents. The Miami Dade County PHA can be reached at (786)469-4106, City of Miami (305)416-2080, Carrfour Supportive Housing (phone 305-371-8300) and also try calling the section 8 agency on Miami Beach at (305)532-6401. All of these locations can provide section 8 vouchers and information on other rental programs in the region. Read more on section 8 in Florida.
Another option that is offered across Florida, and is available for Miami Dade County as well, is the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP). The size of the program is fairly limited, and funds are provided on a first-come-first-served basis to the earliest applicants and people who are in need of help paying rent. In addition, a small amount of money is typically made available to help with back rent expenses or, in certain cases, security deposits.
There are of course some conditions that need to be met, including the applicant needs to have a limited income. In addition, they must also have one child under 18 years of age living in the household full-time. Call 1-877-891-6445 to learn more about the Florida EFAHP program.
Legal Services of Miami may be able to work on tenant issues, including eviction prevention services or suggestions on rental programs. For the low income that qualify, the resources and advice is provided to them at no cost from clinics and other centers. (305) 576-0080.


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Four people survive a car accident in which the vehicle was split in two.
The accident happened on southbound I-15 where it meets up with southbound I-5 in the Southcrest area just after midnight Tuesday.
Only one vehicle was involved in the crash. The driver of the car is under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
"It hit the concrete wall, traveled up partially onto the wall, started sliding down the wall where it hit a post that was holding up a freeway sign," said Officer Art Athens, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.
Four people were in the car. The two passengers in the backseat were actually thrown from the car and hit the pavement.
"The impact actually caused the car to split in half," Athens said.
Firefighters spent 15 to 20 minutes trying to free people from inside the car.
The passengers were taken to UCSD Medical Center with what were originally described as serious injuries by the CHP. Luckily, they only sustained lacerations.
"It's nothing short of a miracle," Athens said. "For every one accident like this where somebody happens to survive, there are thousands more where somebody's killed in an accident like this."
Athens says this type of ending is not typical, and he wants to remind people that wearing your seatbelt is one of the best ways to stay safe behind the wheel.
Police say 23-year-old Andres Acala was arrested and booked into the downtown jail on suspicion of felony DUI.


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Eight Forty-Eight
How Latinos are changing the Midwest's economy for the better
Recent census reports show Midwestern cities are shrinking and people are moving out. But at least one group is growing - the Hispanic population. For the series Changing Gears, Niala Boodhoo reports that's a good thing for our region and our economy.
Drive down the main strip of Aurora, Illinois, a town about 50 miles west of Chicago, and strip malls like the "Plaza del Sol" are a common sight on the landscape. In the 2010 census, Aurora ranked as the state's second most populous town – a jump boosted by the growth in the Latino population.
"Aurora's like Little Mexico," said Javier Galvez, who's a month away from opening his pizza shop on the corner of New York and Lake Street in downtown Aurora.
"Everybody stops here. They're going to take their chances here first to start their business because they know that [in] a 40 mile radius or more, there are going to be towns they can take advantage of," Galvez added.
Aurora actually extends into four counties – two of them, Will and Kendall, had explosive population growth in the past decade.
Even if Aurora is not as well-known as other Hispanic enclaves like Chicago's Little Village or Pilsen, its population goes back generations. (I did a story last fall looking at small businesses in Little Village.)
Galvez came to Aurora when he was two years old because his father got a job working for Burlington Northern, laying railroad track across Illinois.
Galvez started in industry, too. He worked his way up at Caterpillar, where he started on the floor, building excavators, but moved into employee training and logistics.
Then two years ago, he was laid off. So now he's using those management and logistics skills to run the restaurant, Spizzico, which has already found success in its first location in Elwood Park.
Galvez said their slogan – "the best pizza for the best price" – is especially suited for large, Latino families looking for a bargain.
"I know that everybody says that restaurants and everything are the first to flop," Galvez said, "But you never know if you don't take that chance, right?
He's not the only one.
According to the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, one out of every two businesses in Aurora are Hispanic-owned. Executive Director Norma Vazquez describes the growth as "unstoppable".
In the three years since Vazquez become executive director, the chamber's membership has gone from 50 to 342 members.
One of the Hispanic-owned businesses that's been around for a while is Frank's Digital Printing.
While the recession has been hard on the business, owner Frank Garcia said he still gets lots of new business from other Hispanic entrepreneurs who come to him to have their new signs and fliers printed.
Frank's oldest brother, Manuel Jr., said that when their family moved to Aurora, there were probably just ten others.
That was a 100 years ago, when Burlington Northern recruited Mexicans, including Manuel Sr., to work on the rail lines.
Many lived in boxcars because they weren't allowed to live in town. Frank told me he remembers as a kid visiting his uncle who lived in a boxcar.
Frank and Manuel Jr. are two of nine children. A few generations later, the entire Garcia family numbers almost 80. They all still live in Aurora, where the Latino population makes up almost half of the 200,000 or so people.
The Garcias are part of a nation-wide Hispanic population boom that happened between the 2000 and 2010 census.
For the first time in fifty years, there were more Hispanic births than immigration.
The Hispanic population across the Midwest is still small compared to traditional population centers in the southwest and Florida.
But here, Latino growth stands in stark contrast to declines among white and African-American populations.
A few hundred miles away in South Bend, Indiana, Allert Brown Gort has been studying the economic impact of these ethnic encalves.
Gort is the associate director at the University of Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies. He told me while Latino households are still mostly low-income, they have a greater economic impact than other poor American households.
"What we see is a difference in how money is spent and on what things money is spent on," he said.
That's in part because Latino households are larger, and have more wage earners, because children tend to stay at home longer.
The Institute has researched how Latino households also have more spending power in two key ways: more money goes towards buying food and clothes, and more of those purchases are made at small, mom and pop stores owned by people who also live in the same neighborhood – so the money stays within the community.
"There is a lot more local shopping, there are lot more small businesses that are being maintained through the shopping," Gort said.
Hispanic enclaves are popping up in places you might not expect – outside of cities like Indianapolis, Columbus, and Detroit.
Melvindale, Michigan, is just south of Dearborn, home to the largest Arab-American community in the Midwest.
On Oakwood Blvd., not far from the police department, the ivy green awning outside the Town Market grocery store is in three languages: English, Arabic – and Spanish.
Inside, cans of fava beans are stacked next to salsa and refried beans. There is pita bread, and tortillas.
"I was thinking it was going to be an Arabic store," owner Faoud Waseem said.
Waseem moved to Melvindale from Dearborn because he knew a lot of Arabic newspapers were setting up shop here, and lots of his fellow Yemenis were buying houses.
"But when I got here, a lot of Spanish started moving here and they started asking me to bring their products here," said Waseem.
Before he came to Melvindale, he didn't have a clue what a tortilla was. But his customers made sure he learned – they would bring in cans from home, and tell them this is what they needed in the store. He called the companies and found distributors who could provide the food they wanted.
Now, Latinos make up about 20 percent of his customer base. He's even hired a Spanish-speaking clerk.
It's not just Melvindale.
In other Detroit suburbs like Lincoln Park and Allen Park, the Hispanic population has expanded in the past ten years from southwest Detroit.
"The Latino community in Detroit everybody knows each other – it's pretty small," said Angie Reyes, the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation's Executive Director. She's spent her entire life in Detroit.
"About five, six years ago, at the Cinco de Mayo parade, we're looking at the people and we're going, who are all these people? Because we saw so many new faces."
She said that's when she started to realize how much the Latino population had exploded in recent years.
Michigan is the only state that lost population in the census. Reyes pointed out had it not been for the 30 percent increase in Latinos throughout Michigan — the overall population decline of Detroit – and the state – would have been even worse.
The Hispanic Development Corporation offices are off Trumbull Street near downtown, in a neighborhood where Dominican hair salons are just as common as Mexican taqueiras.
Reyes said these businesses often start small, but then they grow – like her own nonprofit, which she started in her house.
"You'll see a little shack, then it's brick, then it's a two story building, then the next thing you know they're have another location that's down the street," she said.
That presence is starting to get noticed. More and more business owners from the rest of the city are now coming to the center to sign up for Spanish classes.
And Reyes said as others start to recognize the role her community is playing not just in Detroit, but the region's economy, they're starting to refer to Latinos as the "silent giant".
Changing Gears explores the future of the industrial Midwest. The series is a public media collaboration between WBEZ, Michigan Radio, and Ideastream in Cleveland. Support for Changing Gears comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Conrad Herwig, "Adam's Apple", from the CD The Latin Side of Wayne Shorter, (Half Note)


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A critical review of rail track geotechnologies considering increased speeds and axle loads
Publication Details
Indraratna, B., Nimbalkar, S. & Rujikiatkamjorn, C. (2016). A critical review of rail track geotechnologies considering increased speeds and axle loads. Geotechnical Engineering, 47 (4), 50-60.
Link to publisher version (URL)
Ballasted railroads are designed to provide high speed commuter and heavy haul transportation. Ballast is one of most important load bearing components of the track substructure. However, it often experiences excessive settlement, lateral deformation and particle breakage when subjected to large dynamic (cyclic and impact) stresses. In addition, tracks constructed along coastal areas often undergo large settlements over soft compressible estuarine deposits, leading to frequent and costly track maintenance. The use of artificial inclusions such as geogrids, geocomposites, shock-mats (rubber) and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) are attractive options to maintain the vertical and horizontal alignment of tracks and to curtail excessive maintenance costs. This critical review paper provides a deeper insight to the recent advancements in rail track geotechnology at increased train speeds and axle loads.
Grant Number


text: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses the interactions between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is likely that someone has previously told you to stop thinking a particular way or feeling the way you do, and it has not worked. Exposure with response prevention begins with changing behavior while restructuring thoughts through a process of identifying evidence for and against your distorted thoughts and forming more balanced beliefs. Through exposure, you are gradually introduced to situations that have previously been avoided because they trigger anxiety. I will support you during this process, and we will eventually confront more and more difficult situations in order to increase your comfort in a number of situations that have been avoided.


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Get job alerts by email. Sign up now!
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Unisys Federal Systems
Unisys Federal has created a distinctive brand in the federal market by providing innovative solutions and services to solve complex and critical client challenges in support of our homeland security and critical infrastructure; the defense and intelligence agencies, and federal civilian clients. Unisys Federal has many firsts in the market in delivering disruptive IT trends and solutions. We further differentiate by investing in solutions for Justice, Law Enforcement and Border Security. We have agile development and project management, world class services delivery and client satisfaction and we are an industry recognized innovator with multiple awards from industry organizations.
With top customer satisfaction ratings, Unisys Federal Systems' delivery success drives results and has led to numerous award-winning programs for our clients. We are committed to ensuring consistent customer delivery with our global service centers certified and in accord with ISO 9000:2008, ISO 20000-1:2011, ISO 2000-1:2005 and ISO 27001:2005. And, our delivery and deployed systems are in accord with ITIL V2/V3, SEI CMM Level 3/Level 5, and relevant security standards.
Unisys Stealth has received approval from the U.S. National Security Agency's (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified program, opening the door for U.S. government agencies to purchase Stealth to protect highly-classified systems and data. Stealth was concurrently certified by the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), which makes it eligible for use by governments in more than 20 countries to protect their most sensitive systems and information.
Our offerings include application services, systems integration and consulting services, high-end server technology, cybersecurity and cloud management software, and maintenance and support services.
Unisys delivers mission success to bring value and reduce costs for our government clients. In short, we get things done.
Join the Unisys Talent Network today and stay up-to-date on our openings as they continue to become available!
What is a Talent Network?
Talent Networks enhance your job search and application process. Whether you choose to apply or just leave your information, we look forward to staying connected with you.
Why Join?
- Receive alerts with new job opportunities that match your interests
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Ruth and John are back with another episode of Parental Geekery, the aspirationally-weekly podcast where we talk about whatever's interesting us, which is generally something geeky or parenty! We start off this week talking about David's impending surgery to repair his Hydrocele. We go through our plans for the day, what we've done to prepare both kids for the operation, and what Catherine will be doing that day – it's not what we initally expected!
We start talking about our summer holiday plans, but only get as far as talking about both kids spending some time at Mad Science camp before we get distracted into a bigger conversation about girls, coding, technology and science. John talks about the new worksheets available to him as a Code Club volunteer, and how he is going to structure his after school sessions next term. He also talks about a group in the United States that has been set up to teach girls how to code, but can't remember the name (it's App Camp for Girls).
We talk about how Catherine is really enjoying magic at the moment. John has showed her a couple of David Copperfield videos, and we talk particularly about his flying illusion and how it's done. Catherine is very much enjoying her Melissa and Doug Deluxe Magic Set, which we think is a much better buy than their Discovery Magic Set.
John is enjoying playing Heroes of the Storm, and David enjoys watching and "helping". We're both really enjoying The Good Wife on Netflix. We recommend Bloons TD 5 as a great tower defense game that's completely family friendly, and then confess to playing Monkey City which is probably less suitable for young kids!
John's written a new blog post on his Daddy Coder blog, called Stop the Clock. And Ruth's finding some success with her recent Geekmummy blog post How to set up your emergency contact information (ICE) on your iPhone (iOS8).
Make sure you don't miss our future episodes! You can subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, MixCloud or YouTube. We'd love it if you were to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and circle us on Google+. Come on over and join in the discussion on our Google+ community. We are always pleased to hear from you – please leave comments on the blog post for this episode, contact us by email, or leave us a voicemail via the website or Facebook page. If you enjoy listening to the show, please leave a review for us on iTunes.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS


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Latest Blogs
Builder and developer Shiel Sexton is renovating an historic former Buick showroom that most recently served as a self-storage facility into LEED-certified office space. The 1923 building at 1302 N. Meridian St. over the years has served as a car dealership, department store and a business furniture company. Locally based August Mack Environmental in December will take most of the third floor, moving from the Lexington building, another Shiel renovation, one block to the south. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker is handling leasing.


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Quote of the Day:
"It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It's what we do consistently."–Tony Robbins
One of the key determining factors of your success as a Coach will be your consistency in building relationships and showing up for your business every day. You're growing, learning, and becoming a better Coach every day, but you're also at the point where consistency can be a challenge.
Showing up each day for your business is how you'll reach Success Club this month and become a Success Starter Coach! Be consistent in building your business!
In fact, in a recent event, CEO of Beachbody Carl Daikeler shared that the difference between Coaches who succeed with their coaching business and those who flounder comes down to two things:
- Intensity
- A desire to help people
He went on to explain that your intensity is your drive to be successful as a Coach. Your intensity is what makes you show up every day for your business even with everything else you have to juggle in your life. You find a way to make it a priority.
He then spoke on the importance of having a sincere desire to help people build a successful coaching business. People can tell when you're sincerely interested in helping them and when you're not. The great thing is—the more people you help, the more you earn as a Coach.
So, here's something I want you to try. Today, I want you to ask the following question to at least five people and then come and share the outcomes of those conversations with the Group:
"When was the last time someone helped you with your fitness goals?"
Then let the conversation happen from there. The further you go with that discussion, the more unique you'll be in people's lives.
Watch another Coach Success Story video to gain motivation and get excited about your business.


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Chadwick Centre wins LABC Building Excellence Award
Following its success at the regional awards, the Chadwick Centre at the International Bomber Command Centre has won the Award for the best small commercial building at the LABC National Building Excellence Awards. A panel of industry experts judged a shortlist of the highest quality projects from around England and Wales to reward the best in technical innovation, sustainability and design.
The panel said "A superb scheme blending striking design, good environmental performance and creating a sense of place appropriate for such a historic commemorative role. The project has an impressive list of energy saving and design features. A fitting tribute."


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Teach Outreach in Action - Jewells Primary School
Athletics Carnival
"This Teach Outreach initiative is an opportunity to allow our students to experience first hand, valuable experience in a school setting while studying at - University." - Ms Tracey Kelty, Lecturer in Education, University of Newcastle
"Thank you so much. This program has contributed greatly to the success of our athletics carnival. I am looking forward to more help from the students who contribute to this initiative through Teach Outreach. We greatly appreciate this support." - Mr Kevin Miller, Principal, Jewells Primary School
"I found the athletics carnival a great tool in aiding knowledge of future required experiences in school." - Brianna Hodgson, student
"A great taste of teaching and a fun day had by all!" - Jasmine Trimble, student
"(A) fun and interesting experience. Lots of practical knowledge gained." - Julia Crowley, student


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You won't believe the things Android is used for
The Android platform has grown into the most popular and widespread mobile operating system on the planet, and is increasingly being used for bizarre projects. I'm not just talking about people controlling their dimmer switches uses Android Wear. I mean, well, just check some of these examples below.
Number one: A crematorium
Sorry to begin with something morbid, but this is quite fascinating. Dutch firm DFW Europe, an international producer and supplier of complete cremation solutions, has confessed that it processes human remains using a HTC One. Seriously. In a crematorium in Denmark, the crematorium ovens are controlled by an operator who scans individual bar-codes using the HTC One, which utilizes software built from the ground up by their engineers. Using an Android device has enabled the company to control and monitor the whole cremation process automatically. I just use my HTC One to play Flappy Bird.
Number two: A rice cooker
Well of course we were all thinking it. We were going about our days cooking rice and thinking "if only I could use Android to help cook this rice instead." Well early last year your prayers were answered as Android moved into the kitchen. Google were touting this as an introduction of smart devices for all household appliances, letting them communicate between each other (yes, your toaster talking to your TV) to help automate certain processes. The theory was that your clothes dryer would send a notification to your TV so you could add another 15 minutes to the cycle, or something similar. Automating something with a heating element by a wireless device (with software that many people have) sounds at best really, really dangerous, and we're yet to see this idea really take off. But who knows what the future holds.
Number 3: A Russian prison
Things began looking up for inmates serving ten-to-life in a Moscow prison last year when it became possible for them to receive emoticons from loved ones. Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service introduced an app for iOS and Android which could be used by select prisoners to receive messages from their families. The messages arrive in the form of a 1,000 character letter or a photograph, both of which can be sent for less than 1 USD. The project seems to have been a success, signal bars seemingly unaffected by their, erm, prison bars...
Have you seen Android cropping up in any unusual places?
Via: Engagdget Source: mh Monitoring and Control, FSIN PISMO


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Food Bank
Crisis can hit any of us at any time whereby the money we expect to have doesn't turn up, or some other financial difficulty hits. This is particularly true for those who depend upon Benefits.
We therefore give basic food parcels to people in desperate need to tide them over the immediate crisis.
Some are homeless, and while we cannot continue to support indefinitely, we try to help with something, and to give a cup of tea or coffee while they are with us.
There is a Job Advisor every week from 11.30am until 1.00pm offering help with job seeking, CV writing, interview techniques, etc.
On the 3rd Thursday of each month a representative from Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council's Housing Department will also be available to help with advice and enquires.
Opening times:
Monday and Thursday mornings from 10.30am - 12.00am
How you can help?
Gifts of suitable goods and toiletries are always welcome and needed, and we encourage you to add an item or two to your regular shopping to help keep the store cupboard stocked. The following can be used and are always in demand:
|Small Boxes of Cereal
|Tea Bags
|Sugar (Small)
|Baked Beans
|Snack Bars
|Chopped Tomatoes
|Pasta (500g packets)
|Milk (UKT, Long-Life, Dried)
|Rice Puddings
|Rice (500g packets or boil-in-the-bag)
|Fruit Juice (Long-Life Cartons)
|General Toiletries
|Sponge Pudding & Custard
|Pasta Sauce
|Jam & Marmalade
|Male/Female Specific Toiletries
Tins & packets only. Please avoid, where possible, passing out-of-date or damaged items to us. Thank you.


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Tulane Architecture Alumnus and Advisory Board-member Bob Hale FAIA '77 releases new book.
Not Neutral: For Every Place, Its Story, is here!
30 years of places. 30 years of stories. One comprehensive perspective.
Book teaser - RCHS Book - Page Flip
In this explorative monograph, Not Neutral: For Every Place, Its Story, internationally-renowned, award-winning architecture and design firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios evokes a dialogue between reader and designer about the increasing importance of celebrating and experiencing cities that are reflective of its cultures and ethnography. The monograph artfully showcases three decades of the firm's work with commentary about its overarching philosophy and approach to each project from the voices of its leadership.
Chronicling the firm's process and work through a series of supporting essays, the firm's leadership articulates how the team identified unique qualities and memories embedded in each location to make the design tell that story. Each essay is accompanied by photographs and renderings of completed and soon-to-be-completed projects.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Rios Clementi Hale Studios designs spaces that define the culture of the city. The team's work extends throughout Southern California and to cities throughout the country and abroad. From the award-winning Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles to the in-progress Flower Mart in San Francisco, Rios Clementi Hale Studios seeks to discover a project's unique qualities and endeavors to design a space that tells the story of its people, culture, and history. With globalization spreading across the planet, the unique qualities that once existed within those individual places are gradually disappearing. As a result, it is Rios Clementi Hale Studio's mission to harness the opposite mentality when approaching its projects and instead "make the world not neutral."
- Tags:
- Alumni


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Robin Hood: The Courtship of Allan A'Dale
Product Code: R08000
- Comedy | Farce | Melodrama
- Young Audiences | Middle School | High School | College and Adult | Family (all ages) | Senior Adults
- 13m., 18w. (May be expanded to 13m., 26w. and 20+ of either gender. With doubling can be done with 7m., 6w., 6 either gender.)
- 100 min.
All of the adventure, danger and joy that is associated with the tale of Robin Hood can still be found in this romantic, coming-of-age adventure story. Learn More
$9.95 /script
Min. Royalty Rate: $80/perf
In StockLearn More


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Sending Jodi to India
Thursday, July 08, 2010
According to her description of the project, "I will be traveling on a very tight budget to make this trip a reality. I am staying with a host family, eating basic food, and really only spending money on the bare necessities. Any money over and above what is needed will be donated to the people of Uttar Pradesh. [...] **All donations over and above the goal will be donated to improve the programs I will be working with** "
To find out more about her project: check out her blog and KickStarter page
12 comments :
- Grace said...
Wow, sounds cool! I'm sure she'll have an amzing trip.
- July 8, 2010 at 9:51 PM
- Ruta, Look Ugly in a Photograph said...
Wow. I hope she succeeds. I don't think I could do it. I wish her lots of luck.
- July 8, 2010 at 10:17 PM
- Shelley Ann said...
that sounds so wonderful! good luck to her!
- July 8, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Amazing project!
- July 8, 2010 at 10:32 PM
- Dancing Branflake said...
I love Jodi and wish her the best!
- July 8, 2010 at 10:39 PM
- Slamdunk said...
I'll take a look--sounds like a worthwhile endeavor.
- July 8, 2010 at 11:29 PM
- Vintage Vixen said...
I'll have to take a look. I've been to India 15 times and absolutely adore it, the people, the culture and the sights, just the most fabulous place on earth.
- July 9, 2010 at 3:46 AM
- Chic 'n Cheap Living said...
All the best to Jodi - it'll be some experience!
- July 9, 2010 at 4:14 AM
- Fashion, Art and other fancies said...
I shall pop over and read more about her at her blog.
- July 9, 2010 at 4:38 AM
- kirstyb said...
awesome post xxxx
- July 9, 2010 at 6:16 AM
Thank you so so so much for your support! This is awesome.
Email me your address at firstname.lastname@example.com
I want to send you a little thank you :)
- July 10, 2010 at 1:59 PM
- B a la Moda said...
Hoe interesting. I like projects like this one. Thank God there are a lot!
B* a la Moda
- July 12, 2010 at 1:38 AM


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Today is the day! Today is the day! A whole new set of adventures are being released today imtroducing your children to a new character Asher- and his tips for fire safety. The DVd comes with a die cast Asher as well as eposides that will help your kiddos learn that fire is no joke! They will learn all about an emergency safety plan and see in a safe environment how a fire affects the community and how much work it is to put one out! This DVD gives your family an opportunity to learn about fire safety in a fun way and gives you a stepping post to bring the disussion further outside the DVD. Sit down and write a safety plan of your own- talk to your children about safety tips and how to avoid hazards- and if you need to use this useful tips from Asher! The DVD is available today- do not wait chug on over and grap a copy!
In honor of "Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue Day," and to help keep your family and young trainees safe all year-round, here are some important tips from Firechugger Asher and the National Fire Protection Association:
· Asher says, "Plan ahead!"
Create a home escape plan so every member of your family knows what to do and where to go if there's a fire. Designate a meeting spot, such as a tree or mailbox, that's a safe distance from the home. And practice your home fire drill both at night and during the day.
· Asher says, "Stop a fire before it starts!"
Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach from children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet or drawer. It's also important to teach kids that lighters and matches are tools for adults only and that they should tell a grown-up if they see these items lying around.
· Asher says, "Cool it in the kitchen!"
Always keep an eye on the stove while you're cooking, and use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on. Create a "kid-free zone" around the stove as well as areas where hot food and drinks are prepared. And make sure to keep anything that can catch fire, including oven mitts and towels, away from hot appliances!
· Asher says, "Sound the alarm! "
Smoke detectors are a key part of a home fire escape plan. Make sure to install smoke detectors on every floor of the home, especially inside and outside bedrooms. Don't forget to test all smoke alarms at least once a month!
· Asher says, "Stay low and stay out! "
If, during a fire, you have to escape through smoke, get low, go under the smoke and close the doors behind you as you leave each room. It's crucial to remind children that, once outside, they should never go back inside for anything, including pets or toys. It's best to wait to call the fire department until you get outside and are a safe distance away from the fire.
Asher says, "Follow these blazin' safety tips and you'll be in control and ready to roll if there's ever a fire."
For more safety tips, visit: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets