text:
Cathy Marino-Thomas, the board president of Marriage Equality USA. | DONNA ACETO
A June 26 Manhattan rally was as much a salute to Edie Windsor as it was a celebration of the two victories the US Supreme Court handed the gay and lesbian community that day.
"The federal government picked the wrong New Yorker to screw with," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn at the rally, held outside the Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. "If you look at every great victory for civil rights, they all start with that moment when an everyday American says no."
Windsor, 84, was the plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Earlier in the day, the nation's highest court struck down that section of DOMA in a 5-4 ruling.
DOMA challenge's 84-year-old plaintiff the emotional heart of a victory party
Windsor, who was the first of roughly 20 speakers at the 90-minute rally, received loud and sustained cheering from the crowd of at least several hundred when she took the stage. She was praised by speaker after speaker and repeatedly jumped back on the stage to briefly address the gathering. Windsor also used the occasion to endorse Quinn, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor.
Edie Windsor with her lead attorney, Roberta Kaplan, at the LGBT Community Center just hours after the DOMA ruling was handed down on June 26. | DONNA ACETO
She sued the government after Thea Spyer, her partner of 44 years, died in 2009. Because the federal government did not recognize their two-year-old marriage, Windsor was presented with a $360,000 tax bill on Spyer's estate, a bill that a married heterosexual would not have to pay. Roberta Kaplan, a partner at the law firm Paul, Weiss, represented Windsor along with the American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).
Referring to Windsor and Kaplan, Quinn said, "Let's make no mistake, it's two lesbians who brought DOMA down."
Windsor told the crowd that she was "so overwhelmed with a sense of injustice and unfairness that I decided to get my money back… Because of today's Supreme Court ruling, the federal government can no longer discriminate against gay and lesbian Americans."
Sharon Kleinbaum, the rabbi at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the gay synagogue, further expanded on that theme when she spoke moments later.
"Right now, I have to say, as a rabbi, I am kvelling," Kleinbaum said. "Not only were these two New York lesbians, these were two New York Jewish lesbians."
State Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, sponsor of the marriage equality law enacted in New York in 2011, and (l.) his husband, John Banta. | DONNA ACETO
Also on June 26, the court held in a different 5-4 ruling that the proponents of Proposition 8, a 2008 California ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in that state, did not have standing to defend the initiative in federal court. That ruling effectively left in place a 2010 decision from a lower court striking down the measure. Advocates predicted that gay and lesbian couples would soon be marrying in California. While the Prop 8 decision was mentioned at the West Village rally, the focus was on Windsor and DOMA.
Some speakers discussed the court's June 25 decision that eliminated an important section of the federal Voting Rights Act.
"In life and in politics, there are good days and there are bad days," said Congressman Jerry Nadler, who represents Manhattan's West Side. "Yesterday was depressing, today is elating."
Donna Lieberman, the NYCLU's executive director, took up that charge as well.
"Our bad marriage law is now officially dead," Lieberman said. "Today's a great day, but we have to remember we lost the Voting Rights Act yesterday and we have to fight to restore it."
The rally was organized by some 70 organizations and many had large visible contingents. The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay lobby, had volunteers distributing HRC flags and posters that the crowd waved when they cheered, creating a sea of equal signs.
GLAAD, the anti-defamation group, had volunteers wearing glaad.org T-shirts and red, white, and blue hats as they circulated with clipboards seeking new volunteers.
Anthony Weiner, who is also a candidate for the Democratic nod for mayor, had campaign volunteers circulating with large Weiner for Mayor signs prior to the rally's start.
The rally closed with the Stonewall Chorale singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee."


text:
Previous slide
Next slide
Exceptional British Craftsmanship
At Wilson's we design, manufacture and install luxury bespoke interiors, outstanding outside living spaces, and beautiful handmade furniture of the highest quality. Passionately upholding the great British traditions of carpentry and joinery, with an exacting attention to design and detail. Working with private clients, interior designers, project managers, architects and quantity surveyors to deliver exceptional craftsmanship.
Unique To You
We are here to create exactly what you are looking for, unique to you and your home. We pride ourselves on working closely with you, carefully listening to and understanding your individual needs and requirements. Always striving to exceed your expectations. Delivering truly inspiring custom made interiors and the finest handmade furniture for you to enjoy now and for years to come.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Crosier kids are coping with coronavirus
It's pretty damn hard to stay positive in the year 2020.
When my advisor, Dave Blow, asked me for an idea for a story, I struggled. Just like how mostly everyone around the globe is struggling.
He was looking for something personal. Something that would make me reach deep down inside for the feelings that I normally wouldn't even bear any attention to. Something that would make me uncomfortable at the moment, but would allow me to express myself and what's going through my head during this absolutely unforeseen, crazy and confusing time we live in.
So, let's take a crack at it.
If you would've told me at the beginning of my freshman year at Castleton University I would finish my senior year "virtually" and not walk across the stage under the pavilion on May 16, 2020, I would have laughed in your face. A joke.
That joke has become reality.
Let me first say that COVID-19 is something that should not be taken lightly. It's a serious virus taking and is ruining thousands of lives across the world. I absolutely love that people of all ages are standing together, donating money to hospitals and research centers. It's truly remarkable.
But, it doesn't erase how the impact and implications of the virus have been incredibly destructive and divisive to an individual's life, including mine and my sister's.
Maryssa Crosier, 15, from Wynantskill, New York, was just finishing her first full year at Averill Park High School, where she was a standout in her honors classes and involved in the Journalism Club.
Now she's setting up shop at 8 a.m. on our kitchen table with her Google Chromebook, textbooks and pens trying to tackle assignments until 2 p.m. It's a difficult transition for someone who was eager to explore the freedoms of high school.
"It was hard at first trying to figure out everything, but now it's getting better," she said. "The communication with teachers is easier, like I know what I have to do when I have to do it. It's less stressful than having a set time for each block, and I miss my friends a lot.
This is asking a lot out of a 15-year-old girl who just transitioned from an eighth grade class of 32 kids into a freshman class of roughly 250 students.
Think back to when you were in high school and the things you enjoyed.
Roaming the hallways with your friends.
Having conversations with your teachers in between classes.
Learning about your subjects that piqued your interest.
My sister isn't supposed to leave the house, resulting in many Facetime calls and snapchats with her closest friends. She can't go to her photography, geometry or biology classes and learn from some of her favorite teachers.
But worst of all for Maryssa, she can't play her favorite sport; softball.
With social distancing procedures extended in the state of New York until April 30, the odds of high school spring sports continuing are bleak at best. Crushing news for a kid who loves to crush the ball.
"It's disappointing, because I was looking forward to it," she said. "High school team, it's what I looked forward to since I was little, and I can't do it this year."
As her older brother, it stings to hear that. I know how much happiness Maryssa finds as she sits behind the plate at the catcher position. Or when she patiently waits in the right side of the batter's box to hit the ball wherever she pleases.
Maryssa has her eyes set on playing softball at a four-year college while obtaining a degree in education, preferably the University of Texas. She loves the Longhorns.
In the meantime, she'll enjoy going to class from the comfort of her own house in her fuzzy, purple pajamas accompanied by her best friend: our two-year-old pitbull named Lily. Speaking on behalf of Lily, she's certainly happy Maryssa is home to snuggle with on the couch.
As for this aspiring journalist, I'm still soaking everything in.
My senior year at Castleton has been nothing short of eventful.
I wrapped up a 17-year career of playing football in November, closing the book on a memorable and meaningful part of my life.
In late January, one of my childhood heroes died in a helicopter crash. Kobe Bryant served as a major inspiration for me to rehabilitate and come back to playing football for my senior year, after almost breaking my neck and suffering severe nerve damage in my right shoulder a year prior.
As a communication major with a journalism concentration at CU, I was highly anticipating my second College Media Association conference in New York City. An opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in my field was ripped away due to the cancellation of Castleton University sponsored travel and events.
Next on the list was the end of my internship as a sports reporter for the Rutland Herald. I was gaining experience in the field I want to immerse myself in for the next 30-plus years of my life. This one really hurt because I loved learning from my colleagues and supervisors that have the same passion for writing and sports as I do.
Most significantly, the transition to online classes for the remainder of the spring semester felt like the walls caved in and crumbled to the ground. With no commencement ceremony in May of this year, it feels like my hard work went to waste and I have to immediately adjust to the real world.
There's no replacing the memories you make in critical periods of your life. In a time where I'm in the middle of finishing classes, applying for jobs and making arrangements to come home to New York, it's safe to say the deep breath of relaxing and enjoying the company of my friends at Castleton was something I was relying on to make the final push to graduation.
But now, here I am sitting inside my house wondering when things will go back to "normal."
All we can truly do is appreciate what we have in this moment, and do the best we can under unwanted and unusual circumstances.
I'm grateful for my supportive family and friends who understand everything I've missed out on this year, as they are the reason I'm sane.
It breaks my heart to see so many people not having the opportunity to bask in their respective glory for one day with the people they love before moving on to the next stages of their lives.
For me, it's an uphill climb, but I'm making progress.


text:
According to the surveillance for influenza (flu), conducted by RCDC, there are two seasons in Bhutan when the flu virus spread is most rampant. The first season is from December to March, and the second season lasts from July to September.
Flu virus is one of the most notorious viruses on the planet which cause regular outbreaks and epidemics during seasons and periodic pandemic. Influenza illnesses range from mild to severe and even death mainly among high-risk groups. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates show, about 3- 5 million cases of severe illness and 3-7 hundred thousand deaths due to influenza epidemics annually.
Therefore, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) has recommended influenza vaccination for winter season in November and December every year. It is expected to help reduce influenza-associated hospitalization and death especially due to pneumonia in children below 24 months in the country. In addition, instituting the vaccination program into the routine immunization services at all the hospitals will also provide platform to deploy influenza vaccine for general population during pandemic.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said that looking at the data, the influenza virus, itself, will not kill the person but it will induce co-morbidities. Citing an example, Lyonpo said when vulnerable groups, such as children or the elderly people catch the flu, and then they are most at the risk of getting pneumonia which can be fatal. The flu vaccination will also be given to health work as they are in direct contact with patients daily.
Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo said the flu vaccination will have a huge benefit for the nation. She added that the flu vaccination was launched on the eve of the government turning one, as it was their promise to the nation and they managed to mobilize the funding from Royal Centre for Disease Control (RCDC) and Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF).
Meanwhile, Chief Program Officer with the Communicable Disease Division (CDD), MoH, Rixin Jamtsho, during the launch, said that in Bhutan, respiratory illness is one of the top ten diseases affecting all age groups. As per the influenza-associated respiratory hospitalization burden study conducted by RCDC in 2017, the estimated influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations among all ages were 376 and 896 per 100,000 in 2015 and in 2016 respectively.
"This estimation significantly varies from season to season due to continuous changes of influenza viruses. The most affected age groups were children less than 5 years and elderly above 65 years. The lesson learnt from influenza epidemics and pandemics show that the preparedness is critical to reduce severity and death," he said.
The vaccine is targeted for 5 categories of risk groups, he said, adding that they are pregnant women, patients with chronic medical condition, elderly population 65 years and above, children 6-23 months and health workers involved clinical work.
Some of the symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sorethroat, runny nose, muscle or bodyache, headache, feeling weak or more tired than usual and sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting.
The world will experience influenza pandemic periodically but it is very difficult to predict the timing, as influenza virus evolves constantly in every season. For this very reason, WHO is emphasizing on ways a country can develop pandemic preparedness and response plan, and conduct regular simulation to test the plan.
"Bhutan has developed national influenza pandemic preparedness and response plan (NIPPRP) in 2015, and one of the main strategies is to introduce influenza vaccine in the country," Rixin Jamtsho said. In line with this plan, NITAG has recommended to introduce influenza vaccine for the high-risk groups.
The health ministry has explored funding support to introduce influenza vaccination into the routine immunization service. The influenza vaccine for pregnant women and health worker is supported by the Task Force for Global Health through Partnership Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI) under United States of America Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), while the vaccine for children less than 24 months, elderly above 65 years and chronic medical condition is supported by BHTF.
Currently, the ministry received 88, 000 doses of flu vaccine worth of Nu 6.16 million. "The country requires total of approximately 107,600 does of influenza vaccine for three categories of risk groups amounting to Nu 8.46 million annually for 77, 000 targeted population," Rixin Jamtsho added.
Health ministry introduced administering the influenza vaccination on 6 November. The influenza vaccine along with Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was launched in June 2018 for all five identified risk groups. He said, "However, vaccine could not be introduced in 2018 since it is seasonal vaccine and prior order has to be placed well in advance to the vaccine manufacturer."
The flu vaccine will be provided for five identified high-risk groups in all health centers routine immunization service in November and December every year.


text:
Handmade solid yellow bronze (also called Jeweler gold bronze) sea urchin necklace with a high quality lab-made midnight blue sapphire.
There exists more than 950 different species of urchin on the seabed.
Sea Urchin are symbols of fertility and youth. There are the flowers of the sea.
- Handmade sea urchin pendant
- Solid yellow bronze also called jeweler gold bronze pendant
- Soldered bronze bail.
- Embedded midnight sapphire.
- 6mm x 8mm sapphire
- I made my own mold from the real urchin.
- The urchin measures about 30mm x 25mm.
- Signed in the back by artist.
- 14k gold filled chain
- Gold filled has 100 times more gold than plated thus does not rub or peel off
- Nickel free
top of page
bottom of page


text:
Judge grants orders for removal of material about ward of court from internet
Posted on 19th February 2020 at 21:47
Judge grants orders for removal of material about ward of court from internet
Interim measures against Google and Facebook linked to vidoes of court hearings about woman
The Courts Service has obtained interim High Court orders against Google Ireland and Facebook Ireland requiring the removal of certain material posted on social media, including video recordings of court hearings concerning an elderly woman who is a ward of court.
The Courts Service does not know the identity of who posted the material and claims the posts breach rules preventing any recording of court proceedings as well as orders preventing the identification of the woman as a ward.
The woman's son has consistently objected to his mother, who has dementia and is her 90s, being in wardship and a nursing home, and he has taken multiple court applications over that.
The videos objected to include one of the son addressing High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly earlier this month in terms which led to the judge leaving the bench after directing gardaí to remove the man for persistent interruption of the court's work during that and earlier hearings.
The judge directed that the man, who had alleged there is a "constitutional crisis" in the State and that no courts have sat with appropriate jurisdiction since 1924, be detained in Dublin's Bridewell Garda station until the court hearing concerning his mother had concluded.
A video of the son being "interviewed" by another man outside the Bridewell later that day is among the material objected to.
Donogh Hardiman BL, for the Courts Service, sought orders against Google Ireland and Facebook Ireland arising from the posts.
Following correspondence with the defendants, a substantial amount of the material has been removed or blocked but some remains online and there is concern that more has since been posted and more might follow, counsel said.
The application was made on an ex parte basis (one side only represented) but Rossa Fanning SC, for Facebook Ireland, attended out of courtesy. His client had been co-operative with the Courts Service and was proposing a protocol to address the matter, counsel outlined. Google Ireland was not required to be in court but has engaged with the Courts Service, the judge noted.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Kelly said it seemed "surreptitious" videoing of a court hearing took place and that material had found its way onto social media in alleged breach of court rules and alleged contempt of court.
Another element of the application arose from a "far-reaching" undertaking by given by the woman's son in May 2017 not to publish material about her after certain posts were removed.
That material included videos of him shouting at his mother in the nursing home and trying to persuade her to take medications to enhance hair growth in her ears, which the son considered to be important to her continued good health, a view not shared by her doctors, the judge said. That video was a "gross invasion" of her privacy as a vulnerable person lacking capacity.
Not liable
In relation to this application, the judge said the defendants position is they are regarded at law as an intermediary service provider and, as such, are not liable for information stored if they do not have actual knowledge of unlawful activity.
Having been made aware of the nature of the alleged unlawful activity, they had taken a "responsible attitude" and a substantial body of the material had been removed but some has survived.
Facebook had concerns about legal and practical difficulties if certain orders were granted aimed at restraining any future publication before the full hearing of the case taken by the Courts Service, he noted.
He was satisfied the Courts Service was entitled to interim orders requiring removal by the defendants of the identified videos and text complained of, the judge ruled.
The Courts Service had raised a serious issue touching on the rights of this elderly woman not to have her private business subject of public comment when she is a ward of court with a right to privacy, he said.
He was also satisfied damages would not be an adequate remedy in lieu of the orders and the balance of convenience also favoured them.
In line with a protocol proposed by Facebook, he directed the defendants, on notification by the Courts Service to them of the posting of further offending material, to arrange for that to be taken down.
Share this post:


text:
Dutcotennant supply various types of Flange Adaptor.The Flange Adaptor is designed to join pipes made of steel, ductile iron, UPVC, grey iron, asbestos cement and other materials with a flanged connection. The flange adaptor has a wide range tolerance on OD (up to 23 mm) and therefore can accommodate pipes of various outer diameters. Its outer side and inner side wall is made by epoxy coated.
- Flange connection according to EN, ANSI, BS or SABS
- Designed to join pipes of various outside diameters to flange equipment
- Wide range tolerance on OD (up to 23mm)
- Can connect steel, ductile iron, UPVC, cast iron, asbestos cement and other rigid pipe materials
- Seal: EPDM
- Sleeve: Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400-15 (GGG-40)
- End ring: Ductile iron EN-GJS 400-15 (GGG-40)
- Threaded anchor bolts: 4.8 electro galvanized
- Flange: Ductile iron EN-GJS 400-15 (GGG-40)


text:
FREE Easter Holiday creative workshops to help improve mental wellbeing in children aged 8-13 years.
This Easter Signals is working with Essex Libraries to offer a series of free creative workshops. Made possible with funding from the Carnegie Trust, the project aims to educate 8-13 year olds in topics including managing stress, relaxation, gratitude, the effect of food or physical activity on mood etc. All whilst having fun and sharing their experiences with others.
We want to help children feel more connected and included in their community, allowing them to make positive lifestyle choices. It will also allow us to gain a better understanding of the issues facing children currently and how best to tackle these.
To encouraging young people to embrace creativity as a self-help, a selection of FREE workshops are available during the Easter holidays.
Animation Workshop
Make your own mini movie with our art materials and animation software. Devise a story, cut out your characters and animate.
Make miniature sets and characters, and animate your own short film. If you can imagine it, we'll help you animate it!
Digital Workshops
Make your own 2D video game using Scratch – the easy to learn game design software. Scratch is the perfect way to learn the basics of coding, and is used in schools all over the world.
Join your local library
Please note to take part in these free workshops you will need an Essex Library card. You can join at any library or click the link above. Please bring your Essex Library card with you to the workshop.


text:
If you have a water softener then eliminating the water's hardness is easy, especially when you know the advantages of pure and soft water. Hard water is a common problem that affects millions of households worldwide and because of this, the demand for water softeners is rising significantly.
We understand that choosing the right water softener can be overwhelming, which is why we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best water softeners to help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we going to review the top 10 best water softeners according to consumer ratings and reports in 2023. We have spent countless hours researching and testing various models to bring you the most reliable and effective options. From salt-based to salt-free systems, we will cover a range of products that cater to different needs and preferences. So without further ado, let's get started.
Best Water Softener Consumer Ratings & Reports
- SoftPro Elite High-Efficiency Water Softener
- Quantum Water Softener AR2
- Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener System
- Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
- Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener
- Nuvo H20 DPHB Home Salt Water Softener System
- Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener
- AFWFilters Fleck 64k water softener
- Tier1 Essential Series Digital Water Softener
- LiquaGen Salt-Free Well Water Conditioner & Descaler
Best Water Softener Reviews
I have compiled a list of the 10 best water softeners based on consumer ratings and reports for 2023.
1. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
- With this Aquasana filter system, No backflushing requires you to change the filter every three months for the best flow rate and purification.
- No water is wasted during the process.
- It comes with a filter tank, 20″ pre-filter, a soft tank, and valves.
- It comes with fittings that you can use on 0.75″ pipes.
This Aquasana Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener is a reliable way to control the presence of hard water in your house.
This Aquasana filtration system can filter around 1,000,000 gallons of water. In simple words, you will not need to replace the filter for about ten years.
This Aquasana water softener and filter is a high-quality and robust filtration system that you can use without any need for backflushing or draining. This salt-free water softener includes everything that you will need for installation.
This water softener and filtration system by Aquasana neutralizes many containments present in your household water, such as lead, mercury, and chlorine.
You will feel a positive change in the taste of drinking water after installing this system.
What We Like!
- The reliable filtration system will serve you for many years.
- Treats and filters your whole house water
- Reduces impurities up to 97% from water, including chlorine.
Things to Consider!
- Not the quickest solution. The unit will take some time to remove the containments from the water.
2. Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener
- Whirlpool grain softener is perfect for medium-sized families up to 5 persons.
- It eliminates up to 8ppm of iron from your household water.
- NSF certified water softener.
- Also effective against stains, scale that build-up on your fixtures and pipes.
- Whirlpool water softener has the ability to calculate how much salt and water is needed to regenerate
- The unit is designed, made, and assembled in the USA.
Whirlpool is a well-known firm that is serving all over the world for many years. The appliances of Whirlpool are reliable, and the same goes for this Whirlpool Grain softener.
This salt free water softener from Whirlpool is perfect for tough water. In fact, this Whirlpool water softener can eliminate up to 8 ppm of iron from your household and well water. In this way, the unit is effective against iron and other harmful water impurities.
This water softener's water flow rate is around 7.6 GPM, which is sufficient for a family of three to four persons. It comes with a single large tank, which features softening resin and salt storage.
The unit can be easily installed without any need for experts or special tools. And to make things easier, there is a detailed installation in the pack.
This Whirlpool water softener is ideal for you if you want a compact yet proficient water softener as it offers safe, clean drinking water for many years.
What We Like!
- It features an installation kit and a bypass valve.
- The unit is simple to set up.
- The grain capacity is impressive up to 30,000.
- It removes iron and other containments from household and well water.
Things to Consider!
- Some customer reports stated that you might witness a calcium build-up in your shower area after using this softener.
3. Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener
- You can use it as a water softener or iron filter for the whole house.
- 64,000-grain capacity.
- It comes with a digital valve for ease of use.
- A 5-year warranty backs it.
- It effectively reduces water hardness up to 75 gpg, Iron up to 6-8 ppm range,
- The unit is also efficient against Manganese, sediment, sand, rust.
Our next pick is the most trusted and reliable water softener in the market. This AFWFilters Iron Pro2 water softener is perfect for your whole house.
The unit is effective even if you have a large amount of iron in your household water. Apart from removing iron from the water, this unit is capable of eliminating other impurities as well.
This Iron Pro2 water softener has an impressive capacity of 64 000-grains. If you have a large house or filter out more water, you can opt for 80 000-grains unit. The unit comes with Fleck 5600sxt, which is energy-efficient and simple to use.
You can use it to soften up the water without affecting the taste. This water softener also removes impurities such as sediments and sulfur up to 2ppm.
Furthermore, the set includes a bypass valve and a cone. The unit is also effective against scale buildup on the water pipes.
What We Like!
- The capacity is large, up to 64000 grains.
- It features a digital meter and valve.
- It blocks iron and other impurities such as sand, limescale, sediments, and others.
- 5-year warranty.
Things to Consider!
- The only issue with this unit is its installation. The unit is difficult to install, so you will have to hire an expert to install the unit.
4. Nuvo H20 DPHB Home Salt Water Softener System
- The water flow rate of this system is 12 — 15 gallons per minute.
- It comes with 1″ ports.
- Works efficiently without any reduction in water pressure.
- It can effectively reduce the existing scale.
- FDA & NSF approved the water filtration system.
If you need extraordinary good for softening the water, this Revolutionary Technology will be your perfect option.
Now you don't have to deal with the hard water anymore because of this extraordinary water softening system.
This high-quality design is perfect for the home, which has one to two people. It is ergonomic and perfect for the environment as well.
It is not waste any water and does not require any electricity for the soft Inning of the water.
It will clear out all the insoluble impurities that exist in the hard water. This is actually a great software system for water, which is perfect for use as it is a scientific process that cleans and maintains the pH of the water and makes it usable.
This Nuvo Home Water filtration and softener system is an intelligently designed filtration system suitable for all homes with 1 to 2 bathrooms.
So basically, it is suitable for small families. This water softener features a filtration capacity of up to 50,000 gallons, which is more than enough for a family of two to three people.
The NuvoH2O water Softener features a revolutionary technology to reduce the pH levels in the water. It eliminates all the minerals that cause the water to become hard, and as a result, you will get soft and healthy water for drinking and household uses.
Nuvo's salt-free water softener is simple to install, and you can install it by yourself if you have basic plumbing knowledge.
This water filtration system works by using 20″ salt-free filter cartridges that you can change quickly when needed. It also helps eliminate the existing scale accumulated on your faucets, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
What We Like!
- The unit is simple to install
- The most affordable water softener system in the market
- The system is Eco-friendly –no waste water, no electricity, and no salt.
- Revolutionary technology that works incredibly
- Helps in lowering and maintaining the pH of the water
Things to Consider!
- The system is not suitable for large homes & the water quality may not be the best.
5. SoftPro Elite High-Efficiency Water Softener
- Easy to use, comes with an electronic screen
- Peak Flow rate of 10 GPM
- Smart cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria
- Saves water and electricity
SoftPro is another big name in producing high-quality water softeners. The brand produces two different water softener options; City and well water softeners. The incumbent one, we are reviewing is the City water softener, which offers up to 2400 grain capacity.
SoftPro Elite water softener is one of the most effective water softening solutions that comes with features with modern tech to not only conserve your salt usage but make you dump lesser waste produced in regeneration.
It offers quality performance and shares a software water brine tank that holds highly concentrated potassium solution to perform smooth ion exchange which is an essential and most important part of water softening.
Another vital part, an equally important part of the brine tank is its mineral tank. It comes with a brine tank with mesh resin for error-free water softening. The water softener provides quick recharge for immediate generation, to make you never have to wait around to get access to soft water.
I find this water softener extremely easy to use due to its electronic touchscreen. The touchscreen helps you run the softener as per your preferences, and monitor the status of the water softener. From that screen, you can view the incumbent status of your water tank, and various other features.
The most important of them all is, to make your water softener have a life-long performance, the brand provides a protective neoprene jacket that sits around the tank and prevents it from mold and many other impurities that shrink the lifespan of a water softener.
The water softener comes with all pre-requisite to get it to install at your home's point of entry. If you know how to install a water softener by reading the manual you can get it done without any hassle. If you don't have basic plumbing knowledge or tools, it better would be to have a professional onboard.
In total, SoftPro Elite Water softener comes with all bells and whistles to help you enjoy a smooth water softener installed in your home. It is easy to use, offers various grain capacities starting from 24000, and conserves your electricity, as well as salt usage.
What We Like!
- Provides quick recharge
- Grain capacity up to 110,000
- Smart cleaning to prevent bacteria or mold growth
- Conserves your electricity, and salt and reduces dump frequency
Things to Consider!
- Feels little expensive upfront cost
- Higher grain capacity requires more space
6. Quantum Water Softener AR2
- Easy-to-read LCD
- IPMO approved softener
- Grain capacity up to 64000
- Comes with an intelligent water softener valve
If you are concerned about the water your home receives from the well and looking for an easy-to-use and affordable water softener, I can't think of a better option than Quantum Water Softener AR2.
The Quantum Water softener AR2 is known for its high quality and efficient water-softening properties. It helps you kill viruses, bacteria, and many other impurities and unwanted organisms that fall you ill and your loved ones.
As per the manufacturers, the water softener kills and destroys 99.99% of harmful bacteria, or microorganisms without mixing any chemical substance or changing the odor. It bolsters the ultraviolet water purification method which is known as the most effective method of water purification.
The water softener uses up-flow regeneration which is known as the best practice for regeneration. It consumes less salt and produces less wastewater for fewer dumps.
In my view, the water softener is one of the easiest and most efficient ones because of its feature-rich automation. Features like an auto bypass valve feature that helps households still enjoy soft water even when the regeneration is happening, makes it stand out in the crowd.
With its intelligent software water output control using it allows you to control your home's water softening level. This intelligent bypass valve is the only valve you get your hands on, tweak around and adjust the water softening level, as per your home's preferences.
Its easy-to-read LCD control display helps you have an eye on the latest stats of your water softening process. It helps you learn the water softness level, water consumption, salt level, and many others, with just one gaze at the screen.
Its Lifetime Ceramic disc valves with a lifetime warranty help you enjoy a lifetime performance with no maintenance and wear-outs.
In total, if you are concerned about your well water and looking for a modern, state of the art designed water softener in a reasonable price range, Quantum water softener is the right option to get hands-on.
What We Like!
- Affordable price range
- Quick and easy installation
- Comes with a battery backup for over 48 hours
- Kills almost 99.99% of microorganisms and bacteria
Things to Consider!
- Complex installation
- The quick-connect hose is hard to connect
7. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener System
- With this Aquasana filter system, No backflushing requires you to change the filter every three months for the best flow rate and purification.
- No water is wasted during the process.
- It comes with a filter tank, 20″ pre-filter, a soft tank, and valves.
- It comes with fittings that you can use on 0.75″ pipes.
The Pentair Fleck water softener features a flow meter to measure water usage and regeneration easily.
This is one of the most efficient and best water softeners available today in the market for commercial and residential use.
The unit also features 100 percent resins, which adds durability and enhances the water softener's life.
Installing this Pentair Fleck Commercial water softener is just effortless. You can easily install this unit with the help of a detailed guide that is included in the pack.
The LCD with the touch screen makes it simple for you to use this system even if you are using it for the first time. The manufacturer also offers a 5-year control head and a 10-year warranty on the tank.
What We Like!
- It features crosslink resin.
- This water softener is simple to install.
- It features easy to read digital display with touchpads.
- It offers long-lasting and reliable water treatment for years.
Things to Consider!
- The pack does not include all the parts that are required for the installation.
8. AFWFilters Fleck 64k water softener
- Proudly made in the USA.
- The unit features a 12-inch x 48-inch water tank.
- The capacity of the water softener is 64,000 Grains.
- The water softener includes detailed instructions and an installation kit.
- It features Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered head with programmable cycles.
This unit is compact, effective, and available at an affordable price in short and sweet words.
This AFWFilters water softener system uses the ion-exchange process to remove the water; hence it also enhances the working of your appliances and fixtures.
The unit is effective against major impurities such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
The pack contains all the necessary accessories that you will need to install the unit, such as the tank, resin, control head, and brine tank.
It also features a durable bypass valve with a 1-inch connection for ease of installation. It allows you to view and monitor the readings or errors. For this purpose, it has a bright and clear LCD.
For your convenience, a product manual and detailed installation are provided by the manufacturer. According to the consumer ratings & reports, the installation is not that difficult, but it is time-consuming.
So, we will advise you to seek help from a professional if you are using it for the first time, or you are not used to this type of job.
However, you can take help from the instruction video that is available on YouTube. Overall, it is a reliable unit that comes at an economical price.
What We Like!
- It comes with a digital meter control head.
- The unit is compact; hence you can install it anywhere you like.
- The water softener is suitable for whole house water as its capacity is 64,000 grains.
- It is effective against iron as well as other harmful containments.
Things to Consider!
- You will have to purchase some installation parts separately.
9. Tier1 Essential Series Digital Water Softener
- The unit is simple to use due to advance yet simple controls.
- The system comes with a brine tank, mineral tank, control valve, 3/4 inch connections, brine tubing, drain line, and all the necessary parts required for installation.
- It removes the hardness of water by blocking harmful water containments.
- The Mineral Tank size is 15 x 34 Inch & the brine tank measures around 14 x 42 Inches.
- Grain capacity is 48,000.
This Tier1 Water softener is a reliable water softener that is more suitable for small families.
Overall, the unit has a compact size, highly efficient, and can also place it in any outdoor location as long as the temperature is not too extreme.
This Tier1 water softener comes with everything that you will need for a quick installation. Additionally, it also features an efficient Fleck 5600sxt that offers full control of its regeneration cycles. I
t has a large digital LCD for your convenience, which allows you to monitor the activity.
The grain capacity of this Tier1 digital water softener is 48 000. So, in our opinion, the unit is suitable for small families only. But as far as the performance of the unit is concerned, it is highly effective.
It is capable of removing the main elements of hard water, including calcium phosphate and magnesium. And it will not affect the healthy minerals.
This water softener is also a good choice if you have a limescale issue. After using this water softener, you will notice a significant reduction in the limescale. Lastly, if you are looking for a money-saving water softener, this is an ideal option.
What We Like!
- It comes with all the required components for easy and quick installation.
- Highly effective water softener for small families.
- The installation of the unit is easy without any special tools.
- Grain capacity is 48,000.
Things to Consider!
- The grain capacity is on the lower side, so it is not suitable for large families.
10. LiquaGen Salt-Free Well Water Conditioner & Descaler
- It comes with 1″ inlet and outlet connections
- The unit eliminates almost all types of impurities that can harm your skin and hair
- Stops accumulation of scale on your home appliances and fixtures.
Our next pick is the LiquaGen Water Filtration System. It is a salt-free system that efficiently eliminates impurities from every drop of water coming into your home and prevents the elements from resulting in hard water.
This LiquaGen salt-free water conditioner includes a pre-loaded tank, and in the pack, you will get all the accessories and hardware required for smooth installation.
This salt-free water conditioning system by LiquaGen is suitable for both the well water and water coming from local bodies. It can filter out the entire water supply at your home. It also features a carbon filter to eliminate harmful elements from your household and drinking water.
The consumer ratings and reports also stated that this salt-free water conditioning system effectively uses chlorine and many other elements such as rust, dust, lead, mercury, and others. Lastly, the unit uses one-inch connectors to buy any additional parts to install the unit.
What We Like!
- The pack includes all the accessories required for installation.
- Effective against chlorine and improves the taste of your water
- Eliminates other Sediments as well, such as sand, dust, and rust
- It works by using carbon filters.
Things to Consider!
- The installation is not that simple, especially if you don't have any plumbing knowledge.
Cheap Water Softeners
Here we have two more on our list that are a bit cheap but work the best.
1. Pelican Water Softeners | Beast
- It offers scale prevention of up to 99% for your appliances and fixtures.
- Don't need to change the filters frequently every 6 to 9 months.
- Tanks of this water filtration system are wrapped in stainless steel for durability.
- No water is wasted during the filtration process.
The Pelican Whole House Filter & Water Softener is perfect for medium to large families. This water filtration system can work efficiently in homes that have 4 to 6 bathrooms. This salt free water softener can purify and treat around 1,000,000 gallons of water.
This water filtration system and softener by Pelican Water Systems feature 4 different stages to purify the water supply coming into your home.
It is a certified water filtration system, so in this way, you can have the peace of mind that you will be paying for the trusted product.
This whole house water filtration system is suitable for houses that have 4 to 6 bathrooms. The flow rate of this salt-free water softener is 15 gallons per minute. That's quick, and you will not notice any drop in the water pressure.
The installation is quite straightforward, but to get better results, professional installation is recommended.
This Pelican water softener softens your hard water and prevents the accumulation of dirt on appliances and fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom.
What We Like!
- The filtration system needs little maintenance.
- The unit is perfect for large families.
- The flow rate is impressive, up to 15 gallons per minute.
- Effectively removes harmful water containments.
Things to Consider!
- Not that effective against extremely hard water.
2. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler
- It removes hardness without using any chemicals or salt. It will only remove impurities and will keep the healthy minerals in the water.
- The water softener also prevents scale buildup.
- Energy-efficient water softener.
- No major plumbing modifications will be needed with this water softener.
- 1-year money-back guarantee and lifetime tech support.
- It will not change the chemistry of water.
If you want to get rid of skin and hair-related problems caused by hard water, this iSpring ED2000 offers a reliable solution. It might not be the cheapest water softener, but it is an affordable one, and the price to quality ratio is excellent.
As for the unit's working, this iSpring water descaler and softener uses a microchip that transmits electromagnetic waves into the water pipes and decreases the impurities and limescale build-up in water pipes.
We can say it is a 2-in-1 unit. It is a descaler as well as a water softener. It eliminates impurities you're your household water but keeps the healthy minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the water; hence you get pure and healthy water.
As for the installation, this water softener is simple to install. You can install it on the main water supply of your home. The maintenance of the water softener is low as well. You can install it with various pipe material without major modifications such as PEX, copper, and even CPVC.
What We Like!
- The makers offer a money-back guarantee and lifetime tech support.
- It will only remove harmful minerals and keep the healthy minerals in the water.
- The taste of the water will not get affected.
- The product is ISO 9000 Quality Standard certified.
Things to Consider!
- If your water has a heavy amount of iron in it, this is not the one for you, or you have to buy an iron filter separately.
3. AFW Filters Dual Tank Water Softener
- The unit features dual alternating tanks.
- The flow rate is high, and it is suitable for high hardness.
- Perhaps it is the most efficient water softening system.
- The unit comes with an installation guide and a bypass valve.
This AFWFilters dual tank water softener features a large capacity, and it is highly effective. This AFWFilters Fleck 9100SXT features two large tanks.
The capacity of each tank is 96 000-grains. That offers top-notch functionality, and it is the best water softener for large families.
Both tanks are well-built and backed by a 10-years warranty. Not only this, but you will also get three cubic feet of resin in a single tank.
For some users, it might be a bit heavy, but it will pay-off well. However, the preloaded resin is a convenience.
The water softening system also includes a valve that you can use to bypass as and when needed.
The brine tank includes a brine line for a quick and smooth connection to the main water tank. It also helps in eliminating all ions that result in hard water and also prevents limescale buildup.
What We Like!
- The unit is highly efficient and effective to treat hardness in the water.
- It is useful against all types of impurities.
- The two large tanks are highly durable.
- 10-year warranty by the manufacturer.
Things to Consider!
- If you have limited space, then this might not be suitable for you. So, measure the space and size of the unit before finalizing it.
4. Eddy Water Descaler Electronic Water Softener
- 12 months Money-Back Guarantee.
- You can easily install it on both metal and plastic pipes.
- Highly effective unit to treat hard water and also prevents limescale build-up.
- It will remove only harmful containments, not healthy minerals, from your water supply.
- Low-maintenance water softening system.
- It will not affect the taste or color of the water.
Here comes our last and perhaps the simplest water softening system, the Eddy Water Descaler Electronic Water Softener.
The Eddy Water Descaler and softener is an electronic device that you can use to remove your water's hardness.
The unit works by generating electromagnetic waves, and hence it efficiently prevents limescale buildup on your water pipes and fixtures.
If you have hard water or your appliances suffer from limescale, it is a perfect option.
After using this water descaler and softening system, you will notice a positive change in your skin. Your skin will be soft and shiny. And in the end, you will get pure and fresh water to use.
The installation of this Eddy Water descaler is simple as well. It comes with four wires – no hassles to detach the water pipes, no changes in plumbing connections.
Hence, you can do it yourself without anyone's help. Besides easy installation, the unit is simple to maintain as well. And on top of that, it is backed by a lifetime repair/replaces warranty so you can buy it with confidence.
What We Like!
- It prevents limescale buildup.
- It softens the water by removing harmful water containments.
- The unit is simple to install and use.
Things to Consider!
- the device is not waterproof, so handle it with care.
What are the benefits of Water Softeners?
The benefits of water softeners are many. Some common advantages of these systems are:
Scale-Free Pipe System
The whole-house water softeners effectively remove harmful minerals from the water. These minerals result in the building-up of limescale on pipes and appliances. So, water softeners prevent limescale buildup by removing all these harmful minerals.
Residue-Free Appliances
As a water softener prevents scale buildup, it reduces leakages and enhances your fixtures and appliances' working life. It also prevents foul odors that come due to residue in your sinks, showerheads, or faucets.
Healthy Hair and Skin
Usually, people think that using a shower head filter prevents hard minerals. This is not the case. Showerheads are useful, but you need the best water softener to remove or block harmful minerals.
If you use hard water while bathing, stop immediately as it is dangerous for your skin and hair, you must look out for a water softener. You will notice a positive change after using a water softener.
Soft and clean Clothes
After using soft water for laundry purposes, you will notice that your clothes feel soft and shiny. This is because water softener will stop all the harmful minerals from affecting your clothes. Similarly, soap or shampoo dissolves quickly and efficiently when you are using soft water, and you will need less washing powder to wash your clothes.
Water Softener Buying Guide
If you have finally decided to buy a water softener, then your focus should be on what to look for in the best water softeners. Go through these important considerations to make the right decision.
Related: Best Reverse Osmosis System
Water Flow Rate
Flow rate is a vital consideration in water softener and filtration systems. The flow rate is shown in (GPM) Gallons per Minute.
So, it is a must for you to buy a system that has a high flow rate. Usually, more than 10 GPM is reliable, and water softeners with 10 GPM flow rates are considered safe.
Number of Grains
You should take a reading of the grains present in the water and then buy a softener that can treat that amount of grains.
Also, check out that the water softener you are about to purchase can treat the amount of water that you use in a day at your home.
Inclusion of a Water Filter
In our opinion, go out for the one that has the ability to filter and soften up your household water. This is because the water that flows in our homes contains impurities such as iron, chlorine, etc. If you have a unit that can eliminate these impurities, this will be a plus.
Regeneration Style
Usually, there are two common types or styles of regeneration. The first is timer-based, and the second is manual regeneration.
In the first or timer regeneration style, you can easily set the time as per your needs, and once it is the time, the unit starts to regenerate automatically.
Typically, the companies offer a 5-year warranty for the control head and a 10-year warranty for the tank, which is enough for most users.
However the warranty period differs from brand to brand, so make sure that you know the warranty details before purchasing the water softener.
When buying the water softener, the foremost thing to look out for is the unit's resin capacity. For this purpose, you should also know about your water consumption.
If you have a large family, then you will need a large-capacity water softener or vice-versa. The grain capacity varies from brand to brand and product to product.
Usually, it starts at 16,000 grains. The water softeners that have a large capacity of up to 96,000 grains come with dual water tanks. So, we can say it depends on your exact needs and water usage.
Available Space
There is no point in buying a large water softener if you have limited space. For most families, medium-sized water softeners are better.
You can also opt for a 2-piece unit that includes an iron tank and a brine tank if you have that much space. In this regard, we will advise you to keep in mind the space available and know the measurement of the product.
Bypass Valve
The bypass valve is a vital part of water filtration units. It lets the water flow through without being treated by a water softener. This bypassing is needed in many situations, such as filling a pool or any activity in which you don't need filtered or soft water.
In a bypass valve, you should check out the ease of use. Complicated bypass valves are of no use, and you must opt for the one you can operate quickly and easily.
Regeneration Setting
It would help if you also looked out when buying a water softener because you want a digital metered unit or one that comes with a timer.
In the units that have a meter system, the resin will reset after particular water usage. You will set the water consumption amount. In a timed water softening system, the unit will start to regenerate after a few days according to your water usage estimation.
What is hard water, and why to soften it?
There are many dissolved minerals like calcium, sodium magnesium, and cations in hard water. If these minerals are in the top percentage, you might notice a scale in the hard water. This building up of scale can damage your pipes, plumbing, and household appliances.
How much Sodium is consumed by using a water softener?
Averagely, 3% sodium uptake comes by using a water softener. This is equal to 2 teaspoons of salt.
Which is better, salt or salt-free water softener?
Salt-free water softeners are better, in our opinion. Salt-free water softeners remove hardness from the water but leave healthy minerals in the water. The minerals also help in the reduction of the scale, building upon your fixtures and appliances. You might also use less soap when washing clothes.
When should I change the Resin Beads?
If you maintain your water softening system correctly and timely, you will not have to change the resin beads throughout their working life.
Final Verdict
Here we are, at the end of this review and comprehensive buying guide about the best salt-free water softeners in the market. In this post, only updated information is mentioned by our experts.
The info is based on the salt-free water softener consumer ratings. We are sure that these salt-free water softener reviews will help you buy the softener that suits your needs, and you can enjoy safe and healthy water at your home.
Not all people understand or know about the hardness of the water. We can say that hard water is a health concern. It also affects your household appliances and fixtures. As for your health, it badly affects your skin and hair. For this purpose, the water softener is handy.
It saves your appliances and fixtures, as well as your skin and hair. As per the best water softener customer reports, users have stated that their skin feels smooth and healthy after using a water softener.
Once you purchase a water softener, you can get healthy and pure water. But not all the water softeners are of the same quality; neither all work in the same way.
- 7 Best Hot Plates Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023 - May 25, 2022
- Best Electric Coffee Percolators Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023 - May 24, 2022
- 7 Best Air Fryer With Rotisserie Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023 - May 21, 2022


text:
"Before he had played three lingering notes a most sinister sound began to rise from the ground like the rumblings of some vast crowd, but as it rose louder and louder innumerable rats came scudding into the streets and followed the Piper as he played his magical tune."
Media: Head and hands made of Super Sculpey, on a wire armature with a cloth body. Painted green eyes. Dressed in parti-coloured outfit in red, gold, and gray.
Props: His pipe is made from Super Sculpey and wood. He is covered in rats made of painted Super Sculpey & wire.
Height: 52 cm (20 1/2")
August 1991


text:
OBIT – Jimmie Jean Arnold
MISSION – Jimmie Jean Arnold, 81, passed away on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 at Mission Nursing Home.
Mrs. Arnold graduated from La Joya High School in 1954 and attended Pan American College where she graduated in 1957. She was a third grade elementary teacher at La Joya I.S.D. and went on to teach in Los Angeles and Corpus Christi before returning to the Rio Grande Valley in 1983. She retired in 2001.
Survivors include her son, Emmett Lee Arnold III and three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett Lee Arnold Jr., and parents, Jim and Oleta Carpenter.
A graveside service was held on Aug. 12 at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.


text:
Gold Prices Post-G20
With the G20 vowing not to devalue world currencies, has the Gold Price outlook changed...?
EVEN THE MEDIA now treats G20 meetings of world leaders as non-events, writes Julian Phillips at GoldForecaster.com.
At best, press reports highlight the emptiness of the G20's concluding resolutions. Nor should investors continue to look to them for real change or commitment. But this weekend's meeting produced more than expected in the statement that was made on Saturday – that the attending nations had agreed to avoid "competitive devaluations" in currencies.
The only nation admitting to such practices is Japan. China was not party to such statements, as it has a Yuan level that it considers right at the moment (after putting national interests ahead of international ones). The meeting didn't let the US get away with it either, and pointed out that quantitative easing is an indirect means of devaluing an exchange rate. And so it is.
With US citizens in difficult financial straits buying the cheaper adequate imported goods, much of the new money to be printed will flow out of the Dollar to other parts of the world, not least to earn more interest than charged sitting in emerging nation's government bonds. So here we are at the same place as last week, but with a few more good intentions. What has come out since that meeting is that the US and China are appearing confrontational.
The gold market expressed its disdain of the intentions issued by the G20 by moving back up to $1345 at Monday morning's London Gold Fix. We'd previously seen $1380 per ounce, and the drop off last week was sudden. Gold then resumed that drop, however, as the G20 communique was digested by traders.
So what next? To remove currency crises from our future the global currency markets need global cooperation sufficient to overrule national interests. That's not happening and won't happen in our opinion, so we expect more falls in the US Dollar once QEII kicks in. We look around the world for reasons to change the fundamental picture for gold and can't find any. We do see some saying it is time to sell gold. We know of one fund that has shorted gold. So our search for reasons to sell is sincere.
With that in mind, these are some of the questions we are asking:
- Has uncertainty and instability changed leaving us confident and certain of a stable future?
- Have the nations agreed a sound, effective, currency system that caters for local national problems on the Balance of Payments front?
- Have they agreed systems that effectively enforce this system, so that it is in national interests to subject themselves to that system?
- Has the global economy in all its major parts returned to real growth where economic imbalances are removed?
- Are we certain that the Sovereign Debt crises are over?
- Do we expect the shift in world wealth and power to Asia to be smooth and trouble free?
- Have the votes at the IMF been changed to fully accommodate India and China's proportion of economic power or will the US remain in charge irrespective of such changes??
- Have central banks turned away from gold confident and fully reliant on global currencies...?
If your answers are 'yes' to these then it is time to sell your gold.
One of the dangers in today's world is that emotion can replace reason very easily. Our own troubles can engender such hopes that we lose balance and decide based on our emotions, to our cost. That's why we prefer to use the process called extrapolation. This is where your take the values, trends and activities of today and project them forward to paint the investment scene of tomorrow. What are these?
The G20 meeting was useful, in that it showed how any real desire between governments to agree with each other just isn't there. The US is understandably clinging to its leverage over world affairs, wanting to change other nations rather than its own behavior, being unable to change its own economic and currency situation. There are efforts there, but these have proved inadequate to date. The Fed has expressed its fear that more QE is needed to bring about not just a real recovery, but to prevent a slide into deflation that will make it nigh on impossible to get out of once it gains momentum.
On the political front the US is approaching an emasculation of power so that it won't be able to take sufficiently strong action to pull itself out of its hole. And if the mid-term elections do result in this it will be so for two more years. It's these next two years in which the developed world needs to take strong action to stay sound, as Asia rises in economic power and importance. As it stands now the developed world can't take such actions. It's not just about the Dollar and the currency world becoming stable again, it's about huge readjustments being made as wealth and power move east. The currency system is facing major strains and changes of interests and exchange rates during this time. Without cooperative action by the world's governments only friction will ensue. And that is what lies ahead if we extend today to tomorrow.
As to a sound global currency system ahead we find it difficult to see that in today's events. The Yuan and perhaps the Rupee have to gain greater positions in the world money system. It is clear that China should be able to raise its leverage inside the IMF to at least the same level of voting power as Europe. The US should relinquish its deciding vote and be capable of being overruled. Is that likely? Unless the IMF sees such changes, there will be no effective body that can arbitrate the structural changes that have begun already in the world economy and world monetary system. And that is what lies ahead if we extend today to tomorrow.
Have the nations of the world accepted that the changes that lie ahead of us all are so large that international interests must take first place in such a way that overall all national interests can be protected and no individual nation establish precedence? Unfortunately not! The world's political systems are designed to cater for national interests irrespective of the impact on international ones. It is the nature of democracy and the nature of holding onto power even where no democracy exists. That won't change. So we see a picture of nations bumping into each other's interests rather like musical chairs, where some nations just can't find a chair.
As to growth, with China and other poorer nations able to supply goods at far cheaper levels than the developed world, either wages must drop to Asia's levels or the developed world must put up blocks to their entrance into their world. Unless they do, developed world currencies will sag even as Asia's want to rise. China is gaining so much from holding the Yuan down and building surpluses that it won't change until it is ready to promote the Yuan to a global reserve currency that it controls and price its goods in the Yuan only. That process is well along now and could be tomorrow's reality in 2011. Currency crises will proliferate then, with the Dollar and the Euro in the spotlight. And that is what lies ahead if we extend today to tomorrow.
Have the austerity measures been sufficient to resolve Sovereign Debt crises? Giving the Eurozone nations the benefit of the doubt we accept that they may succeed (despite the belief in some quarters that Greece will default in three years time and the UK looks like tipping back into recession). It may be at the cost of more double-dip recessions in other countries or worse, but that's not the point. The point is that the US is just about at the top of the list of nations that are over-borrowed. What austerity measure have they undertaken or will undertake? We have to wait and see if such measure will be successful where applied. What of nations that are over-borrowed and are doing nothing about it. We need strong actions alongside strong growth world-wide before we can gain confidence that such crises will go away. We can't see it. And that is what lies ahead if we extend today to tomorrow.
Have central banks reaffirmed their confidence in the currency system we now have and continued to sell gold reserves, completely reliant of currencies? What we have seen are central banks turning from selling 500 tonnes a year to buying 500 tonnes per year or moe, as they realize that Gold Bullion is badly needed when currencies fail. And more of that is what lies ahead if we extend today to tomorrow.
Clearly then we see no reason to believe that gold has peaked. It's not about a technical picture dictating supports and resistances; it's about a globally changing and broadening market that is altering the parameters of the technical picture. With investors like central banks acquiring gold at any price, how can the technical picture dominate?
Get the safest gold at the lowest prices using BullionVault...


text:
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
- 1 tsp. lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- In a saucepan, mix apricots, brown sugar, raisins and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add cranberries, apple and lime zest. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix in lime juice, crystallized ginger and red pepper flakes. Serve at room temperature or chilled over your favorite protein or spread on bread.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from allrecipes.com.
You can also use a lemon or orange in place of the lime.
Share this Recipe


text:
There's no question that TV looks different today than it did a decade ago. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have become staples in many of our homes, and more viewers than ever tune into these over-the-top (OTT) platforms instead of live broadcast TV.
In general, subscription TV and OTT are growing steadily as traditional TV viewership declines, particularly among younger viewers, according to research by Nielsen. With the number of people who watch traditional TV continuing to drop, it's safe to assume that we're going to keep seeing changes in how people watch TV over the next decade or so.
So, what does that mean for your marketing strategy?
Well, it could mean a few things. When it comes to the future of TV, here are some different scenarios that could play out by the year 2030, according to research by Deloitte. And based on these scenarios, I see some ways marketers and advertisers can prepare.
Scenario 1: 'Universal Supermarkets'
In this first scenario, all video content is distributed online. Broadcasters and video content creators supply their own video streams to the larger universal "supermarket," which is run by leading digital platform companies (DPCs). Each DPC offers a variety of niche content from its partner local broadcasters. One big shift in Deloitte's first scenario is that broadcasters no longer get ad revenue — only DPCs do.
Looking forward to how advertisers can plan for this scenario, I believe branded content will be huge. Marketers will need to partner with broadcasters to create and deliver branded content to their niche audiences. They'll also need to allocate a large portion of their advertising budget to DPCs, which control all the ad revenue. Advertisers will need to work with multiple DPCs since they all partner with different broadcasters to deliver niche content to viewers worldwide.
It has been interesting to watch the shift in TV viewership from the television to mobile devices over the last few years. To prepare for continued shifts in TV viewership, a good strategy is to allow consumers to stream content from their mobile phones to smart TVs anytime, as a lot of people are now using their mobile devices to cast to their televisions. In my experience, I've noticed that people tend to stay on their devices for short-form content and only use their TVs for long-form content.
Scenario 2: 'Content Endgame'
This second scenario by Deloitte imagines that large global content owners run the market. Instead of streaming through digital platform companies, these content owners have their own channels for distribution. They engage directly with advertisers to arrange sponsored content deals.
This scenario still has space for smaller content creators and broadcasters. However, they will need to have unique, strongly branded content if they want to compete in a world dominated by large content companies. The way I see this scenario playing out, advertisers will likely need to partner directly with these content creators and broadcasters to deliver branded content for a focused audience. For example, advertisers could start creating episodic series featuring popular influencers.
Scenario 3: 'Revenge Of The Broadcasters'
According to Deloitte's predictions, this scenario is perhaps the most positive for broadcasters, which have managed to secure their position within the TV/video ecosystem. They're on digital platforms and engage directly with customers by delivering on-demand content.
These direct relationships with consumers may give broadcasters valuable data and insight, which broadcasters then share with advertisers when creating advertising partnerships and deals. This information is used to create personalized advertisements, delivered within guidelines that protect consumers' privacy
For advertisers, this means partnering with broadcasters that will open up opportunities to target niche audiences with personalized ads. Marketers will need to work directly with broadcasters and allocate ad dollars to developing ads for targeted audiences. Advertisers will need to be mindful of focusing on their niche audience instead of trying to create ads that serve a wider audience. They'll also need to have a good handle on their analytics to note shifts in trends so they can adjust their advertising strategy and adapt to the changing needs of their market quickly.
Scenario 4: 'Lost In Diversity'
In this final scenario, Deloitte researchers imagine a diverse ecosystem for the TV and video market without dominant players. DPCs partner with independent local and national broadcasters to deliver content consumers want, including local news, blockbusters and high-profile TV series. While this scenario imagines everyone doing a little bit of everything, there remains a clear divide between content distribution and production.
Advertisers will be extremely relevant in this scenario. Because consumers would likely have more of an interest in content quality than loyalty to any one platform, advertisers need to allocate their budgets to a variety of platforms to reach their target audience. Advertisers may want to start by allocating their ad budget widely and then eventually narrow down to the platforms they find the most effective. Because every platform will serve a wide audience, ad content should be more general and less niche than in other scenarios.
Bottom Line
It will be interesting to see if any of the above scenarios comes true over the next decade. While this remains unknown, companies today can focus on what we do know: TV viewership is declining, and people are spending more time tuning into OTT and streaming TV. To stay ahead, advertisers and marketers should focus on working with broadcasters and DPCs to learn more about their viewers so they can deliver targeted ads and branded content to their audience.


text:
Active job seeking skills
Online job search
Developed by:
Volkshochschule Göttingen e.V., Germany
Based on:
To get an overview on how search engines could be used for job seeking and why social networking is an important factor.
Expected duration:
10 minutes
Online job search is quite common these days. In this digital age when everything is going online, the employers, recruiters and job seekers have chosen online platforms to interact with each other. Internet offers a flexible, dynamic and 24x7-live environment. Finding job online is easy and it saves time as well.
Start test
, read each question and choose the correct answer. Mark your selection.
Back to theme
Start test
© EU KA3 ICT project
This project has been funded with support from European Commission. This publication [communication] reflect the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.


text:
Marshall Emberton Review
Marshall's smallest wireless speaker is another corker
A speaker that's minimum fuss and maximum value, the Marshall Emberton is another entertaining effort from the company. With stylish looks, rugged design and a confident audio, the Emberton is a great addition to Marshall's wireless speaker range.
- Rugged design
- Entertaining sound
- Nice control interface
- Stylish looks
- Other speakers deliver more precision and clarity
- Slightly soft bass
Key Specifications
- IPX7 water-resistance
- Bluetooth 5.0
The Marshall Emberton continues Marshall's spree of 2020 product launches continues with its portable wireless speaker.
Following the Monitor II ANC headphones and Uxbridge smart speaker, the Emberton is the smallest wireless speaker in Marshall's range, sporting a rugged design and long battery life. Is Marshall onto another hit?
Price and availability
The Marshall Emberton was released in 2020 for an RRP £129 / $179 / €149 / CAD$249 / AUD$249.
- Rubbery feel to design
- Multi-directional control is great for operation
- Easy to use
The Emberton keeps up the distinctive Marshall livery, though the quality of the materials are different in lieu of the speaker's purpose. Rather than the textured vinyl covering seen on Marshall's bigger speakers, the Emberton adopts a hard-rubbery coating that makes clear this speaker won't be unduly affected by outdoor conditions.
Rectangular in shape – think of it as like a big bar of butter – the Emberton can be held in one hand quite easily, though it doesn't feature a handle or a strap so you won't be able to hang or carry the speaker in that way.
And at 700g it's not particularly heavy though it does feel weighty, and like the material it's made out of, the weight gives you the confidence the Emberton could survive a few drops without breaking. Aside from the placement of a USB-C charging port on the right-hand side, the speaker's design is completely sealed.
On top is a golden multi-directional control knob for playback. A firm push down turns the speaker on (or off) with that familiar Marshall guitar strum sound. Depress a little less firmly for play/pause, while a nudge to the left or right skips tracks and up and down is for volume control. Marshall is great at coming up with tactile and responsive ways of controlling speakers, and this is another one that's nice to use.
To the left of the multi-directional dial is the Bluetooth pairing button, and to the right is the battery charge indicator. They light up with a red LED, and when it gets dark it gives the speaker a KITT from Knight Rider-esque appearance. I like it.
- Water resistant
- Battery life around 20 hours
- No smarts
There's not much to speak of in terms of features. The Emberton covers pretty much the specification you'd expect from a more rugged portable speaker.
Rated at IPX7, the Emberton is water-resistant and can survive a trip into a body of water 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. Battery life is a lengthy 20+ hours and in case you find battery levels dropping, a 20-minute charge is enough for five more hours of playback. If the battery is fully depleted, it's three hours to get it back to full.
Bluetooth connectivity is 5.0 with a range of 10m/30ft, and wireless connection has proven to be pretty robust with no connection drops even when far away from the speaker.
The Emberton features Marshall's True Stereophonic sound, which is a fancy way of saying it's capable of delivering a multi-directional 360° audio performance. It does so through its 2 x 10W full range dynamic speakers.
And that's your lot. No app, no voice assistant support, no other flashy features. What you see is pretty much what you get.
- Smooth, warm presentation
- Energetic tone at times
- Soft bass output
The last Marshall product we looked at was the Uxbridge Voice Alexa speaker, and while it had its good aspects (good enough to get a recommended badge), the sound quality wasn't quite what was expected. That's not the case with the Marshall Emberton.
Right from the off the Emberton is a step up in quality over the Uxbridge – better balanced and with better control over bass. It feels like it's been tuned to deliver clarity over sheer power.
Cunninglinguist's Hourglass streamed from Spotify and the low-end performance is decent – the Marshall Emberton showcases a good sense of tonality – and while there's a slight feeling of tubby bass, there's no distortion or the feeling that bass sounds diminished despite the speaker's smaller dimensions.
And it's still capable of the energy that's a signature of Marshall speakers without forgoing a good sense of dynamism either. It's a punchy speaker that can go big and loud, the 'Stereophonic' sound features means you do get a similar-sounding performance whether you're in front of or behind the speaker.
The positive vibes continue with good vocal clarity as voices are brought to the fore of the mix. Compared to the more expensive Beosound A1 2nd Gen it has less midrange detail and doesn't exude the same sense of clarity, nor is it dynamically as capable. That said, it's a speaker with a solid, weighty presence to its sound; it's warm and smooth approach to music is thoroughly enjoyable.
You should buy it if…
You're after a rugged speaker for the great outdoors
Its rugged design is better suited to the outdoors than the B&O Beosound A1 2nd Gen, but it doesn't sound as good as that speaker. It's also not as dear on the wallet as the B&O either.
You favour energy over precision
Marshall's been on strong form in 2020 and the Emberton is another enjoyable speaker. It resists the urge for rumbly bass but keeping the punchy, energetic tone that makes Marshall's speakers appealing. Indoors or out, the Emberton is another excellent speaker from Marshall.
You shouldn't buy it if…
You want a cheaper wireless speaker
Another option is the Tribit Stormbox Micro speaker. Much, much cheaper, while it doesn't have the warmth of the Emberton, but it's terrific value for its price.


text:
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you're a parent, the thought of world book day can fill you with dread, the pressure to conjure a costume for your little one which reflects, your creativity and devotion to parenting alongside showcasing your child's excellent literary taste and love of reading can be tremendous and have you bolting to the nearest supermarket to see what overpriced costumes are left (there are incredible hulk books aren't there??). Like Christmas the meaning of which has been lost, World Book Day's meaning has been tainted by commercialisation, the true meaning of world book day, a drive to get more to children to read for fun is being lost in the frenzy to post the cutest WBD costume pic. It may be time for us to take a minute to remind ourselves what WBD is really about, encouraging children to read for fun and develop a lifelong love of reading. Lost in the imaginary world conjured by words flowing from a book, I find that music uplifts the experience: bringing to live words on paper, heightening the narrative arc. Think of it like watching a movie, how the music score becomes an intricate part of the visual storytelling experience; how in a Nollywood film, for instance, an ominous xylophone sound thickens the plot and you seat at the edge of your chair, waiting, expecting. It is a delicate dance as the sound can make or mar the experience. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This year World Book Day have launched the "Share a Story" campaign this nationwide campaign calls on "Spending just 10 minutes a day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their outcome and it's fun for all involved.""Creating a love of reading for pleasure in children is critical. Enjoyment, creativity, imagination, greater self-esteem, empathy, relaxation, escapism and improved communication skills are well-known benefits of reading. And for adults, it can lead to a reduction in dementia and depression symptoms." Source: The Reading Agency Literature Review: The impact of reading for pleasure and empowerment, 2015
We love this campaign because:
- Life is busy, 10 minutes a day is feasible for most families
- Children (and adults!) can have short attention spans. 10 minutes is a reasonable amount of time for even the most energetic child to be relatively still and enjoy a story
- The campaign encourages bonding by calling on adults and children to read together; there is something special about two people sharing a single book