text:
We speak to the artist of the week for our Converse Emerging Artists Awards who's shown at the likes of Bold Tendencies and the 'Young British Art II' show
The submission to our Converse Emerging Artists Award that's come out top this week is from artist Myles Painter. Having grown up in Britain's picturesque West Country he moved to London to study Fine Art at Chelsea. Since graduating, he has gone on to show at the Peckham Car Park as part of Bold Tendencies, and at the recent 'Young British Art II' show in Zurich, curated by artist Ryan Gander. His forthcoming documentary features Will Self, discusses the apocalypse and is cut with images of the British countryside and found footage.
I enjoy working with different mediums with film and video being my primary medium at the moment. My ideas develop from a sculptural basis so I consider my time-based work, stealing directly from Tarkovsky here, as kind of 'sculpting in time' exercises
The last day to submit your work for Converse Emerging Artists Award is July 6, 2012. For more info, click HERE
Dazed Digital: What would you say your work is about?
Myles Painter: I am primarily interested in architecture, be that physical or psychological as in spaces of social experimentation like modernist social housing/estates etc. From that I have found my practice to spiral off into different avenues of thought. At the moment I am developing a long-form film called 'End-Time' about the concept of Apocalypse and what it manifests creatively and socially through films, literature, politics etc.
DD: Explain the relationship between sculpture, film, text and architecture?
Myles Painter: I enjoy working with different mediums with film and video being my primary medium at the moment. My ideas develop from a sculptural basis so I consider my time-based work, stealing directly from Tarkovsky here, as kind of 'sculpting in time' exercises. Being an editor I see the process of putting a film together as building sequences into an object. Architecture is also very sculptural, a sculpture that you inhabit and text is way of emphasising that. In some of my work the text has come from writers responding directly to either the video sequences themselves or about concepts in the work as in representational and representations of space. Although the relationships can be very loose at times, it's always exciting to see where my work can end up through the mix of concepts, mediums and collaboration.
DD: Describe your working process...
Myles Painter: I work in a very project based way. I've tried to develop a sort of studio practice but I just end up sat in front of a computer all day. I think I quite enjoy working on individual projects and experimenting within that and with collaboration; writers are especially great to work with and to talk through ideas with, especially what with myself not being a very good writer.
DD: What are your influences?
Myles Painter: Lots of film. I greatly admire the work of Michael Haneke. Books, I've always loved Georges Perec's Species of Spaces and Other Pieces. Walking and cycling around the city and hiking in the British countryside. The Internet, loads of great things there to procrastinate with. And real ale and wine.
DD: Who, according to you, is the best artist of all time?
Myles Painter: I've been greatly inspired by the Land Artist Robert Smithson also James Turrell for his audacious Roden Crater.
DD: What's the best show you've seen in the last six months?
Myles Painter: Thomas Demand at Spruth Magers; great exhibition book too. Also, It wasn't strictly an exhibition, but I have to say that I very much enjoyed watching Ben River's 'Two Years at Sea'.
DD: What's your next project?
Myles Painter: I'll be trying to complete the aforementioned film project 'End-Time', so I'll be doing some more interviews and finishing off the script with my writer friend George Taylor. Also I have a show of the collaborative project 'Grander Designs' videos coming up in September at Foodface Project Space for Peckham Artist Moving Image (PAMI).
The last day to submit your work for Converse Emerging Artists Award is July 6, 2012. For more info, click HERE


text:
7 Reasons Why You Should use Highlighter and How to use Highlighter
Sobia Bilal is energetic and talented girl. She is professional…
Nowadays many types of products are available in the market that you use in your daily makeup like shades, base, blush and many other. But you also hear or see highlighter. Have you used the highlighter in your daily makeup? I think no…. because many women avoid to using the highlighter infect you don't know how to use highlighter that changes your look and how to apply it? It makes your skin glowing and naturally fresh also make your look younger.
Well, every professional makeup artist must use a highlighter in her/his makeup kit and the ordinary people don't know the benefit and how to use it on your face. With the help of highlighter you can make your look dull and grassy or beautiful, gorgeous if you know the secrets of applying highlighter.
Read About: How To Get The Perfect Red Lips
What is Highlighter?
Highlighter uses to enhance the feature of the face. It is the lighter shade for skin that is filling with shimmer and glitter. It is available in cream, powder and pencil form. After you have applied highlighter light catch your face, then it wills gives you shimmery, radiant glow and enhance your feature.
Read About: Lip Liner Tricks
How to Choose highlighter according to skin tone and texture?
Do not choose too light or too dark highlighter for your skin at it will not give you natural look. Commonly when we are using a highlighter in the evening, then silver and white hues are best for you. Peach or golden shades are best for Dark damsels, as it gives you natural look.If you have a pimple or acne on your face, then you should not use red shade for a highlighter.
Read About: Be a Bronze Goddess this Summer
What should be the texture of highlighter?
If you have dry skin then oily or creamy highlighter is best for you, and if you have oily skin, then powder highlighter is good for you. Do not choose too shimmery or shiny highlight if you have wrinkles. I use Mac 184 brush for applying highlighter.
How to Use a Highlighter?
Let we talk about how to use a highlighter in our daily makeup. All the reason listed below.
Highlighter makes your look younger
When you apply highlighter on your cheekbones, then it creates dimension and reflects light and shimmer on your face. So this trick will make your look younger, glowing, sun-kissed and fresher.
Read About: Pastel makeup for summer
Use of highlighter open up your eyes
Hmm, you want your eye to open up, big or prominent then you should apply a small amount of highlighter on the inner corner of your eyes then it will be bright up your eyes. Very easy to make your eye more brilliant with the help of highlighter.
Smaller nose by using highlighter
Oh, you don't like your nose and want to make it smaller and sharp. What should b do to handle this problem, the highlighter will help you? Just apply the highlighter on the down bridge of your nose. Remember the color of highlighter should be 1 or 2 shade darker from your skin tone. You can make your nose sharp easily as you want, and you don't need any plastic surgery just use highlighter but be careful that you should blend the highlighter properly. If you don't blend properly, then it makes your look dreadful. After you have blended it properly, then it will give you very natural look.
Read About: 5 Makeup Mistakes That Makes Your Look Older
Make your forehead polish and glowing
If you want to look your forehead wide then apply a little bit of highlighter on your forehead above the brows, it makes your forehead polished and shimmery. Be careful if you have oily or pimply skin then doesn't apply highlighter on the forehead.
Use highlighter to lift your feature
You want to make your eyes more accurate, clean eyebrow visible raised then use a highlighter under your eyebrows and above on. The main thing is that you should learn how to use it and apply it with a trick and use a brush to apply.
Read About: Bridal makeup tips for summer-friendly
Use highlighter to plump up your lips
You want to make your lips fuller, or bold then highlighter use to get your desired look. Just swap highlighter on the inner part of lips on the center and lower part of lips on the center. You can also apply highlighter on bare lips. A shimmery lip-gloss or shimmery eye shades also use as a highlighter if you don't have a highlighter.
Easy way to escape dark circle
Ohh dark circle is a big problem, but now you can handle this issue with the simple help of highlighter. It vanishes your dark circle naturally. Just take a creamy highlighter and mix it in eye concealer and apply it under your eyes. This trick will lighter your skin and make your eyes wide.
Read About: 6 Original Ways to Wear Eyeliner
What's Your Reaction?
Sobia Bilal is energetic and talented girl. She is professional writer, cooking expert, beauty expert and SEO expert. She start her day with writing a blog.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Frantic would be how I described my last two weeks. I have had very little free time to work on Conduit. Everything seems to have come at once!
I got accepted for summer of code - adding SyncML support to Conduit.
Alexandre Inacio Rosenfeld also got accepted to SOC to work on Ipod and media support in Conduit.
I got accepted to speak at GUADEC, which I will be attending, providing all finances work out.
It looks likely that, as part of my PhD, I will be spending a few months at ENAC (home of the Paparazzi UAV).
I have been playing with barpanel, a very functional GNOME panel replacement.
Grape is certainly an interesting UI/desktop mock up. If I had infinite spare time I migh have a hack on it, as an excuse to play with Clutter.
Props to Jan Bodnar for his excellent Gtk+ and Cairo tutorials.
My (bad) experiences with Ubuntu 8.04 can be best described by the following picture..
Openstreetmap GPS Mapping Widget
Somewhat tangentially related to my PhD, I have been hacking on a simple Openstreetmap GPS mapping/display widget. Basically because after investigating all the existing mapping programs on linux, none of them supported openstreetmap/openaerialmap and were able to be easily embedded.
It's basically a port of tangoGPS (by Marcus Bauer) to libsoup and considerable clean-up. The whole thing is now hidden behind a derived GtkDrawingArea with a nice simple 4 function api (other parameters such as zoom, lat, lon, are accessible as gobject properties)
set_map_center(double lat, double lon, int zoom)
add_gps_point(double lat, double lon)
add_roi(double lat, double lon, GdkPixbuf *pixbuf)
Things like double click, map dragging, scroll to zoom, etc are all handled automatically as you would expect. It caches downloaded tiles and it's pretty much complete at this point. I hope to be able to post code soon.


text:
Average ratings are based on the published values and not the values entered in your own log entries.
Lots of steps and people (it's very popular). Not for those that want to start going up and keep going up, the 400ft net gain requires 620ft of total gain. A rigorous hike through mostly wooded areas with occasional openings that overlook the city neighborhoods. It was a fun way to start the day.


text:
Ashley Alaniz - Staffing Coordinator
Ashley joined the Right at Home Fresno team as a Home Care Aide in 2008 and worked in the field for 5 years as one of our awesome field staff. She was promoted in 2013 to Staffing Coordinator after completing her HR Certification and now works in the office reaching out to caregivers and clients to coordinate care schedules. Ashley utilizes her experiences as an aide to best assist our clients the aides that care for them.
Chia Thao - Staffing Coordinator
Chia is the newest team member to join Right at Home. She was previously one of our Home Care Aides who has now transitioned into the office as a Staffing Coordinator. She communicates with clients and employees and solves issues that arise. She takes pride in staffing all open shifts, answering calls and making sure all operations go on smoothly for our clients.
Michele Orlando RN, BSN, - Director of Care Services
Michele joined the Right at Home team in 2016. Michele has over 30 years of geriatric experience in a variety of settings and management background. She loves to empower the client and their families with knowledge through education and to see the smile on their face when they realize they CAN do that which they felt they could never do. She is thankful not only for the calling of this work, but also for the grace and wisdom she receives from those whom she serves.
Carmen Ayala, LVN - Client Care Coordinator
Carmen joined Right at Home in 2009 as a Home Care Aide, left to become an LVN and returned to Right at Home in 2017 as a Client Care Coordinator. Carmen assists our clients and their family members in making sure we are providing the best care possible.
Xong Her - Director of Human Resources
Xong joined Right at Home in 2006. Xong has worn many hats over the years and is very knowledgeable of every aspect of home care. Xong oversees hiring, onboarding, and retaining the best Home Care Aides. Xong enjoys ensuring that newly hired aides transition into their role as smoothly as possible receiving all the support they need to meet the needs of their clients.
Erin Evans - Human Resource Representative
Erin joined Right at Home in 2009. She interviews, hires and conducts new employee orientations and immensely enjoys interacting with our clients and employees. Erin also oversees our social media presence, the employee newsletter, and at times assists with billing and payroll.
Victoria Casares - Skills Instructor
Victoria joined Right at Home in 2011 as a Home Care Aide. She has been working in the office since January 2017 as our Skills Instructor. She helps to bring confidence and competence to our aides. She is knowledgeable regarding the basic equipment that aides use on a daily basis. She provides training to each orientation class as well as one on one and on site training. Victoria also provides close assistance and support to each newly hired aide during their first few cases.
Judy Vera - Payroll and Billing Specialist
Judy has been with Right at Home since 2006. Judy has many years of experience dealing with the intricacies of both payroll and billing and puts this expertise to work at Right at Home! She enjoys interacting with clients and staff and is most fulfilled when she's able to be a resource to them by answering questions and putting their minds at ease.
Colton Brangham -Compliance Officer/Community Liaison
Colton has been with Right at Home since 2013. His job is to make sure all our Home Care Aide files and client files are up to date, organized and meet state requirements. He is also in charge of tracking and assigning caregiver annual training required by the state. He enjoys his job and making sure our company is squeaky clean when it comes to compliance. Colton also works closely with our professional partners in our community to make sure our clients have the information to make the best decisions for their themselves.


text:
Glenn's Journey at Kew-Y-Ahn
The June solo exhibition at our Kew -Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery at Hartley features paintings of Portland-based Gamilaroi artist Glenn Dennis.
'Glenn's Journey'
June 1 to July 2, Tuesday – Sunday
Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery, Hartley Historic Site, off the Great Western Highway, Hartley.
Glenn says of his artistic journey:
I grew up in a little town out west called Walgett. At the age of six I was taught to draw by my sister Debbie. Growing up I then got more skills by watching my uncles and aunties how they paint and carve emu eggs, make boomerangs, didgeridoos, etc. From there I began my journey. I went walkabout searching. I began growing and I turned out to be what I wanted to become: An ARTIST. That's my journey.
Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery exhibits and sells work of Aboriginal artists of Central West. See work by our regular exhibiting artists alongside this solo exhibition.
The Kew–Y–Ahn Aboriginal Gallery project is a partnership between Arts OutWest, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage.


text:
How to Import a payment file (.aba/Pay anyone file type)
Export your .aba payment file from your accounting software to import into Westpac Live Online banking.
Import your ABA file by following the steps below. Find out how to import a .csv payment file.
Step by step guide
In the Imports section, select Import new file.
Under file type, select Direct Entry/Pay Anyone (.aba).
Browse and choose the .aba file, enter a Description (optional) for the new file and select Upload.
After the file has been uploaded it will be viewable in the imported files list and will display a status of 'Imported'. Note: If there is an error with the file import, a caution triangle will appear. Select View details to see the issue.
To make a payment using the file, select View details to review the payment and select Confirm.
Authorise the payment by entering the SMS or Token code and selecting Authorise.
Useful tip
Some accounting software packages will not allow you to edit the file description prior to importing the payment file into Westpac Live. File descriptions cannot be amended once the payment file is uploaded into Westpac Live. For more information on how to import payment details, please log in to Westpac Live and navigate to the Help Centre.
- The maximum number of payees or payments that can be imported is 500
- Payments can be future-dated to up to 24 months in advance
- The new description you have entered will appear on confirmation and receipt pages of your import
- Changing the file description is only available when importing files that contain credit transactions only
- If you import a file using your Westpac Direct Entry facility, you can only view the new description in the payment details summary and approvals section, not in the transaction history
- Westpac Live won't process after the 20th error has been found. The payment summary screen will display the error message of 'Import failed'
- Fees apply for direct entry transactions.


text:
Where the hell do I start with this review? I guess I'll start with my initial thoughts after I saw Avengers: Endgame for the first time at a midnight screening on opening night. To be honest I wasn't sure how to feel about the movie. Part of me left the theatres unsatisfied and borderline disappointed with what I got. As I started to play the movie over in my head again nothing changed. My feelings towards it got worse. But I felt like it was my duty to watch it again before I gave my entire thoughts. Maybe some things would change the second time round. Or maybe my initial thoughts would become solidified with that second viewing.
Honestly, viewing Avengers: Endgame a second time made all the difference for me. Just the personal viewing experience alone. I sat through that midnight screening tense and constantly on edge. My mind was going a million miles per hour with all the theories I had going into the movie. I can only speak for myself, but going in more relaxed with no pressure made me enjoy the movie a whole lot more. And even though I still have my issues with it. I found myself slowing falling in love with the movie. As I finished my second viewing I started asking myself "What the hell were you thinking when you tweeted out "the movie is just fine? Is this not everything you wanted from it?" And I hold my hands up. I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been more wrong about Avengers: Endgame.
Given there is so much that goes on in this film it would be impossible for me to touch on every aspect. So, what I'm doing with this review is splitting it up in to three main sections which are dedicated to each act of the movie.
Act 1: Aftermath of the snap
Oddly enough, this is what I was looking forward to the most going into Endgame. We only caught a glimpse of how the Avengers reacted to the snap at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. But how would they feel/change once time had passed? For such a huge moment in the universe were they going to let the snap sit there and sink in? And boy did they. Seeing Tony like that after he returned to Earth was rough. I thought it was a great character moment. For someone that always has the answers it was heartbreaking to see him so defeated. Then I started to get concerned when the remaining Avengers went into space to kill Thanos. Although it was satisfying watching the Avengers show up to Thanos' garden and straight up kill him I was so happy when I saw that '5 years later' title appear shortly afterwards. I've seen a lot of people say the first act was too slow, but it was so important to me.
Seeing the Avengers lose AGAIN and hit rock bottom was needed for this movie to work. And I love how the snap impacted everyone differently. Tony gave up and focused on his family, Thor went into hiding, Cap was trying his hardest not to accept defeat and Black Widow was left to pick up the pieces with the rest of the Avengers. Oh, and Clint was in Tokyo being a straight badass. Then you have your everyday people. I really appreciated the scene of Scott Lang looking through the countless names at the memorial park. It just reinforced the impact of the snap for me. We have all witnessed this universe grow and expand over the past 20+ movies and throughout that opening act it just felt…empty.
Act 2: Quantum Realm
I remember Infinity War being described as a 'heist movie', but I felt that even more here with how the Quantum Realm was used to go back in time and collect the stones before Thanos. And even though I knew they were going to be revisiting major events in past movies I didn't expect them to be interacting with previous versions of themselves. I thought it was a nice twist as it added to the already huge stakes. I loved this concept with Cap especially. As soon as he walked into that elevator I said "Oh, they're about to do it aren't they?!". I didn't get what I wanted, but the "Hail Hydra" line was a nice touch. However, for as much as I enjoyed the time travel aspect of the movie it did come with its issues. For me this is where the movie started to get muddy and kind of drag for me. It got to the point where it felt like they were trying to do too much. You start to jump from one timeline to another and one side plot to another with Thanos plotting in the background. On a second viewing it does start to make more sense, but I still felt overwhelmed by the end of the act. The whole time travel aspect has created some debate online since the release of the movie. So, I'm glad to see that I wasn't the only who has issues with it.
Act 3: Assemble
With all of the stones collected and Hulk doing the snap it was all leading to this. What a third act! It did not disappoint at all. This might be my favourite final act of any comic book movie. Captain America, Iron Man and Thor teaming up against Thanos was enough for me. And you add in Cap using Mjolnir for the first time. Oh, I was more than content. Then they took it to the next level by introducing the "dead" characters. I was blown away by the shot of Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow and Black Panther running at the end of the Infinity War trailer. The Russos really just put that shot on steroids here. Seeing every single character in the MCU charging at Thanos and his army, I was just in awe the whole time. I just noticed I haven't spoken about Thanos much in this review so far. It just shows how crucial the gauntlet was to him. Because throughout the movie he got his ass beat. I would've liked to have seen him put up a better fight. Maybe take out one of the Avengers during the final conflict. But that could've been too much now that I think about it, because we needed to sit with Tony's death. Plus it was so satisfying watching Scarlet Witch nearly kill him all by herself. I came to the conclusion that Infinity War was Thanos' movie and Endgame is the Avengers' movie.
This whole time I thought it was a given that Captain America would die in the final battle. I was so sure that Cap would die and Tony would eventually retire. I honestly didn't think they had it in them to kill off the face of the franchise. And the way he went out was perfect too. Even when the snap happened and you see Tony laying there burnt up and barely conscious. I still didn't think they were going to kill him. Knowing Tony I was just waiting for him to say a joke or something to break the tension. When Friday said his condition was "critical" it hit me like a ton of bricks. This is why I admire the first act so much. I loved seeing Tony as a father and for him give it all up to save everyone was beautiful. Also, Cap has questioned his selfishness since the first Avengers and for him to make the ultimate sacrifice was perfect for the character's arc.
Now on to Captain America. If you didn't know Captain America is my favourite MCU character. In terms of my all time favourite comic book characters he's fourth on the list after Superman, Batman and Spider-Man. Once Tony died I thought was Cap going to stick around? Was he going to lead the next Avengers? Then I saw him preparing to go back into the Quantum Realm to put all the stones back. I knew he wasn't coming back straight away. Again, like with Tony I thought Cap's ending was beautiful too. He finally went and enjoyed his life for once. I know he's a fictional character, but I was so happy for him in that moment. However, I didn't see this movie as an ending for just Captain America and Iron Man. This was an ending for the Avengers as a whole. Or at least the original members. Tony's dead, Cap's retired, Black Widow's dead and Thor gave ownership of Asgard to Valkyrie. I honestly have no complaints about any of these decisions. Nor would I change them if I had the chance. I just know then when we get that next Avengers movie way down the line, the line-up is going to look a whole lot different.
Closing thoughts
There you have it! This might be my longest review ever. If any movie deserved this much of my time it was probably Avengers: Endgame. I just had so many thoughts running through my head especially after the first viewing. Thankfully, I went for another viewing because I found myself appreciating the movie a lot more. Do I put it over Infinity War? I'm not sure yet. I might have to watch it one more time before I decide. Both Avengers Infinity war and Endgame are at the top of my MCU list. In fact they both have a spot on my all time favourite comic book movies list. Bringing in the Russo Brothers was one of the best decisions Marvel Studios has ever made. I just want to thank them for picking up the torch and giving me a beautiful ending to this saga that I have grown up with.
Avengers: Endgame 9/10
Favourite characters:
- Iron Man
- Captain America
- Rocket
- Hawkeye/Ant Man
Least favourite characters:
- Thor – I understand what they were trying to do with the character and how he dealt with grief/guilt. I understand people put on a brave face and laugh their way through pain, but I felt like they were being too comedic with it.
- Hulk


text:
The U.S Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) has revealed its use of 3D printing to create crucial functional parts.
At ARDEC, engineers are researching the possibility of deploying a 3D printing laboratory onto the frontline to fabricate essential parts.
The Rapid Fabrication (R-FAB) system would enable soldiers to manufacture spare parts or tools to help in their missions.


text:
My Prayer For Abundance
H owdy people! I know I've been rather inactive for the past few months… Now that I'm back, I'd love to offer a Prayer For Abundance just for YOU!
Why Prayer For Abundance?
You might be wondering why would I offer you a prayer. Throughout the days when I was overwhelmed by my emotions and frustrations at work, I felt that I was indeed lacking in many aspects of my life. I'm not sure if you have the same sentiments at some point in time, be it a lack in wisdom, health, wealth etc.
You might be feeling equally depressed and frustrated over things you cannot change, or be stuck in a position whereby you are unable to progress any further…
Hence I would love to offer a prayer for you that you may receive abundance and joy in your life…
Prayer For Abundance
Just have a little faith and say this after me:
"In Jesus' Name I pray,
(I like starting my prayers by calling out Jesus' name so as to invite His presence in our midst)
Father I thank You for the loving kindness You have shown me.
Today I call upon Your holy name because I know that I am lacking in many aspects of my life and I have faith that You can fill the voids within me with abundance for I know that ALL things are POSSIBLE with God (Matthew 19:26)
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible -Matt 19:26 Click To Tweet
You know how insignificant I am and I trust that You only have plans of welfare for me so that I can have a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11) Click To Tweet
I cast my burdens unto You – be it my insecurities, fears, worries and problems so that You can lighten them with Your abundant grace (Matthew 11:28-30)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28) Click To Tweet
I submit my all to You so that You may grant me prosperity to do good according to Your will (Job 22:21; Psalms 72:7)
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. (Job 22:21) Click To Tweet
In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. (Psalms 72:7) Click To Tweet
You shall grant me abundance in health and healing so that I can enjoy abundant peace and security (Jeremiah 33:6)
Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. (Jer 33:6) Click To Tweet
I pray for You to fill my life with abundance such that my cup overflows (Psalms 23:5)
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalms 23:5) Click To Tweet
With this, I commit my prayer unto Your Almighty Hands!
Type "AMEN" in the comment box below to receive ABUNDANCE into your Life!
FREE eBook: 365 Days of Glorious Victory
During the time when I was away from social media, I was working on my FIRST eBook "365 Days of Glorious Victory".
In this eBook, I will be sharing with you my personal journey on how my childhood trauma caused me depression and how I picked myself up to live a life of abundance.
I hope to inspire my readers to embrace an abundant mindset and to help them walk out of their life's darkest moments.
This eBook is originally priced at USD57 but I am offering it to YOU for FREE for a limited time.
Click HERE to redeem your FREE eBook NOW!


text:
Polished, insulated stainless steel mug from our Sublime Sea Dwellers collection.
Features splendid fish observed in The Pacific in voyages of exploration during the 1700s and early 1800s.
Admire splendid fish such as Angelfish, Clownfish, Wrasse and Snapper.
The artwork is inspired by the original scientific illustrations of the period. The extraordinary forms are due to the fact that the artists would often work back in Europe from quick notes and sketches made by the crew or scientists on the voyages.
The banner on the design is evocative of those used on antique maps and natural history illustrations. The year 1769 is on the banner as this is when Captain James Cook first explored the Pacific and visited New Zealand.
In the background are seashells based on a French engraving from the early 1700s.
The finer details:
© Voyadore Limited


text:
This was published 11 months ago
Richard Glover: why Trump shocks a nation of under-estimators
In which country are people most likely to laugh out loud at President Donald Trump and his boastful way of speaking? Other nations may wish to press their credentials, but I believe Australia would come out the winner.
Australians hate bragging. We can't stand a hint of it. It may be that we hate bragging too much. Even the levels of self-confidence expressed by normal Americans leave us a little uncomfortable.
It may not be our only problem with President Trump, but it's on the list. Every time he speaks, we stare at his words in disbelief and wonder: "Did he not have a mother?" For if he'd had a mother, at least an Australian mother, he'd have been told, on every possible occasion: "Remember, Donald, no one likes a big-noter."
The best recent example was Trump's self-aggrandising account of the killing of the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Other presidents, he said, were happy to accept the death of "low-level" leaders. Not Trump. "I want al-Baghdadi," he told his underlings, and – in Trump's account – it was almost as if he were in the tunnel, directing operations.
Also, according to the 48-minute speech, Trump had made an early prediction of 9/11 and called for the death of Osama bin Laden: "I wrote a book – a, really, very successful book ... I think I wrote 12 books. All did very well."
As for ISIS: "They use the internet better than almost anybody in the world, perhaps other than Donald Trump."
Referring to yourself in the third-person is also not allowed in Australia – unless you are a footballer. It's the same as describing yourself as "we". Both are considered the actions of a "big-noter", and may bring the additional admonishment: "Remember, don't get too big for your boots".
For the sake of linguistic variety, a serial offender might also be issued a further warning: "Don't get tickets on yourself" – a phrase that goes back to at least 1915 and C.J. Dennis's Songs of a Sentimental Bloke: "E's taken tickets on 'is own 'high worth."
I accept that Australians over-do what you might call the national 'bragging ban'.
We're a nation of under-estimators. It's the only place in the world where an atrocious act is described as "a bit ordinary", while an act of genius is "not half bad". Where else in the world is your best friend described as "a total bastard", whereas someone truly evil will be only "a bit of a bastard"?
We are a nation of under-estimators. It's the only place in the world where an atrocious act is described as 'a bit ordinary'.
If one of our cricketers is paid a compliment, having thrashed the English and set a new world record, he is required, upon returning to his country, to stare at his own feet and bashfully mumble: "I guess I wasn't too bad on the day."
Similarly, an Australian scientist, upon winning the Nobel Prize, is called upon to observe: "They must have been pretty desperate that year."
I exaggerate, but only slightly.
There's a reason, for instance, why we all love Ash Barty, and her brilliance on the court is only part of it. It's the humility, the grace in both defeat and victory. This week she won the biggest cheque in tennis history and spent a chunk of her winner's speech praising not herself but her opponent: "You're one of the toughest competitors on the tour and I know we'll have many, many more battles in the future."
Australians who visit America sometimes find themselves hampered by this reticence to mention oneself. Friends have told me about auditioning for acting or writing roles in Los Angeles and needing to make a conscious effort to "talk themselves up", listing their successes in a way that doesn't come naturally.
Conversely, on Sydney radio, I'll sometimes interview a visiting American, who might fall into the Californian habit of listing their own accomplishments. I become worried. I start sweating. Much more of this and my listeners will start turning off, muttering about that physically challenging act of being "up yourself".
None of this is to proclaim the superiority of the Australian way. There may be something crippling about our inability to proclaim our successes – both individually and as a nation. Our ethos – more collectivist than individualistic, at least when compared to America – can be a brake on ambition.
But it means, when it comes to President Trump, we are left more flabbergasted than most.
Just this week, he tweeted about his "electrifying entrance" to a sporting event, and his supposed 95 per cent support rating among Republicans.
And, oh, how we laughed at his "great and unmatched wisdom" in dealing with Turkey; at his "very stable genius"; and at his role as "the chosen one", a phrase he used while looking up at the sky, presumably hoping for confirmation.
And – best of all - we were collectively sick with mirth over his self-assessment: "so great looking and smart".
The Australian passion for constant self-deprecation may not be a perfect response to the world, but – with the help of President Trump – I'm starting to see its virtues.
With his assistance, we might even get over our chronic self-esteem problems.
Compared to him, you know, (looks at own shoes) maybe we Aussies aren't so bad.
Richard Glover is the author of 12 books, including the prize-winning memoir "Flesh Wounds". He presents "Drive" on 702 ABC Sydney and the comedy program "Thank God It's Friday" on ABC local radio. For more: www.richardglover.com.au


text:
Algiers Point
Places to Stay
See the most inspiring panorama of New Orleans from the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Algiers is the second-oldest neighborhood in the city, established in 1719, but it didn't really take off until the 19th century. Historically preserved, Algiers B&Bs will introduce you to another part of New Orleans that many visitors don't get to glimpse. The views from the Algiers side of the Mississippi River are resplendent and breathtaking.
A quiet and picturesque part of New Orleans, Algiers is a part of the city where travelers get a taste of the local culture while feeling like they are away from it all, in an oasis far from the hurly burly of the French Quarter, but the French Quarter is only minutes away. Since 1827, a ferry runs every 15 minutes from the foot of Canal Street to Algiers Point. The Point is a lovingly maintained neighborhood with a number of locally favorite watering holes where New Orleans Algierians gather to meet and greet, where they swap gossip and news about thier city. Stay like a local in an AlgiersB&B and you'll learn what it mean to love New Orleans.
There is a paved path along the top of the levee that runs the length of Algiers. Visitors can stroll, jog, or ride bicycles the length of the river from the Chalmette Ferry Landing, in one direction, or to the historic city of Gretna, in the other direction, further upstream. Algiers is in the middle of it all and away from it all. To discover a different side of New Orleans there is no better place than Algiers. The most scenic way to get to the French Quarter is to take the ferry. Every trip back and forth will be a pleasant adventure. After tasting the city center's nightlife, head back to an AlgiersB&B by ferry for a quiet night's rest.


text:
*** Questions are colored blue
- Being an internally angry child
- This led to him treat people badly many times because of how internal emotions
- All missteps made him who he is today
- There is also going to be fear associated with a big change
- Big fan of trusting your gut when going for meaningful work
- Most nutrition from food sources
- Mega foods multivitamin only if it's necessary
- Microdose of lithium – 300 micrograms (protects brain and improves mood)
- naturals omega 3
- Salmon roe – although expensive
- Fermented turmeric
- Turmeric tea, which is something people from Okinawa do
- CoQ10 from Jarrow
- Joining a small company where you can wear multiple hats
- BE sure there is someone there who you can learn from
- Think of you and your partner as a team, not adversaries
- Doing therapy if you can afford since those people do this for a living
- Sauna or hot bath (Rhonda Patrick recommendation)
- Cutting out all sugars
- Cutting out refined carbohydrates
- Moderation is key
How does he look at the different perspectives of Peter Attia and Valter Longo on health?
- They complement each other
Anger comes from a place of negative emotion
- It's important to be able to think about the other person and why he might act the way he does
Emotions can be looked at as an onion
- Emotions compound over time, layer up and form a hardened shell of who you are as a human
What is your purpose in life and how did you find it?
- Being involved in the startup scene has been enjoyable, but did not feel as THE purpose
- The fasting and meditation apps have been the closest to what he feels as fulfilling
- Helping people on the health front
- Doing things that have a positive impact on the world
- Finding a cause dear to your heart
What are some traits or habits of successful entrepreneurs?
- They hire the right people and they take their time
- If someone is not the right fit, they don't shy away from EDITING the team
- The willingness to do something new
- You can't make dramatic shifts in your brain overnight, your brain is protective
If there's anything on your mind, don't be shy, you have the comment box down below ⇩⇩⇩ Promise I won't bite ⇩⇩⇩
Life enthusiast with a great desire to constantly perfect myself, get in better physical and mental shape, while also helping other people by sharing everything I've been able to learn.


text:
In economics, there is a concept referred to as "The Laffer Curve," which illustrates how increases in government tax rates beyond a certain level will ultimately decrease tax revenue. It is often visualized with the following graph:
Read more
Personalization of web content is becoming increasingly important for businesses to gain – and maintain – their competitive advantage. Web personalization is key to increasing conversion rates and return rates, as well as boosting retention, time-on-site, and page views, according to a December 2015 VentureBeat study, which noted that 87 percent of companies have seen a lift of at least 5 percent in their most important metrics as a result of personalization.
Read more
Robert Moseley is Cloudinary's Senior Solutions Engineer, a technology and use-case expert with over a decade of experience in analytics, optimization, and personalization. Here he writes about his experience and reflections from the field.
Read more
Content Optimization and Personalization programs can deliver tremendous ROI to an organization but tend to be very resource intensive, requiring developers to build the code for alternate experiences and creative folks to generate the content. Many of the content optimization/personalization tools out there today (Maxymiser, Optimizely, Adobe Target, Ensighten etc.) have created WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors to help relieve the code/development bottleneck but the creative bottleneck stubbornly remains.


text:
Today I found a mushroom that appears to be three mushrooms that somehow became one.
I'm trying to figure out how this could happen? Did their little mushroom spore selves get talking and decide to unite their shared destinies of a starring role in today's turmeric chicken stirfry?
Obviously I know nothing about how mushrooms develop. I had thought that they must come up from under the ground (which would make a configuration like this a bit hard to achieve), but now I think they could possibly float around in the air, land, and then grow in two directions - up and down.
Yes, I do occupy myself with the big questions of life. How does a 'shroom grow? Could I get away with another espresso at 1.13pm?
Is this a duck or a goose?
Really, it's too much thinking for a Sunday.. ;)


text:
This post brought to you by Best Buy. #BestBuyWeddings
I'm so excited for spring but what I am more excited for is WEDDING SEASON! Even better is that I get to introduce you to Best Buy's new Wedding Registry! It seriously wants to make me get married all over again! This year is a milestone anniversary for me and I am considering having a party just so I can register at Best Buy. (Don't give me that look. I'm only making it easy for my family and friends to give a gift if they want. I totally still love everyone and want them to attend even without gifts.)
One of the first questions people ask after your engagement announcement is, "Where are you registered?" How awesome would it be to say Best Buy??! Well now you can! This February, Best Buy's new Wedding Registry was launched! You need small appliances and electronics for your new life together much more than you need a fancy set of china! I can't wait until someone gets married so I can see what they put on their registry!
Now on to all the awesome features of Best Buy's new Wedding Registry!
Signing up for your registry is something both of you can be excited about and you'll choose gifts you will BOTH USE AND ENJOY. You could choose a great camera for your honeymoon adventure, an activity tracker for going on runs together, and Bluetooth speakers for the great parties you'll throw.
There's even GROUP GIFTING so your guests can spend as little or as much as they want while you still get the gifts you choose.
With EXTENDED EXCHANGES you'll have extra time to make sure your gifts are as perfect as your wedding day.
Even if your guests can't attend the wedding but still want to send a gift, they have options. There's free shipping! (your guests can send any gift, big or small, with no minimum purchase.)
Best Buy's new Wedding Registry-there's even an app for that! You can scan items while in store or add them while browsing online. Super easy and fun for both the bride and groom!!
Go now and check out Best Buy's new Wedding Registry! You know you want to!
Are you getting married this year? Will you sign up for the Best Buy's Wedding Registry? Tell me in the comments!! I can't wait to hear what you chose!
Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.


text:
Citadel Capital Bids Farewell to Ahmed El Houssieny24 May 2012
Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange), the leading private equity firm in Africa and the Middle East with US$ 9.5 billion in investments under control, announced today the departure of Managing Director Ahmed El Houssieny.\n\nEl Houssieny remains a shareholder in Citadel Capital through his stake in Citadel Capital Partners Ltd., which with 28.23% of the firm's equity is Citadel Capital's lead shareholder.\n\nEl Houssieny, who joined the firm in 2005, played a key role in helping transform Citadel Capital into the leading private equity firm in Africa and the Middle East. At Citadel Capital, he held responsibility for managing the firm's relationships with banks and other financial institutions as well as overseeing Citadel Capital investments in the financial services industry, including the Sudanese Egyptian Bank, the investment bank Pharos Holdings, and microfinance provider Tanmeyah.\n\n"It has been very exciting to be part of the team that transformed Citadel Capital into Africa's largest private equity firm," said El Houssieny, who had been until his departure a member of the firm's Board of Directors and Executive Committee. "I am grateful to my partners, friends and colleagues for this fantastic opportunity and look forward to watching the firm evolve in the years ahead."\n\nPrior to joining Citadel Capital in 2005, El Houssieny was Director of Investment Banking at Barclays Bank Egypt, which he joined from Citigroup, where he had been the vice president leading bank's North West Africa team. While at Citadel Capital, El Houssieny was named to Financial News' 2010 "Rising Stars 100" list for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, one of just 10 figures from the EMEA private equity industry to make the list.\n\n"Ahmed El Houssieny played an instrumental role in helping build Citadel Capital into the leading investor the Middle East and Africa's key infrastructure and resources sectors," said Citadel Capital Chairman and Founder Ahmed Heikal. "We wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors and will always consider him a dear friend and valued colleague."\n\nEl Houssieny leaves Citadel Capital effective 31 May 2012.\n\n—Ends—\n\nCitadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Stock Exchange) is the leading private equity firm in the Middle East and Africa. Citadel Capital focuses on building regional platforms in select industries through acquisitions, turnarounds, and greenfields executed via Opportunity-Specific Funds. The firm's 19 OSFs now control Platform Companies with investments of more than US$ 9.5 billion in 15 countries spanning 15 industries, including mining, cement, transportation, food and energy. Since 2004, Citadel Capital has generated more than US$ 2.2 billion in cash returns to its co-investors and shareholders (on investments of US$ 650 million), more than any other private equity firm in the region. Citadel Capital is the largest private equity firm in Africa by PE assets under management (2007-2012, as ranked by Private Equity International). For more information, please visit www.citadelcapital.com.\n\nFor more information, please contact:\n\nMs. Ghada Hammouda\nHead of Corporate Communications\nCitadel Capital (S.A.E.)\n\firstname.lastname@example.com\n\nTel: +20 2 2791-4439 • Fax: +20 22 791-4448\nMobile: +20 106 662-0002


text:
By minhsuanchen
In my first days at GW, we exchange students ate at restaurants a lot, so I spent too much money. So, I decided to find a great market to cook by myself. By doing so, I could not only spare some money, but also make several kinds of dishes that I like. In an extremely cold morning, my friends and I went out for our shopping journey.
I love GW so much because you can almost find every place you want to go nearby, and the supermarket is no exception. The market we found is called Trader Joe's and it was on the 25th Street. The things that the market sell are mostly fruits, vegetables, ingredients, foods, and so on, so if you want to look for household devices or daily products, you may want to search for another market.
If you feel tired or cold when you first got in the market you can go to an area where the market kindly offers customers free hot coffee. You can make sweet latte if you want because they also offer you hot milk and vanilla cream. It is always the best thing to drink a cup of warm coffee in winter, isn't it?
There will be some special discounts from time to time, so if you pay attention to it, you can save a lot of money from your pocket! Also, there is an area for free food samples. It is great to have free delicious foods there, but you might easily spend money buying the things that are not on your list because the clerk who was promoting the special dishes there is so adorable. Take us for example, we bought a pack of frozen potatoes there after trying one!
We really enjoyed our time at the market and we bought a lot of ingredients in a cheap price that we can cook for several meals throughout the week. If you are looking for a great food market, go to Trader Joe's and grab your stuffs.


text:
- This event has passed.
CW Family Night
February 22 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Enjoy one of the few outdoor winter activities with your family on Saturday nights from 4 until 9pm. The first parent pays $39 for a lift ticket (includes one free ski rental): spouse and children of the same family pay just $9 each for lift tickets and $9 each for ski rentals. (Snowboards $14). Plan to have a pizza dinner right here at the slopes when you come out for family night! Free group lessons offered at 5 & 6 pm for ages ten and up (reservations required at least 3 days in advance for free lesson) Lessons may still be available same day – $8 per person charge. Special rates available for kids under 10. Maximum 8 people per family.


text:
The concept of single premium immediate annuities (SPIA) actually sprang from a much simpler time when there weren't any stock markets, interest rates or financial institutions peddling scores of different financial products. The original annuities were a simple arrangement between a government and its citizens to provide for annual income payments in exchange for a lump sum of money. These days governments issue bonds as a way to borrow money from their citizens for which they are paid interest. And, SPIA annuities are now issued by life insurance companies, but little else has changed in terms of their purpose.
Anyone who is concerned with the possibility of outliving their income sources is a strong candidate for an SPIA annuity. And that might include the vast majority of Baby Boomers, 80% of whom think that their retirement savings are insufficient to be able to generate 20 to 30 years of income. With an SPIA annuity, for all or a part of their retirement income they could be assured that they won't outlive their income.
How SPIA Annuities Work
It is a simple exchange, one commitment for another. An individual commits a lump sum of money to a life insurance company that then commits to that individual a guaranteed stream of income payments. As determined by the individual, the income guarantee can cover a specific period of time, or it can cover the person's lifetime. In either case, the life insurer guarantees that all of the principle plus all of the interest it is projected to earn, will be paid out in equal periodic installments, typically monthly, until it is completely distributed.
The most important aspect of that guarantee is that, even if the individual lives beyond his or her life expectancy, the life insurer is still committed to make the periodic payments until the individual dies. This is the longevity insurance that makes SPIA annuities so unique and compelling, especially in an era of uncertainty for people approaching retirement.
SPIA Annuity Steps
Determining the Amount of Deposit
Once a lump sum of money is deposited with a life insurer and the income payments begin, the money cannot be returned except through the periodic payments. So, it is vitally important to make a sound decision as to the amount of money to be deposited. Most planners will work from an income need standpoint. That is, calculating your overall need for income and how much can be generated from various income sources. If you have multiple income sources, the SPIA can be used as a part of a portfolio of income investments to create a safety net, or foundation of income to act as a stabilizer.
Given a certain amount of income that would be needed on a monthly basis, a life insurer could calculate the amount of money that would need to be deposited. Or, given a dollar amount to be deposited, the calculation would produce an amount of monthly income that could be generated.
Calculating the Payout Rate
In either case, the calculation involves several key factors, such as your age when the income is to begin, your life expectancy based on actuarial tables, and a project interest rate. Once the number of payment periods is determined (either specified number of periods, or the number of periods as determined by your life expectancy), the life insurer comes up with a payout rate, which is fixed percentage of the annuity balance that is to be paid each period. The payout rate includes an exclusion ratio that determines the amount of the payment that is comprised of principal, and is, therefore, excluded from taxes. Much like a mortgage in reverse, the SPIA annuity is calculated to distribute the entire principal along with interest earnings by the last scheduled payment period. If the schedule of payments is based on life expectancy, the number of payment periods becomes indefinite once the individual lifetime surpasses its life expectancy.
Structuring SPIA Payments
One of the more important steps in the SPIA process is to determine how the annuity payments are to be structured. In its simplest form, an SPIA is paid out on a single life which means that, if the individual dies prior to life expectancy or a specified period of time, the income payments simply stop and the life insurer keeps the remaining balance.
Individuals with spouses will usually structure the SPIA as a joint life annuity so that, the annuity payments will continue for the second spouse after the death of the first spouse. The payout rate for joint life annuities is reduced by an amount that covers the additional cost of insuring two lives.
Additionally, an SPIA can be structured to return all or a portion of the annuity balance to a named beneficiary at the death of the primary annuitants. Instead of continuing the annuity payments, the annuity proceeds are paid to the beneficiary in installments over a five to ten year period.
The fact that SPIA annuities have been providing income security for hundreds of years is somewhat of a double-edged sword when it comes to appreciating their importance. On one side, they are nearly as old as the hills, which might lead to a characterization of being stodgy or even out-dated. On the other side, they are still the only financial instrument that can offer the ultimate in financial security which, if you ask millions of retiring Baby Boomers, would never get old.
SPIA annuities are not difficult to understand. It's their application in an individual's retirement plan that requires careful analysis to determine their suitability and their value. While they may not be suitable for everyone, they can play a vital role in just about anyone's retirement income portfolio where stability, predictability and general peace-of-mind are desired attributes.
Most of the information available on annuities today emphasizes their record of safety and their role as an asset and income safety net in the context of an overall financial plan. And, while there are many reasons to trumpet their advantages and benefits, owning annuities doesn't come without some risk. On the risk-reward spectrum, all investments entail some sort of risk. Understanding annuities and how they work in relation to your own specific needs, priorities, and tolerance for risk will help to expose what risks, if any, they present to you.
Liquidity Risk
Perhaps the biggest risk factor associated with annuities is the restriction on access to funds. Although annuities do allow for complete access through surrendering the contract, the fees and penalties that could be triggered could adversely impact the principal amount. An investment in an annuity needs to be made with the knowledge that it is a long term investment which may not perform to expectations if funds are accessed too early in the contract.
Annuities should not be considered if there is not a sufficient amount of liquid assets available elsewhere in your portfolio. Still, they do allow for partial access through a once-annual withdrawal of up to 10% of your account balance without incurring a fee. A surrender fee, ranging from 5% to 12%, is charged on any withdrawal that exceeds 10% in a year during the contract's surrender period. Because the fee gradually declines throughout the surrender period, they eventually vanish.
Market Risk
Anytime your assets are exposed to the fluctuations of a market, such as stocks or bonds, they are subject to market risk, which means they could lose value. Market risk is not an issue for fixed annuities as the rate of return is based on a fixed yield and supported by rate guarantees. But, with variable annuities, which include separate investment accounts, the risk of fluctuation in the value of the accounts is tied directly to the performance of the markets. Indexed annuities, while linked to the movement of stock indexes, provide enough downside protection that market risk is not a concern.
For investors who have low or no tolerance for market risk, fixed or indexed annuities are the most suitable investment choices. Some variable annuities offer the option to purchase a minimum rate guarantee which would ensure that, even in market declines, your account value will receive some positive rate of return.
Interest Rate Risk
The risk of interest rate movement affects all annuities in some way or another. For fixed annuities, especially those with a multi-year rate guarantee, the risk is that interest rates rise quickly while your funds are locked into a lower yield. Conversely, if your rate is guaranteed for just one year, the risk is that interest rates suddenly fall, and your renewed rate is lower than your initial rate.
Interest rate movements also affect the stock and bond markets. If you own a variable annuity with funds invested in stock and bond accounts, an increase in interest rates could cause those markets to decline. The best risk mitigation strategy is to have a balanced and diversified allocation strategy so that any movement in interest rate will only adversely affect one part of your portfolio.
Inflation Risk
The risk of inflation affects the long term impact of your annuity accumulation, and ultimately, the purchasing power of future annuity income. In terms of its devaluing capabilities, a dollar today will be worth half as much in 20 years based on the current rate of inflation. Should the rate of inflation increase, that timeframe will shorten. This puts any portfolio that isn't properly invested as a hedge against inflation at risk. While the owners of fixed annuities may enjoy the current comfort of having no market risk, the risk of inflation can have even more devastating consequences. Only a properly balance and diversified portfolio of varying asset classes can provide the essential offset to inflation.
Taxation Risk
There are two types of taxation risk associated with owning annuities. The first has to do with the potential tax consequences of the annuity contract itself. The big advantage of annuities it the tax deferral of earnings within the contract. They are then taxed when withdrawn at retirement. One of the planning theories behind owning annuities is that your tax bracket is higher while you are accumulating earnings, and then it drops after retirement so that you will pay fewer taxes on the annuity withdrawals. The risk is that your bracket remains the same, or, due to an unforeseen change in the tax law, it increases. It still doesn't erase the impact that tax deferred earnings had over the years on your accumulation.
The second kind of taxation risk it the possibility that changes in the tax law could impact the tax treatment of annuities in the future. Although it's not mandated, most tax law changes that affect investments include a "grandfather" provision which protects existing investments.
Credit Risk
Annuity contracts and all of their guarantees and obligations are backed strictly by the assets of the issuing life insurance company. Perhaps the greatest risk an annuity owner faces is that the issuing life insurer runs into financial trouble or becomes insolvent. It is also important to note, however, that this risk has yet to materialize to the extent that an annuity owner has ever lost any money. While there have been some instance of insolvency, the collective strength of the life insurance industry has, time and again, come to the fore to rescue the policyholders of a diminished life insurer.
Any degree of credit risk can be reduced, if not eliminated, by investing in annuities issued by the most credit worthy life insurers who meet the stringent standards of independent rating companies. The most highly rated companies have the strongest balance sheets and are deemed to be resistant to economic cycles.
For any one investment, there really is no way to get around risk. It comes in many different forms, and some forms are less obvious, but potentially more destructive than others. Annuities are inherently low risk investments; however, to limit your allocation to one type of annuity could actually increase your exposure to risk. One of the most effective risk reduction strategies is to own a portfolio of annuities that can counter the different exposures to risk. A portfolio consisting of a variable contract (or two), an indexed annuity and a fixed annuity, would provide enough countering effects to minimize any type of risk.
The decision to purchase a particular annuity is based on several factors including an investor's financial circumstances as well as the features present in the product that, at the time, closely matched the investor's needs and preferences. As time passes, financial circumstances can change and an annuity's features may no longer be the match they once were. Or, perhaps the annuity is no longer performing as expected. There could be any number of reasons why someone would want to change their investment, and annuity contracts do allow for such changes, however, a "rollover" from one annuity to another annuity is not one of them.
What is a Rollover?
It is possible, however, to change from one annuity to another, but that process is referred to as a direct transfer which is described below. First, let's take a step back and define "rollover" so that the difference is clear. A rollover, as described in the tax code, is when the holder of a qualified plan such as an IRA takes a complete, physical distribution from the plan, and then rolls it or deposits it into another IRA. The rollover must occur within 60 days of the distribution in order to avoid a tax consequence.
Annuities are non-qualified plans which aren't covered under the rollover rules. If a full distribution is taken from an annuity it requires that the annuity contract be surrendered which automatically triggers a taxable event. The amount of the distribution that is comprised of earnings from the contract will need to be reported as ordinary income and taxed in the year of the distribution.
If annuity is purchased inside of a qualified plan, then technically, the distribution, or surrendered funds, can be rolled over to another qualified plan and another annuity can be purchased inside that plan. And, it is possible to roll a qualified plan distribution into an annuity as long as the annuity is set up by the life insurance company as an IRA annuity. The bottom-line is that a tax-free rollover can only occur between two tax-qualified accounts.
If not a Rollover, then What?
Annuity owners are allowed to change their annuity investment through what is known as a direct transfer which is allowed under IRC. Section 1035. Also known as a 1035 Exchange, the direct transfer is facilitated by the current annuity provider and the new annuity provider, so the annuity owner never touches the funds. This is the only way that the transfer can occur without a tax consequence.
In order for the transfer to occur, the first annuity has to be surrendered. That means that, if it occurs during the contract's surrender period, a surrender fee will apply. If the surrender period has expired, then the funds can be transferred without charge. And that is one of the main caveats of a tax-free 1035 exchange of annuities, and that is when a new annuity is purchased, the surrender period begins anew.
Exchange with Care
If you have made the decision to exchange your annuity, great care should be taken to ensure that you will be improving your situation. Obviously, the new annuity should be fully vetted for a complete understanding of its fees, expenses and surrender provisions. Understanding that you will be purchasing a new annuity with a fresh surrender period, it is important to have a long term time horizon in your thinking. You may be able to find an annuity with a shorter surrender period, but be aware that it may have higher internal expenses as an offset.
Also, once you have made the exchange decision, and have selected a new annuity, you could be at risk if the exchange process is delayed at either end. For instance, you may have selected an annuity based on its high promotional rate. If the exchange process takes too long, it is possible that the promotional rate on the new annuity is no longer available when the funds are finally received by the new provider. Although annuity providers are required to begin processing an exchange as soon as they receive the request, they have been known to take the as much time as they are allowed in order to keep your money working for them as long as possible. So, it is possible to miss a promotional rate or a significant move in the market (if you're exchanging to a variable contract).
The same care taken with your initial annuity investment should be taken with the exchange into another annuity product. The new annuity product should be a solid match for your investment objectives, timeline, preferences and risk tolerance. When done properly, an annuity exchange should put you in a better financial position than before the exchange.
Annuities have come a long way since the days when they were a simple exchange of cash for income. In their 2000 year history they have been used primarily as a way for governments or institutions to raise capital which was repaid to an individual in the form of a lifetime stream of income. Not until the 20th century did their use expand to serve the savings needs of individuals who had lost confidence in the banks during the Great Depression. Today, annuities are used in many ways to address the needs of individuals and businesses.
Income Needs
Secure Retirement Income
The original purpose of annuities was that of an income generator. But, for a Roman citizen who wasn't expected to live much beyond the age of 28, the need for a secure, lifetime income source was not nearly as great as the need today with life expectancies stretching out beyond the age of 87. Annuities are still the only vehicle that can assure retirees that they won't outlive their income source.
Annuity payouts are based on the amount of the initial investment amount, the number of payment periods, and an assumed rate of interest. For a lifetime income, the number of annuity payments is based on a person's life expectancy. Annuities are an insured contract, which means that, if a person lives beyond his or her life expectancy the life insurance company is obligated to continue the income payments for life.
Installment Payments
Annuities are often used by individuals and businesses to structure a payment schedule for a specific number of payments, based on a specific payment amount. Businesses might use annuities to establish a payment plan for compensating an employee or a business partner in a buyout situation. These are legal arrangements that usually require structure and guarantees that can only be provided by instruments such as annuities.
Annuities are the primary vehicle used when a financial settlement is made between parties involving a series of payments as opposed to a lump sum payment, also referred to as a structured settlement. Lottery winnings also use a structured settlement annuity when they are paid in equal installments over ten or twenty years.
Accumulation Needs
Supplemental Retirement Savings
During the Great Depression, life insurers added a savings component to annuities to enable people to safely put money aside for retirement when the banks were closing up shop. Back then, annuities were considered to be safer than bank savings because the savings deposits were kept on reserve by the life insurer as opposed to being loaned out to borrowers as the banks would do.
Today, annuities are still considered to be among the safest savings vehicles because of the strict reserves requirements to which life insurer must adhere as well as the state guaranty funds that protect policyholder accounts up to $250,000 in some states.
Tax Sheltered Investment Alternative
After World War II, when incomes started to climb and the top tax bracket topped out at 90%, an annuity investment was introduced that allowed investors to earn stock market returns without having to pay taxes on their earnings. Essentially, life insurers adapted the savings component of annuities to incorporate separate investment accounts, similar to mutual funds in which investors could choose among professionally managed stock and bond portfolios.
Because annuities are afforded the same tax treatment as qualified plans, as far as the tax deferral of accumulated earnings, they became attractive alternatives for investors who could benefit from tax savings on their investments. During the 1980's, when interest rates climbed into double digits, fixed yield annuities became a popular alternative to taxable bank CDs and other fixed yield investments.
Sleep Insurance
For hundreds of years, people have turned towards annuities for assurance in times of uncertainty. The safety and guarantees built into the contracts that are backed by life insurance companies provide people with peace-of-mind that is sorely needed after the shocks of market crashes or economic meltdowns. Even the more risk tolerant investors need to inject some stability and predictability into their retirement portfolios and annuities are a way to do that.
Asset Protection
Under state and federal statutes assets such as pension plans, life insurance and annuities are protected from civil liabilities, liens and debt claims. It is an accepted practice for individuals to arrange their assets in a way that will shield them from claims so long as it is not done with intent to defraud. In some states, assets held in annuities are fully protected against liability claims, but in others, their exemption in limited to a specific dollar amount. In a few states, annuities are not exempt and, therefore, they are vulnerable to claims.
Very few investment vehicles are as multi-faceted as annuities. Their unique features and characteristics combine to create a number of possibilities for their use in a variety of financial situations, which is why they remain one of the more popular financial planning tools today. Their immense popularity is only exceeded by their complexity, so, there use should be considered along with the guidance of a knowledgeable financial professional who specializes in annuities.
Annuities are renowned for the safety and security they can provide for savers who need to accumulate funds for retirement as well as for retirees who rely upon them for a guaranteed stream of income. And for both of those purposes, the tax implications are fairly straightforward: Tax deferral during accumulation and ordinary income taxes due on earnings when withdrawn or taken as income. Annuities that are transferred to heirs as part of an inheritance may create a more complex set of tax consequences, so it would be important to fully understand inheritance options in order to minimize problems and taxes.
One of the distinguishing features of annuities is their guaranteed death benefit which, like a life insurance policy ensures that beneficiaries will receive, at the very least, the principal investment made by the annuity owner. Annuities held over a period of time will have accumulated earnings which are also payable as part of the death benefit proceeds. Because earnings are allowed to accumulate tax deferred while the annuity owner is alive, they will become taxable as ordinary income when they are paid to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries do have several options for taking receipt of the proceeds which, depending on their situation, could impact the level of taxation at any one time.
The Annuity Taxation Shock
What few annuity owners (and their beneficiaries) realize is that annuities, unlike most other investments, do not receive a stepped up basis when they are passed into an estate. For other investments, a step up in basis occurs when the assets are passed through the estate. If the investment has a gain in value, the basis of the investment is increased to equal the original principal plus the gain which, in effect, means that there would be no tax consequence on the gain.
This can prove to be a shock to annuity beneficiaries when they realize that the full amount of earnings that accumulated over the years is suddenly includable in their own taxable income. Annuity owners should prepare their beneficiaries for that fact, at least to the extent that they can help them plan for them or understand their options.
Five Year Withdrawal Limit
When annuity proceeds are made available to the beneficiaries, they can take up to five years to withdraw the funds. This is important because only the portions of the proceeds withdrawn are subject to income tax and the funds remaining in the balance continue to accumulate tax deferred. Generally, funds can be withdrawn in any increment so long as they are completely distributed within the five years. It is possible to simply wait a full five years before taking any withdrawals, thereby maximizing the tax deferral on the earnings.
When annuity proceeds are withdrawn, it is important for the recipient to plan accordingly for the additional taxes that will be due. Based on their individual tax brackets, beneficiaries should plan on setting aside an amount equal to their tax bracket percent into a separate account, or, better yet, simply send it to the IRS. So, as an example, if $10,000 is taken from the proceeds and the beneficiary's tax bracket is 25%, $2,500 should be set aside to pay the taxes. An income tax analysis should be done to determine whether the withdrawal will actually bump the tax bracket to the next level, which would mean that the proceeds would incur a higher tax.
Income Option
Alternatively, the annuity could be converted into a stream of income for a specified number of years of for the life of the beneficiary. When this happens, also referred to as annuitization, the beneficiary will receive the proceeds as period payments. The payments will consist of a portion of the deceased annuity owner's principal, which is not taxable, and interest earnings which are taxed as they are received.
Taxation of Annuity Income after Annuitization
If an annuity owner dies after the annuity had been annuitized and payments had been received, the income could continue to a spouse who was named as a joint owner of the annuity. The payments would be received as established and the spouse would continue to pay taxes on the interest portion. If additional beneficiaries were named, and a refund option was selected, the beneficiaries would incur taxes on the portion of the refund that is earned interest.
The taxation of annuities is fairly straightforward for owners who are using them as accumulation vehicles or as a guaranteed income source. At the death of an annuity owner, the taxation of annuities can be somewhat perplexing for survivors who are prepared for their tax treatment. The guaranteed death benefit in annuities can be great source of comfort for annuity owners, but if they want to maximize their comfort as well as they value of their legacy, it is best if they prepare their family members ahead of time.


text:
Our networks
We will be closing our _connect networking groups as of 1st February 2017. This will not affect your funding application(s)
The Knowledge Transfer Network
The Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) will bring you up-to-the minute news on innovation funding, events, articles and publications.
Special interest groups
Specialist areas of information that are run by the Knowledge Transfer Network.
Official groups
Official groups belong to and include specific information relating to the Knowledge Transfer Network.
Community networks
Networks run by volunteers and other organisations to promote innovation. Community Networks represent the full innovation landscape in the UK.
Catapult networks
Catapults are technology and innovation centres where UK businesses, scientists and engineers can work side by side on research and development.
Innovation platform networks
Facilitating innovation and business development by bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers and investors in one place.
Innovate UK network
The home of the Innovate UK network, hosting groups on all the strategic themes of the UK's innovation agency.
Member groups
These are independent groups set up by _connect members, they are a point of discussion for any area of interest.
Project groups
Coming soon, project groups for all our funded projects for project teams to collaborate in and _connect members to follow and keep up to date with.
Search Networks
Featured networks
Built Environment KTN
Our mission is to increase the exploitation of innovation in the built environment for demonstrated business benefit.
Creating a competitive advantage for the UK by facilitating knowledge exchange on Information and Communications Technologies and accelerating innovation.
Industrial Mathematics
Companies generally don't make the most of mathematics, even though it can illuminate almost every business decision. Do you want to do more to exploit the power of mathematics? Contact us to find out how.
A group to KTN Directors, Connectors and other specialists to share knowledge on International activity relating to the Knowledge Transfer Networks
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
The network for everyone involved in or interested in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
The Materials Community aims to bring together the materials supply chain to accelerate innovation, improve global competitiveness and sustainability.
Science and Innovation Network (SIN)
A group for stakeholders and officers in the UK Science & Innovation Network
Sustainability & Resource Efficiency
Helping UK enterprises large & small to innovate and compete globally, based on sustainability & resource efficiency drivers and opportunities.
Seeking innovative business opportunities from greater intermodal transport integration; addressing congestion, safety, freight logistics and greenhouse gases


text:
Where are Hoagy* and I going to be this weekend? Why, at the London Anime Con of course! I'll be showcasing my current WIPs, about which I'll be happy to chat to folks. I'll be in the Indies section; if you can't find it I'm sure the organisers will be more than happy to steer you in that direction.
Hope to see some o' youse there .
*Actually, I doubt I'll be able to get Hoagy out of bed in time, but I'm sure he'll be there in spirit.


text:
Frances Kelly Dias
Anthony J. Dias & Crystal M. Martin of Providence, RI are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Frances Kelly Dias. Born October 28, 2018, 5:25 pm at Women and Infant's Hospital in Providence RI, 7 lbs. 5 oz., 19.25 inches. Proud maternal grandparents are Deborah Boase of Warwick RI, and the late Frank Martin of Pawtucket. Proud paternal grandparents are Gerald & Lisa Dias of Rehoboth Ma. Maternal great grandparents are Doris Guinden of Pawtucket RI and the late Ernest Guinden, and the late Litia and Frank Martin of Pawtucket RI . Paternal great grandparents are Frances Dias of Tiverton RI and Beverly Hills Fla formerly of East Providence, RI and the late Ferdinand Dias of East Providence RI. Paternal great-grandparents are the late George and Anita Silvaggio of Riverside, RI.


text:
Company Info
Inspiration & More
Metal & Ceramic Beads
Metal & Ceramic Beads - These ceramic beads with decorative metal design work were handcrafted in China. The company that produces these beads adheres to strict fair trade principles. Click on the image below and a new page will open offering larger views, a detailed description and purchase information.


text:
Making improvements to your home, or to any property that you own, is bound to give you some return on your investment. How much and how quickly relies mostly on the projects you choose to do and how you choose to do them. Using the ideas in this article you should be able to make smart decisions when it comes to your home repairs.
Do not neglect safety under any circumstances. Wear goggles, hard hats, gloves, arbeidssko and other protective uniform. Klikk her for å lese mer om uniform. Amateurs notice professionals foregoing protective gear and follow their lead. Just because you see others ignoring safety does not mean you should. If you are inexperienced, you have a much greater chance of getting injured.
Always use arbeidshansker (Klikk her: https://www.wenaas.com/nb-no/vare-produkter/arbeidshansker), glasses, vernesko and earphones when completing a home improvement project. Even small projects can give off dust and debris that might harm your eyes, create loud noises that are dangerous to your ear drums, and require chemicals that are not safe for your skin. Taking a few safety steps may seem silly for a small project, but you will thank yourself when no harm comes your way.
Do not allow your contractor to start unless a contract is signed. To help protect you, have the home improvement contract reviewed by an attorney. Warranty information, finish dates, an outline of work, and complete cost should be detailed in the contract.
Use a flexible container to mix up just enough dry plaster of Paris for your intended use. When you are finished with the job all you have to do is allow the remainder of the plaster to harden, turn the container upside down over a trash can, and flex the sides. The plaster will cleanly separate from the container and you can put the container away to use on the next job.
As you begin your home improvement project, remember to be flexible. Projects may take longer than you would like, may cost more than you want to pay and may eat up more resources than you planned on using. Be flexible in all stages of the process, and you will find that the project will be a more enjoyable experience for you.
Chandeliers are a great addition to any dining area, but overtime they can be a real collector for dust. To get rid of the dust on your chandelier you first need a pair of white cotton gloves. One of the gloves needs to be dry and the other needs to be dampened with any brand of glass cleaner. Make sure to wipe each prism with the damp glove first and then the dry one.
Using the ideas presented here to make decisions about how, when and why you are going to make remodeling changes or updates to your home or investment property, will net you a greater return on your investment and give you some leeway in making greater gains in your home equity.


text:
(OP-ED) — The author of this post begs your consideration of the following foreclosure-related news item from the SE Texas Record (a journal published to highlight cases where the banks win and the homeowners lose, among other things) … for educational purposes only …
Notice the above Defendants?
It should be well-decided among the legal community that suing MERS is fruitless, but people still listen to these half-baled arguments that MERS knew or should have known that its so-called "members" (which really are user-subscribers to the MERS® System) freely use MERS's name (an acronym for Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.) to assign notes and mortgages to anyone the servicers' employees are told to assign them to, regardless of whether MERS really has any authority to do so. Yet some attorneys are still smoking "legal crack" and are still naming MERS as a Defendant.
When will the legal community wake up to this grievous error? MERS is a database run by Wall Street's Intercontinental Exchange Inc. and NOT an entity with money or answers to anything. An electronic database (nor its officers, of a shell corporation) are willing and able to give any plaintiff any discovery. The real issue here is what the chain of title would have revealed if carefully analyzed.
Read the appellate ruling from the 1st Division of the Texas Court of Appeals if you like, for educational purposes only about how to get cases removed to federal court, where the federal judges (who are appointed for life) bend you over, screw you with no lube and hand you back to the state court after you beg for mercy.
Hernandez v MERS et al, 1st App Ct Tex No 01-18-00468-CV (Oct 22, 2019)
While not attempting to be so graphic, can you imagine the money these folks spent trying to stay in their home, to no avail?
Notice two of the Defendants … LSF8 Master Participation Trust and Caliber Home Loans, Inc.? These two are married in a third-world debt collection scheme to screw homeowners. LSF8 is no more of a trust than the LSF9 that this blog posted recently lost in a court battle in West Palm Beach, Florida at roughly the same time and space in the foreclosure world. This is why I call it the "LSF8 (or 9) Masterbatory Participation Trust" because these jerk-offs do nothing more than spin third-party debt sell-offs into a package they claim is a "trust" but is nothing more than junk, defaulted mortgage loan pools and then call them "equitable instruments" and using their phony documents (where they incorporate MERS into the equation) to steal people's homes. U.S. Bank didn't suffer any harm here because U.S. Bank as Trustee didn't really pull the trigger. Caliber Home Loans did. I'll bet if you looked at these folks' assignments, Caliber Home Loan employees were using MERS to convey these toxic assets into these debt pools for the purposes of foreclosure … and they do it within the time frame that homeowners could challenge them anywhere. In Texas, the state's Civil Practice and Remedies Code (§ 16.033) allows you to challenge a recording that is less than two years old … and I can tell you … Caliber is stupid enough to file stuff within that challenge timeframe because it wants to steal your home, by any means possible. They're greedy, remember?
MERS, Robosigners and Perjury
Sadly, these attorneys don't realize that anyone signing as an "Officer" of MERS has to have a $5,000,000 fidelity bond and an errors and omissions policy covering their signing activities. That requirement is mandated under MERS Rules of Membership for all robosigners. So why aren't these robosigners being sued in a Cancellation and Expungement action and made to produce these documents to prove they're a legitimate, bona fide, MERS "Certifying Officer"??? (which is a joke in of itself) because these people have no idea what they're signing at any given moment.
In my world, we don't sue assignees and we don't sue MERS. We sue the robosigner and the notary (if the notary doesn't have a bond) on the assignments, because the devil is in the details within the assignments, NOT THE NOTES! When you start arguing NOTES, you lose because judges won't listen. Judges don't care about assignments in foreclosure courts either. If the party bringing the foreclosure has the note (somewhere in their possession), that's good enough for the judge. How they got the note doesn't matter to the judge either. The judge just wants the case off their docket and YOU are nothing more than a statistic to them. They can go home and sleep at night, knowing they put you out on the street, because they were simply doing their jobs.
In any scenario (and I don't care what foreclosure defense attorneys have to say about it), MERS should never be a defendant. The parties who sign the assignment have a different story to tell (other than the stories MERS vomits in court). These people are minimum wage employees (generally) that randomly sign hundreds of documents a day into these junk debt pools, because they can't be foreclosed on and sold any other way. The chains of title are so screwed up that it would take an Einstein to figure out how to quiet them in a quiet title action. Sadly, they sell these junk debts to investors who buy them (like Fannie and Freddie's crap) who attempt to peddle them or turn them into the nation's rental pool.
Most people don't recognize that if you hold the robosigner's feet to the fire, you might find out that:
- The law firm doing the foreclosure had something to do with the manufacture of the assignment (subornation of perjury);
- The person signing the document as an officer of MERS didn't have the required fidelity bond and E&O policy (lack of authority, perjury);
- The notary who acknowledged the document was part of the bigger picture in the scheme (notary fraud, false swearing); and
- The attorney bringing the case to court knew or should have known about the chicanery behind the scenes (especially if the law firm had the document returned to them after the dastardly deed was done).
All 50 states have laws against perjury on the land records … and they are all felonies. Some states have stronger laws that recommend that these false documents be turned over to prosecutors to have these robosigners "dealt with". Yeah, right. This is America. No politician (dressed in district attorney or state's attorney's clothing) will risk their asses prosecuting someone connected to the scheme of things because they might find out the real truth … this stuff occurs on a grand scale all across America!
My take on this is doing a cancellation and expungement action on the phony document BEFORE the case gets to foreclosure. Ah, but wait! We all sit idly by and don't bother checking the land records for clues, do we? Part of America's complacency, I guess.
This is the sad state of America. This is why you should NOT deal with banks and other financial institutions who sell their paper into the MERS® System. Portfolio loans, owner finance on a clear title or nothing. Your choices are few. Make good choices.
Coming to the Clouded Titles website in February … ONLINE CHAIN OF TITLE ASSESSMENT CLASSES … stay tuned!


text:
The HMinfo Research Library contains an in-depth collection of materials on home modifications and related subjects.
The Research Library does not lend books and other items. Under special circumstances, requests to use the library may be made by emailing .
Design for the elderly is at the forefront of architectural topics today. Yet, while much has been written about the design of indoor spaces, little work has been done on planning outdoor spaces to accommodate the needs of the elderly. Site Planning and Design for the Elderly specifically addresses this issue, drawing from a large body of original research, current knowledge, and theory to provide the background knowledge and specific information necessary for informed decision making throughout the site planning and design process. More than just a reference on accessibility standards, this volume offers key insights into the needs and concerns of older people in the built environment and presents guidelines and alternatives for responsive site planning and design. Organized in a clear step-by-step format for easy reference, issues and specific guidelines are provided for each stage of the planning and design process within the context of housing for older people. Moreover, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, developers and students will find the topics covered applicable to other settings where older people ore a part of the user profile, such as downtown renewal, hospital, and park planning projects. Numerous illustrations and case studies highlight major points throughout the text. The first sections of this volume provide valuable background information on housing options available to seniors and outline design implications of the social and physiological changes associated with advancing age. Critical design and management issues are discussed, objectives are outlined, and implementation strategies are developed, including methods for promoting wayfinding, enhancing personalization, and maximizing opportunities for social interaction. The body of this volume provides specific guidelines for each stage of development. Site planning areas addressed include site selection, the layout of housing units (including relationships between facilities offering different levels of care), recreational amenities, and circulation systems. Detailed guidelines for the location, spatial configuration, detailing, and amenities of major site components and recreational facilities are also provided. Entryways, parking, patios, rooftop developments, and gardening centers are among the specific areas covered. A brief outline of the major issues affecting use of each site component is particularly useful for making decisions regarding facility provision and for prioritizing development alternatives. Critical detailing and amenity specifications are pinpointed and thoroughly described. Paving materials, signage, lighting, site furniture, and pedestrian street crossings are among those elements examined. A concise overview in tabular form of the major guidelines presented throughout closes this practical volume. It is possible to design a site that will not only enhance the lives of elderly residents, but will be cost-effective and highly marketable as well. Site Planning and Design for the Elderly provides practical solutions to the problems of exterior design for one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population today.
Reads 248