text:
ATC101021: Report Oversight Visit to the Fishing Industry and Sheltered Employment Services in the Western Cape from 18-21 October 2010
Employment and Labour
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Labour on the Oversight Visit to the Fishing Industry and Sheltered Employment Services in the Western Cape from 18-21 October 2010
The Portfolio Committee undertook an oversight trip to Saldanha Bay on the 18th to the 20th of October to consider working conditions within the fishing industry, especially as proposals to amend legislation regarding this sector are on conduit. The Committee visited five companies, where meetings were held between the workers and their unions and later with management. The rationale behind was to provide a platform for workers to freely raise concerns about their working conditions, without fear of being victimised. The Committee felt that management should equally be afforded a similar platform to respond to assertions that were raised during meetings with workers. Companies visited included: West Point Processors, Oceana Brands, Marine Products, Oranje Vis and Sea Harvest.
The Committee felt challenges during the visits due to off-season non-activity within these factories, as workers were not on premises at the time of the visit. As a result, factory owners together with FAWU leadership had to make added efforts in convening workers in order to meet with the committee. The second constraint was that, whereas the proposed legislation will seek to address conditions facing workers at sea, the committee only got an opportunity to speak with workers in the processing phase who are already covered by labour legislation. Regardless of these challenges, the meetings afforded the committee an understanding of the other side of the industry.
The current Bargaining Council's scope only applies to seaward activities. On the landward side, the Industry and the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) are busy trying to agree on the terms for the formation of the council devoted purely to fish processing. It has been unsuccessful until now. Nevertheless, factory workers still benefit from long standing collective bargaining institutions. Industry members negotiate with FAWU even in cases where the registered membership of that union falls below the legal threshold for compulsory bargaining.
The purpose of this paper is to consider issues that were raised during the committee's interaction with various industry stakeholders. In order to objectively understand the industry and the conditions that workers operate under.
The delegation of the committee consisted of Ms LE Yengeni, (ANC) (Chairperson and leader of the delegation); Ms AN Mnisi (ANC); Ms LS Makhubela-Mashele (ANC); Mr E Nyekemba (ANC); Mr I Ollis (DA) and Mr WM Madisha (COPE). Support staff: Ajabulile Mtiya (Committee Secretary); Nozuko Mnyovu (Committee Assistant); Sindisiwe Mkhize (Committee Researcher) and Shamielah Peer (Executive Secretary).
A. West Point Processors (18th October)
- The Department of Labour Representatives
- FAWU leadership
- Factory Management
- Portfolio Committee Members and support staff
At West Point Processors, the committee took a roundabout tour of the factory to assess occupational health and safety matters and the general setup of the factory. Due to the unavailability of fish at the time, the factory was partially deserted as seasonal workers were also laid-off during this period.
Issues Raised by West Point Workers
Issues ranged from occupational health and safety, employment equity, general conditions of work, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), skills development, etc.
1. Seasonal Workers' Plight
1.1. The distinctive characteristic about the fishing industry is that the entire operation is dependent on an uncertain supply of "raw material", that is fish. Owing to the nature of this industry and also due to quota limitations in the fishing sector, workers are contracted for one year but only have work for approximately six months of that year. This creates serious financial constraints in that they have no income, which forces them to take loans from employers.
1.2. Due to the contractual obligation for one year, workers are unable to seek alternate employment to supplement for the temporal loss of income.
1.3. Due to the existent quota system within the industry, there has been an increase in imports from the Asian countries such as Thailand, therefore affecting the labour demand, for an example Off-loading of fully processed fish only takes three hours, in turn affecting shift hours as they decreased from eight hours to three hours per day
2. Employment Equity
2.1. There were general concerns regarding the conscious efforts by management to sideline Africans from progressing to middle and top management positions within the company. Instead, there is a conspicuous preference of Coloured and White workers over the former.
2.2. According to some workers, this obvious discriminatory practices also filtered into vast wage gaps that are also structured according to racial classification, disregarding skills and work experience
3. Unemployment Insurance Benefits
3.1. During the off-season period, workers do not have income nor unemployment benefits as the employer does not issue UI-19 forms in order for them to claim unemployment benefits.
3.2. As a result, they are obliged to take loans from the employer, further indebting them and leaving them in an abject cycle of underemployment.
4. Occupational Health and Safety
4.1. Workers raised health and safety concerns relating to non-provision of safety gear such as helmets, overalls, gloves, etc.
4.2. They referred to the accident that TOOK place few weeks earlier. On the day of arrival, the committee heard that the worker was still in hospital. Until the day before the committee's visit, the workers had not received safety gear from the employer.
4.3. There were persistent complaints about the unsafe conditions in the "jetty area". On an earlier site visit, management informed the committee that no workers were in the "jetty" due to off-season shutdown. However, during the proceedings, the workers informed the committee that the jetty area had been cordoned off on the morning before the committee's arrival due to obvious unsafe and hazardous conditions.
4.4. A worker in the ice plant area complained of unbearable conditions in the plant as well as continued expectation to attend to faulty electrical issues though he is not a qualified electrician.
5. Skills Development
5.1. Workers raised concerns that management had confiscated their certificates, following completion of training programmes in order to prevent them from seeking alternative employment elsewhere.
Management Responses
1. Health and Safety
1.1 In response to health and safety issues, company management informed the committee that there is an established health and safety forum that attends to all related issues.
1.2 The company contracted consultants to deal with matters of health and safety.
1.3 Management denied allegations of not providing safety gear to workers.
2. Skills Development
2.1. Management disputed accusations that they had confiscated training certificates. However, their explanation was that, these were securely put away in order safeguard them but are available upon request by workers.
Recommendation from the Committee
The Committee recommended that the employer should respond in writing to all issues raised by workers, at least by the 22nd October 2010.
B. Oceana Brands – 19th October
The committee first met with the workers, followed by the meeting with management to address all concerns raised by workers.
- The Department of Labour Representatives
- FAWU leadership
- Factory Management
- Portfolio Committee Members and support staff
1. Seasonal Workers' Plight
1.1 Similar to issues raised by workers at West Point Processors, seasonal workers have persistent challenges regarding underemployment and poverty as a result of dwindling fish in the ocean.
1.2 As a result, seasonal workers cannot afford sending their children to school.
1.3 Concerns were raised that, the company, instead of using the laid-off seasonal workers to perform other duties such as gardening, painting, it contracts external companies.
2. Employment Equity
2.1 Workers raised concerns that the company does not consider Africans for senior positions or other benefits within the company.
2.2 Of the 133 workers in the factory, 33 Africans are permanently employed.
2.3 Allegations of racism and nepotism were rife within the company. There were claims that jobs had already been earmarked long before candidates applied for the post.
2.4 All hard labour is assigned to African workers and supervisory positions are allocated to Coloured workers.
2.5 The language barrier persists, as there is no translator on site.
2.6 An advertisement was sent out for an Afrikaans/Xhosa translator and to date this post remains vacant which causes numerous challenges for workers who are not fluent in Afrikaans, for example, a worker was forced to attend a disciplinary hearing which was conducted without a Afrikaans/Xhosa translator
3. Conditions of Employment
3.1 Workers complained of long hours' work, 12 hour shifts and work during public holidays.
3.2 Whilst there is a clinic on site, it is ill-equipped and there is no doctor.
3.3 Doctors certificates or reports are not considered by the employer if the worker is absent over weekends and monies are still deducted from wages.
3.4 Employees work ten hours a day but are paid for eight hours.
3.5 Unfair grading system within the company. Whereas some employees have been promoted to supervisors, their salaries remain unchanged.
3.6 There were general concerns regarding funeral benefits and share schemes.
4. Occupational Health and Safety
4.1 Workers quoted scenarios where supervisors instructed workers to work in areas demarcated as health hazards.
4.2 Employer was accused of not taking responsibility when workers are injured on duty unless they lose their limbs.
4.3 When employees are injured on duty they have to re-enact what actually transpired.
5. Skills Development
5.1 Concerns were raised regarding discontinuity of the employees' families' bursary support scheme through the company's corporate social investment arm, which supported children of staff members.
Management Response
1.1 With regard to the translator, employees mentioned that the post had been vacant for two years and this was due to difficulty in finding suitable Afrikaans/Xhosa translator.
1.2 Regarding the share scheme, in 2006 the Kula Share Trust was established and to date this has not been paid out. Kula owns 12.5% of Oceana Brands. Approximately three months ago participatory rights were given to shareholders.
1.3 Due to shortage of fish, the company has been compelled to import fish from Morocco.
1.4 On employment equity, management placed on record that this issue had never been raised before. There is a committee that deals with these issues and it has never been a concern for workers.
1.5 Skippers are contracted with Oceana Brands and crew is also contracted by the skipper. They agreed that the majority of their contracted skippers are white, 2 Coloureds and no Africans.
1.6 They admitted that for gardening, painting and work in the fish ice plant they recruit contractors that are BEE compliant. They got in contractors instead of workers because they felt it would affect the duties assigned to workers. In addition to that, the company has also outsourced the loading of containers because workers previously refused to undertake this task.
A. Marine Products
Issues raised by workers:
1. Permanent-Seasonal Workers
1.1. The general complaint emanating from workers was that they could not take any other work during the off-peak periods when they were not employed.
1.2. Due to the nature of the industry the employers resolved to grant loans during the off season but this perk is not extended to persons on maternity leave.
2. Employment Equity
2.1. Whereas the Employment Equity policy is clear on workplace transformation, the company's top management remains white including the workers on boats.
2.2. Promotions are racially exclusive, with blacks not considered for promotions.
2.3. Official work forms are issued in only English and Afrikaans, disadvantaging the Xhosa speakers and creating continued language barriers amongst the groups.
3. Basic Conditions of Employment
3.1. Workers are not given leave when requesting time off from work.
4. Unemployment Insurance Fund
4.1. The majority of employees complained of not getting UIF payments during the off season.
4.2. Death and funeral cover differed and took long to pay out. Workers requested clarity on this from employers.
4.3. In the event of death of a permanent worker, the post is not filled even if there is work. As a result, remaining workers have to carry over others' workload without incentives.
4.4. Concerns were raised regarding incompatible UIF payouts between permanent and seasonal workers.
4.5. In order to qualify for UIF, workers have to be working for the company for four years. This exclude seasonal workers given that they have only spent 18 months being physically on duty yet they have been retained for for years.
5. Occupational Health and Safety
5.1. Workers, especially those in the fish mills unit, complained of not having any safety gear.
5.2. Workers are forced to work long hours. Upon refusal, they are forced to sign warning letters.
5.3. The employer is not consistent when applying transfer policy, with white workers easily transferred to other units if they contract illnesses.
6. Skills Development
6.1. Workers complained that it was only white workers who benefit from skills development programmes.
Management Response
Employer agreed to forward written responses on all issues raised by workers, by Wednesday, 27 October 2010.
Visit to Oranje Vis
Concerns raised by Workers
1. Permanent-Seasonal Workers
1.1. Workers complained of lengthened periods without income.
1.2. Workers sign contracts without being given proper opportunity to read them.
1.3. Concerns were raised that the company neglected seasonal workers and did not offer any form of support during the off-season.
1.4. Old seasonal workers continually have to train new recruits, who in turn get promoted or get permanent positions whilst seasonal workers are not recognised.
2. Employment Equity
The following issues were raised regarding employment equity:
2.1. Adverts for drivers are placed with a prerequisite that they have to have 15 years experience. This essentially bars Black people from securing positions in this category as they would not have the required 15- year experience.
2.2. Inconsistent payment system, with white workers paid monthly on a fixed-term basis whereas black workers are paid weekly.
2.3. There is no visible effort to empower the previously disadvantaged groups. As such, upon resignations of white employees, black workers are not trained for those positions, but the company would rather hire another white person.
2.4. Racist and disparaging references are used when talking to staff members.
3. Conditions of Employment
3.1. The company deducts two days pay even if a doctor's certificate for being absent for one day is submitted.
4. Occupational Health and Safety
4.1. There is no proper ventilation in the canning department with temperatures varying between very hot and cold.
5. Skills Development
5.1. The company does not recognize prior learning and insists on people presenting certificates.
5.2. Bursaries are not granted to black workers who wish to study further whereas white workers are continually given opportunities and financial support.
5.3. Workers requested assistance from employers with regard to their children's schooling and nothing has been forthcoming to date.
Response by Management
Due to the critical nature of allegations by workers, specifically with regard to employment equity, demographics and racism, management agreed to respond in writing by Wednesday, 27 October 2010.
Visit to Sea Harvest – 20th October
Issues raised by workers
1. Employment Equity
1.1. Xhosa speakers are not catered for within the factory, as a result they feel marginalised and discriminated against.
1.2. Official forms and advertisements are all in Afrikaans and English.
1.3. There is a general perception that line managers undermine staff and there is a lack of respect for African workers in particular.
1.4. There are wage disparities, with workers on the same levels remunerated differently. African workers are paid R24 and Coloured workers R38 per hour.
1.5. White contractors are appointed without any proper qualifications
2. Conditions of Employment
2.1. One worker alleged that working at Sea Harvest was akin to working on a farm with the pay rate at R22 per hour
2.2. Workshop engineers do not get necessary recognition; as they are still being paid at the rate of artisans.
2.3. Production was cut in the added value department and this resulted in the employers cutting the employees' hours from 45hrs to 35hrs without communication or consultation.
2.4. One fleet engineer complained that they are called upon to attend to broken down machines and they are not remunerated for this. They are expected to stay overnight without S&T benefits.
2.5. When injured, fisherman are offered or transferred to another post pending their disability.
2.6. When matters of genuine concerns are raised, the workers are summoned to appear before management and then interrogated and victimized.
2.7. Workers are meant to handle 12 tons of fish per day but generally manage 15 to 17 tons per day. Whereas this benefits the company, workers are not recognised for this. This equates to one and a half days work.
2.8. Retirement benefits are inadequate
3. Occupational Health and Safety
3.1. Making appointments with the on-site nurse is cumbersome.
3.2. Temporary workers are not allowed to visit the doctor on site.
3.3. The working conditions on site are unbearable and workers health deteriorates on site.
3.4. On-site safety boxes are empty. As a result, workers do not receive proper first aid attention when injured.
3.5. Safety representatives are not adequately trained to deal with injuries on site, as a result workers are not fully assisted regarding health and safety issues. An example of this was given by a female worker, when she injured herself and was bleeding profusely she had to attend to herself.
3.6. When workers are booked off to do only light duties by a medical practitioner, management refuses to accept the doctor's report and requests a second opinion instead. The request to move to light duty is denied as a result of this.
3.7. The company only recognises medical certificates issued by doctors from the surrounding area.
3.8. Workers complained that certain areas in the factory have temperatures reaching up to 54 degrees with no ventilation.
Response by Management
Due to the critical nature of allegations by workers, specifically with regard to employment equity, demographics and racism, management agreed to respond in writing by Wednesday, 27 October 2010.
Sheltered Employment Factories- 21st October
On the 21st October, the committee continued with its oversight, this time in the Department of Labour's Sheltered Employment Factories. The factories are situated in the Epping area. Similar to the other previous factories, the committee met with both the workers and management separately.
A. SEF Factory -
Issues raised by Workers
1. Conditions of Employment
1.1 Inaccessibility of the buildings to people with disabilities
1.2 Workers have to use public transport such as, metrorail that does not cater for people with disabilities
2. Occupational Health and Safety
2.1 Workers' health needs are not considered when placing, even when there are doctor's recommendations to remove employees. For example, workers with asthma are placed in wood sanding department
4. Employment Equity
3.1 Exclusion of Xhosa speakers, as only Afrikaans and English are recognised languages in the factory
3.2 Need for Xhosa and sign language translators
Management Response
Management agreed to respond in writing to the all allegations raised by workers.
B. SEF Factory – Epping
Issues raised by Workers
1. Employment Equity
1.1. Continued segregation and discrimination against Africans, for an example African worker uses a separate toilet from their white counterpart
1.2. counterparts in other provinces also experience similar treatment
1.3. the factories are untransformed with demographics favouring the white workers
2. Conditions of Employment
2.1 Remuneration does not take into cognisance varied workloads that workers carry. Such that, workers are paid uniformly though they perform distinct duties
2.2. Management insist that workers produce medical certificates when on a day's sick leave and still deduct a day's wage
2.3 No benefits extended to family members in the event of death of a worker
Management Response
Management requested to respond in writing with regard to all issues raised by workers.
General Observations by the Committee
- Seasonal Work
- The complex nature of the fishing industry has resulted in intricate employment relations. As a result, where the industry may have made great strides in relation to wages and other general conditions of employment, these gains are concealed by unintended consequences, for example, seasonal work.
- The plight of seasonal workers is the permanent and key defining feature of the industry. However, more can be done by the industry in order to cushion these workers, especially during the off-season period when workers are in a prolonged unemployment state.
- Increased imports of fully processed fish have exacerbated challenges faced by these workers.
- Employment Equity
- There are general misconceptions about employment equity and its purpose in building workplace relations. Whilst targets may have been achieved in some instances, organisational cultures within these factories have not evolved in order to accommodate diverse employee profiles. Hence, there are general perceptions of exclusion of some groups. Whether these perceptions are founded or not, their existence signal a lack of communication between management and workers.
- Whereas numerical targets have been met in some companies, but, in some cases, these have been used to sideline one group over the other, in particular Africans.
- Considering the above, there's general lack of communication between management and staff members, leaving individuals to speculate and sometimes reach unfounded conclusion on simple matters.
- There is general lack of communication and simple management skills from junior management staff
- Language is a central feature of human identity. As such, workplace policies should also recognise and ensure that all individuals are treated equally. Due to lack of recognition of this fact, Africans feel marginalised and discriminated against within the workplace. Language policy within all factories visited had considerably hampered transformation
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Overall health and safety measures have been partially implemented within these companies
- Whereas there are health and safety committees or representatives, these do not follow through their delegated oversight duties.
- There's clear non-visibility of the Department of Labour where safety standards are concerned in these factories
On Sheltered Employment Factories
- There's obvious lack of transformation within the factories
- The factories have not been designed in a manner that caters for diverse disabilities
Some progress has been made with regard to improving conditions of service and employment equity. On paper, much progress has been made by these companies. However, these targets have not permeated in the organisation cultures of these factories. As a result, African workers perceive their workplaces as hostile towards them, be it through mockery of one's culture, language exclusion, unwritten discriminatory wage practices, etc. Whatever progress has been made in the industry has been undermined by these glaring challenges.
In light of the issues that emanated during the oversight visit, the committee recommends that;
· The Department of Labour should strengthen its Inspection and Enforcement Services in order to oversee enforcement compliance of occupation health and safety regulations within the fishing sector
· The Department of Labour should ensure full compliance with regard to Employment Equity regulations
· The Department should monitor implementation of the Sheltered Employment Factories' turnaround strategy. Additionally, the department should ensure that the factories adhere to employment equity regulations, as stipulated in the relevant Act
· The Department should investigate the amendments to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Act to cater for seasonal workers both in the fishing and farming sectors
· The Department should respond to all issues raised in this report during the first quarter of 2011
Report to be considered
No related documents


text:
A gilded flicker seemed to really like his reflection in the window this morning. So I put on very wide angle lens and photographed him through the window.
Funny, I have trouble differentiating the gilded from the northern flicker, as it can be tough to see the yellow under-wing. Not here. 🙂

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A/N I came up with this a few weeks ago. It was also inspired by a Lion King story, Time Warped, which has a similar plot. In this one, Irene is taken back to the past to uncover secrets about Dirtclaw. I only own Eileen, Dirtclaw, and other OC things. I don't own the Princess and the Goblin or its characters.
Chapter 1
Back to the Beginning
When Princess Irene K. Madcleaver awoke that morning, she thought it would be an ordinary day. It felt like one at first. But as it progressed, she ended up learning quite a bit about her husband, Prince Froglip Madcleaver, and his enemy, Dirtclaw the Wolf Assassin. Let's read on, shall we?
Irene sat at her window, gazing out at the kingdom. "It's such a beautiful morning." She sighed; she turned to her husband, Prince Froglip. "Don't you agree?"
"Hmm?" He perked up his ears as though he hadn't been listening. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I was thinking of something."
"Of what?"
"Well, when we were younger, Dirtclaw would often compliment on mornings. He was so young and innocent back then."
"I'm sorry, but I can't understand how that monster could be innocent when he was a pup."
"Well he wasn't born vicious and murderous. He was actually good."
"Good? Good?" Irene cried incredulously. "How could that beast be good? Do you mean to tell me he didn't kill anyone when he was young? Well I find that hard to believe!"
"Fine! Don't believe it! But he was once good," Froglip stormed out of the room. "Whether you believe it or not!" He slammed the door shut.
Irene sighed and fell back on her bed. "Oh Grandmother, I didn't mean to hurt him," She said to no one. "But, I just can't believe that that monster was once good. I wish I could just find out for myself; perhaps go back to the past."
When she said that, there was a bright light. She sat up and shielded her eyes. Soon the light dimmed. She removed her hands; there was a wolf in her room. It was a large black wolf, with bat-like wings on its back, rose-red eyes, and a kind smile. It looked somewhat translucent. "Hello Irene." It said in a dreamy voice; it was a female.
"Who are you?" Irene said softly. "Are you magic?"
The female Wolf-Bat smiled kindly and shook her head. "No, I am a ghost."
"A ghost?"
"Yes. I have been dead for nearly 14 years."
"Oh…" Irene didn't know what else to say. "I'm sorry."
"Why? T'was my time to die. I admit, I never expected it, but I have now accepted it. We all die someday, some earlier than others, but we all know our fate. We should welcome it, rather than oppose or be afraid of it."
Irene nodded. "I suppose that is true. But, who are you?"
"My name is Eileen."
"Do…do you know Dirtclaw?"
"I do indeed." Eileen nodded. "You see, my dear, he is my son."
Irene's eyes widened. "You…you're his mother?"
"Yes." She nodded.
"What are you doing here?"
"I heard the argument between you and your husband, and offer a solution. You wish to see Dirtclaw's past? Very well, I shall take you. Hold my wing." She unbent her left wing a little.
Irene looked back at the door Froglip had exited hesitantly. "Do not worry, when we leave, no time shall pass here. It will be as though we never left. Trust me."
Irene sighed and nodded and laid her hand on Eileen's wing bone; to her surprise, it was solid. "Spirits of the earth and sky, hear my cry," She said in a hypnotic voice. "Begin the phase, bring us back to the olden days! Back to the past, as fast as fast, spirits of my olden pack, bring us back!"
As she said the first verse, the room began to spin; they stayed in one place though. As she continued, the room spun faster and fast, so fast it was a blur. When she cried "back", the room exploded with a crack; colors flew past them as though they were traveling though a tunnel. Irene gripped the female Wolf-Bat tightly with fright.
"Do not be afraid, we are safe." She smiled. "We should be there soon."
Suddenly, a flash of bright white light swallowed the pair as a shrill whistle sounded; when it cleared, Irene and Eileen were in a lush green meadow with a wide river, several bushes, and small forest. "Where are we?" Irene asked.
"Where we should be." Eileen said. "We are in the Wolf-Bat Meadow. This is where Dirtclaw was raised, and adopted."
A/N This is kinda short, but this is just introducing the main characters: Irene, and Dirtclaw's dead mother, Eileen. I just thought of the name "Eileen", and it sounded pretty, so I used it for his mother.
If you'd like, you may come up with your own theories on how Eileen died. It'll be revealed in the next chapter though.


text:
Email Enquiries only
We are delighted to welcome this 2 bedroom refurbished property to the market. The property itself is in excellent condition throughout and boasts large Kitchen and separate bright spacious Living room, two double bedrooms and chic modern Bathroom with Shower.
To appreciate this property viewing is highly recommended. With its ideal location in the heart of Rush Village this property would be ideal for any couple of Single person.
Email Enquiries only


text:
Peaceful Blessed Samhain!
I'm posting earlier in the day than usual, but there is much to do today, and I likely won't have another chance to sit at the computer later. I'm also cheating a little… The picture I'm sharing is one from yesterday AND is one my mom took. But I didn't think anyone would mind. 😉
Be safe and blessed while you celebrate Samhain tonight.
For those who celebrate Halloween, have a ton of fun.
For those who don't celebrate the season, just enjoy your evening.
We celebrate Samhain, and have a little Halloween fun too.
Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the Celtic new year. The celebration of the beginning of the dark half of the year. It's a festival of the bounty received from the years harvest, and a time of remembrance. So say a prayer for those you have lost, and celebrate their lives, their love was a gift and this is the festival of thanks. It's not about ghouls and ghosts and vampires or the creepy things that make up the frivolity of Halloween… but we enjoy that part of it too. So get all dolled up, go out trick or treating, let out a witchy cackle, and then settle in, hold your family close, warm yourselves with a glass of hot cider, and remember the blessings of the past year.
Much love everyone!
Posted on October 31, 2010, in Family, Nikon D70, People, Wee Girlie and tagged blessed samhain, celtic, cider, cinderella, costumes, dress-up, family, fun, ghosts, ghouls, halloween, happy halloween, mice, mouse friends, pagan, party, peaceful samhain, samhain, together, vampires, wicca, witches. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
Happy Samhain to you and yours as well 🙂
You guys look great !
Have Fun!


text:
Book Direct with the Owner at St Andrews Beach Australia with Accommodation Gold Coast Agent St Andrews Beach, for all your adventures and things to do.
Address: 335 Browns Rd, Rye VIC 3941
Address: 33 Maori Street, Rye VIC 3941
Address: 2185 Point Nepean Rd, Rye VIC 3941
copyright © 2020 Accommodation Gold Coast. All rights reserved.


text:
Place a rubber band over your first and second fingers, as per the first photograph.
Are you a betting person? Let's find out.
Is the hand quicker than the eye, or is it the other way around? Put this to the test with nothing but two rubber bands and your hand.
Place a rubber band over your first and second fingers, as per the first photograph.
Are you a betting person? Let's find out.
Use the other rubber band to link the top part of your fingers together, as per the photo.
Now I reckon I can move the lower band from my first and second fingers to my third and fourth fingers without moving the top rubber band… think it's possible?
Stretch the bottom band outwards, place your fingers against your palm and stretch the lower band onto the top of your fingers. When you open your hand, the band will have incredibly jumped across.
Show them that you're ambidextrous by using the same technique to make the band jump back to your first two fingers.
Is this all about having fast hands?
How does that work?
What can we learn from this?
Hold in Hand would be a good one to follow up with here as well as Bands Split Up. And while your hands are in the spotlight you may want to show them My little friend.
type type
Do It Yourself (DIY)
material material
a couple of rubber bands
size size
they fit in any pocket
durability durability
have some spares
source source
the ether
time to impact time to impact
pretty much there and then
size of audience size of audience
one-on-one or a small group
possible health risk possible health risk
we are talking rubber here
reusable how many times you can use it
a few times
training needed training needed
try this by yourself first – it is dead easy though


text:
Piracy. It's not an accident that word is a part of the word.
There is no such thing as an overnight success. You simply cannot find one. We measure ourselves and where we stand in life against so many arbitrary, unrealistic notions. When we talk about 'overnight successes' we are in fact, broadcasting jealousy loud and clear to the world. It's pitiful. When we do this nonsense, we also communicate to the world that we think we could do better, be better, and are more entitled to the newfound success that someone else has realized. Stop it.
When Justin Bieber burst onto the scene – it was widely categorized as an overnight success. He just appeared out of nowhere. Meanwhile, his countless hours of practice, writing and YouTube video uploads goes unnoticed. He did the work. It just so happens that he was good – really good. Fan or not, he did what it took to get noticed. And, it worked.
So. Let's talk about you. Do you operate on either of these two planes:
"What's in it for me"
"What's in it for them"
I'm not purposing that either are correct for your situation – But I am proposing that only one of these roads leads to the sky.
Here's what I think – and please, stop reading if you don't want to hear my story.
Ok, so I used to operate as a taker. What I mean by that is, I had needs that I wanted fulfilled immediately. If I examined a situation and there was an expenditure of energy that I had to commit to, but after weighing the outcome (what's in it for me) didn't add up – I declined. Same as the traditional way of an hourly wage/salary negotiation. I'll give you this for this. A transaction that both parties agree to. It's a win-win.
Well, after 40+ years of negotiating like a child negotiates a treat for the completion of chores – I stopped.
What wasn't working for me was this:
By entering into an agreement with another human being was getting to be one-sided.
I was always the loser in any arrangement.
Here's some Soundgarden – They always can explain stuff better than me:
Brilliant, right?
So, when I made the switch – it was purely out of desperation. It was an experiment more than anything. I just did the opposite of everything I was currently doing. I no longer expected a reciprocal relationship with the party I was entering contractually. I just did stuff. If you asked me for something – I just gave it to you. If you needed a hand, I had one. If you needed…I had and gave. Without anything expected in return.
Then something changed – and yes, I'm about to get a bit woo woo on your ass.
As when I was selfish – the world felt as if it was conspiring against me.
Now, the Universe is conspiring FOR me.
The amount of awesome shit that has happened to me since I did this has been unbelievably big. I'm actually struggling to compose into words what has happened. But, you've seen it…you know what happened to me. You've been a part of it. You knew me when. And now you know me now. If this isn't proof, then stay tuned.
Reach out and ask me how this happened. I'll tell you.
But as I told my friend yesterday – IT'S HARD OR ELSE EVERYONE WOULD BE DOING IT!!
Don't listen to the negative shit in your head. Stop conspiring against yourself. Put yourself on an island and don't tell anyone what you're doing. Stop searching with your good eye closed…
I love you.
A rooster says…
The devil says…


text:
Chapbook #138
Three Poems
Red Shuttleworth
Published in a limited edition (44 copies) by Bunchgrass Press, Red Shuttleworth's Chapbook #138 presents three poems from the in-progress Hawk Season Notebook: Poems and Tidings:
Fragment: Hawk Season Notebook
Red Shuttleworth's Woe to the Land Shadowing (Blue Horse Press) received the 2016 Western Heritage (Wrangler) Award for Outstanding Poetry Book. Shuttleworth is a three-time winner of the (Western Writers of America) Spur Award for Poetry. In 2007, True West magazine named Shuttleworth "Best Living Western Poet."
Red Shuttleworth


text:
107.8 Radio Jackie - Bulletins aired each hour
Wednesday, 2 August 2017
A record number of people were killed by illegal or legal drugs in England and Wales last year
Official figures on poisoning show there were more than 3,700 deaths relating to drugs in England and Wales, which is 2% more than in 2015.
More than half of all deaths involved an opiate like heroin or morphine.
In the South East, the number of drug related deaths rose in 2016 by 3.6% to 347 deaths.
In London, drug related deaths fell from 2015 by 5.4% to 282 deaths in 2016.
In both areas, men were significantly more likely to have a drug related death.
Runnymede had the fewest drug related deaths from 2014-2016, with only 2, whereas Croydon had the most at 25.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:18 pm
Top of Radio Jackie News page here.
of many reasons why we are so useful to South West London...
our very own news team bringing you stories that are relevant to you
and your area.
If you have a press release
or would like to send in news then pop off an e-mail to [email protected]
Follow Jackie News at twitter.com/jackie_news.


text:
Sanford, NC — Dec 4, 2015 — Supreme Squeeze spokesperson, Eric Currey, announced that the company's hand grippers continue to be one of the most popular hand strengthening tools on the Amazon market and that it's being reflected by a significant increase in sales
"Hand grippers are strength training tools for the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms," explained Currey. "They provide physical functionality, rehabilitation, and develop multiple muscle groups to help reduce the potential for injury."
The fingers and hands are used to push, pull, grip and hold, but it's the wrist and forearm that provide the body with stability for fine motor control. Hand grippers exercise the muscles, tendons and ligaments that are required for a strong, sustained grip. Supreme Squeeze hand grippers are manufactured with carbon-hardened steel for durability and foam rubber hand grips provide comfort.
The intermediate level hand strengtheners are sold in sets of two and each purchase is accompanied by free tips and sample exercises. Supreme Squeeze offers a one year, money back guarantee that allows consumers to buy with confidence. Affordable and highly portable, they can be taken anywhere and used whenever it's convenient.
The firm's hand grippers are effective for rehabilitating injuries and building grip strength in men and women of multiple age groups. They offer fast results, reduce the risk of injury from weak muscles, and provide a method for addressing conditions that include carpal tunnel and arthritis. Those with repetitive movement occupations and those who engage in sports such as golf and tennis are at increased risk of injury.
Hand grippers have been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, while improving coordination and dexterity. They can be used at home or on the go without the need for a trip to the gym and don't require endless repetitions to be effective. With no more than 10 reps per session, anyone can begin to increase grip strength immediately.
Supreme Squeeze hand grippers continue to be a best seller at Amazon where they're offered exclusively. The firm is offering consumers special pricing in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the last time shoppers will have an opportunity to save on the hand grippers before the Christmas shopping season begins, enabling consumers to give the gift of healthy grip strength to themselves or as a gift for loved ones..
Media Contact
Eric Currey
[email protected]
500 Westover Dr., Sanford, NC 27330


text:
Tomorrow, Red, Pink and Blue will be taking the stage– and by stage, I mean the Purple People bridge– by storm to benefit the American Heart Association, Pink Ribbon Girls and American Lung Association. There's a fashion show featuring Amy Kirchen designs, cocktails and vendors ranging from Stella and Dot to Elements Event Center.
Tickets are normally $10, but the lovely ladies at Cincy Chic have provided me with ten pairs tickets to give away to lucky wine me, dine me winners! Simply comment here and the first ten comments will get tickets. It's that easy!
You have until 5 PM today to enter, and you must be available tomorrow to attend the event. Don't want to wait? Get your tickets here: http://2012rpb.eventbrite.com/.


text:
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
|Dec 31, 2011, 4:03 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 11
Aiptek 3D IH3 - 1080/30P 3D camcorder
Aiptek is offering for sale the first 3D 1080P camcorder. $280. Store says it ships in 3-5 days.
No manual available online, yet and the the specifications lack detail.
Dual 5MP image sensors. Digital zoom, not optical. Fictional zooms of 10X in 2D mode, only 4X in 3D mode. Does not have enough pixels to even do a real 2X zoom in 1080P mode. Lens is probably a fixed focus lens. Stereo mic but does it have a stereo microphone input? And what is the sample rate and codec? Claims 30P but will it sustain 30P frame rate without skips or slowing down due to low light? No mention of an image stabilizer. 3D parallax LCD display. NP60 LiIon battery. USB 2.0 and MiniHDMI. No displayport, VGA, composite video, or component video out. If they had used displayport you could get adapters to any of these. No mention of whether you can control whether or not the on screen display overlays on HDMI while recording or even if the HDMI port is active during recording or setup. No mention of whether USB supports USB High Speed, USB PTP/MTP, PTP/MTP camera control, USB OTG/host mode (for connecting hard drive, keyboard, USB sound cards, GPS receiver, etc.), or USB Video Class (for webcam use). Does charge from USB. No mention of GPS or geotagging. No IEEE-1396. Camcorder form factor, unlike their previous 3D camcorder. "Exposure control: auto" - so no manual exposure control? Minimum focus distance is 1M - no macro focus. Uses SDHC media up to 32GB, no SDXC and no mention of speed class required. No mention of video modes lower than 720P or any high frame rate modes. Does claim 720/60P in text but doesn't mention this in specifications.
No mention of intra-frame only video compression option. No mention of timecode/genlock inputs. White balance specs ("Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten") suggest you can't set the white balance using a grey card.
There is no mention of MP3 playing, let alone OGG Vorbis, FLAC, or AAC.
Limited to slightly less than 30minutes for each recording, though they claim you can record up to 16 hours (2D or 3D?) of 1080P on a 32GB SDHC card.
Interpupilary distance is not specified and looks pretty narrow; i.e. does not match the human eye spacing.
They say in a couple places that the "embedded software" or "built-in software" supports youtube uploading but there is no apparent internet connectivity. Embedded software is not the same as bundled software. Elsewhere, they admit it is only the bundled software. There is no description of what operating systems the software runs on - probably windoze only. No Linux. No FreeBSD. No Mac OSX. No android.
Someone has posted a sample video (converted to red/green stereo):
|Sponsored Links
|Jan 21, 2012, 5:52 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,116
Cool,but these cameras are so slow in coming out and yesterday, they should be up to fullhd50p 3d by now.
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread


text:
The pre-season friendly at Beaconsfield Town, scheduled for next Monday evening, has been cancelled.
We have made the decision due to the unavailability of several players through injuries or illness. With a slightly stretched squad, we feel that playing two games in three days will potentially hinder us in preparation for the first National League South game of the season on Saturday 3rd August.
We will make a fuller statement on Wednesday after our in-house game tomorrow night.
Neil Baker
Copyright 2020 Slough Town F.C. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.sloughtownfc.net as the source.


text:
Product Description
The EC02 is a 1320mm (52 inch) polymer four bladed sweep fan. Entirely Australian designed, the die-cast aluminium housing is attractive, light weight and robust. The polymer blades are a new aerofoil design created by Hunter Pacific International in Sydney which provide high airflow for lower energy input when compared to conventional flat paddle timber blades.
A custom wound high efficiency motor uses less power to provide better airflow than similar sized fans with standard motor designs that are turning traditionally shaped blades..
The fan is suitable for raked ceilings up to 28 degrees. It comes with a 2 year 'In- Home' warranty and a further 3 years parts only warranty for the motor.
The EcO2 can be connected to building automation systems that have relay control modules. It is not recommended to connect to electronic fan speed controllers. The supplied wall switch is designed to suit most Australian wall plates (wall plate not included).
Light adaptable (accessory kit available) and is available in 3 colours.


text:
Welcome to Schoolgirl Style!
Paint the landscape with depth and dimension with these whimsical pennants from the Woodland Animals Collection!
The file includes twenty-two (22) pages of pennants in mixed Rustic Reds, Natural Burlap Khaki, and Soft Turquoise designs! Add a customized look and feel to your space by adding your own custom monogram, phrases, and more!
Want to see more photos and fun ideas? Visit the Schoolgirl Style Blog,
Page Count: 22
Please note:
When ordering, please be sure to use a personal email account, as some workplaces have network security restrictions blocking download links. The files from Schoolgirl Style work best when opened using a computer. Phones and Tablet devices are not typically capable of downloading large files. Fonts are not transferred as part of the file. Fonts must be installed on the specific computer you are using.
Schoolgirl Style cannot be responsible for color variations. Printed colors may vary based on several factors including: type of printer, type of paper, printer settings, and brand of ink used. Print on High Gloss Photo Paper for best results.
This is a DIGITAL ITEM - simply complete your purchase and download the file!
To open pdf files, you will need Adobe Reader, a free download at adobe.com
Collection for Personal Use Only. Please do not share or distribute the files.
Photos courtesy of E.C. Campbell Photography.
$ 39.99
Introducing the Woodland Animals Collection from Schoolgirl Style! The Woodland Animals Collection is a...
$ 5.00
Welcome to Schoolgirl Style! Learn the ABCs in style with Woodland Animals Alphabet Letters Cursive...
$ 5.00
Welcome to Schoolgirl Style! Learn the ABCs in style with Woodland Animals Alphabet Letters Print...


text:
MagaschoniMagaschoni is about luxurious quality, pure and simple, and it shows in the details of every piece that we create; from the tailored finishing and delicate lining to the elaborate hand-beading, embroidery and specialty stitching. Magaschoni creates timeless classics in exclusive colors and fabrics, featuring outstanding quality and design that is both highly functional and fashionable.
Shop by ClothingShop by Clothing SizeShop by Dress StyleShop by Sleeve LengthShop by Color
3 Results
3 Results


text:
Though the Delaware was a northern state, some Confederates were Delaware residents.
« LSU Law Seeks Both Tenure-Track and Contract Faculty | Main | Mississippi Law Seeks Entry and Lateral Tenure Track Faculty »
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
I suspect you know more about this than I, but I'd be a little hesitant to classify Delaware a a northern state, both geographically (south of the Mason-Dixon line) and institutionally (as your reference points out) as a slave state, albeit with a relatively small number of slaves and one not seen as likely to secede.
Wikipedia has a decent write up on Delaware in the Civil war below I include the first two paragraphs. There was a significant Quaker population among Delaware farmers and when Quakers took a position against slavery (in the 1850s I think) many slaves were freed in Delaware.
Here is an excerpt from Wiki on Delaware in the Civil War.
"Slavery had been a divisive issue in Delaware for decades before the American Civil War began. Opposition to slavery in Delaware, imported from Quaker-dominated Pennsylvania, led many slaveowners to free their slaves; half of the state's black population was free by 1810, and more than 90% were free by 1860.[4] This trend also led pro-slavery legislators to restrict free black organizations, and the constabulary in Wilmington was accused of harsh enforcement of runaway slave laws while many Delawareans kidnapped free blacks among the large communities throughout the state and sold them to plantations further south.[4]
During the Civil War, Delaware was a slave state that remained in the Union. (Delaware voters voted not to secede on January 3, 1861.) Delaware had been the first state to embrace the Union by ratifying the constitution, and would be the last to leave it, according to Delaware's governor at the time.[citation needed] Although most Delaware citizens who fought in the Civil War served in regiments on the Union side, some did, in fact, serve in Delaware companies on the Confederate side in the Maryland and Virginia Regiments. Delaware was the one slave state of the pre-1861 United States from which the Confederate States of America could not recruit a full regiment.[citation needed]
As set forth here (and it is true), Wilmington, Delaware had a racially segregated movie theater which barred African-Americans as late as 1965.
Pete, Delaware was a border state (states that had slavery but did not have enough support for secession.) There was an amusement park in Maryland (another border state) just outside DC hat did not admit African Americans until after the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The St. Louis Cardinals had a segregated area for black fans until at least into the late 1950s. Segregated schools existed in cities in southern New Jersey, Indiana, and Kansas, and DC into the 1950s. Nothing particularly special about Wilmington.
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
Hi ! New to this board, please redirect my question to the appropriate forum if this is not it !
Got an IBM Aptiva 2170 which uses an ACER "V75M" mobo, (SiS 530 chipset, W153F clock generator ...)
I am seeking to mod my BIOS in different directions, including adding boot from a USB keydisk.
Can someone tell if this "ACER BIOS" (even modded by IBM) is really ACER developped, or it's a mod from one of the "major" BIOS manufacturers ?
Any chance of finding tech/programming doc for this or a similar ACER BIOS (I'm "fluent" in ASM...) ? Even, just a dream, finding source code ? At the very least I would need docs for the genral layout of tables, routines and so on...
Thanks for all and any help
Ad blocker detected: Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.
ACER V75M Mobo (for IBM Aptiva) : looking for BIOS info
BIOS Questions that don't belong in the other forums. Read them!
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Your cart is currently empty.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Click Dimiss if you accept this and wish to continue. Dismiss
Username or email address *
Password *
Remember me Log in
Lost your password?
Email address *
Subscribe to our newsletter


text:
daily banking
bank accounts
K&H retail bank account
Our basic HUF account management service. Take care of your daily banking in hundreds of K&H Bank branches. Access your account via hundreds of K&H ATMs.
electronic services
K&H retail e-bank
With our Internet-based banking service, you can conveniently take care of your transactions related to your bank accounts, bank cards and savings even from the comfort of your home or workplace.
K&H mobilbank
With this smartphone application featuring a user-friendly navigation and transparent screen layout, you can access your bank accounts, bank cards and credit cards.
K&H mobilinfo
Get instant text messages on failed or successful payment orders and bank card transactions. Keep your bank account safe with the K&H mobilinfo service.
K&H securely online banking
3D secure code service allows you to pay with your card on the internet more securely.


text:
Hello again! Today we received fresh young Hawaiian ginger, which only comes once a year. Excellent quality. We also feature Pho paste and a simple recipe to make a really authentic Pho. More -- See Below! Thanks for visiting.
Just Arrived: Fresh Hawaiian Young Ginger
Harvested once a year, these are large white roots with pink tips. Soft 'Young' ginger. Unique ginger is harvested before full maturity, so it's soft and you can eat it -- unlike woody ginger typically found in markets.
We feature two great recipes, click the link. This is what Japanese use for sushi ginger. Great flavor.
Pho Beef Paste
This paste is very popular. The flavor is rich, and the soft paste is easy to work with. A simple way to enjoy an exotic, full-flavored noodle soup.
As shown in our updated simple recipe, which we made in our small motorhome kitchen, we demonstrate how to use this with excellent results.
Feature: Chili Garlic Sauce
Always fresh stock, comes in and out as quick as any product we sell. Made in USA by Huy Fong, this is a fairly mild chile sauce that comes off with a fresh wholesome flavor. Similar to sambal oelek, but with the addition of garlic, you can use it as a condiment or cook with it.
We've really been enjoying this lately with our new recipes above: Pho and Ginger Seafood.
Fresh Lemongrass
Along with the unique fresh Hawaiian Ginger just received, we have great fresh lemongrass this week. Nice thick stalks and white tips. Order fresh lemongrass this week and we'll include a few extra stalks at no charge.


text:
COVID-19: Quick Links & Data | Lab Services | Services Reopening | Ways to Give | Virtual Visits | Visitation Restrictions
0 Results
Our volunteers are dedicated, caring, and willing to share their time and talents with the patients, residents, and staff at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.
To be a volunteer at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, you must:
We try to match volunteer skills with areas of need. General areas of need include being a greeter for the Surgical Services, visiting patients and residents in Dialysis, Long-term Care, and more.
Volunteer Application
If you are interested in volunteering, please call 231-258-7669 to learn more.


text:
Globe Telecom has just launched Piso Mall to give its subscribers exclusive access to a library of over 200,000 videos priced as low as P1 per download.
The video database covers overs 12 channels from a broad source of partners including Viva Entertainment and media giants ABS-CBN and GMA. Choices range from favorite TV shows, movie trailers and clips, music videos and video tutorials.
Piso Mall hit the ground running last week when Globe became the official wireless and broadband partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Under the deal, NBA video content will be streamed through video platform on top of NBA-related promotions and the introduction of the NBA League Pass.
READ ALSO: Globe scores NBA partnership
Globe and TM customers may access Piso Mall by texting PISO to 8888 or by visiting http://m.pisomall.com.ph on their mobile browser. There is no maintaining balance required to access Piso Mall and no additional data charge when browsing the video catalogue.
"Strengthening our content play, Globe is bringing mobile entertainment to prepaid customers with Piso Mall, giving them access to hundreds of thousands of videos of various genres and categories," said Issa Cabriera, SVP Globe Consumer Mobile Marketing.


text:
Final Fantasy XV's second story DLC, Episode Prompro, is now available to download on PS4 and Xbox One.
Episode Prompto continues immediately after the events of Chapter 11, after Noctis pushes Prompto off the train. Separated from the group and alone in the arctic, Prompto fights to discover the truth of his origin. Aranea will be making a return as a guest party member, and Verstael Besithia of Niflheim will have a much more prominent role in this episode.
Along with the new episode, a new update for Final Fantasy XV has been released. This update introduces the Regalia Type-D, which allows players use the Regalia off-road. To obtain the Regalia Type-D, all you have to do is go to Hammerhead and talk to Cidney. In addition, the update also adds soundtrack from Episode Prompto to the Regalia's music player.
Finally, after completing Episode Prompto, players will be granted with a small teaser of Episode Ignis, which you can see below. The teaser also reveals that the episode will be released in December.
Final Fantasy XV: Episode Prompto is available for $4.99/£3.99/€4.99. Those who own the Season Pass can download the episode at no additional cost.


text:
Hey, all, we're gonna be playing this Thursday with our friends The Dirty Words at Ash Street! Come out and enjoy some good tunes!
Teppei from Thrice and Colin from Circa Survie break down the true cost of recording for AP. Go give it a read: http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/on_the_record_the_true_cost_of_recording/. Apparently borrowing $200k from the record label isn't that much these days. Even if you're self-produced.
By contrast, we spent ~$600 with Adam Pike @ Toadhouse for recording and mastering our EP. So if you're in a band and don't have Teppei's or Colin's access to corporate money bags, go talk to Adam.
we'll be playing Jaded Soul Tattoo's 3rd Anniversary party with some fun bands, and hopefully some strange people at the Bossa Nova Ballroom this Thursday. Y'all should come out.
Animal R&R is now on Grooveshark! If you use Grooveshark, please take a listen and let us know what you think. We'd love to be on your playlists.


text:
Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors will celebrate its first luncheon of the new 2011-2012 club year on Thursday, September 15, at Safari Texas Ranch from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Magnolia Room.They invite all the fabulous women in your life to a special day dedicated to the celebration of women and sisterhood.
The event will feature a champagne & shopping boutique; cupcakes, cocktails & couture; gourmet popcorn, punch & panache; lunch du jour, and a sneak peek chic designer fashion show hosted By The Cinderella-Cinderfella Project, Inc. and Wardrobe the Boutique of Sugar Land and more!
Ladies will swoon and hearts will throb as Billy Wayde, Houston's Elite Elvis Impersonator and Top Elvis Tribute Artist from the State of Texas, hits the stage for a fabulous show.
Individual tickets are $30 for Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors members and $35 for non-members. Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors is a women's social and philanthropic organization open to all Fort Bend County residents.
The September luncheon will introduce the Club's 2011 fall fundraiser, "Puttin on the Ritz", to help provide scholarships to deserving students in Fort Bend County planning to attend a junior college in Fort Bend County.
For more information about Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors or the Girlfriends Gala 2011, go to www.fbfn.org or email email@example.com.


text:
Charlie High Rise Straight Vibes
Charlie High Rise Straight Vibes
Sold Out
The Charlie is high rise straight leg. This style in the Vibes wash features knee destruction.
Rise: 10" | Inseam: 27"
All measurements taken from a size 27
Wash cold
Hi! We are Tin Rose Boutique, a small shop that has been thriving off our customer relationship for almost 5 years. We strive to offer something for woman of all shapes and sizes. We are located in the heart of Texas, South Fort Worth. Right next to C.B. Finchers Western Wear. We have a small team of 6 that help this puzzle come together. Natalie Rice is the owner who has been in retail all her life since she was little working at her fathers store, Finchers. So it only came second nature for her to build something of her own. You wont just see her at the shop, but doing hair, working horses with her husband, barrel racing in her free time, or spending time with her little ones.


text:
Victoria Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
1252 Crestwood Dr South San Francisco CA 94080
for a local A Place for Mom advisor
Victoria RCFA is a residential care home within South San Francisco, CA, which serves San Mateo County. This region is located on the peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its warm breezes and its beauty. It is a peaceful place to live, but it is also close to a lot of entertainment action, which visiting relatives love to enjoy.
The employees within this community make it known that they treat seniors like they would their own family members. They give them compassionate care and they take their time when they perform their tasks so they are always available for a good chat and a friendly smile. Their dedication to this kind of service leads to a higher quality of life throughout the group home setting.
Our community has great amenities such as:
- Beautiful indoor and outdoor sitting areas
- Transportation for appointments and shopping
- Restaurant-style dining
- Group movie nights
- Regular cards and games
Victoria RCFE is a community that allows seniors to thrive and enjoy life they want to live it. They retain their freedom and independence, but they also have the extra help and care they might need as they age. With social opportunities around every corner, no one is ever bored or lonely.
Pricing at Victoria Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
By clicking Unlock All Pricing , you agree to our Terms of Use. You also consent that we or our customer communities may reach out to you using a system that can auto-dial; however, you do not need to consent to this to use our service. Our Privacy Policy describes information collection and use.
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.
Reviews of Victoria Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
Community Details at Victoria Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
Senior Housing Types Provided at Victoria Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
To conduct a complete investigation, seniors and their families should:
- Tour any listed location to confirm the accuracy of the community description;
- Confirm that the community offers services that are required for the senior's specific needs and budget; and
- Check additional licensing and state audit information.
If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom.


text:
By Sue Cody
Kindergarten has become the new first grade, experts say, and kids are expected to have certain skills to succeed in school.
Day care is one place to get behavioral and emotional skills needed for achievement. But not all kids go to day care.
Enter "Kindercamps," funded by the state and administered by the Northwest Early Learning Hub through local schools. Kindercamps help kids make the transition from home to school.
"Sending kids off to school for the first time can be traumatizing for some parents and their children," says Eva Manderson. She is an Early Learning specialist and Preschool Promise manager for Northwest Early Learning Hub.
Kindercamps are scheduled in August in Astoria, Seaside, Warrenton, Knappa and Jewell. They are for any child who may find it challenging to transition to school, especially those with no day care experience.
Kindercamp class sizes are smaller, with more adult support than in regular kindergarten classrooms. They familiarize kids with routines, show them how to follow directions, pay attention, raise their hands to talk, take turns and socialize with other children.
In a typical Kindercamp classroom, kids do group activities and sharing activities. The teacher and assistants help get the children used to different activity stations and show them how to care for the materials and space.
Learning routines and getting accustomed to different activity stations makes the kindergarten experience less intimidating.
"Kids will rise to the occasion when we have expectations and give them goals," Manderson says. "It warms my heart to go into the classroom and see them. These children will have the experience of being in the classroom and knowing the routines. They can be leaders and role models for their peers."
Parent education is also important for a child's success. Support and partnerships are offered to keep parents involved in their child's development. This year, Seaside qualified for an additional grant for evidence-based parenting education.
"Supporting parents' efforts to help their children develop during the preschool years improves a child's school readiness, reduces behavior problems, enhances social skills and promotes academic success," according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. http://bit.ly/W2WRWJkind
Focus on social and emotional health is now recognized as an important factor in success. Social-emotional skills include managing emotions, setting and achieving positive goals, feeling empathy and maintaining positive relationships.
"Kindergarten teachers report that of the 32 million children living in poverty or low-income homes in the United States, nearly half lack strong social-emotional skills and are not 'ready to succeed in school,'" reads a brief from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Penn State University. http://bit.ly/W2WRWJbrief
"Social-emotional learning in early childhood can enable children to thrive academically, mentally and physically in kindergarten and beyond," the brief says.
The Way to Wellville and its sponsor, Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, support early childhood education.
If you know a pre-kindergartner who would benefit from Kindercamp, contact the school.
Dates of Kindercamps:
Jewell: Aug. 7-18, 503-755-2451
Knappa: Aug. 7-18, 503-458-6166
Astoria: Aug. 14-18, 503-325-6672
Warrenton: Aug. 14-25, 503-861-3376
Seaside Heights: Aug. 14-25, 503-738-5591
Return to Top


text:
Windows 7 Whopper hits Japan with a splat
This burger is the equivalent to seven quarter pounders at 1.74 lbs. If what Gizmodo has to say about Windows 7 is true, the new OS will make things go more smoothly on your computer in inverse correlation to what the Whopper 7 will be doing to your arteries and intestines.
Below, see Cheapy D from CheapassGamer.com as he does battle with the behemoth burger. According to the video, the burger goes for about $14 US. As Cheapy D states of his rendevouz with this artery clogger during the Window 7 launch party, "We're gonna be having our own launch party as soon as we're done with this." You need to see this if only to see the real burger in comparison to everyday objects, like people's heads.
Community Connection
If this burger makes you feel like a size queen, check out Whopper Virgins: How Burger King Looks at People Worldwide on Brave New Traveler.
And please, if you're virgin to neither Windows 7 or the huge Whopper above, we'd love to see your comments below!


text:
One of the popular rappers from the "Dirty South" Grammy-nominated North Carolina native Petey Pablo releases his new single and title track from his upcoming comeback album, Keep On Goin.'
His albums Diary of A Sinner: 1st Entry (which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album and included production from Timbaland) and Still Writing In My Diary: 2nd Entry (which included production from Timbaland, Kanye West, Scott Storch, Mannie Fresh & Lil Jon) showcase diverse efforts from stereotypical Dirty South decadence to poignant, autobiographical material that reflect on the hardships and challenges he experienced growing up in the deep south.
In addition to his solo-career, Petey has collaborated with Ciara ("Goodies"), Timbaland ("Red Bone"), Chris Brown ("Drop Rap"), Lil Wayne ("Gangsta Shit") and many others. Petey has demonstrated his versatility with roles in Drumline, Just Another Day and most recently on Empire, a guest appearance that included writing and performing "Snitch Bitch" alongside Terrance Howard on the episode.
Listen to "Keep On Goin'" below.
Pre-Order & Favorite Petey Pablo's Keep On Goin' at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keep-on-goin/1434183565


text:
"Mr. Blue Sky" is a song by English rock group Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), featured on the band's seventh studio album Out of the Blue (1977). Written and produced by frontman Jeff Lynne, the song forms the fourth and final track of the "Concerto for a Rainy Day" suite, on side three of the original double LP. "Mr. Blue Sky" was the second single to be taken from Out of the Blue, peaking at number 6 in the UK Singles Chart and number 35 in the United States. The song was played as a wake-up call to astronaut Christopher Ferguson on Day 3 of STS-135, the final mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Inspiration [edit]Edit
In a BBC Radio interview, Lynne talked about writing "Mr. Blue Sky" after locking himself away in a Swiss chalet and attempting to write ELO's follow-up to A New World Record:
|It was dark and misty for 2 weeks, and I didn't come up with a thing. Suddenly the sun shone and it was, 'Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.' I wrote Mr. Blue Sky and 13 other songs in the next 2 weeks.
The song's arrangement has been called "Beatlesque", bearing similarities to Beatles songs "Martha My Dear" and "A Day in the Life".
Vocoded sections [edit]Edit
The song features a heavily vocoded voice singing the phrase "Mr. Blue Sky". A second vocoded segment at the end of the song was often interpreted as "Mister Blue Sky-yi", it is actually "Please turn me over" as it is the end of side three, and the listener is being instructed to flip the LP over. This was confirmed by original keyboardist Richard Tandy, who did confirm the actual lyric to members of the Showdown ELO fan list, it has also been confirmed by Jeff Lynne on 3 October 2012 on the 'One Show'.
Music Video [edit]Edit
A music video has been released in late 2012 via the official ELO website and YouTube, a colorful animation directed by Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger with animation sequences designed and animated by University of Southern California students.


text:
Baby Panama
Or 6 payments from $62.50 What's this?
Add the finishing touches to your resrot look with Rebe's Baby Panama. It's handwoven from natural panama straw and features a grosgrain trim.
- Natural handwoven panama straw
- Grosgrain trim with Rebe badge
- Brim measure approx 7cm
- Made in New Zealand
Need More Information? Contact Us


text:
Cash Accounting: A Simpler Method for Small Firm
A group consisting of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the American Bar Association, the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, and the National Association of Enrolled Agents shared its views on method of cash accounting for smaller entities at the hearing of House Committee.
Tom Rice, a former tax lawyer and CPA stated that the cash method of accounting is easy and non-complex method for recording income and expenditures for small businessmen.
He said that in cash method of accounting income and expenditures are booked when cash is received or paid. Hence it is easy to keep a check on cash flows which is main focus of small businessmen. Because of its simplicity cash accounting method is favored one.
AICPA also spoke in favor of method at hearing. The group stated that it will oppose any law to restrict the use of cash accounting method for small entities. It further stated that institute believes that obliging the entities to practice accrual method for tax purposes would escalate their managerial load, would negatively impact economic progress and will cause difficulties for businesses.
Similarly American Bar Association also highlighted the benefits of cash accounting method. The bar also showed worries regarding any law that would oblige many entities to use accrual accounting and pay taxes on earnings that they have not received yet.
A tax reform has been proposed by law makers which would require all service providing entities, with yearly gross proceeds of above ten million, to use accrual accounting method.
The bar stated that as a result of proposed reform many entities including law, medical and other firms would be required to pay taxes on earnings much before the actual receipt.
Taxation professor at American University, Don Williamson stated that accrual accounting method will increase load on small entities. He requested law makers to expand the eligibility criteria for use of cash accounting method.
Williamson presented 'Simplifies Cash method of Accounting' (SCM) which he stated will save time, reduce cost and increase productivity. Under this method the taxable income is calculated as 'Receipts less Disbursements'.
Start free ReadyRatios
start online
financial analysis now!
No registration required! But if you signed up extra ReadyRatios features will be available.
Last News
- ReadyRatios introduced listed companies' financial analysis and benchmarking
- FASB Updates Accounting for share-based payment Made to a Non-Employee
- FASB Issues an Update to the Standard Dealing with Service Concession Arrangements
- SASB Issues Provisional Sustainability Accounting Standards for Consumption Industries
- IRS Cautions Preparers about Schedule C Mistakes
- ESMA Publishes Report on the Equivalence of the Indian Accounting Standards
- CPA Groups Ask for Clarification on Net Investment Income Tax Rules


text:
NYC's disappearing affordable housing
ROBERT E. CORNEGY JR. | 10/25/2018, 12:30 p.m.
In the Brooklyn neighborhoods I represent, homeowners are increasingly subject to insidious fraud scams and deed theft, and they face the ever-present risk of foreclosure because of the lingering effects of the financial crisis. At the same time, rapidly rising rents are pricing many longtime residents out of the community and making an affordable home of any kind harder than ever to find. Against this backdrop, it is perhaps not surprising that a series of recent articles drawing fire on a relatively unknown city program called Third Party Transfer has fanned the flames of a growing feeling that enough is enough.
As the City Council member representing the district where Marlene Saunders, a longtime homeowner and active member of the community, almost lost her home, I, too, was alarmed and dismayed.
I am familiar with the Third Party Transfer Program, which was introduced back in 1996 as a way to improve the conditions for residents in financially and physically distressed properties that might not be subject to the tax lien sale. Unlike the tax lien sale, the goal of TPT program is intended to get owners into a payment plan and make sure that violations are corrected, and if not, to transfer properties to local community-based organizations as affordable housing. As chair of the Housing and Building Committee, I worked closely with the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development to make sure that no stone was left unturned before a property was transferred through the program.
I called a hearing on the issue in April and verified that over the past three years, the city reached out more than 70 times to each owner in the TPT round—including sending letters, making robocalls, organizing resource fairs and distributing flyers in the buildings—and offered various forms of assistance, including tax exemptions, payment plans, technical assistance, repair loans, etc. I am also organizing a series of community meetings for the city to explain the process to owners and residents and address their concerns.
As a result, almost 80 percent of the buildings that started in TPT in 2015 exited the program. Saunders' building was one of them, but there was a processing error that prevented it from being pulled. As soon as I heard of Saunders' plight, I notified the agency of the mistake, and the transfer was almost immediately reversed.
Although Saunders' home is by no means representative of the typical building in the program, it met the statutory criteria for inclusion, and that is an area of concern. However, the wholesale criticism of TPT misses the real purpose of the program: to protect tenants. TPT is a tool of last resort for buildings that too often fly under the radar, leaving residents in precarious or even unsafe conditions. Although the goal of the program is to get the buildings back on track, if that is not possible, the action ensures the tenants get to remain as rent stabilized tenants in fully renovated apartments, with the added protections that affordable housing provides. In cases such as 25 MacDonough St., where residents of this rental building have petitioned to become a co-op, it can actually create a path to homeownership.


text:
Josh: Hey guess what mom- a hundred cameras and a hundred lights makes you blue.
Me: *snicker* No, lights and cameras don't make you blue, but computers can make your picture blue.
The blue people conversation was prompted by a news blurb about Avatar. We saw the movie (it was really fantastic) and have decided Josh is too young for it now. Harsh language aside, it has more violence than a 4 year old needs. I'm thinking he'll be mature enough when he's in his teens, like 13 or 14. Which is- wow -10 years from now!
Talk about time flying! Tens years ago...
I was newly married.
I was a student at UNT.
I worked at Homewood Suites Hotel.
I drove a Ford Taurus.
Rusty worked at Verio.
We lived in a small apartment.
I have no idea what's in store for the next ten years. In ten years Josh will be 14 and Elliot will be twelve. Josh might be dating or at least interested in girls. Elliot will no longer be free at most "kids eat free" places. Rusty & I will both be earning more (God willing) but will probably be spending and saving more too. Some of our furnishings will be upgraded. Hell, we may be in a different home! I feel secure that our family will be in tact and my kids won't totally hate me. Hopefully that much of the future comes true.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 | | 0 Comments
I am loving my job more than I thought I would. I actually look forward to work. I enjoy the challenges, I enjoy the people I work with, I enjoy the newness of the company and, most of all, I enjoy that I actually do well without being bored. I didn't expect to stay this long nor to care about it this much when I first applied. I was expecting this to be traditional sales support role that involved running errands, ordering supplies, printing, filing, etc. This job falsely advertised its position. It's NOT sales support in the traditional sense. Which is probably why I enjoy it so much. So what on Earth do I do, you ask?
I work for Forex Capital Markets, a small growing firm that helps clients trade currencies. Instead of trading stocks forex traders are trading on the value of a certain currency against another. As with anything that is technology based, things go wrong either from a confused user learning to use the software or unforeseen technology issues. That's- ta-daa! -where I come in (well, my team I should say) to solve the mystery of happened and whether the client needs a credit. Some cases are relatively easy taking 15 or less to resolve, some are very complicated taking multiple sets of eyes from the most senior of staff. The team has gotten so good at expediting audit cases that the company is looking to expand our team into other areas around the company. For example, I get to sit with the QC team (quality control for the call center) for the next two weeks to see if/how we can get involved in helping them. And I'm looking forward to this- it's something I've never done before!
In other news, we're going to see Eddie Izzard live tomorrow. Yay! We're going with Dave, whose name is actually pronounced Daaaaaave!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 | | 0 Comments
Welcome 2010!
Our New Year's Eve celebration was hardly a celebration. This year we were tired and drifted off to sleep just as the clock turned midnight. I know this because I heard some shouts and fireworks as I started to drift off and Rusty was already breathing heavy. I don't expect this year to be some great replacement for this year's woes. We're still in a Recession, still in a war overseas, and still making some of the same mistakes and still looking for the future to somehow magically fix it all.
I don't make resolutions anymore. I used to. Instead I aspire to be better in some way all year long. Know who else doesn't make resolutions? Organizations. I wish companies would publish a resolution to make some improvement we all care about like using less plastic, reducing waste, hiring more staff, etc. I wish countries would make resolutions like raise GDP or reduce air pollution or update some policy that effects everyone. It would be great if even families made resolutions like to get everyone together one time in the next year or share in taking care of someone or cook healthier foods. Making a personal resolution doesn't work because you are only accountable to you and you will always let yourself off the hook. But being part of a larger project makes everyone accountable and gives everyone something to work towards and get re-inspired together. Hmmm, come to think of it, maybe MY family could start this idea by making our own resolution. Check back soon to see what decided to do.
Friday, January 01, 2010 | | 0 Comments
Blog Archive
- ► 2014 (15)
- ► 2013 (20)
- ► 2012 (41)
- ► 2011 (39)
- ▼ 2010 (22)
- ► 2009 (75)
- ► 2008 (160)
- ► 2007 (151)
- ► 2006 (86)


text:
Iranian movie 'We are All Together', directed by Kamal Tabrizi, has completed the production stage and is currently undergoing the phase of editing.
Tabrizi has recently completed the shooting of 'We are All Together', which is produced by Sayyed Reza Mirkarimi.
'We are All Together' is a comedy movie about the secrets of the passengers who survived a plane crash.
The film is said to be one of the movies with the largest cast in Iran's cinema.
The cast includes Mehran Modiri, Mohammad-Reza Golzar and Pejman Jamshidi, who appeared in the film's first making video.
Leila Hatami, Hanieh Tavassoli, Mohammad-Javad Ezzati, Vishka Asayesh and Sirous Gorjestani have also taken part in the film.
'We are All Together' is the latest project of Kamal Tabrizi, who began his cinematic activities with cinematography of a movie made by Saeed Haji Miri in 1983.
He is one of the directors who have taken on issues dealing with the eight-year Iraqi-imposed war and its aftermath from different angles.
Tabrizi has directed several movies, including 'Sheida', which has been broadcast on ifilm TV channel. His movies garnered many awards in Iran and at international festivals.
He is most famous for making the memorable movie 'The Lizard' for which he received the Audience Award and Special Jury Award at the 22nd Fajr Film Festival as well as the Golden Zenith for Best Film from Asia at Montréal World Film Festival in 2004.


text:
« back to Woodworking Skill Share forum
|Forum topic by RPhilly215
|posted 02-17-2018 03:41 PM
|512 views
|0 times favorited
|2 replies
Hey so I'm fairly new to all of this and have been experimenting and sort of teaching myself. I recently came across a cut down tree with pretty big stumps so I grabbed one, brought it home and immediately started chiseling the bark off. Well obviously I didn't let it dry out and now I'm wondering if I should stop and just leave it to dry or continue taking the bark off since I already started and let it dry out after. I was also reading some articles about putting it in the oven to speed up the drying process? Can anyone help me out with some input on what I should do? Also, there are a few squiggly lines behind the bark so now I'm wondering about bugs and larvae? My thoughts were to make a seat for my 7 month daughter. Something she can have and hold onto for her whole life.


text:
Former Mexican President Calls For Marijuana To Be Added To New NAFTA Deal
Marijuana should be added to the new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that's currently being negotiated in Washington, D.C., says former Mexican Pres... Read More»
Rick Spiro is a journalist with more than 20 years experience. During his career, Rick has written for major daily newspapers and magazines such as The Toronto Star and Maclean's, as well as for leading financial websites such as Investopedia. Topics Rick has covered include everything from the airline and automotive industries to financial market regulations, initial public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. Rick is based in Ottawa, Canada.


text:
Insurance Claim Services For Foundry / Steel Mills
When your steel mill suffers property damage, your main focus should be on getting your operations up and running—yesterday.
You don't have time for a drawn out insurance claim process or for the stacks of complicated paperwork required. When your mill drills are wiped out and your furnaces and welders are damaged, you need to recoup your losses fast.
At Adjusters International, our experts help steel mills like yours, get the money they're entitled to—sooner.
Your Situation
You just suffered serious damage to your steel mill and you are wondering what to do next.
You call your insurance company and wait for an adjuster to come out hoping they will have your best interests at heart.
You move from the asset side of your insurance company's ledger to the liability side of their ledger.
How We Can Help
The More You Know, The Better The Results.
- Settlement We will negotiate the best possible settlement.
- Peace of Mind We can help you get back to your lives, family, and business sooner.
- Administration We cover every part in preparing and settling your claim.
- Team A team of experts on your side.
Foundry / Steel Mill
Factors To Consider
Foundry / Steel Mill Client References
- Bagby Quality Castings - Stockton, MO
- Boyer Metal - Flagstaff, AZ
- Circuits West - Longmont, CO
- Co-Line - Linville, IA
- CSS Farms - Columbus, NE
- Da-Lite - Warsaw, IN
- EMJD Corporation - Denver, CO
- Excel Industries - Heston, KS
- Finishes Ltd. - Colorado Springs, CO
- Global Foods - Mentone, IN
- Honco Lumber - Emmett, IN
- Kelly Ryan Equipment - Blair, NE
- Lettuce Alone, LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
- PK Manufacturing - Omaha, NE
- Pro-Med - Colorado Springs, CO
- Ryan Glass - Colorado Springs, CO
- Scott Pet Products - Tishamingo, OK
- Silverlite Trailers - Springfield, OR
- Southeastern Printing Company - Stuart, FL
- Sushi Redi - Denver, CO
- Wiebke Fur - Eitzen, MN


text:
It never made any sense that a new Chinese stimulus would somehow save the world, but for a moment it was something to get excited about. Alas the actual news isn't really that big.
Basically, the country is reaffirming the $586 billion stimulus it announced last November, which it believes will allow the country to grow by 8% this year (doubtful, unless it fudges the numbers big time).
The news that there wasn't actually any new stimulus prompted mixed trading in Asia. Europe is down.