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3 Steps for Choosing a Dental Website ProviderNovember 23, 2016 by AACD Executive Office
By Brian Koenig
Why does your practice need a website? Because, if done right, it can be your largest source of new patients. Unless youre a dentist, graphic designer and online marketer, youll likely need to hire a company to build and manage your website. But how do you choose the website provider thats right for you?
Here are three steps for choosing a provider that best fits your needs:
Step #1: Determine Your GoalsHaving a website is as essential as having a phone number and business cards. But is that all it is? Just a few webpages with your logo and contact information? If so, the process is simple: Hire a local website designer. If, however, you want your website to attract new patients to your practice, youll need more than just a website designer. Youll need a comprehensive solution that includes every piece of the online marketing pie. With so many prospective new patients researching on the Internet, the opportunities are limitless.
Step #2: Understand the Types of ProvidersOnce you know what your goals are, you can determine what type of company fits the bill. There are three main types of dental website providers:
However, this solution tends to be very expensive, and you have to teach the designer the nuances of the dental field. A website created by a local designer offers tremendous opportunity for personal expression (that is, getting that perfect shade of blue), but it underperforms as a new patient acquisition tool.
Also, local designers typically subcontract SEO work, social media updates, and other integral functions. They are often artists with little business or marketing experience. This leaves you to figure out the marketing component.
This solution treats a website as a set it and forget it resource. But the web doesnt work like that. Youll need to constantly add content, update your hours, swap out photos, etc. Many product providers see this as an annoyance. Thus, any changes you request can take weeks. Or a court order.
A product providers goal is to create your website and collect a monthly hosting fee hoping youll find the lack of performance a fair trade for their low price.
3. The Dental Website Service ProviderIf youre looking for an integrated solution for maximum new patient generation, the service provider is your best bet. They specialize in the dental industry, they offer patient-centered design, and they have a long-term marketing plan. Moreover, by specializing in the dental field, service providers can acquire a large set of data as to what works and what doesnt.
The service provider doesnt just build websites. They provide a full-circle strategy to produce new patients and nurture existing patient relationships.
In short, heres what differentiates the service provider from any other website provider: Youre not just checking off the have a website box, youre partnering with a company to achieve one common goal retain and secure more new patients.
Once youve figured out which type of company best fits your needs, its time to vet your prospective provider.
|How do you do this? Ask them these five questions:


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Yes, and it is preferred at first too!
It will require you to disconnect your cable provider's box (be it Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon, etc.) and then plug in your antenna, following the installation instructions.
By "testing" your antenna first, it means that you won't be without TV if in the event that your antenna does not work as expected. Sometimes if it does not work, it will depend on obstructions (between you and the broadcast antennas) or antenna placement. Sometimes, we have even heard that replacing the coaxial cables provided by the antenna with better ones makes a huge difference.
This process may take a few tries to get right... better to be doing it BEFORE you call and cancel your cable.

subset: commoncrawl


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For novel ideas about building embedded systems (both hardware and firmware), join the 35,000 engineers who subscribe to The Embedded Muse, a free biweekly newsletter. The Muse has no hype and no vendor PR. Click here to subscribe.
By Jack Ganssle
Informal Observations
Published on embedded.com December, 2012.
For this, my last column of 2012, I want to share some observations of the state of the industry from my peripatetic wandering this year over four continents.
I've presented my "Better Firmware Faster" seminar on-site to many hundreds of companies and thousands of developers. It was inspired by a couple of decades of work in the embedded tool business which took me into developer's labs all over the world. What I found then, and what is still true today, is that so many of us are facing the same problems: projects are late and systems get shipped seeded with bugs. In the 80s and 90s engineers tried to deal with these realities by working harder and by superhuman debugging efforts. Today, the workload has become unrealistic; most projects are late the day they start and never catch up. The seminar is designed to show ways to avoid these problems, and I get a kick out of talking to the attendees to learn about their unique challenges.
A central observation of the quality movement that revolutionized manufacturing is that products are both cheaper and delivered faster when quality is designed in from the beginning. In the software world this has morphed into a critical aphorism: a focus on fixing bugs will lead to neither on-time delivery nor quality code.
That last clause should cause most of us to rethink our approach to building embedded systems (which is the focus of my seminar). But it hasn't. Most teams embrace the same heroics used for decades.
Some things have changed.
Code is getting better. At least new code; a lot of people are in maintenance on old systems which is invariably based on awful software.
Though there are a ton of exceptions, I'm seeing more care going into structural issues: architecture and design. And, again with plenty of counterexamples, code is generally better crafted than a few years ago. Names make more sense and engineers are careful to follow at least some stylistic issues.
The data shows that this care translates into better products. The entire IT world fixes about 85% of the bugs in their code pre-shipment. Embedded products average a 95% fix rate. That's still too low, but at least our industry is ahead of the pack.
But I'm not convinced it's improving fast enough to keep up with the increasing demands being made on firmware.
I encounter teams that have wholeheartedly embraced one or another of the agile methods. There's a lot of talk about agile; it's a subject that always comes up, and XP and Scrum both get a lot of mind share. The truth, though, is that it's still pretty unusual to find groups that practice these approaches with any sort of discipline or rigor.
Test-Driven Development has an increasing number of adherents, but I find very few teams using it; instead there's the occasional lone wolf using TDD.
EEs are less common. Increasingly teams are forged from CS/CE people or EEs whom have never strayed outside of the domain of firmware. Again, exceptions abound; the last company I visited this month had a large group that was nearly all EEs. That is so unusual I was quite taken aback.
An increasing number of companies use at least some metrics, the most common being cyclometric complexity. Essentially none, though, use that to qualify their tests.
Testing is getting worse, driven by crazy schedules and the increasing size of code bases.
Teams continue to get bigger and individual developers complain more about being compartmentalized into narrow portions of a product. In many groups no one has any overall sense of how things work. It's not unusual to find hundreds of engineers - often in many different time zones - working on a single product.
Legacy code is both the best and worst problem faced by many. It's good simply because legacy code is the stuff that typically generates most of a company's revenue. It's a disaster because so much is so awful. Because code bases keep getting bigger, and since the embedded world (at 41 years since the first microprocessor) is well into middle-age, the landfill of old code is huge. Many teams today work only on the fringes of the old software, making minor enhancements or bolting on new features. Few of these people are happy with what they are doing and most feel a weight of impending doom, expecting the old stuff to eventually implode.
Big companies that buy lots of microprocessors rely more than ever on the semiconductor vendors to supply substantial portions of the code base. They have plenty of leverage and as a result it's sometimes hard to draw a line between the vendor's and the customer's engineers. Some of this is also driven by poor documentation of the parts, as well as insanely complex devices, like the SoCs in mobile phones, that are all but undocumentable.
What hasn't changed is that engineers at small-to midsized companies are almost uniformly happy in their work. Some big outfits do an amazing job, though, of disenfranchising their people. And that's a darn shame.
Happy holidays, all, and let's hope for a great 2013.


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Schrader Cellars, Beckstoffer Original To Kalon Vineyard 2001
This wine has more than a little historical significance, as it was the first to bear the name 'To Kalon', one of Napa's greatest terroirs but also a trademark of the Robert Mondavi Winery. Schrader's decision to put those words on the label provoked a law suit, but the winery's right to do so was confirmed in the settlement—important recognition that To Kalon is a place, not merely a brand. So it was a special bottle to try. At its fifteenth birthday the wine is fully mature, with a ruby-black hue and a complex bouquet of black cherry, kirsch, tar and rich spice, introducing a full-bodied, supple palate impression with good balancing acidity and melted tannins. Age has mellowed some of the mid-palate amplitude that the Schrader wines typically display in their youth, but it retains plenty of juicy fruit as it settles into its plateau of maturity.
Alc 15%
Taster: William Kelley


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Question: I am new to this area and am not sure what I should do to prepare my plants for winter. I have planted several fruit trees, roses and perennial flowers this year. I see my neighbor irrigating everything. Is that a good idea?
Answer: A thorough irrigation in the fall is a good idea. Even though the surface soil may be moist, deeper soil may be quite dry. I like to make sure the soil for trees and shrubs is wet at least a foot deep. You can use a shovel to check moisture levels. It takes at least an inch of water to reach a foot deep. You can check how long to run sprinklers to apply an inch of water using shallow cans such as tuna fish cans. In sloping areas where water runs off, you may need to apply several shorter irrigations.
Moisture also reduces winter damage to lawns and flowers. Even though top growth is dormant, plant roots continue to absorb water from the soil. Desiccation or drying is the main cause of winter damage.
Roses and some fruit trees such as plum, peach and cherry are only marginally hardy in our area. I like to protect the graft union with soil or mulch. The graft union is a bulging area near the base of the plant where the improved variety was grafted to a seedling root stock. I like to mound soil or mulch over this area. I usually plant roses deeply so this area is permanently covered with soil.
Rose canes often die down to the soil level if not given extra protection. I have used several methods to protect the canes. The most effective is styrofoam rose cones. Another good method is white insulating covers available from garden supply dealers. Even thinner row covers used for vegetables in the spring give some protection. Straw or leaves can be heaped up over roses for insulation.
Newly planted perennial flowers can also use some protective mulch. I like to cut off the frozen tops and criss cross them over the tops of perennials. Leaves also make good mulch for plants.
Strawberry plants will also benefit from mulching. I have found the white row covers to be very effective for strawberries. The plants come through in much better shape and produce more fruit.
Anti-desiccants such as Wilt-Pruf are effective in protecting sensitive evergreens from wind and sun damage. Wilt-Pruf coats needles with latex and reduces moisture loss. Alberta Spruce, Arborvitae and some pines are the most susceptible to winter damage.
Young deciduous trees sometimes have bark cracking on their lower trunk area. This is caused by alternate warm sunny days followed by cold nights. The inner wood and bark expand in the warmth of the afternoon sun. The bark cools more rapidly than the wood and splits. The best way to reduce splitting is to shade the trunk below the first branch with a white plastic or cloth cover which reflects the sunlight. Make sure the cover is porous to allow air movement. Alternately, the sunny south and west sides can be painted with a white outdoor latex paint.


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The gorgeous 53-metre motor yacht SOUTH was spotted by Roberto Malfatti at the Benetti shipyard in the port of Livorno, Italy, yesterday, on Monday, May 25, 2015. Launched by Rossi Navi in 2008, superyacht SOUTH boasts stylish interiors by Officina Italiana Design.
Luxury yacht SOUTH provides deluxe accommodation to up to 12 guests in her beautifully styled Italian interiors, featuring neutral colours and a clean modern look. There are 6 lavish cabins, including a breath-taking main deck master cabin, a VIP cabin, as well as two double and two twin cabins.
Among the many fine amenities aboard the striking SOUTH yacht belongs an amazing sundeck, hosting a Spa Pool, a gym area, an internal lounge area, as well as a sun bathing area.
There are more charter yachts by Rossi Navi here.


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Bridget's Big Luvy takes on the best in Arkansas
In his short career, Bridget's Big Luvy has faced Grade 1 winner Frosted twice, graded stakes winner Barbados and multiple stakes winner Bayerd, among others. Now, after a sensational performance in winning the Private Terms Stakes at Laurel in March and becoming a late nominee for the Triple Crown, the 3-year-old son of Tiz Wonderful will take on division leader and last year's Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old American Pharoah in the $1 million Arkansas Derby-G1 on Saturday, April 11.
Steve Haskin of The Blood-Horse caught up with the connections of Bridget's Big Luvy and got the scoop on how the Dark Hollow Farm-bred runner got his name, got to the races and made his way to Arkansas. READ STORY
Big Stakes Win for BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY
Enjoying every step of the way, BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY came out clean as a whistle over a muddy Laurel Park strip in the $100,000 Private Terms S. on Saturday, March 21, sprinting clear early and leading the entire mile and an eighth to score his first stakes win by more than two lengths.
Bred by Dark Hollow Farm, the bright bay son of Tiz Wonderful owned by Tom O'Grady had earlier displayed his affinity for an off track in his first win last October at Belmont Park. And trainer Jeremiah Englehart was confident in the 3-year-old colt's ability to handle two turns for the first time. "I always thought he was a pretty nice horse," said Englehart. "The first two times in New York he ran against some pretty nice horses. We always thought he would stretch out." Jockey Angel Cruz was impressed: "When we got to the front, we got there so easy. He was really relaxed all the way, and coming out of the last turn he just kept going. I looked back and said, 'Oh, my gosh.' He galloped out really well. I think that he can go a longer distance."
Storybook ending for new millionaire Eighttofasttocatch
What a way to finish a career! Eighttofasttocatch became a new millionaire, won his fourth consecutive running of the historic Jennings Handicap, and now heads off in a new direction with a future as an event horse. It has been a career full of spectacular wins, great people and a love for racing – Eighttofasttocatch epitomizes what is so special about a Thoroughbred.
Owned throughout his racing career by Arnold and Sylvia Heft and trained by Tim Keefe, Eighttofasttocatch recorded his 12th stakes win with his Jennings score, and it was easiest one of all. Leading at every call over a sloppy track, he drew off to defeat eight others by nearly 11 lengths. The 1-mile Jennings has always been a tour-de-force for the handsome chestnut son of Not For Love, having won all four by daylight by an average winning margin of six and three-quarters lengths.
Bred by Dark Hollow Farm and Herringswell Stable out of the Nice Catch mare Too Fast to Catch, Eighttofasttocatch retires with a record of 17 wins, seven seconds and four thirds from 49 starts and career earnings of $1,072,970. He captured three runnings of the Maryland Million Classic and is a two-time winner of the Harrison E. Johnson Memorial Stakes. While he didn't make his first start of 2014 until September, he recorded two stakes wins from three starts. His total earnings tally ranks him 19th among the all-time leading Maryland-bred earners.
BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY loves Big Sandy!
BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY didn't mind a little mud and a wide trip, getting his first career win at Belmont Park on Oct. 24! The leggy 2-year-old Tiz Wonderful colt rallied down the stretch and won going away in the lucrative $90,000 six-furlong maiden special weight.
Owned by Tom O'Grady and trained by Jeremiah Englehart, BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY defeated eight others over the muddy surface after breaking from the outside post under Joe Bravo.
Bred by Dark Hollow Farm, BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY showed his potential early, selling for $175,000 at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearling sale, the second highest price of the sale. The colt is from the stellar Christiana Stables family that traces back to the blue hen mare OBEAH, dam of two-time champion and millionaire GO FOR WAND.
BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY is the third winner from four foals of racing age for his dam MEMORIES OF MYSTIC, who also produced Maryland-bred champion MYSTIC LOVE, a two-time stakes winner of $203,470. A winning daughter of Dixie Union, MEMORIES OF MYSTIC is also a product of Dark Hollow Farm, out of stakes-winning and multiple stakes-producer MYSTIC DANCE.
MEMORIES OF MYSTIC produced a Not For Love colt in 2013 and wasn't bred for 2014. She is currently in foal to Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Midnight Lute.
Classic Hat Trick for EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH!
The most recent Classic win was the result of a masterful training job by Tim Keefe, who had the 8-year-old son of Not For Love ready for his tour-de-force after only one prior start this year. EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH proved right out of the gate in the one and an eighth mile Classic that he was ready to roll, as Forest Boyce bounced him out quickly, put him on an uncontested lead, and distanced the others in the $150,000 stakes. The victory moved EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH to near millionaire status, pushing the chestnut gelding's career earnings to $997,970.
Bred by Dark Hollow Farm and Graham and Anita Motion's Herringswell Stables, EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH joins an elite group of runners to win three Maryland Million events, adding his name to the list that includes Dark Hollow Farm-bred Hall of Famer Safely Kept and Ben's Cat. He is the second Maryland Million Classic runner to be bred by and raised at Dark Hollow Farm, following in the footsteps of 2005 Classic winner PLAY BINGO.
EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH is out of Dark Hollow Farm's pensioned mare TOOFASTTOCATCH (by Nice Catch) and is a half-brother to stakes winner and Gr. 1-placed STORM PUNCH, stakes winner BAYONNE and nine other winners, who combined have earned in excess of $2 million. Keefe now will point his stable star to Laurel's Jennings Handicap, a race EIGHTTOFASTTOCATCH has won the past three years.
COMBAT DIVER wins battle at Belmont!
It took a bit to figure things out, but when it clicked for the Dark Hollow Farm-bred 2-year-old COMBAT DIVER in his second start, the battle was on! Digging in and giving nothing away down the long Belmont Park stretch on Oct. 3, the chestnut son of Line of David held off odds-on choice Gold Shield to win the $75,000 maiden special weight by a nose after one and a sixteenth miles and a relentless stretch drive.
COMBAT DIVER is trained by Gary Contessa for Wounded Warrior Stables, which purchased the flashy chestnut colt out of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale for $100,000. COMBAT DIVER is a half-brother to multiple stakes winner JOY, and the second winner from as many starters for his dam SAFE JOURNEY.
A winning daughter of Flatter, SAFE JOURNEY descends from Dark Hollow Farm's foundation mare Safely Home. SAFE JOURNEY's dam, stakes-placed $114,923-earner Safe At the Plate, is a half-sister to Hall of Famer SAFELY KEPT and graded stakes winner PARTNER'S HERO. SAFE JOURNEY is a half-sister to graded stakes-placed runners Cognac Kisses ($178,094) and Kettle Won ($113,606) and $361,313-earner Glide Home.
SAFE JOURNEY is the dam of a 2013 colt by Archarcharch and a 2014 colt by Bodemeister born this past April. She was bred back to Alternation.
David & JoAnn Hayden 16123 Dark Hollow Rd Upperco, Maryland 21155
Phone: 410.239.7075 Fax: 410.239-8220 email@example.com Directions To Farm


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The PlayStation 4 has lost one of its launch titles as Ubisoft and the Watch Dogs development team announced today via a statement that the upcoming title has been delayed from November 2013 until Spring 2014:
Our ambition from the start with Watch Dogs has been to deliver something that embodies what we wanted to see in the next-generation of gaming. It is with this in mind that we've made the tough decision to delay the release until spring 2014.
We know a lot of you are probably wondering: Why now? We struggled with whether we would delay the game. But from the beginning, we have adopted the attitude that we will not compromise on quality. As we got closer to release, as all the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place in our last push before completion, it became clear to us that we needed to take the extra time to polish and fine tune each detail so we can deliver a truly memorable and exceptional experience.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you. We thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the way you respond on the web, at events, press conferences and other opportunities we have to interact. Your passion keeps us motivated.
We can't wait to see you in Chicago next spring. We are confident you'll love this game as much as we love working on it.
What do you think of this delay? Let us know in the comments below.


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We love to travel. It's our sole mission to excite other people to do the same. Instead of spending lots on Google and Facebook advertising, we would rather give that money to our community of travel Ambassadors. Follow Alice Ambassadors share a passion for all things travel. They advertise for us by travelling the world, visiting the most fascinating places on earth, telling everyone about it and earning $$$ to do so (as well as going on free trips!). This unique word of mouth model is the best way for everyone to find out about new places and new adventures. So c'mon, why not join us?
Connect with a network of fellow travellers, digital nomads, bloggers, entrepreneurs, artists and young innovators from around the world. You are part of a like-minded group that can benefit from each other.
Earn commission and travel credits when your friends and followers book a Follow Alice trip using your personalised code. Recommend enough people and you've earned yourself a free trip.
We are developing new trips all the time and need Ambassadors to assist with their development. Get invited to special adventures and benefit from preferred Ambassador rates on all of our packages.
"As an entrepreneur my-self, I aim to constantly surround myself with curious, young people who inspire me."More about Nina
"Going on one long holiday around SEA. Currently taking pictures in Bali and couldn't think if anything better!"More about James
"I travel for work, visiting the most amazing places. Now I can inspire others and travel even more. Brilliant!"More about Josefina
"Being a Follow Alice Ambassador means I can live my normal life whilst channelling my passion for travel, AND earn some cash on the side. Why didn't I do this sooner?!"Jessica Paul


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Isn't that pocket perfect for a tag or gift card?
The birthday tag. LOVE it!
Yesterday we attended our daughter's final presentation at FIDM and she totally nailed it! We are so proud of her. Her teachers told us it was one of the best presentations. Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony! Yay!
Cardstock: PTI Lavender Moon
Patterned Paper: DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies mat stack
Stamps: MFT Pretty Pocket, PTI Birthday Basics and Birthday Bash Sentiments
Ink: Memento Rose Bud, Danube Blue, Cantaloupe and Bamboo Leaves
Other: PTI Tag Sale #2 die, MFT Pretty Pocket die
Size: 4.25" x 5.5"


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Rand Fishkin shares some good techniques on how to get search traffic and more inbound links to your own web pages:
1. If you have an old blog post, update the article, add new graphics and re-release the post.
2. If you have old how-to article, re-write that with latest data and push it again.
Resubmit Duplicate Web Pages to Digg again
Rand has another good tip if you like to resubmit a web page that's already on Digg – add a # sign after the web page URL – search engines ignore these while Digg may take this as a new URL. Or use a ? sign and the do a 301 redirect via the .htaccess file.


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Lithium ion batteries come to UPS
The next COTS technology waiting to take hold in process automation is lithium-ion batteries.
Remember when the PC was introduced back in the early 1980s? Most thought it would never be reliable enough for any type of process automation application. Fast forward 35 years, and it's impossible to find a DCS without PCs at the server level, and many end users are employing industrial PCs as real-time controllers.
Ethernet is another commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology that has taken the process automation world by storm after much early skepticism. End users were wary of its lack of determinism, inability to deliver power and high cost. These challenges were met by Ethernet speed increases, Power over Ethernet and ever improving price/performance ratios.
And along with Ethernet, other COTS communications technologies are moving into the industrial realm including the Internet, web servers, browsers, cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Many process control system components now contain a built-in web server and an Ethernet port. Connecting them to the Internet gives worldwide browser access, often powered by cellular communication networks or Wi-Fi.
According to Bedrock Automation, the next COTS technology waiting to take hold in process automation is lithium-ion batteries. They're a much better foundation for uninterruptible power systems (UPS) than lead-acid batteries.
"Automotive electrification and consumer mobility has been the catalyst for significant battery improvements in the past decade, with emphasis on lithium-ion chemistries," says Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock's founder, CTO and vice-president of engineering.
According to Rooyakkers, Bedrock has "developed the next-generation industrial control system with a revolutionary electromagnetic backplane architecture and deeply embedded cybersecurity for the highest levels of system performance, security and reliability at the lowest system cost."
A key component of Bedrock's new control system is its UPS, which also can be used to power control systems from other suppliers. "Lithium-ion batteries are sealed and can be mounted in any orientation in our UPS, while lead-acid batteries must be vented and mounted upright. Lead-acid batteries can also give off gas or leak toxic chemicals in the event of damage or overcharging, preventing them from being sealed," explains Rooyakkers.
"Lithium-ion batteries charge faster than lead-acid, can be up to five times lighter and require three times lower volume than lead-acid batteries with equivalent energy capacity and cycle life," adds Rooyakkers.
"All batteries consist of multiple cells, with the number dependent upon the power required. One design method is to stack the cells and then monitor, control and contain the stack. This is not the best way, although it's common with lead-acid designs," he notes.
"With lithium-ion batteries, each cell is engineered as an independent system in a parallel electronic topology. Our UPS battery pack is thus less vulnerable to the status of a single cell, and the charge and discharge of each cell can be independently optimized for safety and performance," continues Rooyakkers.
Bedrock assembles the lithium-ion cells, electronics and connectors into a cell "vessel" to ensure optimal alignment, containment and separation from every other cell in the pack. The vessel provides for stress-free thermal expansion and contraction during charge cycles and temperate extremes, as well as protection against vibration and shock.
"Driven by severe criteria including NEMA 4X and FIPS 140, along with the requirement to withstand the most extreme physical stresses, the result is a thick-walled aluminum monolith. Our UPS is assembled in a multi-ton press with water tight connectors, and it can be field-mounted in any orientation, either inside or outside of field enclosures," says Rooyakkers.
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It's generally believed that the number one product from California's number one industry isn't legal. Agriculture remains the Golden State's biggest business, and some believe marijuana is worth $14 billion. No one really knows for sure.
The LEGAL medical marijuana business is estimated by advocates to be worth up to $2 billion. Legal, that is, in the state's eyes. It's still illegal under federal law.
Today I'm reporting on the business of selling pot legally, the costs and challenges that go with it. Twelve years after California was the first state to make medical marijuana legal, many clinics are still raided as criminal enterprises (and some are--even under state law), and many others remain paranoid, having come from an underground culture that has pervaded the industry for so long.
Then there are those pushing for openness, transparency, ethics, and standardized practices. In the face of almost no regulatory standards, they're developing their own, and making money doing so.


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Company Details
Surface Cleaner from with many different function: edge function, Water Broom function, water blaster function, chewing gun Nozzle functions. With different material deck, plastic deck, stainless steel deck, and etc.
The Surface Cleaner is better for home use, make the floor or wall cleaning easier, please do not forget to attach with your pressure washer before using them.


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In the third part of the blog series, we continue going through OECD's recommendations, having reached the last ones, numbers 7 to 9. We conclude by estimating the Finnish transport system from the viewpoint of climate risks and extreme weather risks. Recommendations 1–3 are discussed here and 4–6 here.
At the turn of the year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) International Transport Forum (ITF) published a research report on the challenges posed by extreme weather phenomena and climate change to the transport system, particularly the transport infrastructure. The report Adapting Transport to Climate Change and Extreme Weather: Implications for Infrastructure Owners and Network Managers lists recommendations for OECD Member Countries on minimising adverse effects. VTT is one of the report's main authors.
7: Re-evaluate: are there infrastructures that are redundant or less useful?
When one part of a network fails, an old part of the network that has perhaps previously been considered redundant or less useful may suddenly turn out to be quite usable. Let us use an old bridge as an example. If a new bridge is built next to the old one, and its service ability drops for one reason or another, due to such a reason as extreme weather phenomenon or an accident, the old bridge may increase in importance beyond all recognition.
Under certain circumstances, an old and useless part of a transport network may be a useful emergency passage or an alternative route e.g. for light traffic.
8: Traditional cost-benefit analysis is not sufficient for appraising the profitability of transport projects
A traditional cost-benefit analysis does not observe the increased extreme weather risks and climate risks to a sufficient degree. Forecasting the future constitutes a specific risk factor (because the future is always uncertain!). In transport projects, the appraisal is made for a time horizon of 30–50 years ahead, and such a horizon already includes major climate change risks. However, we need to be able to assess and monetise such risks to ensure that we make as wise project and investment decisions as possible for now and with a view to the future in particular.
Therefore, project evaluations and cost-benefit analyses must be developed to take better account of the changed "risk landscape". The same advice applies to almost all other long-term investment activities as well.
Already in the course of the EWENT (Extreme weather impacts on European networks of transport) project, the European Investment Bank started to develop its own project evaluation system, and today climate risks are observed in EIB project evaluations.
9: Develop decision-support tools and methods for the new age of uncertain future
Advanced and often a little hard-to-understand decision-support methods, such as real-options and multi-criteria analyses are excellent decision tools in spite of the complicated mathematics involved, as long as they are applied correctly and the users understand the nature, the framework conditions and the limitations of the tool. Real-options analysis is particularly well suited for the appraisal of new investments – this involves making significant decisions that are difficult to reverse and that you need to live with for a long time. Transport infrastructure projects are typical examples of such decisions. Real-options analysis can be used, for example, for monetising "flexibility" (keeping different options open) and postponement of a decision (when the future is uncertain, it may be wise to wait…). In other words, sometimes it may be sensible to update old infrastructure and postpone large investments, when there are major uncertainty factors involved.
Multi-criteria analysis methods can be applied, for example, for selecting investments, projects and strategies in such a manner that enables finding options that function sufficiently well in most of the selected scenarios – even if the selected option was not the best in any of them. In game theory, this is referred to as minimising the possible losses instead of trying to maximise the gains.
The strengths and weaknesses of the Finnish transport system in the light of extreme weather risks
In the broad sense, the Finnish transport system consists of the infrastructure, as well as the vehicles using the infrastructure, the transport information infrastructure, transport system operators (administration, companies, transport operators, passengers), and the operating and steering systems associated with all of the above. This is in fact a genuine "meta system", a system of systems.
The physical modes of transport – road, rail, water and airborne transport systems – differ significantly from each other in terms of technology, utilisation rate and properties affecting their resilience. Furthermore, each physical infrastructure is supported by subsystems supplementing it, such as drainage systems, lighting, signs and intelligent transport applications (e.g. changing signals, information systems), not to mention the vehicles, terminals, railway yards and stations. Therefore, the transport system consists of complex subsystems, the management of which requires not only a holistic approach, but also an immense amount of concrete hands-on work varying from managerial strategy drafting to snow-plowing.
Transport system and elements affecting its resilience.
Resilience can be most efficiently and cost-effectively affected when transport systems are in their planning stages. As a rule, any solutions added at later stages, no matter how necessary, are in relative terms more expensive and less efficient. Therefore, the primary starting point for ensuring a functional operation system lies in the planning of transport systems and land use.
Opportunities to influence and expenses required for improved resilience
(adapted from Leviäkangas & Michaelides, 2014).
The Finnish transport system is relatively complete, comprehensive and functional, and the share of major network investments of the overall expenses of the system is relatively low. The use and maintenance of the existing infrastructure constitute the biggest expense items over the life-cycle of the asset. Therefore, there is only a limited amount of methods available for improving resilience once the infrastructure asset is put in its place. Efforts can still be made by focusing on preventive and enhanced maintenance strategies.
Some threats to the resilience of the transport system are associated with the subsystems supporting the physical infrastructure, such as serious disturbances in the power supply, communications and information systems (cyber threats), transport logistics and security of supply; increasingly severe and exceptional extreme weather phenomena; and, to a certain degree, crime that threatens societal order (e.g. terrorism) as well. It is necessary to draw up risk management strategies, plans and guidelines also for these threats. It is equally important to increase the resource readiness by making sure that maintenance and removal fleets and manpower are at disposal once the adverse event hits.
ITF (2016) Adapting Transport to Climate Change and Extreme Weather: Implications for Infrastructure Owners and Network Managers, ITF Research Reports, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789282108079-en
The report can be downloaded at: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/transport/adapting-transport-to-climate-change-and-extreme-weather_9789282108079-en;jsessionid=5o0iqml8ohiq9.x-oecd-live-03
EWENT project: http://ewent.vtt.fi/index.htm
Leviäkangas, P. & Aapaoja, A. (2015) Resilienssin käsite ja operationalisointi – case liikennejärjestelmä. Kunnallistieteellinen aikakauskirja 1/2015. (In Finnish.)
Leviäkangas, P. & Michaelides, S. (2014) Transport system management under extreme weather risks: views to project appraisal, asset value protection and risk-aware system management. Natural Hazards, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 263–286.
Pekka Leviäkangas, Principal Scientist
Aki Aapaoja, Research Scientist


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Great article in the NY Times on relaxation and athletic performance.
In a sense, relaxation goes against most athletes' instincts. Mr. Hart likes to point out the way elementary and middle school children run. "The kids throw their heads back," Mr. Hart said. "They think that the harder they go, the faster they run." That sort of body tension is the first thing Mr. Hart tries to correct. "The quickest way to improve a kid is to teach him to relax," Mr. Hart said.
But it's also important for athletes to realize that relaxing does not mean slowing down. "A lot of athletes don't know the difference between relaxing and not running," Mr. Hart said. With runners, he said, the upper body must relax but, he added, "the lower body is going to run."


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I am currently in the process of switching my Honeywell alarm panel for an Elk M1. Reading the material related to 2 wire smoke detectors it indicates that you must use a 820 ohm resistor when you are doing the install. I currently have 3 smoke detectors so my question is must the resistor be used for the each smoke detector? Thanks!
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2 Wire Smoke detectors/Elk
Posted 16 May 2018 - 08:37 AM
Posted 16 May 2018 - 01:10 PM
The 2-wire smoke detectors need to be wired in a daisy chain, with the resistor placed at the last detector in the chain. Not sure which Honeywell panel you are replacing, but it should also have had an EOL resistor on the last smoke detector.
Posted 16 May 2018 - 02:22 PM
Thanks!! As I mentioned I have three detectors (basement, 1st floor and 2nd floor)and while checking them over i noticed a resistor on the detector located on the second floor which would be the last in the chain. Thanks again for the help!
Posted 28 June 2018 - 11:07 AM
How does anyone get away with a single smoke detector on each floor? You have to have a detector in each bedroom and stairwell. You have to have one in each isolated area (excluding closets) that would prevent smoke from reaching a central detector. You might even have to have more than one in a single room if the ceiling is not flat and can create air pockets that block smoke from reaching a single detector.
Are folks just using smokes connected to an alarm panel for supplemental protection with stand alone battery units in all the other required locations?
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Local Lad Learns Lesson from Logic
I was driving my four children on multiple errands around the Dallas metroplex today, enjoying the sunshine and the classical radio station. We were stopped at a traffic light, several cars back, when suddenly my oldest son broke into my reverie with a somber announcement:
"A robbery will take place soon at that gas station on your right, Mom."
I chuckled and fished in my purse for my lip gloss.
"I'm serious, Mom," he calmly continued. "A man with a ski mask and a shopping bag just went into that Shell station. It is too warm for a ski mask and you don't carry that type of bag into a gas station. He is a bad guy."
The light turned green, and I was a quarter of a mile down the road before my conscience got the best of me. I called 911.
The dispatcher kept me on the line until the police arrived, then I hung up, somewhat embarrassed and pretty sure I would never call again.
A few minutes later, an unknown number called me back. "Mrs. Garfias? This is Officer So-And-So. Did you just report suspicious activity at {certain intersection}?"
Embarrassed, I tried to explain my son's perception of the situation and my reluctance to let someone get shot because I wouldn't call. I began to promise not to do it again, when he interrupted.
"That was your SON? How old is he?"
"How did he know that was wrong behavior, ma'am? Most police officers would not be that observant!"
"Well, he is home educated, and he has been studying hard in his logic lessons lately."
"Tell him I said, 'Well done,' ma'am. And also, please remind him not to ever hesitate to report such suspicious activity again. I was in the shopping plaza just behind the gas station, and ran into the station as soon as you called in. Most likely, we prevented a serious crime because of your son's quick thinking. Thank you very much!"


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Jaclyn can be very emotional (after all she is a girl). David is usually very understanding towards her. Ever since she was a baby when she cried David would instantly want to help her in some way. Now this is not always a good thing, like when David is the one to upset her or when she is in a don't touch me mood. Most of the time it is really sweet to watch. On this particular day Jaclyn was upset because her dad had just left for work. David went up to her and brought her one of her favorite blankets, milk and a doll. He then said to her "daddy will be home soon and I am here with you and I love you!"
Bacon and Egg Biscuit Casserole
6 hours ago


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Thursday, May 3, 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
Presenter: Capital Blues
Location: Ballroom Back Room
Admission: $8
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Capital Blues proudly presents weekly Thursday night blues dances. We rotate DJs and instructors each week to inspire and challenge you. A beginner workshop from 8:15 - 9:00 pm offers important partnering basics for new dancers. The class is included with admission; no partner necessary. Dancing runs from 9 pm to 11:30 pm to blues music from every corner of the genre. Note: the entrance to Ballroom Back Room is on far left side of Spanish Ballroom.
For a calendar view of all the May dances, visit the May "Month-at-a-Glance Calendar."
Friday, May 4, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Presenter: Friday Night Dancers
Location: Spanish Ballroom
Admission: $10 / $5 age 17 and under
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing, as well as some square dances and waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. Beginners are always welcome and a partner is not necessary!
Tonight Ron Blechner calls to InTentCity with Betsy Richards (fiddle), Graham Richards (guitar), Seth Richards (bass, piano), David Richards (percussion).
Saturday, May 5, 8:00 pm - midnight
Presenter: Waltz Time
Recommended Ages: All ages welcome
Admission: $30 (Special Double Dance Deal available tonight - $40 for admission to both the Strauss Ball and the swing dance in the Bumper Car Pavilion)
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Waltz Time presents the 35th Annual Viennese Waltz Ball: "An Evening with Strauss." This benefit event is always a highlight of the spring season, giving dancers a chance to strut their stuff in elegant attire – while supporting Glen Echo Park! Live music is featured with a classical arrangement of Viennese waltzes of varying tempos, with a sprinkling of other couples dances, including polka, schottische and tango. Music provided by OLDE VIENNA with Elke Baker (violin, viola), Andrea Vercoe (violin), David Wiesler (piano), Barbara Heitz (flute, piccolo), Ralph Gordon (bass).
An introductory Viennese Waltz lesson at 8 pm is followed by dancing until midnight in the Spanish Ballroom. A Grand March, dance cards, Carousel rides ($1.25/person) and refreshments complete a perfect evening. Formal attire suggested, no partner required. All dance tickets sold at the door beginning at 7:40 pm.
Presenter: Glen Echo Park Partnership
Location: Bumper Car Pavilion
Admission: $20 general / $15 students & Partnership members (Special Double Dance Deal available tonight - $40 for admission to both the swing dance and Waltz Time's Strauss Ball)
Contact Email: email@example.com
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a swing dance with live music in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Tonight we are thrilled to welcome Gina DeSimone and the Moaners! Our good friends from Flying Feet Enterprises will teach a beginner dance lesson from 8 - 9 pm (included in the cost of admission). Dancing follows from 9 pm - midnight. No partner or prior experience needed.
Sunday, May 6, 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Presenter: Folklore Society of Greater Washington
Admission: $13 nonmembers/$10 FSGW members/$5 ages 17 and under
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American contra dancing. The evening can include square dances, mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All Contras and Square dances are taught, no partner is necessary. There is a lesson at 7 p.m., followed by the dance with caller and live music from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Tonight Steve Gester calls with the Organic Family Band.
Sunday, May 6, 7:30 pm - midnight
Presenter: Tango Brillante DC
Admission: $35
Contact Name: René Davila
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Online tickets still available for $35. Click HERE to purchase. You will not receive a physical ticket. Please show your PayPal confirmation (electronic or hardcopy) at the door.
Tango Brillante DC is pleased to present a special night of Argentine Tango with live music by Abaddón NY Tango in Glen Echo Park's historic Spanish Ballroom. Abaddon is a New York City-based tango sextet that aims to explore the vast repertoire of vibrant and passionate music from Buenos Aires, infusing it with the vitality of NYC while respecting the essence of its tradition.
Come and experience world-class music on a world-class dance floor. The Spanish Ballroom is an art deco gem that boasts a sprung hardwood floor measuring 110 feet by 70 feet. See for yourself HERE.
Dance lesson from 7:30 - 8:15 pm with instructor René Davila. Dancing from 8:30 pm - midnight. No partner required.
Thursday, May 10, 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
Friday, May 11, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Tonight Mark Hillegonds calls to the Glen Echo Open Band.
Saturday, May 12, 8:00 pm - midnight
Presenter: Flying Feet Enterprises
Admission: $20 / $15 with valid student ID
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Flying Feet Enterprises presents a swing dance with live music by the Boilermaker Jazz Band in the historic Spanish Ballroom. Enjoy a beginner swing dance lesson at 8:00 pm (included in the admission), followed by dancing until midnight. No partner or prior experience needed.
Sunday, May 13, 2:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Admission: $13 per person / $5 students and children
Waltz Time presents a beginning waltz lesson from 2:45 to 3:30 pm, followed by an afternoon of waltzes and other couples dances to live music. Dancing runs from 3:30 to 6 pm. As always, no partner is required for this dance in the Spanish Ballroom, and the cost of admission includes the lesson.
Today's band is BLUE BAMBOO with Barbara Heitz (flute), Elke Baker (fiddle), John Devine (guitar), Marc Glickman (piano), and Ralph Gordon (bass).
Sunday, May 13, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Admission: $5, age 4 and older
The Family Dance program is a wonderful addition to the other family-oriented programs at Glen Echo Park. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children. Each of the family dances features live music and called dances from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bring your entire family, neighbors, birthday party, and girl or boy scout troop.
Janine Smith calls with The Morrison Brothers.
Sunday, May 13, 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Admission: $15/one lesson, $20/both lessons, or $10 "dance only" at 8:30 pm
Tango Brillante DC is happy to offer Argentine Tango lessons followed by a Milonga most Sunday evenings. Dancers can choose either the beginner lesson from 6:30 - 7:30 pm or the special Milonga lesson from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, or both. Cost is $15 for one lesson or $20 for both lessons - both options include the Milonga that follows. For dancers who wish to attend just the Milonga, cost is $10 and the open dance runs from 8:30 - 11:00 pm. René will DJ a mix of traditional tango with a little alternative added. No partner required.
Sunday, May 13, 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Janine Smith calls with The Morrison Brothers.
Thursday, May 17, 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
Friday, May 18, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Tonight Andrea Nettleton calls to STEAM! with David Firestine (mandolin, bouzouki, mandola), Alice Boyle (fiddle, viola), Robert Rosenberg (guitar, banjo), Claire Zucker (bodhrán, concertina, clogging, vocals).
Friday, May 18, 8:30 - 11:30 pm
Presenter: American Swing
Admission: $10
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Here's a chance for Balboa/Bal-Swing enthusiasts to dance to great DJ music on one of the best dance floors in the universe. Enjoy a casual, friendly atmosphere where you can Bal 'til your heart's content (but no one will mind if you throw in a little Lindy upon occasion, either!)
Drop-in beginner swing lesson at 8:30 pm with Dabe and Janelle Johnson, dance from 9 pm-11:30 pm.
Saturday, May 19, 8:15 pm - midnight
Presenter: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture
Admission: $25
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents our annual Gala Dance featuring live music by Craig Gildner and the Blue Sky 5! Starting at 8:15 pm, join us for a beginner swing dance lesson, followed by dancing from 9:15 pm - midnight.
This is a fundraiser and your ticket purchase helps support all of the arts programs at Glen Echo Park. Admission includes the lesson & dance, dessert, beverages, portrait station, glassblowing demonstrations, and free carousel rides.
Sunday, May 20, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Presenter: Mike's Ballroom Blast
Admission: $12
Contact Name: Mike Surratt
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact Phone: 301-577-6488
Join us in the Spanish Ballroom on Sunday afternoon for Mike's Ballroom Blast – featuring Mike Surratt & the ECB playing a wide variety of dance music to include Foxtrot, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Tango, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Waltz, Swing, and More! A dance lesson for all levels is presented at 3 pm, followed by dancing to wonderful live music from 3:30 - 6:00 pm. Admission includes the lesson. No partner or prior experience needed
Sunday, May 20, 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Sunday, May 20, 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Perry Shafran calls with STEAM!
Thursday, May 24, 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
Friday, May 25, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Tonight Tim Van Egmond and George Marshall calls to Swallowtail with David Cantieni (winds), Ron Grosslein (fiddle), Timm Triplett (piano), George Marshall (concertina), Tim Van Egmond (hammered dulcimer).
Saturday, May 26, 7:30 pm - 2:00 am
Presenter: District Zouk
Recommended Ages: 18 and older
Admission: $15 before 9:30 pm / $10 after 9:30 pm
Come join us for another night of Brazilian zouk & West Coast Swing!
Brazilian Zouk with District Zouk
West Coast Swing with Daniel Pavlov
7:30pm-8:30pm Beginner Zouk & West Coast Swing class
Concurrent beginner courses for those new or needing refreshers to these dances
- Zouk Topics - TBA
- WCS Topics - TBA
8:30-9:30pm Intermediate Zouk & West Coast Swing class
Concurrent intermediate courses for those ready to expand their knowledge
9:30pm-2:00am Zouk & WCS Party w/ DJ TBA
Most music will be danceable for both dances, so we'll keep you dancing all night!
Saturday, May 26, 8:00 pm - midnight
Admission: $20 / $15 ages 11-17
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Lindy Hop legend FRANKIE MANNING. This year, we are delighted to present DANDY WELLINGTON AND HIS BAND for their first swing dance at the Spanish Ballroom. One of the evening's highlights will be a dance performance by Gottaswing intermediate students, who have learned a choreographed routine commemorating Frankie Manning.
Inspired by the Big Band Era of Jazz, Dandy Wellington and his Band have taken the sounds of the 1930s and '40s and created a world of well-dressed music. With a passion for obscure songs steeped in the Jazz tradition, Dandy Wellington has assembled a catalog of music that invokes an atmosphere of class. From the golden age of cinema, to the bounce of New Orleans, each song is hand-selected and played to perfection by a band cut from the cloth of elegance.
The dance includes a beginner swing lesson with Tom and Debra from 8 - 9 pm, followed by dancing from 9 pm - midnight. Beginners are welcome and no partner is necessary.
Sunday, May 27, 2:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Today's band is ADDISON BLEUFONTE with Andrea Hoag (fiddle), David Julian Gray (clarinet), David Lopez (drums), and Marc Glickman (piano).
Sunday, May 27, 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Sunday, May 27, 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
George Marshall calls with Swallowtail.
Thursday, May 31, 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
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Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc.
7300 MacArthur Blvd. | Glen Echo, MD 20812 | Phone & Recorded Info: 301-634-2222 | Inclement weather: 301-320-2330
Featured in the 2015/2016 Catalogue for Philanthropy. "One of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region."


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EMPLOYEES: You WILL NOT be applying through School Mint. Instead, you will submit your request via the "Employee Student Transfer Request" link. You must be logged in to www.GCISD.net with your employee credentials to see this link. It is located in the menu to the left (on full-sized screens) or the collapsable menu above (on tablet and mobile-sized screens).
Children of district employees who reside in the district shall be assigned according to their attendance zones; however, a district employee may request that his or her child be assigned outside the attendance zone in which he or she resides. Subject to availability of space at the requested grade level and the student meets the district criteria for a transfer, the child shall be assigned to the campus at which the parent is assigned, or to the appropriate campus geographically closest to the parent's work site. All transfers are subject to availability of space. An approved transfer for one child does not guarantee space availability for current or future siblings. Transfers of employee children must follow Board Policy FDB(LOCAL).
For the purpose of determining the assignment of children of district employees, space shall be considered available when a campus has enrolled less than 90 percent of its enrollment projection for the coming school year. Once assigned to a campus in accordance with this policy, a child of a district employee shall be permitted to continue enrollment at that campus in subsequent school years. Approved transfers remain in effect until the student completes the grade levels offered at the campus unless the transfer is revoked as per Board Policies FDA(LOCAL) and FDB(LOCAL).
Regardless of grade and school, age-cohort preferences, or split feeder enrollments to the next level campus, children of district employees are permitted to request transfers only once per year either to the parent's work site or to the campus geographically closest to the parent's work site.


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Our professional career coaches will work with you on a personal plan of attack in your job search or other career issues.
Get your resume personally and professionally crafted to land that interview for your dream job.
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One-on-one and in-person career coaching session with the HireClub CEO at our San Francisco office.
Your coach will interview you and then make 3 rounds of revisions for a LinkedIn profile that gets you hired and truly tells your story.
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Inspiring Success Inc. founder, Crystal Flaman, is a keynote speaker, athlete and social entrepreneur. Her mission is to make a difference in this world and inspire others to do the same.
Crystal has spoken to small and large audiences around the world including the Costa Rica YPO (Young Presidents Organization), TEDx Kelowna as well as many corporate conferences and retreats. Her keynotes speeches are engaging, entertaining and thought provoking, She believes that as we move from success towards significance in our own lives and in the world, sharing our innate talents and listening to our intuition, we may find true joy, happiness and satisfaction. She also believes that health is of utmost importance and that it's time to put our health first in life, so that we may be able to live that long, healthy and happy life we hope for.
Crystal believes that personal and professional fulfillment and success come down to four things:
- Having unwavering focus on your goals.
- Discovering your gifts (your purpose) and sharing this with the world.
- Having passion and creating a compelling vision for your life.
- The support of a great team around you.
Are you looking for a workshop or keynote speaker to help take you or your organization to the next level? Are you looking for an energetic, experienced, sincere, and interactive speaker? Contact Crystal to book her for your next event.
Crystal tailors all workshops and keynote presentations to meet each client's individual needs and paradigms.
A 10x Ironman Triathlete & 100km Ultra-Marathoner, Crystal has embarked on her biggest adventure yet in the fall of 2013. She entered and completed the G2G Ultra in the Utah desert, the second hardest footrace in the world. It is a 273km multi-day running race through the desert and scaling mountains, carrying all of her food, clothing and supplies that she would need throughout the race. Through this race, Crystal raised funds to help children be able to attend school with Room To Read, and help an indigenous village in Guatemala that lost almost everything in 2005 when Hurricane Stan swept through the region.
Crystal is training for her next big race in August 2014 - the Trans Rockies Run where she will cover 193km over 6 days. Learn more about this race at transrockies-run.com.
As part of her philanthropic efforts, Crystal has raised over 1.4 million dollars for various charities including the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association and Room To Read through her work and athletic endeavours.
Her work was honoured in December 2013 when she received the Peter Legge Philanthropist Of The Year Award at the Global Speakers Summit in Vancouver.
"Crystal Flaman is gracious, energetic and authentic. Her ability to connect with the audience and inspire them with her message is truly an art. I met Crystal in 2007 when she spoke at the Alberta Association of Agricultural Society Convention in Red Deer and was so impressed with her that I introduced her to the team at the LimeLight Group in 2011. Crystal's commitment and desire to inspire others to be the best they can be is truly a life's calling and I would highly recommend her for any speaking engagement." (Brenda Smith, LimeLight Group)


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Hyderabad- Kayfs and Naifs
Of evenings spent sampling chai and lukhmi in the Iranian Kayfs of Hyderabad
A Hyderabadi native takes us through some of her favourite Hyderabad experiences. Spoiler- Biriyani and Haleem may be involved
Of all the cities in India, Hyderabad stands apart in its stubborness to conform. Time both stands still and moves really fast (on Yamahas, no less) on the streets of the city. We spoke with Hyderabad History blogger about some of her favourite images and impressions from her city, and here's what she said. My Big Red Bag is a huge fan of her painstaking effort to chronicle Hyderabad's history and we suggest (no, insist); that you add her blog to your roster and join her as she doles out the story of her city, one chapter at a time!
What is the absolutely first memory you have of Hyderabad?
Having been born and brought up in the city, I don't have a "first memory" of Hyderabad. But when I think back to the most "Hyderabadi" thing I can think of from childhood, it is, appropriately enough, the Numaish/Exhibition that immediately comes to mind. Every year, we would pray to the retail gods that our parents would oblige our requests for shiny, useless junk from the Numaish. It was quite the event to look forward to every year.
What are some of the other cities you've lived in; and if not in Hyderabad where do you think you would live?
Not too many, I'm afraid. I spent four years in the middle of nowhere in Rajasthan, a couple of years in Chennai and a year in Lille, France. I like Chennai for its absolute stubbornness – quite the opposite of everything I like about Hyderabad. I think I'd like to live there again.
Your favourite place in Hyderabad to walk around on a rainy afternoon
The Qutb Shahi Tombs, without a doubt. Lovely Qutb Shahi architecture coupled with (slightly unkept) lushness everywhere – perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Your favourite building in Hyderabad
The Residency (now the Koti Women's College) and the Moazzam Jahi Market. The fascination for the latter, however, may have something to do with the copious amounts of ice cream I ate there as a child.
Your favourite place in Hyderabad to buy books
The Abids Sunday book market. The joy of wading through piles of second-hand pulp fiction for that one priceless find is indescribable. I once found a wonderfully illustrated Russian edition of Alice in Wonderland in a 5-rupee book pile. I am still very proud of it.
The places you'd recommend to someone who's stayed in Hyderabad all their lives and likely not seen
Monsieur Raymond's Tomb in Moosarambagh is one of my favourite places in the city. Built for a Indophile French general in the Nizam's army, it stands on a hill and commands a pretty view of the area. The Moula Ali Hill in Secunderabad is fairly well-known but I would still recommend it for its rock formations and killer view.
Some of your favourite food haunts
As clichéd as that sounds, we Hyderabadis genuinely love our Biryani. And as much as we like to fight about which one's more "authentic", we do usually agree on dissing any place that's gotten too "mainstream". The general consensus is that the more obscure your Biryani recommendation, the better. Sarvi and Shah Ghouse, not all that obscure unfortunately, have been my regulars for a while. Alhamdulillah is a new favourite.
Your favourite place to grab a cup of coffee/tea in Hyderabad
The many Irani Chai Cafes (pronounced 'kayfs', for a more authentic experience) for super-sweet Chai, Lukhmi/Samosa and biscuits. Garden Restaurant in Secunderabad is a personal favourite. Some of these cafes are also the best places to turn to for Haleem during the Ramzan season.
Your favourite book with Hyderabad as a back drop
William Dalrymple's White Mughals. It's a lovely, evocative account of Asaf Jahi Hyderabad, complete with stories of scheming royals and Indophile "firangis".
Of all the various Hyderabad-based artists/film makers/ writers/ poets who is the one that you love most and in your opinion best captures your kind of Hyderabad
I haven't really seen much Hyderabadi literature/film/art (in English/Telugu anyway; I'm sure the answer would have been different if I could read Urdu), but I'm quite excited about the Hyderabad Graphic Novel project.
Are you a Telugu movie fan? Is there any particular movie that you feel has captured Hyderabad well?
I am. But the Telugu film industry was based out of Chennai till the 1990s and it's probably because of that that Telugu cinema isn't all that Hyderabadi in its outlook. But I think films like Nagesh Kukunoor's Hyderabad Blues and Shekhar Kammula's Dollar Dreams captured quite well the US-software-job-green-card-NRI fever that gripped the city in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Photo Credit: Inaz via Compfight cc


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Shaving the pubic area is not that simple yet. Both men and women require proper preparation to prevent skin irritation. Hereby some tips for the right way to shave, for women and men. growing a long beard
Make sure you have enough time to shave the pubic area. Start with a warm bath or shower. This makes your skin smooth and the hair softer. This prevents the skin from irritating and bumps may occur. After the bath or shower you must ensure that the pubic area cools down. It is best to hold a towel under the cold tap and press it against the pubic area for a moment.
Some concentration is important for shaving itself. A new blade with a protective layer against wounds is best. In addition, you use normal shaving foam or oil. With disposable blades it is more common that you get a wound. It is best to prevent shaving cream in the vagina. The feeling is very uncomfortable but not immediately harmful.
Shave with the direction of the hair to prevent irritation. Do not press too hard to prevent ingrown hairs. These can cause itching. Hold the house tight with one hand while shaving, so you can reach everything better. It is recommended to skim over the same spot only once. Take the time to do it right and possibly use a mirror when you cannot see some areas properly. You can sit on your squats with the mirror on the floor to shave around the labia. You can also choose to do it on your own. After shaving, rinse the pubic area clean with lukewarm water. Remember not to use soap for this.
A number of problems can occur when shaving the pubic area. The skin can start to irritate, this almost always happens after the first shave. You will have to stop shaving for a while until the skin has recovered. You can also cause wounds. This is very annoying and uncomfortable. The more you shave the pubic area, the faster your hair will grow. So you will have to keep up. You can also choose to trim the pubic area when it's needed instead of shaving. If you do this regularly, it will also look neat. From a hygienic point of view, shaving is better, but it can also cut well.
Tips for men
Many women find it sexy when a man also shave their pubic area. In addition, this is also very hygienic. A warm bath or shower is also a good preparation for the man, then cool the pubic area well.
Shaving itself is different from the way for women. Make sure you use a razor blade with protection, a double head and 'bars'. Use shaving cream and soap well. First shave all easily accessible areas. The hair on and around the ball bag is the hardest part, save this for the last time. It is best to pull the ball bag tightly to the side and shave the hair away. The best thing to do is to squat through your crouches in order to reach it well. Rinse the soap with lukewarm water without soap. After shaving, use lotion so that the pubic area does not itch. Talcum powder is also a good solution for this. Absolutely avoid alcoholic aftershaves.
For men, the only problem is the hard-to-reach area of the ball bag. The risk of irritation and wounds is much less in men than in women.


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from the members of Waxahachie I.O.O.F. Lodge #80
Our Lodge Meets every Monday 7:30 PM
We are located at 208 ½ S. Rodgers
in Waxahachie, Texas
Below is a photo and map of our lodge location. Our lodge is the sprawling Odd Fellows Building that sits near the antique district. It was built in 1891. The front windows have small fan-shaped windows forming the arch, while the side windows have brick detailing. This building is in the Romanesque style which is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterized by semi-circular arches.
Waxahachie Odd Fellows Lodge No. 80 was instituted by the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1859 but demised because of the Civil War. It was resuscitated a few years after the war as Lodge No. 129 on July 6, 1871, but it was changed back to No. 80 by permission of the Grand Lodge in 1872. Our lodge has over 150 years of service in our community. If you are a person that strives to make a difference, we invite you to become a part of our lodge membership. While membership requires belief in a supreme being, we do not inquire into the applicant's particular choice of faith or belief, nor do we permit religious discussions in our lodge room. We admit all people of good moral character who will follow the commands of Odd Fellowship to visit the Sick, relieve the distressed, to bury the dead, to educate the orphan, and to protect and care for the aged and widowed. If you would like to join our ranks and become an Odd Fellow please call, email, or visit us in person. Ask for our application or print it from the link below. If you found us through a search and have questions, feel free to use our contact form. We will get back with you as soon as possible.
For more information, please click on the following brochures
Large size images....may be slow to load
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ABOUT DFAWorking for Franchisees Advocacy, Membership Benefits & Education to increase Franchisee Profitability
DFA MembershipDFA Membership is available to all Franchisees located in the continental United States
DFA PartnersThe DFA Vendor Partner Program is designed to bring VALUE & BENEFIT to both our Members & Vendors
The VoiceOf Domino's Pizza Franchisees is a full-color, quarterly magazine for Domino's Pizza Franchisees
Welcome to the Official Website of the Domino's Franchisee Association!
Our Mission:
"To provide Domino's Pizza Franchisees a unified organization working to maximize the value of our Member's stores."
The current Domino's Franchisee Association (DFA) began in 2006 and serves the Domino's Pizza Franchisee community in the continental United States. Through advocacy, education and training, networking and member-focused programs, services and benefits, the DFA represents those independent business owners who operate close to 5,000 franchised locations or about 75% of locations. With headquarters in San Antonio, TX, the DFA is committed to providing vital support and assistance to our Franchisee community.
Our website is a key source of information for our Members and business partners. We have created a safe environment for Franchisees to become better educated on issues impacting the long term success of their business, to provide a resource where feedback can be effectively and efficiently gathered to direct our efforts, and to serve as a general communication link within the franchise body.


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We require a 1 night deposit for all reservations. This is non- refundable and does apply to your reservation charges. If you cancel for any reason., we will happily give you a raincheck that is valid for 1 year. We do not give refunds. You will lose your deposit after it expires.
All RV Sites are full hook-ups, 20, 30, and 50 amp service, water and sewer, 16 channels of Cable TV and WIFI. 2Pets maximum per RV/Tent. Prices are all inclusive.
Nightly--- $37.00
Weekly--- $185.00
Monthly--- $375.00
Tent Camping $20.00 per night with electric and water
Our Cabin rates are for double occupancy. We charge $10.00 per night, per person over 2 people. Children under the age of 18 are free. Pets are allowed in Cabins 34 through 41 only. We charge $30.00 per pet , per night. 2 pet maximum. Prices shown are with applicable taxes.
Cabins come equipped with Microwave, Coffee Pot and Mini Fridge , Cable TV, DVD Player, Air Conditioning /Heat. We provide all beddings, linens and towels. All have tables & Chairs, Shower/Restroom
Nightly--- $112.00
2 or more nights--- $100.80 per night
Weekly--- $504.00
Monthly---Requires Manager approval. Call for pricing
Cabins with kitchenettes have all of the same amenities as a cabin without a kitchenette and additionally come with: pots and pans, service for 4 with dishes, bowls, cups, silverware, stove top and toaster.
2 or more nights--- $112.00 per night
Weekly--- $616.00
Monthly stays
require manager approval. Please call for pricing.
Cabins 63 & 64 have all the amenities that the other cabins have. but also have a Queen bed downstairs, Queen or Double bed in loft, ceiling fan and Sofa Bed. Front Porch with Swing
2 or more nights---$134.40 per night
Monthly---Requires Manager Approval.
King Bed Downstairs, Queen Bed in loft, Kitchenette, Mini-fridge, Microwave, electric fireplace,Larger TV, DVD player, Ceiling Fan, Coffee Pot, toaster, Sofa Bed and Front Porch with swing
@ or more nights----$151.20 per night
Monthly----Requires Manager approval
Nightly --- $8.00
Weekly --- $50.00
Monthly--- $150.00
Horse pens are 100' x 60' with a 20' x 12' run in. Water is provided to the pens. Horse pens are electric ribbon fencing. Two horses maximum per pen. All care, clean-up, feed and water are the responsibility of the owner. There is a wash rack across from the horse pens. A liability release is required to be signed. There is a 10' easement between pens. NO Stallions allowed. Please call the office for more information.
All prices are subject to change. Please contact the office for verification. 830 589-7475


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Breaking a monolithic applicaiton into Services
Today I shall be tackling Service Oriented Architecture. I think that that particular buzz phrase has annoyed me a lot in the past. CTOs and middle management talk about how the read in a magazine something about SoA or SaaS (Software As A Service) as being the next big thing and that we should switch all of our stuff to that! Meanwhile there isn't a very good explanation of how or why to do such a thing. I had written it off mostly as I never saw how independent services could be pulled together into an application. Sure it sounded neat for some other project that wasn't mine. But no way did that model fit in with the project I'm doing.
Recently however I've been tasked with rewriting the section of code that generates reports in our application. The entire application is just a series of Java classes nested together and packaged up as one WAR file that is deployed to a Tomcat server. To scale, we deploy the same war file to another server (ideally everything is stateless and share-nothing so there's no sessions to worry about). The whole thing is behind a load balancer that uses a round-robin strategy to send requests to various machines. Seems like a pretty good way to scale horizontally I thought.
However the horizontal scaling of this system is fairly coarse grain. If we find that getting hit with a lot of requests to generate reports is slowing down a server, our option is to duplicate the entire application on another server to distribute the load. However that is distributing not only report generation but also every other aspect of the application. So now we have an additional front end, service, and database layer running just to speed up one area. It seems like a bit of a waste of resources.
So instead of scaling a monolithic application, how about we break the whole thing up into 'services'. Instead of the Report system just being a set of APIs and implementations in the applications source code, we instead make an entire new application that just generates reports as its whole goal. It has a basic interface and API that takes in a request with certain criteria of what type of report you want and in what format and returns that report. It can be a completely stand-alone application that just sits and waits, listening on a port for a request to come in. When one does it processes the request, generates a report, then sends the information back over that port to the client and waits for the next request. Naturally we make it multi-threaded so that we can handle multiple requests at a time, putting a limit on that number and queuing any overflow.
The benefit of this is manyfold. For starters you gain fine-grain horizontal scalability. If you find that one service is too slow or receives a lot of requests you can just deploy that service on additional machines. You only deploy that service however rather than the whole application. The service can be done via RPC, direct sockets, web services, or whatever else you like to listen for your requests. A controller near the front end would just call each individual service to gather the end data up to pass back to the user. Put it behind some sort of load balancer with failover and you have fine-grain horizontal scalability.
Second, you gain faster deployment. Since each service is self-contained they can be deployed independent of the other services. Launching a new version does not have to replace the entire system, just the services that you're upgrading. In addition, since each service can be running (and should be running) on multiple machines, you can upgrade them piecemeal and perform bucket tests. For instance, if you have a service that is running on 10 machines you can upgrade only 2 of them and monitor user interaction with those services. This way you can have 20% of your users actually utilize your new code, the rest will hit the old code. When you see that everything is going fine you can upgrade the other 8 servers to have the new version of the service.
Because each part of the program is just a small separate program itself, problems become easier to manage and bugs become easier to fix. You can write tests for just the service you're working on and make sure that it meets its contract obligation. It helps manage the problem with cyclical dependencies and tightly coupled code. It also reinforces the object-oriented strategy of message passing between components.
Further more, try to avoid language specific messages such as Java Serialization for communicating between your services. Utilize a language agnostic format such as JSON or Google's Protocol Buffers. I would avoid XML because it's fairly verbose and slower to transmit over a network and parse than those others. The advantage of using a language agnostic format is that each service can be written in a different language depending on the needs of the service. If you have a service that really needs to churn through a lot of data and you need every ounce of speed out of it you can write it in C or even assembly. For those areas where it would be good to do something concurrently you might use Scala, Erlang, or Clojure. The main idea is each part of your program can be written in a language that is best for solving that services problem.Explore posts in the same categories: Design, Scalability
Tags: Performance, SaaS, Scalability, SOAYou can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.


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Focus on your practice
Let Shipleys take the burden of The Law Society accounts compliance
Complying with Law Society accounts regulation is a not only daunting, but can be time consuming. Shipleys aim to take the burden of compliance away from your shoulders leaving you free to concentrate on your practice.
- Tax planning for partners and partnership – reducing the tax burden
- Advice on most tax efficient structure LLP, company, partnership, sole trader or MDPs
- Free periodic health-checks on client account bookkeeping
- Practical advice on accounts recording and management systems
- VAT management
- Practice accounts preparation
Individual accounts and Tax Returns
Latest news & blogs…
Received an automated message from HMRC saying you are under investigation? Do NOT reply
Received an automated message from HMRC saying you are under investigation? Do NOT reply – this is scam. Read on…
We are getting some reports of an HMRC telephone scam. This is not a new scam but seems to be rearing its ugly head again so beware: Scam: a recorded message is left, allegedly from HMRC, that starts: "This is Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs. We have been trying to reach you to let you know that we are filing a law suit against you/you have a tax refund due." The recipient is then asked to phone 0XXXX XXXXXXX and press "1" to speak to the officer dealing with the case. Do not to reply to this message as they will then try to extract money from you.
Tip 1 If the caller can't verify their identity, you should never disclose any personal details.
Tip 2 If you receive either of these scam calls, report it on the Action Fraud website or you can call 0300 123 2040.
For more on this visit: https://lnkd.in/gzpdUJE
If you are under a Tax or VAT Investigation and would like a specialist to review your case for free, please call 0114 275 6292 and book an appointment with our Tax Investigations Team.
Company Cars – huge tax benefits for electric cars from April 2020
Buying a car through a company
As good accountants know, buying a car through a company is usually not the most tax efficient.
This is because the company car tax regime taxes both the employee and the employer company on the provision of a company car and the way car tax is calculated. The amount of tax payable is based on the 'car benefit' assumed to have been provided, this is calculated by reference to the List Price multiplied by a % based on the CO2 emissions of the car. But as the value of the car depreciates, the car tax benefit remains the same as the calculation is based on the List Price not "market value", hence the tax payable remains constant and not representative of actual value.
New car benefit rates
However, things are set to get better for the long suffering company motorist. From April 2020, there will be a sharp reduction in the car benefit rates for 'Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV) i.e. electric company cars with CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km. This taxable car benefit rate will reduce from 9% (2018) to 2% in April 2020.
Jaguar I-Pace EV400; List price £63,440; CO2 emissions 0g/km.
Taxable benefit:
- 13% (2018-19)
- 16% (2019-20)
- 2% (2020-21)
Based on the above the car tax benefit charge will drop from £8,247 to £1269, a massive £6,978 saving!
So what now…
Well given that the new ULEV company car tax regime is set to become much more tax efficient from April 2020, you may want to consider deferring any new car purchase until April 2020, or at least choose a ULEV car which will then benefit from the much reduced car benefit rates applying from April 2020.
If you have any queries about this or any other tax planning, please contact us on 0114 275 62 92 or email email@example.com.
The advice above is a general guide only and does not constitute advice. You must seek professional advice before taking any action.
Are You Ready For Making Tax Digital?
Businesses in the UK now have less than nine months to prepare for wide-ranging new rules requiring them to manage their accounts and submit tax returns digitally.
The government's long-anticipated and controversial Making Tax Digital regime, hailed as the biggest tax and accounts shake-up in a generation, finally comes into effect in April 2019.
Experts in the accountancy world have warned the changes could catch many businesses off-guard. Shipleys Tax have urged business owners to begin researching and investing in digital reporting software that's compliant with the new rules.
What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?
Making Tax Digital for VAT is being brought in by the government as an attempt to streamline and simplify the tax reporting system. Making Tax Digital for business (MTDfb) begins on 1 April 2019 with MTD for VAT. From that date, VAT-registered businesses above the threshold of £85k (currently) will have to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using compatible software.
There will be specific rules for how business will report digitally and the software used to do this has to comply with HMRC's guidance. Gone are paper records and spreadsheets (to a certain extent), in its place will be digital books and records stored online in the cloud.
This may come as a culture shock for many small businesses who are used to doing it the traditional way.
Businesses that exceed or expect to exceed the VAT registration threshold will need to consider:
· are they exempt from the requirement to file returns electronically under MTD (charities, local authorities, government departments and overseas businesses will not be exempt from MTD for VAT)?
· what records will need to be kept digitally
· what the digital VAT account should look like
· how to submit their digital VAT return in line with MTD requirements
· whether to submit their digital VAT account to HMRC
· penalties for late filing and payment of VAT, and for not keeping digital records or having digital links.
It is also worth noting that the government has plans to roll out MTD requirements for all other taxes in 2020.
What are the key dates to look out for?
· April 2018 – HMRC opened pilot for businesses to volunteer to submit their VAT returns
· Spring 2018 – HMRC launches consultation on MTD for corporation tax
· 1 April 2019 – start of first VAT period where MTD is mandatory
· 7 June 2019 – submission deadline for first monthly VAT returns under MTD
· 7 August 2019 – submission for first quarterly returns under MTD
· 1 April 2020 – MTD mandatory for all taxes (planned)
What can you do now to get ready for MTD?
Reports suggest some businesses have not heard about MTD. There is less than 12 months to go until MTD is implemented, many are still uncertain about the requirements and how specifically these requirements will apply to their business.
HMRC is still publishing further guidance on specific definitions and how MTD will work in practice. However, what businesses can do now is to review existing VAT accounting systems and processes in relation to the preparation of VAT returns.
Our recommended steps
To ensure that your business is ready for MTD, we would recommend the following steps:
1. Review your internal reporting systems, processes and controls. Liaise with your advisers/software providers and internal IT teams to get a view on what they can do to help to get ready for MTD.
2. Consider likely costs and potential disruptions to your business. Agree additional budgets for changing and maintaining your systems, seeking specialist advice.
3. Test the integrity of your data and consider whether your VAT-related data is accurate, current and complete.
4. Consider what information you wish to submit to HMRC and how the API connection will work. Do you need to develop or acquire additional software? Is it easier to outsource the submission of VAT returns to a third party?
Accounts and IT system changes may take 9 to 12 months to review and implement. HMRC advise that failure to meet the necessary MTD requirements could result in penalties although there will be a 12 month grace period ('soft landing') after MTD goes live to enable businesses to ensure that they have the necessary processes in place and digital links. It is important therefore that all affected businesses start reviewing their systems, processes and VAT adjustments now.
If you have any queries regarding the above, please contatct us on 0114 275 6292
"We value the close working relationship we have with Shabeer and the specialist teams at Shipleys Tax...(read more)
Dr K, GP Surgery – Yorkshire
"One of the most frequent issues we had with our previous accountants was not being made aware, in advance... (read more)
FM Medical Practice – Manchester
"Accountants seem to promise the earth but don't deliver do they? Well we found the opposite. Abdul made himself... (read more)
Mrs Khan – JL Healthcare
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text: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Herdez. Now that school has started, schedules are crazy, which means that often times, my husband and my breakfast time is cut short. I am trying hard to get us both to eat well in the mornings, something packed with protein and filling, rather than reaching for a sugary pastry. We are both partial to breakfast sandwiches, so I decided to try … [Read more...]


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Solar Cost Colton
With the charitable quantity of sunlight in southern The golden state, solar powers are an all-natural method to assist Colton residents lessen the price of air conditioning and heating. Government incentives and city initiatives make solar panels much more attractive compared to ever, and a lot more cost effective. Solare Energy has economical solar panel solutions to assist property owners reduce energy prices, as well as their carbon footprint.
Solar panels make use of the abundant natural illumination right here in Colton to transform sunshine into electrical energy. Solar power is fed into the electrical system at the residence and in fact triggers the meter to run in reverse when it is creating a lot more power than the property owner requires. Residents which have Solare Electricity solar powers mounted in Colton record they have lower their energy prices by as much as 80 %!
Colton has released a leading campaign to minimize energy needs. All brand-new city centers and significant structure project tasks are required to achieve LEED Silver accreditation, a high criterion of environment-friendly building. New city buildings likewise must generate at the very least 10 % of the electrical power making use of eco-friendly innovations, such as solar powers, in Colton. In addition, solar powers will certainly aid Colton satisfy its Energy Plan for a Sustainable Future. The strategy features a target to lessen energy use 10 % by 2012, and increase the amount of renewable resource used at city facilities by 2020.
Solare Electricity collaborates with California State companies to identify and accomplish solar and energy efficiency project possibilities. Solare Electricity aids fund solar tasks via third-party solar energy Investment Agreements.
Several consumers believe solar installments are pricey, but the honest truth is that Solare Energy could mount solar powers in Colton for an affordable cost. As a matter of fact, the upfront expenses are typically repaid within 8 years, leaving you with free of cost electrical power for many years.
Now, Solare Energy provides a pre-paid Buying power Arrangement that allows house owners to go solar for much less compared to ever, with complete 20 year monitoring and efficiency protection. The homeowner pays beforehand for the power to be generated by the solar organs. The system is mounted by Solare Power and possessed by the financing company. This is a great way for home owners in the Colton location that desire solar powers to get them installed at a reduced upfront cost.
Some highlights of the program:.
– Reduced price compared to buying device in cash due to the fact that the financing business could benefit from the greater industrial government motivations.
– Top doing, made in the US photovoltaic panels from Solar Globe.
– Tracking, maintenance and efficiency ensured for Twenty Years.
– Versatile options at the end of the 2 agreement to either have the financing company take the system away at no expense, or acquire the system at fair market value [anticipated to be $1 at end of term] and keep saving for an additional 15-20 years.


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Government will have to rely on own resources to deal with storm costs
Any EU solidarity funds will be very small fraction of what is required
Pedestrians battle the wind and rain on Patrick's Bridge in Cork during Wednesday's storm. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
The political response to the prolonged bout of severe weather which has included eight storms since Christmas has had local, national and EU dimensions.
The initial responsibility for responding to flooding or other weather-related incidents is taken by local authorities. When they are overwhelmed, or when the damage extends across a wide area, the response takes on a national dimension.
At Government level the response has also focused on providing emergency funding to deal with remediation and repair from storm damage and flooding.
Up until this week the Government had announced €25 million in emergency and humanitarian funding to families who found themselves in hardship or without a home after the recent flooding. Some €1 million of this was channelled through the St Vincent de Paul charity and the Red Cross.
In light of reports it received from councils on damage from earlier storms, between December 2013 and January 6th this year, it announced this week that it would be making €70 million available for a programme of repair and remediation.
Some €16 million of this is for roads damaged by floods; a further €20 million to restore coastal protection infrastructure damaged by recent weather; €26 million to repair piers, harbours and tourism infrastructure such as promenades; and €8 million to repair other OPW and transport infrastructure.
There is a further channel of funding available from the EU. Yet the Government has conceded that the damage so far does not meet the threshold for receiving assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund.
Its threshold, the Government said, was "very high" and it also noted that the EU budget in this area had been reduced from €1 billion to just over €500 million.
"The commission has signalled that this will mean grants for successful applications being cut from 2.5 per cent to about 1.33per cent. Essentially, for every €100 million of damage the best we could hope for is €1.33 million assistance under this fund," said the Department of the Environment in a statement.
It is clear the Government will have to rely on its own resources as it is unlikely to get any solidarity funds from the EU. Even if it does, it will only be a very small fraction of what is required.