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The IRS recently announced a new voluntary disclosure for companies with misclassified workers. Workers are frequently misclassified for a variety of reasons, either intentionally to save costs, or unintentionally because of a lack of knowledge. Some independent contractor misclassifications occur because certain employers are protected from potentially large employment tax assessments by Section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978. Misclassification reduces tax revenue in two ways. First, those classified as self-employed are less tax compliant than W-2 employees and second the employers fail to pay unemployment and Social Security and Medicare due on employee salaries. The IRS has estimated that misclassification costs the treasury over $1 billion per year. Those companies misclassifying employees also improperly avoid paying benefits including vacation pay, sick pay, workers compensation, health insurance and retirement benefits.
Dangers of IRS Examinations
If an employer is found to have misclassified it’s workers it can face large tax deficiencies that might exceed 40% of reclassified salary for the previous 3 years. The IRS applies a lower rate of about 11% of compensation if it finds the employer’s conduct was not willful. In response to a 2009 report by the Treasury Inspector General the IRS has stepped up employer examinations and has launched a national research program to intensively audit thousands of putative employers on classification issues. In February 2010, IRS began its first Employment Tax National Research Project in 25 years. When completed, this information will help the IRS select and audit future employment tax returns with the greatest compliance risk. IRS has stated program goals are:
►To secure statistically valid information for computing the Employment Tax Gap, and
►To determine compliance characteristics so IRS can focus on the most noncompliant employment tax areas.
►To determine the level of employment tax compliance by businesses
Voluntary Classification Settlement Program
The recently announced Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) is a voluntary program that provides an opportunity for taxpayers to reclassify their workers as employees for employment tax purposes for future tax periods with partial relief from federal employment taxes. To participate in this new voluntary program, the taxpayer must meet certain eligibility requirements, apply to participate in VCSP by filing Form 8952, Application for Voluntary Classification Settlement Program, and enter into a closing agreement with the IRS.
The VCSP allows eligible taxpayers to obtain relief similar to that was previously only available when taxpayers were under examination. The rate for those entering the SCSP is 10% of that which could be asserted if the company waited until it came under investigation.
The VCSP is available for taxpayers who want to voluntarily change the prospective classification of their workers. The program applies to taxpayers who are currently treating their workers (or a class or group of workers) as independent contractors or other nonemployees and want to prospectively treat the workers as employees.
A taxpayer must have consistently treated the workers as nonemployees, and must have filed all required Forms 1099 for the workers to be reclassified under the VCSP for the previous three years to participate in VCSP. Additionally, the taxpayer cannot currently be under audit by the IRS and the taxpayer cannot be currently under audit concerning the classification of the workers by the Department of Labor or by a state government agency. If the IRS or the Department of Labor has previously audited a taxpayer concerning the classification of the workers, the taxpayer will be eligible only if the taxpayer has complied with the results of that audit. Exempt organizations and Government entities may participate in VCSP if they meet all of the eligibility requirements.
A taxpayer participating in the VCSP will agree to prospectively treat the class or classes of workers as employees for future tax periods. In exchange, the taxpayer:
►Will pay 10 percent of the employment tax liability that may have been due on compensation paid to the workers for the most recent tax year, determined under the reduced rates of section 3509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The reduced rate is about 1.1% of mischaracterized wages.
►Will not be liable for any interest and penalties on the amount; and
►Will not be subject to an employment tax audit with respect to the worker classification of the workers being reclassified under the VCSP for prior years.
In addition, as part of the VCSP program, taxpayer will agree to extend the period of limitations on assessment of employment taxes for three years for the first, second and third calendar years beginning after the date on which the taxpayer has agreed under the VCSP closing agreement to begin treating the workers as employees.
Applying for VCSP
To participate in the VCSP, a taxpayer must apply using Form 8952, Application for Voluntary Classification Settlement Program. The application should be filed at least 60 days from the date the taxpayer wants to begin treating its workers as employees. Taxpayers who want to begin treating a class or classes of workers as employees for the fourth quarter of 2011 should file Form 8952 as soon as possible
Eligible taxpayers accepted into the VCSP will enter into a closing agreement with the IRS to finalize the terms of the VCSP, and will simultaneously make full and complete payment of any amount due under the closing agreement.
Companies choosing to participate in the VCSP will have to begin providing employee benefits, comply with Department of Labor wage and hour requirements and conform to all state and federal employee obligations. A company should seek the advice of tax professional with knowledge of employment tax law before participating in the VCSP.

domain: law


text: Senators Dean Heller and Catherine Cortez Masto along with Representatives Dina Titus, Ruben Kihuen, and Jacky Rosen all joined together to introduce legislation to keep the Yucca Mountain waste dump from being resurrected. Their “Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act,” allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to authorize construction of a nuclear waste repository, only if the Secretary of Energy has written consent from the governor of the host state, affected local governments, and Indian tribes. The Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act ensures Nevada, and every other state, has a meaningful voice in the process if it is considered for a nuclear waste repository. Congresman Ruben J. Kihuen says his district isn’t a dumping ground for the rest of the country’s nuclear waste, especially when the health and safety of constituents is at risk. Mark Amodei did not sign on.


Texas ranks second hottest among all American states in terms of the average temperature during the summer. The highest ever temperature of 120⁰ F was recorded in 1994 in Monahans, TX. Surviving without air conditioning at this temperature is almost impossible. An air conditioning service is vital here since ac malfunction will affect not only the comfort in the room but also people’s health. The 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey found out that nearly 95% of US homes in the southwest central region (where Texas is the dominant area) use air-conditioning equipment, which requires regular HVAC maintenance.
Selling, installing, maintenance, and air conditioning repair in Texas is provided by HVAC, which stands for “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning”, specialists. Using popular resources like the Yellow Pages, we found over 1,500 search results for HVAC maintenance and repair contractors in Houston, TX. As for Texas as a whole, there are over 3,000 companies providing air conditioning service. Installing a whole-house HVAC system by these companies can cost between $4,000 and $12,000.
Possible problems with air conditioning:
You can enjoy cool temperatures for a while after installing a new air conditioner. Unfortunately, problems in the operation of the AC equipment can gradually appear. The most common reasons for AC repair are:
– reduced cooling efficiency;
– more electricity consumption;
– unpleasant odor in the room;
– water leaks;
– and even complete breakdown.
Some of these problems can be avoided by regular HVAC maintenance, which includes:
– cleaning of all filters, heat exchangers and fans;
– control of the current consumption of the air conditioner and the refrigerant pressure.
The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Filter cleaning is recommended to be carried out regularly, including both the internal and external blocks. Filters are designed to catch dust, but if not cleaned regularly they can clog and collect moisture. Obviously, that’s not good for your health. Once cleaned, the equipment works again as before, providing fresh air to the room according to the set temperature. By the way, replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.
In general, the prevention of the climatic equipment breakdowns is a set of actions aimed at checking all elements of the system. This process should be regular to ensure stable, high-quality and long-term operation of the equipment. Air conditioning repair service in Texas is usually carried out by HVAC technicians, which can be easily found by googling “ac service near me”.
The need for regular maintenance of air conditioners
Air conditioning repair costs about $160 – $520, however, a new one will cost you from $3,700 to $7,000. You can protect your air conditioner by purchasing an HVAC maintenance plan, which includes not only services but also discounts on spare parts and air conditioner repairs. The average cost of HVAC plans is within $150 and $500 per year, depending on the number of services offered.
Home warranty plans are NOT an alternative to HVAC maintenance. Usually, Terms and Conditions indicate that the company will not repair the air conditioner if proper care has not been taken. Therefore, the owners of air conditioners covered by the home warranty or extended warranty company must still regularly maintain their air conditioners. Regular air conditioner insurance covers repairs arising from normal wear and tear.
Remember, the effective operation of climate-control equipment in your home will depend not only on proper operation but also on quality and timely maintenance. If you service your air conditioner regularly, it will serve you well for a long time, and instead of troublesome repairs, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying a cool, comfortable home.


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I have had a fairly good year, my yields may not be as much as I hoped, but its working out just fine. Even smoking, it seems to be good stuff. One concern I had and my buddy brought it up. My plants are good, my harvest is good, but my buds dont seem to be thick and tight. What do I need to do next year to improve on this? I am growing in 10 gallon pots, plenty of sun, and using fox farm 3 step. Any help with bigger and fatter buds would be great!!
Sometimes genetics plays a role. If you had a strain prone to loose or airy buds that would do it. Light and nutrition/space are the big determinants. I will say my outdoor grow people use much larger fabric pots: 35 up to 800 gallon. Being careful to follow a nutrient line’s grow schedule is important too. Without pictures and data it’s hard to tell why. If it was indoors I would immediately point to your lights.
Bang on! I have found sativa doms are light and airy while indica doms tend to be more compact and dense. I grew outdoor Alien rift and the pheno I got was sativa dominant, the buds were smaller and light and airy, terpenes of pine gas and lemons, the high is clear and stress free. I purposely harvested at the cloudy gland stage rather than amber to keep the high clean rather than couchy. I’m sure if I grew this strain under lights I could have beefed up the buds considerably.
If you grow strictly outdoors the key is direct sunlight. If there’s a spot that gets direct sun for most of the day, put them there.
Indicas do typically grow denser than Sativa, but that’s not set in stone. There are always pluses and minuses.
Lots and lots of light. That’ll help.
Also, be sure you’re not harvesting too early. Cannabis puts on a lot of weight in the last 2-3 weeks.
Yep I was generalizing for sure, and yep more light means more dope! As I said once the nights start getting cold and the days cooler, you don’t get much growth, that’s a drawback of farming weed in the north. What we do get is glorious fall colors in some weed.
I’m not sure if it helps the potency, and the majority of the hues get trimmed off, but they do get pretty when it’s cold.
Imo every outdoor bud I’ve sampled has been a little more spindly that stuff pulled out of a decent indoor setup. I agree genetics will play a roll in this, but also a product of environment.
Those are beautiful! That last image is solid and candy like. Good job!
Really amazing @Drinkslinger the colors look terrific.
I like the one before the last. That is a beautiful frigging bud!
But here in the south… still 75-80 and gorgeous! Screw that ‘winter is coming’ crap
Ya gotta admit though there ain’t no light like sun light! Combine that with the natural elements and an organic soil and BAM! The best tasting bud in the universe! I prefer outdoor weed to indoor.
want thicker buds…ice them.
@Larry815 DJ short talks about putting buds in paper shopping bags for the last part of drying. Having them lay on each other “denses” up the nugs.
So I guess making a huge pile would work too? I like doing that anyway lol it’s like making it rain with weed!
Yep. I was thinking you could roll the bag work a little pressure.
Go for broke, use it as a pillow!
I disagree about sunlight. The only advantage it really has is that it’s free. But we’re absolutely entitled to like different things.
it is outdoor grow. In 10 gallon pots. Plenty of sun and water. And as far as fox farm, I followed it. I will just have to keep a eye on it for next year.
Someone around here vacuum seals their qps/lbs. I know the consensus is that’s bad, but damn her buds are dense and sticky. If I had a machine to experiment with I would.
What I do agree with you on is a perfect environment, sunny every day, the whole time the light is on. This makes for bomber buds, really powerful smoke! I find the terpenes are a bit nicer with outdoor. I don’t like my weed too strong anyway. Save that for the Chronics, those days are behind me now because of my work.
That being said, now that weed is legal I’ve taken to growing indoors. Many of my buds ( pun intended ) grow indoors so I get to see what they do and don’t do. Strangely around here they still go old school with the street lights? I’ve tried to convince them of the merits of the new LEDs but they aren’t convinced. Fools I say!!!

domain: agronomy


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I just received the 6 paintings I ordered last month. They are beautiful!!! I wanted to thank you for the exceptional service you provided for my order. Communication was prompt, very helpful and honest. When I received the paintings they were very well packaged and protected. Thank you. I will definitely be ordering again for gifts in the future. I love my new paintings. All the best to you.
Jan 30, 2014
Вчера получила original oil painting LOST BENCH.
Даже прекраснее, чем я ожидала. Браво МАСТЕР!!!
Jan 30, 2016
I generally don't like blurry style pictures, but I liked these a lot. Unfortunately, I can't afford them, but I did share the article link that led me here with relatives. Some of them will probably check out this web site, too.
Mr. Afremov, your art work is lovely!

domain: artistic


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I love my Pumpkin Paleo Crunch. Love it. People tell me how great it is. People eat it with coconut milk when they are craving cereal.
I decided I needed to do a version without pumpkin, and that's how the apple pecan version was born. It's really good, just to snack on, or like cereal.....
I put the following ingredients into a huge bowl:
1 small apple, peeled, cored, and diced
2 cups pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 cups almond flour
3 cups unsweetened coconut chips ( you know I love the big chunky kind from nuts.com)
2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup walnut pieces
2 TBSP cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of sea salt
I stirred that up so the baking soda was intermixed in all the ingredients.
I put the following ingredients in a small bowl:
1 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raw honey
1 TBSP vanilla
I whisked the wet ingredients and then stirred them into the dry ones in the huge bowl.
I spread this mixture out on two big heavy-duty cookie sheets. (If you don't have big ones, you may need 3 cookie sheets - you don't want the mixture TOO thick when you spread it out)
I baked them for an hour in a 250 degree oven - yes, 250 - low heat because we are looking for the crunch!
Then I took them out and stirred them and spread them back out and put them back into the oven for another 30 minutes.
Ger got 272 reps on 13.3! That's impressive, yes? Well, he ate this stuff the night before....

domain: food


text:
Head of Department jobs in Corporate
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You will work closely with the Directors to lead the existing legal services team who provide Corporate and Commercial work to a range of SME business
My client is a leading technology focused organisation. Based in Milton Keynes they are currently seeking to recruit an experienced Commercial Lawyer
Do you want to change the face of the legal industry? Our client is changing the legal landscape and offer a new and refreshing approach to the pro...


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The associated fee for an annual subscription for ESPN Plus subscribers will enhance from $49.99 to $59.99 in 2021, according to Variety. ESPN raised the month-to-month worth of ESPN Plus earlier this year to $5.99, and now the annual subscription is getting the identical remedy.
New subscribers will begin paying $59.99 on January eighth, 2021, and the brand new worth will reportedly trickle right down to present subscribers a couple of months later in March. Disney had already introduced that Disney Plus and the corporate’s bundle of Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus would every cost $1 more starting in March 2021, elevating these costs to $8.99 and $13.99, respectively. Streaming worth hikes have been a theme of 2020; YouTube TV raised its price, Fubo adopted not long after, Netflix raised the price of its most popular streaming plan by $1, and Hulu’s Stay TV service got a price bump as well.
The pricing for ESPN Plus’ UFC pay-per-view occasions can even change in January. At the moment every match prices $64.99 to look at, however after January eighth, that may change to $69.99. UFC pay-per-view matches are unique to ESPN Plus within the US, so the worth change will have an effect on anybody who retains up with MMA repeatedly. Outdoors the US, the supply of matches varies relying on the area, however the official UFC site has essentially the most up-to-date info.
These sorts of streaming service worth hikes aren’t uncommon, and if something it provides some perception into ESPN and Disney’s confidence of their service. There are new ESPN Plus exclusives coming to the service subsequent yr, however ESPN’s greatest get is streaming rights to Southeastern Convention soccer, which will bring SEC games to the streaming service in 2021. We’ll must see if these are sufficient for present subscribers to stay round.

domain: news


Project location |
Project overview |
Traffic impacts/detours |
I-94 and WIS 26 interchange, Johnson Creek - Jefferson County
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is proposing improvements along 1.26 miles of I-94. The project starts at the County Y underpass and ends approximately 2,400 feet east of WIS 26.
This proposed project will prolong the service life of the existing concrete pavement and structures.
- Concrete surface repair and spot replacement of the existing concrete pavement of I-94, the ramps, and pavement between the ramps
- Existing shoulder pavement will be milled and overlaid with new asphalt pavement or replaced as needed
- Existing asphalt pavement at the park and ride on North Watertown Street will be milled and overlaid
- Existing curb ramps adjacent to the park and ride driveway, bus stop, and along the west side of North Watertown Street will be upgraded to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
- Repairs will be made to bridge structures
There are no temporary or permanent real estate acquisitions, or relocations anticipated with the project.
Persons with a concern for or knowledge about historic buildings and structures and archaeological sites are encouraged to provide comments.
We encourage you to share this information with others that may be affected by this project.
- September 2021 - Virtual Local Officials Meeting
- Fall 2021 - Environmental review process and preliminary design plans
- Spring 2024 - Finalize roadway design plans
- 2027 - Construction anticipated with possible advancement to 2025
The project will be completed overnight and during off-peak hours using staged lane closures. Access will be maintained throughout construction; however, for work on ramps, overnight closures are anticipated.
Della Koenig, P.E.
WisDOT Project Manager
WisDOT Southwest Region Communications Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Southwest Region, Madison Office
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-3800
Fax: (608) 246-3843


Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas claims third Monte-Carlo title
Stefanos Tsitsipas secured his third Monte-Carlo title in a commanding fashion on Sunday, defeating Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 in the final match of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The victory marks his third title in four years in his adopted home town.Read more
Rare Roca team loss
The Roca boys took a rare beating in their Jeep Elite match against Cholet just two days after a spectacular win against Buducnost Podgoria in the Euro Cup quarterfinals.
Team Ferrari is back
After a shockingly dismal season last year, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari team is starting to hit their stride again with a new team member and a redesigned car.
Roca boys crush Buducnost Podgorica
AS Monaco Basketball were large and in charge on Friday when they faced off against Buducnost Podgorica in a Euro Cop 7 quarterfinals match in Ljubljana.
Princess’ foundation backs head injury campaign
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation will be a key supporter of the Love of the Game 2021 Hakathon, a new campaign to find solutions to mitigate the risk of head injuries in sports.
Monaco Open Padel Tournament coming in April
After two major tournaments in Paraguay, the ATP Padel Tour is arriving in Europe with Monaco as the first stop.
Boris is back
Prince Albert and Pierre Casiraghi have welcomed Boris Herrmann back to Monaco where the German sailor is sharing his tales of completing the gruelling Vendée Globe solo race.


Belper Safer Neighbourhood Team
Derbyshire Police write: 'Your Safer Neighbourhood team (SNT) is a group of local police officers, Police Community Support Officers and Specials dedicated to serving your community. The team is supported by additional officers from the wider area.
We work closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to decide our policing priorities for the area. This helps us to find useful, long-term solutions to local problems, while maintaining our wider focus on preventing and reducing crime, protecting the vulnerable and providing reassurance across Derbyshire.'
Belper Safer Neighbourhood Team
You can contact your local Safer Neighbourhood teams using one of the following non-emergency contact methods.
• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101.
Nearest police station
Derby St Mary's Wharf Enquiry Office
For more information about the Safer Neighbourhood Team and what they do click on the link below.
Specialist rural and wildlife reporting tools launched in Derbyshire
Update November 29th 2022
Derbyshire Police write:
A new crime form has been launched to encourage communities to report rural and wildlife crimes online.
Sergeant Chris Wilkinson, from the force's Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Team, said "We want to reassure our rural communities that we are here to support you if you need us.
"By offering an online way of reporting these crimes directly to our team, we can take all the details we need to provide an efficient and suitable police response. This should also save time for the person reporting the crime.
"Whilst we do investigate these crimes thoroughly already, and put other crime prevention measures in place, we do know that rural communities can sometimes feel expected to put up with criminal activity. We are committed to proving that this is not the case."
Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "I have made it clear that tackling rural crime is a key priority and that I expect to see strong local policing across the whole of Derbyshire. That is why I have provided additional resources to boost the response to rural crime and this online form is another tool to help our police officers deliver the best service possible for people.
"It is important that we increase confidence in our policing service and that those living or working in a rural community feel they can report any crime easily and effectively.
"This new reporting tool will help us to increase the number of reports, enabling an appropriate operational response to be put in place. I want to ensure our rural communities are safe and feel safe and that our officers are best equipped to support them."
Rural crime covers any crimes that occur in rural areas, typically this can include agricultural theft, damage to rural buildings or monuments, and livestock worrying.
Wildlife crime is any activity that goes against the law that protects the UK's wild animals and plants.
This may be issues such as poaching, illegal use of snares or poisons and the destruction of habitats.
These crimes can cause pain and suffering to animals, push species closer to extinction and can be linked to other serious crimes like firearms offences and organised crime.
To report a rural crime please visit Report a Rural Crime.
To report a wildlife crime please visit Report a wildlife crime.


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Major infant brain growth occurs during pregnancy and during the first two years of life, which makes it important for parents to feed their babies proper nutrition between birth and two years old. During this stage in their lives, babies have the greatest need for DHA, an omega-3 fat that is a major structural fat in the brain and accounts for up to 97 percent of the omega-3 fats in the brain.
Mothers who breast-feed can provide their babies with DHA by taking it themselves. DHA is not naturally produced in the body, so it’s important that breastfeeding women consume a healthy diet that includes DHA omega-3 to support both their health and the health of their developing infant.
According to Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. and author of Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy, Most women do not get enough DHA in their diets. The primary source of this omega-3 fat is fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, which are not staples in the Western diet.
“Fortunately, there are easy ways for nursing moms to consume more DHA,” said Elizabeth. “Certain prenatal products and DHA-fortified foods are making it easier for women who are breastfeeding to include this important nutrient in their diets every day.”
Here are a few of Elizabeth’s favorite DHA-packed products for nursing mothers:
- Mission Life Balance Whole Wheat Tortillas are fortified with a vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA. Use them to make a sandwich wrap with fresh turkey, lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard.
- Take Expecta LIPIL DHA Supplement for Moms to help add DHA to your daily diet.
- Go Italian and make a bowl of tomato pasta with DHA-fortified Francesco Rinaldi’s ToBe Healthy Pasta Sauce. Be creative and add your favorite veggies, such as spinach, carrots and red peppers.

domain: medical


text: Georgia, just south of Chechnya, has become a refuge for Chechen rebels. The Russian government has protested to the Chechens, and it was thought that the Georgians didn't want to get involved fighting with people who are their neighbors. Turns out that the Chechens have another way to assure continued sanctuary in Georgia. Some 500 armed Georgians and Chechens have been seen gathering in western Georgia, near the border of the breakaway Akhazia province. The Akhazians have so far managed to keep the Georgians out since 1993. But now it looks like the Georgians are using some Chechen muscle to settle the issue. If this is done, the Russians will never be able to get the Georgians to close down Chechen rebel camps in Georgia.


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When it comes to college, you've got countless options. University or conservatory? BA or BFA? East Coast or West? But there's one potentially game-changing option you probably haven't considered yet: U.S. or international?
The perks of going global are hard to ignore. For one, international programs are often significantly cheaper than domestic ones. "The tuition for schools in Europe tends to be less than half that of U.S. programs," says Nicola Conraths Lange, director of comparative arts and a dance faculty member at Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI. What's more, many programs offer a BA, a BFA, or an approximate equivalent in three years rather than four, which not only cuts tuition costs but also gets you into the professional dance world one year sooner.
And international programs will expose you to entirely new cultures, choreographers, and methods of training. "Our classes focus more on becoming thinking, creative movers than on perfecting technique," says Carlene Raibley, an American in her third and final year at London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS). Erica Badgeley, who joined a postgraduate student company at Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (SEAD), had a similar experience. "As opposed to the typical U.S. focus on vertical alignment, we learned to be three-dimensional movers, almost like amoebas," she says.
Many dancers forgo the international option because navigating the ins and outs of the application process seems intimidating. And it can be complicated—but it's worth the effort. Here's a breakdown of the process.
Amanda Garcia started dancing at Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre in Plano, TX, as an intermediate-level 12-year-old. But Prodigy’s owner and director, Camille Billelo, quickly recognized Garcia’s potential and placed her in classes with older students. For Garcia, being the youngest among advanced dancers was exciting—and a bit intimidating. She was determined to catch up. “I had to prove myself,” she recalls, “and that helped define me as a dancer.”
All dance students aspire to join a higher level. But once promoted, the tougher demands (both technically and physically) can be daunting. How can you convince your teachers, classmates and yourself that your new level is where you belong? The answer lies in your
attitude and work ethic both in and out of the studio.
Dancers at Adrenaline Nationals (photo by Spencer Dennis, courtesy Adrenaline)
You were probably at the top of your former class, and the change from being the strongest to the greenest—or youngest—in your new one can be startling. Sometimes, it’s helpful to approach a new level one step at a time. Billelo transitions students by having them take only one or two higher-level classes per week (on top of their current classes) so they become familiar with their new teachers and classmates, as well as what’s expected of them, before moving up full-time.
One-on-one training can also speed up your progress. Billelo recommends that recently promoted students take a few private lessons with new teachers until they feel more comfortable. If it works with your schedule, ask if you can add a few lower-level classes, too, so you can work on the basics at a slower pace.
Show Your Commitment
As Garcia advanced through the ranks at Prodigy, she focused on building self-confidence, but found it crucial to stay open to criticism, advice and direction from her teachers. It showed she was committed to her training, and eager to stay in the higher level. “I look for passion and drive in a dancer—the students who, after class, ask ‘Do I have any more corrections?’ or ‘What can I do to improve?’ ” Billelo says. “I see which dancers come in early or stay after class to keep working. That’s how I know who really deserves to be in advanced classes.”
In class, show that you’re mature enough to handle the new and often more intense workload by immediately applying a correction, even if it wasn’t given to you directly. Pacific Northwest Ballet School principal Abbie Siegel cautions young dancers against going to class on autopilot. “A dancer may be taking class every day, but occasionally, it starts to become more of a habit for her just to be there,” she says. It’s not enough to just show up and go through the motions. Make the most out of each class, and write down your corrections each day.
And while it may be tempting to mingle with your new classmates and make new friends, do so after class. “It’s normal for students to become a close-knit group, because they spend so much time together,” says Miami City Ballet School faculty member Maribel Modrono. “But dancers need to let go of those attachments once they’re in the studio and redirect themselves to the teacher or choreographer.” It’s OK to turn to your fellow dancers every now and then for support, but don’t let your social network take away from your teacher’s corrections.
Regaining confidence in a new level—and not giving anyone the chance to doubt your worthiness—takes bravery, commitment and self-assurance. When she first moved up to the senior level, Garcia struggled with self-doubt, but zeroed in on her own goals to tame her insecurity. “I went through a phase where I didn’t believe in myself,” she says. “I had to learn to put everyone else’s opinions aside. Once I stopped being intimidated by the other dancers, I really started to grow.” Now 19 and a dance major at Chapman University, Garcia mentors younger students at Prodigy, and encourages them to be ambitious and focused as they climb the dance ladder.
As the newbie, be a sponge for information from both the teacher and the older students—and don’t be afraid to reach out for help with anything unfamiliar. Try “shadowing” an accomplished student by doing the combination behind her (or in her group across the floor), attempting to match her lines or timing. Decorum and respect for seniority is important, but remember that this is now your class, too—you deserve to be there.
Feeling like you’re at the bottom is no reason to have low expectations. “If you’re in a competition level with a wide age range, don’t make excuses for yourself by thinking, ‘I’m not going to win anything this year because I’m the youngest,’ ” Billelo says. “Instead, set a goal, like making the top 10, and try to reach it.” But keep in mind that not reaching a goal doesn’t necessarily mean failure. “As long as you’ve worked hard,” Billelo continues, “you should feel good about yourself. Ultimately, it’s not about competitions and winning. It’s about your growth as an individual and as a dancer.”
Some days, you may feel more out of place than others. But Siegel stresses the importance of trust—in yourself and in your teachers. “We wouldn’t put you somewhere we didn’t think you belonged,” she says. “As teachers, our main goal is students’ success, and making them the best dancers they can be. Trust that we know what’s best for you.”
Telltale Signs You’re the Youngest—or Least Mature—in Your Level
Are you the new dancer in class? Avoid these five actions that betray your true newbie identity.
1. Hiding in the back, the corner or behind other dancers. Having respect and an awareness of other dancers in class is important, but take some space for yourself, too. Getting up to speed will be a lot harder if the teacher can’t see you. Plus, excessive shyness telegraphs insecurity. Challenge yourself to go in front at least once per class until you feel brave enough to do it more often.
2. Blowing off the combinations because you’re having trouble picking them up. They may be longer or more complex than you’re used to, but if you stop trying halfway through, you’ll never learn the steps. Block everything else out and concentrate. And remember: It’s OK to ask the teacher to repeat something.
3. Never speaking up. While no teacher likes their class needlessly disrupted, if you have a question about a specific step or phrase, ask! Just make sure it hasn’t already been addressed (a sign you weren’t paying attention), and save questions that pertain to only you for after class. Your teachers want to know you’re working to improve.
4. Forgetting the dress code. Let’s face it: Mistakes happen. But if you’re consistently forgetting your pointe shoes, jazz shoes, leotard or enough bobby pins to secure your hair, it’s a sign you’re careless. Take the responsibility of being in a higher level seriously.
5. Trying to be exactly like another dancer. While you should certainly watch and learn from your more advanced classmates, don’t let your own self disappear. There’s a fine line between shadowing and copying. Take it from Chapman University dance major Amanda Garcia: “Dare to be different! You’ll stand out and grow as an artist.”
History: The legendary Russian ballerina and teacher Agrippina Vaganova combined elements of French, Italian and early Russian techniques to create this method. The syllabus is broken down into eight years of training—a slow, steady and deliberate progression.
Emphases: Use of the upper body and placement of the head. "Arms are not just for decoration," says Yuliya Rakova, a teacher at the Vaganova-based Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. "They support the jumps and turns, and have to be very expressive."
Affiliated company: Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia
History: George Balanchine, who trained at the Imperial Ballet School (beforeit was renamed the Vaganova Ballet Academy), developed a unique style that was based on his Russian roots but influenced by his adopted American home. "He didn't change the technique, but he stretched it and made it more modern-looking," says Susan Pilarre, faculty member at the School of American Ballet in New York City.
Emphases: Deep plié, the use of épaulement and keen musicality. "Beautiful arms and hands and the shaping and placing of the feet are important," says Pilarre. "Balanchine dancers can move quickly because they dance on the balls of their feet."
Affiliated companies: New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet
History: Developed by August Bournonville, a Danish dancer who also performed with the Paris Opéra Ballet, this technique has both Danish and French influences. It's the foundation of Bournonville's many famous ballets, such as La Sylphide and Napoli.
Emphases: Light, fast footwork and a quiet upper body. The head and shoulders follow the working leg, and jumps are strong and buoyant.
Affiliated company: Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, Denmark
History: Established by Italian master teacher Enrico Cecchetti, this technique
is maintained in the U.S. by the Cecchetti Council of America, through which students and teachers can complete several grades of exams. There are planned exercises for each day, with a focus on anatomy.
Emphases: Coordination of the head and arms, with smooth transitions between steps. Students are encouraged to work both sides of their bodies equally.
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
History: RAD was developed in 1920 by a group of leading dance professionals, who created a series of exams to help raise the level of dance education among students and teachers. The syllabus is influenced by the Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques.
Emphases: Attention to detail, particularly in port de bras and épaulement. Arms tend to be held low and rounded.
Taking a campus tour is an integral part of your college decision-making process. But what if you're already super-serious about one or two schools, or your guide doesn't know very much about the dance department? You may want to consider taking your daytime tour one step further by scheduling an overnight stay with a current dance major.
Karen Chuang was a freshman at University of California, Los Angeles, when she was
given the opportunity to dance in a K-pop music video being filmed in L.A. “I took all my books with me and studied during any downtime I could find,” says Chuang. She went on to book jobs with Brian Friedman and “Glee,” and to lead UCLA’s hip-hop team, NSU Modern, before graduating summa cum laude with a degree in business economics.
The whole point of getting strong dance training is to work toward a dance career—but sometimes, jobs come along before you’re done with college, or even high school. While balancing homework and dance commitments with an apprenticeship or auditions can be challenging, it’s not impossible. “The lifestyle isn’t for everyone,” Chuang says. “But if you get an opportunity you can’t pass up, take the leap.” Here’s how to make it work.
Karen Chuang (top, far left) on a music video set for K-pop star Ava in 2009 (photo courtesy Karen Chuang)
Communicate respectfully, early and often.
Since scheduling conflicts are inevitable, talk with your teachers and directors as soon as you’re presented with an outside opportunity. “Be humble and as detailed as possible about upcoming conflicts with classes or rehearsals,” says Joseph Giordano, who was offered a contract with Liz Gerring Dance Company during his final semester at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Be sure to follow up with your teachers over the course of the job. “Professors will be so much more lenient if you keep them in the loop,” Chuang says. And if you speak with them early enough, your outside work can be even more beneficial: Some directors, like Cathy Young at The Boston Conservatory, make it possible for dancers to receive credit for professional projects that take them away from school for a semester or more.
Make a schedule—and follow it.
“I map out my complete Monday-through-Friday schedule on Mac Pages and set it as the background image on my phone,” Giordano says. Chuang had a similarly detailed plan. “My days were completely structured, with slots for commuting, exercising and homework,” she says. But no matter how organized you are, Young adds, “someone completely overextended isn’t valuable to a choreographer.” Make sure you have the time before you commit to a gig.
Get your Z’s.
With the strain of additional hours of dancing, part of your agenda should be devoted to rest, says Giordano. “I try to get at least six hours of sleep, stay hydrated and monitor aches and pains,” he says. Irineo Cabreros, who apprenticed with Gallim Dance in NYC during his first semester in a PhD program at Princeton University, advises prioritizing sleep. “The few times I went into rehearsal dead tired, I realized I was getting the short end of both sticks—I wasn’t performing well and I wasn’t getting the most out of my education, either,” he says.
Learn to say “no.”
Doing it all comes with tough choices. “I often had to sacrifice my social life to
balance it all,” Chuang says. Other times, you might have to pass up a job. Don’t get discouraged, though: Sometimes opportunities will resurface at more convenient times. “Once, I couldn’t audition for Lady Gaga because I had a final exam,” Chuang remembers. “I was bummed, but the opportunity came around again.”
You only have a few years to immerse yourself in your education, so if it comes down to missing too much school for a job, Young advises dancers to choose school. “Sometimes you have to jump when those opportunities come along, but the idea that your career clock is ticking is a dated one. The more info you get in school, the more likely you’ll be working into your 60s.”
Emily Mistretta in The Nutcracker (Gene Schiavone)
If you’re a talented small-town ballet student, you’ve probably wondered: Should I leave my local studio to study at a top-notch school? At the bigger institution, you’d have more intense training, which would help when it came time to audition for companies. But if you left you’d miss your family and friends—and the super-personalized attention you get from your local ballet teacher.
If you’re thinking about making the leap from a local studio to a major training program, read the stories of these four dancers who did. You’ll find out how it worked—or didn’t work—for them.
Emily Mistretta, corps member, Boston Ballet
Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in California, where I trained for years, is a great school, but I felt I had more to learn than it could teach me. Every time I went away to a summer intensive, I thought seriously about staying for the school’s year-round program. I was always conflicted, though; I wanted to finish high school at home.
After I graduated high school, I went to Boston Ballet School’s summer session, and the school invited me to come year-round. I went home to California for two weeks, discussed it with my family, and got right back on a plane to Boston! I knew it was a great opportunity.
When I first got to Boston, I felt like I was behind. The other dancers had been in full-time ballet schools for years, while I’d only been doing ballet in the evenings. The schedule was intense—we danced for about eight hours a day—and I had a lot of self-doubt: Did I make the right decision? How’s this going to turn out?
Luckily, I was able to make friends quickly. That’s pretty much what saved me. And as a trainee, I got instant exposure by working with the company. I was so happy when I got my contract!
Sarah Van Patten in Swan Lake (Erik Tomasson)
Sarah Van Patten, principal, San Francisco Ballet
When I decided I wanted to be a ballet dancer, my parents said a big institution like Boston Ballet School would have the best teachers. So I started taking classes there when I was 8. But I had a different teacher every day, and I was one of about 30 kids in my class.
Then, when I was 11, I attended a summer program with Jacqueline Cronsberg at Ballet Workshop of New England. I immediately started learning variations and doing real dancing. I had long classes with Jacqueline every day, and was given lots of one-on-one attention. Her training is Balanchine, which puts a lot of emphasis on performance. That suited me.
When I told my parents I didn’t want to go back to BB, they assumed I’d given up on a dance career. If I didn’t want the big school with all the prestige, they thought, I’d just do dancing as a hobby. But it was the opposite. I wanted more time with my teacher. I wanted to be dancing more.
I was much happier at Ballet Workshop of New England. But everybody is different. You have to have these experiences for yourself, and be honest about how you feel.
Leah Slavens (front) dancing at PNB School (Rex Tranter)
Leah Slavens, Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division
I went to Ballet Center of Houston from age 4 through my senior year in high school. I got to dance all kinds of big roles, and the teachers trained me really well. But the studio could only offer so much. They don’t have a lot of funding, space or time. I guess that’s why the decision to go to Pacific Northwest Ballet School after graduation was so easy.
It was a shock coming to a professional school with such a difficult training program. It was also hard to leave home, get an apartment and do everything that grown-ups do without having the experience of college dorm life. I just went straight into living on my own, having to cook for myself and take care of my own finances. A lot of kids my age don’t have to pay their own bills yet! And it’s hard only seeing my parents twice a year.
Part of me wishes I’d left home sooner, before I graduated high school. I feel a little bit behind ballet-wise sometimes. Then again, I’m glad I waited, because I feel more mature and ready to start a new phase of my life. It makes it easier that my friends at home have graduated and moved away too, so I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.
Faye Arthurs rehearsing with Craig Hall for the 1999 workshop performances at SAB (Rosalie O'Connor)
Faye Arthurs, corps member, New York City Ballet
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I took classes at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet School, where I learned a lot of George Balanchine repertory. I loved those ballets so much! But I declined invitations to the School of American Ballet’s summer session—SAB is the home of Balanchine technique, and feeds into New York City Ballet, Balanchine’s company—a few times because my parents weren’t ready for me to go. It wasn’t until I was 15 that they finally said OK.
After that summer, SAB asked me to stay for the year. I agonized over the decision. But I eventually thought, “Well, it’s now or never!” I had gotten to a certain place at my smaller school and was antsy to try something bigger.
It was hard the first year to be away from my family. You have to grow up so quickly, not only emotionally but practically—you have to do your own laundry and get yourself places on time. But I saw my father once or twice a month when he was in New York for business, which was helpful.
The biggest change from living in Pittsburgh was being able to see live performances all the time. SAB students get free NYCB tickets, and I went every night. That inspired my decision to join the company. You see the actual life of a dancer in a way you can’t at a small school.
SIGNS YOU SHOULD STAY
You don’t want to be “just a number.” If you enjoy getting lots of personal attention from your teacher and don’t want to fight for a spot at the front of the class, consider sticking it out at your local studio.
You get anxious if you’re away from family and friends for more than a few days. Leaving home and a tight-knit group of friends can make you homesick—and too distracted to focus on your training. Skyping, texting and phone calls will be your new norm. If the thought of that makes you break out in hives, you might not be ready to make the jump.
It just doesn’t feel right yet. Trust your gut. Bigger schools don’t always mean bigger rewards. If it seems like the pros of uprooting yourself won’t outweigh the cons, try waiting a year or two before taking the plunge.
SIGNS YOU SHOULD GO
You want more than what’s offered at your home studio. You’re ready for more intense training, different teachers and the chance to work with professional dancers.
You have your heart set on getting into a specific ballet company. Most companies hire dancers from their schools, so it helps to already be in their programs. You’ll also get to watch performances and maybe even dance in some of them as a student at the company’s school.
You’re a risk-taker. If you’re the type of person who enjoys, rather than dreads, new challenges, you’ll probably adapt quickly to the sink-or-swim environment that defines most larger schools. Go for it!
Montclair Debuts Studio-Teaching Concentration
Lauren Alvarez, photo courtesy Lauren Alvarez
Dream of running your own studio? Check out Montclair State University’s new dance studio teaching concentration, available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in dance education. “The program will prepare students for both the marketing and education sides of owning and working at a dance studio,” says Dr. Elizabeth McPherson, Montclair’s dance education coordinator. In addition to a full load of technique classes, students enrolled in the program will complete an internship at a local dance studio and take three general education courses, two dance education classes and four business courses.
“I’m hoping to gain more insight into owning my own studio,” says Lauren Alvarez, a dance education major at Montclair who recently added the concentration.
University of Rochester Adds Two Dance Minors
Students perform in the spring 2011 University of Rochester dance concert, photo by J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester
When Missy Pfohl Smith became director of the University of Rochester’s dance and movement program in 2010, she was blown away by the level of enthusiasm for dance on campus. With 14 student dance groups and about 600 students taking dance classes, Smith decided it was time to add two dance-related minors to the program. “After students take one course, they realize just how broad the dance world is and they want to learn more,” she says.
The two minors launching this year are in dance and movement studies. The dance minor covers technique and choreography in styles such as ballet, jazz and West African dance, while the movement studies minor focuses on Eastern somatic studies, such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong. Unlike the school’s student dance groups that highlight specific genres, like ballroom, hip hop and even South Asian folk dance, the two minors allow students to explore many styles and design a program around their individual interests.
Movin' On Up
Wondering what dancers from the Class of 2011 are up to now that they’ve graduated? We checked in with three top ballet programs to find out.
The School of American Ballet
Meaghan Dutton-O’Hara, Peter Walker, Aaron Sanz, Joseph Gordon and Harrison Ball have joined the New York City Ballet…Pennsylvania Ballet hired Alexandra Hughes…On the West Coast, Chloe Sherman, Bianca Bulle and Ben Winegar have joined the Los Angeles Ballet and Angelica Generosa is now a member of the Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division…Dresden Ballet hired Zarina Stahnke.
Miami City Ballet School
Jovani Furlan has been promoted to the Miami City Ballet…Daniel Savetta and Laura Chachich have joined The Washington Ballet…Sarah Chisholm is now a part of Ballet Arizona…Ashley Baszto was hired by Orlando Ballet.
Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy
Derrin Harper Watters has joined the Houston Ballet…Sarasota Ballet has hired Sareen Tchekmedyian…Amy Potter is now dancing with Ballet West II.
SAB's Meaghan Dutton-O'Hara
It’s flattering to be recognized as a standout among your peers. Just ask 17-year-old Meaghan Dutton-O’Hara, a student at the School of American Ballet and recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award. “I was shocked when Kay Mazzo [SAB’s co-chairman of faculty] and Peter Martins [New York City Ballet’s Ballet Master in Chief] told me I’d been selected to receive the award,” Meaghan says. “I was excited and thrilled to be honored.”
Meaghan Dutton-O'Hara in class at SAB, photo by Rosalie O'Connor
Designed to encourage and support emerging artists, the award is given to two young artists affiliated with Lincoln Center each year. Dancer Daniel Ulbricht and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon are both past recipients.
Mazzo says Meaghan received the award because she’s an exemplary student and dancer. “She’s musical, very coordinated and has a beautiful line,” Mazzo says. “When she’s onstage, she’s got a smile that wins everyone over. She’s a delightful performer.”
As part of the award, Meaghan received $7,500 to be used for career and education-related expenses. Though Meaghan dreams of eventually joining New York City Ballet, she plans to return to SAB and to begin taking classes at Fordham University in the fall.
Joffrey Students Study in Russia
This August, approximately 20 lucky students from the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC will spend two weeks studying at the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow, Russia. The dancers will live on campus and spend five days a week taking classes.
McCallah Moriarty (left) will study at the Bolshoi Academy this summer, photo by James Culp
Sixteen-year-old McCallah Moriarty is one of the dancers headed to Russia. “Dancing at the Bolshoi Academy is an experience most dancers dream of because the school is world renowned,” she says. “I’m also excited to learn more about the Russian culture.”
Davis Robertson, director of the Joffrey program and summer program, selected McCallah and her fellow travelers based on their proficiency in ballet technique and their “adventurous spirits.” He says the dancers will be treated to a curriculum created especially for them, and that it will feature classes in pointe, character dance and historical dance. The students will also have to get used to dancing on the Bolshoi’s raked studio floors. “Initially, dancing on a rake is quite an adjustment,” Robertson says. “But, after a day or two you adjust to it. By the time the dancers begin their second week of classes, it will be second nature.”
This is the first time that Joffrey students will have this type of international training experience, but the school hopes that the program will be a springboard for an ongoing relationship with the Bolshoi Academy.
East Meets West
James Madison University and China’s Chengdu University have created a unique partnership. This past April, professors from Chengdu spent a week at JMU’s Harrisonburg, VA, campus teaching classical and folk dances from various regions of China. In July, two JMU professors will return the favor by traveling to China, where they will spend a week teaching modern technique, composition and improvisation to Chengdu’s dance students.
“The Chinese dance classes were physically challenging, but not in the same way that my technique classes at JMU were,” recent JMU graduate Kate Folsom says. “We learned to make unusual shapes with our hands and fingers. They were beautiful, but it hurt to hold them for a long time.”
Kate Trammell, the JMU dance professor who spearheaded this project, says she hopes to build on the relationship with Chengdu over time and that she aspires to bring JMU students to China for more in-depth study in the next few years.


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It’s one of the most popular computer operating systems around, but if you still use Windows 7, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to dangerous cybersecurity risks.
Microsoft has ended its support for Windows 7, meaning that anyone still using the operating system will no longer receive technical support, software updates or security updates and fixes.
Microsoft explained: “After 10 years, support for Windows 7 is coming to an end on 14 January 2020.
“While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware.”
If you continue to use Windows 7, you could find yourself targeted by cybercriminals, according to Raj Samani, Chief Scientist and McAfee Fellow.
He explained: “By using an unsupported operating system, users expose themselves to cybersecurity risks as Microsoft will no longer resolve security flaws found on the system, provide technical support or issue software updates.
“Cybercriminals can use this to their advantage by identifying any flaws in the system and potentially accessing consumer’s data and information.”
Microsoft advises that the best way for users to stay secure is to upgrade to Windows 10.
This modern operating system is the most secure Windows has ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more.
This means more security features, dashboard displays, and ongoing updates to help safeguard against future threats.
However, Windows 10 isn't exactly cheap, with the Home Edition costing £119.99, and Windows 10 Pro costing a whopping £219.99.
What’s more, Microsoft added that while it is possible to install Windows 10 on older devices, it is ‘not recommended.’
Instead, the tech giant suggests that customers with a computer or laptop that’s more than three years old should look to buy a new device.
It explained: “The best way to experience Windows 10 is on a new PC. Not only are new modern PCs fast (thanks to solid state drives) and durable with batteries that last longer, the average price for a great PC is considerably less than it was 5-10 years ago.”
If you want to purchase Windows 10, you can buy the full version of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro here .


text:
Issue one of Ajarn Spencer Littlewood's cult classic Thai occult Ezine. This edition opened the eyes of many people to the fact that Ajarn Spencer was not only knowledgeable on the subject of Thai temple tattoos ('sak yant'), but also an avid student of Thai Buddhist amulets.
This Ezine brought a new level of insight into the world of Thai amulets for the first time to many people in the English speaking world. The subsequent four issues improved issue per issue, as Ajarn Spencer developed his writing skills.
The project ended for a two year pause after issue five, with many people clamoring for more issues, but Ajarn Spencer had become simply too busy to find time to continue.
He therefore set a break time to finish his other projects first, after which he promises to return to writing and publishing the 'Buddha Magic' series, with another five Ezine set of publications. For now, we can increase our knowledge incredibly with the 600 + pages in five issues that have already been published.
This first issue includes the following topics;
Nam Man Prai - sacred necromantic charm oil for enchantment spells.
Pra Khun Phaen – Historical figure, literary legend and sacred amulet; The relationship between Khun Phaen and the Gumarn Tong.
• Palad Khig – Phallic totem, for luck, love, health and protection. The Palad Khig is one of the Shiva cult practices which became integrated into Thai Theravada Buddhist folk culture.
• Pra Somdej – King of Thai Amulets – the Somdej Amulet is the most sought out and expensive amulet on the market – read about the makers and the making, of this amulet, get to know the various editions of Somdej amulets, and become an expert in your own right. First in a series of articles about Pra Somdej which will later be compiled into a Grand edition as a complete publication exclusively about Pra Somdej amulets. All 6 eras of Pra Somdej will be covered
• Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri Wat Rakang Kositaram – Part one of an extensive biography of Thailands most famous Master Monk, and maker of the Pra Somdej amulets, which in the present day can fetch prices of up to fifty million baht. The series of biographical articles on Somdej Dto will be a useful extension of the series of detailed publications on Pra Somdej amulets, and provide the collector and aficionado of Pra Somdej Wat Rakang understand what makes this King of amulets so special and sought after by collectors, merchants and devotees around the world, and why it is so difficult to establish an authentic Pra Somdej from a fake.
• Hlwong Phu Suang – Tewada Bon Din – Biography of an elusive legendary monk and alleged amulet maker, elusive and eccentric, whose amulets are rising in popularity at an incredible rate.
• Prayer for Forgiveness in the Three Worlds – Kata Ahosigam Sam Pob; A powerful prayer forchanting before practicing Samatha and Vipassana meditation, which will aid in clearing any obstructions to ones concentration, as well as decreasing negative Karma.
• Luang Phu Jan – Master Gumarn Tong maker of Khmer lineage. Khmer Saiyasart from this Master of Necromancy, who learned the Wicha of Gumarn Tong as he was still a child, and mastered it with his inborn ability to bind spirits of Gumarn who were traveling to the Deva Realm, and bind them with the spirits of Gumarn Hian to inhabit effigies of reduced size. Potent and Portable, his 'Gumarn Tong Dtua Jiw' amulets are attaining legendary status for their immense power of attraction and luck bringing power.
•Pra Putta Roop Bpaed Samay - Eight Eras of Sacred Thai Buddhist Sculpture
• Pra Putta Maha Tamma Racha – Sacred Buddha statue from the Lopburi Era, at Waat Dtrai Bhumi, in Petchaburn – first in the series of articles about Thailands most Sacred Buddha statues, covering all eight periods of history of Thai Buddhist art, and the influence of the various Eras on Buddhist Sculpture and Architecture
• Pra Putta Mongkol Saksit (Luang Por Mongkol) – Sacred Buddha Sculpture from the Sukhothai Era – second in the series of articles about Thailands most Sacred Buddha statues, covering all eight periods of history of Thai Buddhist art, and the influence of the various Eras on Buddhist Sculpture and Architecture.

domain: hobby


Insight - Nov. 4th, 2021
Today on Insight, John and Josh Rosenstern discuss America’s road to recovery since the COVID pandemic hit. Brother Josh says the lottery mindset is too prevalent today with many wanting everything, but doing nothing to receive it. We must understand how wealth is created. Brother Josh says the talk of increasing taxes for the wealthy like Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg of FaceBook is hypocrisy. The American people have made them wealthy by using their goods and services. The people who are stealing are those who want to tax the rich and take their share while sitting at home; this money does not belong to them. We must work and be productive in society to consume something. We are not to “consume" a government paycheck without producing something; i.e. work for wages.
Up Next in 2021
Insight - Nov. 3rd, 2021
Today on Insight, Josh Rosenstern discusses Election Day results in Virginia, and other key races, with more conservative candidates taking the helm. Republicans took hold of the Virginia Governor’s race, Lieutenant Governor, and the Attorney General. Brother Josh says as believers, we must pra...
Insight - Nov. 2nd, 2021
Today on Insight John and Josh Rosenstern give a recap of the G20 meeting in Rome and the COP26 United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow. Brother Josh says, from his perspective, the G20 encounter saw very little accomplishments, other than striving for a 70-percent goal for COVID vac...
Insight - Oct. 29th, 2021
Today on Insight, John Rosenstern discusses the $1.75 trillion dollar, scaled back, Build Back Better bill being put forth by our government, which is loaded with agendas full of government control. Brother John says Christians must pray about these agendas that will affect our country for years...


text: A Canadian consortium says it has developed technology that could double the amount of oil that can be extracted from Alberta’s abundant tar sands and cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with the process by 85 percent. Existing technologies to extract and process the sludgy bituminous material from tar sands deposits use chemicals and intense heat and require enormous amounts of energy. The Alberta-based consortium, N-Solv, says it has introduced a system that uses a solvent, such as propane, instead of steam. According to the group, the solvent can be heated to relatively low temperatures and injected into the tarry deposits, breaking down the bitumen, and allowing it to be pumped out with the solvent, which can then be reused. They say the process will require less energy, slash CO2 emissions, and deliver a crude requiring less refining. Also, they say, the lower costs will make it economically feasible to extract more than twice as much oil from the oil sands. The researchers received $10 million from the Canadian government to develop a cleaner method of extracting oil from the vast Alberta reserves, which are by far the largest petroleum deposit in North America.


text:
Road House Blues
A weird and sad bit of news to report. Patrick Swayze was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is a very deadly form of the disease and only five percent of those diagnosed live more than five years. Many die within weeks.
Jeff Healey passed away on Sunday at the age of 41 after a lifelong battle with cancer. Retinal cancer stole Healey’s eyesight at the age of one, and his most recent illness included tumors on his lungs and leg.
The weird part: both men were in the movie Road House
in 1989. Swayze as a bouncer-for-hire who cleans up rough barrooms, Healey as a bar singer. My favorite line in the movie comes from Sam Elliot, “I’ll get all the sleep I need when I’m dead.”
Healey had his biggest hit with “Angel Eyes” while Swayze, already a star since his Dirty Dancing role, went on to super-stardom in Ghost. My favorite bit of The Swayze was his dance-off against Chris Farley on SNL. Best wishes.


Cringing, craving, bingeing, braving... you always have an opinion on what's hot and what's not in your city and we just love to hear it. Besides, there's no better place to satiate that itch to bitch!
A festival of dance and music based on monsoon ragas.
July 8: Meeta Pandit renders a Hindustani vocal recital followed by Bharatanatyam by Rama Vaidyanathan.
July 9: Uma Garg performs Hindustani vocal while Shubhada performs an Odissi recital
July 10: Vocalist Madhumita Roy entertains, followed by a Kathak recital by Vidha Lal
Entry: By invites


The GDP impact of Muslim travel in Asia is forecast to hit USD 33 billion by 2020, up 27% from USD 26.2 billion in 2017, according to new research unveiled this week.
The region is set grow its market share of global Muslim travel spend to 22% by the end of the decade, with non-Muslim destinations including China, Thailand and Singapore claiming a large percentage of this inbound expenditure, the ‘Global Economic Impact of Muslim Tourism and Future Growth Projection: 2017-2020’ report by Salam Standard revealed.
At the same time, Asia will directly employ 1.2 million in the Muslim travel industry by 2020, more than half the 2.3 million expected to be employed globally by that date, with 700,000 of those jobs in Southeast Asia, while the region’s total direct and indirect employment will reach 2.9 million.
Asia is also starting to generate significant outbound Muslim travel expenditure, which reached USD 21 billion in 2017, or 21% of the global share, and is forecast to hit the USD 29.6 billion mark by 2020.
Muslim travellers from Malaysia, Indonesia and China will lead the way, according to Salam Standard, contributing 17% of the total global outbound spend by 2020 and outpacing European countries included in the study, who will contribute just 15% between them.
In addition, the total tax impact of global Muslim travel is set to grow from USD 19.5 billion in 2017 to USD 24 billion by 2020, and China and Thailand are expected to be Asia’s top beneficiaries, accruing USD 1.1 billion and USD 1billion respectively.
“Travel the world in a faith-compatible way”
“Asia is one of the top regions driving the growth of the global Muslim travel market, fuelled by a young and aspirational population and an increasingly-affluent middle class who are hungry to travel the world in a faith-compatible way, whether for business or leisure,” said Faeez Fadhlillah, co-Founder and CEO of Salam Standard and Muslim-friendly hotel booking portal,Tripfez.
“The robust growth in inbound and outbound Muslim tourism expenditure forecast for Asia presents exciting opportunities for Muslim and non-Muslim destinations, which will benefit national and regional economies by boosting GDP and job creation,” he added.
Asian destinations looking to capitalise on this projected growth should also look outside the region to key Muslim travel source markets, according to the study, which found the Middle East generated the majority of global outbound spend (61%) at USD 62.2 billion.
This is expected to reach USD 72 billion by 2020, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE forecast to contribute an impressive 41% of the total Muslim travel spend worldwide by that date.
““One in three people worldwide will identify as Muslim by 2060”
“One in three people worldwide will identify as Muslim by 2060 and to disregard this trend would be foolhardy,” said Fadhlillah.
“With the Muslim population growth at 70% compared to the global average of 32%, the Muslim travel market presents many untapped opportunities for countries and organisations that successfully address its needs – and an enormous threat for those who ignore it.”


In early January the demand for the pipe products of the Belarus Iron and Steel Works increased by 2 thousand tons as compared with the average monthly level in 2016.
According to the company statement, in January BMZ intends to produce 11 thousand tons of pipes and sell some 10.5 thousand tons. Some 70% will be sold to Russia. To far foreign countries BMZ will supply around 4.2 thousand tons of pipes, with some 1 thousand tons to Italy and 400 tons to USA.
The local market of Belarus will receive only 400 tons of BMZ pipes. (Ukrainian metal)


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We haven’t had a Sunday Snippet book to GiveAway for quite a while, but I have a really fantastic one for you today: Grill a Christian by Roger Carswell. This is a little book absolutely packed with questions and answers, and a really good read.
In the introduction the author mentions that his work involves speaking to folk about Jesus, in many different parts of the world. He discovered a pattern, and people the world over were asking the same questions about Christianity. Different cultures, different economic situations… different people, all asking the same questions. So he put this book together and it is packed with questions that you hear all the time…
Se7en + 1 Sample Question:
- What is God Like?
- Do you believe everything that is in the Bible?
- Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?
- Isn’t Christianity just a crutch for the weak?
- Don’t all religions lead to God?
- Do you believe in reincarnation?
- Surely when you die that’s it?
- Can’t I just live a good life to be OK with God?
This book was intended for two groups of readers… those folk who have become Christians and want to understand more about their faith… and those who aren’t Christians but would like to be able to ask all these questions. The book is written very conversationally. The answers are mostly short, less than a double page spread, and straightforward to understand. This book is a great book to dip into and I have left it lying around for our older kids to pick up and have a quick read from time to time. Our kids are well churched and they know the “correct/formal answer” to most questions… but I want them to encounter the questions in a relational way… so that they have to stop and think about the answers and what they really mean to them, and to folk that ask these questions of them. This book doesn’t only provide answers to your won questions but gives great ideas for answering other folks’ questions. I can see so many uses for this book… a gift to a questioning friend, answering your own kids’ questions… it would make a good family Bible study… answer a question each week and talk about the topic together.
We would like to thank Christian Book Discounters that gave us this book to read and review, we were not paid for the review and the opinions expressed are as usual our own.
So we have a copy of one of this book to GiveAway to a lucky reader. This GiveAway works in the usual way, leave a comment before the end of Sunday 25 May, 2014. We will draw and publish the winners in the following Friday Fun Post after that. I won’t respond to your comments as I do on our other posts because I don’t want to be included in our own giveaway.
Our GiveAways are open to everyone: If you have won a GiveAway before never fear – enter away. If you live on the far side of the world – enter away. Postage takes forever from here but eventually it should get to you! Good luck and happy commenting!!!
As usual we have to thank Christian Book Discounters, who supply Sunday Snippet GiveAway books for us to review and GiveAway. We are not paid to write our reviews and the opinions expressed are entirely our own.

domain: library


text:
Polk County asks voters to renew public safety levy, funding for new deputies, other staff
In the past four years, Polk County has hired 12 patrol deputies, three prosecutors, five jail staff, restored 24-hour patrol services and restarted the Polk County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team using funds from a public safety levy.
To keep the funding in place, county leaders are asking residents to vote "yes" to renew the Polk County Safety Operating Levy for the next five years.
Measure 27-129 is set to reappear on the special district election ballot May 21. Ballots were mailed out May 2.
The levy, passed in May 2015, put in place a tax of up to 45 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value per year.
The new measure, if approved, will replace the current levy, allowing the county to keep funding for added staff and hire one more person in the next year, while capping the levy amount at 42.5 cents per $1,000 over the next five years.
The Polk County Assessor's Office estimates that with an average county residential assessed value of $194,163, residents would pay $82.52 for the proposed levy for the 2019-2020 tax year, based on values from the 2018-2019 tax year.
The estimate is a $29.15 jump from 2015, when the imposed levy was 30 cents (and capped at 45 cents), according to Polk County Assessor Valerie Patoine.
Inconsistent funding leaves county's public safety struggling
For decades, Polk County heavily relied on $2.5 million each year from O & C federal timber funds — an act in which 18 Oregon counties receive 50% of the revenue produced from the sale of timber from the government — for public safety programs.
But funds became inconsistent, according to Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton. The county began receiving money late or in smaller amounts.
“One year we didn’t get any money, but the following year they sent us a check,” he said. "It was different amounts every time. We couldn’t budget with that.”
The Polk County Board of Commissioners sought to pass a public safety levy in May 2013, but voters rejected it by a 60 to 40 vote.
Before the vote, the sheriff's office was still providing 24-hour coverage, “but barely,” according to Garton.
After the levy failed, the sheriff’s office cut back to 10 hours a day. Between 2013 and 2016, the agency had seven sergeants and deputies to patrol 740 square miles and serve 40,000 residents.
Garton was one of them.
“We were totally reactionary,” he said. “When we came it at noon, we had calls stacked from the previous 14 hours. It didn’t feel like being a cop at that point.”
Similarly, with a lack of prosecutors at the district attorney's office, smaller cases, such as property crime, often sat on the shelf collecting dust.
"We were in triage mode," said Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton. "We prioritized which crimes were prosecuted and which were pushed further down on the list...We were struggling."
Letters to the Editor:Polk County public safety levy, PERS, foster care, vaccinations
Public safety levy allows for new hires
In 2015, commissioners succeeded in their second attempt at passing a levy, allowing the county to hire 22 people between the sheriff's office and the district attorney's office, and rent two juvenile detention beds.
The levy passed with a 45 cents per $1,000 cap, but residents were never taxed the full amount. Commissioners were still able to offset the cost of the levy amount with any federal timber payments they received.
Residents paid an average of 33 cents per $1,000, according to Garton. The highest amount levied was 37.8 cents, in July 2017 through June 2018, when the county didn't receive federal money.
The sheriff’s office added 12 patrol deputies and restored 24-hour coverage by July 2016.
With a full staff, the agency responded to 24,000 incidents on average in 2017 and 2018, Garton said.
Crashes are down by 56% since 2015. Deputies stop about 6,000 cars per year and roughly one-third of them result in citations.
Deputies also made more than 200 DUII arrests in 2018, compared to 33 in 2013.
With more patrol deputies, the DA's office has received an increase in cases. The agency hired an additional three prosecutors and two legal support staff members since 2015.
With a total of six prosecutors, the staff has tackled an average of 800 more prosecutions per year after the levy, a 66% increase — and DUIIs are what the office prosecutes the most.
"Impaired driving is one of the most concerning and dangerous crimes out there," Felton said. "There are more patrols out there intercepting impaired drivers, making the road safer for those who aren't impaired."
The additional resources have also allowed prosecutors to focus on all levels of crimes from Measure 11 to quality of life crimes such as mischief and stolen vehicles, he said.
The agency has been able to participate in additional programs such as mental health and drug courts; child abuse and elderly abuse multi-disciplinary teams; and a sexual abuse response team.
Polk County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team also was restored in July 2016.
“I think people doing drugs are at the root of most crimes, whether the person’s addicted, or under the influence…,” Garton said. “We’re just accepting that (crime) is going to happen, if we don’t attack the root cause.”
POINT has seized more than 11 pounds of meth and heroin, arrested and convicted more than 200 people and solved 180 major drug trafficking cases since July 2016, according to Garton.
Virginia Barreda listens to the police scanner so you don't have to. Stay on top of public safety news and subscribe to the Statesman Journal.
The county added five jail staff members — three deputies and two support staff — bringing the total number to 25.
In 2016, the sheriff’s office hired a school resource officer to serve three school districts – a first for Polk County.
“If we don’t intercede early on…we can’t expect better outcomes later on,” Garton said. If we can create a positive, nurturing environment of kids… we’ll have a better relationship and we’re less likely to have problems.”
Salem Storytellers Project:Six locals to share stories of family, culture May 14
Protecting the investment
The levy is set to expire in 2020, but county officials are staying ahead of the game by renewing one year early.
"It protects our investment," Garton said. It takes nearly $150,000 to train one deputy in the first year. The levy helps reassure deputies their job is secure and protects taxpayer money.
The proposed levy that will show up on the ballot is "an extension of what we're doing," Garton said.
But this time, the cap has been lowered to 42.5 cents per $1,000 assessment, which will generate about $2.7 million in its first year.
Garton doesn’t anticipate receiving timber funds over the next five years, making it likely Polk County residents will be taxed closer to the higher end of the levy cap.
If voted in, the first levy would "die," and the renewal would take over without any double-taxing, he said.
The five-year renewal would continue to pay for the 22 people hired as well as the restored programs. It would also allow for one more patrol position in the first year and the possibility of an additional person in year three or four to help take on the heavy call load.
Garton is confident the levy will pass, receiving endorsements such as all Polk County mayors and city councils, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the West Salem Neighborhood Association.
He said there is no formalized group that is against the premise of the levy.
“For community livability, you have to have public safety,” he said. “If you want it, you have to pay a little extra.”
If the levy doesn’t pass, Garton said, the county may have to revert to making cuts.
“I don’t want to waste taxpayer money to go backward,” Garton said. “We need to keep moving forward.”
For more information about the Public Safety Operating Levy, contact Sheriff Mark Garton at 503-877-6767 or visit Friends of Polk County Public Safety.
Virginia Barreda is the Breaking News Reporter with the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at 503-399-6657 or at email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.
Other government news
Salem-area homeless:told to move from Wallace Marine Park area
US Legislature:Bill to improve NW tribal fishing sites passes US House
State Legislature:Oregon considers several dozen bills to limit public records access


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is a villa that offers pool, view, beach and mountain view and is ideal for families,two couples or a big company. is in a good location from visiting all places of cyprus and is closed to larnaca airport. …see more
Nearest beach 5 km; Swimming pool; Great for children of all ages ;
Top floor penthouse apartment.
• Superb uninterrupted sea views.
• Two bedrooms.
• Large roof terrace with pool view.
• Elevator system.
• Fully fitted kitchen dining.
• TV/DVD with satellite system.
• Fully furnished to high standards Recentl …see more
A perfect place to enjoy the North coast of Cyprus.
30 Nov 2014
""We love this villa""
We first stayed in this lovely villa in 2012 and have returned every year since. We honestly can't think of anywhere else we would rather go, this has got to be the most relaxing holiday ever. We don'… More

domain: travel


Image courtesy artist
Just one week after returning with his stunning new song "Lung," Australia's Tim Bettinson (aka Vancouver Sleep Clinic) is wowing fans once again with his newly released gem "Killing Me to Love You."
The singer recently signed to Columbia Records and this brilliantly captivating track is the second preview of his forthcoming debut album, which doesn't yet have a release date.
According to Bettinson, his new material was inspired by the "journey of finding my place in the world and finding my feet in what I was doing.”
As we previously mentioned, in addition to joining a major label, his new music also features production from Al Shux, who has produced hits and widely acclaimed singles for the likes of JAY Z, Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Nas and BANKS.
Hear "Killing Me to Love You" below—maybe on repeat.


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Is Kelly Rowland engaged?
What’s that on your left hand, Kelly Rowland? There are whispers that The “Kisses Down Low” singer is engaged!
According to Bossip.com, Kelly’s manager/beau Tim Witherspoon proposed not too long ago and Kelly said yes. While Kelly hasn’t made any announcements just yet, she did unwittingly flash a huge ring on her left hand in a recent video posted to Instagram.
For those of you that missed it, here’s a screen shot of Kelly’s rock.

domain: celebrity


text:
A.D. Tated, J.
1. This criminal application under section 482 Criminal Procedure Code is directed against the order of the Metropolitan Magistrate, 23rd Court, Esplanade, Bombay, for issuing process in Criminal Case No. 1133/S/83 (Misc. Case No. 62 of 1983) on the complaint filed by the respondent No. 1 for the offence under section 420 read with section 114 Indian Penal Code.
2. The respondent No. 1 complainant is the Vice President of Cargo, Division of Cox & Kings (India) Ltd. having its registered office at Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Bombay. The accused are the partners of the firms styled as Fashions Exporters and Garment International, both having their offence at Galta Road, Jaipur. The accused Nos. 1 and 3 are brothers and the accused No. 2 is their sister in law. The accused in the name of their two firms are dealing in ready made garments, handicrafts, etc. for expert purposes. The respondent No. 1 company are clearing and forwarding agents. The accused were doing their export business through the respondent No. 1 and exported goods to various countries.
3. In or about April 1983 the respondent No. 1 pointed out to the accused that an amount of Rs. 80,000/- was due from them and they should give assurance from their bankers for payment of the said amount, and accordingly the accused had given the assurance from Oriental Bank of Commerce, Jaipur. The Manager of the said Bank gave a letter dated 20th April, 1983, stating that the amount of the respondent No. 1 would be paid after receiving the collection proceeds from abroad. The accused informed the respondent No. 1 that it had authorised its bankers to make payment of the said amount of Rs. 80,000/- after the recovery of their dues from abroad. It is the case of the respondent No. 1 that soon thereafter, without making payment of their dues, the accused surreptitiously withdrew the bank guarantee and stopped business with it. According to the respondent No. 1, it indicated that the accused cheated it of large sums of money for the work of which it had paid its own money for freight, customs duty and all other things, apart from their fees for services. On those averments the learned Metropolitan Magistrate issued process. That process has been challenged by the petitioner accused in this Court.
4. In the petition filed by the accused they have set out how the respondent No. 1 charged excess amount on account of air freight and on other items and they had called upon the respondent No. 1 to settle the account. They have also averred that the respondent No. 1 did not reply their letters calling upon it to settle the accounts and in order to harass them filed a criminal case against them in the Court at Bombay. The facts stated by the petitioner accused in the petition have not been controverted by the respondent No. 1 by filing a return or reply. I have gone through the complaint and the allegations therein revealed that the Bank assurance for payment of the amount of Rs. 80,000/- was given by the accused after the transactions were over and the respondent No. 1 asked the accused to give Bank assurance for the amounts due. It appears that there were disputes between the parties regarding the freight charged and other charges debited by the respondent No. 1 to the account of the petitioners accused. The petitioners wanted that the respondent No. 1 should settle those disputes, and for that they twice wrote to the respondent No. 1, but the respondent No. 1, instead of replying the letters and settling the disputes, rushed to the Criminal Court and filed complaint against the petitioners for the offence of cheating. It is obvious that there were dealings between the parties and on account of those dealings some amount was due to the respondent No. 1. The petitioners-accused pointed out to the respondent No. 1 that it had overcharged them on certain items and asked it to settle the account. The respondent No.1 instead of settling the account, filed a criminal complaint. The dispute between the parties is purely a civil dispute and the allegations in the complaint do not make out the ingredients of cheating as defined in section 415 I.P.C.
5. Consequently, the process issued by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate against the petitioners-accused will have to be quashed and it is hereby quashed. The respondent No. 1 shall pay the costs of the petition quantified at Rs. 500/- . Rule made absolute.


Windows XP home
512 shared ram
200 gb hdd connected via Sata
Onboard graphics is Sis 760
Onto the problem...
After opening the computer to install a new graphics card in hopes to speed up this horrible slow pc, I noticed something. The heatsink over the onboard graphics chip had fallen off inside the computer. After reinstalling it with new thermal paste, I rebooted, but the computer was still very slow. (I should let you know, I got rid of all unneeded programs, spyware, etc. all the usual things).
So I go to install the new graphics card; a geforce MX 4000. Nothing spectacular, but it was laying around the house and should take a little stress off the PCs other processing components.
I installed the Geforce video card, booted up and got this message: "Hard Disk Boot Failure Insert System Disk Press Enter".
I frantically shut down the computer and checked all the cables and connections, thinking I somehow bricked my friend's HDD!
The BIOS shows NO hard drive...it's just not there.
After taking the video card out of the computer, the hard drive boots right back up, like nothing ever happened!
Things I've tried:
1. changing bios setting from onboard/agp graphics to PCI
2. inserting Windows XP disk to see if windows detected a Hard Drive, it did not.
3. Uninstalling the onboard graphics drivers and software.
4. Switching hard drives sata inputs on motherboard.
Any other ideas?
More about :sata hard drive recognized video card installed
Is it running slow ALL the time or just during certain things? Anything is possible with the onboard video.
Sis is NOT a good chip for any heavy 3d work. 512 MB ram is what I would say is bare minimum for xp. The CPU should run XP just fine.
I would talk with them and see what they think about just getting a newer computer being that it's 5 years old now.
The bios was probably set to use 128 meg of ram for video: 512 - 128 = 384.
I am actually running an Athlon 64 +3200 at home with 2 gig memory and a x1950 pro video card. I still use it as my main game computer all though I am finding some of the new games are quite rough on it- Shift being unplayable on it.