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Quite a crowd gathered in Courtroom 8 of the D.C. federal courthouse last Friday when the Department of Justice tried to convince federal District Judge John D. Bates to dismiss the lawsuit filed by residents and candidates from Kinston, N.C. When DOJ claimed the power under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act to invalidate their referendum changing the town elections from partisan to nonpartisan, the citizens filed suit to challenge the constitutionality of the renewal of Section 5. DOJ's response was to try to deny them their day in court.
One half of the courtroom was occupied by lawyers and staff from the Voting Section of the Justice Department on a taxpayer-paid field trip. Even Julie Fernandes, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under an ethical cloud for her role in the New Black Panther Party scandal, was there. She apparently didn't see the irony of her having an announced, race-based policy for enforcing the Voting Rights Act, on one hand, and her presence as the DOJ argued for the continued constitutionality of Section 5 on the other.
If where you sit is a sign of where you stand, it was probably appropriate that the DOJ staff were all sitting on the left side of the courtroom. Of course, they may have been avoiding me, sitting on the right side.
The DOJ lawyer arguing the case, Richard Dellheim, had only uttered about two sentences when Judge Bates started peppering him with questions. Bates seemed somewhat taken aback by the government's claim that nobody in Kinston had standing to contest the constitutionality of a federal statute like Section 5.
Dellheim was put in the awkward position of claiming that no one had suffered a legal injury — neither Kinston's voters, who approved the referendum that has been nullified, nor candidates who wanted to run for office under the system the referendum would have adopted. Bates asked Dellheim when, if ever, any voter would have standing to make such a claim under the government's view. Dellheim's answer was basically "Never."
The DOJ's claim that the candidates have no injuries, despite the fact that running as an independent candidate in a partisan election in North Carolina imposes extra burdens on candidates, was strained and hypocritical. The department was basically arguing that making ballot access more difficult doesn't injure a candidate and, thus, doesn't give him standing to sue. This position completely contradicts the position the Department has taken on numerous prior occasions when it has argued that ballot-qualification requirements violated Section 5.
It was also embarrassing to see NAACP lawyer Anita Earls actually argue that private citizens shouldn't have standing to sue the attorney general for his interference in Kinston's referendum, and that they have no right to contest the constitutionality of a federal statute like Section 5. The prior case law may be somewhat unclear on this point, but it was astonishing to watch the NAACP, which shared the government's argument time as interveners in the lawsuit, argue for restricted access to the courts by aggrieved voters — like their members.
Earls also made the truly bizarre claim that while the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue under Section 5, they could have filed a Section 2 lawsuit against Section 5. Since the Kinston plaintiffs are claiming that the renewal of Section 5 was unconstitutional, it was completely nonsensical to argue that they could have used one portion of the Voting Rights Act to attack another provision of the same law, particularly since the Supreme Court has held that the two parts of the law do entirely different things.
The DOJ also contended that the case was not ripe for adjudication, because the lawsuit was filed 19 months before the next election.
But Dellheim could not really dispute the point raised by Judge Bates that it can take two years for a lawsuit to make its way through the courts. It would make no sense to force the Kinston plaintiffs to wait until shortly before the 2011 election to sue. If they did, local election officials would object that the lawsuit was filed too late to let them do their jobs properly. And the next election in Kinston draws closer every day.
There was a funny moment when DOJ argued that Judge Bates shouldn't grant standing to voters because there were "millions and millions" of them in Section 5 jurisdictions that might flood the courts with complaints about the attorney general's actions. Judge Bates jokingly replied that Dellheim seemed to be saying that there were millions of people that did not like what the attorney general was doing, and that DOJ wanted the judge to keep them out of court. There was probably more truth to that joke than the judge realized.
Hashim Mooppan argued very effectively for the Kinston plaintiffs. He had the facts, the law, and the prior court decisions down cold, and he made a very persuasive case for granting the candidates standing to pursue this claim. He seemed astonished at the government's claim that there was no redressability, i.e., even if the case proceeded and Section 5 was found unconstitutional, the government argued that no one knew what effect that would have on the Kinston referendum.
But as Mooppan argued, that defied common sense and the plain terms of the Voting Rights Act and North Carolina law. The referendum was not in force only because it was pre-empted by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. If Section 5 is found unconstitutional, the referendum will immediately go into effect.
One of Judge Bates's final questions to DOJ during rebuttal was whether he should feel comfortable issuing a decision that no private citizen has the right to challenge the constitutionality of Section 5. Dellheim seemed as uncomfortable answering that question as the court did asking it. I almost felt sympathy for him during these arguments — the facts in this case are terrible for the Justice Department, because the objection in Kinston was so unjustified and so obviously partisan. So Dellheim was left to argue that the Kinston plaintiffs should not even get their day in court, a very dubious proposition to make in reference to a law, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, whose entire purpose was to protect the voting rights of individual citizens.
Bates promised to issue a decision soon. There is no question that his decision, whatever it is, will be appealed. Next up: another voting rights case assigned to Judge Bates filed by Shelby County, Alabama, also contesting the constitutionality of the renewal of Section 5.


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Ever feel as though you've run out of ideas on Facebook? It may feel that way, especially if you've been doing it for a while. However, there's always something to talk about! Keep your Facebook page fresh by using these fun ways to engage your followers.
Hold Regular Contests
Who doesn't love contests? They're usually fun and there's often a prize at stake. From a business perspective, contests encourage engagement (a vital factor in ensuring that your future posts appear in your followers' news feeds) and sharing. As your followers participate in the contest, they often share the contest with their friends which in turn can lead to more exposure for you along with more likes.
Contests are allowed on Facebook, but you'll need to conform to all applicable contest guidelines. We recommend using a third party app to create and manage your Facebook contests. Not only will your contests look amazing, they're super easy to create and manage.
Consider holding monthly or weekly contests as these events will generate a great deal of buzz for your brand. In addition, your followers will start to anticipate them.
Send Congratulations
Sending congratulatory messages to clients is a great way to show that you care. It can also serve as "social proof" that you've satisfied a customer. For example, if you're a car salesperson, you could congratulate a customer on the delivery of her new car.
Depending on the nature of the event, you may want to send generic congratulations. For example, your customer may not want the general public to know the details of the transaction or may not want the attention. A more subtle way to do this is to use the customer's initials or refer to her in the abstract. For example, you could post a photo of a set of car keys along with the message "Congratulations to a recent college graduate on the delivery of a new Jeep Cherokee – you deserve it for a job well done!" If the customer sees it, she'll know the message is directed at her, yet her privacy will have been respected. Meanwhile, other followers are likely to click the like button as a show of support and a means of sending their own congratulations.
Share Inspirational Photos
Blending gorgeous photos with inspirational quotes may seem cheesy or cliche', but it works. Photos are by far the most engaging type of content you can share on Facebook. Add in an inspirational quote and you have a recipe for sharing success. While you could recirculate images that come your way, a better option is to create your own. Not only will your own custom inspirational photos be unique to your followers, you can also brand them with your website address, company logo, or some other branding element. That way, when they share your image (and they will if you choose a resonant quote), your brand will benefit from the additional exposure.
Creating an inspirational photo isn't overly difficult, especially if you are already comfortable using image editing software. All you need is access to a royalty-free or Creative Commons image, an inspirational quote, and image editing software. You can find suitable photos all over the Internet at sites such as Wikimedia Commons, MorgueFile, and Flickr (Creative Commons). The same is true of quotes; try QuoteGarden, BrainyQuotes, or GoodReads. As far as image editors go, free options include: Paint.net, FotoFlexer, and irfanview.
Make sure that the photo you use isn't too busy as too much clutter could distract from the sentiment you are sharing. If it's a little busier than you'd like, try applying a blur filter to it. Use a large, easy-to-read font for the text. Experiment with different font colors until you find the best color combination for the image. Don't forget to add any branding information to your image. Ideally, your final image should be 843 pixels wide by 504 pixels high. This is the size for a full width timeline display. If you don't want to highlight the image on your timeline, 403 by 504 is the next best size.
Finally save your image, giving it a descriptive file name. Post to your Facebook page and encourage sharing.
Holding contests, congratulating your followers, and sharing inspirational photos are three fun ways to engage your followers. Which will you do first?

subset: commoncrawl


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16/04/2019 12:00
- 3845 total view
Date: April 2019
By: WTO Center and Integration - VCCI
As one of the 20 largest economies and one of the 10 most attractive destinations for FDI in the world, Australia has become one of Vietnam's most potential export and investment markets. Australia and Vietnam also have a lot of mutual market opening commitments. The two countries were parties to the ASEAN–Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) since 2010. Australia and Vietnam have recently implemented the CPTPP which came into effect on December 30, 2018 for Australia and January 14, 2019 for Vietnam. In addition, the two countries are now members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations – a big regional FTA between ASEAN and its 06 trading partners.
With the aim to understand specific Australia's commitments and market potential from CPTPP and other related FTAs perspectives for Vietnamese goods, services, investment and labor, the WTO and International Trade Center of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the support of the Australian Government through Australian Global Alumni Support Fund, conducted a study on "Australia's market potential for Vietnam from CPTPP and other related FTAs".
The Publication is attached below (Vietnamese version)
Time: 8.00-11.30 Thursday, December 5th, 2019
Location: 2nd Floor, Lotus Hall, Ramana Hotel, 323 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Newsletter on "Enterprises and Trade Liberalization" No.17+18 Quarter III+IV / 2019
Topic: "Looking back on Vietnam's FTA integration process in 2019"


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I was picked up on a Tuesday in an Audi R8, or as a certain tweeple (nancetron) calls it – the pussy wagon.
Lovely car, only problem? The boot was so small my one medium sized suitcase did not fit in. Had to dump whatever I could into the boot and then enjoy a leisurely drive from Cambridgeshire to Shropshire with a suitcase on my lap. Finally made it to Shropshire to see the lovely Jess. I think there are still some dents in my thighs from the suitcase.
Was suitably inspected by Jess's two cats – Prue & Sylvester. While dinner was still stewing on the stove we wandered over to the village Church, as it is a possible venue for the great Twitter Wedding of the Century – Geekie & Jess are getting married. I quite liked the churchyard as it is being maintained as a meadow. Wandered over to the local ruins of a castle, part of a chain of castles from the medieval period held by the Marcher Lords. Had dinner, which was quite delicious. I was then taken to some Lady Morris Dancer's weekly practice session. Geekie was not allowed to attend, him being a man and whatnot. Met up in a pub afterwards for a drink and then an early night to bed as the next day it was to view a wedding venue – Rowton Castle.
Next day we had to leave early for an appointment at a wedding venue. The castle was lovely, and is run as a hotel. I thought it a little pricey, but after seeing other informational pamphlets for other locations I've just come to the conclusion that all wedding venues in the UK are in collusion with one another to charge as much as possible. In the afternoon we were off to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury is a lovely market town, with interesting nooks & alleyways. Spent a few hours here, did some shopping and then it was home to the cats. Next day, Wales!
Left for Wales, in particular Portmeirion in Northern Wales. It was a two hour car trip, and naturally we did not take the pussy wagon but instead Jess's more reasonable 4-seater car, just like the day previous. Portmeirion was cute in that sort of fake village sort of way. Back in the 60s the television programme The Prisoner was filmed here, so many of the gift shops do sell Prisoner tchatchkas. Luckily I found the onion marmalade that Tarotcub had requested. Plus 2 dalek pens for Jenn & Fraser.
Portmeirion I think is worthwhile to visit, so long as you get out of the fake village and take one of the two suggested walking routes – woods or seaside. Saw some lovely examples of nature, got my toes wet in the surf, and used a toilet carved into the side of a cliff.
Next day it was Wilcott Manor for another wedding venue and then the lovely town of Ludlow. I quite liked Ludlow, the architecture there was astounding – all this amazing Tudor and pre-Tudor era timber housing. Much of this part of England was not bombed during WW2 by the Luftwaffa – all that amazing architecture which got bombed to shit in the south-east, in the Shropshire area survived virtually intact.
Next day it was to London for our Tweetup at Hawksmoor.
Observations I made while out and about – the concept of distance is just amazing. For me a 3hr car trip is nothing, just means you take a wee before you get into the car and assume you can't wee again until you reach your destination. Because the UK is so small, 3hrs is considered a major trek, so the service stations along the motorways are much better equipped than the sorry excuse for a gas pump & manky toilets we get here. Stopped at one along the way to London which had a WH Smith, Starbucks, McDonald's, toilets, petrol, and other food vendors .. plus a play area for the kids, I believe.


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EDU is currently looking out for members of our community who are interested in joining TAW Educational Division. EDU creates and maintains training and educational materials which the entirety of TAW benefit from - TAW University lectures, Online Classes, Guides, and more. If you want to be an educator, and if you like to create training materials, EDU is the place for you. Know that we still have a lot of time to play any games, and as many games as you like.
Being an instructor will require effort and dedication. You will be offered training to teach in front of an audience and contribute in the creation of educational programs, so that you may in turn help all members of The Art of Warfare become familiar with the structure of our community. You will also learn what each position's role is and how it may interact with other positions and the Chain of Command. If you are interested in joining the TAW EDU team, there are some requirements that you need to meet.
1. You have been in TAW for long enough to understand the battalion staff positions. If you have held several battalion positions, that is a plus.
2. You are (or are willing to become) a good, clear, and confident speaker to a group of individuals. We do not expect you to be a fully competent public speaker immediately; we can help you to get there. This is a skill that will serve you well within TAW and in life.
3. You are a competent writer in English. A large amount of your work will involve writing or editing the writing of others. Your standard of writing does not have to be extremely high, but should look presentable.
4. You own a decent headset that is clear and that will allow you to be easily heard and understood
5. You are in a good standing with your current Chain of Command
6. You need to attend our mandatory staff meetings on a regular basis
7. You have the time to dedicate towards teaching position related classes to other members of TAW, working on updating documents and presentations, assisting with TAW University and more.
If you meet the requirements and you are accepted to the EDU team, you will be transferred from your current division to the TAW EDU Division. There, you will be initially placed as a Training Instructor. This is the training phase that EDU has for all new trainers to be trained to be able to teach classes confidently and clearly as well as finding where they belong within our team.
Whether you're with us for a few months or many years, in the process of training as an EDU instructor and operating within our Division, you will learn skills and information which will enhance your knowledge of TAW and your knowledge and abilities as a TAW member.
If you are interested, please contact EDU DO Muzzle.
Thanks reach! For any questions or interest in EDU, feel free to contact myself or Muzzle.
EDU is low on staff currently, anyone who is interested should contact me.


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The Need for Water Damage Restoration in Santa Rosa Beach
6/21/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damaging Effects
Many properties will sustain water damage at some point. Not all of us can prevent that no matter how many precautions we take. However, we can control how we respond to the damage that does occur on our properties. Homeowners who try to avoid addressing the problem in severe situations only compound the harm. Even in the case of seemingly minor issues, it is important to start working on a solution right away.
Addressing the Damage Quickly
Water damage in a Santa Rosa Beach property can quickly cause additional harm. Moist areas create the perfect habitat for mold growth. Mold populations will have all of the nutrient sources they need in most people's homes, so the mold growth will tend to be rapid. With extensive flood damage, this sort of situation is inevitable. However, you might also run into problems like this just as a result of minor flood damage. SERVPRO services can make all the difference to homeowners in this situation.
Water damage that is left untreated will tend to cause even more structural damage to a house. By waiting to address the problem, you are potentially threatening the entire property. This damage is truly a problem that you need to address immediately and adequately.
The Right Assistance
You should not try to complete the water restoration process on your own. This might be a temptation for you if you are someone who does a lot of DIY projects and who tries to be self-sufficient. While it is admirable to want to fix all household problems independently, it is just not a good idea in this case. SERVPRO IICRC industry certified technicians could help.
It takes specialized training to be able to handle mold problems in a way that will work. People are also putting themselves in harm's way when they try to handle water damage problems independently. You are also putting yourself at risk for a broad range of other accidents by trying to handle something like this yourself. Homes that have been severely damaged by water might have structural integrity problems. Standing water can create a slippery environment.
You need to contact your insurance company right away in these situations. Some or all the damage may be covered by your insurance policy. SERVPRO can assist you with your claim paperwork and coordinate the cleanup and drying process with your insurance adjuster.
SERVPRO of N. Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes & Washington Counties offers rapid response and help by calling us 24/7 at (850) 267-0746.
Why visit Santa Rosa Beach? Click HERE.


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For a truly unique experience come and explore Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity...
Whakarewarewa was voted one of Lonely Planet's top 500 places to visit in the World.
Whakarewarewa is a truly unique experience. You are welcome to explore a living Maori village set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity.
Discover the lifestyle and traditions of the people of Tuhourangi/ Ngati Wahiao and how they have come to live in harmony with their unique geothermal environment.
Experience Māori culture, unique geothermal wonders, including Pōhutu Geyser, walking tracks and interactive opportunities. Maximise your visit through our hourly guided tour and our Māori cultural performance (half an hour).
Please Note Guided Tour/ Cultural Performance Timings are as follows:
Our guided tours are at: 9.00am, 10.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm.
- Our guided tours are all approximately 1 hour long.
Our Cultural Performance tours are at: 11.15am and 2.00pm.
- Our Performance tours are approximately 30 minutes long.
Please note: Visitors entering the village after 2:30pm will miss the last Cultural Performance for the day which starts at 2:00pm.
Suggested Itineraries:
- 10.00am guided tour – followed by the 11.15am Cultural Performance
- 11.15am Cultural Performance - followed by the 12.00pm guided tour
- 1.00pm guided tour – followed by the 2.00pm Cultural Performance
- 2.00pm Cultural Performance – followed by the 2.30pm guided tour
Tour guide was excellent (Hannah). It was very informative and we liked the fact that it is a living village with close family ties to show its authenticity. Would recommend
Kia ora Anon, thank you! We are glad you enjoyed your time at our Village. Yes, Haana is fantastic and we'll be sure to pass the comment on. Our guides here are very informative. We take a lot of pride here in their passion and knowledge. Thank you for rating us five stars!
It was very interesting to visit a living Maori village and see the place where the tourism industry of NZ started. The guide was friendly and happy to answer any questions, the cultural performance was nice, and nature was fantastic. Do not miss to have a steam-cooked corn at the local café and walk the geothermal nature trails.
Tena Koe Elka, thank you for taking the time to write this review. Our guides here are very passionate and their knowledge is immense and they take great pride in sharing this with our manuhiri like yourself. Thank you for choosing to visit us!
Kia ora Dasha, thank you so much for your review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time at our home. We hope to see you again soon!
Michael was our guide He was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information about his village When we were told to book here they told us ( not the people from the living village) we would experience more of the cultural Maori then what we got Maybe we should have asked the people at the living village However a lovely place to visit and like I said Michael was great!!
Kia ora Mischelle, Thank you for sharing your feedback. It is good to hear that you connected well with your guide. Taking our guided tour with one of our guides is the best way to gain valuable insight into our history and way of life. Our guides, most of them are whakapapa back to Whakarewarewa Village, are related to the guides who guided at the Pink and White Terraces. They are knowledgeable, informative, fun and do love sharing stories of the past. We wish you all the best.
Such a wonderful experience and so interest. Loved the guide Michael... He was very knowledgeable, interesting and funny. My kids loved it. Take the time and do it !
Kia ora Danielle, thank you! We are glad you enjoyed your time at our Village - we agree, Michael is fantastic and we'll be sure to pass the comment on (which will make his day). All the best for the rest of your travels!
Copyright © 2020 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.


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In November of 2013 the DNR confirmed Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) had reached Dane County. Trees with less than 40% decline have proven to respond well to treatments. How do I know if I have Emerald Ash Borer? It can take several years for symptoms to appear and the trees are infested from the top down. It is safe to assume that if you don't have it yet, without treatment, you will. View known infestation sites in Wisconsin.
Your Ash Trees can be saved. Call us today to schedule a consultation and find out if you still have time to save your trees.


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Looking for project inspiration, before and afters, FAQs, and expert advice? You've come to the right place! Explore the blog to learn more about our folding, sliding, and swing door systems.
Monday, May 30 2016
Homes are going green, and these trends are shaping eco-friendly home builds.
When building a new home in 2016, there's a lot to consider that wasn't a factor just a few decades ago. Specifically, faced with environmental issues across the planet, more and more home builders are working to create spaces that co-exist with – rather than negatively impact – the environment. These green trends are shaping home building.
Cut chemicals.
Homeowners want their homes to be healthy for the earth and for their own bodies. High-quality paints with zero (or close to zero) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help do exactly that. Not only do they not release harmful, smog-creating chemicals as they dry, they also don't leach carbon-based, health-hazardous substances into the air families breathe.
Cut shipping.
Food isn't the only thing people are buying locally. When builders choose locally sourced materials, they prevent the need to ship heavy loads, eliminating the pollution that transportation would otherwise create.
Cut waste.
An airtight home stays warmer or cooler, depending on what you need. This cuts energy waste (and your utility bills), so it's a huge component of building green. On top of insulating walls, it's also important to choose doors and windows that keep your home comfortable. Technology is also helping reduce energy waste, as programmable thermostats can ensure you're not heating or cooling your home while you're away.
Are you working to make your home as eco-friendly as possible? We can help! With our Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Lift And Slide Patio Doors, and Multi-Slide Patio Doors we can help you blend your home with its surrounding environment and minimize energy loss. Contact the professionals at AG Millworks by simply clicking the Request A Quote button, so we can help you create the most beautiful, green home possible!
Wednesday, May 18 2016
If in the smallest of homes, you can still be the ultimate party host with these tips and tricks for when you throw your next get-together.
There's a misconception out there: if you have a small place, it can be difficult to host parties (dinner or otherwise) because there just doesn't seem like there will be enough room for everyone. If you organize your home in the right way and become efficient by using every inch that's available, you'll find that you can host an incredible bash in your humble abode!
Tips and Tricks to Entertain in a Small Home
Clean it up!
Get rid of the clutter and put non-essentials out of sight – stash it in closets, under your bed, or even at a neighbor's (if they
don't mind). Clean up the rest – your bathroom should be spotless, your furniture dust-free, and your floors vacuumed or
swept and mopped. A clean and un-cluttered space always looks and feels bigger and is more welcoming to your guests.
Create traffic flow and places to gather
Move furniture so there are clear walkways to avoid traffic congestion. Organize "stations" for drinks, the main meal and
desserts and make sure these are centralized in different areas to give people places to congregate and connect. Make it
easy for guests to get what they need – keep cocktail essentials stocked at the bar, plates and flatware at the buffet, and
desserts at a separate table.
Make the Most of Every Available Inch of Space
In every small home, efficient use of space matters. In the kitchen, you will need to utilize all the counter space – clear counter
tops by putting small appliances and other items away in the cupboards. In the living room, clear the coffee table and place
side tables around the room for extra surface areas. Set out a few folding chairs or floor cushions to make sure everyone has a
comfortable place to sit.
Add Welcoming Ambiance
Put up decorative strands of twinkling lights to create a festive mood. Use your best tableware and linens and add small flower
arrangements throughout the rooms. Place chilled beverages in a large tub full of ice, have fun tunes playing in the
background, but most of all relax and enjoy time with your guests!
Create even more space for entertaining by open up your home with Bi-Fold patio doors, Lift and Slide Patio Doors, or Multi-Slide Patio Doors. AG Millworks can help transform any room of your home to allow you to fully enjoy luxurious indoor-outdoor living. Whether you're looking for your ideal entry doors, Bi-Fold patio doors, lift and slide patio doors, or multi-slide patio doors for your home, we can meet your needs and your wants. Simply click the Match Me With A Dealer button to get started!
Wednesday, May 11 2016
Follow these simple steps to choose the builder that's right for you.
Can we build it? Yes, we can – assuming you have the contractor that's right for you and your project! We've all heard about remodeling problems: spiraling budgets, half-finished projects and construction taking way longer than planned. These stories may seem like nightmares, but in reality you are likely hearing the worst of the worst. The vast majority of builders are competent, professional, and more than capable of amazing results and with a bit of due-diligence, you can find a contractor that will work well with you and your project.
Get Recommendations
Love the kitchen and patio addition your neighbors just had done? Find out who they worked with and see if they are suitable for your
project. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or look online for services in your area on Houzz or Angie's list where you can read
reviews and see the type of work the professionals specialize in.
Do You Need a Specialist or a General Contractor?
A general contractor is suitable for most jobs unless your project requires something special. Some custom projects such as installing large
patio doors or creating beautiful tile design require someone who specializes in these areas for optimum results.
Know what you want AND be open to suggestions…
You have a vision and your contractor can help bring it to fruition and he may have a more efficient way to get there. Building and
construction are his specialty! He may be able to facilitate getting the blueprint plans drawn-up and assist in wading through the local
building code requirements and permit process. Use your builder's knowledge, experience and expertise to your advantage.
One of the most important parts of taking on a remodeling project is choosing a quality craftsman that will match your vision and last for years to come. For help finding the perfect Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Lift and Slide Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors or Entry Doors and beautiful Windows, Contact the professionals at AG Millworks. Simply use the Match Me With A Dealer button to help get your project off to a great start!
Tuesday, May 03 2016
Ideas to enjoy entertaining evenings on the patio.
Hanging out on the patio can be great fun, especially when the seasons begin to change. Gather friends and family and head outside with these great ideas to enjoy a spring evening on the patio.
Dine Alfresco
Add some spice by changing up the menu and prepare something out of the ordinary. Look for recipes online or from one of your favorite
cooking shows. Maybe try focaccia Reubens, steamed wild striped bass with ginger and scallions or grilled artichokes with green olive dip.
Delish! Create ambiance by stringing lights or adding candles.
Trivia Night
Trivia can be loads of fun, especially if you bring the game outdoors. There are many trivia games available on almost any topic: Star Wars,
Lord of the Rings, football, science, or just general trivia. Be sure to remember that it's just a game and keep the competition friendly!
Craft Beer Tasting
Gather some like-minded friends and purchase a few craft beer varieties you've never tried before. Rate and compare these micro-brews
for appearance, smell, taste, and mouth-feel. You may not be beer connoisseurs, but will enjoy the comradery of getting together and trying
something new.
Enjoy a relaxing (and even romantic) evening stargazing. If you live away from city lights you should be able to pick out constellations and
other celestial bodies on a clear night. Download a stargazing app to locate and learn more about the constellations.
Want to open up your home and truly enjoy indoor-outdoor living? Simply click the Match Me With A Dealer button to get started! Whether you're looking for Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Lift and Slide Patio Doors or Lift and Slide Patio Doors, with our innovatively designed products made of top quality materials, AG Millworks can help transform your home.
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Strathmore | Alberta
Bylaw No. 14-07, a Bylaw to regulate the use of parks and pathways and to regulate activities in and on parks and pathways
This bylaw prohibits smoking in parks, which are very broadly defined to include playgrounds, cemeteries, natural areas, sports fields, pathways, water spray parks, green spaces, skate parks, trails, and park roadways. It also prohibits the smoking of other weeds and substances.
Products IncludedCigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, Other Weeds and Substances
"Green space" means an area of undeveloped land controlled by the Town and includes: (i) Public Utility Lots; and (ii) Western Irrigation District Right of Ways included within the WID Green Space Agreement.
"Natural Area" means Town controlled land or water or both which contains native plant or animal ecological or geographical systems including wetlands, escarpments, riparian corridors, grasslands, wood lands and other wildlife habitat.
"Park" means a public space owned and/or operated by the Town and set aside as a Park to be used for rest, recreation, exercise, pleasure, amusement and enjoyment and includes: (i) Playgrounds; (ii) Cemeteries; (iii) Natural Areas; (iv) Sports Fields; (v) Pathways; (vi) Water Spray Parks; (vii) Green spaces; (viii) Skate Parks; (ix) Trails; and (x) Park Roadways; but does not include golf courses.
"Park Roadway" means, a road, including parking lots for Vehicles, in a Park which is set aside specifically for use by Vehicles and Bicycles.
"Pathway" means a multi-purpose thoroughfare controlled by the Town and set aside for use by pedestrians, Cyclists and Persons using Wheeled Conveyances, which is improved by asphalt, concrete, brick or any other surface, whether or not it is located in a Park, and includes any bridge or structure with which it is contiguous.
"Playground" means land within The Town and controlled by The Town upon which apparatus such as swings and slides are placed.
"Smoke" or "Smoking" means to smoke, hold or otherwise have control over an ignited Tobacco Product or other substance.
"Sports Field" means land within The Town and controlled by The Town which is set apart and used for the playing of a sport including baseball diamonds, field hockey or cricket pitches, and rugby, soccer or football fields.
"Trail" means an established path within a Park, used by pedestrians or Cyclists, or both which is not improved by concrete, asphalt or brick and includes any bridge or structure with which it is contiguous.
Places Smoking ProhibitedParks
Playgrounds, which may include Splash Pads and Wading Pools
Sports and Recreational Fields and Facilities
Policy Analysis
This bylaw is leading edge because it prohibits smoking on trails and the smoking of other weeds and substances.
Date Passed: April 16, 2014
Date in Force: April 16, 2014
Date Last Amended:
Leading Edge: Yes
Level of Government: Municipal
Smoke-free Ontario Act Status: Exceeds Smoke-free Ontario Act
Bylaw Under Development? No
Supporting Information
Please find contact information related to this bylaw, and links to supporting materials.
(403) 934-3133
Other Information


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I just got around to seeing a few Post-Apocalypse movies I've been umming and ahing over buying for a while, Future World and Scorched Earth.
Scorched Earth was a pleasant surprise, too obvious in it's western influences perhaps, but after watching the steaming pile that was Future World it seemed like a bloody masterpiece.
Scorched earth is well worth a watch, even if you could basically switch out the setting for the old west without anyone noticing.
Future World was sadly a complete mess.


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Lady Mules beat Friona, lose to FilliesRhea Gonzales February 8, 2018 0 COMMENTS
By Delton Wilhite, Sportswriter
The Lady Mules ended January with a 48-37 win over the Friona Squaws. The start of February was not as good for the Lady Mules.
They fell to the Shallowater Fillies 69-38.
The Lady Mule defense held the Friona Squaws to three points in the opening period. Keely Dunham scored from the blocks just seconds into the game. Yvonne Diaz took a feed from Brianna Barron to score from the blocks.
Anahi Barrera finished a fast break with a layup. Kyndal Miller broke through the back door, and Dunham delivered her the ball. Barron was running on a fast break and laid the ball gently on the glass. The Lady Mules led Friona 10-3 after one quarter.
Barron picked off a Squaw pass and drove to the hoop to open the second period. She later chipped in a free throw. Brooke Garza was fouled while shooting and made one from the charity line.
Dunham scored in the paint late in the half and chipped in a free throw before the intermission. The Lady Mules led 17-11 at the half.
Lilly Barrera finished a fast break to open the third quarter. Diaz fed Dunham with a cross lane pass for a short jumper. Later Barron drove to draw the defense and dished to Dunham for the hoop.
Diaz put back an offensive rebound. Alyssa Wheeler made a steal and drove the floor for a hoop. Garza drained a pair of charity tosses. Cassidy Cage nailed a 3-pointer just before the period ended. The Lady Mules led 32-24 with one quarter left to play.
Dunham scored in the paint twice early in the final frame. Diaz chipped in a free throw. A. Barrera made a driving layup. Wheeler made five-of-six free throws. Miller made two charity tosses and then finished with a layup.
Dunham led the Lady Mules with 13 points. Wheeler dropped in seven points, and Miller added six points. Diaz and Barron finished with five points each. A. Barrera had four points. Cage and Garza made two points each. L. Barrera chipped in two points.
Points were harder to come by Friday evening against the Shallowater Fillies. L. Barrera made a short jumper in the opening period. Diaz put back an offensive rebound for only four Lady Mule points in the opening period. The Lady Mules trailed Shallowater 23-4.
Wheeler made five-of-six free throws in the second period. Dunham scored from the blocks. Diaz cleaned up the backside for a hoop. A. Barrera drove the lane for a layup. The Lady Mules trailed 36-15 at the intermission.
Diaz had the hot hand for the Lady Mules in the third quarter with four hoops. Wheeler dropped in a short jumper. L. Barrera drained a 15-foot jump shot from the wing. A. Barrera chipped in a pair of charity tosses and later made a five-foot jumper. The Lady Mules trialed 51-31 with one quarter left to play.
Barron made a pair of free throws, and Wheeler chipped in a single charity toss. Miller drove for a hoop, and A. Barrera drained a 12-foot jumper to end the game.
Diaz led the Lady Mules with 12 points. Wheeler and A. Barrera made eight points each. L. Barrera dropped in four points. Barron, Miller, and Dunham chipped in two points each.
The Lady Mules closed out the season by hosting the hottest team in the district, the Roosevelt Lady Eagles.


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For new releases go to
As we transition to our new site, you'll still find some Stats NZ information here on this archive site.
'Dwelling occupancy status' is the variable that classifies all dwellings according to whether they were occupied or not, and why they were unoccupied on the date of the census.
For the census, a dwelling is defined as occupied if it is:
The count of occupied dwellings is made up of private occupied dwellings (such as houses, flats and apartments) and non-private occupied dwellings (such as hotels and hospitals).
A dwelling is defined as unoccupied if it is:
'Dwellings under construction' includes all houses, flats, groups or blocks of flats being built.
Dwelling occupancy status data is derived from the count of all dwelling forms received and substitute forms created, plus the count of unoccupied dwellings and dwellings under construction, as enumerated by the census collector during the census collection phase.
Substitute dwelling forms are dwelling forms created by Statistics New Zealand where there was sufficient evidence that a dwelling was occupied but Statistics New Zealand had no corresponding dwelling form. Substitute forms are created to ensure every person and every dwelling is counted in the census.
Dwelling form (PDF 783kb).
The subject population is the people, families, households or dwellings to whom the variable applies.
The subject population for this variable is all dwellings.
There is no non-response rate for dwelling occupancy status as it is a count of dwelling forms plus unoccupied dwellings and dwellings under construction, as determined by the census collector during the census collection phase.
The overall count of dwellings is a foremost variable. Unoccupied dwellings and dwellings under construction are defining variables.
The Census Quality Management Strategy assigns a priority level to all census variables.
Foremost variables are core census variables that have the highest priority in terms of quality, time and resources across all phases of the 2006 Census. Defining variables cover key subject populations that are important for policy development, evaluation or monitoring. These variables are given secondary priority in terms of quality, time and resources across all phases of the 2006 Census.
All data must meet minimum quality standards in order to make it suitable for use.
There are no issues affecting the comparability of this data with 1996 and 2001 Census data.
The count of occupied dwellings for the 2006 Census has been affected by some difficulties in enumerating high-rise apartments and a variety of factors that are believed to have resulted in a lower count of non-private occupied dwellings than in 2001.
During the distribution of census forms, it was standard procedure for collectors to classify unoccupied dwellings as either empty or as 'residents away'. For a significant proportion of apartments in high-rise blocks, it was not possible to determine whether apartments that appeared unoccupied were actually empty, the residents were away, or they were really occupied. Several hundred dwellings were affected by this problem.
Further research was undertaken after the census to ensure the classifications were as accurate as possible. As a result, a certain proportion of the dwellings in these buildings were classified as occupied, a certain proportion were classified as unoccupied and empty, and a certain proportion were classified as unoccupied with residents away. The proportional split used was:
The lower count of non-private occupied dwellings is believed to be due to various factors, including different enumeration procedures in the 2001 and 2006 Censuses, definitional changes, real world change (ie reduced numbers of certain types of non-private dwellings) and real world factors (eg bad weather closing camping grounds).
There are no other issues that users should be aware of.


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I fully realize that some of these parts are just not practical to ship, but I'll throw it out just in case something happens to work out that makes it impossible. Also if anyone in the generally local region happens to see one of these things in a yard within a couple hours of me, I wouldn't mind hearing about it.
items are 1982-1987 except where noted
headlight bezel, driiver's side. (84-87)
front marker lights, passenger side mostly but will take both, they attach to the bezel (84-87)
front side lights, passenger mostly, will take both (the part next to the headlight bezel) (84-87)
front seat switch panels (84-87)
grille surround, only if in very nice shape (84-87)
trunk lock cover, non-LSC Mark VII also has the right one. It has just a Lincoln star, no LSC or BB emblem.
diesel engine owner's manual supplement (1984, diesel Mark VII also has this)
power mirror switch, 1984-only
Actually if anyone finds a diesel, I can come up with another list of goofy specific items I would like to have.


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Review Summary
2 Reviews
100% (2)
0% (0)
0% (0)
0% (0)
0% (0)
0% Recommend this product (0 of 2 responses)
By Peter W.
Vision Titanium Strings
October 1, 2010
After having played Dominant strings on my various violins for years, I changed now to the Vision Titanium label and am very satisfied with sound, projection and stability.
By Rob F.
Vision Titanium Solo
April 12, 2010
These strings are my favorites, hands down. They're great as an orchestral soloist, and they do an okay job at blending within a section (the Titanium Orchestra set is a little warmer for precisely that purpose). Furthermore, they sound great for bluegrass fiddle, as well as amplified for jazz.
Best of all, they maintain their sound quality for months, under constant abuse!
Best of all, they maintain their sound quality for months, under constant abuse!


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Explosive fireballs? Transient creepers? Cooties?
Sarcastic Facebook commenters spared no hyperbole roasting Oregonians who oppose a new law that allows residents in rural counties to pump their own gas.
The law, which was signed in June, took effect on Monday. It only applies to counties with no more than 40,000 residents. Drivers pulling into gas stations in other counties will still be required by law to use an attendant.
On Friday, a CBS affiliate in Medford posted on Facebook asking followers if they think "Oregon should allow self-serve gas stations statewide."
People's responses were both hilarious and outrageous, with several commenters expressing actual, real opposition to allowing drivers to pump their own gas.
One commenter, Sandy Franklin, wrote:
I don't even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian…..I say NO THANKS! I don't want to smell like gasoline!
Another, Carrie Yates, wrote:
I don't want to pump my own gas, hate the smell and having to get out in the Winter in a skirt, no way.
Respondents implored Carrie to instead wear pants.
Cathy Dahl said allowing drivers to fill up their own cars is a "very bad idea," in part because of the danger of "getting out of your car with transients around."
Facebook users lampooned the frightened drivers with comments that have received thousands of likes and replies in the past few days.
One commenter, Kyle Allen, wrote:
One time, my dad came to Oregon and pumped his own gas. The street immediately lit on fire and he caused massive recession countrywide because he took away 20 billion jobs by pumping his own gas. I was in the back seat when brother was nabbed through the locked door by a transient creeper who raised him to be his human ottoman. My dad then tried wiping his windshield but the stuff he used turned out to be sulfuric acid. The car exploded with me in it and I died.
Kozy A Pivo wrote that the first time he pumped gas he had to fight off a bear and a "hail of bullets from enemy sniper fire."
"When I pulled the pump handle from the docking station, it set off a series of booby traps, and the next thing I knew I was in my own version of Tomb Raider," Pivo joked. "You Oregonians had it so easy."
Tammy Butcher, a West Virginia resident, wrote:
Dear Oregon, In WV, we can order food while we pump our gas! With some practice and perseverance, you too, can achieve the dream!!
Oregon and New Jersey are the only states that ban self-service at gas stations.


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Well this was particularly heart wrenching and fascinating installment of the Dark Hunters saga. This books is all about the man of the same name, twin brother to Archeron, leader of the Dark Hunters themselves.
In the beginning, this book was a little hard to handle. The first three quarters is basically their childhood growing up in the time of Atlantis with a neglectful father, bi polar sister, homicidal mother, and sexual sadist uncle. What was done to both of them as boys made me blanch at times.
It was fascinating, not only because we get a closer look at Acheron's childhood from a differing perspective, we're also given a whole new outlook on his brother whom we too have been made to revile due to the lies and half truths Acheron had been fed over the centuries.
It's also a little refreshing to see Acheron humbled by his actions towards Styxx once they were reuinited. I mean, Styxx tries to make reparations, and Acheron pisses on him like everyone else.
The only comfusing thing was that Acheron's mother apparently had no idea what was going on. You'd think she'd pay a bit more attention to the mortal who shared a womb and a life with her son but noooooo…an al powerful destroyer goddess had no idea what the fuck was going on. Yeah right.
And as is the case in all these stories, he finds his love, loses her, finds her and their son again after eleven centuries and everyone lives happily ever after. Until the next book.
Flipping back to the Realms, we're starting the Empires trilogy by David Cook with Horselords.
Between the valiant kingdoms of the western Realms and the exotic eastern lands of Kara-Tur lies a vast, unexplored kingdom. For centuries, the "civilized" peoples of the Forgotten Realms have given little notice to these barbarians. Now, a powerful leader has united the wild horsemen into a mighty force–an army powerful enough to challenge the world.


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Establishing and Maintaining Good Credit
The mortgage industry is booming at the moment! There are more buyers and people wanting to purchase a home than there have been in recent years for quite some time as the market has once again become healthy. Before getting a mortgage, it is good to know what a bank wants to see as well as ways that you can build your credit so you become the a strong candidate for a home loan.
Generally, when seeking a mortgage, banks like to see that you have two sources of credit established for two or more years. These forms of credit should also be ones that have been used consistently so the bank can see that you have made payments regularly and on time. An example of a great scenario would be to have a credit card with at the very least a $1,500 limit as well as a car loan or another type of loan that has monthly payments. It doesn't necessarily have to be a credit card and a loan though this is a very good combo that would establish and build credit very fast.
This is the ultimate scenario, however, it is possible to get approved for a mortgage with less than two years worth of credit if you have a solid repayment history and with higher limits on your credit such as a loan that is $20,000 or higher and bank card ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
When needing to improve your credit, credit cards, loans and lines of credit are the only items that will actually improve your credit. Bills such as cell phones and other monthly bills will not help. Even though you make monthly payments on these type of bills, these companies do not report to credit agencies unless you are late, which will only impact your credit in a negative way. Even mortgages do not normally report your credit to bureaus unless you fall behind in payments. One way you can establish credit using your mortgage is to set up a "Home Equity Line Of Credit" against your home, also known as HELOC in the industry.
To maintain your credit is very simple. Just don't miss a payment and if you do, settle them as quick as possible. Even parking tickets from the city go into collections and will therefore negatively impact your credit. It is important to make sure these are paid on time. Before getting a mortgage, most lenders will need you to settle your collections prior to funding your mortgage.
I hope this bit of information helps you as you prepare to purchase your next home. I am always available for questions you may have and look forward to servicing you soon!
Get Approved Today!
Matthew Jackson


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Receives and/or places telephone calls, which are basic and routine, to handle any/all aspects of Commercial customer accounts, including solicitation, inquiries, and problem resolution.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential function to this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Incumbent must be prepared to:
Incumbent is required to have:
Incumbent will be subject to:
ServiceMaster is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. We encourage diverse candidates to apply to this position. Equal Opportunity Employer–minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.


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{MAC Pro Longwear}
Have you ever held a cosmetic item in your hand and said "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you"?
You might just sing the praises of the second featured concealer!
The Heavyweight: MAC Pro Longwear
{Formula} Camouflage. This military grade coverage can conceal any land mine that pops up on your face. Thick and creamy, but not cake batter. Medium to full coverage makes a great base for color if primer is not handy. Recommended for all day wear (will get you through work and at least two drinks), but be aware: the pigment is highly concentrated and a light hand will ensure a seamless coverage.
{Packaging} Simple, sleek and air-tight is the MAC way. The small air pump keeps formula fresh and sanitary. The glass vial keeps product safe and ideal for travel. Don't let the size fool you–a little bit goes a very long way. It took me some time to get used to the pump as it is easy to press too hard and dispense too much product for one application.
Tip: I recommend giving a few taps rather then pressing on the pump all the way for a controlled release. Ahem.
{Application} Utilizing a clean metal disc or the back of my clean hand, I use half a pump of concealer, about the size of half a pea. I dip my ring finger in and dot four times under my eyes and on any blemish. You may use your finger or synthetic fiber concealer brush to apply and blend.
Available: MAC Cosmetics
Retail Price: $18.00 USD for 9 ml / 0.30 US fl oz
Have you tried this product? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Coming up next:


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Editing Treaty's Law 0 CLICK HERE TO LOG IN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT {{real world}} {{sidebar novel |image = Treatys Law.jpg |author = [[Dean Wesley Smith]] & [[Kristine Kathryn Rusch]] |publisher = [[Pocket Books]] |series = [[Pocket TOS]]
[[Star Trek: Day of Honor|Day of Honor]] #4 |published = {{d|1|October|1997}} |pages = 277 |year = [[2268]] |stardate = 3269 |ISBN = 0671004247 }} ''The true story behind the Day of Honor!'' '''''Treaty's Law''''' is a [[Pocket TOS]] novel – the fourth novel in the ''[[Star Trek: Day of Honor|Day of Honor]]'' series – written by [[Dean Wesley Smith]] & [[Kristine Kathryn Rusch]]. Published by [[Pocket Books]], it was first released in {{m|October|1997}}. == Summary == ;From the book jacket: :''The [[Day of Honor]] is celebrated throughout the [[Klingon Empire]]. But every tradition had to begin somewhere… Signi Beta is an [[Class M|M-class]] [[planet]] ideal for farming. The [[Federation]] wants Signi Beta, but the Klingon Empire has the stronger claim. {{Captain}} [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] hates to lose the planet, especially to his old adversary, [[Commander]] [[Kor]]. Their mutual antagonism turns into an uneasy alliance, however, when yet another alien fleet attacks both the [[Klingon]]s and the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}}. Now Kirk and Kor must rely on each other's [[honor]] – or none of them may survive to wage their war again.'' {{review}}  == Background information == * Author Dean Wesley Smith noted that the pairing's assignment to this novel was based on their work on ''[[Star Trek: Klingon]]''. ({{VoI|424}}) * The crew of the ''Farragut'' previously appeared in ''[[The Rings of Tautee]]'', another ''Original Series'' novel by the authors. == Characters == === Canon characters === ; {{Captain}} [[James T. Kirk]] ; [[Commander]] [[Spock]] ; [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Montgomery Scott]] ; [[Lieutenant]] [[Hikaru Sulu]] ; Lieutenant [[Nyota Uhura]] ; [[Ensign]] [[Pavel Chekov]] ; Commander [[Kor]] === Non-canon characters === ; Captain Kelly Bogle : Captain of the USS ''Farragut''. ; Commander Lee : First officer and [[science officer]] of the ''Farragut''. ; Lieutenant Book : [[Helmsman]] of the ''Farragut''. ; Kerdoch : Klingon colonist and leader of the Klingon colony on Signi Beta. == References == {{USSr|Farragut|23rd century}} == External links == * {{mbeta-title}} * {{momega-title}} {{Novel nav |series = [[Pocket TOS]]
Unnumbered novels |prev = ''{{dis|Starfleet Academy|novel}}'' |next = ''{{dis|Vulcan's Forge|novel}}'' |series2 = [[Star Trek: Day of Honor]] |prev2 = ''[[Her Klingon Soul]]'' ([[Pocket VOY|VOY]]) |next2 = ''{{dis|Day of Honor|novel}}'' ([[Pocket VOY|VOY]]) }} [[de:Das Gesetz des Verrats]] Loading editor Novels Insert: – … ° à é ö ¼ ½ ¾ ← → ↑ ↓ • † ‡ Sign your name: – ~~~~ Wiki markup: [[Category:]] {{w|}} {{wikipedia|}} {{real world}} {{image paramount}} {{IMDb-link|type=name|page=|name=}} {{TOS|}} {{TAS|}} {{TNG|}} {{DS9|}} {{VOY|}} {{ENT|}} {{DIS|}} {{PIC|}} {{ST|}} {{film|}} {{incite}} #redirect [[]] {{USS|}} {{USSr|}}   <gallery> File: File: File: </gallery> {{dis||}} {{DEFAULTSORT:}} This field is a spam trap. DO NOT fill it in! Retrieved from "https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Treaty%27s_Law" Edit summary Preview Mobile Desktop Show changes


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by ARJUN WALIA Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving the surrounding cells unharmed. The research was conducted by the Washington University Continue Reading
The overwhelming evidence of the curative powers of marijuana and cannabinoids leave little doubt that the pharmaceutical industry is behind marijuana prohibition laws. The amount of research now validating the Continue Reading
What if a company that you thought you could trust, knowingly sold you a medicine for your child that they knew had the potential to give your child HIV? How would you react? What if a government agency that claims Continue Reading


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Week 35 – Diapers
This is probably a discussion that many parent's don't bother to have, but it all depends on how you look at it and how easy you would like your life to be.
Should we go with cloth diapers or disposable diapers?
Now we had this discussion very early on into the pregnancy. We had some friends who went into the cloth diapers and we found out that they aren't as hard as they used to be.
The diapers we have chose are the BumGenius diapers.
One of the things to think about when it you look at the type of diapers you want to use is the cost. For us when we learned that we would be spending $1200 on diapers a year we immediately knew that we were going to go cloth. The only down side the cost for the cloth diapers is the up-front cost. We have spent a total of $300 just to get us stocked up on the diapers so we have enough in between washings. But looking at spending $300 now verses $1200 a year for three years atleast financially this works for us.
Then there is the environmental aspect of it all.
ABC News states that 18 billion disposable diapers are thrown into landfills every year (http://bit.ly/aUrw23)
We are not environmentalist by any means, but we do try and do things to help with the environment and if this is one way of doing it, great, and we are making the Earth a better place for our little one in the future.
In the provided link you will see the other benefits of going with cloth diapers. And since we have not actually used the diapers I can not provide an extensive review of them. However this will be a great topic to discuss further into our journey of parenthood and review.
Posted on September 21, 2010, in Baby Gear, Pregnancy and tagged Baby, Dad, Daddy, father, Fatherhood, parenthood, parenting, Pregnancy. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Some advice:
Since you guys have birthed a son. When its time to change your Williams diaper…
Open it up and cover his penis with a cloth. This is just in case he decides to pee while your changing him. A dry wash cloth is good, or a hand towel.
This trick also works for girls as well.
Dont get too grossed out be his 'movements' he's just doing what we adults do…
Blessings on your little Mr.!
Pingback: Cloth Diapering | The Rookie Dad


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EuPraxia v3.0
You have discovered a revolutionary communication portal designed specifically with YOU and your health in mind.
It is an interactive wellness portal equipped with information, media and technology assembled in a way which makes your understanding of health issues and rehabilitation an intuitive experience. This platform allows your physician, educator or therapist to participate with your needs in a dynamic way . . . EuPraxia v-3.0 "a new dimension". This website has been developed with innate mechanisms intended to have responsive interactions with the User. This website is currently under development by Panacore Corporation with teams of medical professionals, technologist and scientist who have begun populating the system with media-rich data. As it is the very nature of this Application, YOU can play an integral part in the evolution of this technology by exploring this Application and providing us your feedback.
It is our hope to establish this site as the most comprehensive Human Physiology and Kinesiology media index available. We have just begun our ambitious journey and look forward to providing a new dimension in Medical Informatics.
Perry Berryhill
EuPraxis Group, Inc.


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List of schools in USA
St. James' Episcopal School
625 South St. Andrews Place, 90005 Los Angeles
Telephone: 213-233-0133E-mail: nlowesjsla.org
CA.ListofSchools.us is the largest online school database in the California and is becoming increasingly popular among students.
The visitors can find, there, information about all types of schools – from kindergarten to universities.
Operator just4web.cz s.r.o.
© 2009-2016
Site map | Partners


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Susan Bloch has been an Executive Coach since 2010. She is a global management consultant and has years of experience in advising boards, directors and senior executives on how to capitalize on their leadership capabilities. She is also the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Kids4Peace International, a grassroots interfaith youth movement dedicated to ending conflict and inspiring hope in Jerusalem and other divided societies around the world.
Susan is also the Vice-Chair of the Board of Splash.org, which works with foreign governments & builds local businesses to create safe water projects, at scale, in resource poor cities. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Columbia University.


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complete suspension sales, parts and service for your pickup truck, trailer and transport truck needs.
***3 leaf spring*** Replacement rear spring
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Repair kit to replace broken middle leaf
Repair kit designed so the installer can leave the main leaf in the vehicle for ease of installation.
OEM Tow Package Rear Spring
1900 Lbs Capacity Replacement rear spring
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4 Leaf Heavy duty rear springs
2000 Lbs Carrying Capacity each side


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Drew at center of two huge late-inning rallies
Just a few days ago, it appeared that Stephen Drew was in the process of losing his job. He was benched for the last two games in Oakland only to resurface at second base Monday night in Seattle where he reached base twice with a walk and a single.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi has continued to be supportive of Drew, who has spent the past two years well below the Mendoza line with a sub-.200 batting average. Girardi's patience paid off Tuesday night when Drew avoided another hitless game with a two-out double in the ninth inning off Fernando Rodney to tie the score.
Drew's RBI hit followed a clutch, pinch-hit single by Brian McCann that sent Chase Headley, who led off the inning with a walk. Had a pinch runner been used for McCann the Yankees might have gotten a second run on Drew's double, but McCann had to stay on the bases because he had batted for John Ryan Murphy and would have to stay in the game to catch, which he did.
How satisfying was it to watch the third blown save in 17 tries for Rodney, who is such a showoff on the mound whenever he gets a save? Very.
Even more satisfying was the Yankees pulling out a 5-3, 11-inning victory in dramatic fashion. A three-run home run by Garrett Jones broke a 2-2 score, but the Mariners rallied for a run in the bottom of the inning on a single by former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano off Andrew Miller, who then faced major-league home run leader Nelson Cruz with two on and struck him out.
It Drew who re-started the Yanks' 11th-inning rally following a double play with a single to right. After Brett Gardner doubled, Jones went deep on a 2-0 pitch from lefthander Joe Beimel into the right-center field bleachers.
Much was made entering this series about the offensive struggles of Cano, who nearly a third of the way through the season is hitting below .250 with only two home runs. The same could have been said about another Mariners player with ties to the Yankees, but Austin Jackson looked like anything but a struggling player by reaching base six times on two doubles, two singles, a walk and a hit by pitch.
Three of Jackson's hits came off Yankees starter CC Sabathia, who was nearly tagged with the losing decision that would have sunk his record to 2-8. To avoid having Sabathia face Jackson a fourth time, manager Joe Girardi took out the lefthander with two out and two on in the sixth inning.
Jackson handled reliever David Carpenter the same way he had Sabathia and doubled to center to score what looked for a while as if it would be the deciding run.
Jackson reached base a fifth time when he walked to lead off the ninth against Dellin Betances and quickly stole second. Cano had a chance to be the hero for the Mariners, but Betances blew him away with 98-mph petrol and kept Jackson at second base as the game went into extras.
The ninth-inning Yankees rally took Sabathia off the hook. He dealt with base runners throughout his 5 2/3 innings (nine hits, two walks) but let in only two runs as the Mariners stranded seven over the first five innings. It also spoiled Mike Montgomery's shot at a victory in his major-league debut. The Seattle lefthander allowed one run and four hits in six innings, and that run was somewhat tainted. It was scored by Gardner, who had walked on a disputed fourth ball that replays showed he had actually gone too far around on a checked swing. Manager Lloyd McClendon and catcher Mike Zunino were ejected later in the inning for arguing a similar call in Alex Rodriguez's favor.
CC got annoyed with Kyle Seager for trying to bunt a runner home from third for the third out of the fifth, but frankly I thought it was a smart play on Seager's part. Sabathia may not like it, but his poor mobility should be tested more often by opponents. CC is lucky most major leaguers do not know how to bunt.


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Patio Remodeling And What You Might Not Know About It
When you choose on buying the best home then you are making of the important choices that you will always be proud of in your life. In the situation that you have the best homes you can be assured that the needs of your family will be taken care of and this will ensure that you have a peace of mind. There are some important investment that you will choose to make in your home and you can be assured of the best results in the long run. Choosing to have the necessary remodeling in your home is a package that has so many benefits that you cannot imagine at the end of the day.
There are many reasons as to why you will opt for patio remodeling in your home. The person that benefits greatly in the event that you remodel your home is you since it improves the worth of your home at the end of the day. When you increase the value of your house it means that you will get much more profits that you can invest in other projects in the long run. When you have the patio remodeling services your house will not stay much longer in the market in the event that you want to cash on and it also helps you spend much of your time at home.
You can choose to host some of the important events of your friends in your home since you will have the space that is needed to accommodate more people and also use the outdoor so that they can get the fresh air that they need in the long run. The pavers that you get when you have your patio remodeled means that you will get to have an easy time when you are kids are playing and when you are packing your car in your home. You should attempt to make the patio remodeling in that you might end up damaging the whole thing since you do not have the skills that are needed at the end of the day. The professionals when it comes to patio remodeling will make sure that they save you so much money and time that you will invest in other things in the long run. You should know that he professionals are in the position to give you the advice that you need regarding your patio remodeling so that you can benefit at the end of the day.
You should know that to make sure that you get quality services that are worthy the money that you are paying you should always keep in mind the experience of the professional companies. For you to make informed decisions you will want to check out the websites of the professional company.


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Dewberry to serve as general rail planning services consultant to NCDOT Rail DivisionWritten by Kyra Senese, managing editor
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division has selected Dewberry to provide the department with general rail planning services.
"As North Carolina continues to expand its rail services across the region, we're excited to be at the forefront of the changes by providing technical and professional engineering services," said Dewberry Vice President Rachel Vandenberg, P.E.
With the newly-announced agreement, Dewberry may offer the department services including demand modeling, rail function and preliminary design, studies of economic and fiscal impact of rail-related activities.
The firm may also provide services such as technical and negotiation assistance in securing rail lines or corridors, train performance and rail line capacity analyses, viability analyses, and support work for rail-related projects.


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Just like a family, ornamental grasses come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some say variety is the spice of life and this is also true for ornamental grasses.
Grasses can rustle and flutter, wiggle or whisper. Most perennial grasses are also dependable and low-maintenance... and usually, return obediently every sprig as compact, green tufts. Come mid-summer, many show off exuberant, feathery plumes that reach for the sky. Later, followed by the rustle of drying foliage, they stand like tan sentries in the autumn and winter months.
Grasses are classified as 'clumpers' or 'creepers,' referring to how they expand. This distinction is important to know before you plant. Since clump-forming grasses increase slowly over time and stay in a rounded, tuft form, these grasses are better choices for a garden space. Creepers, however, multiply (depending on the variety) by producing vigorous runners above or under the soil. The runners are hard to control in fertile, garden soil where they can grow at warp speed. You are much safer when choosing the tamer, 'clumping' varieties.
Tip: When looking for a new type of grass for your garden, remember to choose one by its mature height. It takes only a few years for ornamental grasses to increase in size— especially in a more fertile garden soil.
This is a list of 'well-behaved' clumping grasses--small and tall alike.
Mexican Feather grass (Stipa tennuissima or 'wind whispers'): Although, this 18-inch tall, zone 6-7 plant doesn't overwinter well in our area, the light green and tawny clouds of hair-like foliage look spectacular when used as an annual in containers or when placed among perennials in the garden. It thrives in full sun, but it will grow in light shade. The narrow foliage moves with the slightest breeze.
Dwarf Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel'): This dwarf grass matures into a rounded, bowl-shaped mound of blue-green foliage with upright flowering stems that change to copper, pink, tan and burnished, orange-red in autumn. It grows to 30" tall and wide in full sun with fluffy, white seed heads in winter. Zones 3-9.
Golden Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'):This short (12- to 14-inches tall) and graceful grass has yellow-striped, arching, glossy-green leaves with no noticeable blooms. It is a wonderful plant for part-shade in zones 5 to 9. The chartreuse-yellow foliage will brighten a shady garden with its waterfall-like foliage. It functions as a groundcover or as a container plant.
Corkscrew rush* (Juncus effuses 'Spiralis'): Although the Corkscrew Rush is really classified as a 'rush' and not as a grass, it is worth mentioning. It is an unusually exuberant annual with extremely curly, dark-green foliage. It will add lots of interest to any container or water garden. It's easy to grow (10- to 18-inches tall) if given moist to wet soil. * An easy way to remember how to tell these plants apart is recited in an old garden rhyme, "Sedges have edges and rushes are round; grasses are hollow and rush all around."
Feather Reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'): This upright, vertical grass has buff-colored, plumes that flower in June—earlier than most grasses— starting with tawny, pink tones. It matures from 3- to 5-feet tall, including the plumes. Thriving in a full sun to part-sun location, they fit into tight spaces and always look neat.
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'): Blue-green leaves and good behavior are the main reasons to plant this spiky, little grass. It prefers sun to part shade and a dry sandy soil but does not thrive in clay soil. Perfect as a border plant, in containers or in mass plantings—maturing from 6- to 10-inches tall. Blue Fescue is a cool season grass and is evergreen in our zone 5.
Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'):This fine Miscanthus is a real diva. It is a statuesque, vase-shaped plant with finely textured leaves. Site it as a single specimen or plant in groupings on a large scale in full sun to part shade. Large, copper-red flowers (inflorescences) mature in fall as the narrow, green leaves turn a golden yellow. Dried, silver plumes persist throughout the winter months. Plants mature from 4- to 7-feet tall in zones 5-9.
Dwarf Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'):This little, short grass always gets lots of attention! It shows off its fluffy, pink Bottlebrush flowers in tiny on top of shorter mounds of foliage. It is 6- to 12-inches tall, thrives in full sun in zones 5b-9. It's best used in the front of borders but also gets attention as a container plant.
Purple Moor grass (Molinia caerulea 'Skyracer'): Narrow, upright clumps of 'see through' foliage grow from 24- to 36-inches tall. Stiff spikes shoot up to 8-feet tall in mid-summer. In autumn, the foliage and seedheads turn golden-yellow and amber—glowing like a cloud of gold when backlit by early morning or late afternoon sun. Tip: Plant in full sun to partial sun and it will spread up to 36 inches inches in width.


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The 2014 New Orleans Kidney Walk will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Audubon Park, Shelter #10, at 8 a.m. The Walk is a non-competitive walk focusing on education, the prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, and awareness of the need for organ donation.
Category Archives: Blog
'Shaping Policy to Build a Healthier Louisiana' Summit to be Held Sept. 24 in Baton Rouge
The Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition (LHCC), which strives to improve the health and quality of life of Louisianans by mobilizing communities through implementing policy, systems and environmental changes, cordially invites you to attend the LHCC Annual Summit, "Shaping Policy to Build a Healthier Louisiana." The summit will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge and will convene community-based organizations, local and state government, businesses, faith-based entities and residents across Louisiana to learn more on ways to improve health by shaping policy. All attendees are required to register no later than Wednesday, Sept. 24. There is a registration fee of $30, which includes breakfast and lunch. Click here to register.
The Week in Healthcare — May 1
News last week focused on the Affordable Care Act coverage gap, the ACA's impact on canceled plans, and stats on those seeking exemptions. Highlights include: CNN reported on the millions of people who fall into the ACA's coverage gap – people who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but don't make enough to get federal subsidies to buy insurance on the marketplace. Under the ACA, Medicaid was expanded to cover people with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, but the Supreme Court gave states the ability to opt out, which 24 states did. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 5 million people nationwide fall in the gap. A study reported on by Politico said that millions of plans that were canceled because they did not meet ACA requirements likely would not have been continued by the policyholders anyway. Study author Benjamin Sommers wrote in Health Affairs that "the effects of the recent cancellations are not necessarily out of the norm." Sommers said the data shows that individual coverage is transitional for most people because they often buy it while between jobs or when waiting for employer benefits to start. According to Newsmax, government statistics show that relatively few people have sought exemptions from the individual mandate to purchase insurance or pay a fine. Around 77,000 families and individuals have requested exemptions. More than 32,000 of those came from Native Americans, who are exempt because their healthcare is funded through the federal Indian Health Service.
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on the latest cost estimates for the Affordable Care Act, understanding the SHOP marketplace, and new data on next year's health insurance premiums. Highlights include: USA Today reported that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Affordable Care Act will cost $5 billion less than originally projected for 2014. The new report shows that from 2015 to 2024, the law is expected to cost $1.38 trillion, which is $104 billion less than prior projections. The cost for 2014 is estimated at $36 million. Small-business owners have choices to make about providing coverage for their employees. The Wall Street Journal's Market Watch gives details on the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). For 2014, SHOP is open to employers with 50 or fewer full-time workers. Employers can purchase health insurance through a broker now or use online enrollment starting in November. Statisticians who worked with insurers to project 2015 insurance premium rates are expecting to see an average increase of around 7%. According to a USA Today article, this is well below recently reported double-digit increases. "The double-rate increases we've been hearing are probably exaggerated," says Dave Axene, a fellow with the Society of Actuaries, adding that there would be wide variation across the country. "That's not what we're seeing from the actuarial organizations — I guess we're being a little bit more optimistic." But Axene did warn that there could be wide variations in actual costs.
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on the effect of the Affordable Care Act on the uninsured rate, latest stats on the newly insured and a national effort that would give states authority over health care policy. Highlights include: NBC News reported on a new Gallup poll that shows the rate of people without health insurance is falling. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the rate was at an all-time high of 18 percent. At the start of 2014, it had fallen to 15.6 percent. "The uninsured rate has been falling since the fourth quarter of 2013, after hitting an all-time high of 18 percent in the third quarter — a sign that the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as 'Obamacare,' appears to be accomplishing its goal of increasing the percentage of Americans with health insurance coverage," Gallup says. The Rand Corp. also released a survey about the effect of ACA on health insurance coverage. An article in the LA Times said that at least 9.3 million more Americans have health insurance now than in September 2013. This figure does not include marketplace signups in late March and early April. According to an article in The Advocate, a House committee advanced a bill that would have Louisiana join an interstate compact aimed at giving states authority over healthcare policy. "Healthcare decisions should be made in states," said state Rep. Paul Hollis, R-Covington, sponsor of House Bill 1090. Eleven states have indicated their support for the national effort, but critics say it is unlikely to garner the required congressional approval.
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on confusion about the Affordable Care Act, an extension for those who couldn't complete enrollment in time, and details on the individual mandate. Highlights include: CNN reported on a Kaiser Family Foundation poll that found six in 10 uninsured adults are not aware that open enrollment ends March 31. Of the uninsured surveyed, half said they don't plan to purchase insurance this year. They mainly said cost was the reason. And more than 40 percent of those polled said they didn't know about federal subsidies to lower costs. Health and Human Services officials said in a USA Today article that the March 31 deadline will be extended for those who tried to enroll, but didn't finish the process. "Open enrollment ends March 31," said Julie Bataille, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services spokeswoman. "We are experiencing a surge in demand and are making sure that we will be ready to help consumers who may be in line by the deadline to complete enrollment—either online or over the phone." A Huffington Post article tells people what they need to know about the individual mandate, or penalty for not purchasing insurance. Unless they qualify for an exemption, most Americans will be required to have insurance. Exemptions include things like not making enough money to file a federal income tax return, being homeless or not being able to find a health plan that costs less than 8 percent of income. The penalty is the greater of $95 for each adult or 1 percent of household income. The penalty increases to $695 or 2.5 percent of income by 2016.
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on the latest enrollment numbers, the call for broader health plans in 2015 and a final push to get people to sign up in Louisiana. Highlights include: In a Reuters article, the Obama administration said that more than 5 million people have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act since open enrollment began on Oct. 1. "The last several days have been the busiest since December," said Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Congressional Budget Office's initial forecast of 7 million was scaled back because of technical problems with the rollout. The Washington Post reports that the Obama administration is requiring marketplace health plans to offer a larger number of providers in 2015 after complaints about limited networks. In 2015, health plans on the federal marketplace must include 30 percent – up from 20 percent – of the area's "essential community providers." These are usually health centers and other hospitals serving mostly low-income patients. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was in New Orleans last week to encourage people to sign up for health insurance. A WVUE report on the event quoted Sec. Sebelius as saying, "A lot of younger, healthier Americans don't get up every day thinking 'what I really need is health care,' so we're trying to be creative with outreach." New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, "And as of March 1, because of the work of many of the people who are in this room, 17,000 individuals in the New Orleans and Metairie area have enrolled."
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on a drop in the uninsured rate, confusion about the penalty for not buying insurance and statistics of those signing up in Louisiana. Highlights include: The Washington Post reports that the share of Americans without health insurance is at the lowest level since President Obama took office. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index found that 15.9 percent of U.S. adults are uninsured so far in 2014, down from 17.1 percent for the last three months of 2013. This is equal to about 3 million people getting coverage. With less than a month left for most Americans to buy insurance or face a penalty, most consider the penalty to be pretty small according to NPR. "I'd say the vast majority of people I've dealt with really believe that the penalty is only $95, if they know about it at all," says Brian Haile, senior vice president for health policy at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "And when people find out, they're stunned. It's much, much higher than they would expect." In fact, the penalty is the greater or $95 or 1 percent of taxable income. An article on nola.com says that 87 percent of Louisianians who have purchased insurance under the Affordable Care Act are getting financial help to pay for it. Nationally, 83 percent of people got a subsidy. Of those who have gotten coverage, 29 percent are between the ages of 18 and 34. That's the second highest percentage of young people in any state and higher than the national average of 25 percent.
The Week in Healthcare
March 12, 2014 News last week focused on changes to the Affordable Care Act, whether or not the March 31 deadline will be extended, and problems insurance brokers face when trying to enroll customers. Highlights include: Kaiser Health News reported on new changes to the Affordable Care Act that would give some people more time to stay in non-compliant plans and would extend the next open enrollment period. President Obama granted a one-year extension on non-compliant plans in November, and the latest extension would be two years in states that agree to it. Open enrollment will begin on Nov. 15, 2014, and continue until Feb. 15, 2015, giving consumers an extra month to purchase. But there's one deadline that won't be changing. In a Washington Examiner article, President Obama insisted that the March 31 deadline for consumers to buy insurance would not change. "You have time now to sign up," Obama insisted. "If everybody waits until the last minute … then in some ways it's a self-fulfilling prophecy." According to a Washington Times article, insurance brokers say they are having a hard time signing up consumers because of problems with the system. As part of the process, brokers must send customers to healthcare.gov to determine if they qualify for a subsidy. "The whole redirect process is so Byzantine," eHealth, Inc. CEO Gary Lauer said, noting that Internet sales giant Amazon doesn't send users to another website between browsing and checking out. "It just doesn't work." Brokers are asking for "direct enrollment" that would allow consumers to go through all the steps on a single website.
The Week in Healthcare
News last week focused on the latest enrollment numbers and why it is still hard to nail them down, plus the definition of a full-time employee. Highlights include: The Obama administration announced that 4 million people have signed up for health coverage. The LA Times reports that the administration has declined to release how many of those people have paid their premiums. Experts think there will be a surge of enrollments nearing the end of open enrollment on March 31. Politico reports that nobody has a real-time number of how many people who were uninsured now have insurance under the Affordable Care Act. "It's going to take some time," said Edwin Park, vice president for health policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "I know everyone wants to know, 'X percent was uninsured,' but what we know so far is mostly anecdotal, and it's probably not accurately capturing what's going on." The Obama administration reported that the uninsured rate for young adults has dropped and estimates that 3 million young adults have gained coverage. Some franchise owners in Louisiana want to define a full-time employee as working 40 or more hours for the same employer. The Affordable Care Act defines full time as more than 30 hours per week. "Changing the definition from 30 to 40 hours would be tremendous for us," said Dione Heusel, vice president of human resources and training for Metairie-based Smoothie King Franchises Inc. in an article in The Advocate. A fall 2013 survey commissioned by the International Franchise Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce concluded that the Affordable Care Act has already resulted in higher costs and fewer full-time positions as employers have sought to bring their […]