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When you think of building cars you think of massive, inhuman factories churning out Ford Model Ts and giving everyone some kind of debilitating lung disease. Jalopnik readers, though, have found ten car companies that they dream of working for.
Welcome back to Answers of the Day — our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: GF Williams/Jalopnik
10.) Mazda
The company builds some of the most underappreciated family cars on the market, they have a basement full of race cars, and they own a racetrack. Why wouldn't you want to work there?
Suggested By: Stig-a-saw-us-wrecks, Photo Credit: hushypushy
9.) Porsche
We would work at the giftshop of Porsche just to have a job there. Not that we wouldn't want to work for, say, their classics department and tinker with 959s all day, but we won't be picky. German worker's benefits and job security wouldn't hurt, either.
Suggested By: OneFastPuertoRican, Photo Credit: Carsten Lindstedt
8.) Subaru
Because employee pricing on an STi.
Suggested By: Stig-a-saw-us-wrecks, Photo Credit: barbiez
7.) Chrysler
Because weed. And Vipers.
Suggested By: Rufus760, Photo Credit: Fox 2 News
6.) Morgan
Morgan still makes cars that look like they came out of the 1930s. They still build their cars like it's the 1930s, too. You work in a small set of brick buildings, you are a well-trained craftsman, and you build cars with your own hands. There are no massive, dehumanizing robots here.
Suggested By: gearboxtrouble, Photo Credit: Brian Snelson
5.) Local Motors
Like Morgan, Local Motors is a small operation, building boutique cars. Their microfactory is one of the most impressive in the world, where you get to help customers build their own, individual offroaders. Plus, they have an offroad test course outside their Arizona site.
Suggested By: Gamecat235, Photo Credit: Local Motors
4.) McLaren
Everything about the hyper-clean, hyper-advanced clean room masquerading as a car factory just makes us want to work. Honestly, we would be proud to make these cars. Walking past a row of Grand Prix champions would just be a bonus
Suggested By: 404 Name Not Found, Photo Credit: GF Williams/Jalopnik
3.) Koenigsegg
Again, we'd love to work for any small supercar maker, but reader AclockworkApple pointed out something special about the Swedish manufacturer.
I would be happily content with just mopping the floors with Koenigsegg. Why? Because:
1. The factory is utilizes an old air-force base.
2. The boss's name is Christian von Koenigsegg which sounds like a James Bond villain.
3. The boss looks like a James bond villain.
4. Since the boss probably is a James bond villain I could play part in his global domination scheme as one of his (mop pushing) henchmen...or get killed by James bond in the process. sweet!
Suggested By: AclockworkApple, Photo Credit: Drive
2.) Pagani
If there is any one small supercar company above all others, it is Pagani. They make the most exquisite production vehicles in the world right now, and they make everything that makes up the car (save the engine) in-house. The engineering geek in us would just about have a heart attack to reach into a drawer of bolts and find they all have "Pagani" inscribed on them.
Suggested By: eharken123, Photo Credit: Drive
1.) Our Own
The dream that defines all these great companies is one that we share as well: to make our own cars, just how we want them. It is insanely difficult, the chances of failure are astronomical, but everyone from Honda to Lamborghini to Pagani to even Skoda all started by making their own designs. If we could magically get anywhere in the car business, it would be at the head of our own brand, making our perfect car a reality.
Suggested By: Patrick Frawley, Photo Credit: US Department of the Interior


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Browsing 1. Archival Finding Aids by Subject "Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Union Lodge No. 16"
Now showing items 1-1 of 1
Anne McPherson family fonds, 1852-2011 [non-inclusive] (2012-01-13)The fonds contains the records of the McCordick, Smith and McPherson families of St. Catharines, Ont. The families are related through marriage. Frank Case McCordick was a World War One veteran, local businessman and one ...

subset: commoncrawl


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GreySeer wrote:Today is a lucky day for all fans of Age of Sigamar
Katarinya Greyfax - Inquisitor of Ordo Hereticus
Very nice model but I hate her boots, not too much problematic to paint. I haven't painted bolter red because in my humble opinion GW is quite weird about those colourful weapons, red military guns? Yeah right.
she's actually 40k, not AoS.


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Chad Johnson was booked into Broward County Jail last night after being arrested on charges he head-butted new wife Evelyn Lozada after an argument over a receipt for a box of condoms.
While Johnson could make bond this morning, the Sun-Sentinel says he can't be released until his first appearance before a judge which would likely take place Monday morning. Johnson and Lozada's July 4 wedding were scheduled to be part of a new VH1 reality program, and Lozada had a prominent role in the first episode of HBO's Hard Knocks that premiered a week ago.
It's likely to affect Johnson's place on the roster, as the Dolphins brought 12 wide receivers into camp and may not be up for keeping someone dealing with criminal charges on the team—especially a player coming off such a miserable 2011 campaign as Johnson.
Update (9:10 a.m.): And just as we publish the above, the Miami Herald reports Johnson appeared before a judge this morning and was released on $2,500 bond.


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Two Tribes
For all TV game shows, past, present and future, apart from the main event.
Moderators: Lesley Hines, JackHurst
Post Reply
3 posts • Page 1 of 1
- Mark James
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1328
- Joined: Sat Oct 23, 2010 3:21 pm
- Location: Dublin
Two Tribes
Wasn't sure if anyone else mentioned this show. I liked it. The whole splitting people in to the tribes was kind of inconsequential (although it does create a bit of conversation between anyone who might be watching. I know I would prefeer starters to puddings (incidentally I hate that British people call dessert pudding, pudding is a specififc dish on its own, usually served at Christmas. I'll never understand how it became a generic term for dessert)) but I felt they fit a decent amount of questions in the half hour and obviously Ricahard has enough charisma to carry it all. My favourite epsiodes where when the final round featured two really good contestants and Richard actually took time out to tell them how good they were both getting on and give them a bit of a breather. Anyone applying?
- James Robinson
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 10107
- Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:38 pm
- Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire
Re: Two Tribes
I actually regretted not applying for this series, so I'd certainly go for it.
- Ian Fitzpatrick
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 490
- Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:23 pm
- Location: Wimborne, Dorset
Re: Two Tribes
One time regular on here DInos (Syfiros??) was on Two Tribes last night and unlucky to get beaten to the final where I am sure he would have won the £6000. Even my wife recognised him.
I thought I was good at Countdown until I joined this forum
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To the extent that political connections bring significant economic benefits, non-top-tier firms may be induced to spend scarce resources in competing for such connections while reducing the amount of resources directed towards improving audit quality. Audit clients may also be attracted to audit firms with political connections rather than to those providing high-quality audit services. Auditors in China play a role in reducing the risk of an IPO application being rejected. Because the Chinese IPO market has become the largest in the world in recent years, this finding should be of interest to academics, practitioners, and regulators.
Yang, Z. 2013. Do Political Connections Add Value to Audit Firms? Evidence from IPO Audits in China. Contemporary Accounting Research 30 (3): 891-921.


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Ignoring hearing loss is easier when you?re alone. You can turn up the volume on the TV or radio as loud as you want, and you don?t have to ask anyone to repeat what they just said. But how do you cope with hearing loss when you?re in a social or business setting? The question is far from academic. One […]Read more ›
Category: Senior Focus
Healthy Geezer: Bad breath can indicate dry mouth
Q I seem to have bad breath a lot. I?ve also noticed that my mouth is a bit dry most of the time. Could these two things be related? A Definitely. Bad breath is often a symptom of dry mouth, a lack of saliva. The medical term for this condition is ?xerostomia.? Other symptoms of this problem are: saliva that […]Read more ›
What to expect as your body ages
The signs of aging aren?t always as obvious as a few more wrinkles and grey hairs. The body naturally changes as you get older, but what exactly can you expect and how do you make sure you?re aging in a healthy way? The experts at Mayo Clinic offer a list of things to look for as you age, and tips […]Read more ›
Prevention is seniors? best guard against impact of flu
HealthSeniorFlu.jpg ?If you provide care, or even just frequently visit with a senior, pay attention to their living environment to make sure it is safe and protects your loved one from viruses. And make sure you take care of yourself as well, so you don?t pass on the germs.? Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, […]Read more ›
Six things you should know about the fight against fat
Man-on-scale.jpg Are you wondering why you can?t keep the fat off? Have you hit a plateau in your fat-loss efforts? Are you still looking for a plan that works for you? If so, you may be getting bad information. Most everything the media write and ?sell? on the topic of fat loss is incorrect. Marketing ads and infomercials are there […]Read more ›
Seniors shouldn?t fear getting vaccinated for H1N1
Flu season in the northern hemisphere can range from as early as November to as late as May. The peak month usually is February. But this coming season is expected to be unpredictable because of the emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus or swine flu. The H1N1 has caused the first global outbreak?pandemic?of influenza in more than four decades. Some […]Read more ›
Older adults looking to volunteer have few boundaries
Look anywhere in the nonprofit world these days and you?re likely to find an older adult volunteering his or her expertise in new ways. From the board room to the building site, organizations are putting those 50 and older to work to meet a rising demand for charitable services. In the process, members of the most experienced active generation are […]Read more ›
Healthy Geezer-Depression not normal if it lingers
Q Is depression just a ?normal? part of aging? AThere are a lot of problems to face as you get older. There are losses of all kinds that can get you down. And feeling blue for a while is a normal part of living at any age. But unrelenting depression is not normal. If you feel this way, you should […]Read more ›
Finding relationship refuge with a good night?s sleep
HEALTH-sleep1.jpg Agreeing ahead of time that it is OK for a partner to roll, poke or wake the snorer can avoid an argument and effectively abbreviate what could otherwise become an all-night snoring session or sleep-disrupting argument. The hectic pace of day-to-day life shows few signs of slowing; however, the peaceful sanctuary couples are seeking may be closer than they […]Read more ›
Want to help someone with hearing loss? Stop repeating
HearingHelp.jpg Stop repeating yourself, raising your voice, and acting as messenger. Rather, involve your entire family in your efforts to help your loved one hear independently of your help. Does someone you love often ask you to repeat what you?re saying? If so, you may not be doing your loved one a favor by repeating what you just said. Helping […]Read more ›


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Breastfeeding - what the experts say
You have just had one of the most beautiful experiences a woman will ever have: the birth of your baby. And you may have decided to breastfeed to continue to feel as close to your baby as you did during the nine months of pregnancy. In this way, you'll be offering your infant the best nutrition possible, as well as building up a close emotional and physical bond.
While nearly all women are able to nurse their babies, good information is key to successful breastfeeding. So here's some basic information on nursing your baby, and you may even want to read more to become a real expert!
> Deciding to breastfeed
> Getting started
> Breastfeeding tips
> Problems
> Breastfeeding myths and realities


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Vail Resorts wields a heavy ax to clear the path for EpicMix
In April 2008, I had heard some of the industry rumblings with regard to RFID for guest tracking and speed control. Steamboat Springs had offered family tracking for families for a fee. There have been on-mountain speed control tests done at several other resorts.
Then, two years later in April 2010, I figured it would just me a matter of time before our lift passes could be used for the same thing. I came up with the idea for SkiPassDefender. On August 30, 2010 Vail Resorts announced EpicMix. My business was deemed to have been standing in the way of the Vail Resorts initiative. I was given a choice: End my business, continue to work as a ski instructor, and abide by "certain rules"; Or after 17 years of service for Breckenridge, and an trainer of instructors for 11 years, I would not be hired back to teach skiing for Breckenridge or Vail Resorts. I searched my conscience, and chose to offer people the easiest way to control which information is shared and cataloged while on the mountain. RFID technology is not a fad. It will be adopted by a majority of ski areas around the world. Ironically, I don't see the SkiPassDefender as competition to the Vail Resorts EpicMix initiative. It is simply a way to give the skier or rider the freedom to choose to be tracked or untracked from day to day or run to run. And we now know where Vail Resorts stands on that point. "You can have any color you want, as long as it's black".
Hundreds of ski areas around the world are using RFID technology for lift ticket or guest service tracking strategies. Several ski areas including Aspen have mentioned the use of RFID assisted speed control zones in their slow skiing areas. Using this technology your ticket can be "hot passed" if you're exceeding the "speed limit"; you would arrive at the base lift and you would be stopped, warned, and/or documented. This information can now be cataloged for the season or multiple seasons.
EpicMix is Vail Resorts' latest initiative. It is a tour de force product which integrates the best of RFID Lift ticket UHF RFID chip technology (longer range/tracking potential), excellent social media integration (opt-in marketing through EpicMix.com), and "smooth" adoption. Your data is shared with YOU, and your friends only if you opt-in. And it can be accessed by a mobile application. However, it is collected by Vail Resorts for future targeted marketing and Profit/Loss considerations, regardless of your consent. A publicly traded company does not launch a multi-year initiative such as this without forecasting significant Return on Investment. There are incredible opportunities to leverage this technology to influence the bottom line. I will discuss those in future posts (subscribe to our RSS feeds). e.g. Let's hope that Vail Resorts or other ski areas do not partner with insurance companies and have the opportunity to "share" data.
In addition to working in the Ski industry for 21 years, I have worked with companies across the US advising Identity Theft mitigation, FACTA, HIPPA, & Gramm Leach Bliley compliance. The more data collected, the more complex the task of securing it becomes. What is private, public, discoverable, etc? It is quite a maze.
RFID is great for certain things, good for others, and ill-equipped for others. These distinctions are determined by the side of the RFID fence on which you sit. If I want to collect movement data (people, produce, merchandise) it is fantastic. If you don't want to have your movements cataloged, you need a RFID blocker.
I don't have anything against Ski Corporations using these technologies, and their "initiatives" to grow revenues and decrease expenses. But I think there are enough people who prefer NOT to be watched and cataloged by a big brother to warrant $16 of protection.
Filed under: SkiPassDefender updates
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Heyward sits out, expected to start Monday
CHICAGO -- Jason Heyward didn't start for the sixth straight game Sunday while recovering from a strain of his right hamstring, but Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez expects to put his name in the lineup Monday in New York.
Heyward didn't start any of the three games against the White Sox this weekend, after missing the final three games of a four-game series against the Reds before the All-Star break. Before taking batting practice and doing some running Sunday, Heyward said he felt "really good," and was available to be used as a defensive replacement.
He also said Gonzalez told him the plan will be for him to play center field upon his return, until B.J. Upton (right adductor muscle strain) comes off the 15-day disabled list.
"I just wanted to make sure my legs were 100 percent before I can go out there and attempt to do that, so having this extra day is great for me," Heyward said. "I'm ready to go play some defense late in the game if I have to and [Monday] we'll see where we're at … but I think I'm ready to go. I'm excited about playing."
Gonzalez isn't sure where he'll slide hot-hitting Chris Johnson into the lineup once Heyward returns. Johnson has been in the second slot and hitting the ball hard. Johnson came into Sunday's game 4-of-8 in this series and 7-for-17 during a four-game hitting streak.
Sunday was just the sixth time he's hit in the second spot this season, but Johnson is used to bouncing around, as he's hit in every spot but leadoff and ninth in 2013.
"He keeps hitting," Gonzalez said. "He's got a good swing. He stays on the ball and gives you good at-bats. Let's say Heyward plays, I don't know where we're going to put Chris. I may move Chris back down. If I lead him off in a game, I don't know what he'd do … take a pitch, not take a pitch, sometimes guys start getting confused."


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Transport to Disney
During the school holidays there may be additional services, please call us for more information. On days when the direct train is not running you can still get to the park by catching a train from Lille Europe station, trains run to and from here to Disneyland® Paris every day - all you need to do is change platforms. Travellers can also reach Disneyland® Paris by Eurostar from London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford to Paris Gare du Nord, with quick and easy connections to RER services. Taxi transfers can also be arranged from Paris Gare du Nord.
Find great deals to Disneyland® Paris by Eurostar and book with confidence through MagicBreaks.
Take the train from London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford, and arrive right in the heart of the magic at Disneyland® Paris.
Travelling to Disneyland® Paris on Eurostar
For more information call our experienced team on 0330 880 5015.


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Mathew B. Brady (May 18, 1822 – January 15, 1896) was one of the most celebrated 19th century American photographers, best known for his portraits of celebrities and the documentation of the American Civil War. He is credited with being the father of photojournalism.
Brady was born in Warren County, New York, to Irish immigrant parents, Andrew and Julia Brady. He moved to New York City at the age of 16. Beginning in 1841, Brady's artistic aptitude allowed him to study under the skilled daguerreotypist Samuel F. B. Morse. By 1844, he had his own photography studio in New York, and by 1845, Brady began to exhibit his portraits of famous Americans. He opened a studio in Washington, D.C. in 1849, where he met Juliet Handy, whom he married in 1851. Brady's early images were daguerreotypes, and he won many awards for his work; in the 1850s ambrotype photography became popular, which gave way to the albumen print, a paper photograph produced from large glass negatives most commonly used in the American Civil War photography. In 1850, Brady produced The Gallery of Illustrious Americans, a portrait collection of prominent contemporary figures. The album, which featured noteworthy images like an elderly Andrew Jackson at the Hermitage, was not financially rewarding but invited increased attention to Brady's work and artistry. In 1859, Parisian photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri popularized the carte de visite and these small pictures (the size of a visiting card) rapidly became a popular novelty as thousands of these images were created and sold in the United States and Europe.
In 1856 Brady created the first modern advertisement when he placed an ad in the New York Herald paper offering to produce "photographs, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes." His ads were the first whose typeface and fonts were distinct from the text of the publication and from that of other advertisements.


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HAMINA, Finland: Google will invest another 450mil euros (RM1.93bil) over the next few years in a data centre in Finland, boosting a country struggling with Nokia's decline and weakness in its paper and steel industries.
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen welcomed the move, one of the biggest foreign direct investments in Finland, and said the government planned to reduce electricity taxes for data centres to encourage more such stakes.
The new pledge by the world's No 1 Internet search company is in addition to 350mil euros (RM1.49bil) it has already spent on the datacentre, built on the site of paper company Stora Enso's former mill in Hamina, south eastern Finland.
Google bought the mill in 2009, turning it into one of its most efficient datacentres by taking advantage of the Bay of Finland's chilly seawater to cool its servers.
Katainen said Google's move showed that Finland, with its highly skilled work force, remained competitive.
"Finland's strength is in finding creative solutions to global challenges," he said on Monday during a visit to the site. He said the government would do its part by lowering electricity taxes for such sites starting in 2014, although the move still needs approval from the European Commission.
"Our job from the government side is to create and enable good infrastructure for various fields of business."
Finland has been trying to shore up business confidence hard-hit in September when Nokia, struggling for years to catch up with Apple and Samsung in smartphones, announced it was selling the handset business to Microsoft.
Finland has one of the few remaining triple-A rated economies in the euro zone, but Europe's prolonged downturn has restrained exports and accelerated a decline in industries such as forestry, tipping the current account into deficit.
The government has forecast GDP to contract 0.5% this year. But there have been some positive signs, especially in Finland's gaming industry led by Rovio of Angry Birds fame.
Japanese tech and telecoms group SoftBank Corp announced in October that it was paying 150bil yen (RM4.85bil) for a 51% stake in Finnish mobile game maker Supercell, valuing the small maker of hit games Clash of Clans and Hay Day at US$3bil (RM9.56bil).
Expanding datacentres
Datacentres have also been rare bright spots.
Microsoft has said it will invest more than US$250mil (RM797.12mil) in a new datacentre in Finland. Yandex, Russia's biggest search engine, started building a datacentre in Mantsala, southern Finland, in July.
The increasing use of cloud computing, which allows software and services including e-mail and online music libraries to be offered over the Internet, is seen driving up the use of datacentre usage in the coming years.
Technology companies such as Google have been looking for cheaper ways to run them, and Finland and other northern European countries have been popular sites due to cooler climates that help to reduce cooling costs.
At the Hamina facility, one of some 13 Google datacentres in the world, seawater is pumped through the facility to dissipate heat from the datacentre's servers. The water is then cooled down before being returned to the sea.
There are also environmental considerations. Around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the technology sector. Of that, datacentres account for around 17%, according to the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, an industry-sponsored research group specialising in topics such as climate change.
Mika Perttunen, a director of regional development company Cursor that has been trying to lure businesses to the area, said Google's announcement showed Finland was recovering not only from Nokia's downfall but also from a decline in paper manufacturing.
Stora Enso's 60-year-old mill, before shutting down in early 2008, employed around 450 people. The datacentre currently only employs around 125 people but Google said it planned to increase staff over the coming years.
"We used to read newspapers, and nowadays we use tablets for the same information. This is a good symbol of change," Perttunen said. — Reuters
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How to Organize a Neighborhood Association
by Yelena Mitrofanova, Extension Educator
A neighborhood association is a group of neighbors who get together, share their ideas, thoughts, feelings and work cooperatively to make their neighborhood a better place to live. Before you ask your neighbors to organize, you have to convince them of the benefits of forming such neighborhood association. Having a recognized neighborhood will give you a voice and an advocate. Neighborhood associations greatly improve the two-way communication between the city and its residents. Your neighborhood will have a clear, organized way to speak to city government with a guarantee you will be heard. You will have a tool for relating directly to both your elected city council and city service areas. This increased communication can be a resource for upcoming meetings or other community opportunities that may benefit you and your neighborhood. Moreover, you will be put in touch with your neighbors, people who share your fondness for and frustrations of your area.
When does a neighborhood need to develop a neighborhood association? Various issues help a neighborhood to acquire a sense of identity and feel a need to organize and develop a neighborhood association; for example:
- Land use issues (location of a new school, shopping center, library, highway, etc.)
- Neighborhood improvements (additional street signs or lights, repair of a sidewalk).
- Urban design issues (historic preservation district; developing of architectural themes).
- Dealing with crime and other disturbances.
Before organizing a new neighborhood association, check for existing associations in and around your area.
To discover the names and boundaries of existing associations and contact information within these organizations, check the Neighborhood Contact page on the City of Lincoln's Web site
...or call the City Urban Development Department at 441-7606. If there is an active neighborhood association in your area, consider joining it!
If you and your neighbors decide to organize your own neighborhood association, consider the following:
- Avoid overlapping boundaries with another neighborhood association (check the neighborhood map in the Lincoln telephone book).
- Identify meeting time and place for the first organizational meeting.
- Widely distribute information throughout the neighborhood about the new association's first meeting.
- Include everyone living or owning property within the association's boundaries as a potential member.
- Keep everyone informed about association activities. A newsletter or a Web site are two ways to inform your neighborhood about the association's activities.
There are a variety of possibilities for how your neighborhood association can be organized. The type of organization will depend on the role of your neighborhood association and the available resources. There are three basic organizational models your group can choose from:
- Charitable Organization
- Non-Profit Incorporated Organization
- Tax Exempt Organization - 501(c)(3)
The Funders' Group of Lincoln and Lancaster County has created a publication "How to Create a Nonprofit Organization in Nebraska" which is online.
For more information about how to become a non-profit corporation, you can check the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Web site
The IRS Web site at www.irs.gov has information about tax exempt organizations.
It is also important to remember the organizational structure that works for your neighborhood now may change in the future. Neighborhood associations change over time as they grow, mature and respond to the needs of their members.
To bring together a quite diverse group of people to reach a common goal is a difficult task. To get started, you will need to form a small group of committed neighbors who share your aspiration to form a neighborhood association. This small group of individuals is referred to as the core group. Members of the core group should share a common vision regarding important issues affecting the neighborhood. Be sure to keep the size of the core group at ten or less people. If the core group gets too large, it will become unmanageable and result in low productivity. Who should be a part of your core group? People whose views are respected by other members of the community:
- Homeowners
- Business owners
- Apartment residents, managers, owners
- Church leaders
- School teachers or administrators
Once the members of the core group have been identified and a meeting time and place have been established, develop a well-planned agenda for the first meeting. Nobody likes to attend meetings that are unproductive and a waste of time. During this initial meeting the core group will need to:
- Determine the boundaries of the neighborhood.
- Develop a complete list of neighborhood residents.
- Discuss each person's ideas concerning the problems and needs of the neighborhood.
- Discuss goals, projects and concerns.
- Discuss strategies to achieve common goals.
- Identify current and potential leaders.
- Determine special skills, talents and willingness to participate.
- Determine a convenient time and location for members to attend meetings.
- Determine how frequently members would like to meet.
The core group has to meet several times before it will be ready to hold meeting with the entire neighborhood. Once the entire neighborhood is involved the core group should continue meeting as an advisory board for the newly formed neighborhood association.
Source: "Neighborhood Association How To's" by City of Lincoln, Urban Development Department, 2002; "How to Organize and Maintain a Neighborhood Association" by City of Tallahassee, FL Neighborhood Services Center; Neighborhood Resource Guide 2001, Austin, TX Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department
For more information, contact:
Yelena Mitrofanova, Extension Educator
e-mail: email@example.com
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County
444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68528.
Phone: 402-441-7180
(This resource appeared in the November/December 2004 NEBLINE Newsletter. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)


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| 4.5°C Belfast
The families of three Britons killed in a shooting spree in the French Alps said they were "heartbroken" by their deaths but "touched by the expressions of sympathy from people all over the world".
Engineer Saad al-Hilli, his wife and mother-in-law were brutally murdered in a remote spot close to Lake Annecy a week ago.
Ahmed Al-Saffar, the brother of Mrs al-Hilli's dead mother, said: "The victim's family and I are heartbroken by this shocking crime and we have been touched by the expressions of sympathy from people all over the world.
"The victim's family are of Iraqi-Arabic origin. We are very grateful for the support provided by the British, French and Iraqi authorities during this difficult time.
"We hope that those responsible for the deaths of our loved ones are brought swiftly to justice.
"In the meantime, we would ask that the media understand that as a family we need time to grieve and we would therefore request that they respect our privacy at this intensely difficult time."
The statement, on behalf of the al-Hilli and Al-Saffar families, came as Annecy's chief prosecutor Eric Maillaud spoke about the investigation's progress.
Mr Maillaud is due to travel to the UK as part of an investigation into the murder, with examining magistrate Michel Mollin, another senior member of the inquiry team.
They will join a small number of French investigators already in Britain to help unravel the mystery surrounding the deaths of the three Britons and French cyclist Sylvain Mollier, 45, who apparently stumbled across the attack.
Mr Maillaud told reporters that he hoped the inquiry would progress as quickly as possible. He said the scene of the crime had been protected by the gendarmerie again as witness statements were being checked for timings of sightings, which often changed when people thought for longer about what they had seen.


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Cornelius Frolik
Daytone Daily News
Aug 6, 2010
HUBER HEIGHTS — A group of 2010 Wayne High School graduates are calling on city council to help their efforts of getting fluoride removed from the city's drinking water as a matter of public safety.
Eat like a king, stock up at eFoods Direct today!
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
- {openx:49}
"We were shocked to see there was a substantial amount of fluoride in the water supply," said Chase Warden, 18, speaking at Monday's city council meeting. "Fluoride is a very toxic substance."
Warden and a group of his friends said their research of independent sources found that the benefits of fluoride are outweighed by the risks, which include fluorosis, a dental condition characterized by cracking, mottling and pitting of the teeth.
The teenagers cited the city's 2009 Annual Water Quality Report as proof of there being dangerous levels of fluoride in Huber Heights' drinking water.
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This outdoor statue shows a little boy reading.
Additional Info:
Perfect in a garden, on a porch or patio, this statue makes a great accent for your outdoor spaces. Finished in a verdigris green with bronze highlights, this design blends well with natural outdoor decoration and features a little boy reading. Made of polyresin and stone powder for a stylish, yet lightweight design.


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Home to some of the most beautiful counties in the UK, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire, the Midlands make sure that holiday makers are never short of things to do – caravanners and campers are no exception!
With the cities of Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Derby, Nottingham, Loughborough and Leicester there's plenty of Cathedral's, historic monuments and attractions to explore from Chatsworth House in Chesterfield to the Butterfly Farm in the outskirts of Stratford. Not forgetting the countryside walks and great pub grub.
Stafford is an amazing place for caravanners interested in literature to explore – campers and caravanners can get in touch with there imaginative sides by exploring the home of Shakespeare, taking trips to Stratford Royal Shakespeare Company theatre and also pretend to be Harry Potter in the Magic Alley and Museum of Wizardology.
From the excitement at staying in one of the areas many picturesque caravan sites, remember it's not just the kids or grandkids who love the sense of adventure of staying on a caravan park. Many of the caravan parks in the Midlands have activities and indoor leisure facilities on-site or nearby, so there is always plenty to do regardless of the weather. Caravan holidays are a good option for couples too, giving a chance to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors.


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Ein * Bijou* am Stadtpark
- Penthouse
- 2½ rooms
- Ground floor
For a smooth and stress-free move into your new home.
Annual premium for this property:
approx. CHF 202
Rents and purchase prices from listings of the last 5 years.
The Comparis Moving Guide accompanies you from the planning stage up to your new residence in five steps.


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Posted in Other 28 days ago.
Type: Full Time
BDO s Core Purpose is Helping People Thrive Every Day. Our Core Values reflect how we manage our work, our relationships and ourselves. As an employee of the firm, you will live true to our Core Values of people first, being exceptional every day in every way, embracing change, feeling empowered through knowledge and choosing accountability. Our Core Values are the standards by which we conduct ourselves day in and day out, both internally and externally.
The Core Tax Services Senior Manager is responsible for advising clients on the tax implications of their business objections, evaluating and selecting alternative actions to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, identifying different methods of complying with tax regulations while acting as the primary client contact for complex tax issues. In this role, Core Tax Services Senior Manager is charged with applying knowledge to understand potential tax issues, and recognizing, communicating potential risks and potential changes in the tax policy and making top-level decisions regarding filing, preparation and resolution of questions from federal / state agencies. In addition, the Core Tax Services Senior Manager will be critical member of the office / region leadership team and actively participate in the marketing, networking and business development within an area of expertise and specialization while maintaining client relationships and acting as the primary contact for complex questions.
- Bachelors degree in Accounting or other relevant field required
- Masters degree in Accounting beneficial, masters degree in taxation preferred
- Eight (8) or more years of prior experience
- Prior supervisory experience required
- CPA certification, Attorney (admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction), or Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent ( EA ) (or the equivalent of one of these designations) required
- Possession of other professional degrees or certifications applicable to role beneficial
- Experience with Microsoft Office Tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook), and Adobe Acrobat
- Experience with tax research databases such as BNA and RIA Proficient in all tax compliance process software including GoFileRoom, GoSystemRS, Caseware, BNA Depreciation Software, or comparable programs and standard tax workpapers
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to effectively delegate work as needed
- Strong analytical, research and critical thinking skills as well as decision-making skills
- Capacity to work well in a team environment
- Capable of developing and managing a team of tax professionals
- Ability to compose written tax advice
- Capable of effectively developing and maintaining client relationships
- Executive presence and ability to act as primary client contact for preparation and presentation of issues and resolutions to clients
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.


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The B.A. in Fine Arts in music is offered with a concentration in:
- Jazz studies
- Musicology - study of the history of music
- Music theory
- Piano/organ/orchestral instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp)
- Voice
All students applying for School of Music undergraduate degrees (B.A., B.F.A., B.M., B.M.E. & music minor) must audition on an approved instrument.
A total of 120 credit hours is required. To graduate, a student must earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in all major courses and a minimum average of 2.0 in all course work.
Students will gain knowledge in a variety of areas while pursuing the BA and may include any approved KU minor without adding extra credit hours to their degree program. Students will be studying with faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized in their fields and their instruments. Courses in Music Theory and Musicology are part of the exploration of music as are private instruction, ensemble and chamber music opportunities, as well as a senior performance recital.
With this degree, students will be well-rounded prospects for nearly any employer upon graduation. Students can also go on to pursue graduate studies in music, establish private studios, audition for music ensembles, or create their own paths in music or music-related endeavors.
Degrees offered:


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App: Biba
Maker: Biba Systems
Platforms: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Organizing co-workers can be like herding cats; each goes in a different direction based on their own priorities. This year's winner for communication is Biba from Biba Systems, a venture-funded startup that emerged from stealth in June. Its app for Android and iOS puts a leash on mobile conference calls by eliminating the dial-in numbers, pass codes, email addresses, availabilities, responses, and other bits of data. Rather than sending a dial-in number and waiting for people to call, the service first reminds, then calls participants until everyone is present. Meetings can be launched from Outlook, Google Calendar and others, and participants are culled from the organizer's contact list. Attendance is tracked; dropped calls are automatically reconnected; noisy calls can be muted. Participants who haven't registered with the service receive a toll-free dial-in and passcode. It supports one-on-one and group chats, and also works on desktops and laptops.


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Hoffman to work with pitchers full time in new role
PHILADELPHIA -- Trevor Hoffman is getting back in a Padres uniform, as Thursday he was named the team's upper level pitching coordinator and special assistant to general manager Josh Byrnes.
Hoffman, who turns 46 next month, notched 601 saves over an 18-year Major League career -- with 552 of those saves coming with the Padres from 1993-2008.
This newly created role will see him working with pitchers at the Double-A, Triple-A and big league levels with an eye on communication and preparing younger pitchers for what it will take to succeed in the Major Leagues.
"When we decided to go two hitting coaches, the job had become too big for one person," Byrnes said. "It's the same thought process now. He'll make sure we communicate and do everything we can do to help finish these guys off as Major League pitchers."
Hoffman, who for the past three seasons reported to former Padres president and CEO Tom Garfinkel, will offer more than just mechanical tips and fixes.
"I'm definitely excited about really being more integrally involved with guys pushing the big league level. … It's about finishing some guys off, filling their toolbox with more information so that they can reach the Major League level," Hoffman said.
Randy Smith, the Padres' vice president of player development and international scouting who, oddly enough, was the general manager when the team obtained Hoffman from the Marlins in 1993, thinks that Hoffman is the ideal guy for this job.
"His ability to communicate with [manager Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley], he brings that instant credibility … it's a natural fit," Smith said. "It's sort of like having two hitting coaches at the big league level. It makes sense. And, he's going to make us better."
Hoffman, who pitched in 2009-10 with the Brewers before he retired, has since been out of uniform, other than stretches in Spring Training and when he helped with Minor League affiliates. But this move, this job, represents a full-time return to baseball.
"I think it's a great thing for us, for Trevor, for our pitchers to have him involved on an everyday basis," Black said. "He likes the ballpark, he likes that environment. It's going to get his juices flowing.
"All the way around, there's a lot of positives."


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When Joshua Lemacks of Richmond, Virginia takes the field for one of his Little League games, the other team may not be overly impressed with his batting average stats, but those who know him realize that he has beaten extreme odds just to be standing on that field with his teammates. What the other team doesn't know is that if Joshua and his parents hadn't batted 1000 in his early years, he wouldn't be alive today.
Nine years ago, soon after Joshua was born, a fetal cardiologist came into the room with a box of tissues and told his parents that their newborn's heart defect was 100% fatal. Later, the cardiologist offered them somewhat better odds if Joshua underwent three high-risk surgeries, one right after delivery. His odds of surviving the first surgery were about 5 percent. Joshua's parents, Jodi and Mark, opted for the surgeries because they wanted to give their baby the best chance they could. Even though they were insured, they incurred monumental out of pocket costs.
Today, Joshua has not only beaten those odds, he is thriving. "He's as healthy as a horse," Jodi says. He plays baseball and golf and is a very happy child who seems like any other active little boy except for the scar on his chest and the medical bills that have piled up for his family.
Even when Josh is healthy, the family's medical bills add up. Josh has, effectively, "half a heart," as Jodi puts it, and with today's technology, his defect cannot be "fixed." He needs regular check-ups, but he also needs to see a cardiologist at least once a year and undergo expensive testing. Also, while he doesn't get sick more often than other children, normal childhood illnesses hit him harder than they do others because his heart can't work as effectively. Jodi estimates their health care expenses to be as much as $17,000 in out-of-pocket costs, including premiums, in good years when Josh is relatively healthy. This is a substantial portion of their family income. Even though it's comprehensive medical insurance, the premiums and co-payments required to obtain needed medical care are prohibitive.
This affects not only Josh but the whole family. When Josh's older brother hurt his arm in an accident during a family trip to New Orleans, they debated going to the emergency room for x-rays because of the cost. They did take him – he's their son, after all – but, just as they feared, they got "nailed with bills" because their plan only covered a fraction of the cost.
"I feel trapped" in this health insurance policy, Jodi says. Even though she has a better, more generous group plan through her job at a national non-profit, Jodi is afraid to move her kids and husband onto it. Why? Because when the family enrolled in their current policy, Joshua hadn't been born yet. And he hadn't yet had his diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. As a result, the insurance company's underwriters assigned him the healthiest possible risk category – a "1" in insurance terms. As high as they are, their premiums are set as if Joshua were a "normal," healthy child.
But that would not be true if they were looking for a new individual policy on the market today. An insurance underwriter would take one look at Josh's medical history and run in the other direction. If the family obtains a new policy that includes Joshua, they can expect to pay high rates because of Joshua's illness– as much as $3100 per month in Virginia, their home state. So Jodi is afraid to move him off their current policy and onto her group plan. If she were to lose her job-based insurance for any reason, they almost certainly could never find an affordable new policy for Joshua.
Because of Joshua's condition, he will inevitably need long-term monitoring and care. His heart problem cannot be "fixed." Kids with this problem may develop arrhythmias, may need a pacemaker, and can develop liver disease, among other complications. Because the oldest person with this condition is only in his 30s, no one really knows what the life-expectancy is, but we do know care over their lifetime will be costly.
With the Affordable Care Act comes new hope for Joshua and his parents. Beginning January 1, 2014, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to charge more to cover Joshua because of his heart condition. The family will pay the same premiums as a family without any health problems.
And Jodi is looking forward to the new state-based marketplaces called insurance exchanges, which will, for the first time, offer web-based tools so she can make apples-to-apples comparisons among different health plan options to select a plan that has the doctors and care Joshua needs.
We asked Jodi what it would mean for her to have guaranteed access to policies in which Joshua couldn't be discriminated against based on his health status, and an exchange where she could compare her options. She responded: "That gives me choices. I also think it will be more competitive. Right now I'm stuck. I don't like our current policy, but I can't move Joshua anywhere else. But if I can compare plans on an exchange, maybe there is one out there that covers a bit more of what we need. That would give me the freedom to choose it."
In addition, because the family's income is less than 400% of the federal poverty level, they are likely to qualify for the ACA's tax credits to help defray the cost of their insurance premiums. In addition, health plans will be required to cover a comprehensive set of benefits and limit families' out-of-pocket costs.
Jodi imagines a future for Joshua under the ACA in which he can embark on a career that matches his skills and passions, secure in the knowledge he can get the health coverage he needs. He won't have to choose a job just because it offers a good health plan. "He can start out of college…and he'll have choices," she says. "He is such an amazing child, and we love him so much. Like any parent, we want the absolute best for him."
Thanks to the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, CHIRblog will feature profiles of everyday people across the country who will – or have already – benefited from new consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act. This post – about Joshua and his family – marks the first story in the series, "Real Stories, Real Reforms." We hope you'll follow our future stories about the impact of the Affordable Care Act.
To ensure that you receive future personal stories from CHIRblog's "Real Stories, Real Reforms" series, please subscribe to our RSS feed or leave a comment. For press inquiries about Joshua's story and our other personal stories, please contact email@example.com.


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David S Pollack: Being a Creative in a time of Societal Constraint: Theorize Art
David S Pollack: Being a Creative in a time of Societal Constraint:
Theorize Art
It's believed that only One Percent of humans can be considered a Creative. Even so that's millions of possible Creative's. Yet it's so rare to see work that is truly unique. Since I've been in Journalism for twenty years I can say that it's nor that much better. But I believe that the way Journalists and Winters limit and censor themselves is wholly due to the societal constraints placed upon them. A good example of this is the way my writing style is labeled as Immersion or Gonzo Journalism. Simply due to the fact that I allow myself to have a personal perspective. In China there are so many great journalists who write with passion and personal perspective and they just call it Journalism. 中国数字时代 China Digital Times Of course they have issues with getting much of this writing out to the world due to the political structure of their country. And so many of us criticize China for this. But we are no better here. In fact the way our system works is far more subversive and possibly more harmful. We teach our journalist, photographers and media artists that it's not alright to insert personal perspective into one work. Thereby creating a very single minded view of the world around us. Then we are sold multiple options of basically the same thing. But that's Capitalism and who is to say that any other social structure throughout time has been better for us Creative's. After all people fear what's new and different. Even Mapplethorpe's work was very poorly received, particularly by the Gay community, who felt he was exposing too much of their esoteric sub-culture. And believe me when I tell you, exposing the reality of life as it plays out around you is true art. Particularly when done in a creative way. It's mimetic and profound.
David S Pollack


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When is the best season for travel to Southern Africa?
Is it safe to travel in Southern Africa?
What are the accommodations like on a Wildland Adventures' Southern Africa safari tour?
What kinds of birds can be seen on safari in Southern Africa?
What kinds of animals will I see while on a Wildland Adventures' Southern Africa safari tour?
What type of transportation is used on a Wildland Adventures safari?
What are the roads like while traveling on safari in Southern Africa?
How many people are typically on your Southern Africa safaris?
What will I experience on a game drive on an Southern Africa safari tour?
What is a typical day like on a Wildland Adventures' Southern Africa safari?
What type of food will we eat on safari in Southern Africa?
What about night game drives on safari in Southern Africa?
What is the weather like in Southern Africa and what should I pack for my safari in Southern Africa?
What are the visa and passport requirements for travel to Southern Africa?
Will I need any vaccinations, immunizations or special medications for a Southern Africa safari vacation?
Is Southern Africa a good destination for family adventure travel?
As a single traveler, do I need to pay a single supplement if I am willing to share accommodations?
What is the local currency in Southern Africa? Are U.S. dollars accepted? Do I need local currency before I arrive?
Can I use credit cards while on a Southern Africa Wildland safari? Are ATMs available?
What is the electrical current in Southern Africa? Will I need plug adaptors?
Can I drink the water when traveling in Southern Africa?
Is internet service available on your Southern Africa adventure tours?
Will my cell phone work while on an Southern Africa safari adventure?
Do your Southern Africa safari tours include international airfare? Do you have recommendations for the best routing and airlines for travel to Southern Africa?
Can I create a custom safari tour of Southern Africa?
Southern Africa destinations receive the majority of their rain during the southern hemisphere summer from October to March. The annual rains tend to come in November and can stick around through February/March. The rest of the year is quite dry in the region, especially towards the end of the dry season in October. Rains in southern Africa are mainly thunder showers and does not last much longer than a few hours (with some exception). Two beautiful months in southern Africa are April (when autumn start and the heat of summer is bearable) and September (when spring brings the first greenery and amazing cloud formations while the cold winter weather is over). Cape Town can be quite temperate during the winter months of June-August and rain can be quite common.
Wildlife tends to be easier to see during the dry season as they concentrate around watering holes. However, the wet season offers fewer travelers, green savannas and triggers breeding activity for a great many species. Personally, my favorite times are at the end of the wet season in May and June, when the chance of rain is low and the bush is vibrant from all the new growth and animal births. October and November can also be quite an interesting experience in change of seasons from the end of the dry season into the first rains. Back to Top
Africa is a safe place to visit on safari and the African people are notorious for their warm hospitality. As with travel anywhere, it is a good idea to take the standard precautions such as keeping your valuables and passport close at hand or safely locked away and bags attended to. When traveling in town it's always a good idea to check with your tour operator or hotel concierge to see if there are any areas to avoid. It is usually a good idea to avoid isolated or deserted areas especially at night. It is best to avoid wearing excessive jewelry when exploring Africa. Back to Top
One of the most important aspects of your safari is maximizing the amount of quality time in the field; there is so much to experience that we don't want to miss anything. We choose not only quality lodges and tented camps with en suite facilities, but consider their locations foremost in our planning. Our accommodations are located within national park and reserve boundaries whenever possible, to start each morning closer to the wildlife. The lodges we choose, as well as many of the tented camps, feature spectacular scenery, comfortable furnishings, and friendly and accommodating staff. Some even offer swimming pools for relaxing after a long safari drive! Note that while we make every effort to offer superior facilities, occasionally there may be a particular location that necessitates us to stay in more basic mobile tented camps or bandas, that may not provide en suite facilities. Back to Top
Southern Africa features an amazing diversity of bird life with 400-500 species present in any-given country depending on season. There are a large number of avian families that are endemic to Africa, including mousebirds, turacos, guineafowl, ground hornbills, barbets, secretary birds, ostrich, shoebill and hamerkop. Many colorful species dazzle the eye - kingfishers, bee-eaters, flamingos, stunning lilac-breasted rollers, stately grey-crowned cranes, and saddle-billed storks. Palearctic migrants from Europe and Asia spend their winters in equatorial Africa, from September through April. There are more than 12 species of eagle and 5 species of vulture found in Southern Africa. Back to Top
In addition to the famous "Big 5" (elephant, rhino, lion, cape buffalo, and leopard), Southern Africa hosts a wide variety of animals in diverse habitats. Antelopes are notable with about 40 different species, including elands, waterbuck, gerenuk, topis, hartebeest, impala, gazelles, and the diminutive dik-diks. These, along with herds of zebras and wildebeest, serve as the main prey for the ever-hungry carnivores such as lions, hyenas and cheetahs. It is always a treat to see roving bands of mongoose and comical warthogs. Southern Africa rivers are alive with hippopotamus and opportunistic Nile crocodiles. Southern Africa boasts a large number of endangered mammals such as black and white rhino, wild dogs, and cheetah. Back to Top
We use a combination of 4-wheel Land Cruisers, Land Rovers and minibuses to maximize our viewing opportunities in the field. In Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and much of South Africa we use Land Cruisers and Land Rovers exclusively; occasionally we use a mini-bus for transfers to and from the airport and in between lodges. Most of our safari vehicles feature open tops with three rows of seats for all-around visibility, and open center aisles for flexible maneuvering when stopped. All of our vehicles conform to safety regulations and are custom-built to take the rigors of a safari. All vehicles are driven by our experienced and highly knowledgeable local guides, who are integral in explaining the intricacies of the ecological principals or animal behavior that you'll be witnessing. Our vehicles provide maximum safety as well as ease of viewing. Many of our safaris take place in national parks and reserves, whose regulations require us to stay inside our vehicles due to danger from wild animals. Back to Top
Many of the roads in Southern Africa are hard packed gravel and because of their heavy use they're often rutted. Guides joke that it's the "safari massage". While there are some beautifully paved roads (particularly in South Africa and along the main routes in Zambia and Namibia) in general you will be on rougher gravel roads. If you have back problems we recommend minimizing long drives with internal flights. Back to Top
Our standard Land Rovers and Land Cruisers allow for a maximum of 6 participants, plus a guide/driver. Maximum group size is generally 8. It is uncommon to have group sizes larger than 8, which will give you more exclusive time in the vehicle with your driver/guide. Back to Top
There are usually two game drives per day, one in the morning lasting about 3-5 hours, and one in late afternoon which lasts about 3 hours. Our drivers are not limited by the amount of driving that they can do in a day and are masters in reading the environment to place you in the most promising locations for wildlife viewing. In addition to seeing the wildlife, there are always opportunities for spontaneity in our tours. Whether that be stopping to witness a leopard tortoise crossing the road or a herd of elephants! Back to Top
Parks and reserves are typically open from sunrise to sunset. We like to maximize our time in the field, so we usually take an early breakfast and head out at 6:30am for our morning game drive, returning in the late-morning. While we will likely see wildlife at any time of the day, early morning gives us a better chance of finding nocturnal species such as leopard or other big cats at a kill and wildlife is most active first thing in the morning. Brunch is around 11am and a short rest period for both participants and wildlife follows. Around 3:30 afternoon tea is served before we head out for our afternoon game drive, followed by the great African tradition of sundowners - enjoying a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail as you watch the sun set over the African landscape. We return to the lodge by 7pm. Dinner is typically around 7:30pm. Be prepared for a great deal of excitement! Back to Top
There is a good selection of international cuisine, including vegetarian choices. Fresh fruits, tasty desserts, and hot beverages are readily available. Breakfast portions are ample, with plenty of coffee and tea. At times when we are in the field or en route, we will bring boxed lunches with us for a picnic or sundowners. Depending on the lodge meals may be buffet or plated. Some special dietary arrangements can be made in advance. Back to Top
National Parks do not allow anyone to be out after sunset, the official closing time is usually 6:00pm, at which time you're expected to be back in camp or at least on your way there. However, there are a number lodges that run night game drives outside National Parks and we include these as part of our itinerary whenever possible. Night game drives usually last for 2 to 3 hours beginning just after sunset or after dinner. These give us an opportunity to see a variety of nocturnal creatures such at bushbabies, porcupines, genets, nightjars and owls. Back to Top
The weather in Southern Africa can vary greatly depending on the region in which you are traveling. In general it's quite pleasant ranging from 70-85ºF during the day. However many people underestimate how cool Southern Africa can be, especially in the southern hemisphere winter months of June to September. Prepare for temperatures that can drop down to 40ºF in the evenings.
Many layers of light breathable quick dry clothing is the best way to stay comfortable as you travel through the different ecosystems of Southern Africa. A waterproof jacket or poncho is also a key item for your day pack. If your safari mainly includes driving, then normal shoes will suffice. However if you are planning to do any walking safari's or trekking, then full hiking boots are the way to go. The most common complaint we get about weather is that it was colder than expected in the mornings and evenings so remember to bring a mid-weight jacket and possibly a hat and gloves for early morning game drives, particularly in June and July. Back to Top
A current passport valid for up to 6 months after the return date of your trip is required to travel anywhere in Southern Africa. U.S. citizens also need a visa for entry into Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. No visa is required for entry into South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia.
It's highly recommended to acquire your visa prior to arrival. The standard 90 day tourist visa is valid for up to one year from the date of issue and applications and directions may be found at the respective embassy website. For additional assistance or express service we recommend Generations Visa Service which is a third party visa obtaining service.
South African Embassy Website: http://saembassy.ogt11.com
Botswana Embassy Website: http://www.botswanaembassy.org
Namibia Embassy Website: http://www.namibianembassyusa.org
Zambia Embassy Website: http://www.zambiaembassy.org
Mozambique Embassy Website: http://www.embamoc-usa.org
Malawi Embassy website: http://www.malawiembassy-dc.org
Generations Visa Service: www.genvisa.com
Back to Top
Certain medications and/or immunizations are recommended or required for travel to Southern Africa. Aside from large portions of South Africa, malaria is present throughout the region and it is recommended that travelers consult a doctor for anti-malarial prophylactics before traveling. Travelers visiting Botswana or Zimbabwe who are coming from a "yellow fever endemic area" (most parts of East Africa) will be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination card. All travelers visiting Zambia must have a valid yellow fever vaccination card or a waiver from a physician.
When you put down a deposit for any Wildland Adventure, our destination expert Program Directors will provide detailed information about health precautions and possible immunizations for travel to your destination. Wildland Adventures' staff are not licensed medical professionals, however, we do know the exact areas, environments and conditions under which you will be traveling, all of which can affect the relative risk of exposure and help you make a decision concerning immunizations and prescription medicines. All travelers should consult their physician or a travel health clinic and refer to the Center for Disease Control website for complete information on health considerations in your destination. Back to Top
Southern Africa is a wonderful destination for families with children. South Africa is ideal for travel even with the youngest of children while most other destinations and camps require a minimum age of 8 years to go on game drives and walks. Many safari lodges throughout Southern Africa cater to specific age groups and arrange exciting activities for children. There are also a number of adventures available, from beach holidays, horse-back riding, hiking, boat rides and many others. Back to Top
If we are able to pair you up with another single traveler willing to share accommodation then there will be no additional single supplement. However, if we are unable to find a suitable match prior to your trip departure then the single supplement fee will apply. Back to Top
The currency varies according to the country that you in which you are traveling. In South Africa the currency is the rand, in Botswana it is the pula and in Namibia it is the Namibian dollar but it is interchangeable with the South African rand. Zambia currency is called the kwacha and in Mozambique it is the metical. Foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar are also widely accepted, although bills from before 2003 are usually not accepted. Most international airports and hotels have banks where money can be changed. It is a good idea to change your money in advance of heading into more remote or rural areas. Back to Top
In major cities particularly in South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg) credit cards are widely accepted and you will have no trouble finding ATMs. You can use a credit card to pay for extra charges in many many safari lodges in Southern Africa but not all of them. Generally it will be difficult to use a credit card outside of major cities and finding ATMs in the bush is not possible! Remember that charges will be in local currency so your credit card company may charge you a fee in addition to a poor exchange rate. Local currency or USD is the easiest form of payment in Southern Africa. Back to Top
Electricity is supplied at all lodges and at most permanent tented camps, however it is not available at mobile camps. Generators are run during the day to recharge video or digital camera batteries. In lodges and hotels (where it is available) electrical current is 220 or 240 volts and the outlet is a type-G British three-pin rectangular pronged plug. You will need a plug adapter and a converter may be required for some American devices, while others (computer, camera, cell phone) usually can handle up to 240 volts. Make sure to double check the voltage requirements of your device and bring a converter if necessary. Back to Top
Tap water is generally unsafe in Southern Africa and it's recommended that you drink only bottled water which is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Bottled water is provided in the safari vehicles for all of our game drives and in the bathrooms at the lodges for brushing your teeth. Back to Top
In major cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Livingstone, Windhoek) most lodges/hotels have internet access but it can be slow and unreliable compared to service in major U.S. cities. Outside of the major cities it will be difficult to find access to the internet. Most of the lodges in Botswana and Namibia do not have internet access while most safari lodges in South Africa do but it's speed will likely be extremely slow and frustrating. Plan to unplug while on an Southern Africa safari! Back to Top
This is a good question for your cell phone service provider. To work internationally, you'll most likely need a cell phone which uses a "GSM" network which is most widely used globally. In the U.S. AT&T and T-Mobile operate GSM networks while Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and several smaller carriers such as U.S. Cellular use the "CDMA" network which has less worldwide coverage than GSM. You'll want to check with your service provider regarding international coverage and make sure you understand exactly what you'll be charged for making calls and, if you have a smart phone, for using data (email/internet). Rates can be extremely expensive and we've heard horror stories of travelers returning home to find unexpectedly large bills for using their phone while traveling. Due to this, we generally recommend you unplug and don't use your cell phone while traveling. Your guides will be able to give you the best options for calling home and loved ones can contact you using the local phone numbers we provide on your final itinerary or Wildland's 24-hour emergency number. Some of the lodges we use have a telephone at the front desk. It's rare to have a phone in your room and some of the tented camps, particularly mobile camps in the Okavango Delta, do not have phone service. We recommend reviewing CNET's World Phone Guide for more information on international cell phone coverage. Back to Top
International airfare is not included in our prices for Southern Africa safaris.Most Southern Africa safaris begin and end in Johannesburg as this is the major airport hub in the region with the largest number of flights and carriers. You can choose to fly direct to Johannesburg from the U.S. (Atlanta or New York generally) on South African Airways or Delta. You can also choose to fly one of the many carriers that route through Europe (British in London, Air France in Paris, KLM in Amsterdam, and Lufthansa in Frankfurt). You can also fly through the Gulf on Emirates (Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) or Qatar Airways (Doha). Most of these airlines are partner airlines with U.S. carriers so you may be able to use airline miles or book your entire flight itinerary through a U.S. airline. While Wildland Adventures does not book international airfare directly, we are pleased to provide a quote and schedule for your international air with our partners at Exito Travel, a leader in air travel worldwide. They offer highly competitive fares along with the knowledge to book the best airlines, routing and schedule for your Wildland Adventure. Contact your destination Program Director for more information. Back to Top
Certainly. Our safaris can be customized to focus on birding, photography, wildlife or other general interests of the participants. In fact, nearly all itineraries are developed based on the desires of our customers. Our safaris provide the perfect adventure for families, couples or individuals and we are happy to cater to special interests and requests. Back to Top


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12 May, 2010 | (01 hr)
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This Conference KeyNotes Webcast will provide highlights of The 2010 Customer Experience Management Conference (March, 2010). Video footage of two headline presentations will set context for live questions and answers with the presenters.
This webcast will feature highlights from:
- A Case Study in Customer Experience by Starbucks
- Best Practices in Customer Experience Management: The Cleveland Clinic
Howard Behar
Mr. Behar is the former president of Starbucks North America and Starbucks International. He joined Starbucks in 1989 as vice president of sales and operations, and grew the retail business from 28 stores to more than 400, by the time he was named president of Starbucks Coffee International in 19...Full Bio
M. Bridget Duffy M.D
Dr. Bridget Duffy is the Chief Experience Officer EXPERIAHEALTH, whose passion for defining and creating optimal healing environments for patients has been the focus of her work throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, she served as Chief Experience Officer of the Cleveland Clinic, the first...Full Bio
Meg Gottemoeller
Meg Gottemoeller is a Senior Fellow, Human Capital at The Conference Board. In this role, Meg supports the Human Capital Practice which includes The Conference Board Human Capital Exchange™, research, conferences, webcasts and programs in a broad spectrum of h...Full Bio


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Scott Entsminger died on Thursday. Three days later, he was taking a shot at the Browns from the peace of the grave.
From Entsminger's obituary in yesterday's Columbus Dispatch:
"A lifelong Cleveland Browns fan and season ticket holder, he also wrote a song each year and sent it to the Cleveland Browns as well as offering other advice on how to run the team. He respectfully requests six Cleveland Browns pall bearers so the Browns can let him down one last time."
An old joke, but so are the Browns.
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From elegant floral designs, to exquisite gastronomic menus, to photogenic backdrops, a wedding like no other. Our Bridal Concierge is dedicated to providing sophistication, style and glamour under one roof.
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Mood Photo & Video services all of Southern California and have been commissioned for events worldwide, including Italy, Mexico, Greece, Thailand, the UK, and destinations around the United States. Destination weddings and pre-wedding photo shoots in other countries are always a great interest of ours so let us know if you'd like more information on those services.
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Carrotmob partners with Unilever on consumer-led sustainability campaigns
Big news today! We've spent years trying to figure out how to make the Carrotmob model work well with larger companies, and today we're happy to announce a big step forward towards achieving that goal. We are partnering with Unilever to explore the creation of future Carrotmob sustainability campaigns with Unilever's portfolio of consumer products.
We want your help and input deciding what sort of campaigns we should do with them so we're creating a Carrotmob advisory group to help design future campaigns. Sign up to join the advisory group or for more information, check out our partnership page or this announcement.
We wanted you to be the first to know!


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Browsing Health Promotion (Scholarly Articles) by Subject "Descriptive statistics"
Now showing items 1-1 of 1
The determinants of lifestyle counselling among practice nurses in Ireland. (Institute of Health Promotion and Education, 2008-08)Aim: To assess the practice of lifestyle counselling among practice nurses (PNs) by measuring the frequency, perceived effectiveness and barriers to lifestyle counselling. Methods: A survey questionnaire was sent to all ...


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A year ago, York and Lafayette met with matching 8-0 records and the Bay Rivers District title on the line. Few figured in the wake of their unforgettable game, a thrilling 35-34 York victory, either could repeat that level of excellence this season.
Skepticism was natural because both lost 13 key players to graduation. That's hardly seemed to matter, as Lafayette (9-1, 8-1 district) tied for the Bay Rivers title, while York (8-2, 7-2) was denied only by close losses to the Rams and co-champion Smithfield (9-1, 8-1).
York has earned a first-round home game against Poquoson (4-6, 3-6) on Friday at Bailey Field in the Region I Division 3 playoffs for its exploits. Lafayette received the No. 1 seed in the D-3 regional and a bye to the semifinals, where it will play the Brunswick-Park View winner.
"I think our (quick rebuild) had to do with the fact that last year we brought up a lot of young players, and were able to play them a lot," York coach Doug Pereira said. "Having that experience on hand has helped."
It helps, too, that so many young players have developed so quickly. Three freshmen, running back JoMari Becnel, defensive back Devin Campbell and defensive end Darius Reynolds have started and often starred.
Running back Chris Spruill, wide receiver Ben Jagt, linebacker Hunter Collins, defensive lineman Collin Mandrick, safety Myles Brown and cornerback Jordan West are sophomores who have been dependable as new varsity starters. The youthful talent bodes well for the future, but Pereira isn't looking that far ahead.
"Our goal has been to get back to the regional and win it, regardless of our experience," said Pereira, whose team fell to James Monroe in the 2011 regional final. "That's what we've talked about from Day 1."
The star power Lafayette lost from last year's regional semifinalists, including Virginia Tech signee Thomas Smith at wide receiver, could've resulted in a huge dropoff. But the addition of West Point transfer Jahlil Green, who's rushed for 1,449 yards in 10 games, helped in that department, as did the emergence of four other reliable rushing threats.
The fact that the program routinely replaces standout linemen, four this year, makes it the envy of the district. But the Rams are an even bigger threat to win the regional title this season than last year's 9-3 group because of togetherness.
The Rams, quiet standout Green included, are team oriented rather than a collection of individual stars. Like York, the Rams' future is bright, thanks in large part to the return of numerous skill standouts, Green, fullback Schekel Wallace, wide receiver Brandon Villanueva-Pernell and quarterback Brendan McGinty among them.
Like York, the aren't looking past the next few weeks. Their No. 1 seed keeps them home until the state final, should they make it that far.
Clark Harrell is a country boy, evident on Saturday when he enjoyed a morning and afternoon hunting. Given his background and druthers, his players would refrain from loud displays of emotion before games or showy celebrations after victories.
But prior to the Packers 22-0 win on Thursday over Tabb, he pointed to his noisy locker room and shrugged with acceptance.
"I'd love it if I were to walk in and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop," he said, referring jokingly to his players as pretty boys. "But that's not who they are and I'm not going to try to make them into something they aren't."
After the Packers beat Tabb to earn their share of the district title, the players celebrated on the field by pointing their helmets to the Smithfield fans and cheering. A Smithfield assistant suggested to Harrell that they wait until after a bigger victory for such a celebration.
Harrell felt, considering the turnaround from last year's 1-9 season, the timing was just fine.
"I told him, `Let 'em enjoy it, because they deserve it,' " Harrell said.
Grafton coach Jared Van Acker said that backing into the playoffs with a 4-6 record in the wake of a loss wasn't ideal. Still, he had no apologies or any lack of confidence.
"I think we're as scary a No. 6 seed as you're going to find anywhere," he said following his team's 31-24 loss to York. "We've played pretty good football the past two weeks, and we're excited to be in the playoffs." …
Warhill's 27-0 win over Jamestown is the first shutout in school history. "We changed our emphasis to gap control, and the guys did a great job of gang-tackling," Lions coach Billy Jarvis said. …
Bruton finished a 3-7 season with a 21-6 win at New Kent. The Panthers' should be improved next season, as only three seniors graduate, while four freshmen played key roles in the season-ending win.
Among the frosh, Ian Gruver had a team-high seven tackles, D.J. Hester started on the offensive line, Elijah Rice ran for 81 yards and Daniel Jones picked off a pass.


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The Australian Centre for Photography celebrates our talented students with a quarterly online gallery, Photostart.
Viewable online from 29 November 2018 - 30 January 2019, these photographs have been created by the ACP Workshop's Term 3 2018 students.
Photostart demonstrates ACP's strong commitment to providing high quality, hands-on courses for emerging photographic artists and the wider photomedia community.
For more information on our photographic workshops please contact workshop[@]acp.org.au


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Cheese and mushroom casserole with chicken
This casserole is simple and delicious, and makes a perfect snack during a picnic (bento anyone?)—you should use it as a basic idea for a casserole, since the pasta sauce is the stable and the most important piece of the meal. It's also a very tweak-able recipe! :-)
Whole-grain bread rolls
There are not many things that can beat the whole grain bread, unless it's 8 delicious little whole grain breadrolls ;-) These are perfect for breakfast, and you can easily prepare and bake them in one evening, for e.g. Sunday breakfast! :-)
My fool-proof recipe will be a great fun, and a good addition to your baking arsenal.
French toast
I believe in food recycling, i.e. when something is still edible, and there is a delicious and healthy way to eat it, then why not? We should never let our food spoil, even when there's overabundance of it! :-) Enjoy these delicious, savory French toasts, which make a perfect weekend breakfast.
When you make your own pasta, you will always end up with some scraps, even more if you make ravioli. You can easily recycle this leftover pasta to make maltagliati, meaning "poorly cut" in Italian, which was traditionally meant as food for the poor. We are way past that, and today you can enjoy rich texture and amazing flavor of your pasta without the social stigma ;-)
Sushi-like rolls
Can you imagine, there was the time I didn't want to eat sushi, because of the raw fish?! Well, that's true, shame on me. Lots of shame. On me. Agreed...
Knowing that, I decided to make a recipe for sushi-like rolls, that look and taste close to sushi, but... are not raw! Nothing in this recipe is raw, and that also means that you can keep them safe longer at the room temperature, place in your bento, take for a picnic or just offer them as a healthy snack for people didn't discover yet the ingenuity of Japanese cuisine! ;-)


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Equity futures are lower this morning, bonds are also lower, the dollar is higher, oil is dramatically lower, gold is slightly lower after setting a new all-time record high yesterday, and intervention in the Yen overnight caused it to dramatically lose value against the dollar.
Yesterday I showed you charts indicating that the action in the Yen was important to watch, and I showed you the trend line where support was likely. EXACTLY on that trendline, Japan rolled out an announcement that they were taking action to devalue the Yen – currency manipulation:
YEN Hourly:
YEN Weekly:
Later it was learned that the Bank of Japan was working in concert with officials overseas – in other words, the currency manipulators are Ben Bernanke and little Timothy Geithner, the same people who deride China for manipulating their currency.
Here's the deal that you can take to the central bank – currency manipulation NEVER works! In fact, it will have the opposite effect over time. Once the shorts are destroyed (this will cause deleveraging elsewhere) the currency will begin to sink again (Yen rising due to carry trade unwind) and any intervention will have to be larger and larger until the shorts win, and win they will. Currency manipulation is pathetic, it is the result of a society that has saturated itself with DEBT and has allowed massive distortions to form by supporting gambling in international markets. Those distortions will seek to balance themselves.
This morning the Empire State Manufacturing Index (not a very sharp tool) fell from its prior reading of 7.1 to 4.14. This was worse than the 5.0 expected. It is showing sharp deceleration, and while it did not yet turn negative, the Philly Fed has already and we'll get another update on it tomorrow. Here's Econospin, no double-dip in sight, LOL:
Business activity in the New York manufacturing region has firmed slightly so far in September, the latest report to point away from a double dip. The Empire State Index came in at 4.14, a reading over zero to indicate month-to-month growth but at a slightly slower pace of growth than August's 7.10 reading. A rise in new orders is clearly good news, at 4.33 vs. the minus 2.71 that indicated month-to-month contraction in August. Employment is also a positive, at 14.93 to indicate strong month-to-month labor growth and at a slightly higher rate than August's 14.29.
Other readings are less positive. Unfilled orders are extending their run of contraction, at minus 5.97 in September. Draws in unfilled orders do not point to extending gains for employment. The six-month outlook for unfilled orders moved into the negative column while employment plans and new order expectations slowed.
Today's report is positive but only marginally positive. Tomorrow's September report from the Philly Fed will be very closely watched given its surprise contraction in August.
No, actually a rise in orders is not a good thing, not when inventories are growing rapidly as was reported yesterday. Those inventory builds are most likely forced which means that demand is too low for the amount of goods ordered. In other words, businesses are once again being suckered in by morons in our government and in the economic voodoo profession. Just remember that's its hard to get a garden to grow in the middle of winter, it's not a time to be planting seeds. That's not being negative, that's just reality.
The worthless MBA Purchase Applications Index fell .4% in the prior week, but the refinance index plummeted 10.8%, leading to an overall index loss of 8.9%. Gee, Econopray doesn't seem to have much to say on that one today:
Mortgage applications to purchase homes edged 0.4 percent lower in the September 10 week while applications to refinance existing mortgages fell 10.8 percent. The results are adjusted for the Labor Day shortened week. Rates are very low which point to increasing mortgage activity ahead. The average 30-year mortgage fell three basis points to 4.47 percent. Next data on the housing sector will be the Housing Market Index on Monday.
"Rates are very low which point to increasing mortgage activity ahead?" What planet are they living on? The Fed has lowered rates as low as they can go, they have bought up nearly every mortgage in the U.S., and they have spent literally TRILLIONS to artificially buy rates down (talk about manipulation)! Each step of the way the people who could refinance did. Now we are at the end of the line. Sorry, but it doesn't get lower than zero, the only way to get mortgages lower now is to start cutting out the middle men (bankers) and lend directly to the people at next to nothing. That would be a disaster of monumental proportions, as if it's not bad enough already. Yet after living through the past couple of years, I don't put it past them.
Import and Export prices came in a little hotter than the month prior for August, here's Econoday:
Import prices rose a sizable 0.6 percent in August reflecting higher costs for food products and petroleum products. Foods, feeds & beverages jumped a very steep 2.2 percent in the month, though the gain here is not part of a trend. Petroleum prices jumped 2.1 percent, and here too the gain is isolated given steep contractions back in June and May. The bottom line is finished goods where prices have been stable: consumer goods up 0.2 percent following two prior months of 0.2 percent decreases; capital goods up 0.2 percent following two months of 0.1 percent declines.
The export side shows a 0.8 percent gain, again not part of a trend given a 0.2 percent decline in July and a 0.7 percent decline in June. Foods, feeds & beverages also show pressure on the export side, up 4.3 percent in the month following small declines in July and June. Finished goods show no change for capital goods and a 0.3 percent decline for consumer goods.
Country data show a 0.2 percent price rise for goods imported from Japan, not significant but newsworthy given Japanese intervention overnight to stem the rise in the yen. Though deflation bugs are making noise, prices are basically stable right now. Small healthy gains are expected for both tomorrow's producer price report and Friday's consumer price report.
The hot money rotation produced higher prices in food and energy. As noted, this is not a trend, it's so far just a short term pop. The forces of deflation are still fighting what has now become three POMO's a week and before we know it, we'll likely see three POMO's a day. Did I mention the morons and their intervention? Respect them? No. Not an adult to be seen, only $212 Billion+ increases in governmental debt per month as far as the eye can see.
Industrial Production fell from the prior month's 1.0% rise to a .2% rise, this was inline with expectations, but again shows slowing momentum in what are not leading indicators. Remember, the ECRI is leading and pointed to negative growth quite some time ago, still residing below -10%. The Capacity Utilization Rate fell to only 74.7%, this is down from 74.8, and in the wrong direction from expectations looking for an increase to 74.9.
Turning back to the markets, prices have now fallen below the redrawn rising wedge lower boundary that can be seen on the following 10 minute chart:
Yesterday prices failed to get over the 1030 resistance level once again. McHugh, looking at the proportionality of the waves as I pointed out earlier (2.5 months for wave 1, 2.5 months for wave 2), changed his primary count to this wave being wave c of wave 2 of wave C (wave 1 bottoming on July the 1st and a,b,c for wave 2 since). That means that he now believes we still have not begun wave 3, that was the alternate count I've been following. In truth, it can still be either way as we have yet to rise above 1131. Regardless, the next wave will be down and it will likely be wave 3 – it may have already started, not that I'm ringing a bell or anything…


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The Big Bash League (BBL) Technical Committee has allowed the Melbourne Renegades to replace Marlon Samuels with England batsman Alex Hales, after the West Indian was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to the injury sustained during Sunday night's fiery clash against the Melbourne Stars.
Samuels suffered a suspected fracture of the eye-socket when struck in the face, via a top-edge, while facing Lasith Malinga.
The injury brought to an end a turbulent tournament for Samuels. Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann and Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry had been charged for breaches of the Code of Behaviour when they publicly questioned the legitimacy of Samuels' bowling action. Berry got into a heated discussion with Samuels prior to his side's match with the Renegades, before Samuels became the pantomime villain again against the Stars on Sunday when he embroiled himself in arguments with both David Hussey and Shane Warne, who was later fined and suspended for the incident.
Samuels' absence won't create a void as his replacement Hales will be available for the Renegades' remaining games - their last preliminary match against the Sydney Sixers, and the semi-finals.
Hales has played 14 Twenty20 internationals for England over the past 18 months. He made 99 from just 68 balls against West Indies in June on his home ground at Trent Bridge. It is one of four international half-centuries he has scored, the latest coming against India during a two-match tour in December.
The final round of preliminary matches begins when Melbourne Stars host Sydney Thunder at the MCG. Malinga has also been withdrawn from the Stars' team as he joins the Sri Lankan squad in preparation for the ODI series, starting on Friday. The Australian ODI squad members David Hussey, Clint McKay and Glenn Maxwell have been allowed to play for the Stars, as well as Usman Khawaja, who will represent the winless Thunder. But should the Stars make the finals, they will lose Hussey, McKay, and Maxwell, and reports suggest an assessment on Malinga's availability for the semi-final will be made closer to the time should the Stars qualify for the final four.
The Stars called up former England allrounder Dimitri Mascarenhas as cover for Malinga. Mascarenhas took two wickets in both the semi-final and final of the England domestic T20 tournament last year to help Hampshire win the title. He also represented Hampshire at the Champions League, and played two Twenty20s for Wellington in New Zealand on December 28 and January 1. Mascarenhas must play the Sydney Thunder to be available for selection in the semi-final should the Stars qualify.
Meanwhile, Hobart Hurricanes batsman Travis Birt was fined $1000 by Cricket Australia for a Code of Behaviour breach. Birt was initially cited for striking the advertising foam on the rope after he was given out against the Sydney Thunder but was not fined over the incident. Birt was, however, fined for breaching Rule 9: Detrimental Public Comment when he criticised umpires for "ruining games," on Twitter on December 23.