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2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things […]
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
BY: Israel 411
© [ladyinwaiting2012] and [https://newjerusalemcoming.wordpress.com], [2012-2020]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [ladyinwaiting2012] and [https://newjerusalemcoming.wordpress.com] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.


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The World Bank Independent Evaluation Group (IEG), the World Bank's own internal watchdog, published an evaluation last month which assesses the World Bank Group's targeted support to Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) for the period 2006-2012. The findings of the IEG report point to serious failures in the current International Finance Corporation approach towards targeting SMEs and echo Eurodad and partners' concerns about lack of development focus and the secrecy surrounding its financial intermediary lending.
The World Bank Group (WBG) promotes SME growth through both systemic and targeted interventions. However, the IEG report focuses only on the activities specifically targeted at SMEs, which excludes a large part of both the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) portfolios that are aimed at systemic improvements in key areas, such as macroeconomic stability, infrastructure and education. For this review, the IEG assesses relevance, efficacy, efficiency and work quality of three organisations of the Group: the IFC, which lends to private sector, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the arm offering guarantees to investors and lenders, and the World Bank. The latter comprises the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which lends to governments, and the International Development Association (IDA), which provides soft loans and grants to the poorest countries.
According to the IEG, "targeted SME support is a big business for the World Bank Group." It comprises a significant part of the Bank Group's portfolio, averaging around US$3 billion a year in commitments, and 7 per cent of projects over the period 2006-12. For the IFC these interventions represent US$10.5 billion in investment commitments, which accounts for 16 per cent of total portfolio value during the same period. However, according to the evaluation, "the current portfolio [of the World Bank Group] does not consistently reflect a clear and strategic view of which firms should be targeted, why, and for which services, or of how serving them promotes market development to sustainably meet their demand."
Why, how and where the IFC targets SMEs
The IEG report is particularly relevant for the analysis of the IFC, given its current strategic objectives. As the IEG report states, one of the five IFC's strategic focus areas is "developing local financial markets through institutions building, the use of innovative financial products, and mobilisation, focusing on micro, small and medium enterprises." This focus is based on SME's potential for job creation, particularly in low and middle income countries. In addition, the IFC also claims that "working through financial intermediaries allows IFC to support far more micro, small and medium enterprises than it would be able to do on its own," thus the reason for the massive increase in its financial intermediary lending, which today accounts for more than 50 percent of IFC investments.
Since the IFC has no retail outlets, going through a "middleman" is often the only way to engage with and target SMEs. These institutions receive funding mainly through loans and equity investments, and subsequently lend to SMEs. In addition, they receive technical assistance, which the IFC believes will develop the capacity of the financial sector in "frontier states" where SMEs face limited access to credit.
When it comes to analysing the IFC's portfolio, there are three main findings that are striking:
Based on these figures, the IEG echoes civil society concerns and challenges the relevance of the IFC's current portfolio and its efficiency as it does not seem to fit for development purposes. In IEG's own words "the heavy emphasis on on-lending in high and upper-middle-income countries seems to be in direct contravention to the logic of using resources to redress poorly developed capital markets." The report further warns against the risk of crowding out private sources of capital "in reasonably functioning financial markets" and of distorting the market by offering terms that are often better than those prevailing in local markets, thus "subsidise favoured partners or clients." The IEG therefore calls on the IFC to focus on developing the financial sector in those regions where it is the weakest and in need of credit supply for SMEs.
Unclear definitions and targets: who benefits?
The IEG report casts serious doubts on how effective the IFC model is to target SMEs by unveiling key problems on how their interventions are designed and implemented. This is not new for civil society groups, including Eurodad and CAFOD, who have challenged the IFC approach to SMEs, starting from its definition of the target group.
Although there is no one, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a "small business", how it is defined is key for a relevant and pro-poor intervention. The IEG also confirms this, stating that "projects should be relevant to the defined beneficiaries and connected to some defined challenge they are seeking to resolve."
Whereas the IFC has its own definition for what constitutes an SME – a registered business with 10–300 employees and assets or annual sales between US$100,000 and US$15 million – it is highly controversial. The IEG itself acknowledges "that standard has questionable relevance in some country contexts" and "whether or not the standard is ideal, IEG's review finds that it is generally not applied." In practice, "only a minority of projects define SME, and fewer still apply that definition through their provisions. A minority identifies the market or policy failure they are seeking to address, and a smaller minority provides a solid rationale for how the project will ameliorate that failure." In fact, what is considered is the size of the loan or investment made, which is also problematic (in some countries a loan up to US$2 million still counts as an SME loan). As the report "Out of sight, out of mind?", written by Eurodad partner Bretton Woods Project, argues, "though the size of loans and the size of the company are potentially related, there is no predefined relationship between the two."
The report finds the following:
As the IEG report clearly says "failing to define SMEs or add specific provisions can increase the risk that clients do not adhere to the intention of projects, whereas specificity can strengthen the focus of lending on SMEs". Therefore it is fair to question whether the IFC is effectively targeting the intended beneficiary or even who is benefiting from these interventions.
Poor efficacy and serious lack of transparency
Another critical point to consider is how effective the IFC is in their interventions when targeting SMEs. Here the IEG finds that "targeted SME projects generally had a lower [development outcome] rating than the overall portfolio and a lower rating that the rest of the financial markets portfolio," although effectiveness varies substantially depending on product line, industry group and the type of country. Also problematic is the finding of the review of 82 IFC investment projects that sought to support SME through financial intermediaries. According to the IEG, "of these, around 40 per cent did not meet SME financing targets." One of the reasons identified for this, is the "financial intermediary changing its strategy," particularly in the case of banks. In addition, the IEG finds "problematic in gauging efficacy" the "secrecy surrounding the clients of banks supported by the IFC." This echoes civil society concerns on this issue, as "it is, therefore, unclear what impact these investments are having at the firm level."
On top of this and despite the IFC's general emphasis on the job creation potential of SMEs, the evaluation finds that "the degree to which IFC financing of intermediaries results in employment creation, poverty alleviation, or even SME investment goes unrecorded". It is worrying that throughout the evaluation period the "IFC neither demanded nor received any information from financial intermediaries about their clients' level of employment and investments."
The IFC generally claims that it cannot get more information due to the commercial sensitivity surrounding banks or private equity funds. In general, they are very reluctant to disclose disaggregated data on which projects they are investing in or which SMEs they supporting. However, according to the IEG "it is possible to gather such information" and the "IFC needs to know much more about what is done with such funds." CSOs have also been pushing the IFC strongly on this front, particularly after the IFC's Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) report on environmental and social impacts of investments in the financial sector. If the IFC cannot fully collect all necessary information from its clients, it cannot know if its interventions are actually working or not, nor can it guarantee that these interventions do not contribute to social and environmental violations. Unless this trend does not shift dramatically, there is no reason to believe that cases similar to the Dinant Corporation in Honduras will not repeat itself.
What's next for the IFC?
The IEG report makes clear recommendations and states that "the objective is not to benefit SMEs as an end in itself, but to create economics that can employ more people can create more opportunity." These recommendations include: clarify the approach "to make clear the objectives and analytic justification for targeted SME support, how it relates to systemic reform, where it is appropriate, what main forms it will take, and how it will be monitored and evaluated;" and enhance relevance and additionality, which implies an important shift from better-served firms and markets to frontier states, frontier regions, and underserved segments.
The IEG also stresses the need for a meaningful definition of SMEs in order to target firms that experience special needs or contribute specially to the economy or the poor. As it stands the IFC definition does not reflect the reality of most developing countries and particularly low income countries, as both the upper and the lower limits of it look too high for some of them.
Finally, it is relevant to note that financial services, and particularly access to credit, is just one of the many systemic needs that SMEs experience on the ground. According to CAFOD's ground-breaking report "Thinking small", other key priorities include infrastructure and services, demand, human capital and risk, stability and vulnerability, and all of them need proactive, targeting, comprehensive and locally appropriate interventions. Therefore, an excessive focus on financial services might lead to a biased approach in itself.
If the IFC is to be considered as a true development actor, it should substantially review its approach towards the financial sector in general and SMEs in particular. As a public institution with a development mandate that aims to be the lead institution in financing the private sector, anything less should be deemed as institutional failure.
tags: IFC, SMEs, responsible lending, financial sector, transparency, World Bank,

subset: commoncrawl


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Eight States Roll Out Electric-Vehicle Plan
Leaders of eight large, coastal U.S. states are expected to roll out more details of a plan aimed at spurring sales of 3.3 million "zero emission vehicles" by 2025 through a combination of consumer incentives and regulatory action. Joe White joins Lunch Break. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... eight states including California and New York are expected to allow the interstate more details of a plan aimed at spurring sales up three point three million ... zero emission vehicles by twenty twenty five to a combination ... of consumer incentives ... and regulatory action welcome to your Thursday lunch break ... I'm Lee Hawkins ... joining us now with more deatails is doubly SJ autos Editor Joe White ... Jol what is prompting this this whole alliance ... this is something that the of the governors of the state stateside California New York and and six others so basically along the coasts of the Wesley discussed ... the to talk about this Fosun's last year when all the states ... that are very much in our policy want to promote sales electric cars and zero emission cars plug in hybrids fuel cell cars to the extent that there are any ... what they're looking at a market where sales of a lot of these vehicles not with the exception of of of of relatively high priced Tesla models ... are actually going down ... and they're trying to go what can we do to get more people ... to try a ... electric were zero emission cars ... and so this is this is part of that effort Hennessy said its cobbled menu of ... of of efforts to get more consumer interest plots of looking at what are the regulatory barriers to things like charging stations ... and and using electricity is a fuel ... yet and from your standpoint is there enough demand ... or customers still skeptical of this ... by the market though the other market the sales lady customers or storm most customers are still skeptical electric cars ... in the biggest issue I think is the fact that most collector cars again tonsils an exception ... don't get go very far on a charge up on the most on go fug less than a hundred miles and he and well less than a hundred miles if it's cold ... Tesla is the exception that Tesla into it to get the full range Tesla is is eighty nine thousand dollars to swap the reach of most people ... so ... charging stations or the lack there of is is a big thing one interesting thing I saw this in this action plan is that the states are to try it basically to tell car dealers and car companies ... pay promote electric cars do more to promote electric cars ... and I'm not sure so sure that that that's going to be an easy sell it and while the states are doing this the White House is pushing ... up or more electric vehicle options is part of the climate change initiative but the sides individuals is there ... need to be a wider kind of infrastructure change to make electric cars more attractive ... oh well I think so yes I had been interest in terms of theirs there are infrastructure issues in terms of not enough charging stations where they need to be ... up but there are also regulatory barriers to to to your utilities try to sell electricity back and forth ... There are regulatory barriers in a lot of places ... to putting a charging station in your garage ... and that's if you have a garage of course a lot of people living in in big cities don't ... so there's all these logistical things ... that stand in the way of widespread adoption ... of electric vehicles and has so far has only been two hundred thousand or so sold in the United States most money in these eight states ... the goal here is three point three million by twenty twenty five ... of the impossible know ... of but something deftly has to give and that's with the states are trying to do here our right that's live from Detroit show why Joe always great to have you think you very much


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Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072), Cardinal Bishop, and Doctor of the Church. Saint Peter is remembered for a life of penance and austerity, and preached rigorous reform. He was a man of integrity and zeal for the Lord, who confronted immorality and dishonesty wherever he found it—beginning within the Church ranks among the clergy. His writings remain instrumental in clarifying Church doctrine on issues such as Purgatory, the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and Christian virtues.
Especially devoted to Our Blessed Mother, Saint Peter Damian wrote about the Blessed Virgin, as well as composed many prayers to her grace. Below, an excerpt written by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, summarizing some of Saint Peter Damian's commentary on the Blessed Virgin, as well as a prayer to Mary penned by Saint Peter Damian.
Peter Damian attests: "that by the prayers of Mary, who stood between the cross of the good thief and that of her Son, the thief was converted and saved, and thereby she repaid a former service." For, as other authors also relate, this thief had been kind to Jesus and Mary on their journey to Egypt; and this same office the Blessed Virgin has ever continued, and still continues, to perform.
And here we say, that although Mary, now in heaven, can no longer command her Son, nevertheless her prayers are always the prayers of a Mother, and, consequently, most powerful to obtain whatever she asks. And therefore, says Saint Peter Damian, "the Blessed Virgin can do whatever she pleases both in heaven and on earth. She is able to raise even those who are in despair to confidence; and he addresses her in these words: "All power is given to thee in heaven and on earth, and nothing is impossible to thee, who canst raise those who are in despair to the hope of salvation." And then he adds, that "when the Mother goes to seek a favour for us from Jesus Christ," (whom the Saint calls the golden altar of mercy, at which sinners obtain pardon), "her Son esteems her prayers so greatly, and is so desirous to satisfy her, that when she prays it seems as if she rather commanded than prayed, and was rather a Queen than a handmaid. Jesus is pleased thus to honour His beloved Mother, who honoured Him so much during her life, by immediately granting all that she asks or desires."
And thus Saint Peter Damian, reflecting on the great power of Mary, and begging her to take compassion on us, addresses her, saying: "O, let thy nature move thee, let thy power move thee; for the more thou art powerful, the greater should thy mercy be." O Mary, our own beloved advocate, since thou hast so compassionate a heart, that thou canst not even see the wretehed without being moved to pity; and since, at the same time, thou hast so great power with God that thou canst save all whom thou dost protect; disdain not to undertake the cause of us poor miserable creatures who place all our hope in thee. If our prayers cannot move thee, at least let thine own benign heart do so; or, at least, let thy power do so, since God has enriched thee with such great power, in order that the richer thou art in power to help us, the more merciful thou mayest be in the will to assist us.
O holy Virgin,
Mother of God,
help those who implore your assistance.
Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us
because you have been elevated
to a position close to God?
No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us.
You know the miserable condition of your servants.
No, it would not benefit such great mercy
as yours to forget such great misery as ours.
Turn toward us, then,
with your power,
for He who is powerful
has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth.
For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair
to a hope of salvation.
There more powerful you are,
the greater should be your mercy.
Turn also to us in your love.
I know.
O Mary, that you are all kindness
and that you love us with a love
that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge,
when He is on the point of punishing us!
All the treasures of the mercy of God
are in your hands.
You will never cease to benefit us, I know,
for you are only seeking an opportunity
to save all sinners
and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when,
through you,
penitents are forgiven and reach heaven.
Turn, then, toward us,
so that we may also be able to go
and see you in heaven.
For the greatest glory that we can have,
after seeing God,
will be to see you,
to love you,
and to be under your protection.
So be pleased to grant our prayer;
for your beloved Son wishes to honour you
by refusing nothing that you ask.
Why pray the Rosary every day for a year?
Each time the Blessed Virgin has appeared-- whether it be to Saint Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes; to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco at Fatima; or to Mariette Beco at Banneux-- she has asserted the importance, saving grace, and power of praying the Holy Rosary on a daily basis. Based upon her words, the Rosary is penance and conversion for sinners, a pathway to peace, an end to war, and a powerful act of faith in Jesus Christ. Pope Paul VI presented the Rosary as a powerful means to reach Christ "not merely with Mary but indeed, insofar as this is possible to us, in the same way as Mary, who is certainly the one who thought about Him more than anyone else has ever done."
To show us how this is done, perhaps no one has been more eloquent than the great Cardinal Newman, who wrote: "The great power of the Rosary consists in the fact that it translates the Creed into Prayer. Of course, the Creed is already in a certain sense a prayer and a great act of homage towards God, but the Rosary brings us to meditate again on the great truth of His life and death, and brings this truth close to our hearts. Even Christians, although they know God, usually fear rather than love Him. The strength of the Rosary lies in the particular manner in which it considers these mysteries, since all our thinking about Christ is intertwined with the thought of His Mother, in the relations between Mother and Son; the Holy Family is presented to us, the home in which God lived His infinite love."
As Mary said at Fatima, "Jesus wants to use you to make Me known and loved. He wishes to establish the devotion to My Immaculate Heart throughout the world. I promise salvation to whoever embraces it; these souls will be dear to God, like flowers put by Me to adorn his throne."
Saint Peter Damian: Prayer to the Blessed Virgin MaryPosted by Jacob
| Labels: Doctor of the Church, Feast Day, Marian Devotion, Prayer, Saints
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Fennel with Eggs
(Yumurtali Rezene)
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced vertically - rinsed the fronds
1 small onion, sliced
4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red pepper paste
2 tbsp water
4-5 red pepper hot rings
2 eggs
Saute the fennel and onion with olive oil, stirring occasionally. Add the hot pepper rings, the pepper paste and water, stir. Crack the eggs over the fennel. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Cook until the white part of the eggs is fully cooked.
Sprinkle some fronds over the tops, then serve the Fennel with Eggs while still hot with freshly baked Turkish Bread.
Labels: Breakfast and Eggs


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Shop decorative hardware & home decor with RCH Hardware
Reproduction and Custom Hardware (RCH) Supply Co. is a supplier of quality decor products & decorative hardware. Our architectural hardware, lighting & home décor are made with attention to detail, for enriched interior and exterior design solutions. Each collection is designed to compliment various decorating styles, and is available in a range of diverse materials & metal finishes. For noticeably elegant detail and design, choose from our decorative chain, front door hardware, wall decor & much more at rchhardware.com.


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BIM 360 GLUE new feature!
It seems that Autodesk will never stop impressing us with new updates & key features for BIM 360!
Yesterday, as part of my day to day tasks, I was uploading some Revit models to GLUE, when I saw this >
So now we can actually change glued model file type to "NWC". Wow, I love that!
Wait, ... what does that mean for the user?
Let me explain:
Note: you may switch back to basic graphics at any time.
Let me know your thoughts about this update.
Leave a Reply.


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Dune Jewelry
Dune Jewelry, the Original Beach Sand Jewelry Company® creates Experiential Jewelry® by capturing your most cherished memories with sand & natural elements from around the world. Whether you are a bride or groom choosing for your bridal party, a fiancee discovering a touching gift before your trip down the aisle, or a friend or family member looking for the most unique and memorable gift, Dune Jewelry captures a memory and incorporates it into handmade fine jewelry that will last forever. Dune's Sandbank® offers sand and natural elements from over 3,500 locations and you also have the option to send sand or elements from your own experience. Dune Jewelry creates tangible reminders of life's greatest moments, the perfect way to hold-on to those special moments forever allowing you to "live for the moment, then take it with you." Handmade in the USA, Dune Jewlery comes with a lifetime warranty and each year a portion of every purchase is donated to various coastal preservation organizations. Avaliable in over 800 retailers worldwide in addition to online at www.dunejewelry.com


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Two young Israeli men alleged by this author to have co-founded vDOS — until recently the largest and most profitable cyber attack-for-hire service online — were arrested and formally indicted this week in Israel on conspiracy and hacking charges.
On Sept. 8, 2016, KrebsOnSecurity published a story about the hacking of vDOS, a service that attracted tens of thousands of paying customers and facilitated more than two million distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks over the four year period it was in business.
That story named two then 18-year-old Israelis — Yarden "applej4ck" Bidani and Itay "p1st" Huri — as the likely owners and operators of vDOS. Within hours of that story's publication the two were detained by Israeli police, placed on house arrest for 10 days, and forbidden from using the Internet for a month.
On Tuesday, Israeli prosecutors announced they had formally arrested and charged two 19-year-olds with conspiring to commit a felony, prohibited activities, tampering with or disrupting a computer, and storing or disseminating false information. A statement from a spokesman for the Israeli state attorney's office said prosecutors couldn't name the accused because their alleged crimes were committed while they were minors.
But a number of details match perfectly with previous reporting on Bidani and Huri. As noted in the original Sept. 2016 expose' on vDOS's alleged founders, Israeli prosecutors say the two men made more than $600,000 in two of the four years the service was in operation. vDOS was shuttered for good not longer after Bidani and Huri's initial detention in Sept. 2016.
"The defendants were constantly improving the attack code and finding different network security weaknesses that would enable them to offer increased attack services that could overcome existing defenses and create real damage to servers and services worldwide," Israeli prosecutors alleged of the accused and their enterprise. Continue reading →


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Earlier this week I purchased a crate of clementines. They are so adorable that they are even called "cuties," so I knew these would be a kid-friendly snack.
Well, they weren't. They've been sitting on the counter uneaten for 4 days, and my attempts to get my kids to try them have been in vain.
But then I figured that my approach was off. You see sometimes with food, it's all in the presentation. How could I make these citrus sections look more appetizing?
Turns out, all I needed was a little pipe cleaner!
This snack idea works for me because it is EASY. Just peel and section your clementine, and then cut a pipecleaner in half, then fold it in half and curve the ends around just a smidge to make it look like antennas. Place your sections on either side of the pipe cleaner, and boom! A snack that will please everyone.
These butterflies were gone within 2 minutes of me setting the plate down on the table. Mission accomplished! Take that, scurvy!


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Henry Dimbleby's warm anchovy, garlic and potato salad
A hearty side dish from the founder of Leon natural fast food restaurants
800g new potatoes
50g (one tin) or 10 fillets of anchovies
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
100ml extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped chives
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Slice the potatoes in half and boil them with ample water and salt in a saucepan with a lid on until well cooked. Put the garlic, vinegar and anchovies into a blender. Whizz, then add extra virgin olive oil in a drizzle. Season. Drain the potatoes and pour dressing over them, tossing them well. Allow to cool a little for three minutes. Toss again. Dress with the chopped chives and serve.
From Leon 2: Naturally Fast Food (Conran Octopus, £20)


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Fw: Seriously Important Message
5 comments:
- Tootseye said...
Well, with all due respect to this Sr citizen who *may* be honestly doing this on his own, all I can say is that he is sadly misinformed by Republicans. He appears sincere, but when he starts listing how seniors are going to get "death counselling" instead of hip replacements, cancer treatments or heart surgery, then the gig is up.
He also whines about teabagger seniors who come to town halls w/"sincere questions" and then get called "Nazi," "KKK," etc.
Well, when I have "sincere questions," I don't go to some public meeting and behave a like a screaming 4 year old having a temper tantrum. And I don't drown out everyone else who's trying to ask a question. And I don't incessantly scream "LIAR" at the top of my lungs to whatever answer the congressfart is attempting to give.
So, despite his age, I have no respect for this kind of lying blather. The Repugnants should feel guilt & remorse for lying to this old man and making him scared, as BHO said at his address to congress.
THAT is what is disgusting. But this dude ain't that old, and what is also disgusting his apparent inability to turn off Fake "News" and Fatso Limpballs and seek other sources of information.
I could only tolerate about half of the first video. If someone wishes to comment further on what else this old fart had to belch out, then have at it.
More contard nonsense at it's most reprehensible.
And then yes --- Sir, if you choose to lie down with dogs, then you're gonna wake up with fleas.
- 21 September, 2009 18:50
- gruaud said...
Poor foolish man.
I pay $1000 a month for COBRA. Factor in day-to-day bills and my mortgage and it won't be long before I sink into the quicksand; probably by the middle of next year. Without a job covering huge
bennies, you are or will be utterly screwed.
Now multiply that by MILLIONS of Americans.
Now remember your health insurance horror
stories: claim denied, claim DENIED, CLAIM
FUCKING DENIED. Death panels, anyone?
And now consider the obscene profits the
insurance companies and their execs are making
on a monthly basis, based on those denials.
And, last, consider the billions of dollars they are
spending to brainwash a frightened and ignorant public.
Really, why is this so hard?
- 21 September, 2009 22:28
- ferschitz said...
Sorry to hear that Gruaud & I wish you the best. You are telling the truth here, and it's one happening to a lot of citizens these days.
Big Ins. has done a great job at buying off the Congress, witness Max Baucus who is a cheap whore for them. Big Ins spends big bucks every day (Rachel Maddow & Keith Olbermann have quoted the amounts) to blast out lies about BHO's health ins. reform program. It's ONLY about the money. Big Ins/Pharma CEOs are RAKING in the bucks and laughing at these stooges all the way to the bank.
Idiots like this old geezer buy the bunkum and scream out crap like: well, lefties JUST want to buy insurance AFTER they've found out they're sick. That really fries me. NO, that's NOT what's happening. There are countless documented cases of Big Ins. death panels - death by spreadsheet - of people being denied coverage after years of paying into the system.
Well I could go on. I am sickened by it all, but brought to you by the same lying creeps who, last year, were screaming about "Support the Troops, Support the Troops, W is a war-time Pres." Now our glorious Seniors (to whom we must all bow) are the new "Support the Troops" meme.
Bought and sold by authoritarians who need to have someone tell them what to think, when to think and whom to hate.
- 22 September, 2009 10:29
- Anonymous said...
YouTube comments are always terrible, but in such a crucial public debate, they just highlight most people's inability to use the Internet to learn about the sides of the debate not championed by Fox News.
- 22 September, 2009 17:14
- Anonymous said...
It's ok (I guess) if people want to post their commentary on current events or congressional legislation or whatever. What's missing here is any attempt by this man to corroborate his "beliefs" by cross-referencing to the proposed legislation. No veracity, no grounding in what is actually being proposed by congress, just some random anger at what he's been told might happen.
Well, he's entitled to his stupidity, but then why (rhetorical question) is this being passed around as if Mr. Random Old Geezer knows what he's talking about? And all the rest of us should believe him, rather than BHO??
Oh yeah, right: it fits w/the political goals of Big Ins and the rightwing. Sigh...
- 22 September, 2009 18:43


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The following list (aligned with ICAO and IATA recommended practice) is provided as a guideline of what items are not to be allowed in the cabin of departing flights from South Africa, both International and Domestic Departures. Items indicated on this list, except firearms, may however be carried in the checked baggage of passengers. This does not include the obvious items considered as harmful items i.e. knives, firearms, explosives, grenades, etc.
NOTE: Manicure sets, including small scissors and metal nail files are permitted.
Further restrictions on items allowed in sterile areas of airports, may be imposed or may differ from country to country, dependant on the Policy of the Local Authorities.
Note that certain of these items may be restricted for carriage in terms of Dangerous Goods regulations.
Important Links
AVSEC Primary Objective
Air Cargo Security
Airports & Airlines
Dangerous Goods
Training & Certification
Projects and Investigations
National AVSEC Committee
National AVSEC Programme
Responsibilities of the Industry
Prohibited Items in the Cabin


text:
Moscow (AFP) - The leader of France's far-right National Front party Marine Le Pen visited Moscow for high-level talks Tuesday, amid fears the Kremlin is courting radical politicians across Europe.
Le Pen met parliament speaker Sergei Naryshkin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, during a low-key visit months after her party in November came under fire for taking out a nine-million-euro ($9.8-million) loan with a Russian bank.
Russia has sought to cosy up to European politicians, including Le Pen and left-wing Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who have criticised the European Union for imposing sanctions on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
After meeting Naryshkin, Le Pen said that the French government was "very influenced" by the United States, which she added "played an important role in passing (EU) sanctions against Russia."
Le Pen -- who met Naryshkin last April -- said she was happy to "regularly exchange opinions with Sergei Naryshkin on important topics," cited by TASS state news agency in comments translated into Russian.
"We often have a similar vision when we analyse the situation."
She said she and Naryshkin discussed topics including "the crisis in Ukraine, the worsening situation with the Islamic State group, the danger of terrorist attacks and the financial situation in the world."
Le Pen said relations between France and Russia "could change in the middle of 2017 when Marine Le Pen is elected president".
Naryshkin at the meeting congratulated Le Pen on her party's shock victory in last May's European elections in France.
Naryshkin said Le Pen's reforms to the party founded by her father "matched the time and the spirit of contemporary France," the parliament's website said.
Le Pen's team did not announce the visit.
The Duma lower house of parliament on Monday announced the meeting on its website, initially saying it would be shown live on television, but press was later barred.
An AFP photographer caught Le Pen going for a stroll on Red Square before the meeting at the Duma.


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Families affected by imprisonment
160,000 children each year have a parent in prison.
At Spurgeons, our aim is to improve the lives of those children and their families who are affected by a parent being in prison. Our prisoner and family support services across England allow children to visit their loved ones in a friendly environment and our mentoring and support programmes give young people the chance to reduce negative behaviours and build a better future.
The impact of having a relative in prison
Having a parent in prison can be detrimental to a young person's wellbeing and behaviour. The figures speak for themselves:
65% of boys with a convicted parent go on to offend
37% of prisoners have family members who had been convicted of a crime
29% of prisoners experienced abuse as a child
63% of prisoners had been suspended or temporarily excluded from school
In addition, children of prisoners are three times more likely to develop behavioural problems and twice as likely to show anti-social or delinquent behaviour.
Children seen as 'trouble-makers' may become isolated or excluded from mainstream schooling. When this happens the risk of them becoming involved in criminal activity grows. They face the challenges of drugs, bullying, abuse, poverty and family breakdown alone - sometimes because their own parents are in prison.
Spurgeons Makes a Difference
Our work supports those children who have a parent in prison and helps young offenders to break the cycle of criminal activity that could lead to reoffending.
We offer a wide range of support for those affected by a family member in prison, including:
Visits centre service
Visits play area
Family engagement
Family days
One-to-one support and signposting
News and Blogs
Read the latest news and blogs from Spurgeons Prison Family Services
Follow us on social
Hope for Every Child
Your gift can make a difference


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YOU ARE WATCHING: Edge Of Alaska: Season 4
Have a nice day! All The Best
Edge Of Alaska: Season 4
Hidden deep in the wilderness of eastern Alaska is the toughest town in America: McCarthy. Once considered to be the state's very own "Sin City," McCarthy is now an isolated town - a refuge...
Genres: Reality-TV
Actor: John Beach
Director: N/A
Country: USA
Movie: Edge Of Alaska: Season 4
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Release: 2017
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Review: Fable II Pub Games
Playing games of chance to add to your Fable 2 wallet is a guaranteed great time, right? Don't bet on it.
Fortune's Tower is definitely the only one that's any fun. And it's pretty easy. But I've never experienced debt. The lowest level tournament is completely free, and pays out 200 for 1st place (which is easy enough to get).
i agree, fortunes tower is the only one that requires and "skill" whether your cheating or not, spinnerbox is just dumb luck, and keystone is a slightly smarter luck XD
I've tried the glitch, it got boring pretty fast though :/
I got to rank 5 without getting into debt at all, I found the spinnerbox to yield extreme rewards, both in points, but certainly in cash as well.
I heartedly recommend "Cow and Corset: 25-250" to anyone that want to get cash without cheating.
You'll probably lose a little at first, but once you hit the jackpot 2 times in 15 spins, you will certainly find yourself loving every minute of it. This does, in my experience, happen quite often. Also, if you find yourself on a losing spree in the game, DO KEEP PLAYING! That's what you want, because the game rewards you for sitting through a losing spree, with a jackpot, trust me!
I'm up 300k, no debt, with only having tried using the glitch briefly.
Oh, and by the way, I got all 15 unique items as well.
Edit: I don't understand how you people can get into debt at all, to be frank - Maybe you're just not used to gambling, or finding your own rhytm/system. I've seen everyone complain that they easily get into debt. At first, you need to figure out the game, and of course you get a little of debt, that's acceptable, but that's also why the first tournaments are free. Just play a few of the fortune's tower tournaments, they are extremely easy, all of them, glitch or no glitch.
When you get past the start, and build up around 2k-3k, go to spinnerbox play, no tournaments needed. You will build points EXTREMELY fast, and should keep it around your starting capital. Now you're rank 3, complete the fortune's tower tournaments for easy money, and the items, then move to the spinnerbox tables again. Rinse and repeat.
If you got keystone figured out, then go with that alongside fortune's tower. It's shit for points and money in standing issue play though, in my experience.
Save the spinnerbox tournaments for last, and then prepare to have your brain torn from your skull. After every spinnerbox tournament, won or lost, go do some fortune's tower, or keystone standard play, then move to spinnerbox again. This way, you shouldn't be to bored, and also make some money from the tower.
I got to rank 5 the day I bought it, decided on 300k as my end amount, so got there on day 2, and I haven't touched the thing since. I just wanted the items, and the gold, I hate the game.


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We've been super busy – with our heads down in our own little design word – so we wanted to take a break and let off a little steam. And how to we do that? With some crazy Mad Libs-style notecards that have our kids (and us) cracking up!
Click here to download the FREE mad libs style thank you notes.
Download our mad libs style thank you notes here (both colors included).


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The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali define yogasana as a position which is comfortable and steady. When meditating, it is necessary to be able to sit comfortably in one position for an extended duration. Practicing yoga increase an individual's ability to sit in the following positions:
• Animal Postures
A considerable number of yogasanas reflect the movement of animals. In ancient times, Rishis observed that animals live in harmony with their surroundings as well as their bodies.
• Postures and Energy
Prana refers to the vital energy that flows through the entire body. When someone experiences stiffness of body, this is due to blocked energy as well as a build up of toxins. Once the vital energy starts to flow again, the toxins are eradicated thereby once again ensuring the health of the body.
• Postures and Kundalini
Kundalini power is the evolutionary energy in man. The vital purpose of yoga is to awaken this power by practicing postures that then stimulate the chakras and distribute the energy generated from the power, to all parts of the body.
Postures and the body-mind connection
The practice of asana connects the body and the mind in a harmonious way. Both the mind and body harbour tension of some kind. In most cases, mental tension is related to physical tension and vice versa.
The aim of asana is to use the physical body to release this mental tension, thus improving both mental and physical well being.
Emotional tension can affect many areas of the physical body for example the breathing process and the muscles. Different asanas, combined with complimentary pranayama, can be used to alleviate tension in specific parts of the body.
Regular practice will release dormant energy, filling the body with vitality and strength and allowing the mind to be open, creative and balanced, in turn helping relieve any mental tension.
Through asana, the dormant energy potential is released and experienced as increased confidence in all areas of life.
Posture and exercise
Though not exercise, postures are rather techniques that help place the body in positions (for example through stretching or massaging of internal organs) that allow it to develop awareness, relaxation, concentration and meditation.
Exercise and postures both present benefits to the body but in two different ways. Exercise helps keep the muscles working in turn keeping the bones strong and vital oxygen pumping through the body. Postures are designed to have specific effects on the glands and internal organs.
Dynamic and static yogasanas
Dynamic practice increases flexibility, speeds up circulation, loosens the muscles and joints, and release energy blocks through energetic movements of the body. These types of postures help to tone the skin and muscles, strengthen the lungs, and encourage the digestive and excretory systems. This type of practice is useful for beginners as it will help prepare the body for the static practices.
Static practice have a more subtle and powerful effect. Static practice focuses on the strengthening of the mind. These practices usually involve remaining in one position and using various techniques including breathing techniques to gently massage the internal organs, glands and muscles as well as to relax the body's nervous system. Static practice is usually intended for intermediate or advanced practitioners and prepares the individual for yoga of a higher level.


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Information Technology Management
The world runs on information technology. With a degree in Information Technology Management, your job is to make things happen. At UMC you will be integrating new and advanced computer technology into an organization's existing infrastructure as well as managing daily operations. With an Information Technology Management degree, you will be involved with mastering new technologies and solving complex problems.
This program is also offered as...
Key Features
Key Features
- Many opportunities exist for Information Technology Management (ITM) students to work on a variety of technology-based projects for almost any department on campus to gain valuable work experience
- Employment opportunities available for students in the major at the Computer Help Desk at campus
- Academic initiatives with technology companies like Microsoft provide access to leading industry software free of charge and the chance to work with that software directly
- Prepare for positions in technology, networking, and other information management positions in business, industry, and education
- Gain the knowledge, experience, and skills to succeed in technology-related careers and the business and management competencies for mid-management positions such as information network and intranet administrators, webmasters, applications developers, technology project managers, and information systems managers
- A new Cybersecurity & Information Assurance minor is coming in Spring 2020.
Program Requirements & Curriculum
Program Requirements & Curriculum
To view the current Information Technology Management, BS curriculum, visit our catalog:
View Information Technology Management, BS curriculum
Also, we offer a minor in Information Technology Management:
View Information Technology Management minor curriculum
Graduates of UMC's program can expect to find employment in organizations of all sizes and types including:
- Private businesses and industries
- Corporate information technology departments
- Colleges, universities, and K-12 public school districts
- Financial institutions
- Telecommunications companies
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
The range of opportunities within the field of information technology management are broad and varied. Typical employment titles include:
- Information manager
- Network administrator
- Systems engineer
- Chief information officer
- Applications Developer
- Computer applications support specialist
- Systems analyst
- Webmasters and many others…
A bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Science was ranked as #3 on a list of In-Demand degrees by Yahoo Education.
The U.S. Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects one third of the fastest growing jobs will be in information technology related fields. Job opportunities for computer software application developers and network systems administrators are expected to grow the fastest. The Bureau predicts a 100 percent increase in jobs requiring applications development and support and an 82 percent increase in employment openings for skilled networking professionals -- occupations for which the Information Technology Management program prepares graduates.
The UMC Online Advantage
The UMC Online Advantage
Personal, Prestigious
Earn a prestigious University of Minnesota degree in an affordable, close-knit campus setting. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most esteemed. As a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota system, the U of M, Online offers access to world-class teaching, learning and research resources, as well as enhanced internship and undergraduate research opportunities. As a graduate, your diploma features one of the most respected names in higher education.
Individual Attention and Mentorship
You expect an education that not only focuses on your needs but also allows your talent and interests to shine through. The dedicated faculty and staff at the U of M, Online serve as true mentors, offering prompt personalized attention catered to an online learner. You will have the opportunity to communicate with advisers and other students by participating in discussions, and other interactive tools to give you an exceptional educational experience.
A Technological Edge
The University of Minnesota, Online allows you to learn anywhere, anytime. You will have the flexibility to access your courses 24/7 without having to worry about leaving work or home to get to class. The U of M, Online utilizes a broad variety of technological tools that make learning online easy! Employers consistently report that the U of M, Online graduates they hire are extremely well prepared for the demands of today's technological workplace.
Global Perspectives
As a University of Minnesota, Online student, you have the opportunity to study abroad! The U of M, Online through the Crookston campus has made it a priority to promote an understanding of diversity and global perspectives and to offer you the resources, programs and activities necessary for you to succeed in today's global economy. Our international recruitment efforts bring students from more than 20 countries, and our Study Abroad program offers more than 300 opportunities for you to study in 67 different countries. There are also numerous cultural activities and clubs to participate in. We offer many ways for you to expand your worldview, gain international experience, and make connections with people from across the globe.
Applied Learning and Internships
Learn and do! Online learners have the opportunity to participate in hands on internships. Our internship programs give you the chance to practice the principles and theories you've learned in your courses and make contacts with potential employers that are near you. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is also available to all students and allows online learners to design and conduct research as an undergraduate!
No Out-of-State Tuition and Transfer-Friendly
The U of M, Crookston is the affordable choice for anyone! Whether you live just across the border, across the country or on the other side of the ocean, you pay the same as those who live in Minnesota. We offer an incredible value that's also extremely transfer-friendly. Our staff will work with you to make sure your credits count. Our faculty advisers will personally talk with you about career goals, degree interests and review your records to develop a plan, and our transfer specialist will help make the process as smooth as possible.
Excellent Job Placement
The Crookston campus has a reputation for a job placement rate of more than 93% for students in their field of study within six months of graduation. Some programs on our campus have even a higher rate of placement.
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LGBT ally and Oakland Raiders punter Chris Kluwe was invited to this year's LGBT Pride Month reception at the White House, and he is a bit heartbroken that he'll have to be training with the team instead.
Writes Kluwe in an RSVP letter of regret he posted to his Twitter feed:
"p.s. – if you really wanted to, I'm sure I could make a late supper if an F35 were to pick me up at the field right after practice. Just saying….
p.p.s. – Please don't do that. Then I'd be "that guy" on the team. You know. "That guy". (Plus it also seems like an extremely unnecessary waste of taxpayer dollars."
Read the full email below:
(via silver and black pride)


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I am always amazed that we humans need to hear the same thing over and over again before we understand something. The top ten towns in Massachustetts have been featured on Chronicle and in the Boston Globe and every year and it's the same ten towns more or less, but, they all have something in common….location. Proximity to Boston or the water is key. These towns Arlington, Newton, Melrose, Brookline, Milton, Brighton are centrally located, have vibrant downtowns and have easy access to public transportation and highways. It's a simple principle– location. Homes in a convenient location sell and retain value better than anything else. Commuting an hour each way into Boston or driving past 495 gets old very quickly, especially after a long winter. Commuting is also expensive; sky high gas prices, threatened toll hikes and an impending gas tax only add to the drudgery. Duxbury, Plymouth, Merrimac were also in the teflon town category, why? The water….buyers like to be close to the water. While Merrimac is not on the ocean it is on the Merrimac River with a revitalized downtown.. Rounding out the list is Sherborn and Plainville, Sherborn with it's beautiful rolling hills, horse farms and expensive real estate not too far out is a no brainer, but Plainville, I'm not so sure about. I am going to take a drive and see what I am missing.
Month: March 2009
Understanding the Homebuyer Credit
This article was printed in yesterday's Wall Street Journal and I feel has the most comprehensive explanation of the homebuyer credit.
Cracking a Valuable Homebuyer Credit
· By TOM HERMAN
The recently enacted economic-stimulus law contains an unusually attractive new tax break for many homebuyers — if they can only figure out how it works.
The new law sweetens a provision known as the "first-time homebuyer credit." In essence, if you meet certain qualifications, such as buying a home from Jan. 1 through Nov. 30 this year, you may be eligible for a tax credit of as much as $8,000. You also have a choice of claiming the credit on your federal income-tax return for 2008 or 2009. A credit is typically more valuable than a deduction, since it eliminates your taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis — and in this case, you may get it even if you don't owe any taxes.
But Congress made the homebuyer-credit fine print so devilishly tricky that many Americans are likely to have to pay an expert for help in deciphering it. "We've had numerous calls because people are confused," says Claudia Hill, owner of Tax Mam Inc., a Cupertino, Calif., tax-services firm. "The problem is when things are this complicated, many people don't get the benefits that Congress intended for them."
Internal Revenue Service officials recently issued a revised form and instructions. Even so, Nancy Hays of H&R Block Inc., the Kansas City, Mo.-based tax-preparation company, describes the credit as "crazy complex."
Here are answers from IRS officials and tax advisers to some questions about the credit.
Q: Who can claim the credit?
A: In general, the IRS says you may be eligible if you bought your main home, located in the U.S., after April 8, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009 — and if you (and your spouse, if you're married) haven't owned any other main home during the three-year period ending on the date of purchase. That means you might be eligible even if you owned a home for many years before that period.
However, there are numerous other qualifications.
Q: How much is the credit?
A: That depends on when you bought the home and other factors, such as your income and the home's price.
If you bought during the 2008 period and qualify for the credit, the maximum credit is generally $7,500. But it's only half that amount if you're married and filing separately from your spouse. Even though it's called a credit, it's really an interest-free loan. You generally have to repay it over a 15-year period, without interest, in 15 equal installments, the IRS says. (There are several exceptions to this repayment rule. We warned you this was tricky.)
The rules are more generous if you buy a new home during the 2009 period and meet all the qualifications. In that case, the maximum amount generally is $8,000, or half that amount if you're married filing separately. More important, you don't have to repay the credit at all unless that home "ceases to be your main home within the 36-month period beginning on the purchase date," the IRS says.
Initially, there was some confusion about whether the $8,000 maximum credit would apply if someone bought a home in 2009 and chose to claim the credit on their return for 2008. It's now clear the $8,000 maximum limit does indeed apply, says Mark Luscombe, principal tax analyst at CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business. Naturally, though, "this doesn't help people who actually bought homes in the 2008 qualifying period, and who are limited to a $7,500 credit that must be repaid," he says.
Additionally, the credit generally is limited to the amounts mentioned above — or 10% of the home's purchase price, whichever is less. For example, if you bought a new home this year for $70,000, the maximum amount of the credit would be limited to 10% of that amount, or $7,000.
Q: How do the income limits work?
A: You may be eligible for the full amount of the credit if your adjusted gross income, with certain modifications, is $75,000 or less — or $150,000 or less if married and filing jointly. However, the credit begins to disappear, or "phase out," if your income exceeds those amounts. You can't claim the credit at all if your income is $95,000 or more, or $170,000 or more if married and filing jointly, the IRS says.
Q: What if I built a new home? How does that work?
A: You are considered having purchased it "on the date you first occupied it," the IRS says.
Q: I own more than one home. How do I figure out which is my "main" home? And does it have to be a house?
A: The IRS says your main home is "the one you live in most of the time." No, it doesn't have to be a house. It can be "a house, houseboat, house trailer, cooperative apartment, condominium, or other type of residence."
Q: Are there are other qualifications?
A: Yes. You can't claim it if your home is located outside the U.S. You also aren't eligible if you're a nonresident alien, if you inherited the home or got it as a gift, or if you acquired it from a "related person," such as your spouse, parents or grandparents.
Q: Will the credit help me if I don't owe any tax?
A: Yes. The credit "may give you a refund" even if you owe no tax, the IRS says.
Q: What form do I use?
A: Form 5405. The IRS recently revised it and posted it on its Web site (www.irs.gov), along with instructions. Dean Patterson, an IRS spokesman, says "programming is being done to electronically process Form 5405" to claim the $8,000 credit for homes bought in 2009. The IRS "will be able to process these returns electronically beginning March 30" this year, he says.
Q: Where do I put the credit on my Form 1040?
A: Line 69.
Q: I've already filed my return for 2008. Can I still claim it? If so, how?
A: Yes. File what's known as an "amended" return. Use Form 1040X, and attach Form 5405.
Q: If I buy this year, should I claim the new credit on my 2008 or 2009 tax return?
A: That can be tricky, and you may need to consult a tax pro. In general, most people who buy this year and qualify for the new credit probably will want to take it on their tax return for 2008, says Tax Mam's Claudia Hill. "They'll get their money more quickly," she says.
But some people might be better off claiming the credit on their 2009 returns. These would include eligible homebuyers who buy this year, whose financial circumstances changed during 2009 and who might qualify for a larger credit on their returns for 2009 than the prior year. An example would be someone whose income was too high to get any of the credit for 2008 but who recently lost his job and thus would be eligible for the full credit on his 2009 return, to be filed next year.
Has Your Realtor Helped You Lately?
A colleague and I went on a listing call last week. We met a wonderful older woman, Mrs. A, ready to move onto the next chapter of her life. She was bright, energetic and quite witty. We were the second brokers to be called in and while we were going through the house she pointed out what needed to be repaired, what rooms needed wallpaper and carpeting removed. We finished our tour and sat down to go over our thoughts on the house. We complimented her on how well she understood what should be done before her house went on the market. Actually, we were quite impressed. To tell you the truth we didn't really think we were going to be hired. Somewhere during conversation, Mrs. A started expressing concerns about how this work would get done. We realized that the first broker told Mrs. A exactly what needed to be done, offered some suggestions about how to accomplish this task, but never took charge to put Mrs. A at ease. A word of advice to sellers; not all agents are the same. We immediately pulled out our BlackBerries and wrote a list of contractors, handy men, electricians, and painters to facilitate this move. We also told Mrs. A. that as part of our service (because Realtors are in a service business) we will bring over a design person to oversee the process and be with her through the ordeal. The first 5 hours are at our expense. Oftentimes a house only needs a little rearranging, bookshelves decluttered to show off hidden treasures, drapes removed or added, pictures rehung. Fairly easy tasks can be overwhelming to a seller. Most clients understand the staging process, but don't understand how to accomplish this undertaking. When you hire a Broker to represent you in the sale of your home, that Broker has an obligation to help you attain the highest price for your home. I say this over and over; houses in the best condition sell for more money in less time than houses that do not show well. We live in a world of working couples taking care of their children and their parents; they hire us to make the process easier not harder.
I am happy to say that Mrs. A hired us; the handyman has fixed a few a few odds and ends and removed some old carpeting; and to our surprise found wood floors in perfect condition. The designer removed draperies in the living room and reused them in the sunroom. She also instructed the painter to neutralize 2 bedrooms to a creamy soothing color and paint all the upstairs trim the same soft white. A cleanout company emptied the basement of 27 years of collectibles. An electrician added GFI outlets where needed. Mrs. A has maintained the house beautifully for the past 27 years so all that was needed was a little cosmetic updating. Our contribution to the makeover – $500.00, Mrs A.- $1215.00, a higher selling price-fabulous!
Market Activity
Just a recap of the real estate activity in the past month. Inventory is creeping up, there are 197 single family homes listed for sale. Up from 140 or so in January but certainly nowhere near 2006 levels when inventory peaked at about 400 homes. 30 homes have gone under agreement in the past 30 days. 5 homes under 600 thousand. 8 homes in the 600's, 6 homes in the 700's, 3 in the 800's, 3 in the 900's, 4 homes 1 million to 1.1 million and lastly 1 home priced at 1.650. Notice the trend? The high end is languishing, but let me say there are some absolutely stunning homes in fabulous neighborhoods on the market. I believe this market will turn and when it does buyers will have an opportunity to buy wonderful homes at great prices.


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Free LPN Training Programs in South Dakota
Licensed Practical Nurses have a huge role in the healthcare field. They work alongside with doctors, registered nurses and nursing assistants, to ensure that patients receive the appropriate nursing care. However, the state of South Dakota is experiencing shortages of practical nurses. Despite the economic downturn, several healthcare facilities are constantly hiring LPN's to cater the patient's needs, particularly those who require long term care. So to sufficiently provide healthcare professionals to hospitals, nursing homes and even to long term care facilities, several free LPN programs in South Dakota are now available. These free LPN programs will not only help the residents of the state to obtain a stable career but it also helps several facilities to operate without the worries of understaffing.
One of the best ways to get free LPN programs in South Dakota is through the Dakota Corps Scholarship. This kind of scholarship is an initiative of the state to provide employment and retain more individuals in the healthcare field. Rather than moving to another state in America, the residents can avail free LPN programs in South Dakota and receive a good amount of salary and benefits every month. Some colleges and universities are also providing scholarships to exemplary LPN students. These scholarships may require them to maintain a specific average but it can help reduce the cost of the LPN program. Individuals who do not qualify for the Job Corps Scholarships as well as other financial grants providing free LPN programs in South Dakota should explore different options. They can try these programs below and receive financial assistance based on their need.
Nursing Education Assistance Program
The Nursing Education Assistance Program offers financial assistance to nursing students in the state of South Dakota. Since there are not enough nurses in the state, students who are enrolled in an LPN program can seek apply for Nursing Education Assistance Program through the Board of Nursing. Qualified students will be awarded with a minimum of $1,000 per semester, depending on the availability of funds and number of recipients. However, they need to maintain good grades throughout the entire program and should ensure to work in any healthcare facilities of the state. The Nursing Education Assistance Program can be used to various colleges and universities in South Dakota where the LPN program is fully accredited and approved. Students who are interested for this scholarship program can submit their applications through the website or office the state Board of Nursing.
Rita H. Walsh Scholarship
Rita H. Walsh Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by the Nurses Association of South Dakota. This is usually awarded to undergraduate students who are pursuing an LPN program or other kinds of healthcare courses. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students, ranging from $1,000 or more. Interested applicants have to apply through the website of Nurses Association of South Dakota. They also need to submit their requirements before the LPN program starts. Moreover, students have to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher during their healthcare course. The financial assistance obtained from Rita H. Walsh Scholarship can be used for the LPN tuition cost or to other expenses of the program like books, uniforms and medical supplies.
Pell Grant
The state of South Dakota is encouraging its residents to consider a career in nursing through the LPN program. The good thing about these programs is that students can apply for grants and scholarship opportunities provided by several institutions and organizations. The Pell Grant is a good opportunity for individuals who seek for financial assistance in an LPN program. The grant is for the residents of South Dakota who completed the FASFA and passed the standards required from the program. Pell Grant is usually provided to students who are proven to have a financial need. A certain amount of money will be awarded to individuals who are shortlisted for the grant, and this can be a big help for the tuition costs, books, uniforms and medical supplies. Pell Grant can be used to several colleges and universities in South Dakota. Interested applicants can apply through the school's financial aid office.
Southwest Technical Institute
The Southwest Technical Institute is offering a Licensed Practical Nursing program that has 59 credits of study. This program combines the classroom instruction to hands-on clinical experience which will take place in an accredited healthcare facility. Students in the program can choose a flexible class schedule, either day time classes or evening classes. They will also benefit from the state of the art facilities of Southwest Technical Institute, including the expert class instructors who will train and facilitate the learning of the students. Individuals who want to seek financial assistance for the LPN program can apply for grants and scholarship programs of the institution. Those who receive help from the Workforce Investment Act are required to contact the workforce advisor to know if they can take the LPN degree with assistance. They are also required to show a financial need to be considered for any grants and scholarship programs.
Lake Area Technical Institute
The Lake Area Technical Institute offers some workforce training programs for individuals who want to work in the healthcare field. The Licensed Practical Nursing program of the institution can be completed in 11 months which covers both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students seeking for financial assistance can apply at the school's financial aid office. Different scholarship funds and grants are being provided to students who are in need financially while finishing an LPN program. The Workforce Investment Act is just one of the ways to get free LPN programs in South Dakota. Individuals who qualify for WIA can enjoy the financial assistance on tuition costs, books, uniforms and medical supplies. The Lake Area Technical Institute provides great facilities and instructors for aspiring healthcare professionals. Graduates of the program will get the chance to take the licensure exam and work in various healthcare facilities.


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|P is for Practical
comment on
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I would footnote the previous discussion with BrowserUK by making one other important point ...
While it's easy to assume that a file-I/O request by a userland program corresponds 1-to-1 with a disk I/O operation, in fact it does not. The request might be satisfied directly through a pre-read buffer. If I/O does occur, it might involve the reading of multiple directory or file-allocation structures in order to locate the point where the data may be found. Further, many operating systems provide various means by which it is possible to "cue" the operating system that this particular program will be making sequential reads ... or, the OS might discover such things for itself.
All of these things are centered around the notion that a computer program ought to be able to just be the simplest expression of what it has been built to do. If it is "reading from one stream and writing to another," then ... so be it. Why, indeed, should a program have to "put more thought into" such a simple requirement?
In short ... maybe my entire previously-argued point is specious, if not wrong. Maybe the operating system does know best. Maybe it's best that it does.
In reply to Re: selecting columns from a tab-separated-values file
by sundialsvc4


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This Blog
- Taylor
- A 20-year old, vegan, theatre enthusiast with a joy found in taking pictures.
252/365 It begins...
2 comments:
- theo said...
And hopefully you'll take a lot of pictures of the projects. Please.
- Sep 10, 2011, 12:16:00 AM
- Taylor said...
The ones of the computer may be difficult to show in a picture, but my many sketches and watercolors will surely make it on!
- Sep 10, 2011, 6:34:00 AM


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Photo Credit: Peter Pioppo
Michael Laiskonis
155 W 51st St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1515
Antoinette Bruno: What
is your philosophy on pastry?
Michael Laiskonis: I
just want to make people happy. I'm continually learning
new ways of doing this using texture to bridge the gap between
science and artistry. I think the curiosity comes from my
savory side.
more >>
Michael Laiskonis
LE BERNARDIN | New York
Michael Laiskonis excels in revitalizing classic desserts by experimenting
with contrasting textures, temperatures, and unexpected ingredients
in a quest for new flavor sensations. When he was young, Laiskonis
was always interested in both science and art; contemporary desserts
are a blend of both and, to his mind, they also have an architectural
A native of Michigan, Laiskonis initially trained
in visual arts at Wayne State University and, without a formal culinary
degree, started baking professionally while a college student working
in a friend's bakery. While there, he logged 16 hours a day
turning out all their breads, cakes, pastries and savories. He moved
on to serve as Pastry Chef and Sous Chef under Rick Halberg at Emily's
in Northville, Michigan, before going to work at the critically
acclaimed Tribute in 1997. At Tribute he started
as a line cook before assuming the role of Pastry Chef, a position
he held for five years until coming to Le Bernardin in 2004. Laiskonis'
training and work experience – divided between the pastry
and savory realms – is a primary influence in his culinary
Now in New York at Le Bernardin, 33-year-old Laiskonis
has found an ideal venue where he can express his interests in the
arts, architecture and science through the alchemy of his innovative
dessert-making. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Eric Ripert says of
his Executive Pastry Chef, "Michael's sensibilities
perfectly complement the Le Bernardin style of light, inventive,
elegant food."
In addition to being named a Rising Star by StarChefs.com, Laiskonis
is the recipient of Bon Appétit magazine's
2004 American Food & Entertaining Award and was twice named
one of the "10 Best Pastry Chefs in America" (2002,
2003) by Pastry Art and Design. In 2005, he contributed to Le
Bernardin's four-star review by Frank Bruni in The
New York Times.
to top
AB: Do you recommend culinary
training to young cooks?
ML: Absolutely! I couldn't
afford it unfortunately, and I'm very jealous of people who
are able to go to culinary school.
AB: Which of
the restaurants you've worked in as a pastry chef have been
the most influential?
ML: Emily's was the first
formative experience for me, a very low-tech, single oven kitchen
with only three feet of counter space. But it was at Tribute's
amazing culinary la-la land that I really found my voice.
AB: What pastry
tool can't you live without?
ML: I love my egg topper, which
I use to remove the tops of eggs in one clean cut. When I first
bought it, I didn't know exactly what I was going to do with
it. But I was inspired by Alain Passard's famous egg dish
at Arpege and loved the contrast between the warm yolk and the cold
crème. I knew then that I wanted to use my egg topper for
my crème brulees.
AB: What are
your top three tips for dessert success?
AB: Who is your
pastry hero?
ML: Pierre Herme really led
the current generation of haute patissiers. But the underexposed
Philippe Conticini is another of my heroes and has published some
excellent, inspiring pastry books.
AB: What are
your favorite desserts?
ML: I really enjoy eating a
classic combination of fruit and chocolate. Sometimes the simplest
desserts can be the most comforting. For example, at Chez Panisse
in Berkeley, I had a bowl of unpeeled tangerines and dates that
was just perfect. I do enjoy more complex desserts every now and
then, but usually I tend to go for the simpler ones..
AB: What trends
do you see emerging in the pastry arts?
ML: I think there will be a
continued emphasis on ingredients, with pastry chefs becoming more
of a part of the green market movement. I am interested to see how,
further down the line, this will translate to fine dining.
AB: Where do
you see yourself in 5 years? And in 10 years?
ML: My original goal was to
get to New York. I had no idea I'd enter at the top, but here
I am! I am interested in working in retail pastry, or perhaps opening
a dessert only restaurant. Lately, I've also been thinking
about trying my hand at teaching.
back to top


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Electronic Products for a broad range of sectors
Limbs and Things
Limbs & Things is a Bristol based company that manufactures medical training products for healthcare professionals and students worldwide. The PROMPT Birthing Simulator is one of a number of Limbs & Things products which has been a huge success for the company since it was introduced back in 2006.
In 2013 Cubik Innovation were approached to investigate a redesign of the PROMPT system. The aim of the redesign was to remove the cabled umbilical connection to the control PC application, replacing it with a Bluetooth connection and to update the application software to run on multiple platforms.
Using our proven 5 Phase process Cubik innovated the design to include the following features:
- Force measurement using load cell technology
- Internal Lithium power source
- Contactless Inductive charging system
- Bluetooth classic and Bluetooth LE communications to the host
- Cross-platform control application (Developed in conjunction with our approved partner)
- Boot-loadable baby firmware, user upgradable to future-proof the design
In addition to the design of the baby electronics, embedded firmware, application software and charge dock, Cubik were also responsible for the development of the production test rigs for the electronics and the calibration software to allow the baby to be set up and calibrated in production.
During 2015 the PROMPT Flex Bluetooth system was released. Cubik delivered the electronic system ready to be fitted into enclosures and overmoulded into babies by Limbs & Things, as well as providing a contactless charging dock and application software to run on Windows, Android, iPad and MAC operating systems.
Following on from the success of the redesign, Cubik utilised its experience and knowledge of compliance testing to assist Limbs & Things with achieving CE and FCC marking for the PROMPT flex allowing sale in UK, EU and USA.
The in-house production department at Cubik are now active in the process of manufacturing and delivering electronic kits to Limbs & Things in batches of 100 ready for assembly into the molded baby.
More Selected Projects
Adrian Schmieder of HiETA commented: "Cubik's quick turn-around of a functioning PCB has sped the delivery of the project and enabled me to focus on areas of the project in which HiETA has expertise. The project is a great success and produced valuable information even from its first use. I am very impressed with the support Cubik provided me throughout the project, from initial concept through to PCB delivery. I will not hesitate to engage with them again as future PCB projects arise."
Speaking about the collaboration between Inductosense and Cubik Innovation, Founder and CTO Dr Chenghuan Zhong (Bamboo) stated: "It was great working with the knowledgeable and experienced team at Cubik Innovation. They always provide full support as well as useful and thoughtful advice to us, helping us find solutions for really difficult problems."
Geoff Jones, Aquabar Inventor: "It was a pleasure to work with Cubik on our project. Paul and Sam understood the concept at one meeting, and produced a solution filling the brief within two weeks which has enabled us to find a potential partner. We will certainly use Cubik for our production units later in the year, Many thanks."
Plymouth University
Paul Davey, Associate Professor (SL) Plymouth University: "If you need a prototype developed to a high standard and on time you would be hard pushed to find someone better. They have highly trained, experienced engineers who get the job done."
Clean Energy Prospector Ltd
Damon Rand, Head Product Design: "Paul and the team have really helped us speed up the turnaround on our prototypes and assure the manufacturability of our designs. If you're designing electronics in the South-West, then Cubik is a great choice for short-run manufacturing."


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Robins Reserves complete early season double over North Tawton
PUBLISHED: 13:13 09 October 2018
Budleigh Salterton Reserves made it two wins in as many outings as they won their Macron League Division Three game at North Tawton 4-0, writes SpursTom.
Having beaten the West Devon-based side earlier in the campaign at Greenway Lane, this latest success means a league 'double' for the Robins.
The home side played down what was a significant slope and did much of the early attacking. However, once the Robins found their feet and got their own game going they grew in confidence and scored three times before the contest was 32 minutes old.
First to strike was midfielder Sam Glanville with a cool finish on eight minutes and three minutes later it was 2-0 with Matt Skinner providing the assist for Tom Christian.
The third goal came on 31 minutes when Christian turned provider with his well-flighted corner being headed home by Morgan Johnson.
Shortly after falling three goals down, the home side lost two of their players to a fire call-out, but within 10 minutes one of the firemen returned and the home side played the remainder of the first half with 10 men.
The second half was not as productive as the first, but there was the occasional burst of fine football and the only goal saw Christian net his second. The clean sheet was richly deserved by goalkeeper Simon Savage and his back line of Alex Weeks, Jordan Bennington, Acherf Ghanmi and Matt Skinner.
On Saturday (October 13) the Robins second team host an East Devon derby with the visitors being East Budleigh 1st team (3pm).
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Exmouth Journal. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Capital from third-party investors drove reinsurance market rates on line (ROLs) down at the July 1 renewals, as pricing in the capital markets broke away from levels set by the traditional market for the first time.
To continue reading, you need a subscription to Intelligent Insurer.
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If you have any technical issues please contact support.
New capital, cat rates, July 1 renewals, guy carpenter


text:
It is a fact in our industry that those who have the highest command of knowledge get the highest rewards when they also have the skills to put it to work.
Knowing how to present your service values, engage skillfully in client centered conversations, and negotiating contracts with a level of expertise that gets a home sold or bought on behalf of your client is where our careers start and stop based on our belief in the power of knowing what we need to do and having the skills to carry it out.
In our group of RE/MAX franchises with over 585 agents we have taken the power of education to heart through our daily, weekly, monthly and annual educational events which are all focused on helping our people become better at what they do and better at closing sales on behalf of their clients.
Of all the events we run the International Convention is at the top of the ladder when our agents at any level of experience decide it is time to reinvent themselves.
Here is what one of our long time, very successful associates had to say about his experience this year after deciding to go to his first RE/MAX International convention.
Stefanie and I did not know what to expect when we went to our first REMAX R4 conference and I have to say we were both very surprised with the magnitude of the event; the wealth of information that was exchanged through the event was incredible. We were able meet and talk with a lot of people from all over the world on how they conduct their business, what did and did not work for them in various facets of their business, as well as tips on how to grow your business. We were also able to create new friendships from people all over the world and even from Vancouver. We were able to sit and have round table discussions with lots of agents who do much more business than we do and they were all very eager to share their ideas and thoughts on how they conduct their business.
Add to this the market place provides an opportunity to check out the newest and greatest with regards to real estate; plus giving you the chance to have a hands on experience with said merchandise.
The social events are fun and engaging and provide the opportunity to meet other REALTORS®, REMAX staff and their spouses in a social environment and further cementing potential lifelong friendships.
All in all we came back with some great ideas, great new friendships and a better idea of what RE/MAX has to offer anyone working under the balloon. I'm just sorry it took me over 24 years to finally go to one of the conventions.
Jeff Donohoe Personal Real Estate Corporation
RE/MAX Crest Realty, North Vancouver


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Experience the Essence of England at Babbacombe Model Village:
Set in four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Babbacombe, a district of Torquay in Devon is a model village that's sure to keep young visitors and adults entertained for hours. The Babbacombe Model Village has more than 400 models, along with a model train track that is more than 1,000 ft (300 m) long.
Opened in 1963, Babbacombe Model Village was the labour of love of Thomas Ernest Dobbins, a man who devoted 50 years to creating this extraordinary village .
Thomas Dobbins was well-qualified to build this model village. He was a Lancastrian architect from Torquay and his famous model village was carefully created at 1/12 of its original scale.
Through the miniature buildings, people and vehicles, visitors to Babbacombe Model Village can experience the essence of England in the past, present and future. You can explore the miniature representations from Stonehenge, see the range of housing from labourers' thatched cottages to Tudor merchant houses on narrow, cobbled streets to Georgian manor houses set in sculpted parkland. Then, there's the classic vintage 'O' Gauge model railway.
Babbacombe Model Village not only faithfully recreates the people and architecture, but also replicates the open moorland, intricate coastline and steep valleys of the West Country.
Babbacombe's garden settings provide a stunning backdrop for the hundreds of miniature models. And, things don't just stand still at Babbacombe: In summer, the grounds are covered with glorious flower blooms putting Babbacombe up on the scale as one of Europe's premier model villages. Between May and September, you can visit after dark, when every little house is illuminated. During these months there is also a complimentary old-fashioned, Edwardian bus which transports visitors to the village from the waterfront, via the pretty coastal road. At Halloween, the village takes on a spooky air and in winter, the place transforms into a snow-covered Winter Wonderland with special visits by Santa Claus to boot.
Not everything is small at Babbacombe. The Model Village has acquired a Wollemi Pine, which is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species from a 200 million-year-old-plant family. In the 4D Theatre, visitors can come face to face with dinosaurs and other weird and wonderful sights or be terrified by Dracula.
Plan on a visit of 2-3 hours as there's a lot to see and enjoy at Babbacombe Model Village. Your entry ticket is valid for the whole day and it is recommended that visitors return in the evening to see the night illuminations.
Babbacombe Model Village is just 3 minutes walk from the St. Marychurch bus stops and from here there are buses to Torquay Harbour, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exeter, Totnes and Paignton Zoo.
Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton Avenue
Torquay, Devon


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This job has now been filled by Bloomfield Tremayne.
- Permanent Position
- Top Firm!
- City Location
We are currently looking for a Senior Project Architect with a minimum of 10 years experience to work with a leading, design led practice. Our client is an multiple, award winning national studio and off the back of some recent project wins are looking for an experienced Project Architect.
The right candidate will need to have an extensive career in working on and delivering multi-unit residential developments and ideally with high profile Architectural firms. You will capable of running a small team and have strong technical skills. Revit experience would also be beneficial.
This role will offer the right candidate the opportunity to work on some truly outstanding projects in a design focused environment. It will also suit a candidate that is looking a real career opportunity and the chance to be part of a growing firm. If this role sounds like you, then contact us on 9233 4445 in confidence to hear more.
Please Note: Bloomfield Tremayne adhere strictly to the Privacy Act 1989, you can be assured that your information will be kept confidential and not forwarded to a 3rd party without your consent.
Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this position. We suggest browsing similar jobs below or searching our latest jobs section.
If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us as we'd love to discuss your needs.


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Castle "The Horn"
- At December 12, 2012
- By admin
- In What to visit
- 0
Perched on a hill that rises 730 meters above sea level is located a fortified settlement known as Castillo Fuentes de León The Horn, name comes from the name of the mountain on which it sits. The choice of location was no accident, fortification instead sought the natural protection of a hill accessible only by steep slopes with some comfort from his flank Southeast.
Visual control from this natural vantage has the environment is worth highlighting, especially southward, to the natural way throughout the Middle Ages joined this region with the area of Huelva and Sevilla. The saw was occupied at least between the tenth and fourteenth, namely, from Cordoba Caliphate Islamic times to the Middle Ages.
Abandoned since the fourteenth century, the settlement was forgotten deep into a process of widespread destruction caused by the passage of time, meteorological agents and neglect of men. Since, past seven centuries, site has remained forgotten.