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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires applicable large employers (ALEs) to offer affordable, minimum value health coverage to their full-time employees (and dependents) or pay a penalty. This employer mandate is also known as the "employer shared responsibility" or "pay or play" rules.
An ALE will face a penalty if one or more full-time employees obtain a subsidy through an Exchange. An individual may be eligible for a subsidy either because the ALE does not offer coverage, or offers coverage that is "unaffordable" or does not provide "minimum value."
Offer of Coverage
In general, the employer shared responsibility rules require an ALE to offer an effective opportunity to accept coverage at least once during the plan year. If an employee has not been offered an effective opportunity to accept coverage, the employee will not be treated as having been offered the coverage for purposes of these rules.
The employee must also have an effective opportunity to decline an offer of coverage that is not affordable or does not provide minimum value at least once during the plan year. An employee's election of coverage from a prior year that continues for every succeeding plan year unless the employee affirmatively elects to opt out of the plan constitutes an offer of coverage for purposes of these rules.
However, an effective opportunity to decline is not required for an offer of coverage that provides minimum value and is either affordable (determined based on the federal poverty level safe harbor) or no cost to the employee. Thus, an ALE may not render an employee ineligible for subsidized coverage by providing an employee with mandatory coverage (that is, coverage which the employee is not offered an effective opportunity to decline) that does not provide minimum value.
For an employee to be treated as having been offered coverage for a month (or any day in that month), the coverage offered, if accepted, must be applicable for that month (or that day). If an ALE fails to offer coverage to a full-time employee for any day of a calendar month during which the employee was employed, the employee is treated as not being offered coverage during that entire month. However, a full-time employee who terminates employment in a calendar month will be treated as having been offered coverage during that month as long as the employee would have been offered coverage for the entire month, if he or she had been employed for the entire month.
If an employee enrolls in coverage but fails to pay his or her share of the premium on a timely basis, the ALE is not required to provide coverage for the period for which the premium is not paid on time, but will still be treated as having offered that employee coverage for the remainder of the coverage period (typically, the remainder of the plan year) for purposes of these rules.
Minimum Essential Coverage
For purposes of the employer shared responsibility rules, an ALE is not treated as having offered coverage to an employee unless the coverage qualifies as "minimum essential coverage" (MEC). The definition of MEC under the ACA is very broad, and includes coverage under an eligible employer-sponsored plan. An "eligible employer-sponsored plan" is, with respect to any employee:
- Group health insurance coverage offered by (or on behalf of) an employer to the employee that is either:
- A governmental plan;
- Any other plan or coverage offered in the small or large group market within a state; or
- A grandfathered health plan offered in a group market; or
- A self-insured group health plan under which coverage is offered by (or on behalf of) an employer to the employee.
In general, most employer-sponsored coverage will qualify as MEC. However, MEC does not include coverage consisting solely of excepted benefits (as defined by HIPAA). MEC also does not include specialized coverage, such as coverage only for vision or dental care, workers' compensation, disability policies or coverage only for a specific disease or condition.
Minimum Value
If the coverage offered by an ALE fails to provide minimum value (MV), an employee may be eligible for an Exchange subsidy (and thus, the ALE may be subject to a penalty). A plan fails to provide MV if:
- The plan's share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan is less than 60 percent of those costs; and/or
- The plan does not provide coverage for in-patient hospitalization or physician services.
In addition, an eligible employer-sponsored plan must provide substantial coverage of inpatient hospitalization and physician services to qualify as providing MV.
An employee may also be eligible for an Exchange subsidy (and thus, an ALE may be subject to a penalty) if the coverage offered by the ALE is not affordable. Eligible employer-sponsored coverage is generally affordable if the employee's required contribution for the lowest cost self-only coverage does not exceed 9.5 percent (as adjusted annually) of the taxpayer's household income for the taxable year. The affordability contribution percentage is adjusted annually, as follows: 9.56 percent for 2015 plan years, 9.66 percent for 2016 plan years, 9.69 percent for 2017 plan years, or 9.56 percent for 2018 plan years.
Because an employer generally will not know an employee's household income, the following three optional affordability safe harbors are available for ALEs to determine affordability based on information that is available to them:
- The employee's W-2 wages from that employer that are required to be reported in Box 1;
- The employee's rate of pay (for salaried employees, using the employee's monthly salary, or for hourly employees, using the employee's hourly rate of pay multiplied by 130 hours per month); or
- The FPL for a single individual in effect within six months before the first day of the plan year.
Individual eligibility for Exchange subsidies is still based on household income. However, the ALE will not be subject to a penalty for that employee, even if he or she ultimately receives a subsidy.
Employees Who Have Other Coverage
Under these rules, an ALE is not exempt from liability for failing to offer coverage to full-time employees who have coverage from other sources (such as Medicare, Medicaid or a spouse's employer). The IRS noted that this type of rule would be inconsistent with the employer shared responsibility rules and would require the ALE to verify alternative coverage in a manner not contemplated by the ACA (for example, requiring an ALE to question its employees as to Medicaid eligibility or a spouse's eligibility for and purchase of employer-sponsored coverage).
Regardless of whether or not an ALE offers coverage, it will be potentially liable for a penalty only if at least one of its full-time employees receives a subsidy for coverage purchased through an Exchange. A full-time employee includes only those individuals working 30 hours or more per week. Part-time workers are not included in penalty calculations, even though they are included in the determination of whether an employer is an ALE. An ALE will not pay a penalty for any part-time worker, even if that part-time worker receives a subsidy.
Individuals who are not offered employer-sponsored coverage (and who are not eligible for Medicaid or other programs) may be eligible for a premium tax credit for coverage purchased through an Exchange if they have income between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals who are offered employer-sponsored coverage can only obtain subsidies for Exchange coverage if, in addition to the other criteria above, they also are not enrolled in their employer's coverage and their employer's coverage is either unaffordable or does not provide minimum value.
Other ACA provisions will also affect whether full-time employees can obtain a subsidy for Exchange coverage. For example, Exchanges have "screen and enroll" procedures in place for all individuals who apply for subsidies, which means that individuals who apply for subsidies must be screened for Medicaid and the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and, if found eligible, are to be enrolled in those programs. Exchange subsidies will not be an option for these individuals. This could affect whether any of an ALE's full-time employees obtain an Exchange subsidy.
Penalty for ALEs Not Offering Coverage—The 4980H(a) Penalty
Under Section 4980H(a), an ALE will be subject to a penalty if it does not offer coverage to "substantially all" full-time employees (and dependents) and any of its full-time employees receives an Exchange subsidy. However, the 4980H(a) penalty will not apply to an ALE that intends to offer coverage to all of its full-time employees, but fails to offer coverage to a few of these employees, regardless of whether the failure to offer coverage was inadvertent.
An ALE satisfies the requirement to offer coverage to "substantially all" of its full-time employees and their dependents if it offers coverage to at least 95 percent—or fails to offer coverage to 5 percent (or, if greater, five)—of its full-time employees (and dependents). The alternative margin of five full-time employees is designed to accommodate relatively small ALEs, because a failure to offer coverage to a handful of full-time employees might exceed 5 percent of the ALE's full-time employees.
Under Section 4980H(a), the monthly penalty assessed on ALEs that do not offer coverage to substantially all full-time employees (and their dependents) is equal to the ALE's number of full-time employees (minus 30) x 1/12 of $2,000, for any applicable month. However, ALEs are not required to include any employees who are in a limited non-assessment period in the penalty calculation. A "limited non-assessment period" is a period during which an ALE will not be subject to an employer shared responsibility penalty for a full-time employee, regardless of whether that employee is offered health coverage during that period. These periods include:
- January through March of the employer's first year as an ALE, for an employee who was not offered coverage by the employer during the prior calendar year;
- A permitted waiting period under either the look-back measurement method or the monthly measurement method;
- A new employee's initial measurement period under the look-back measurement method;
- The period following an employee's change in employment status that occurs during his or her initial measurement period under the look-back measurement method; and
- An employee's first calendar month of employment, if he or she begins employment on a day other than the first of the month.
After 2014, the $2,000 penalty amount is indexed by the premium adjustment percentage for the calendar year. The IRS confirmed the adjusted Section 4980H(a) penalty amounts, as follows:
|$2,080 for 2015
|$2,160 for 2016
|$2,260 for 2017
|$2,320 for 2018
Penalty for ALEs Offering Coverage—The 4980H(b) Penalty
ALEs that do offer coverage to substantially all full-time employees (and dependents) may still be subject to penalties if at least one full-time employee obtains a subsidy through an Exchange because:
- The ALE did not offer coverage to all full-time employees; or
- The ALE's coverage is unaffordable or does not provide minimum value.
Under Section 4980H(b), the monthly penalty assessed on an ALE for each full-time employee who receives a subsidy is 1/12 of $3,000 for any applicable month. However, the total penalty for an ALE would be limited to the Section 4980H(a) penalty amount.
After 2014, the $3,000 penalty amount is indexed by the premium adjustment percentage for the calendar year. The IRS confirmed the adjusted Section 4980H(a) penalty amount, as follows:
|$3,120 for 2015
|$3,240 for 2016
|$3,390 for 2017
|$3,480 for 2018
Application to Commonly owned Companies
The ACA's employer shared responsibility rules apply to companies that are treated as a single employer under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) because they form a controlled group of businesses or an affiliated service group. To determine whether a company is an ALE, aggregation rules apply for companies that are related or commonly owned. Under these rules, all employees of a controlled group of businesses or an affiliated service group are taken into account to determine whether an employer is subject to the employer shared responsibility rules. If the combined total meets the ALE threshold, each separate member of the group is subject to the employer shared responsibility rules, even those companies that, on their own, do not have enough employees to meet the threshold.
For a full-time employee who is employed by two or more companies that are treated as a single employer under the Code's aggregation rules, an offer of coverage by one company to an employee is treated as an offer of coverage by all other members of the controlled group or affiliated service group. Thus, if one member of the group offers coverage to the employee for a calendar month, every other member of the same ALE group is considered to have made the same offer of coverage to that employee for purposes of determining liability under the employer shared responsibility rules, if any, of each member. For example, in the case of a group of ALEs operating a single plan intended to offer coverage to employees of all the ALE members, any employee offered coverage under the plan would be treated as receiving an offer of that coverage from each ALE member.
More Information
Please contact Lau & Lau Associates, LLC for more information on the ACA's employer shared responsibility rules.
This overview is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.
© 2014-2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.


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I hope you enjoyed the last installment of the design school series where we talked about the purpose of design. I'm hoping this is somewhat interesting and I'm not boring everyone to tears. Like I said before, I'm doing this for my own benefit since I've been out of school for awhile and need a refresher course, and I'm hoping someone out there may find it insightful.
Today we are going to talk about the elements of design. If anyone decided to take an entry level design course, you would spend countless hours learning and analyzing the principles and elements of design. I'm going to break this up into two segments and just go over the elements today. Still, we will keep it brief. I could probably do a post on each element but then I'm sure you'd be bored to tears!
I decided the easiest way to go about this is to take one designer and show off how she used different elements in her spaces. So all the images used in this post are from my favorite TV designer Candice Olson. (I will one day be as fabulous as her!)
Line is everywhere. To incorporate line into design you don't have to go paint stripes on the wall, though you could. Line can be used in a window treatment, the back of a sofa, or a series of wall art. Basically, a line is any two points in space that are visually connected. Depending on the feel a person is going for, you can use lines in different ways. A vertical line creates formality, dignity, and a feeling of structure. A horizontal line suggests rest, tranquility, and a more casual feel. A diagonal line creates movement and activity in a space, and a curved line is natural, freer, and adds softness.
In this example room the long horizontal lines of the couch and entertainment center make the room a comfortable and relaxing space, while the vertical line of the window treatments and glass tile wall adds drama and elegance. What a great combo!
Shape and Form
The human mind is naturally drawn to shapes. In a seemingly random grouping the eye will naturally try to find shapes in them, such as a circle, square or triangle. Perfect shapes will feel very safe and balanced, and imperfect shapes create tension and interest. We can use this knowledge when placing furniture and accessories.
In this room we see many squares. The art is square, the table is square, and the seating group in the back forms a square. However it is broken up by the diagonally placed chairs, the round lamps, and the triangular form created by the candle sticks. By creating and varying the shapes in a room, the room has both order and interest.
Texture, Pattern, and Ornament
Texture and Pattern, while separate elements, are used in the same way. They create interest and can give emphasis to a particular object. Ornament is anything that is unnecessary for function but enriches a surface. All great spaces will have a mix of these three elements.
This is a great example of a room that uses texture and pattern to create interest. This room is very monochromatic and would be dull without the texture from the blinds, furniture, and flooring. The beautiful pattern in the curtains, pillows, and floors give the room focus. The result is a dynamic, yet restful, space.
Value and Color
Color is a major element in any design. It can be used to bring unity to objects, or to make an object stand out. Color can be used to create a mood, to create a focal point, to create balance, or to create interest. Value is simply the lightness/darkness of a color and can also be used to create balance and/or make a feature stand out.
In this otherwise neutral room, the green color is used to add interest to the space, give focus to the windows, and help your eye visually travel through the space. There is a ton more we can learn about color and I'm sure I will someday do a design school segment dedicated to color alone.
Opacity, Transparency, and Translucency
The last three elements deal with the passage of light. Opaque object do not allow the passage of light, transparent objects do, and translucent objects are somewhere in the middle. Light is very important to interiors and we use these elements to control how that light is spread.
The most obvious source of light in this room is the window. A translucent window panel allows for soft, filtered light and the opaque blind help stop unwanted light. Translucency is also used to defuse the light coming from the chandelier. This is also a great time to note that mirrors, while technical opaque, are used to bounce light into the room and are a very powerful lighting tool.
So there you have it, the elements of design and how they are applied in interiors. In our next installment I will discuss the principles of design so be sure not to miss it! I hope you found this interesting and learned something that will help you analyse the spaces that surround you.

subset: commoncrawl


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Memo to the Obama campaign: When you put up surrogates on national television, make sure they can answer a basic question like lilke "can you name anything your candidate has accomplished in office."
Right now, MSNBC is running a debate between surrogates for each campaign. Chris Matthews put the question to the Obama surrogate, state senator Kirk Watson. And Watson said ... nothing. Matthews then came back to him and pressed him on it: "List Barack Obama's accomplishments in the U.S. Senate right now." And Watson said ... nothing. Again.
It was about as awkward a moment as I've seen on tv in a long time. And the Clinton surrogate (whose name I didn't catch) jumped all over it.
Afterwards, Keith Olbermann gave Matthews a hard time about this -- pointing out, subtly, that campaigns are supposed to prep their surrogates and, in this case, somebody obviously forgot. In other words, viewers shouldn't conclude from this exchange that Obama hasn't accomplished anything worthwhile. (He has, particularly if you include his time in Illinois, though Clinton's record may still be better.)
Now, it would be fair to conclude that perhaps the Obama communications shop needs to work on its surrogate prep. Then again, it's a bit unfair to criticize a campaign that -- by virtually any measure -- is on an incredible roll right now.
--Jonathan Cohn


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Bend, Oregon — Oregon Manifest and Deschutes Brewery have teamed up to bring the best of two worlds together: bikes and beer. Oregon Manifest, a nonprofit organization that recently launched with "The Bike Design Project"– a pioneering bike design competition which partners five high-level design firms with American bicycle craftsmen to create the Ultimate Urban Utility Bike—has partnered with Deschutes Brewery to create custom beers that pair with each respective bike design. The result? The ultimate marriage of our favorite mode of transportation and favorite beverage.
Shannon Holt, Oregon Manifest co-founder said, "Oregon Manifest and The Bike Design Project are rooted in the collaborative power of design, innovation and making. Partnering with a company that is equally passionate about craft and experimentation, like Deschutes Brewery, makes this year's competition all the more exciting. Not only will we gain what we're sure will be five remarkable bike designs, but we'll have specialty craft beers to go with each of them."
Teams for the competition originate from five cycle-centric cities including:
- Chicago: MINIMAL x Method Bicycle
- New York City: Pensa x Horse Cycles
- Portland: INDUSTRY x Ti Cycles
- San Francisco: Huge Design x 4130 Cycle Works
- Seattle: TEAGUE x Sizemore Bicycles
Deschutes Brewery brewers worked closely with each team to create a unique beer style that they felt would best represent their respective bike designs and cities. Each small batch beer will be brewed at Deschutes Brewery's brew pubs in Portland and Bend, Oregon, and will be served at the reveal events in each competing city on July 25. Captain Lawrence Brewery is brewing the beer for the New York City team, as Deschutes Brewery beers are not yet available in New York.
"This was a really interesting and fun process to work with the design teams," said Deschutes Brewery's Portland-based assistant brewmaster, Ben Kehs. "They all had their own unique style and approach to the Oregon Manifest project. We asked questions like 'if this bike were a beer, what style of beer would it be?' all the way to requesting a list of specific adjectives that the teams would use to describe their design. We are excited to pour the beers and show everyone what we came up with."
Along with their ultimate commuter bike design, each team developed a label for their own paired beer. Beers will be announced every two weeks starting June 3 on social media — @deschutesbeer and @oregonmanifest.
About Oregon Manifest
ÔÇ¿Oregon Manifest is a nonprofit organization based in Portland Oregon that provides a platform for designers, engineers, craftsmen and makers to collaboratively develop modern bike designs that can expand transportation options for the everyday rider. The organization is an independent creative catalyst, bringing high-level talent and innovative thinking to the growing need for a bike that is a tool for living. Oregon Manifest values the process of making, the spirit of ingenuity, and the passion of brave undertakings. www.oregonmanifest.com
About Deschutes BreweryÔÇ¿
Founded in 1988 as a brew pub in Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is known for brewing a diverse line-up of award winning beers including the popular Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale. In 2008, the brewery opened a second pub in Portland's Pearl District. Deschutes Brewery now ships beer to 25 states and around the world from its main brewing facility located on the banks of the Deschutes River. To find out more, visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com.


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By Anna Paula Goncalves
LOS ANGELES – With the 2018 Emmy Awards right around the corner, (September 17th) 'pre-Emmy' events are already in full swing out here in Los Angeles. So, of course, it was only right that we'd also get in on the festivities. And that I did – at the Coded PR Emmy's Suite Happy Hour.
I got a chance to browse some of their ready-to-wear accessories and formalwear collections, mingle, get a facial by CryoCafe, try a Peachberry detox water for the first time and, naturally, see beautiful people – fashionistas, influencers, male, females, and teens – stopping by to hang out.
A beautifully organized event put on by a team of powerhouse women that are on deck ready to get you red carpet ready-to-make-a-statement ready with the help of their clients: Lacoste, JustFab, Watters, Rime Arodaky, Le Marche by NP, ShoeDazzle, artTECA, CALLIDAE, Chooka, Staheekum, Sophie Voila and so many others.
As VP of Social + Influencer, Claire Barthelemy (left) and Senior Account Executive, Arlene Guerrero (right) both agreed on: they are the "one stop shop" for all red carpet needs. So if that's you and you want to step your fabulous game up to an even higher level, these ladies are taking on appointments. All you have to do is head on over to their website for showroom requests and pulls.
And now… I'll leave you with a few words once spoken by the one who was never shy about making a statement:
Happy Emmy Season everyone!
Terri Stanley
Jan Saragoni
Carol Beggy
Harry Koffman
Tonya Mezrich
Joane Nelson
Anna Paula Goncalves
Jason Margaca
Steven Tackeff
Steve Defillippo
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Emily Rooney
Kathy Benharris
Jeff Lahens
Scott Kearnan
Zoey Gulmi
Ben Illis
Kathleen Connor
Sonig Varadian
Will Shank
Tony Corey
Richard Baiano
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Map of the local innovation industry.
Meet some of the best and newest startups based in Brisbane.
QR codes systems for COVID-19.
Simple tools for bars, restaurants, offices, and other small proximity businesses.
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SayBack allows business owners and corporations to instantly receive and respond to any online reviews made about their products or services. It is sent through sms/email. Sayback allows businesses to spin negative reviews into positive results: * Build better ...
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Are you sick of having to post all your food photos on all your favourite social media service's? Cookoo has developed the ultimate Foodie experience giving users a wide range of features to feed their sharing hunger. We have developed a single deiticated platform ...


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Jul 042016
It's with a heavy heart that I say that my love, Aunt Mitzi, has passed away! My heart is totally broken. I'm going to miss this woman so very much! She was an Angel on earth, and now she's an Angel in heaven! She will be truly missed for the rest of my days! She is the last of her era too. All we have left is my cousins, and our era. We are a tight family so we have each other now.
I love you Aunt Mitz, I'm going to miss you so much! I can feel my heart breaking! Rest in Peace my love. God bless!


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Lots of kit and lots of visual appeal for Honda's refreshed hatch – but what's it like to live with?
In answer to a fair bit of criticism aimed at the outgoing model, Honda has thrown everything at the new 10th-generation Civic. It has the distinction of being the most expensively developed Honda road car in history.
With extra length, extra width, less height and a less divisive look inside and out, there's definitely something attention-grabbing (if not classically handsome) about the new car.
In terms of driving appeal, the old Civic was never really up to par with its generally excellent rivals, so this car has had a full chassis rethink, with a greater distance between the wheels on either side and more clever suspension, plus new engines promising enhanced performance and economy.
The i newsletter latest news and analysis
We'll be running one for the next six months to see if the new Civic actually is better all round than its predecessor. As all of the world's five-door Civics are being built in Swindon, we went over there to pick ours up.
Initial impressions of our Rallye Red SR-trim car with black alloy wheels, grille and detailing were distinctly favourable. No Civic is poorly equipped, with stacks of standard safety features like automatic emergency city braking and lane departure warning. SR cars have such nice touches as 17-inch alloys, dual zone climate control, a seven-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, and a rear parking camera.
The old Civic's unconventional interior is gone, and that's a good thing. The new instrument cluster is much easier to look at and use than the slightly bewildering dual-level dash. You still have to look through a rear window that's partially obstructed by a bar, so we'd elevate the rear-view camera to something nearer a necessity than a luxury. At least that bar is thinner than before.
The driving position is much lower and more sporty feeling, and although the seatback angle is adjusted by a rather old-school ratchet lever rather than a rotary knob, you won't have any difficulty in finding a good set-up. The family is well looked after too, thanks to generous space (if not massive headroom) in the rear compartment. The boot is enormous, and its false floor concealing an additional storage area will be handy for preventing the leaping around of supermarket bags.
There are two engines available in the launch phase. Ours is 127bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, which posts an official 55.4mpg and 117g/km of CO2. The other choice is a 1.5-litre four, with a 1.6-litre diesel and a Type R hot hatch due to join the fray.
Even with such an apparently tiny powerplant our Civic moves along the road in an entirely acceptable manner, even fully loaded. Add a compliant ride, not much body roll, accurate steering and an oily gearchange and the result is a package that delivers on many fronts. This could be a welcome return to form for a company revered for its engineering prowess but suffering of late with lukewarm products.


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Lamina parquet
A lamina parquet floor is a finished floor. Immediately after it is laid you can put your furniture on it and enjoy your floor from your easy chair.
Hardly any working
Lamina parquet most of the times is 14 to 15 millimetres thick and has been manufactured in three layers. A top layer of around 4 millimetres hardwood above two layers of pinewood. The first and third layers are right-angled on the second layer, the so-called sandwich construction, which gives extra stability. The under high pressure gluing of the three layers gives stability as well. Lamina parquet for this reason works considerably less than a massive wood floor, to a factor ten less.
Smooth and ready to use
Lamina parquet has a tongue and groove or, nowadays more often, a click system (WoodLoc®), to easily lay the floor. Lamina parquet comes already chafed and polished or oiled, so after laying it, your floor is ready to use.


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Send your promotional news to: email@example.com
Food industry by-products
Yous if Elhassaneen, Sherif Ragab and Raghda Mashalin their new research paper titled "Improvement of Bioactive Compounds Content and Antioxidant Properties in Crackers with the Incorporation of Prickly Pear and Potato Peels Powder" look at the issue of food industry by-products in Egypt. Agricultural and food industries in the Arab world represent a large proportion of waste was estimated at18.14 million tons per year and represent remnants of fruits and vegetables manufacture about 6.14% of this amount. Processing of fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds may results in high amounts of waste materials such as peels, seeds, stones and oilseed meals.
Disposal of these materials usually represents a problem that is further aggravated by legal restrictions. Plant waste is prone to microbial spoilage; therefore, drying is necessary before further exploitation. The cost of drying, storage, and transport poses additional economical limitations to waste utilization.
Disposal of food industry by-products induced environmental pollution
Therefore, our paper aimed to analyze some food industry by-products including potatoes and prickly peach peels that constitute to waste for their nutraceutical values as food ingredient thus reducing its contribution to environmental pollution. Also, utilization of such by-products for their recovery of dietary fibers, bioactive compounds and antioxidants in the production of snacks such crackers was in the scope of this study.
Prickly pear peel (PPP) and potatoes peel (PP) were dehydrated under vacuum at 700C for 3 hrs to obtain prickly pear peel powder (PPPP) and potatoes peel powder (PPP) with 7% moisture content
Bioactive compounds analysis indicated that PPPP and PPP contains high levels of many valuable bioactive compounds/antioxidants such total phenolics, (421 and 1388 mg GAE.g-1DW) and carotenoids (217.11 and 135.76 mg.g-1 DW) as well as total dietary fiber (39.53 and 45.91 g.100g-1DW). The total dietary fiber, carotenoids and total phenolics content in crackers increased from 5.89, 3.01 and 110.23 to 8.11, 14.34 and 143.28 with 5% incorporation of PPPP and 8.74 g.100g-1, 7.88 mg.g-1 and 192.79 mg EGA.g-1 with 5% incorporation of PPP, respectively. Also, the antioxidant activity (AA) in control crackers was 30.11% which increased to 38.14 and 42.07% with the incorporation of PPPP and PPP by 5%, respectively. In conclusion, data of the present study revealed that food industry by-products can be good sources of valuable bioactive compounds and antioxidants subsequently extend their potential uses as natural antioxidants in nutritional and therapeutic applications. Synthetic food additive/antioxidants such as butylatedhydroxyanisole (BHA),butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT)etc have been used as antioxidants since the beginning of the last century. Restrictions on the use of these compounds, however, are being imposed because of their toxicity/carcinogenicity. Thus, the interest in natural antioxidants and phyto-bioactive compounds has increased considerably.
Paper link:


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Dubai-based flydubai launched a new holidays division last month. The online portal is designed to be a one-stop shop for passengers to browse for and book their holiday packages consisting of flights and hotels, with the option to add ancillary services.
Commenting on the launch, Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer of flydubai, said: "The launch of flydubai's Holidays division marks yet another milestone in our growth story and our continued investment in providing customers with an enhanced travel experience along every touchpoint of their journey."
By combining internally sourced wholesale hotel rates and rates provided by third parties with competitive airfares, Holidays by flydubai offers competitive travel packages. Customers will also have the option to add ancillary services to their holiday experience, including airport transfers, sightseeing packages, UAE visa facilitation, car rental and excursions.
Nelson D'souza, vice-president – Holidays, commented on the launch: "Booking with holidays.flydubai.com puts our passengers in control of their entire holiday experience as they can purchase tailormade packages that suit all budgets with a single booking process. The portal already gives passengers access to thousands of hotel options and other add-ons through our partners. We look forward to rolling out more options in the future."
The website is fully responsive across three breakpoints (desktop, tablet and smartphone) and is available in three languages – English, Arabic and Russian.
TTN is the most established trade publication in the Middle East distributed on a controlled circulation basis to members of the travel and tourism industry.
Published monthly by Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group, the region's foremost trade publisher, TTN is aimed at professionals in the industry, from travel agents to airline and hotel personnel.
TTN provides in-depth and extensive coverage of relevant issues in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in other parts of the world. Travel related news, analysis, and new appointments together with information on up-coming exhibitions, marketing and promotional campaigns are presented in an innovative and striking colour tabloid.
Every issue also contains a collation of international and regional news and topical features of interest to readers.
|+973 1729 3131
|+971 4 3422 020
|+44 208 943 3630
|[email protected]
|[email protected]


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11:44 am
December 11, 2011
alien hybrid is taking yo ass down. yo networks of delegitimisers ,
the ones who wrote laws that subverted the constitution and bill of rights ,
the ones who helped , communications who traded business with the government against" fair trade practices" and values all Americans hold dear. why else will
a govt make laws to protect you from lawsuits ?
those of you who helped write laws that protected themselves from justice .(immunity from justice every one else is subject to. ) tha law doesn't apply to you )
those who commit crimes against life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
the ones who pimped privacy for access , or to be in business , traded
for their lives. the communications companies . from prosecution.
you went after us- those who spoke truth to power in the middle east.
we were targeted.the ones who now believe Israel has lost
her legitimacy to exist . because of her war crimes against Palestine and her being the " lone wolf of nuclear ambiguity"( copyright .) in that she terrorizes the peaceful neighbors and incites them to desperate acts. why else would people blow themselves up ?
my deepest apologies - redact to read , 47 borders, complete right of return.
I ask you israelians withdrawal from the occupied territories, withdrawal from the west bank and gaza. respect international law and all UN resolutions .
I will fight for you then. I will be at your side. ( yes , a dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste . not much longer)
I do not have the answers to much. but as a simple man . I do know seeking ,
taking the road to peace is the path to take . I ask you to dismantle and turn over, all nuclear weapons to IAEA and NATO CC for destruction and decom.
Israel I ask and pray , you redeem your nation , through benevalant actions ,
allow the Palestinians to come home . sell them no more stolen horses from
their own barns and stables . Salam / shalom / withdrawal /
I am the leper whom wears the cattle bell with pride.
1 Guest(s)


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Aprons: My Grandmother Used to Wear One: By Diane Shink
The wearing of aprons is becoming more popular as a statement of style as well as being worn for functional purposes.
Aprons: My Grandmother Used to Wear One showcases 63 aprons in Diane's large collection – 747 and counting! Her extensive knowledge and experience of fabrics and quilts are brought to bear in the descriptions of the aprons. She gives details about the fabrics and the decorative styles and techniques used on each apron and the occasion when each would have been worn. For one heart-shaped apron in February, Diane tells us "This was possibly worn by a hostess when entertaining after having company in for a game of cards, as the embroidery echoes not only the heart shape, but also… clubs, spades and diamonds". It also includes anecdotal information about her textile experiences. The pages are arranged by monthly themes laid out in perpetual style so it can also be used as a date book, one page per week.
A special launch price of $25 plus $4 postage and handling per book is available for shipment within Canada. This self-published book in full colour is printed in Canada.
A portion of the sales from this book will be donated to libraries in the communities where the author lives – the Children's Library in Montreal West and the River John Library in Nova Scotia.
For more information contact Diane at firstname.lastname@example.com, phone 514-605-7845 or visit http://www.dimacquilt.com/


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All Snapt licenses include our full and free redundancy plugin. Floating virtual IP addresses and configuration replication enable true high availability.
Easy-to-use high availability.
Snapt Redundancy is an active/passive solution, where traffic only flows through the designated master device.
Snapt solutions sit in an integral part of the network, and are always key components of your users' experience. We have therefore designed the system to be redundant from the ground up.
Snapt offers one of the only solutions which allows an unlimited number of standby devices, with an unlimited number of floating virtual IP addresses. Snapt's redundancy ensures zero downtime in the event of a software or hardware failure on your web accelerator, ADC or load balancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it priced?
Enterprise plans include redundancy for free, while on standard plans you purchase two licenses.
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Yes, everything is replicated automatically. SSL certificates, config files, preferences and more.
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Yes! The trial can be run on two devices at once, allowing you to fully set up redundancy in your environment.
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Snapt includes the Snapt GSLB, which is a full service co-location high availability tool.
Download Snapt now and revolutionize your network
An unlimited free trial and full purchasing options are available on the shop.GET SNAPT FREE TRIAL


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-- Home
My Poem List
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Today's Poetry
Love Keeps
Today may seem a lonesome trek
Inside our home where once I slept
When time was mine to share with you
Time I keep that made us two
Though far is where I roam this day
I have high hopes to share what played
A lifetime with the one I loved
That's you dear wife I write now of
Be strong and know I'll never leave
Inside your heart I also breathe
For it is there where you'll find me
There always so please believe
Believe love keeps me close right there
There where GOD allowed to share
A man who loved and tried to be
Always with you I pray you see
Be strong my love and listen to
The breeze today I whisper through
My words to ears that gave me joy
Though old became of me your boy
Believe love keeps what still is mine
You I'll wait for when it is time
To be with you as GOD allows
My love to walk upon His clouds
Be not afraid of coming days
For this you know we both have prayed
As this is not the end my dear
It now begins my name I hear
Called out as I now walk on through
Past white pearled gates as you will too
Among all those we shared when time
Was ours to have both yours and mine
I share of bread at banquet grand
A gown of white, Gold streets there stands
Women I knew were close to heart
Elvira your mother, aunt Carmelita a part
Part of you and also mine
Part of us that shared lifetime
Times to laugh and also cry
Today our GOD has hushed my sighs
Hold to moments that keep your smile
Lean now on them for just awhile
As they bring joy that warms my soul
Joy in time where you I'll hold
Love keeps today and yesterdays
Tomorrows too one day away
Closer my dear when fast asleep
Closer than close as love keeps
This write is for my sister Noelia with love from Luis
Love Keeps
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More Than
Color Him Father
In The Midst of Grief
The Pulse
A Piece of Me
In the morn
In the morn
Almost Home
The path to Zia
With Love, John
A Sleeveless Heart
My constant miss
For What Purpose
Before my eyes
Luis the Lion-hearted
Love Keeps
What becomes of Love?
I'm Still Here
The Christmas card
Per Chance
A minute theirs
Looking For Forever
Redemption's Hill
For GOD so loved Ms Pat
In Harm's Way ( A Veterans day poem )
A Dunkin' kind of Angel
Focused Agenda
A fill runs empty
For Annette, author 3877
Daughter of Wonders
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Scots granted vote for independence
By: Mary Gearin
ELEANOR HALL: Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond says it's the most important decision for his country in several hundred years.
Overnight he and British prime minister David Cameron signed a formal agreement allowing Scots to vote in a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.
The referendum will take place in 2014 and, unlike the complex question Australians were asked about a republic in 1999, this one will involve simply saying yes or no to independence, as Europe correspondent Mary Gearin reports.
(Excerpt from Braveheart)
BRAVEHEART: They may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!
(End of excerpt)
MARY GEARIN: So said Hollywood's Braveheart, but what will modern Scots say?
Now it's official - they'll make their voices heard in the autumn of 2014, shortly after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, perhaps riding on a wave of nationalistic fervour.
The referendum agreement has been hailed as the biggest political development for Scotland in the 300 years since its parliament was bound to England's.
First minister, Alex Salmond:
ALEX SALMOND: And it paves the way of course for the most important decision that our country of Scotland has made in several hundred years.
We are in the business of developing a new relationship between the peoples of these islands - I think a more beneficial and independent and equal relationship. That's what we're trying to build.
MARY GEARIN: John Mckay is an independence activist and he acknowledges polls suggest most Scots are still nervous about breaking away from the strength of the UK.
JOHN MCKAY: That was always the argument, yeah it's a good idea laddy but you'll never get it. We're too small, we're too wee, we're too poor, you know. And it's getting over that lack of confidence.
MARY GEARIN: Scottish nationalists won their fight to grant 16 and 17 year olds the right to cast their vote, although ironically, a recent media poll suggested only a quarter of them would support independence.
But UK prime minister David Cameron won his argument for a single question, yes/no vote for independence.
DAVID CAMERON: One single simple question - that for me was always the key. Now we've dealt with the process, now we should get on with the real arguments. And I passionately believe that Scotland will be better off in the United Kingdom, but also crucially, the United Kingdom will be better off with Scotland. We are better together.
MARY GEARIN: The single question referendum is not, for instance, like the more complex ballot about a particular model of independence that many blamed for scuppering a yes vote for an Australian republic 13 years ago.
Professor Paul Cairney is chair in politics and public policy at the University of Aberdeen. He says the simplicity of the question may work against David Cameron's desired result.
PAUL CAIRNEY: There's a chance that people who wanted to vote for more devolution will vote yes to independence simply because they don't have the opportunity to vote yes for something else.
MARY GEARIN: From the outside this looks like the culmination of 300 years essentially of quite romantic notions of independence. What is it like from the inside?
PAUL CAIRNEY: It certainly feels less romantic when you're subjected to the debates every day.
I think the biggest factor seems to be economic. So if people feel that they are significantly better or worse off under independence, that will be the biggest factor.
If, as I suspect, people aren't quite sure what the economic effect will be then I think it will come down more to emotions and gut instincts.
But even then I don't think there'll be a majority that will, you know, that will say yes. But it might be, you know, there might be you know mid forties.
MARY GEARIN: Somewhat less romantic than the Hollywood version.
This is Mary Gearin in London for The World Today.


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Children's Ministry
Our goal is to communicate God's Word through music and creative activities so that children can take what they learn intellectually and apply it to real life. In this relational experience, we desire to develop a deep sense of love and respect for our Lord Jesus Christ in the mind and heart of the child.
Join the Fun
Children services are held at 945 on Sundays and Bible study at 7:00 on Tuesdays.


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The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continuation of armed confrontations in Aden, calling for calm, de-escalation and maintaining the security and safety of Yemeni citizens.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has stressed the need for all parties to support the efforts and confront the Houthi coup militia and other terrorist groups and eliminate them.
Sheikh Abdullah called for a responsible and serious dialogue to end the differences and work on unity in this delicate phase while maintaining security and stability.
He also stressed that the UAE, as an active partner in the Saudi-led Arab coalition, is exerting all efforts to calm and de-escalate the situation in Aden and in urging to rally efforts against the Houthi coup and its repercussions.
Due to the difficult situation, it is important for Martin Griffiths, United Nations, UN, Special Envoy for Yemen, to make all possible efforts to end the escalation in Aden because of its repercussions on the UN efforts, which is striving to achieve security and stability through the political track, dialogue and negotiations, he added.
Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs


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Garment Care
We recommend using an enzyme-free detergent such as ECOS or Seventh Generation in your laundry routine. Please avoid brightening agents.
Wash cold.
Line dry in the shade to keep colors vibrant or tumble dry delicate/low.
For berries and stains, simply soak in cold water for several hours and wash as usual.
For stubborn stains or discoloring, try soaking the garment in a bucket with a bit of white vinegar for a few hours and then launder as usual.
Do not treat with bleach or oxi-clean products.
To keep your garments looking bright, please store away from light.
For more questions or info regarding garment care, please email Rosina- email@example.com.


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(Chonburi, Thailand)
Duration: 2d
People per booking: 1 - 4
Age restrictions: 12 - 99
Languages: English, Thai
Organised by: No Limit Divers
PADI Enriched Air Diver is the most popular specialty scuba diving course. Mastering this skill gives you less decompression time, especially when you are doing repetitive scuba diving. You will be able to stay down longer and getting back in the water sooner!
What will you learn?
This course consists of 2 optional dives and lasts for 2 days
4 days before start
The Price is All-In
All data is encrypted
Save Money on Taxi
Duration: 2d
People per booking: 1 - 4
Age restrictions: 12 - 99
Departure location: We arrange a pick up
Arrival location: Same as departure
Timezone: Asia/Bangkok


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Get to Know Your Apprenticeships
Whether you're an employer or a prospective learner, with so many different qualifications available in the UK it can be difficult to know where to start with apprenticeships. We've put together this reference guide to help you to understand the different types of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications available to you.
Frameworks & Standards
The first step to finding the right programme for your organisation is to select an appropriate framework. An apprenticeship framework is a definition of the requirements of what an apprentice must learn during their training. It's a definition that's used by training providers, colleges and employers to ensure that all apprenticeship programmes are delivered consistently and to agreed standards. In other words, frameworks ensure that every apprentice of any given subject has the same basic skills and competencies as the next.
Each framework includes the details of the required qualifications, the key skills targets, and anything else that need to be completed. As well as this, the frameworks also include information on job roles, entry routes, course length and typical career paths available upon completion.
Frameworks by Nation
In England, frameworks are gradually being replaced by a new series of learning requirements called standards. The move to standards, which have been developed by employer groups called 'Trailblazers', has been taken to ensure that apprenticeship qualifications are truly employer-led.
Whilst the move to standards is taking place, the relevant existing frameworks are still in use.
England: SASE
Our pan-sector apprenticeship frameworks are compliant with the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE). The SASE sets out the minimum requirements that must be included in any recognised English apprenticeship framework.
All Instructus Skills frameworks can be found at Apprenticeship Frameworks Online (these are currently listed under 'Skills CFA').
Given the ongoing move from frameworks to standards for English apprenticeships, some frameworks are no longer available. For more information on upcoming framework expiry dates please visit the English Framework Withdrawal Schedule.
Wales: SASW
Our pan-sector apprenticeship frameworks are compliant with the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW). The SASW sets out the minimum requirements which must be included in any recognised Welsh apprenticeship framework.
All Instructus Skills frameworks can be found at Apprenticeship Frameworks Online (these are currently listed under 'Skills CFA').
Scotland: Modern Apprenticeships
Our pan-sector Modern Apprenticeship (MA) frameworks are approved by the Modern Apprenticeship Group. They set out the minimum requirements which must be included in any recognised Scottish apprenticeship framework.
Before delivering the frameworks, please ensure that your centre is registered and meets the established criteria. For more information on registration and certification please contact us.
Learners can be registered on these frameworks immediately, but all MA centres interested in delivering the revised 2011 Management frameworks must contact us first as we are responsible for candidate registrations and certifications.
Northern Ireland: ApprenticeshipsNI
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland generally use the same qualifications as England and Wales but are overseen by ApprenticeshipsNI.
Information on framework requirements for Northern Ireland can be found on the ApprenticeshipsNI site.
How are Apprenticeships Structured?
There are multiple ways of building an apprenticeship qualification, from using an established course to developing a bespoke training programme for your needs.
Whichever route you take, you need to know which qualification you are entitled to.
National Occupational Standards (NOS)
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the definitions of what an individual should learn on any given qualification. They define the exact performance and understanding that apprentices are expected to achieve when carrying out specific functions in the workplace.
To ensure that NOS remain accurate and reflect current industry practice, they are developed and reviewed regularly through consultation with:
- Relevant Business Sectors
- Employer Organisations
- Awarding Organisations
- Training Providers
Benefits of NOS
NOS offer a flexibility that makes them suitable to a range of different applications within the UK and further afield. However, the primary use of NOS is for the training, development, recruitment and selection of staff.
NOS can be used to:
- Define good practice;
- Form the basis of competence frameworks for organisations or departments;
- Provide managers with a tool for workforce management and quality control;
- Design training programmes and development frameworks;
- Develop job descriptions and person specifications for recruitment;
- Benchmark performance and undertake staff appraisals;
- Set individual or team objectives.
Qualifications & Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) provides the structure for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. QCF qualifications are designed with the help of employers, so learners can be assured they are gaining the skills that employers are looking for.
The QCF takes a modular approach to qualifications, enabling learners to build up qualifications step by step. These modules, which are based upon NOS, are QCF units.
QCF Units
Unlike NOS, which are general resources, QCF units are the building blocks for QCF qualifications. Awarding organisations should use existing units wherever possible when developing business skills – rather than developing their own modules – as QCF units can be used across the UK for many different qualifications.
Visit the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation ⇢
National Vocational Qualifications
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are competence-based qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and are usually delivered in the workplace or in partnership with a college or external training provider.
Unlike traditional qualifications, NVQs can be tailored to suit the learner's needs. There is no final exam or grade upon completion; instead, NVQs focus on the learner's skills, knowledge and behaviour within the workplace. NVQs are created and assessed using defined National Occupational Standards (NOS).
The overall aim of an NVQ is to recognise a learner's competency in the workplace.
Benefits of NVQs
Employees earn:
- A clearer understanding of their responsibilities;
- Recognition of existing skills;
- The opportunity to develop new skills.
Employers gain:
- Improved employee performance and motivation;
- Improved quality of service.
Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) supports learners, learning providers and employers in Scotland by providing access to appropriate education and training. The SCQF also helps employers, learners and the wider public to understand:
- The full range of Scottish qualifications;
- How qualifications relate to each other and to other forms of learning;
- How different types of qualifications can improve skills in the workforce.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are competence-based qualifications, and are usually delivered in the workplace or in partnership with a college or external training provider.
Much like an NVQ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, an SVQ can be tailored to suit the learner's needs. There is no final exam or grade upon completion; instead, SVQs recognise the learner's skills, knowledge and behaviour within the workplace. The aim of an SVQ is to reward job competence.
Further Information
For further information about UK apprenticeships, apprenticeship frameworks and upcoming framework withdrawals please visit the Apprenticeships page of the government website.


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http://www.globalharmonization.net/backgroundWhat is the Global Harmonization Initiative?
What is GHI? - BackgroundFounded in 2004 as a joint activity of the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) International Division and the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST), the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) is a network of scientific organizations and individual scientists working together to promote harmonization of global food safety regulations and legislation. Our MissionGHI's objective is to achieve consensus on the science of food regulations and legislation to ensure the global availability of safe and wholesome food products for all consumers. GHI facilitates global discussion about the scientific issues that support decisions made by national governments and international regulatory bodies by:
GHI anticipates that the elimination of regulatory differences through sound science-based decision-making will make it more attractive for the private sector to invest in food safety and R&D, consequently strengthening the competitiveness of each nation's food industry and of the industries supplying the food sector. Harmonizing global regulations will aid in the uptake and application of new technologies, as well as encourage the food industry to invest in technologies to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply for consumers worldwide. For public health agencies responsible for overseeing the safety of the international food supply, harmonization of food safety and quality standards and regulations will bring a higher level of confidence that risk-reduction strategies and food safety measures are effective, that decisions taken are based on science and not on underlying political agendas that may be in conflict with public health goals, and that available resources are allocated where they have the highest impact on the most pressing foodborne disease-related problems.Organizational StructureGHI has legal non-profit entity status and its charter and constitution are registered in Vienna, Austria as the GHI Association (ZVR: 453446383). GHI develops and manages its consensus-building activities according to the organizational structure shown at left. While oversight is provided by the Executive Committee, issues are identified and prioritized by the general membership at workshops held at various locations throughout the world. Experts approve consensus statements to ensure impartiality prior to release.Consensus-building Activities In order to build consensus among scientists on global harmonization of food safety regulations, GHI organizes member meetings, workshops and symposia to further its collaborative work and to provide educational out reach to key stakeholders. In 2009, GHI held working group meetings in the U.S., The Netherlands, India, China, and the Czech Republic, and will hold meetings in Hungary, Mexico, and the U.S. in the latter half of the year. Workshops are also planned for locations in Turkey, South Africa and the U.S. in 2010. As part of its efforts to provide tools and science-based guidance for promoting harmonization of food safety laws and regulations, GHI's Working Groups continually collect and evaluate available data to produce consensus proposals or statements related to controversies and issues in science and regulations of food. With support and participation of its individual members and member organizations, GHI has formulated approaches to critically (re-)evaluate the scientific evidence used to support existing global regulations in the areas of product composition, processing operations, and technologies or measures designed to prevent foodborne illness. Current GHI Working Group efforts include:
Global Framework, Global ImpactGHI actively encourages scientists from industry, government and academia working in the field of food safety to join as individual members at no cost in order to build a truly global, impartial consensus on the current scientific knowledge that will inform objective legislative and regulatory decision-making on the world stage. This no-fee threshold for enrollment means that GHI members hail from every continent and every key food protection stakeholder group, allowing GHI access to a broad global scientific and regulatory knowledge base. This globally diverse, independent expertise creates the basis from which GHI formulates workable, scientifically sound and politically impartial consensus statements that will have a positive impact on global harmonization efforts.
Recent Accomplishments GHI members have published a number of papers on the subject of food law and regulation harmonization. A full list can be viewed at GlobalHarmonization.net. Most recently, the organization's first book, Ensuring Global Food Safety: Exploring Global Harmonization, will be published in November 2009 by Elsevier Science Publishers. The book features 24 chapters contributed by a veritable Who's Who in the field of global food safety, and is designed to demonstrate why scientific consensus on global harmonization is needed, and to provide examples and science-based tools for improving legislation and regulation. The intended audience includes food producers, packagers, new product development scientists and those involved with the international distribution of foods, who must understand the issues and concerns that both surround - and can be addressed by - global harmonization of food safety regulations, as well as government and industry professionals who are responsible for public health policies and must also consider and evaluate key concerns in order to establish appropriate and realistic strategies for improving food safety around the world. Supporting OrganizationsIn order to ensure that members are able to act with impartiality and independently of government organizations or other agencies in providing their expert scientific assessment on key regulatory issues, financial support for GHI's basic operational costs is contributed solely by scientifically independent organizations and universities. The following organizations currently provide financial or in-kind support of GHI's activities:
Become a member GHI offers Individual Scientist Memberships to professionals in the discipline of food science and technology working in all food safety stakeholder groups, including industry, government, academia, and technology developers. Individual scientist members shall be asked for comments on consensus statements. Individual members give opinions based on their personal scientific insights, and these are not to be considered representative of their organization's views or policies. To enable global participation without financial hurdles, individual scientist members do not pay membership fees. An online enrollment form is available here. (http://www.globalharmonization.net/user/register)
All right Reserved.
http://www.nuft.in.ua Created by MaFF.


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sci tech
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I stop and just sit. The sky darkens and the neighbors lights flash on, curtains pulled, and I finally exhale. This has been an odd week, soft curves sharpened by hard truths and difficult decisions. I had planned a warm spot of happy but since when do things go as planned?
Meet TS and Come See the Rest of the Garden...
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Just Plants in a Pot
I stop and just sit. The sky darkens and the neighbors lights flash on, curtains pulled, and I finally exhale. This has been an odd week, soft curves sharpened by hard truths and difficult decisions. I had planned a warm spot of happy but since when do things go as planned?
34 comments:
Hmm, I think one of the most beneficial parts of gardening for me is it allows me to step back from my life and reconnect with my thoughts and my life on a different level. You have expressed it so well. When I get home from work I am so happy it's warm and light out now so I can get outside and muck around or just sit and put everything in perspective. I love being alone outside as it darkens too. Take care my friend.ReplyDeleteReplies
I love the quiet of my garden especially when I just need to think. Having something to focus on helps slow down my brain so I can process whatever I'm dealing with.Delete
Just plants grown from seed, must be so satisfying to see them planted. Pretty and cheerful, those buds are especially striking. I enjoy being alone with my plants at least a bit each day.ReplyDeleteReplies
Plants don't argue, whine, or act like jerks. They're so much easier to deal with than people.Delete
Thanks for letting us get a peek at the other side of your personality.ReplyDeleteReplies
I tend to disappear into my head quite a bit. But I like it there and come back feeling calmer, especially if I can wander my brain while wandering the garden.Delete
Gardening is the best therapy. Thanks for sharing this.ReplyDelete
A friend of mine used to throw herself into cleaning house when she needed a release from the stresses of work and life in general but I know of no better way to gain perspective than to get one's hands dirty working in the garden.ReplyDeleteReplies
I've done that, too but much prefer the garden. :o)Delete
There is nothing like the comfort of the good earth when life has not gone according to plan. Best wishes and hoping this will be a better week!ReplyDelete
Such a stunning bloom friend. Glad you had that time to get your hands in the soil and feel what you were feeling. So beautifully written and such an awesome blessing to have a passion for the garden to ease the soul. Wishing you good things this week....Nicole xoReplyDeleteReplies
I always wonder how people with no hobbies are able to find an outlet for their emotions. My mom once told me I should yell more to deal with life but I disagreed until I had teenagers. ;o)Delete
- AnonymousMay 11, 2015 at 10:02 AM
A beautiful bloom--you'll enjoy them for your growing season, I'm sure. There's something creative and sensual about planting--which is why, or one of the reasons why, we plant. Enjoy!ReplyDeleteReplies
I hadn't ever thought about gardening as being sensual, but I'm a very tactile person and love the way soil feels. I avoid any plants that are sharp or spikey. I have to be able to feel my garden or it seems that part of the experience is lost.Delete
The best plans are like healthy plants - able to bend without breaking. Hope things work back into a smooth calmness for you. A very nice post.ReplyDeleteReplies
Excellent quote. I need to remember that one.Delete
Yes, this resonates. Life has been crazy for a couple of weeks for me, too. Can't wait to get my hands back into the soil. No gloves for me either. Your Dahlias are gorgeous!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks! They were absurdly easy to grow from seed. I do often wear gloves, but sometimes I just want to feel the soil and not the latex. There's something so satisfying and almost primal about getting very dirty doing something I love.Delete
Well I hope things are going better! I totally get the not going as planned,and I'm so glad you have your garden to escape to. You obviously have a sensitive caring nature.......here's to a more straightforward week. Hugs.xxxReplyDeleteReplies
I'm not an overtly emotional person but I do take things to heart. To quote some song lyric "I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all." But life goes on and I'm already cooking up a much cheerier post than this bit of darkness.Delete
I think the only thing we can be sure of is that things won't go to plan. I'm glad you're feeling cheerier now. Dirt therapy rules.ReplyDeleteReplies
Dirt therapy is the best there is! :o)Delete
Therapy in a pot. I know you will get many months of enjoyment from planting those beautiful dahlias. Take care,ReplyDelete
I love them! They are extremely easy to grow. :o)Delete
We are so lucky as gardeners to have such a wonderful place to withdraw to when life doesn' t go as planned. Whatever do non- gardeners do? We all have difficult times and decisions to make. I have had my share the last 10 years, with life- changing happenings, but the garden really does help to keep you going and sort things out. Growing things is a kind of meditation and getting your hands dirty is the best part. Happy gardening!ReplyDeleteReplies
Sometimes people are just crappy and it takes time spent with plants to help put everything in perspective. The garden is my constant.Delete
My brain requires that time in the garden as does my heart and soul...well worth it I'd say!ReplyDelete
Hello Tammy, a rather thought-provoking and introspective post. At the end of the day, they are just plants in a pot, but then again, they are so much more than that aren't they?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 13, 2015 at 11:39 PM
The garden does provide those quiet moments when we can step back from the crazyness. Beautiful dahlias.ReplyDelete
Spending time in my garden always helps me to think things through and make hard decisions too.ReplyDelete
Good Luck with whatever you have on your plate to deal with.
Love the dahlias, they do grow here nicely especially in the cooler parishes.


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Recipe: Mushroom, Camembert & Membrillo Wellingtons
PUBLISHED: 12:36 12 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:36 12 December 2013
A Vegetarian Christmas Recipe from Emma Macdonald's new book 'The Bay Tree Home Deli Recipes'
After 20 years in the food business, chef Emma Macdonald - the founder of the multi award-winning Bay Tree Food Company - has just published a cookery book which brings together a collection of her favourite deli secrets. "I hope that Home Deli Recipes will inspire everyone to have a go at making food they would normally buy, such as sweet chilli jam, date confit or chermoula," says Emma, whose Somerset-based food business is renowned for its full-flavoured chutneys and preserves. "The book also includes simple, quick-to-make ideas for weekday suppers, as well as more elaborate, adventurous dishes to try at weekends."
Mushroom, Camembert & Membrillo Wellingtons
The intensely fruity, ruby-red membrillo, or Spanish quince paste or "cheese", is perfect combined with melting Camembert in these individual baked filo pastry parcels. Use a Camembert that is just ripe so that it melts but doesn't run away during baking. Serve with new potatoes and a green salad.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Olive oil, for greasing and brushing
4 large portobello or field mushrooms, about 250g total weight
2 x 150g small camembert cheeses
4 tbsp membrillo
6 sheets of filo pastry, each about 48 x 25cm
40g butter, melted
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 190°c/375°F/gas 5 and lightly oil a large baking tray. Brush both sides of each mushroom with olive oil and put them cap-side down on a plate. Season with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, slice the rind off the top and the bottom of the camembert; you can leave the rind around the sides. Cut each camembert in half crossways to give 4 pieces. Put a piece of camembert on top of each mushroom and top with a tablespoonful of the membrillo. Leave to one side. Cut each sheet of filo in half vertically. Place 3 halves of filo on top of one another, brushing each layer with a little melted butter. Keep the remaining filo covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it drying out. Sit the stuffed mushroom in the centre and draw up the corners of the filo to meet in the middle and make a parcel. Twist the top of the filo to seal and brush the parcel with more butter. Repeat with the remaining stuffed mushrooms and filo.
Place the mushroom Wellingtons on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 25–35 minutes until the filo is golden and crisp. Leave to cool slightly to allow the camembert to firm up before serving.
(Recipe: Taken from The Bay Tree Home Deli Recipes by Emma Macdonald © Duncan Baird Publishers, 2013)
Win a copy of the Home Deli Recipe Book
We have three copies of Emma's book to give away. To have a chance of winning a copy simply answer this question:
What fragrant herb is used in pesto?
Enter online at email@example.com put Deli Cook Book Competition as the subject for your email.
The deadline for entries is 1 February 2014. The first three correct answers drawn after this date will be deemed the winners.


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herbs and seeds are added to dry ingredients and wet ingredients like tomato paste should be added just before second proving.
3 1/3 cups of plain/all purpose flour
2 teaspoons/1 sachet of yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/5 cups warm water (don't let it be hot as it will kill the yeast)
Mix together all dry ingredients and stir to have a even mix. make a well in the centre and slowly add water and stir.
put on a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. grease the mixing bowl with oil/butter and put the dough back in and coat in the oil/butter, cover with a teatowel and put in a draught free place, for 45-75 minutes to prove (rise). once it's doubled in size punch the dough in the centre and knead again for 2-3 minutes. put in a bread tin and cover again and put out again to prove for 30 mins. brush it with water or oil/butter and place in the oven at 200'C/400'F for half an hour. once you take it out of the oven take it out of the tin immediately so it doesn't go soggy.
take a look at my journal if you want more indepth instructions or photos to see the change in dough size after the first proving


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One of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is receiving a bi- monthly magazine, Stampin' Success. It is full of not only business training and teaching,but also awesome projects designed by the amazing concept artists at Stampin' Up!
Have YOU ever thought about joining the Stampin' UP! family? We have some great perks during Saleabration for new demonstrators! Would love to have you join my team - I have a wonderful, growing group of demonstrators - and we welcome new members! Please contact me for questions or more information! Or if you are ready to sign up - please CLICK HERE
Becoming a demonstrator was one of the best decisions I have ever made!!! My life has been changed and blessed because of this choice!!!
My card today was inspired by a project in the most recent Stampin' Success - they shared it as a bag - using our polka dot kraft bags. I decided to change it up a bit and turn it into a card.
So are you loving the Butterfly Basics stamp set and GORGEOUS Butterfly Thinlets as much as I am ? Ah - I just can't get enough of them!
This card has a wow factor but goes together super quickly! Here's what I did to put it together -
I started with a base of Crumb Cake cardstock - 8 1/2x 5 1/2 and scored at 4 1/4.
Inks used - Hello Honey, Staz On Black and Strawberry Slush.
The large banner shape is Hello Honey cardstock and cut freehand. The smaller banner is cardstock vellum and I created the "V" shapes using my hexagon punch.
To finish the card, I used the smallest stamp in the Butterfly Basics set - it is a cute little postmark stamp - stamped on Crumb Cake cardstock and then punched with the 3/4 inch circle punch. Popped this up with a dimensional, added a bow made of gold baker's twine and my card was done!
Supplies are listed below -with a printable supply list at the end. If you would like to purchase any of these products, please click on any image to shop my store!
Note: The Butterfly Basics Bundle listed below is the clear mount bundle - this bundle is available in wood mount, clear mount or photopolymer - which is great - you can choose your favorite type of stamp for this bundle. For me - I prefer the clear mount in this bundle- and if you purchase the clear mount bundle, you qualify for a free Salebration product!
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Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
Super busy day ahead - but a great day I am sure! I am meeting with a group of about 20 plus brand new stampers - one of my favorite things to do !!! And tonight some of my club ladies will be in the Bee Spot (my studio) for some stampin' fun!!
Still cold here - it is -2 - I thought maybe the schools would be closed but not the case this morning.
Charlie has cabin fever!!! He wants to get out and walk - but it's just too cold! Sorry Charlie!!! He had a spa day last week - here he is looking like a handsome young gentleman!!! Just love this boy!!
Hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh - and here are this week's deals - new today! DEALS


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Friday Favorite: Being Warm & Toasty
We definitely stay warm & toasty all winter long thanks to all the work we put in cutting & splitting firewood. It's that time of the year to start working on the wood we'll be using this coming winter. Mr Chiots has been out the past few weekends cutting down a few trees close to the house that are half dead and have been dropping large branches when it's windy. Some of them are pine trees which we won't be using for firewood, but one was a nice big cherry tree. Most of it will heat our home, but there's one nice piece that he's going to mill into lumber for further furniture.
Harvesting your own firewood is a lot of work, but it's satisfying work. Mr Chiots usually cuts down all the trees and when the splitter comes out I step in and help out. It's a great chore because it makes you get outside in the winter when you might not otherwise. We always enjoy the days we spend splitting & stacking, usually we try to pick a beautiful sunny winter day if possible.
Every year we hope to get a little extra wood put up to get a year or two ahead. That way, should injury or some unforeseen circumstance prevent us from doing it we'd still have enough wood on hand for the winter.
Last year we stacked some of our wood in holz hausens and really loved the look and technique. We'll be stacking all of our wood in these as we cut this winter.
Do you or have you ever helped with cutting/splitting/stacking of firewood?Filed under Around the Garden | Comments (10)
10 Comments to "Friday Favorite: Being Warm & Toasty"
I used to be the truck loader and stacker. My current participation is limited to keeping the children from getting crushed or dismembered. Equally important.
My husband does all of it now, but he does like to have company while he works. The kids love to go into the woods anyway, so it's no hardship to them. It's important to indoctrinate them into the Ways of the Wood early. In a few years, we'll have two new truck loaders and stackers. Bonus.
to kristin @ going country's comment
No wood stacking going on here! The woodpile is lovely and I'm sure it will keep you warm and toasty for a good, long while.
to daisy's comment
I've been helping with firewood since I was probably five years old, and have done it ever since with a few years off for college and living in the 'burbs. Now it's an enjoyable part of our daily life – splitting, stacking, moving, bringing in, burning… We're a year ahead on our wood but need to get going on some more soon. We've been scoping out where we want to cut next – we have lots of old fields that we are trying to expand out to the old stone walls that were the original field boundaries so we never have a shortage of options!
You'll be glad to be a year or two ahead – my husband has had a couple of injuries over the years and we were so glad to be able to take a year off from cutting and not have to buy wood. Of course, we needed to cut extra the next year to make up for it.
to Joan's comment
Growing up moving firewood was one of the chores I was never fond of. We had a typical suburban lot but our house had a fireplace so my dad often bought wood from people who'd chopped a tree down or from other places.
We don't have a fireplace at our house now so any wood from trees that are felled are usually burned in the fire pit outside. We're keeping some now for a hugelkulture bed.
to misti's comment
Susy, I've never lived in a house with wood heat. It's not that we don't have trees here in Nebraska but those that we do have are mostly planted for wind breaks around the home buildings in the rural areas. It wouldn't take too many years to use up most of the trees on a farm here. I've heard stories about the pioneers using dried buffalo dung to burn during the winter months. Most of the heating done here is with propane. Before propane, it was either fuel oil or coal. Here in the urban city heating is almost 100% natural gas with a few houses that are electric. The only stove I remember being in the living room for house heat was at my grand parents house and it was a pot belly coal burning stove. I have some really good memories from that farm.
Have a great wood heating day.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
I heat almost solely with wood but we have an abundance here and when I cleared for the house and power lines there were a great many trees downed. A friend helped me section them up but I had to move and split them all by hand after that. Fortunately I had grown up splitting firewood, so I was used to it. In fact, I enjoy it to a point. lol! However, when I got married I was not reluctant to give up that chore to him and a mechanical splitter. He enjoys it and is good exercise. We only use trees downed by storms, or dying or have to be taken out for construction. So far, we have plenty by just grooming our woods that way.
to Annie's comment
We heat pretty much exclusively with wood. We have a small electric space heater in the bathroom for those early mornings before the house heats back up. In the past due to time constraints we purchased wood from a local guy who was willing to deliver for and extra $10. This year as we try and cut out unnecessary expenses we have been cutting and stacking our own wood. This past Saturday was spent cutting up down trees and taking out a few trees that were shading future garden spots. We have 40 acres of woods so trees are a plenty.
to Lauren's comment
We harvest at least one or two large trees each year for firewood. Like you, I help when the splitter rolls out. I like your concept of getting ahead for the next year, just incase, because you never know. Why did you decide your new stacking method was the way to go? To look at it seems a little complicated, but very unique. Im happy when I get the wood stacked semi straight.
to Colleen's comment
I grew up with wood heat. I remember a pile of cut and split wood appearing outside the Bilco door. We threw it in and stacked it up. The wood stove was in the basement so I didn't know cold floors until I moved into my first apartment.
We (I mean Steve) will be felling some older trees for firewood before the sap starts to run.
to Robin's comment
I have been helping my dad cut, split and stack wood since I can remember. It is a great way to get warm, once when you chop, split and stack it and then again when you burn it. I actually enjoy it and it help keep me fit.
to Nigel Abery's comment


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Desert Ridge – Fine dining, nightlife, and shopping
View Current Desert Ridge Listings
The residents of Desert Ridge are spoil for the best.
Imagine the many fine dining, nightlife, and shopping destinations in Desert Ridge. .
Best of all, these places are located just close to the communities – because commutes are neither fun not sexy!
Fine Dining
- Olive and Ivy Restaurant + Marketplace
This local favorite is known for combining contemporary California chic with the timeless blends and flavors of the Mediterranean. This culinary strategy has turned the patio restaurant into a neighborhood hotspot. Enjoy a night of fine dining and wine selections that feature over 400 bottles aged to perfection. This is the perfect place if you want to impress but still maintain a casual vibe with your date.
This dining destination offers the best of Italian fare matched by gorgeous views of the desert and the mountain. From fresh fish and shellfish offerings, delicate pasta dishes, and amazing breads and desserts, a night at SASSI, is more than just a gastronomic experience of exquisiteness. It is an experience that's otherworldly in the sense of being all-out fantastic.
- Rusty Spur Saloon
This is Scottsdale's last cowboy saloon. Locals come here for a lively night out with friends who like live country music and a good old lager in hand. Its full bar selection is sure to keep the party going and the fun at high levels all night long.
- Kazimierz World Wine Bar
This is one of downtown Scottsdale's hidden jewels. With its hard-to-find entrance, the Kazimierz World Wine Bar stays true to its classy speakeasy roots and offers live entertainment, classic and craft cocktails, and a list of around 2,000 wines. This makes it a popular hangout for locals and visitors who want a global appeal to their night out.
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The Desert Ridge Marketplace is the premier shopping and entertainment destination in Phoenix. With over 100 shops and boutiques that range from homemade merchandise to high-end offerings, anyone's shopping fix can be found here. And all of this can be found in just one convenient location.
To learn more about the awesome real estate opportunities in Desert Ridge, contact Ken and Sharon Lloyd today.