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Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald today announced that VA has initiated an independent, nation-wide review of all scheduling practices at VA medical facilities. In his first trip as Secretary, McDonald also announced a series of additional actions to improve Veterans' access to timely, quality health care following a series of meetings with Veterans and employees at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
"VA is committed to instilling integrity into our scheduling practices to deliver the timely care that veterans deserve," said Secretary McDonald. "It is important that our scheduling practices be reviewed by a respected, independent source to help restore trust in our system, and I'm grateful to the Joint Commission for taking on this critical task."
Secretary McDonald announced that every VA medical center will undergo an independent review of scheduling and access practices beginning this Fall. The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
"I've pledged to our nation's Veterans to honor the president's charge to transform the department and put the Veteran at the center of everything we do," McDonald added. "We will continue to take a series of actions that will enable us to improve Veterans' access to timely care here in Phoenix and across the country. I want to continue to hear from Veterans and VA employees directly to improve VA business operations to serve Veterans more efficiently and effectively."
Additionally, Secretary McDonald outlined actions VA will take in the coming weeks and months to accelerate access to care for veterans:
- To ensure the presence and alignment of the proper elements needed for an ethical culture, VA will conduct a holistic review that results in actionable initiatives to ensure a strong ethical environment across our healthcare system.
- Require all VA medical center directors to notify the under secretary for health if access or quality of care standards are not being met.
- Review all senior leader performance plans in the Veterans Health Administration to better align with VA's strategic plan and the outcomes that matter most – satisfied Veterans.
- Review VA's employee performance goals to ensure they are focused on providing timely quality care.
- Require medical center directors to ensure that all VA staff with scheduling privileges complete the mandatory scheduler training in compliance with VA's scheduling directive, as they are doing in Phoenix.
On Aug. 5, VA Secretary McDonald directed all VA health care and benefits facilities to hold town-hall events by the end of September to improve communication with, and hear directly from, veterans nation-wide.
Read more about actions taken to accelerate access to care for Veterans at the Phoenix
Below are photos of the secretary's visit to the Phoenix VA Health Care System.


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Buy the Final Hours Now for $2.99 USD for PC/MAC:
I'm using a new service called PulleyApp to deliver the file to you over a secure sever. (The App is about 600 megs). You will first need to pay for the App via PayPal, so that's why you see a PayPal page after clicking on the link. I might not have a website as fancy as Louie C.K., but I'm hoping this process is a quick and easy delivery mechanism.
One note: The PC/Mac version was built using Adobe Air, so you'll need to have the Adobe Air Runtime installed on your PC/Mac in order to install the App.
I am selling this App at a very low cost, but if you feel it's worth more than the price, you can donate to the production of future Final Hours stories here on PayPal. If I end up making a profit off this App I will put that profit toward future Final Hours stories.
Thank you for your interest in The Final Hours series! If you run into problems or have questions, you can email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Geoff Keighley

subset: commoncrawl


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Looking to buy home on Staten Island? Here are four reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting.
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic's latest U.S. Home Price Insights reports that home prices have appreciated by 3.7% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.8% over the next year.
Home values will continue to appreciate. Waiting may no longer makes sense.
2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase
Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have started to level off around 4.3%. Most experts predict that rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting rates will increase by this time next year.
An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.
3. Either Way, You Are Paying a Mortgage
Some renters have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord's.
As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of 'forced savings' which allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.
Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?
4. It's Time to Move On with Your Life
The 'cost' of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.
But what if they weren't? Would you wait?
Examine the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, greater safety for your family, or you just want to have control over renovations, now could be the time to buy.
Bottom Line
If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in articles or videos posted or shared by the Staten Island Board of Realtors® (SIBOR) are not intended to be construed as investment advice. SIBOR does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. SIBOR will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.


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AM Report: Key Matchups Emerge for Fall
Jerry Seib discusses results from Tuesday's primaries, in which GOP voters moved to the right in several states, and two former technology chiefs emerged as winners in California. Evan Newmark joins the discussion. Meanwhile, Peter Lattman discusses how a battle over taxing investment partnerships is coming to a head as Senate Democrats unveiled a proposal to more-than-double the taxes on fund managers.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the thing that did emerge for the fall election period average being bought or what members and brown ink on the Korean ... will take a look at the rundown was at the ... camp or private equity tax than ... I imagined it could be passing baton as soon as next week welcome to the news that I'm Kelly Evans joined this morning but means economists Avenue Martin Kelly Gedmark won a match or smart ... yes let's get right to carry five Wall Street Journal in Becky abortion and or joins us from the Bellway Jerry ... a couple of big surprises Blanche Lincoln hundred C it was a good day for women and for the tea party but I let's look ahead to Sunday's match at the March ... year Wigan and great races in California and lots of money spent on their unit of Kerley theory Anantha Meg Whitman running for the Senate and House races out there respectively ... on this unique besting races to watch though the more interesting one in some ways nor port and Ashley maybe next door and in Nevada ... where she says turning normal tea party favorite ... is neither the Republican running its Harry Reid ... Democrats are quite happy with that matchup frankly because ... adjourning was probably for that to the right easier to carry pictures of the mainstream than anybody else in the primary ... announcer Harry Reid gets to run against him on you know you also have the disease every year the woman feel last night you have ... a big races five as ... the races in which Senate or the trail ... I can is perfect ... all five races and women emerge ... mine in South Carolina and Nevada and California ... I hear it's it's it's a definite trend ... it may be Kelly that this is the year in which outsiders do better than Insiders ... in the political system women still look a little bit more like outsiders and then ... maybe that's a big of this year and cherry that if parties ... emerging here's the theme of that of the year and we saw couple weeks ago Rand Paul II won the backing ... is one that primary health By by tea party candidates now ... share an angle out there in Nevada but how much of the problems as this goes for Republicans they try to figure out how to keep ... enough votes together add to maintain the momentum heading into the fall ... no that's the question of the year in some ways I is the tea party asset which isn't energize voters in addresses voters nipping at the grassroots ... up overcome the liability to potential liability the Tea Party which isn't pushing ... candidates to the right and producing candidates there probably farther to the right ... in the Republican Party wants to be ... but here's the great question which is where's the country this year you know I think back to nineteen eighty when Ronald Reagan led the Reagan Revolution narrowly Senate candidates Republican side the scene ... too conservative for the mainstream of the country ... shares of the country had moved to the right and they were just fine ... maybe it's below what will all find out this year that Citizens said that the great question hanging all over all of the house to ... Mr. Mean Street have we moved to the right ... I hope so ... I have no idea ... I think is fantastic and ... I'm very successful women ... are to be running as Republicans even though I'm not a Republican outrage with any political party ... I think it's good for America ... because honestly in the coming change America needs ... is quite severe and dramatic Abilene ... and in fewer women unthinkable more and more willing to accept the notion of dramatic change coming from women because I think they are ... seen as more empathetic a more understanding ... of what average people are going to Syria by that ... well I think Sceti and we shouldn't forget that the other big race than I was a Democratic woman one winning plants Lincoln an Arkansas ... by any other Gener may have helped in that race is well ... and that was one that has Democrats breathing a little bit easier German Democratic incumbent ... can hang on in in this year Izod is the Democratic primary not a general election ... ah but being a woman was investing in Arkansas either Andina common turned out not to be a fatal flaw ... that Scott Democrats thinking a little more positively today than they probably did yesterday and last were too quickly during the anti incumbent question is betting big on going into these primaries but it doesn't necessarily seem as though that was the dominant be incorrect ... no although there's an interesting house Responding was a Republican House member from South Carolina didn't quite lose you gotta go into Iran offering way behind in that race and see him and actually had while Blanche Lincoln held on as an incumbent unit had a pretty prominent ... Republican incumbent whose command of being knocked off as a result of yesterday so ... funny that out there still are Ajay five appreciate as always look at the Eltham is watching the capital markets and seen a jolly well U S equities look like they may hold on to the Parliament and that happened later that day yesterday on futures are up about fifty points the Dow Jones Industrial Average ... ads on the heels of a hundred nearly a hundred twenty one point surge ... in the previous session ... when the Fed chief Ben Bernanke EU on the docket today is testifying on economic conditions the Fed is also leasing its Beige Book with its closely watched assessment of the U S economy juvenile at Kissel images crosses preexisting ... Agricultural Bank of China ... got approval for its IPO from the China government custody in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Exchanges up to thirty billion dollars the story of an international front ... also on Bank of America is only twenty five percent stake in its Mexican unit in the Mexican unit and Banco Santander ... on to the Spanish wonderful ... for about two point five billion dollars back to Cali ... itss in banks and other interesting thing coming out of Washington this morning Senate Democrats have unveiled a proposal that would more than double taxes on private equity ... hedge fund in certain real estate managers let's welcome altered Journal reporter Peter Lattman to this that ... the mornings there and I mean one has been a lot of interest on Wall Street in these proposals By as he said that there's been service three-year effort to keep any of these taxes are being re sale one in particular does look like is coming on my sofa three years ... they've introduced legislation that would change the way in which carried interest is tax carried interest is the ... percentage of ... profits that private equity and hedge fund managers earned as part of their compensation ... for three years that try to change that it has been taxed at capital gains about fifteen percent ... it tried to ... try to move it up toward their income baby in Congress Congress and for three years its failed in the Senate on three different occasions but this time it was introduced yesterday ... and everyone saying down in DC this going to pass it around and this is ... in the private equity in ... the lobbies ... are among hedge funds among these donors down in Washington correct absolutely and they are unhappy that Steve Schwarzman ... the founder ... of Black Stone ... as Wilkie Peterson also the model co-founder of Blackstone need something on the order went three billion dollars to have to have little from the IPO there was taxed at ... fifteen percent the percentage so you'll win the most other people in America are busy paying forty to fifty percent marginal tax rate and they got ... fifteen percent ... I think of their attack here's an interesting thing is that that ... racing at the tax increase and carried interest is he's in the story is only expected trades for ten happily dollars over the next decade ... that doesn't easily to huge sum so they add share is whether this really is going to have a huge negative effect on on the industry and be what you know how much it's really getting too close ... to the deaths of prominent on the laser talking to private equity industry but because they say they're being singled out fourteen billion dollars was not going to be to close the gap ... that their soaring budget deficits in Washington capitalists to find some way to raise revenues ... so they're in their guns in the deal fattest caps which are private equity hedge fund manager Helena do know is when Eddie Lampert started to do yesterday in the news which is going to start to move ... their shares into the direct personal ownership ... as opposed to ... doing it is a partition structure of carried interest ... to do things ... well I think you should never underestimate the ability of the Wall Street figure out ways around certain rules and regulations they know the tax lawyers are working overtime right now a mention ten History disconnected implications to be on Wall Street as certain investing partnerships real estate in particular yet will look real estate partnerships are formed a very similar way ... as private equity and hedge funds and the Real Estate Roundtable which is the trigger they're up in arms its one point two ... million real estate partnership she'll fight dentist in Cleveland in my series of buildings in form a partnership ... their tax treatment on those gains will change killing people are very upset about that they feel like they should be included in this Bell the last thing I asked use the closing paragraph of the story say and ... another well-known noticed change in the postal code in the next decade effectively forced publicly traded partnerships like black stone Fortress ... to change their structure and ABC's being publicly trader faced corporate taxes to explain that all of that yet so three years ago does this slew of IPO's of OXY at the big hedge fund fortress Blackstone ... is publicly traded partnerships were formed in the law surrounding them are incredibly complicated ... and two-year point there's a lot of loopholes and tax favorable ... favorable tax treatment that allows them to operate in the public realm as partnerships ... Congress want to and that and all over time Sterne's publicly traded partnerships and to come out with them and ... that is coming up in KKR ... flotation which can become final and cannot probably a month but my mom ... prediction she allowed a what have less worried what happens when the new GT R I to go public in overtime Henry in Georgia to cash out their billions and has an appointment texting and make a difference ... call me if I hear they seven is always the Sinovac your four with a market wrapping contingent at one pm from the new seven Kelly Evans at the Greek debt ...


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55 Church St
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 7C2
Are you a Forged In Fire fan who would like to try your hand at blacksmithing?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to forge your own tools?
In this Introduction to Blacksmithing using traditional techniques, you will learn how to manage a coal fire and practice the fundamental techniques of working at the anvil to produce some simple projects.
You will be working outside throughout the day so please come prepared. Participants must bring their own safety glasses and are encouraged to bring their own gloves and plenty of water to drink.
Registration is available online only at: https://www.makernorth.ca/new-events/2019/5/18/intro-to-blacksmithing-with-dennis-frechette
Cost: $40 plus HST for members; $50 plus HST for non-members.
Register today because there is a maximum of 8 participants.
Ages 13+.


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Peg Elofson, Senior Manager – Appellate, Claims Operations
"It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do that is the secret of happiness." – J.M. Barrie
About the Author
Peg Elofson is a Senior Manager in the Appellate division of Equifax Workforce Solutions- Claims Operations. Peg is responsible for the Unemployment Hearing Consultants out of our St. Louis, MO, and Hilliard, OH offices. Her Unemployment Hearing Consultants prepare our clients to participate in unemployment hearings through in-depth discussions about what to expect during the hearings and how to present evidence and testimony in pursuit of winning cases.
Peg has more than 16 years of experience in the unemployment industry, with particular focus in unemployment appeals and hearings. Her experience in the industry includes account management, hearing representation, and Board of Review appeals.
Peg's favorite tasks have always involved communicating with our clients, potential clients, and employees about unemployment hearings. She has extensive experience helping our clients learn more about protecting their tax position through participation in hearings. She understands how intimidating the process can be, and wants to ensure that our clients are armed with the best possible information.
Peg writes Briefly for our Insights Blog. She offers in-depth analysis of real unemployment cases (with all names omitted to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent). Briefly includes the facts of the case, a summary of what occurred during the hearing, a recap of the decisions made in the case, analysis of why the decisions were made, and also offers some lessons learned from the case. Peg has also been involved in the development and presentation of Mock Hearings for our clients with an aim toward giving the audience a good idea about what happens during a real unemployment hearing. Those cases have covered many subjects, including discharges for drugs and alcohol, inappropriate behavior, and social media posts.
Peg joined Equifax through the acquisition of TALX Corporation in 2007. She holds BSBA and JD degrees from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. In her spare time, Peg enjoys traveling, hiking, bicycling, cooking, music, movies, and hanging out with her husband and their Very Best Dog. If Peg had to choose a happy place, it would have to be Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It's the most beautiful place she's ever seen. (And there are moose!) Peg is a devoted fan of her Creighton Bluejays and the Chicago Cubs. She places the blame for her Cubs fandom squarely on the shoulders of her mother and grandmother, and fears it's become genetic.


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Megan Dietz is a sophomore here at Highland High and is 15 years old. This is her first year doing digital communications at the high school level and she is enjoying it a lot so far. She lives in a family of four and has one puppy who will eat anything in sight. She loves to read, write, play Soccer, and hang with friends in her spare time. She is always a positive person who always sees the glass as half full and tries to see the best qualities in everyone. Her favorite time of year is when her family takes their annual trip to Disneyland because it is her absolute favorite place in the world. Megan also hopes to become a prosecuting attorney or a forensic investigator as she gets older, following in her father's footsteps involving law enforcement and crime in areas of work.
Megan Dietz, Staff
|May 21, 2018
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Wildfire smoke extends 11.6 miles out; Covering Sunny Skies in Disneyland (Story/Media)
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|Oct 05, 2017
Better Together (Story)


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1) Preen's Making Us Rethink Pink
A Nirvana soundtrack, pink velvet, bejewelled combat boots and the most decadent sequined dresses: Does it get any cooler than Preen's AW16 collection?
Even a girl who is allergic to pink like me can't resist the appeal and pull of a shaggy, full-length fur coat the shade of candy floss.
It sounds wrong but looks so right.
Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi's grunge line-up was one of the week's best so far and a strong statement for their 20th anniversary year.
- Kenya Hunt, Fashion Features Director
2) David Koma's Shirt-Polo Hybrid
All hail our favourite wardrobe layering tool, the humble poloneck, which is showing no signs of going anywhere next season.
There was one for every occasion at David Koma.
A white cotton shirt-poloneck-hybrid that would work well with tailored trousers for the office; an updated version of the classic black poloneck that was a mixture of leather and sheer panels; an embellished black one with a contrasting red neck and clusters of crystals on the front; and finally, another black option with signature David Koma cut-outs trimmed with blue on one shoulder.
And we want all of them.
- Harriet Stewart, Market & Retail Editor
3) Mary Katrantzou's Optimism
Magpies who won't want to buy into autumn/winter's dark, moody side can rejoice: Mary Katrantzou's collection was unapologetically cheery and upbeat, with its piled on colours, textures, glitter, stars and hearts.
She described the collection as a celebration of Americana and love, and there was a sense of optimism that stood in stark contrast to the general mood of angst and anxiety that's been colouring larger conversations happening in the fashion world right now.
There was an uncomplicated happiness about the clothes, from the patchwork jackets and pleated shimmery skirts right down to the satin multicoloured socks and heels. More of this please.
- Kenya Hunt, Fashion Features Director
4) Anya Hindmarch Plays A Game Of Tetris
Anya always pulls out all the stops when it comes to her set design offerings, and this season was no different.
Giant sugar cube blocks rolled across the catwalk in a Tetris-like formation while models walked in geometric lines sporting bags with embellished pixelated detailing.
Coats splattered with eggs, boots covered in Anya stickers and smiley face pockets - when it comes to accessories for AW16, just make them happy.
- Billie Bhatia, Fashion Assistant
5) Paul Smith: The New Classic
Paul Smith went back to his roots for this collection, shown at The Royal College of Physicians. One of the only Post War buildings to be granted Grade I-listed status, it is a celebration of modernism. How apt a setting: Smith's was a new spin on the techniques and masculine shapes he trailblazed in his early years.
The first look, a signature black masculine suit, was followed by more suits (perfect in their simplicity), and cashmere-coat-and-trouser combos in faded Sixities colours. Masculine shapes are always the foundation of his collections, and with traditional gender lines becoming increasingly blurred on fashion, Smith would be wise to own this look.
In fact, it was when he explored more feminine shapes that the looks were more hit and miss, as was the use of print. A printed floral two-piece felt and joyful, but the pieces with paisley and bitten-apple applique left us longing for his signature boyish simplicity.
- Michelle Duguid, Senior Fashion Editor
Margaret Howell: The Cult Continues
The cult of Margaret Howell shows no signs of abating anytime soon. The appeal of her clothes is that, rather than following trends as such, each collection is just more of the things we really want to wear. That's not to say the design isn't thought out because, of course, it is: Howell is renowned for creating modern classics.
Her AW16 collection was no different in its approach. The palette was warm: shades of camel and tobacco (which is turning out to be the colour of the season) were broken up with crisp white, charcoal and checks. Mannish high-waisted trousers, shirt dresses, circle skirts and long black shorts all had instantly identifiable Howell twist – you will either love them or you won't. What was new?
The collar shapes were longer and pointy, the suit jackets were shorter and more schoolboy, and the introduction of traditional evening fabrics such as velvet and silk – but don't fret, they were still in daytime shapes. We absolutely loved the velvet ballet slippers that were used to feminise some of the looks. Get your name on the waiting list, now.
- Michelle Duguid, Senior Fashion Editor
Vivienne Westwood: Stripped back and iconic
When the Vivienne Westwood show invitation asks for 'intellectuals to unite', you have no idea what you are in for. A riot, a revolution, or a protest like the last show? The ever-spirited Westwood choose to, as ever, buck the trend and do the opposite of what was expected, instead opting to show her AW16 collection on a – Shock! Horror! – simple, traditional catwalk. This was clever: the clothes felt more important and considered for it.
Choosing models that looked like they had walked out of an 18th-Century painting did much to set the usual Westwood tone, and she sent out clothes that you will have seen many times before but really loved. From the classic gypsy blouses and silk-draped corset dresses, to the pirate-striped cotton and great masculine tailoring, it was classic Westwood, the standout outfit being the pink suit styled with her signature Buffalo hat. It will be a good year for Westwood – and her fans will love it.
- Michelle Duguid, Senior Fashion Editor
All Aboard The Temperley Ship
Alice Temperley welcomed us aboard her pirate ship this evening, literally. At the masthead were her classic folk designs reworked with embroidery, giant ruffled necks and scarves teamed with the frilliest of sleeves. But it wasn't just inspired by pirates, it was a reimagining everything sea-like: iridescent, shimmering, purple ruffled dresses for your inner mermaid and white delicate tulle delicately layered on top of each other for the wayfaring damsel. How to wear these watery motifs back on land? With colour block ankle boots and evening dresses. Trust us, it's a thing.
- Billie Bhatia, Fashion Assistant
... Powered by Samsung
Images: GETTY / IMAXTREE


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|Black and Whites
The Acorn Tree - for fundraising groups
Copyleft: No rights reserved. All parts of - 'The Acorn Story' may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system ; ) 5 drawings for a childrens storybook written from memory by a local home-schooler.
This style of work and creativity comes from a parrallel reality - rural New Zealand in the 1970s. Time was veryslow moving in BC - Before Computer. You had two extra weeks per month - that time spent on waiting for the snail mail.
You wanted a book, you wait two weeks for the librarian to send one from the city. If you wanted the news from England as Sth Seas pommies did - it was two weeks to get a letter or a newspaper there... and two weeks to get one back. But people did... we used to get the weekend Observer right into the 1990s... it was like The Weekend Australian is supposed to be...
Maiia: With the advent of photocopier - we suddenly had print power - the zine scene.
Good thing apparently it's an Archaic Revival. It doesn't get much more archaiic than Queensland Australia. - In a good way ; )


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No matter how much you love running your own business, being your own boss, and choosing your own hours, the chances are that you don't love doing taxes. The simple words "tax season" can be enough to strike fear into the hearts of people all across the world, as they struggle to figure out the complexities of cash flow, and how they can make their business more profitable.
Xero is one of the most feature-rich and popular solutions for tax and financial management on the market today. It comes with a range of robust solutions, and it's incredibly affordable too. With that in mind, I'm going to look at the top 10 reasons to use Xero for your accounts.
Xero Review
Disclaimer: I'm not being paid by Xero for this review, my opinions are entirely my own, and I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below! I'm just a real Xero fan, Sage sucks in comparison.
1. Manage Cashflow with Daily Bank Feeds
For many small businesses, one of the biggest challenges is managing cash flow. However, Xero's dashboard provides an instant insight into your financial situation at any time. From the dashboard, you can see:
- How much money is in your bank
- How much you owe to credit cards
- Which invoices still need to be collected
- Which bills you need to pay.
The daily bank feed brings all of your business transactions into one place, so cash flow is easy to understand and manage. Reconciliation is one click of a button, I never have to print a thing.
2. Get Paid Faster
Xero's simple invoicing solution helps you to get paid faster, which means that you have more cash in your accounts to grow your company. You can email your invoices to your clients with the click of a button, and give them a variety of different payment options to choose from too. Plus, since you can track when your clients have viewed an invoice, they can't make the excuse that they haven't received it. Xero even send out automatic reminders to debtors so you don't have to. Better the machine be irritating than me!
3. Keep Tabs on your Inventory
Xero's inventory tracking solution is ideal for retailers and wholesalers who want to learn more about which items sell best, at which times. You'll be able to see the performance of your products and services, check out your profit margins by item, and use the information you receive to make the right decisions regarding pricing and ordering. What's more, you can see instant up-to-date insights into your average purchasing costs, stock levels, and more. Watch the pennies as they say…
4. Simplify Payroll
Got employees to worry about? No problem. Xero payroll solutions automatically update your accounts and make paying employees simpler. You'll have access to tools that track worker hours, and you can even give your employees self-service access from a Xero mobile app so that they can submit time sheets, or apply for leave. Enterprise features in small business, it's fantastic and give your staff the right impression of your business.
5. Enjoy Mobile Access
With Xero, you can get access to your financial information anytime, anywhere, from any device. You may find yourself out with a client, and need to send an invoice. Fortunately, you can do that on the go with Xero, and have that invoice emailed instantly. The ability to run your business in a mobile fashion can free up the amount of time spent behind a desk.
6. Speed up Quoting, Ordering, and Invoicing
Running a business doesn't just mean keeping track of the money that comes in, but watching the cash that goes out too. Make sure that you can create purchase orders quickly and effectively with Xero. You can attach supplier contracts to your inventory records, and even add photos for visual reference purposes.
7. Solidify your Security
All businesses, no matter how big or small, need security to thrive. With Xero, you can rest assured that your financial data is secured and encrypted, no matter what. All information is encrypted using industry-standard technology, multiple layers of firewalls, and more. There are regular security audits, and online backups are updated throughout the day, every day. Now that's peace of mind 🙂
8. Improve your Financial Reports
Make your financial reports smarter with over 40 interactive reports to view on Xero at your leisure. You can track how specific sections of your business are working, and export budgetary documents and reports to spreadsheets to ensure that you always have access to the data you need in the simplest, most accurate format. Pulling a P&L couldn't be simpler and all reports are drill-able with one click of the mouse.
9. Simplify Expense Claims
Make sure that you can always reimburse your business, and yourself, by recording purchases with Xero. You can decline or approve individual items that your employees claim for, and keep an in-depth record all your receipts. Employees can even create their own expense claims from the Xero mobile app. The app for Android of iOS smartphones is ACE and mitigates staff having to carry receipts around for a month! The app allows you to take a photo of the receipt and allocate it to the correct codes, heaven for a busy people on the move that hate admin tasks like expenses!
10. Keep your Business on Track
Xero offers solutions for accepting payments instantly online, converting multiple currencies, and keeping all your contacts stored in one simple location. Everything you need to simplify the financial side of your business is in one place, from charts and graphs on your dashboard to highlight business performance, to the ability to set your own goals for growth in the future.
Xero has to be one of my best finds in 2017, I used to use Sage but now I'll never look back. I'm a small, fast growing business and Xero is perfect for my needs and doesn't cost the earth like some of the other accounting platforms out there.
I'm rating it 10/10.


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How to Choose a Carpet Underpad
While choosing a carpet in your desired color, texture and thickness is certainly important, it is even more important to choose the correct underpad. Carpet padding does much more than make your carpet more comfortable to walk on: It keeps your carpet from wearing out faster, and some types even resist mold and insect damage.
Importance of Padding
Carpet gets a lot of abuse. People walk on it constantly, compressing the fibers and the pad and sometimes tracking dirt and debris into the pile. It is often exposed to too much light or moisture. The most important job of a good pad is to absorb the impact of high traffic.
The density of carpet padding is usually expressed as pounds per cubic foot. Many padding manufacturers recommend a density of 8 pounds per cubic foot, but a pad of at least 5 pounds that is 3/8 inch thick is the standard for most padding for light-traffic areas, as set by the Carpet Cushion Council. The council suggests 6.5 pounds and the same thickness -- 3/8 inch -- for heavy-traffic areas. Consumers are advised to purchase the densest pad that they can afford for longest wear and most comfort. Density and thickness suggestions apply to all types of padding.
Rubber Pads
Waffle or sponge rubber is a common pad type made from a combination of natural and synthetic rubber. It is mold-, mildew- and insect-proof and is nonallergenic. On the downside, it loses resilience with age. Foam rubber is not actually rubber but a form of latex. This type of pad is a thin layer often applied to the back of kitchen carpets. It is a good choice for kitchens because it resists damage from insects and mildew. Flat rubber padding is the most expensive type of pad and the longest lasting, according to the Carpet Buyer's Handbook. While most pads are replaced when the carpet is replaced, flat rubber pads, at densities of 19 to 22 pounds, will typically outlast their initial carpet installation. The cost makes them prohibitive for most consumers, however.
Felt Pads
Felt pads are made from 100 percent hair or a combination of hair and other fibers such as jute pressed together. The advantage of this type of pad is that it wears well; disadvantages are that it sheds, collects dust and easily stretches out of shape. This last quality can be prevented by purchasing a felt pad with an applied layer of latex or rubber.
According to the Carpet Buyer's Handbook, the most popular type of carpet padding sold today is bonded urethane. Made from scraps of dense urethane foam pressed into padding, it is available in a variety of densities and thicknesses. A disadvantage to this material is that it may contain the chemical butylated hydroxy toluene, which is not harmful to human health but can cause yellowing of the pad.
Many consumers make the mistake of choosing pads that are too soft or too thick. Pads under carpets in high-traffic areas should not be so soft that they flatten out when stepped on, thereby speeding up wear on the carpet. For wall-to-wall carpeting, the pad should not be so thick that it raises the carpet above the level of the tack strips – usually ½ inch high -- which will also stress the carpet fibers. An ideal pad first and foremost provides support for the carpet and secondarily some additional comfort when walked on.
Photo Credits
- Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images


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Twickenham and Richmond LibDems have put out a leaflet claiming hundreds of children in the borough have been left without a secondary school place this September.
Cllr Paul Hodgins, Cabinet Member for Schools, responded, "Firstly, let me deal with the facts. No one has been left without a secondary school place for September. In fact, there are still spare places. The Liberal Democrat leadership knows this.
The LibDems have said the Council has made no plans for any new secondary schools. Yet the LibDems themselves have spoken in Council supporting our project with Richmond College to rebuild the College and create a new secondary school for 2017.
Unlike the LibDems, we support free schools. In other words, we support the concept of local parents starting a new school because that is the option they want for their children. Any responsible Council has to account for free schools in their planning.
I know that Turing House supporters are disappointed the school is not opening in 2014. That was a Government decision after their negotiations on a site fell through at a late stage, and they made a mistake in advising the group to send out offers knowing that could happen. Turing House have asked us to work with them on finding a site to enable the school to open in September 2015. We have committed to do so. The LibDems know this, because we have put it in our manifesto.
We have kept our word on all our school promises during this term, including sixth forms, primary places, and supporting a new Catholic school. People may have had differing views on aspects of our plan, and I understand that, but we kept the promises we made. Residents now have our word on this. If they vote for their local Conservative candidates, we will help make Turing House happen, and we will help deliver a new school with the College.
Secondly, let me deal with the lack of integrity behind the LibDem claim. Their claim is not true. The LibDems made it up. They have knowingly lied to residents. They have twisted a disappointing situation for many supporters of Turing House, whom LibDem leader Stephen Knight ridiculed as being fantasists, and they are willing to cause undue worry to parents in a selfish bid to save at least some of their seats.
Twickenham and Richmond's LibDems are demoralised and worried about this election. They are at odds with their colleagues in Kingston, and with their MPs in the coalition government. That is absolutely no excuse. Lying in desperation to save your seats is akin to a fraud on the electorate. Every LibDem candidate and every LibDem activist who delivered that leaflet should be ashamed to have been part of it. So should Vince Cable, and so should the Richmond Park candidate. I call on Stephen Knight to apologise to residents.
This is Richmond. There must be integrity in our politics.
Our local Conservative group has run the Council well for the last four years. We have made our promises for the next four. More primary and secondary school places. Freezing Council Tax for at least another two years. Supporting the vulnerable. An even greener, cleaner borough. Better and safer transport for all. We will keep those promises. If you largely agree with them, please vote for us. If not, we respect your differing views. But in this election, this LibDem group does not deserve your vote."


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Foundational Elements of a QI Culture
The culture of an organization is the embodiment of the core values, guiding principles, behaviors, and attitudes that collectively contribute to its daily operations. (5) Culture drives the policies, practices, and processes used to accomplish an organization's work. It matures over many years as norms are passed from one generation of staff to the next. Shifting an organization's culture requires commitment and deliberate management of the change process.
When a quality culture is achieved, all employees, from senior leadership to frontline staff, have infused QI into the way they do business daily. Employees continuously consider how processes can be improved, and QI is no longer seen as an additional task but a frame of mind in which the application of QI is second nature.
The elements described below make up foundation of a culture of quality. Each of these elements is likely already present to a certain degree in many health departments, but must be fully developed to ensure progress toward a strong culture of quality. An organization's evolution from implementation of small, discrete quality improvement (QI) efforts or an informal application of quality concepts to complete infusion of QI into its culture will occur through a process of cultivating these foundational elements over time. Combined, these elements lay the foundation for a comprehensive approach to transformational change that considers the processes and people involved and will lead an agency toward a sustainable QI culture.
Leadership Commitment
Leadership commitment is vital for the success and sustainability of a culture of quality. The health director and senior management initiate and lead the process for transformational change, dedicate financial and human resources to QI, communicate progress, hold staff accountable, address resistance to change, and exhibit visible support for QI. Middle managers and supervisors ensure that all employees have the direct support needed and are being held accountable to QI values and behaviors. Without leadership commitment, progress toward the desired state will diminish and likely result in relapse to the previous state. (6)
Change management is an important skills for leaders who wish to shift an organization's culture. It is defined as a structured approach to transitioning an organization from a current state to a future desired state. (7) Change management frameworks consider both the process side of change (e.g., building the infrastructure, processes, and systems needed for effective QI) and the human side of change (e.g., alleviating staff resistance, maintaining transparency, meeting training needs, attaining staff support). (8)
Learn more about change management here.
QI Infrastructure
To achieve a culture of quality, and organization must have the systems and structure in place to support QI. QI must be aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan and linked to organizational and individual performance. The following are components of a strong QI infrastructure:
- PM/QI Council— The performance management and/or QI Council (PM/QI Council) governs the agency's quality program. It is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the PM system and QI plan, specifically implementing,
evaluating and revising the QI plan; supporting individual QI projects; reviewing performance data and reporting progress; and recommending next steps. All divisions/departments should be represented on the PM/QI Council. (10)
- Performance Management System—This cyclical process of measuring, monitoring, and reporting of progress toward strategic organization, division, and program goals and objectives provides a structured, data-driven approach to identifying and prioritizing necessary QI projects.(9) The performance management system (PM system) should be guided by an agency's strategic plan.
- QI Plan—Outlining the organization's QI goals and objectives, this living document provides direction and structure for QI efforts. Leadership should continuously evaluate and revise the QI plan to progress further and maintain momentum. The agency's strategic plan should inform the QI plan, and QI efforts should align with strategic priorities.
Employee Empowerment
Leadership should empower staff to infuse QI into their daily work by ensuring they have the necessary awareness, knowledge, skills, resources, and support. This can be accomplished by incorporating QI into orientation, including QI in job descriptions and performance appraisal, providing ongoing training opportunities, granting authority to make decisions, and eliminating fear of consequence or placing blame.(10, 11, 12) Additionally, QI champions serve to spread expertise and advocate for QI, which reduces the impact of any staff turnover.
Customer Focus
Because a customer focus is a core tenet of quality, it should be incorporated into the vision and values of the agency. Services offered should be customer driven, and continuous assessment of internal and external customer needs should drive improvement efforts to meet and exceed customer expectations and prevent dissatisfaction.(13)
Teamwork and Collaboration
In an organization with a culture of quality, teams have clearly defined performance expectations and gather routinely to brainstorm, solve problems, implement QI projects, and share lessons learned. (14) Collaboration among divisions and programs aids in standardizing
processes and breaking down silos. Peer sharing is a norm.
Continuous Process Improvement
Abandoning the notion of perfection, continuous process improvement is a never-ending quest to improve processes by identifying root causes of problems. Process improvement involves making gradual improvements in everyday processes to reduce variation and redundancies, improve quality of services, and increase customer satisfaction. Widely used models for continuous process improvement include Lean, Six Sigma, and Business Process Re-engineering.(15) The most widely used improvement process in public health today is Rapid Cycle Improvement through the use of successive Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles.(16)


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Enforcer wanted! The Motion Picture Association of America is seeking California-based Internet Enforcement Manager, a "mid to senior" level post at a salary of $60-75,000. The manager's responsibilities will include "overseeing all outside vendor development & usage... examining new piracy methods & protocols, overseeing Internet anti-piracy operations worldwide... [and] evidence-gathering efforts in support of litigation or criminal enforcement."
So the successful candidate will be responsible for finding the people to bust, for the introduction of new methods to find the people to bust, and for keeping pace in the file-sharing arms race.
The MPA says the job requires "advanced understanding of Internet protocols & networking systems," and rams this home by listing them: "including TCP/IP, DNS, WHOIS, IRC, FTP, HTTP, P2P & NNTP." More than is absolutely necessary for your average network admin, certainly. And in addition, a "working knowledge of DMCA and copyright law [is] preferred."
Think you're hard enough? Off to Hotjobs with you then. And depending on the circles you move in, jobs might not come much hotter than this one. (Thanks to Gnutella News for spotting this.) ®


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Of course trains can't fly over oceans like airplanes. But compared to airplanes train travel is cheap, comfortable and scenic. The most modern high speed train service can also take you from city to city within a few hours. Here is a list of 10 fastest trains in the world.
THSR 700T is a series of Taiwanese high speed multiple unit train. This service started on 5th January 2007 between Taipei City and Kaohsiung. At top speed of 300 kmph THSR 700T shorten the journey time between these cities from four and half hours to just 90 minutes. A 700T train has 12 car sets in total. It features a multi-engine system and 9 out of 12 car provides power for the train. It promises the speed and space.
The 700T trains are built in Japan by the consortium of three major companies – Kawasaki heavy industries, Nippon Sharyo and Hitachi. The powerful motors in 700T provide an acceleration from 0-300 kmph in just 15 minutes. The adoption of European safety requirements also promises enhanced safety features in 700t like bi-directional operation, instability detection system, fire and smoke detectors and station stopping control.
There are 700T trains are operated under Taiwan High Speed Rail currently. Each 700T train has a single business class and 11 standard class cars. The business class cabin in 700T can seat 66 passengers and standard class offers 923 seats. The cars of THSR 700T are soundproof and provide real time travel information.
The ETR 500 Frecciarossa is the fastest train service in Italy, operated by Trenitalia company. The Frecciarossa trains have a maximum speed of 300 kmph. This service operates between Milan-Rome-Naples route and offers 72 connections daily. Today here are 28 non-stop Frecciarossa trains between Milan and Rome. At top speed of 300 kmph a Frecciarossa will reach Rome from Milan in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The Frecciarossa train is a modernized version of ETR 500 Italian high speed train. Frecciarossa trains are built by a consortium of AnsaldoBreda, Bombardier and Alstom manufacturing companies. A Frecciarossa train has four main cabins – standard class, premium class, business class and executive class. The cars of Frecciarossa trains are sound proof and offers free Wi-Fi.
TGV duplex is the fastest train service in France, can travel at a speed of 320 kmph. This high speed train service is operated by the SNCF railway company. TGV duplex started the service in December 2011. It is a double-deck high speed train that connects all major cities in France. It is one of most comfortable European trains that has a seating capacity of 508.
TGV duplex trains are built by Alstom manufacturing company. They used aluminium for the construction of TGV duplex to reduce weight. TGV duplex has an eco-friendly design and a recyclability rate of 90%. The stiff passenger compartments in the train also ensure the safety in case of collision.
The TGV duplex train offers three main classes for passengers – standard class, first class and TGV Pro. The standard class features comfortable seats, snack vending machines and a bar buffet. In first class you will get more comfortable reclining seats, individual reading lights and sockets for your electrical devices. The TGV Pro class offers extra comfortable and spacious seats, a welcome drink, free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines.
The Euroduplex trains are third series of TGV duplex high speed trains. Th Euroduplex train service is operated by the French railway company SNCF. This service connects French, Swiss, German and Luxembourg rail network. This multi-system double deck rains can travel at maximum speed of 320 kmph.
The Euroduplex trains started the service in December 2011. The train can transport 1020 passengers at a time. The Euroduplex trains are designed by the Alstom railway company. Unlike the previous two generations the Euroduplex trains are less in weight and has improved aerodynamics. It ensures the low power consumption. Euroduplex trains also have real time travel information screen near the door and inside the car set.
The E5 series Shinkansen Hayabusa is the fastest high speed train service in Japan today. This service started on 5th march 2011 and operated by the East Japan railway company. The service takes passengers from Tokyo to city of Aomory. At top speed of 320 kmph the E5 series Shinkansen will reach Shin-Aomory station from Tokyo in just 2 hours and 56 minutes.
The front car of this train has a 15 meter long nose. This design help to minimize the sound and vibration while the train goes through the tunnels. The design of Hayabusa train is based on Fastech 360S high speed train developed by the East Japan Railway company. The E5 series Shinkansen has 10 car sets and a seating capacity of 731.
Each E5 series Shinkansen three main classes standard, green and gran class. The standard class offers 658 seats, green class offers 55 seats and gran class offers 18 seats. The gran class is the main attraction of Hayabusa train. This premium class offers high end luxury facilities for you.
In gran class you can see 18 extra comfortable power-reclining seats with leather coating. All passengers will get amenities such as eye mask, slippers and blankets. The staff will also serve soft drinks and food for you.
Spain's Talgo 350 high speed train operated by the state run railway company can achieve a maximum speed of 350 kmph. The Talgo 350 runs between Madrid and Barcelona. The train has two driving cars and 12 passenger cars. It is also known as 'Pato' in Spain, named after its duck beak like nose of the front car. This distinctive design of Talgo 350 is optimized to handle pressure waves.
The seating facilities in Talgo 350 trains are divided into four classes – Club class, First class, Bistro class and Coach class. All class in Talgo 350 features comfortable reclining seats with foot rests. The passengers also have access to video, audio devices at each seat. There are also real time information panels on both inside and outside of car sets.
Velaro E is the Spanish version of Velaro E high speed trains developed by German engineering company Siemens. In Spain Velaro trains are named as AVS 103. The Velaro E operates between Barcelona and Madrid. The train run at a maximum speed of 350 kmph. Velaro E trains can take passengers from Barcelona to Madrid in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. During trails Velaro E achieved a top speed of 403.7 kmph.
The Spanish National Railways ordered the high speed Velaro E trains in 2001. They began this high speed train service in June 2007. Velaro E has 8 passenger cars and a seating capacity of 404.
AVG Italo is the fastest operating train in Europe. This high speed train has a maximum operational speed of 360 kmph. But during initial test AVG train set a record speed of 574 kmph in 2007. This multiple unit train are built by French manufacturing company Alstom. In 2008 the Italian company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV) ordered 25 AVG trains from Alstom for € 650 million.
The AVG Italo started the service in April 2007. It operates between Rome and Naples. The passengers of AVG Italo trains can travel between these cities in just an hour. AVG Italo has great Eco friendly structure, 98% of its parts are recyclable. AVG Italo has 11 car sets and seats are divided into three classes – Club, Prima and Smart. All three classes of AVG Italo offers adjustable leather seats, live television and free Wi-Fi.
China railways Harmony CRH 380A is the second fastest operating train service in the world. This electric multiple unit train can travels at maximum speed of 380 kmph in commercial service. But it sets a record speed of 416.6 kmph during initial tests. The China railways put CRH 380a trains into regular service between Shangai-Nanjing route in October 2010.
The CRH 380A high speed trains are manufactured by the CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock company. The CRH 380A has low weight Aluminium alloy body and a fish head like front car. This unusual design of the train can reduce aerodynamic pressure. The bogies of CRH 380A are completely vibration free.
The CRH 380A trains have a capacity to carry 494 passengers at a time. Each passenger will get facilities like reading lamp, power port and an electronic display. There is also a VIP sightseeing section near the driver's cabin. It display view of running train. One whole car unit of CRH 380A dedicated for serving food and drinks for passengers.
Shanghai Maglev is the fastest train in the world with a maximum operating speed of 431 kmph. This service is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co. Shanghai Maglev runs at Shanghai's high speed magnetic levitation line. Unlike regular train tracks Shanghai Maglev has no wheel and it float on magnetic field exist between the train and track. This electromagnetic pull offers by the strong magnates let the train to fly over the track as there is no contact between train and track.
Shanghai maglev will reach its top speed of 431 kmph from 0 kmph in just 4 minutes. The Shanghai's 30.5 km long maglev line is the only commercially operated maglev in the world. The Shanghai Maglev was built by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp companies. The public service of the Shanghai maglev started on 1st January 2004.
It operates between Long Yang road and Pudong international airport. The Shanghai maglev only takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the whole journey. The total passenger capacity of the Shanghai maglev train is 574. The train operates between every 15 minutes. It cost US$8 for one ticket and US$16 for VIP ticket to travel in Shanghai maglev.
Source: themysteriousworld.com


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I love Bataille for many reasons but one of the biggest is his ability to circle around the beautiful and the ugly as if each can be interchanged in a perpetual whirlpool or vortex slung over our base desires. When Christophe Honoré decided to make a film of Batailles unfinished novel published posthumously, he took […]
Tag Archives: Christophe Honoré
Ma Mere – Christophe Honoré and Bataille on the silver screen. (film review)
posted by lisathatcher
FFF: Beloved – Les Bien-Aimes, songs, mothers and daughters.
posted by lisathatcher
I had a most peculiar relationship to this film. I really disliked it when I saw it in the cinema. I have never seen a Christophe Honoré film before, and this was a problem. If you intend to see this film, I strongly recommend finding out about the sorts of films he makes, as this will […]


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A storm of leaflets is hitting the borough as different voices urge people to give their views on the radical redevelopment of the Arcadia Centre before a consultation closes.
Ealing Council has sent out 62,000 pamphlets encouraging people to look at the latest vision for the town centre development before an extended deadline of December 5.
And campaign group Save Ealing's Centre has distributed its own email flyers to thousands of residents asking to them to register their criticisms and concerns.
Last minute changes were made to the design of the 24-storey tower at the centre of the plans after the council's leaflets were sent out. The size and location remain the same, but the building now has more open balconies on all sides.
Developer Glenkerrin hope to build on top of the railway tracks with 567 new flats above shops and offices.
Permission could be granted on December 17 by the council's planning committee, which agreed in early November that the similarly large-scale Dickens Yard development nearby could go ahead.
The committee will also consider Glenkerrin's controversial plans to create a busy bus interchange on the eastern side of Haven Green.
Anthony Lewis, of Save Ealing's Centre, said: "We're putting in a coordinated response and encouraging residents' groups to send in their own responses in addition to what they submitted first time around."
He said the creation of more bus stands next to Haven Green would create an "absolutely horrible" environment with fumes from standing buses polluting the open park.
And Colin Cant, of Gloucester Road, Ealing, visiting the Arcadia Centre exhibition, said: "It's overdevelopment combined with dreadful design, and it's just not at all sympathetic to the area. It will overwhelm the infrastructure.
"I think the responses to the Arcadia Centre plans will be huge - it will be even bigger than Dickens Yard."
Glenkerrin believe the scheme will encourage the regeneration of Ealing, attract new retailers and boost the local economy by £90 million. * Visit www.ealing.gov.uk to view the plans and leave your comments.


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The process of purchasing a new home may be both stressful and lengthy. It is loaded with information and there is much we learn during the process, homeowners insurance is not the exception. It is one of the main requirements at the time of closing. The bank needs to ensure you have proper coverage on the home they are lending you money for in case of a loss.
First it is important to find out which types of insurance are required for your home. Generally the bank itself will ask you for proof of insurance in advanced, to allow you time to bind coverage, on each of the specific coverages you may need. In South Florida there are several different types of insurance a homeowner may need to carry, and you may need all of them. Based on your geographical location you may need hurricane insurance, flood insurance and of course your hazard insurance, which is always required when financing a home.
Hurricane Insurance covers damages due to wind caused by any named storms. Keep in mind that in order to bind coverage you will be asked to provide an inspection of your home, completed by a certified inspection company. The insurance agency quoting you should be able assist you with the specific inspection you will need. You may purchase Hurricane insurance from the state, Citizens Property Insurance Company, or you may request quotes from local independent insurance agents.
Flood Insurance covers flooding, "rising water" , caused by a general condition. You are only required to carry it if the property is in a flood zone, if it is, you may need an elevation certificate in order to get a quote.You may purchase flood insurance from the government agency NFIP, but you must acquire it through a local insurance agency.
Hazard insurance generally covers fire, theft, vandalism along with other basic coverage depending on the specific policy form offered by the insurance company. You may shop for hazard insurance through any of your local insurance agents or your agent as well.
Fortunately it is one of the last steps to closing. Once the closing process is over you have finally reached the final and best step, making copies of the keys to your new home!
Contact Info:
Living Premises
Real Estate Consultants
1 (844) 853-1113
5600 SW 135 Ave Suite #103
Miami, FL 33183


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Last Thursday I attended Psyche's Website Launch Event. This marked their official new website with Visualsoft. It features a luxury sleek design to easy shop designer clothing for men, women and children.
The launch party was held at their store in Middlesbrough, the guest list included bloggers like myself and big brands such as Barclay Card, Google, Paypal and Amazon. As we walked inside, we were greeted to flowing drinks and little nibbles on the first floor. The atmosphere was really exciting with a smooth jazz band playing in the background.
The party also featured a Spring/Summer Catwalk. This showcased a gorgeous styling of pastel florals, two piece sets and bold colours from big brands like Ted Baker, Polo Ralph Laurent and Michael Kors. I must say the accessories from Ted Baker and Michael Kors were stunning – I had to resist buying yet another bag! The star of the show had to be the gorgeous pooch that catwalk'd with the children – adorable!
After the catwalk they did a raffle of a range of prizes from Armani Candles, Ted Baker bag to a custom tailored suit. I was determined to grab something up and got £5 worth of tickets but I had no luck! I felt like the night was a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy the night socialising and mixing.
As I left the venue, the kind Psyche staff give us all each a little goodie bag and in mine I received a paisley scarf, some cuff links, perfume samples and an Easter egg – how generous!
Use 'LAUNCH10' for 10% off their SS15 range.


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The migrant crisis and Fortress Europe
Over the past weekend, nearly 2,000 people arrived in Spain by sea, most travelling in totally inadequate boats for the journey, risking their lives in the process. The vessel Aquarius drew media attention after the newly installed president, Pedro Sánchez, decided to allow its passengers in after Italy refused to let them shore up. The ship was carrying 629 people, 123 of them under 18, who were mainly travelling on their own.


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Network to Network
Featured listing
We teach you how to network strategically to grow your business. We show you how running your own networking group gives you a platform to showcase your skills and expertise and gives you authority. Courses and workshops and
personalized training sessions.
Useful info
- Web: www.networktonetwork.co.uk
- Tel: 01892 270280
- Email: email@example.com
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/networktonetwork
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Netwtonetw
- LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacox
About Network to network
- What: Teaching you how to network effectively and how to grow a profitable business network.
- Who: Emma Cox
- Where:From Tunbridge Wells with clients throughout the UK and globally
- Get in touch: Please contact via the methods listed below
If you're interested in featuring in our Local business directory then please do get in touch using the form below. There are options for free or premium listings, and we'd be very happy to discuss all options with you.


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Vince Lombardi. Bart Starr. Don Hutson. Paul Hornung. Reggie White. Jim Taylor. Ray Nitschke. Aaron Rodgers. Greg Jennings. Clay Matthews.
The Carolina Panthers don't have to worry about the first seven of those names, but the last three are about to cause all sorts of problems when the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers come to Charlotte for the first time since 2005
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/14/2609257/packers-are-more-than-just-a-team.html#ixzz1Y17ydTbt
Packers more than just a team | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper


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Manhattan Fish Chowder
So… not everything is a winner. Pretty much every recipe I post here is one that I have truly loved, but let me tell you, sometimes I'm making some flops at home that don't make it on the blog. This, for me, was one of these flops (husband swears it was fine and yes he ate about three bowls in the end, but sometimes I think his senses are going!). Maybe it's just me. I love fish, but I can be a little sensitive to its flavor. I loved the textures here, and the heartiness, but it was a bit too fishy, too tangy. Maybe I just didn't get the flavors right. Sorry Martha. I'm definitely going to keep trying to introduce fish into my diet, but if you find a way to better this recipe, please let me know! I so wanted to love it.
Manhattan Fish Chowder
via martha stewart
4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
28 ounce can plum tomatoes in juice
16 ounces clam juice
2 medium baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pound skinless tilapia fillets, cut into 2-inch chunks
Coarse salt and ground pepper
In a large 5-quart pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-low heat until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Spoon off and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add onion and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and their juice (breaking tomatoes up with a spoon), clam juice, and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Add potatoes and thyme; reduce heat to simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes. Add tilapia; cover, and cook until opaque and flaky, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. With a ladle, spoon solids and liquid into six soup bowls; serve immediately.


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Warning: Spoilers ahead if you are not caught up!
The 100's Ricky Whittle is mad as hell. The CW show, known for killing off major characters and being steeped in controversy now has another fire to put out, after Whittle (whose fan-favorite character Lincoln was killed off recently) has spoken extremely frankly about his time on the series and his issues with some of the show's narrative choices.
In a long interview with AfterBuzz TV, the actor unloaded about leaving the show, which was a "choice" he felt was forced upon him. (H/T to TVLine for the find)
"At the beginning of the season, [Lincoln] had a whole storyline that was cut, that was just non-existent. [Showrunner Jason Rothenberg] abused his position to make my job untenable. What he did was disgusting and he should be ashamed. … He was professionally bullying me, cutting out all the storyline I was supposed to be doing, cutting lines, cutting everything out, trying to make my character and myself as insignificant as possible."
Yikes. Additionally, Whittle spoke frankly about the death of Alycia Debnam Carey's character Lexa, right after she and Clarke (Eliza Taylor) consummated their long-budding relationship, playing right into the awful "bury your gays" trope. Though Rothenberg addressed fans over the issue recently, Whittle fired back that Lexa was "too incredible a character to be caught by a stray bullet." He also criticized turning Pike (Michael Beach) into a villain, though also said,
"You still have to remember we have a bisexual lead [in Eliza Taylor's Clarke], we have Bryan and Miller, we have various black characters who are in power, we have powerful women. Literally, the show has everything, so stay with it. Stay with my family. Stay with my friends."
Wow. It's a lot to process, and there's still plenty more — you can check out the full, hour-long video interview below. Up next, Whittle will be heading over to Starz's American Gods, where he will play the lead role of Shadow Moon. With the great Bryan Fuller as a co-showrunner, hopefully it will prove to be a better experience than Whittle had on The 100.
Update: Jason Rothenberg has released a statement on Whittle's comments, saying: "Ricky Whittle is a talented actor; I appreciate his work on The 100 and wish him all the best moving forward on American Gods."
The 100 airs Thursday nights on the CW.


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Om Restaurant serves up nirvana on a platter, Indian-style
After the young, up-and-coming real-estate developer Vik Uppal bought the old Nate's Clothing Building at First Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Minneapolis, out went the sports coats and dress slacks. In came a gorgeous, two-story chandelier dangling over a reflecting pool, and lounge-y seating covered in fabrics as festive as wedding saris. Out went the artist Scott Seekins, with his stash of self-portraits and his wardrobe of white and black suits. In came a crowd of curious diners, more mature than the rest of the downtown dance-club scene, perhaps, but still young enough to wear high-heeled boots and sip colorful martinis before noshing on plates of paneer and tandoori chicken.
Uppal's new restaurant, Om, takes the newly burgeoning upscale ethnic concept (see Masa, Saffron, Jasmine 26, et al.) into new territory, injecting it with a slightly nightclubby vibe. The place feels a little like the late Bellanotte—though without its conspicuous contingent of NBA players and hangers-on—and a natural fit for its general manager, Randy Norman, a former Bellanotte partner and namesake of the original R. Norman's steakhouse and Seven sushi lounge.
The swank space does have a few quirks. While tables against the walls of the subterranean dining room feel cozy, those in the middle of the room feel a little exposed. But overall I found Om's luxury something of a relief: At last, somebody in town had the confidence to splurge.
In looking for someone to design Om's menu and oversee the kitchen, Uppal approached local cookbook author and culinary educator Raghavan Iyer, a Bombay native who has established a national reputation in Indian cookery. Iyer's role is described as that of a "culineer," or "culinary engineer." (The term might at first seem a little odd, but it's admittedly less cumbersome than "consulting executive chef.") After experiences that include training the Bon Appetit restaurant management company's chefs in Indian cookery and helping develop ready-to-eat Indian meals for Target's Archer Farms brand, Iyer made his first foray into restaurant menus. After designing all of Om's dishes, Iyer trained chef de cuisine Jaime Sierra, formerly of Bellanotte, to oversee the kitchen's day-to-day operations.
Compared to the familiar Punjabi/Mughlai cooking found in the majority of Twin Cities' Indian restaurants (Dancing Ganesha and Nala Pak being among the few exceptions), Om explores a broader range of flavor profiles. When describing the menu, Iyer says his goal was to showcase the many classic regional flavors of India in a "more contemporary package." He shies away from the term "fusion," which suggests a mash-up of distinct elements of different cultures. Don't expect to find adobo tandoori or curry spaghetti at Om. Instead, the entrée template features protein-focused, Continental-style dishes flavored with Indian spice blends.
For example, the tandoori Cornish game hen. The bird is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, chiles, and cashews, then grilled in the tandoor so the meat comes out tender, fragrant, and sweet. To add an extra layer of flavor, the hen is bathed in a sauce of coconut milk, tomatoes, and toasted cumin to create a rich, warm, comforting dish. Iyer also created of a rack of lamb rubbed with the common Indian seasonings of ginger, garlic, cardamom, and cumin, then braised in a mild fennel-tomato sauce. The meat was good alone or paired with a bite of paneer-mint naan, and even better when eaten with its accompanying grilled eggplant pâté.
The best example of the menu's approach is likely the Om filet mignon. The mild, tender meat is rubbed with chiles and tandoor-grilled, then served with a bold mushroom sauce and sides of mashed sweet potatoes and baby carrots. It's a dish unheard of in traditional Indian restaurants, and one I found as intriguing as it was delicious. Dishes like these could be considered entry-level ethnic fare for those who find curry out of their culinary comfort zone. Interestingly, during my visits to Om, I noticed fewer diners of Indian descent than at most local Indian eateries.
Om's seafood is sustainably sourced, a consideration that's often overlooked at more price-sensitive ethnic eateries. I'd skip the walleye with cumin, whose delicate flavor was overpowered by grill-mark char, and otherwise wasn't nearly as interesting as the wild salmon. The pert, pink filet was flavored with turmeric and poached in a brassy sauce made from coconut milk, malt vinegar, red chiles, cinnamon, garlic, and scallions. Its funky tang suggests the Goan flavors of Southwest India. I felt like I'd just touched down on the tarmac of a country I'd never seen, so different was its flavor from most local Indian fare.
It's possible to order more familiar dishes, too: spicy okra cooked with tomato, coconut shrimp, or grilled paneer that takes on the flavors of saffron, and a sweet-sour red chile raisin sauce. There are only a few meatless dishes at Om, the most notable of which is the vegetable curry casserole: biryani and vegetable curry tucked into a puff-pastry-topped crock, a recipe from Iyer's most recent 660 Curries cookbook. The casserole was good, but the starch-on-starch seemed somewhat redundant.
Desserts were creative, but didn't quite satisfy my palate. The Nirvana Cake is a chile-spiced version of the standard molten chocolate, but it wasn't as moist and lush as I'd hoped. The mango cheesecake seemed an interesting pairing—some of the world's best mangos are grown in India, though cheesecake is practically nonexistent—but the tropical fruit was overwhelmed by the cake's strong cardamom flavor and the high crust-to-filling ratio.
Instead, I'd suggest the coconut crème brûlée or a drink called the Himalaya that tastes rather like it. Om has a strong drinks program, actually. Two cocktails I'd definitely order again: the Agni, made with vodka, lime, and Thai chiles; and the Karma, made with whiskey, cardamom, and cream that tasted like a spicy, butterscotch candy with a pleasant, chest-warming effect. Service was polished and helpful, though perhaps a little paternal when I tried to order a rose lassi and had my request flatly denied:
"What do you mean, 'No'?" I asked our waiter.
"Don't order that," he advised. "It tastes like the smell of your grandma's bathroom."
"I've had rose petal syrup before. I'd still like to try it. I'm willing to take the risk."
A few minutes later, our waiter returned with my friends' after-dinner drinks and, for me, a sample of the chai. (Unintentionally or not, he never brought the lassi.) Still, the chai was delicious: heavy on the cardamom, with a soothing, malty finish and a strong caffeine kick. Had the lights been dimmed and a Bollywood soundtrack projected, who knows how the night might have finished?


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Wikidata Human Gender Indicators (WHGI)
To quickly start exploring the data:
Download the English-translated snapshot from January 2016.
To build an application with the data:
For the weekly-updated snapshots, with changes between weeks, and full snapshot history visit http://whgi.wmflabs.org/snapshot_data/
"WHGI doesn't reflect the editing I did last week?"
Although it would be useful the queries that WHGI runs are too large for community SQL/SPARQL services. Instead to compute the statistics WHGI downloads the entire Wikidata dump and parses it with Wikidata Toolkit. That is, say for instance a dump file that is created by Wikidata on March 5th, it might only be reflecting the latest data up to March 4th. WHGI runs every Saturday/Sunday midnight, so it's actually getting a Wikidata Dump that's maybe a day-or-two out of date. So even if you did something on March 5th and WHGI runs on March 5th, because of the dump latency it's possible it won't show up in time. We bet if you check back next week you might see the results you were expecting.


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Iraq's interim President Ghazi al-Yawar has urged all parties - except those tainted by violence - to participate in the process of forming the country's next government following Sunday's landmark election.
Mr. al-Yawar, who is a Sunni Arab, said Tuesday even Sunni Muslim parties that called for a boycott of the vote should participate.
In a similar message Monday, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi urged Iraqis to unite after Sunday's election, which he called a major blow to insurgents.
Election officials say they have finished a preliminary vote count and are dispatching returns to Baghdad for the final tally. Final results and the naming of 275 elected members of the interim national assembly may take up to 10 days.
Also Tuesday, Iraqi authorities eased restrictions and reopened the country's borders that were closed to curb violence during the vote.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.


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Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took a decisive step toward a third term on Thursday, quelling a liberal rebellion by turning aside the insurgent challenge of Cynthia Nixon to claim the Democratic nomination in New York.
Mr. Cuomo had marshaled the support of nearly all of the state and country's most powerful Democratic brokers — elected officials, party leaders, labor unions and wealthy real estate interests — to defeat Ms. Nixon, beating her by 30 percentage points.
The race cemented both Mr. Cuomo's standing as an unmatched force in New York politics and a merciless tactician with little regard for diplomacy.
Ms. Nixon had cast her first-time candidacy as a fight for the direction of the Democratic Party in New York and beyond, offering a pure brand of liberalism against Mr. Cuomo's more triangulating pragmatism, a style defined less by ideology and more by what he deemed possible.
In the end, the governor's record of achievements — on gun control, gay marriage, the minimum wage, paid-family leave and more — and his gargantuan fund-raising advantage spoke louder than Ms. Nixon's objections over legislation he sidelined in the byzantine corridors of Albany's capital.
The race was called about 30 minutes after the polls closed, with Mr. Cuomo watching the results roll in over dinner with senior staff at the Governor's Mansion in Albany. Mr. Cuomo never appeared publicly after the polls closed on Thursday, letting the results speak for themselves.
[Here are the latest results for all the primary races in New York.]
Ms. Nixon called to offer Mr. Cuomo a private concession before a fiery speech before her supporters in Brooklyn, where she and her two insurgent allies for statewide office, Zephyr Teachout and Jumaane Williams, had gathered. All three lost.
In the attorney general's race, Letitia James, the New York City public advocate and Mr. Cuomo's choice, won the Democratic nomination in a four-way race, with Ms. Teachout finishing second. Should Ms. James prevail in November, she would become the first black woman to ever hold statewide office in New York. In the lieutenant governor's race, Kathy Hochul, Mr. Cuomo's running mate, fended off a challenge from Mr. Williams, a New York City councilman, winning by the narrowest margin of the three.
The lone bright spot for liberal insurgents came down ballot, where Democratic challengers in State Senate contests had knocked off six of the eight members of a group of rogue Democrats who had broken with the party in recent years to form a coalition with Republicans in Albany.
Mr. Cuomo's victory ensures that no Democratic governor or senator in America lost a party primary in 2018, a sign of how steep a climb Ms. Nixon, an actress and activist, had faced, even before the governor's campaign unloaded a sum close to $25 million to blanket the contest in a blizzard of television ads and glossy mailers.
"When others were underestimating us, he did not," Ms. Nixon said in her concession speech. "And he spent accordingly."
In November, Mr. Cuomo, 60, will seek to match the three terms that his father, Mario M. Cuomo, achieved as governor. He has forcefully denied any presidential ambitions of his own, saying the only way he would not serve through 2022 would be death.
Mr. Cuomo himself had sought to mostly ignore Ms. Nixon in recent months, focusing repeatedly on President Trump. His campaign, meanwhile, methodically pushed to undermine Ms. Nixon's credibility in often-caustic terms, tapping into the concerns of New York Democrats that an experienced governor is needed while a hostile Republican occupies the White House.
After a six-month slog versus Ms. Nixon, Mr. Cuomo now faces a less than 60-day sprint of a general election against the Republican, Marcus J. Molinaro, the affable Dutchess County executive who was once the youngest mayor in the nation. He, like Ms. Nixon, is expected to be drastically outspent by Mr. Cuomo. And in a heavily Democratic state in what most strategists predict will be a Democratic year, Mr. Molinaro's bid is not seen as a top-tier race for Republicans nationally.
"He won ugly," said Bradley Tusk, who served as campaign manager for former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
Even before the polls had closed, there were worried whispers from New York City to Albany of those who had crossed him readying for a coming retribution tour.
[Make sense of the people, issues and ideas shaping the 2018 elections with our new politics newsletter.]
When Ms. Nixon burst onto the political stage in March, it was as if she had unleashed the repressed id of New York progressives long frustrated with Mr. Cuomo's transactional ways. But for many voters, Ms. Nixon never successfully presented enough evidence that she was prepared to be governor, other than offering what she was not: an Albany insider or Mr. Cuomo.
"If you run an outsider campaign, you have to run a campaign like Trump did, saying 'Things are so bad that you've got nothing to lose, so who cares that I don't have experience,'" Mr. Tusk said. "In this case, the guy with experience gets a lot done."
She had roughly one-third of the vote, almost the same showing as Ms. Teachout had four years ago.
Still, in losing, Ms. Nixon arguably made as much of a policy impact on New York as some elected officials have: Mr. Cuomo embraced a series of liberal ideas soon after her entry, including moving toward legalizing marijuana, extending voting rights to parolees and brokering a deal to dissolve the Independent Democratic Conference, the group of Democratic state senators who had aligned with Republicans in Albany.
Among the six I.D.C. members who lost primaries on Thursday was their leader, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein in the Bronx, who was defeated by Alessandra Biaggi, the granddaughter of Mario Biaggi, a former congressman.
[Voters ousted six New York Senate incumbents.]
While Ms. Nixon scored a record number of small donors for a New York race, she struggled to collect larger donations, pulling in a total of just under $2.5 million with about 10 days left in the race.
That is roughly how much Mr. Cuomo raised in a single day, at his birthday fund-raiser last December.
Turnout in 2018 was two-and-a-half times larger than in 2014, even as Mr. Cuomo carried the state by nearly the same margin. It was a sure sign of his grip on the state that he could earn commanding victories in years with both large and small turnouts.
Mr. Cuomo was a no-show at the victory gala that his state party was throwing in Manhattan, where attendees snacked on baked oysters, pita, hummus and "pigs in blankets" amid chants of "four more years!" (One rogue supporter shouted "2020!")
Mr. Cuomo seemed to stumble across the finish line in the final days of this race, dogged by questions of the timing of a bridge opening and the mailer that incorrectly sought to link Ms. Nixon to anti-Semitism.
But it didn't matter.
Mr. Molinaro has used both issues to hammer Mr. Cuomo in some of the opening salvos of the fall campaign.
For now, Ms. Nixon is still technically on the November ballot as the Working Families Party nominee. She must decide whether to withdraw, and if so, the party, which spent much of the year at war with Mr. Cuomo, must decide whether to grant its line to the incumbent governor. Ms. Nixon declined to discuss her plans in a radio interview on Tuesday.
Eliza Shapiro contributed reporting.
Follow Shane Goldmacher on Twitter: @ShaneGoldmacher


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Finally, a clear night that was not below -15C/5F. It's been a tough winter here in Minnesota. Back in January I got a Mini ZWO filter wheel and filters for my ZWO asi178mmc camera and just recently got a chance to test the new setup. During this period of no-imaging, I was able to build a Dew System for both my guide and main telescope and review my cable management (more on this later).
I wanted to image a simple target and test the the overall function of the filter wheel, focuser integration in EKOS/Kstars. I didn't want to spend a lot of time imaging as this was a test. So, the simplest and colorful image to test the new setup was Imaging Orion's Nebula (M42).
The M42 images were taken using the following exposures:
- Red – 8 x 120s
- Green – 8 x 120s
- Blue – 8 x 120s
- Ha 7nm – 5 x 120s
- Dark , Flats, Bias Frames processed.
- I used Astro Pixel Processor (APP) for processing and did some post processing with Adobe Light room.
Below Shows the results:
I am sure that I can process the image data better, and will go back and examine the overall color processing using APP. I will get the process flow better and there are some questions regarding the Ekos focusing routines that I need to better understand and setup as I found that Ekos was focusing quite often during the imaging. I also used the Ekos Scheduler to execute the image capturing process.


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7/30/13 Registration has closed! If you're not already registered, we'll see you next time!
Mile High Waltz Weekend --
All Aboard for the Avalon Ballroom!!!
Richard Powers and Angela Amarillas
from the Bay Area, California
Friday August 2- Monday August 5, 2013
Avalon Ballroom, Boulder, CO
Join Richard and Angela for our much anticipated Mile High Waltz Weekend! Expect fun-filled and inspiring dancing, intermingled with flavors of Colorado's rich history! By popular request, there will be plenty of new cross-step waltz material, along with many other joyful and intriguing waltzes!
In addition to our dance workshops during the days on Saturday and Sunday, our weekend will open Friday evening with silent films reminiscent of the Wild West days in Colorado (some filmed on location in the Colorado Rockies!) Our films will be accompanied by pianist Rodney Sauer, nationally renowned Founder and Director of Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, who will bring his deep knowledge of the silent cinema to our evening! Our films will be followed by our opening Barn Dance, accompanied in lively style by Rodney!
Saturday evening promises an old-fashioned ice cream social and casual dance at the Avalon, tinged with peeks into Colorado history! Dress is vintage or contemporary casual: come-as-you-are or with a Colorado historical flair...pioneer dress, bustle dress, jeans and vest, gingham dress, squaw dress, western boots, western hat, kerchief...it's yours to be creative!
Following our Sunday workshops, get yourselves all gussied up (vintage or contemporary) and join us Sunday for an optional Afternoon Tea on the mezzanine of the beautifully restored 1909 Hotel Boulderado in downtown Boulder. Sumptuous repast will await us, and the cozy dance floor will entice you to catch a few more dance steps at the close of the weekend.
And for a very special treat, you will have the option to join Richard for our Monday Train Day! We will begin with a trip to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, followed by lunch in the nearby mountains. In the afternoon, we will board the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, a fantastic engineering marvel built in the 1880's. We will stop half way through the train ride to tour the historic Lebanon silver mine near Georgetown, a beautiful historic mountain town about 45 minutes west of Denver.
In case you don't know, Richard has a longtime interest in historic railways, with a particular interest in Colorado historic trains, and a specific involvement years ago with this Georgetown Loop Railroad! So in addition to the pleasure of sharing his love and expertise of dance across the weekend, we can also partake of his love and expertise of historic trains on Monday!
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Jackson County
Research Help - Links & Addresses
The state of MO is relatively rich in genealogical source materials, although there are some gaps in the early years and there are some problems with the loss of records in court house (CH) fires, which were fairly common in the 19th century.
A great deal of work has been done in accumulating, preserving, photocopying, transcribing, and indexing records, and therefore many are readily available.
The best overall collections of MO materials are to be found in the following repositories:
(MSA) MO State Archives, 600 W. Main St.,
Jefferson City, MO 65102 (Mailing address is PO Box 778).
(SHSM) State Historical Society of MO, 1020 Lowery St., Columbia, MO 65201
(MHS) Mo Historical Society, Library of Collections Center, 225 S. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63015
(FHL) Family History Library, Genealogical Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 35 N. West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
(FHC) Family History Center(s), over 2500 of them, located all over the world. They are local branch affiliates of the Family History Library (FHL). They can be found in most major US cities, including these larger ones in MO: Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Farmington, Frontenac, Hazelwood, Independence, Joplin, Kansas City, Liberty, Springfield and St. Joseph
Census Online: Links to Census Sites on the Web
Frontier Families of Missouri from the Upper Louisiana Territory
Genealogical Calendar for Missouri
Genealogist's Index to the World Wide Web
"Kansas in the Civil War" - Civil War Veteran Surnames by County
Missouri Archive & Manuscript Repositories
Missouri Genealogy
MOGenweb Archives
Project Whistlestop
The Rippeto Family in Western Missouri
Tombstone Transcription Project
The Truman Library
University of Missouri Press
USGenWeb Kidz
Project Links
War Chart List
World Archives
This page was last updated July 3, 2011.