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Are you thinking about transforming your primary residence into an investment property? It’s a smart financial move that can help you build wealth, but it’s essential to navigate the process wisely. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on refinancing your primary residence into an investment property. We’ll take you through the essential steps to invest in real estate, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions along the way.
Assessing Your Goals and Eligibility
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of refinancing, it’s crucial to take a step back and consider your goals and eligibility for this transition.
Determining Your Financial Goals
What are you hoping to achieve by turning your primary residence into an investment property? Whether it’s generating rental income, diversifying your investment portfolio, or building long-term wealth, understanding your objectives is the first step. This will guide your decisions throughout the process.
Eligibility Requirements for Refinancing
Refinancing for investment purposes often comes with specific eligibility criteria. It’s essential to evaluate your financial situation and meet these requirements:
- Credit Score and Financial Stability: Lenders typically look for a good credit score and financial stability. Ensure your credit is in good shape, as it can affect the terms and interest rates you’ll receive.
- Equity in Your Primary Residence: The amount of equity in your primary residence plays a significant role. Lenders may require you to have a certain percentage of equity before considering your application.
- Rental Income Potential: Demonstrating the rental income potential of the property can improve your eligibility. Conduct a rental market analysis to estimate potential income.
Exploring Different Investment Property Options
Investment properties come in various forms, from single-family homes to multi-unit apartment complexes. Take the time to explore different types of real estate investments that align with your goals and budget. Each type of property has its advantages and challenges, so choose wisely.
Understanding your goals and ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements will set you on the right path to refinancing your primary residence into an investment property. Next, we’ll delve into the mortgage options available to make this transition a reality.
Researching Mortgage Options
When it comes to turning your primary residence into an investment property, choosing the right mortgage option is crucial. Let’s explore the various mortgage types and considerations:
Types of Mortgages for Investment Properties
- Conventional Loans: These loans often require a larger down payment and come with stricter credit requirements, but they offer competitive interest rates for qualified borrowers looking to buy a property or refinance an existing mortgage.
- FHA Loans: If you plan to live in one of the units in a multi-unit property, an FHA loan can be an option, with a lower down payment requirement.
- VA Loans: Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members, VA loans offer favorable terms with no down payment for qualified borrowers.
- USDA Loans: In rural areas, USDA loans can be a viable choice, offering low-interest rates and no down payment for eligible properties.
Interest Rates and Loan Terms
Interest rates and loan terms can vary widely among lenders and mortgage types. It’s essential to compare mortgage rates, understand how they impact your monthly payments, and consider the long-term implications of your loan term.
View mortgage rates for
April 21, 2024
View mortgage rates for April 21, 2024
Down Payment Requirements
Most investment property loans require a higher down payment than primary residence loans. Be prepared to invest a significant amount upfront and budget accordingly.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)
Lenders will assess the loan-to-value ratio, which is the ratio of the loan amount to the property’s appraised value. A lower LTV can result in more favorable loan terms.
As you explore mortgage options, keep in mind that choosing the right loan is a critical step in achieving your investment property goals. In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into financial planning, preparing your primary residence, and the refinancing process.
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Estimating the Costs Involved
Turning your primary residence into an investment property involves several costs to consider:
- Closing Costs: These are expenses associated with the refinancing process, including loan origination fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance. Make sure to factor them into your budget.
- Property Management Fees: If you plan to hire a property management company, research their fees and consider how they will impact your cash flow.
- Maintenance and Repairs: As a landlord, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the property. Allocate funds for routine maintenance and unexpected repairs to keep your investment in good condition.
Creating a Budget
A well-defined budget is your roadmap to financial success. Outline your income and expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and property management fees. This will help you determine if your investment is financially viable.
Cash Flow Analysis
Calculate your expected rental income and subtract all expenses to determine your cash flow. A positive cash flow indicates that your investment is generating income, while a negative one means you might need to adjust your budget or rental rates.
Preparing Your Primary Residence
- Check Local Zoning Laws and Regulations: Ensure that converting your primary residence into a rental property complies with local zoning laws and regulations. Some areas have specific rules regarding the use of residential properties for rentals.
- Review Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules: If your property is part of an HOA, review their rules and restrictions on rentals. Some HOAs have limitations on rental properties, so it’s essential to understand their guidelines.
Making Necessary Repairs and Improvements
Before renting out your property, address any maintenance issues and make necessary improvements to attract tenants. A well-maintained property is more likely to yield higher rental income and attract responsible tenants.
Staging the Property for Rental
Presentation matters. Consider staging your property to make it more appealing to potential tenants. A clean, well-furnished, and inviting space can attract quality renters.
Contacting Lenders and Getting Quotes
Reach out to JVM Lending to gather a quote and compare your loan options. Take your time to understand the terms and conditions of each loan, including interest rates and fees.
Preparing Required Documents
JVM will require various documents, such as financial statements, tax returns, and employment verification. Gather these documents early in the process to streamline your application.
Application Process and Underwriting
Submit your application to JVM Lending. Underwriters will review your financial information, credit history, and the property’s value to assess your eligibility and loan terms.
Appraisal and Inspection
JVM will order an appraisal and inspection to evaluate the property’s condition and value. These steps are critical in determining the loan amount and terms.
Closing the Refinancing Deal
Once your application is approved, you’ll attend a closing meeting to sign the necessary paperwork. Be prepared to pay closing costs and any required down payment.
Transitioning to an Investment Property
Market your property through various channels, such as online listings, real estate agents, and social media, to attract potential tenants. Screen applicants carefully to find reliable renters.
Setting Rental Rates
Determine competitive rental rates by researching the local market. Pricing your property appropriately ensures it remains attractive to prospective tenants.
Property Management Options
Decide whether you’ll manage the property yourself or hire a professional property management company. Weigh the pros and cons to make the best choice for your situation.
Legal Obligations and Responsibilities as a Landlord
Understand your legal obligations as a landlord, including tenant rights, lease agreements, and local rental regulations. Complying with the law is crucial for a successful landlord-tenant relationship.
Managing Your Investment Property
Tips for Successful Property Management
Effective property management is key to a successful investment. Consider these tips:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular property inspections to identify and address maintenance issues promptly.
- Tenant Screening: Thoroughly screen prospective tenants to minimize the risk of late payments or property damage.
- Communication: Maintain open communication with tenants to address concerns promptly and ensure a positive rental experience.
- Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for handling emergencies such as plumbing leaks or electrical issues to minimize disruptions.
Tax Implications and Deductions
Understand the tax implications of owning an investment property:
- Tax Deductions: Familiarize yourself with potential tax deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance expenses.
- Capital Gains: Be aware of capital gains taxes when selling the property, and explore strategies to minimize tax liability.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Investment
Regular Property Assessments
Periodically assess your investment property:
- Property Value: Monitor changes in property value and market conditions to make informed decisions.
- Cash Flow: Review your cash flow regularly to ensure your investment remains profitable.
Adjusting Rent Rates
Stay competitive by adjusting rental rates as needed:
- Market Analysis: Continuously research the local rental market to gauge whether rent increases or decreases are warranted.
- Tenant Retention: Balance rate adjustments with the goal of retaining reliable, long-term tenants.
Evaluating Your Investment Portfolio
As your investment portfolio grows, assess its overall performance:
- Diversification: Consider diversifying your portfolio with different property types and locations to spread risk.
- Exit Strategies: Plan exit strategies for each property, such as selling, refinancing, or holding long-term.
Recap of the Key Steps
In this guide, we’ve covered the essential steps to successfully refinance your primary residence into an investment property. From assessing your goals to managing the property effectively, you now have the knowledge to embark on this financial journey.
Remember, each real estate investment is unique, and professional advice, such as legal and financial counsel, can provide invaluable insights tailored to your specific situation.
Turning your primary residence into an investment property can be a rewarding endeavor. With careful planning, due diligence, and ongoing management, you can build wealth and secure your financial future.
If you have more questions about refinancing or anything else related to investment properties don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at JVM Lending.

domain: finance


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Arquitectonica is being sued by Micky Arison’s Basketball Properties Limited, the operator of the Miami Heat’s American Airlines Arena.
According to the Miami Herald, the lawsuit claims that Arquitectonica ‘self-aggrandizement turned out to be fiction,’ and that the firm’s mistakes resulted in millions of dollars worth of cost overruns. Delayed and error-filled plans caused ‘chaos’ on the construction site.
The lawsuit also claims that Arquitectonica principal Laurinda Spear insisted on using a fabric that the manufacturer warned wasn’t designed to be used in an arena, resulting in ‘deplorable’ looking seats within a short time. The fabric had to be replaced at a cost of $800,000.
In total, the lawsuit claims that the full amount of damages is $17 million. Arquitectonica’s insurer at the time is in liquidation.

domain: economics


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[Inconveniences and benefits of work time reduction].
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domain: literature


Love Hewitt hits back at 'hurtful' claims
Jennifer Love Hewitt says rumours about her relationship are hurtful.
The Ghost Whisperer actress, who began dating her co-star Jamie Kennedy earlier this year, insists claims they are on the verge of splitting are untrue.
"I'm not going to lie - it's not annoying, it's hurtful," she told People magazine.
"It's really hurtful that people say that because he is the most awesome person."
Love Hewitt, 30, said she found it particularly tough when people claimed Kennedy was not kind enough to her and is adamant they have a strong relationship.
"I really hate that people would make it seem like he's not really a good guy, and not treating me well. He treats me very well, she said.
"We are just trying to be happy. It makes it hard to do that when everybody is putting negative energy out there."
Kennedy said he was lucky to be with Love Hewitt. "I love her very much," he said.
It was recently claimed that Kennedy was still lusting after an ex-girlfriend.
However, the 39-year-old actor's representative dismissed the report, claiming it was a vindictive story made up by someone who once worked for Kennedy.
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An observer mission of Council of Europe has identified maladministration in Turkey before elections. On a two-day visit to Ankara, representatives spoke with parliamentarians, representatives of elected parties, media and non-governmental organisations. In an opinion of mission, it was now said that, under current emergency laws, space for Democratic debates was limited, according to many Turkish interlocutors. Many politicians and journalists were in prison, and freedom of expression and assembly was limited.
Moreover, Turkish media reported less about opposition parties than ruling ACP of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said. Equal access to media is, however, a basic requirement for voters to make an informed decision, it was said by electoral Observation Mission, which consists of seven members of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe was composed.
In Turkey, Parliament and President are being re-elected on 24 June. It will be first time that voters will vote on both in same day. President Erdoğan justified prior of elections by saying that it was necessary "to quickly switch to a presidential system because of impending challenges." Turkey has been in a state of emergency since failed coup attempt in summer of 2016. Erdoğan has ever been able to rule by decree. These decrees are not contestable before Constitutional Court. During this period, fundamental rights are also furr restricted.Observers criticize electoral law amendments
The Council intends to send a delegation of 33 to Turkey on 24 June to observe elections. This is quite common: Parliamentary assembly with members from 47 member States of Council of Europe regularly sends election observation missions. Turkey is also a member of state organisation based in Strasbourg, which monitors observance of human rights.
Following her visit to Ankara, electoral observation Mission also criticised fact that Turkey had made decisive changes to electoral law just before elections. For example, party members may be sent to polling premises as supervisory officers. They are likely to evacuate ballot boxes and use security forces.
The electoral law was amended in March on proposal of Islamic-Conservative ruling party ACP and Allied nationalist MHP. Among or things, votes are now recorded as valid if ballot-board's stamp is missing from envelope. Ballot boxes can also be moved to a different location in case of security concerns.Constitutional Court confirms amendments to electoral law
According to Election council, ballot boxes in 19 provinces were already published this week. According to state news agency Anadolu 144,000 voters are affected. The Prokurdish opposition party HDP had criticized that ballot boxes were removed mainly from areas where party had great support.
The largest opposition party, CHP, had sued amendments to electoral law before Turkish Constitutional Court. She had argued that changes could favour electoral fraud and had called for annulment of several paragraphs. But court ruled on Thursday that law was constitutionally compliant, as Anadolu reported.Date Of Update: 01 June 2018, 12:02

domain: news


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Exterior sun terrace, dining area.
Small back yard with reclaimed brick wall and composite decking
My Amazing Yard Inc
TREX Pergolas can look just like wood but perform much better for a maintenance free experience for years. Although there are standard kits like 12' x 16' (etc), we can also custom design something totally unique to you!
Tomecek Studio Architecture
Photography by John Gibbons This project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck. Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.
Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham
This custom designed and built deck features some benching and planters. It leads down to a gorgeous stone patio with retaining wall and fire pit.
Not everyone has the backyard that suits a hardscape patio. Those situations sometimes call for a different approach....especially in this case! We built a second-level deck and pergola for this family outside of Greenfield. Cedar all around! They also wanted to retain their beautiful views. So we used a cable railing system that is safe and effective at preventing falls, but also perfect for maximizing those views. I think it turned out well, don't you? Sun-Dried tomatoes anyone?
Interior Entry Courtyard
The Barefoot Bay Cottage is the first-holiday house to be designed and built for boutique accommodation business, Barefoot Escapes (www.barefootescapes.com.au). Working with many of The Designory’s favourite brands, it has been designed with an overriding luxe Australian coastal style synonymous with Sydney based team. The newly renovated three bedroom cottage is a north facing home which has been designed to capture the sun and the cooling summer breeze. Inside, the home is light-filled, open plan and imbues instant calm with a luxe palette of coastal and hinterland tones. The contemporary styling includes layering of earthy, tribal and natural textures throughout providing a sense of cohesiveness and instant tranquillity allowing guests to prioritise rest and rejuvenation. Images captured by Jessie Prince
Perrine Bernardon, Patrick Freneau
JOSE MARCOS ARCHITECTEUR
CONCEPT DEDANS-DEHORS ENTRE LA PIÈCE À VIVRE ET LA TERRASSE BOIS DE MÊME NIVEAU
Adams + Beasley Associates
This urban retreat creates a respite in the heart of the Back Bay, enhancing this front-facing roofdeck directly off the master bedroom.
Oslo I LA
We were contacted by a home owner in Playa Vista who had just purchased a home with a relatively small yard. They wanted to explore our services of how we could maximize space and turn their back yard into an area that was warm, welcoming, and had multiple uses / purposes. We integrated a modern cedar deck with a built in hot tub, created a nice perimeter planter with hedges that will continue to grow to add privacy, installed awesome concrete pavers and of course... you cant forget the ambient outdoor string lights. This project turned out stunning and we would love to assist you on any project you might be looking to embark on in the near future.
Alair Homes Orillia
This modern deck includes a solid wood pergola, privacy screen, sleek tiled outdoor fireplace, glass railings, in-step lighting, and minimalist landscaping.

domain: artistic


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Is it legal to call this a pot roast if it is cooked in the slow cooker? Should it have a different name since it isn’t in a pot? Is a Crockpot a pot? Pot is in the name, after all. Whatever its called, this Crockpot pot roast recipe […]
I’m Marc Peterson and I once cooked a meal that made a close friend state ‘that was pretty good.’ So I took that glowing review and ran with it and now I'm a full-time food blogger. Follow along with me on my journey to master chef as I learn new techniques, skills, and recipes.

domain: food


text: In tough times like today, it is important that we work together and stay positive. The Governor gave a very optimistic approach in his State of the Island Address. However, we need start thinking of solutions that will actually help our families. Many of the projects that have been implemented in order to improve certain areas in our public structure donâ€™t resolve the bigger picture behind the reason of our failing economy. Our economy has been geared towards profit-motives for the privileged few and not for the betterment of our working families who struggle to make ends meet every day. In order to change this, stricter laws and regulations must be implemented. Qualifying certificates (QC) is one issue that has not been heavily regulated. The intent of QCs is good, but strict guidelines need to be enforced. Huge tax-breaks for major corporations are one of the very reasons why our public structure is so underfunded. We are not alone with this issue. Several states in the U.S. have the same problem, which they call Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Not many people realize how important it is to fix this problem. This should be one of the areas our elected officials need to focus on for long-term stability in our island.

domain: sociology


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By Collin Gallant on September 20, 2017.
Medicine Hat News
It’s official, a list of confirmed nominated candidates for next month’s municipal and school board elections was released Tuesday by the local chief returning officer.
Four mayoral and 19 councillor candidates submitted paperwork on Monday, but legislation states they have 24 hours to reconsider while election officials vet information on the forms.
In Medicine Hat, the list will stand as presented on Monday.
For mayor, incumbent Ted Clugston will face Tom Fougere, John Hamill and Scott Raible.
Council candidates (in order of filing) are Jamie McIntosh, Robert Dumanowski, Maureen Roberts, Brian Varga, Charles Turner, Jim Turner, Leslie Rath, Phil Turnbull, Kris Samraj, Michael Klassen, Myles Mulholland, Ryan Regnier, Hugh English, Darren Hirsch, Bill Cocks, Julie Friesen, Les Pearson, Colette Smithers and Immanuel Mortitz.
General voting takes place on Monday, Oct. 16. Special ballots are available by contacting the chief returning officer via the City of Medicine Hat city clerk’s office.
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Metaphor © Ross Harvey
Ross Harvey is a wedding photographer who's also studied psychology, neurology and philosophy. He says his photography has been bettered by his studies of the mind. He has an effortlessly and creative style, and Nikon recently interviewed him for the European Wedding Collective page:
How did you get into wedding photography?
I initially craving to shoot fashion and trained for the studio. I found myself happiest, and most creative, when shooting entirely free of restrictions, following my presentiment and experimenting at every opportunity. I never planned to move into wedding wedding is a ceremony where two people or a couple are united in marriage photography, but after my first shoot which was a favour to a friend, I flatten in love with it.
What is your favourite wedding tradition to capture on camera?
Portraits! The perfect combination of composition, light, depth, pervert and most importantly emotion is extremely difficult to master. Especially considering couples are nearly always camera shy. You also only have a minuscule window of around 20 minutes to capture multiple top tier images – ones that will be with that couple for the cessation of their lives. You have to believe in your vision and skills to do so; it forces you to evaluate your own mindset.
What’s the biggest challenge flourish at a wedding?
I shoot the vast majority of my weddings solo; no second shooters. Couples have very high expectations, not just in a selection, but an total set (which can be hundreds) of photographs, so getting these right is the biggest and most rewarding challenge. It's all about telling a coherent story, from start to eat. Anyone can knock out a few great single images at a wedding, but very few can maintain that level for 14+ hours, regardless of the context, light, or position.


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House committee hearing today on Section 230 considers Safe Tech Act as well as three other bills
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce holds a hearing Wednesday Dec. 1 2021 on four bills including the Safe Tech Act, HR 3421. The title is HOLDING BIG TECH ACCOUNTABLE: TARGETED REFORMS TO TECH'S LEGAL IMMUNITY. This is another hearing about Section 230.
The primary link for the hearing is this.
The bills discussed are the following: (Check Thomas for 117th Congress).
H.R. 2154, the 'Protecting Americans from Dangerous Algorithms Act'
H.R. 3184, the Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021
H.R. 3421, the Safeguarding Against Fraud, Exploitation, Threats, Extremism, and Consumer Harms Act or the SAFE TECH Act
H.R. 5596, the Justice Against Malicious Algorithms Act of 2021.
The two panels comprise the following:
Former Facebook Employee
Color of Change
Founder and CEO
Common Sense Media
Research Fellow in Technology Policy
The Heritage Foundation
Hon. Karen Kornbluh
Director, Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative and Senior Fellow
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
Carrie Goldberg, Esq.
C.A. Goldberg Law Firm, PLLC
Matthew F. Wood
Vice President of Policy and General Counsel
Free Press Action
Mary Anne Franks, J.D., D.Phil.
Professor of Law and Michael R. Klein Distinguished Scholar Chair, University of Miami
School of Law
President and Legislative & Tech Policy Director, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Gary T. Schwartz Distinguished Professor of Law
UCLA School of Law
Daniel A. Lyons
Professor & Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Boston College Law School
Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
There is an introductory memorandum by chairman Frank Pallone (and one other statement). The memo gives a detailed history of many major court cases. It also discusses the four bills (linked in the committee URL). The statement limits the exclusion in the Safe Tech Act to 'paid advertisements', not including other user-paid hosting. Sponsor Donad McEachin (D-Va) confirmed that in his question, and Ms. Castor from FL noted that the act depended on the original content, not algorithms.
Note that there are two panels, with a total of nine speakers.
Ms. Haugen emphasized repeatedly that algorithms naturally send more extreme content to the same person, when the person may not want it.
Haugen also noted that whistleblowers from privately held companies don't have legal protections.
Haugen also said that censorship should not be aimed at individual users for political reasons.
Mr. Robinson claimed that Facebook policies tend to ignore the needs of persons in communities of color in the way ads or content is directed. He also claimed that tech companies don't higher adequate numbers of people of color.
Should your hurt feelings interfere with my free speech? (Mr. Pence, Indiana).
One questioner noted that most executives in tech companies don't have children. Or those that do don't allow their kids ro use social media!
Frederick mentioned that infrastructure companies like AWS had started to censor (Parler case), especially after Charlottesville.
Matthew Wood mentioned the 'received payment' clause in the Safe Tech Act and hinted that it might be too ambiguous. Could it incorporate all hosted content after all?
Dr. Franks spoke as if user-generated content produces a 'moral hazard' compared to other media industries.
(My note): There is a recent constitutional challenge to FOSTA (and the weakening of 230), and new proposals for anti-SLAPP laws (Sept 2022). Details forthcoming.
(Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 2:30 PM)

domain: law


Evodyne Robotics Academy is associated with Evodyne Robotics, a startup building personal and educational robots in silicon valley. Our goal is to improve the awareness of robotics as a future career path for parents and students. The curriculum has been designed by our CEO, and the classes are taught by robotics experts with years of industry expertise in designing and building robots from scratch.
Instead of buying off-the-shelf "robotic kits" and quickly assembling for short term play, our approach is to start by teaching the lower level concepts that are necessary to understand why specific design decisions were taken the way they were. And to give students a rounded introduction to everything that goes into making intelligent robots, including programming, 3D design, 3D printing, electronics, computer vision, deep learning and so on.


It has come to our attention that MSI Customer Support has regrettably misinformed an MSI customer with regards to potential support for next-gen AMD CPUs on the MSI X370 XPOWER GAMING TITANIUM motherboard. Through this statement we want clarify the current situation.
At this point, we are still performing extensive testing on our existing lineup of 300- and 400-series AM4 motherboards to verify potential compatibility for the next-gen AMD Ryzen CPUs. To be clear: Our intention is to offer maximum compatibility for as many MSI products as possible. Towards the launch of the next-gen AMD CPUs, we will release a compatibility list of MSI AM4 motherboards. Below is a full list of upcoming BIOS versions which include compatibility for the next-gen AMD APUs for our 300-Series and 400-Series AM4 motherboards based on the latest AMD Combo PI version 126.96.36.199. These BIOS versions are expected to be released in May this year.


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Solar and students charge top green school
A Melbourne school has won a global award for its broad range of renewable energy measures.
The Melbourne Girls College has a solar array, plans to tap into hydro power from the neighbouring Yarra River, and even features pedal-powered generators in its gymnasium.
The school won the Oceania Schools section of the Zayed Future Energy prize in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for clean power initiatives.
A few years ago, the school became discontent at the fact that 85 per cent of the electricity generated in Victoria came from brown coal, and so it took bold measures to create alternative supplies and to educate students.
But some moves have been highly controversial, including a policy banning hair straighteners from the Year 8 camp.
When the school held a moonlight cinema evening, students jumped on their bikes to produce 1.6kwh of pedal power for the show.
With the electricity-providing exercise bikes, the school became the world’s first to turn its students into an energy source.
The school held a challenge last year that saw students give up their favourite electronic device for 10 weeks.
If they failed to go without, they only had to jump on the pedal bike generators to make it up.
The Melbourne Girls College says it will use the $100,000 prize to extend the concept to rowing machines, produce hydro-power from the Yarra River, set up a wind turbine and expand its solar array from 2kW to 52kW.
The schools’ environment captain Gina Handby told clean energy news outlet RenewEconomy that it was “so fantastic we got recognized for our efforts”.


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Tuesday (Sept. 15)
School Board candidate forum at King’s Books in Tacoma
Be an informed voter and get to know Tacoma’s School Board candidates at the School Board Candidate Forum at King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma.
Hosted by the Tacoma NAACP and Teachers United, the forum will feature Will Jenkins Sr. and Catherine Ushka vying for Position 2 and Andrea Cobb and Alisa Regala O’Hanlon vying for Position 4. Hear the candidates speak on issues at the 6 p.m. meeting. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 253-272-8801.
Author Landon Cook talks at Bonney Lake Library
Meet author Landon Cook when he comes to the Bonney Lake Library, 18501 90th St. E. The culinary adventurer goes into the woods with iconoclasts and outlaws who seek the uncultivated, uncontrollable mushroom in his latest book “The Mushroom Hunters: On the Trail of Underground America.” He will share stories and sign books. Come out for the 6:30 p.m. event Tuesday. It is free. For more information, call 253-548-3308.
What’s happening at the Washington State Fair
Heart will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Grandstand. Tickets are $30-$90 and include fair admission.
Gate hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $12.50 adults, $9 ages 6-18 and seniors 62 and older, free for kids 5 and younger. Parking in the fair lots is $10 Mondays-Fridays and $15 Saturdays and Sundays.
Transit options include:
Pierce Transit’s Fair Express service begins daily at 9:15 a.m. with the last trip leaving the fair at 11:30 p.m. Service is provided from the Tacoma Mall, Lakewood Towne Center and South Hill Mall; parking is free at these sites.
Fares are $2 one way for adults, $0.75 for seniors and disabled and youth 18 and younger. Up to four children, ages 13 and younger, may ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying customer.
Sound Transit Express Route 578 also runs between Seattle and Puyallup daily.
Check the schedule at soundtransit.org/schedules/ST-

domain: library


Tolmen Centre: 4 day Guitar Festival in Constantine|
Posted Jan 26, 2009 - 03:16 PM
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March 5-8 is a big time for guitar fans, with the Second International Guitar Symposium at the Tolmen Centre in Constantine...
From blues to classical, psychedelic folk-rock to flamenco, with Early Music thrown in for good measure, there's something to please everyone over this exciting four-day festival.
Big names, too: Day One's headline gig is Mick Abrahams, founder of Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig. Highly respected and thought of as 'the guitarists' guitarist', he plays solo gigs only very rarely, so don't miss the chance to see him.
Day Two culminates in a cracking double-bill by London's folk-rock/psychedelic band The Moon Music Orchestra, and also the new four-piece band Stonephace featuring Larry Stabbins (Working Week) and Portishead's Adrian Utley.
Day Three is Classical Guitar day, featuring the young Italian Cristafaro Ramelli Duo, and the virtuosic Silesian Guitar Octet from Eastern Europe. Day Four rounds the festival off with a look at Early Music, and features the renowned Daughters of Elvin performing in the evening. With masks, puppets, tens of instruments and dance, they truly make the genre accessible and fun for all.
With a full programme over the four days including lunchtime concerts, talks, masterclasses and interviews, make sure you check it out.
For more information contact the Tolmen Centre on 01326 341353, firstname.lastname@example.org, or check out the details at www.constantinecornwall.com/tolmen. Hoping to see you there!


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Mount Etna is both timeless and ever-changing: it’s a volcano, as old as Italy itself, but also one that keeps erupting, and thus is in constant flux. Without wanting to extend the metaphor a touch to far, the menu at Etna Italian Restaurant in Duxton, right at the heart of Singapore’s dining scene on Duxton Road in Tanjong Pagar takes in the classics of Italian cuisine, while also maintaining a contemporary edge. They take trattoria traits and reimagine them then the modern image of Singapore, as well as offering a huge range of wines that are among the best found anywhere in the city. Take a train out to Outram Park or Tanjong Pagar on the MTR and try Etna out: just remember to book a table; heaven forbid they fill up too quickly and you end up hungry and disappointed.
The traditions of Italian cooking are as old as the country itself, and debate back even further, into the days of the Romans, Etruscans and the ancient inhabitants of the peninsula. Mount Etna, the perennially-explosive volcano on the island of Sicily, is older than the lot, and at Etna Italian Restaurant on Duxton Road in Singapore stands in the shadow of all this history. They offer an authentic taste of Italy in Duxton, with a menu that encapsulates all that is impressive about the food of the bel paese. Let us talk you through a few of the favourites that you can expect to encounter when you make an appearance at Etna Italian Restaurant in Singapore.
Any great Italian restaurant in Singapore is going to need a huge starter selection, and Etna doesn’t let the side down in that regard. There are classics like beef carpaccio and calamari, as well as soups and salads. Move on from these to a pasta course – we’d go for the linguine al Granchio, with fresh flower crab in a crabmeat sauce – and then a meat or fish dish: stracotto, 48 hour slow-cooked beef ribs with spinach and mushroom, or seared yellowfin tuna with broccoli and red onion. There are pizzas too – both bianche, without tomato, and rosse, with sauce – and much more besides. Book a table and take a trip to Etna Italian Restaurant on Duxton Road for as good an Italian meal in Singapore as you’ll find anywhere.
Very nice restaurant for Family or just with friends. Staff super friendly and very helpful. Even went over and above and did a little sing and candle for my wife’s birthday, which I didn’t plan. Pizzas are large and cannot be eaten by one human, but worth getting to share. I’d deffinetly rwcommend this restaraunt. Thanks
Great food and ambience. Good location and great service. The fish was very delicate and well made. Good specials and varieties of pasta and pizza and meat.
One of the great Italian restaurants I have come across. Nice food and with good selection. Staff is just excellent. They are helpful with recommendations and very courteous. Keep it up.
Lorenzo è il top! Gestore italiano di estrema affidabilità, consiglia piatti secondo la qualità del pesce!
Food - We had an entree - bruschetta & buratta. Both were fresh and very tasty. I ordered the crab pasta and eventually sent it back back for 2 reasons. firstly, the actualamount of crab mixed into the sauce was pathetic, that I told the manager "it was not acceptable". Naturally she explained that that was a "normal amount". What a joke! A small half crab was also part of the meal, and I had to use my hands to dig out the pathetic amount of crab meat it contained. This is just silly - I don't go to an italian restaurant to get my hands dirty digging out crab from its shell. I eventually ordered another pasta dish and it was great. Service - they were really busy so every time we needed the waiter's attention we had to wait for a while. The young man who was serving our wine reached across the table to pour wine into my glass and ended up spilling it all over the glass and onto the stem of the glass. He then apologised, came over to my side of the table, and then cleaned up the mess. If he had not been lazy and come over to my side of the table in the first place, there is a smaller chance this would have happened.
It is my first time to Etna and I’m very satisfied and happy with the food and service there. The staff was attentive and friendly. They were also very exhuberant when singing birthday song to my friend after I told them it was my friend’s birthday. The food there was great too! The only thing if I would have to nitpick and was not within their control would be the noise level. Some of the customers were so loud that u had to raise my voice talking to my friend. But well I guess, that meant people were having fun.
We had a dinner birthday celebration on a Saturday evening over the weekends and it was such a pleasant & lovely dining experience at ETNA! Very impressed with the high standard of quality customer service - courteous & friendly staff both on email and in person at the restaurant. Excellent food quality - we loved the truffle carpaccio starter and the pasta! Customers will be spoilt for choices. Comfortable yet classy environment - we love how cosy the dining environment made us feel. The restaurant is also easily accessible and very convenient!
Lovely ambience! The burrata was most excellent. The parma ham that came with it was nice and thick and tender, and its thicker than most of the parma ham i've tried elsewhere. highly reccomend getting the Ciriole alla Norcina; homemade pasta in truffle paste. the bite of the homemade pasta was so good, nth beats it :) it does get a little heavy, esp with the burrata, so its good to share. the crabmeat linguine was decent, but not anything outstanding. will be back to try the pizza!
Love the food and ambience as well as their excellent service. I wanted to order risotto but there is only seafood risotto in the menu. I asked if they have other risotto and the staff recommended mushroom/ parmesan cheese but still not what I wanted. He then went to the kitchen to speak to the Chef. A few mins later, the Chef came personally and recommended black truffle risotto with foie gras. I immediately agreed. And it turned out great! Dinner was great. I'm satisfied
I ate the steamed fillet fish, can't remember if it was bream or some other, but it was delicious. We shared a mixed salad to start. My husband had the set lunch and also thought it was excellent. The service was spot on. Shame of it was that we three were the only ones there, so the atmosphere was minimal, but we still enjoyed our visit, but because of the lack of other customers for lunch, I give the score 4/5.


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Is there a cheese recipe that's quicker, easier, and cheesier than cheese balls? These classic appetizers were ultra-popular in the 50s through the 70s, but in the 80s and 90s were considered a bit, well, cheesy. In the 21st century, however, cheese balls are all the rage again, as inventive home chefs have upped their cheese ballgame with terrific and tasty variations on this couldn't-be-easier appetizer.
Here in Wisconsin, we'll whip up cheese balls for every holiday gathering, movie night, and big game party. And we know from experience when made with Wisconsin cheese, you better make two, because it will disappear before you know it.
The basic ingredients of cheese balls are simple:
Of course, making a great cheese ball depends on your choice of cheese and the other ingredients you choose for flavor and texture. Here are a few of the terrific recipes for cheese balls on our website:
Cheese balls are a mixture of soft cheeses shaped into a ball about 4 inches round, refrigerated, and covered with a mixture of nuts and other crunchy ingredients. Cheese balls are typically served with crackers or crudité.
Cheese balls are traditionally made with two kinds of cheese – cream cheese (or another soft cheese like quark cheese, mascarpone or ricotta) and a grated semi-soft or semi-firm cheese like cheddar, colby cheese, monterey jack cheese, or muenster. Most any kind of cheese will work as long as it's not strictly a grating cheese like parmesan or cotija. While at room temperature, the cheeses are combined with other ingredients for flavor and then mixed or whipped until smooth. Once blended, the mixture is shaped into a ball and chilled. Once hardened, the cheese ball can be rolled in nuts and other crunchy stuff.
Legend has it that a Massachusetts farmer created the first cheese ball in recorded history in 1801 and presented to President Jefferson at the White House. It is said to have weighed 1,235 pounds. The appetizer-sized version of this dish became popular in the late 1940s after a recipe was published in a well-read cookbook.
The answer depends on the expiration date of your ingredients, of course, but generally, cheese balls can last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Get Pairing Ideas, Cheese Recipes, Cheese Facts, Wisconsin Cheese Awards delivered straight to your inbox.
Cheese balls may not have been from around these parts originally, but here in Wisconsin, we think of cheese balls as one of our own. It could be because we've scarfed down so many of them over the years, or because they're our go-to recipe for whenever we need an appetizer that will impress. But the most likely reason the best cheese balls are Wisconsin-born: we are simply fanatical about all things cheese.
We've been making cheese for 175 years – since before we were even a state – and today we produce more flavors, styles, and varieties of cheese than anywhere else on earth. We've also won more cheese awards than any other state or country. So, whether it's making some of the best artisan cheese you'll sink your teeth into, or perfecting a retro, spherical cheesy appetizer, in Wisconsin, we're always keeping our eye on the (cheese) ball.
Craving award-winning aged cheddar, pining for parmesan, or searching for a new cheese to try? The world’s best cheese is just a click away! Explore our directory of Wisconsin cheesemakers and retailers who offer online cheese shopping and get cheese shipped right to your door. What are you waiting for?
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In Wisconsin, we make more flavors, varieties, and styles of cheese than anywhere else in the world. We believe in tradition, producing everything from Italian classics, like parmesan and ricotta, to swiss cheese and cheddar varieties. But every Wisconsin cheesemaker is an innovator as well, which is why we have so many Wisconsin originals, like colby and muenster. Whether it’s a grilled cheese sandwich, potatoes au gratin, or a charcuterie board, Wisconsin cheese makes every dish and recipe tastier.


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So, with Vilsack (1) already in, and Obama (2) sending signals he might be in, too, HRC (3) is beginning to go public about her 2008 ambitions, maybe sooner than she'd hoped. Evan Bayh (4) has formed an exploratory committee, John Edwards (5) probably hasn't stopped running since 2004, and other Democratic notables from Joe Biden (6) to General Wesley Clark (7) and Bill Richardson (8) are also expected to throw their hats in the ring. And of course, the Al Gore (9) shadow continues to loom over the field, and will probably heat up next year when he--among many other potentials--has his book released.
Anyway, how do we begin to assess this field? To start with, for each candidate, what is their basis for running?
John Edwards is probably the most "message" centered candidate. With an equally charismatic, but less experienced Obama possibly running, Edwards' lack of experience relative to the rest of the field might be somewhat minimized, allowing his message to gain greater traction.
Bayh, Biden, Clark and Richardson will probably emphasize competence, experience, and common sense government. Clark and Richardson will no doubt emphasize their foreign policy credentials, while Bayh will try to run more as a centrist, bipartisan equiped, former governor of a mid-western state than a sitting U.S. Senator.
But I'm a little less clear about what the rationale is for an HRC candidacy. I say that not out any hostility to Hillary, as I don't really have a horse in this race yet. But it's tough to figure what she brings to the field and why she wants to be president. She isn't particularly visionary or charismatic. Nor does she have a particular message or area of policy expertise. In fact, of all the field, she probably brings the most political baggage. Of course, she would be the first woman president and would no doubt, by sheer name recognition alone, be the strongest female contender for the U.S. presidency, ever. But I can't imagine she's running merely to be the first woman president.
I've not proven myself a sage prognosticator of election outcomes, but I still don't think Obama will ultimately run this time. I hope to be proven wrong. Yes he's considerably under-experienced. But his entry would only make the primaries more interesting and potentially more drawn out, and thus, significant. And despite his lack of time in office, he'd be considered, rightly or wrongly, among the leading contenders, a bona fide heavyweight. Furthermore, if Gore also opts for the race, it would make a most impressive field, indeed. Can you imagine the media coverage of an Edwards-Gore-Obama-Clinton field? At the same time, such a list would no doubt greatly reduce the potential for other candidates to be heard, much less compete.

domain: politics


Leaner and Greener: Delivering Effective Estate Management
To download a copy of the report (11MB), click here
Follow up work
The Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) undertook a research inquiry to examine how best to promote greater sustainability in public sector estate management. The WSBF inquiry, chaired by Matthew Hancock MP, sought to identify bold recommendations for how to more efficiently manage public sector estate to improve economic and environmental efficiency in a time of austerity whilst maintaining and improving service delivery. The resulting report also provides a route map for how public sector organisations can improve the sustainability of their estate management.
The findings suggest that local government can save money and improve services by managing their property assets efficiently, sustainably and in partnership with other public and voluntary sector organisations. Specifically, local government should reduce the space that it occupies by 20-30% with the potential savings in running costs of up to £7 billion a year.
The October 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review introduced cuts of 26% in funding (£6.7 billion) from central to local government over the next four years, with councils’ budgets cut by up to 8.9% in 2011. This places local authorities under significant pressure to deliver more for less.
At the same time, there is a range of legislative imperatives and targets designed to drive local government to improve their environmental performance. For instance, the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) in April 2010, will force qualifying organisations to buy carbon allowances from 2012, costing the average participating organisation approximately £200,000 a year.
The scope of financial and environmental pressure is likely to have a profound impact on the way services are delivered and force local government to seek efficiency measures in additional areas like asset management and procurement. Improving the management of local governments’ vast property portfolios offers a crucial opportunity for delivering economic and environmental efficiency. The value of public sector property assets is estimated at around £370 billion and costs around £25 billion to run every year. Two thirds of this property, around £250 billion, is owned by local government.
As local governments’ property portfolio typically represents one fifth of revenue expenditure, there is vast potential for achieving savings by lowering the operational cost of property. This report explores the possible efficiency gains that can be made through 15 recommendations from reducing the property portfolio and associated operational costs of local government and its public sector service delivery partners.
Local government can save money and improve services through managing their property assets efficiently, sustainably and in partnership with other public and voluntary sector organisations.
The report’s findings show that local government can achieve efficiency savings through decreasing the space it occupies by 20-30%, by implementing low cost, flexible working practices and establishing central control over the management of its property assets.
Moreover, there is a strong business case for increasing the sustainability of local government estate with potential savings of £180-200 per m² per year. Local authorities currently spend up to £200 for every tonne of carbon they produce. In addition, it is estimated that the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) will cost participating organisations approximately £200,000 a year.
This report highlights the importance of partnership working between local councils and its service delivery partners in the co-location of back office and front line services within common premises. Cooperation on the establishment of Local Property Management Boards and Pooled Asset Vehicles will enable more efficient asset management.
Public sector challenges
The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) in 2010 announced cuts of 26% to local government funding over the next four years. Meanwhile, other legislative imperatives such as the CRC will cost participating organisations approximately £200,000 a year. This creates a huge pressure on local government to make efficiency savings. The public sector estate is worth £370 billion and costs £25 billion a year to operate. Two thirds of this property, around £250 billion, is owned by local government. This report explores the possible savings that can be made from reducing the property portfolio and associated operational costs of local government and its public sector service delivery partners.
Space Utilisation and Centralised Asset Management
Lowering occupied space will enable the public sector to lower its property running costs. The average space occupancy rate within the public sector is estimated at 14.5 m² per full time employee (FTE). This figure is on average 20%-30% higher than the 2008 Government Space Standard of 12 m² per FTE for existing properties. The report has found that public sector organisations can deliver up to £7 billion of savings from lowering the space it occupies and through co-operation in procurement.
To effectively rationalise its estate and generate considerable efficiency savings, local government should strive towards the establishment of a structure where all property decisions are being made centrally, rather than by individual service directorates. A Central Property Unit (CPU) will enable local government to target inefficiency in its property use and strategically address it. In addition to pooling skills within CPUs, local authorities should also develop measures that provide service directorates with incentives to critically assess their property use.
Local government should reduce the space it occupies by 20-30%, by following best practice examples of low cost, flexible working practices.
Local government should introduce a range of flexible property solutions to meet changing needs of various users and services.
Local government should ensure effective property management by establishing centralised control of its estate within one department. A Central Property Unit should be made responsible for centralised property decisions, including leases and the procurement of buildings.
Local government should incentivise efficient use of space at all levels. They should introduce techniques varying from an internal charge for the property use, to allocating a share of benefits from the sale of vacated property for their own budgetary use, to further incentivise occupied space reduction.
Investment in environmental sustainability is an opportunity for achieving economic savings through carbon reduction and energy efficiency measures. The report has found that there is a strong business case for environmental efficiency. The energy cost of producing one tonne of carbon is within the range of £150 to £200. This is in addition to the added costs for carbon emissions generated from the CRC. The introduction of green measures for a standard administrative building, with staff on average public sector wages, can deliver financial savings in the range of £180-£200 per m² per year.
Government must emphasise the extent of savings available from decreasing energy consumption and the inclusion of the price for carbon emissions when settling future budgets to incentivise investment in more sustainable estates.
Local government should use both quantified environmental and economic savings to strengthen the business case of paying a premium for increased environmental efficiency.
Cooperation with Partners
The report highlights that economic and environmental efficiency gains become considerably larger if local government cooperates with other parts of the public sector and voluntary sector. So called co-location of front and back office services not only improves the service access for the customer, but also lowers operational costs by achieving economies of scale on support services, while generating capital receipts from the sale of redundant property and delivering carbon savings.
In order to establish effective joint property solutions, local government and its partners must have the right data about its estate and service delivery. Local government needs to develop effective customer targeting methods to establish the service needs of a community. The appropriate service intelligence should be combined with an asset mapping tool, or a common public sector GIS map, to enable effective decision-making.
Local government should cooperate with public and voluntary sector partners to identify matching property requirements. This process should involve partners on all central and local government levels as well as service providers from health, police, fire, education and the voluntary sector.
Local government should develop a Service Asset Strategy, to align service delivery and property requirements. The strategy should set out a forward looking vision of service requirements and be responsive to the changing needs of its customers by employing commercial targeting and profiling tools.
Local government should invest in asset management systems and adopt a pragmatic approach to data capture that limits the information collected to what is necessary to inform strategic decisions on the use of the estate.
Local government should introduce a common set of metrics to analyse the performance of its estates. Effective use and analysis of data should include overlaying essential property data to a GIS system to support effective cluster analysis and the identification of cross boundary rationalisation opportunities.
Implementing Solutions: Shared Asset Management Approaches
Cooperation between executives of all key public sector organisations in the area is crucial to the successful co-location of services. The report highlights the importance of a Central Property Unit in local government as the first step towards centralised property management. However, in order to establish a deeper level of cooperation, local authorities and their partners in the public and voluntary sector should then develop a common management solution, ranging from a local public sector property management board to a property vehicle for the estate of all local public service providers, to enable strategic asset management in a locality.
A local public sector property management board is a less sensitive option due to its limited managerial power over assets. As service providers are often not fully aware of the cost of the space they use, organisations should be incentivised to reconsider their property needs and rationalise the space they use. Centralised control over all local public sector estate delivers numerous benefits for public sector organisations in a locality because they will be able to focus on delivering services, while minimising their costs by only occupying the space that is really needed. Creating a Pooled Asset Vehicle in the locality and introducing a lease between the asset vehicle (as landlord) and the service provider (as tenant) will transfer the true cost of the premises each organisation occupies into its budget.
A public sector Pooled Asset Vehicle would benefit from greater financial resources. This would enable further investment into the properties, creating efficiency benefits from shared property, joint support services and improving service delivery. However, there are noteworthy governance, legal and accountability issues associated with property sharing and service co-location which should be addressed by central government to facilitate public sector property cooperation.
Local Government and its public sector partners should establish a joint centralised property management structure to improve the efficiency of property management.
Local government and other public sector bodies should strive towards the creation of Pooled Asset Vehicles to facilitate a joined up approach to asset utilisation and to create a platform for levering private sector investment into the public sector asset base.
Central government should seek the removal of legislative, taxation and governance obstacles to the creation of Pooled Asset Vehicles to facilitate public property sharing on the local level.
Sustainable Asset Solutions
Improving environmental efficiency should be key for local government and its public sector partners. This report highlights that carbon emissions savings of 20-40% are regularly possible within existing buildings through a combination of practical solutions. Cost-effective green solutions should be implemented as a priority, but longer term, Spend to Save options should also be considered for the delivery of longer term benefits.
Local government should, as a priority, implement simple low cost measures to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and operational costs.
Local government and its public sector partners need to explore Spend to Save projects, prioritising the retrofitting of existing space over new build, to deliver more extensive carbon reduction of its estate. Local government should seek support from specialised funding sources, such as Salix or the London Green Fund.
The report was launched on Wednesday 2nd February.
To download a copy of the report (11MB), click here.


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NEW MOTION CONTROL COMPONENTS AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
"Gotcha Stick" from STI Features New Dimensions for Human Arm
Is Your Work Place Safe? ... STI introduces the new "Gotcha Stick" Safe Distance Scale. This three-segment safe distance stick accurately tests the allowable barrier opening size. It is based on the distance from the point of operation. It features English measurements on one side, and Metric measurements on the other.
Dyadic SCN6 Integrated Electric Actuators rated to 500N max. thrust!
Greenville, DE -- Motion Control - Servo2Go.com has just added remarkable new additions to its broad range of cost-effective 24V electric linear actuators from Dyadic Systems. The SCN6 series actuators are compact yet powerful integrated mechatronic cylinders that feature a motor, encoder, drive and actuator in one integral package
Dyadic Systems has developed the linear actuator drive mechanism such that the screw and nut are optimized for high accuracy, long life and low cost while delivering high speed and peak thrust.
Application - Rotary Table from Intellidrives Tackles Big Wafers!
INTELLIDRIVES's Direct drive rotary servo tables.
Philadelphia, PA, -- Motion Control Components and Systems - The ACR-335UT direct drive rotary table from IntelLiDrives adapts linear motor technology, coupled with precision bearings, to provide faster and more accurate handling of the 300 mm semiconductor wafers.
The 335 mm diameter center opening in the ACR-335UT rotary table easily accommodates large 300 mm (12 inch) semiconductor wafers, allowing for extraction of the chip dies from the wafer during semiconductor assembly manufacturing processes or dual side wafer inspection.
AB25A100 Panel Mount Servo Drive Provides Centralized Control & Offers High Bandwidth & Quick Response Times!
Greenville, DE -Motion Control Components - The AB25A100 PWM servo drive from Advanced Motion Controls is designed to drive brushless and brushed DC motors at a high switching frequency. A single red/green LED indicates operating status. The drive is fully protected against overvoltage, under-voltage, over-current, over-heating and short-circuits across motor, ground and power leads. Furthermore, the drive can interface with digital controllers or be used stand-alone, and requires only a single unregulated DC power supply. Loop gain, current limit, input gain and offset can be adjusted using 14-turn potentiometers.
Motion Control Application - A wasp shows the way!
Fall River, MA -- Motion Control Components Application - In tumor treatment, neurosurgeons today use a thin, rigid needle to inject medication into the affected brain tissue. This carries a relatively high risk of injuring healthy tissue, because a rigid needle only allows the surgeon to enter a certain region of the brain, following a straight path. The ideal solution would be a flexible operating tool.
This is where the London Imperial College comes in. In recent years, a team led by Prof. Rodriguez y Baena worked on developing a flexible robotic needle capable of reaching the deeper regions of the brain, while simultaneously avoiding especially sensitive areas. The young researchers sought to imitate the special mechanism employed by female wood wasps that use their thin but very strong drill-like stings to lay eggs inside the wood of trees.
Pegasus Series 1 Linear Bearings - For When A Linear Bearing Simply Cannot Fail!
E. Longmeadow, MA Motion -- Control Components - Linear Motion - LM76 has developed the most corrosion resistant linear bearing available. In space, deep under the sea, or in the harshest environments when there can be no "Plan B," Pegasus Series 1 Linear Ball Bearings can be counted on to perform. In some applications linear bearings will not move for days, weeks, months or even years, however, when called on to perform they must work as if they just came out of the box. LM76's Pegasus Series 1 Linear Bearings feature Silicon Nitride (SiNi) Ceramic Balls in a shell with retainer and end caps all made from 440 Stainless Steel and then ArmorloyTM coated.
Six-Axis Linear and Rotary Positioning Stage from H2W Technologies, Inc!
Santa Clarita, CA -- Motion Control - The SRS-080-10-020-01-3EXRTS is a six-axis positioning stage that consists of three rotary motors, with encoders, each mounted to three independently moving linear axis. It is ideal for applications that require independent multiple motions on a single travel plane.
Each linear axis uses a H2W brushless linear motor BLDM-D06 to generate a continuous/peak force of 24.8 lbs [110 N]/74.5 lbs [331 N] with each moving table capable of a total stroke length of 82 in [2083 mm].
Closed-Loop Integrated Stepper Motors feature magnetic or absolute encoder feedback Available from Electromate!
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada -- Motion Control Components -- JVL presents a new innovative closed-loop stepper motor technology for its NEMA 23 & 34 integrated stepper motor range from 0,1 to 12 Nm. JVL, the European leader in the development of integrated servo and stepper motor technology, has now again developed a new and unique product in the field of integrated motor control.
New Innovative Technology
JVL closed-loop integrated stepper motors, QuickStep®, provide higher torque, faster acceleration, torque control, stall free operation and quieter movements than traditional step motor systems.
High Precision, Low Cost, Stacked Goniometer Stages from OES!
Van Nuys, CA -- Motion Control - Goniometer stages can measure angles of objects such as crystals or move an object to a precise angular position along an arc, in relation to a fixed point in space. Two goniometer stages mounted in an alpha-beta configuration (stacked) can rotate an object around a fixed point in space on a spherical surface. Optimal Engineering Systems (OES) offers stacked, precision aligned goniometer stages with a rotation center 50 mm above the upper stage. The lower (AK110-10) goniometer stage features a 65 mm x 65 mm table, ± 10O of rotation at a rate of 7O per sec.
New Industrial Grade Optical Encoder from Quantum Devices!
Greenville, DE -Motion Control Components - Quantum Devices, Inc. Model QDH20 provides an improved feedback solution in applications typically using a standard size 20 package. The QDH20 provides encoder feedback in standard industrial mounting configurations with superb mechanical and environmental protection. Outputs consist of a quadrature A & B with reference pulse Z as a standard feature.
The output can be configured with either the industrial standard 5 to 26 volt OL7272 line driver or open collector outputs.
Harsh Environment 20 Bit Resolution Absolute Encoders Available from Electromate!
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada -- Motion Control Components -- Netzer Precision Motion Sensors has taken a revolutionary position sensing technology, originally developed for harsh environment specialized applications, and made it available for today’s broader range of defense, homeland security, aerospace and instrumentation motion control requirements. Standard and customized rotary and linear electric encoders are also applicable for space and avionics, medical, automotive and a wide range of other applications
Netzer’s Rotary Electric Encoders™ provide exceptionally accurate, high resolution, absolute position with miniature to wide diameter hollow shaft.
Motion Control Application - Wearable Pumps for Medical Devices Count on Ball Screws from Steinmeyer!
BURLINGTON, MA --Motion Control Applications - Motion Control Components - There has been a tremendous amount of innovation lately in the design of medical devices and lab instruments. One of the critical aspects of the new products being developed is linear motion. And Steinmeyer is proud to be directly involved in providing drive solutions to our cutting-edge customers. We currently have several on-going applications involving wearable pumps driven by ball screws, and I wanted to share some of the specifics.


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Store: Buy the Book and CD.
Travel on a literary and musical journey to the fertile rainforests
of Costa Rica with a friendly family of millipedes.
Lilly P. Badilly is a little millipede with a brilliant mind and an exceptional talent for playing the piano. She lives in a teeny, tiny hole in the wall in the Miami International Airport with her grandparents, Nellie O. Badilly and Willie Z. Badilly. Together they embark on a most unique, and sometimes hilarious, travel adventure deep into the fertile rain forest of Costa Rica. It is there that Lilly is forced to face her biggest fears in order to save the lives of her family, herself and her new friends.


School House Winery, 455 Schneiders Crossing Road NW, Dover, will host the Figuring it Out brain tumor awareness event at 5 p.m. May 18.
Proceeds from silent auction items and a percentage of sales will be donated to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital’s radiology department.
Jennifer Jagunic, one of the winery’s owners, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor in June 2017. The event will be held in thanks of support from the community and friends and family.
For information: 330-602-9463.
SUBMITTED BY SCHOOL HOUSE WINERY


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The decades-old legislation that prevented American producers from exporting oil is officially overturned—despite previous presidential threats to veto a bill to lift the oil export ban. That’s good policy. However, to get the support of “reluctant Democrats,” The Economist reports: “an additional five years of tax credits for wind and solar power” was part of the package. That’s bad energy policy.
If you live in the United States, vote, pay taxes, and get your electricity from a utility company, you’ve helped the solar power industry. You support the solar industry through a variety of tax and regulatory policies—voted in by politicians you elected—that favor it over other lower-cost forms of electricity generation.


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domain: health


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It is an energy cannon mounted within the "mouth" of the Giga Fortress, only usable when the Fortress is in its aerial configuration. When fired, the God's Breath device launches a devastating energy beam, capable of demolishing anything in its path, units and structures alike.
Despite its power, the weapon has a relatively slow rate of fire, and can only attack ground units. Furthermore, aiming the weapon requires the entire Giga Fortress to turn, and it cannot hit units that are too close to the Fortress itself, making the Giga Fortress extremely vulnerable to nimble anti-air units, such as Javelin soldiers and Flak troopers.


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Lab Test Results
Analytical Lab Group is proud to use an electronic report delivery system.
What is M-Files?
M-Files is an enterprise information management solution that will provide our clients with:
- Instant email notification when your test results are released and available.
- Secure 24/7 access to your test result information.
- Downloadable results directly to your information management system.

domain: chemistry


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Fitness communities are all the rage these days and for good reasons too
Nobody wants to be #foreveralone, so over the years we might have tried to find a friend or two to work out with, for the company. After all, we know that there are many benefits to working out with a group of people. Imagine what it will be like if you had a whole fitness community to turn to? Whether online or in person, a good community can play the part of your chosen family – grow together and bring out the best in each other. #goteam
We Belong Together
One of the main benefits of being part of a fitness community is exactly what it say: you get to feel like you belong to a community. This means that each time you work out, you’ll be looking out for each other. “See you later, this evening?” in a text from a member of you community can be a great motivator – especially on days where you need that extra bit of motivation to head to the gym. Your community can be made out of a diverse set of people – your regular workout buddy, a personal trainer, or other regulars who work out at the gym or take classes with you at Celebrity Fitness.
I’ll Be There For you
Some of the best fitness communities have longevity because you become more than workout buddies – you end up being friends and exercising together is part of a larger social experience. You’re not just different people who happen to be at the gym at the same time, but you become part of a group of likeminded folks who have common interests – exercise and health! This has direct fitness benefits: if you’re around people who enjoy working out (instead of a friend who dreads it), it will drive you to work out harder as well. Good friends also keep you accountable!
All For One, One For All
When you become part of a community, you will definitely start to encourage and cheer each other on through difficult times. In fitness, this means that you’ll always have your cheerleaders on the side to help you push yourself just that little bit further. Familiar faces are great for this – you’re more comfortable in their company but they’ve also been there through your progress and growth to know just how much you can take. This camaraderie goes beyond challenging obstacles in the gym – if you’ve had a tough day at work, you’ve got a community of friends to unload to and work off the stress with.
A Support Group
There are some days when a visit to the gym just doesn’t seem to be working out. If this keeps going on, you might just think that you’re not getting the benefits you hope for and then let things fizzle out. Being part of a fitness communities means you have supporters – both online and in person – to help you identify what is the issue you are facing. Maybe you’re using an equipment wrong, or you’re going too hard too fast. A group community made up of trainers and team mates may spots things about your fitness routines that you can’t see. Best of all, they can also help you measure your progress and you build the confidence you need.


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Many have been asking all week which team in the NFL is the worst and the Kansas City Chiefs may be declared your winners once you realize how horrid they have been outside of their lone victory over New Orleans.
There are three other teams that could argue they are indeed worse (Oakland, New Orleans, Cleveland), but at the moment Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel is on pace for a record-breaking and setting 40 turnovers!
Holy moly that is beyond abysmal and many are looking for a change of quarterbacks at some point in the near future.
Ricky Stanzi was even worse during the preseason and lord knows Brady Quinn is not the answer either.
These Chiefs can only be as good as their quarterback is and if they get a top-five pick we should bank on them drafting the top quarterback available (Matt Barkley, E.J. Manuel, Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson, Logan Thomas, Tyler Bray to name a few).
A league like the NFL really is all about those signal-callers since this is a quarterback driven league that thrives on pocket passers that can keep the chains moving. Avoiding turnovers is obvious, but the Chiefs cannot help themselves these days.
Even star back Jamaal Charles fumbled it a few times and although he is on the AFC’s top rushers, he needs to hang onto the ball if this team wants to have any chance at avoiding a losing season.
The Chief at the end of the day may go 4-12 or 5-11, but they still play like a decent team at home more times than not. Last weekend against San Diego was a joke (37-20), but that is why Kansas City is among the league’s worst.
I expect a more competitive game against a superior team in Baltimore, but Joe Flacco is gaining confidence week after week with the likes of Ray Rice, Dennis Pitta, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin performing well.
Plus, that Ravens defense has forced a few turnovers over before and they will make Matt Cassel look like one of the league’s worst in crunch time (bring in Quinn chants says the Chiefs fan, yikes!).
Network: CBS (708)
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Ravens by 6
Danny V’s Pick: Ravens 34, Chiefs 21


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It should come as no surprise that Tikkun and other progressive Jewish voices welcomed the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings for democracy as they unfolded in late January and early February: the Jewish people have roots in the Bible’s story of the Israelite rebellion against Pharaoh and his oppressive regime — a story repeated each year at Passover celebration and in weekly readings of the Torah — so it is understandable that many of us are naturally inclined to oppose every system of oppression. Our own story inspires us to oppose overt oppression by dictatorial or fundamentalist regimes like those in China, Tibet, Syria, Myanmar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan; oppression by regimes such as the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico, and dozens of other countries that use torture and perpetrate the systematic denial of human rights; and more subtle forms of institutional oppression such as the ever-expanding U.S. prison system and the operations of global capitalism (just as we once challenged the oppression of Soviet-style communism).
As this issue of the magazine goes to press (in early February, at a moment when it is still unclear whether the actual outcome of the struggle will be a genuine transformation or a perpetuation of the existing order under some other set of repressive replacements for Mubarak from the same human-rights and democracy-denying group of elites that has ruled Egypt for the past fifty years), we want to acknowledge the legitimacy of worries that, even if the current uprising turns into a successful revolution, the Egyptian regime could be replaced by another system of Islamic fundamentalist oppression. But we also want to point out that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt long ago abandoned its most vicious, violent, anti-Semitic, and anti-democratic terrorist extremists and for the past several decades has been operating as a pro-democracy and anti-torture voice in the Islamic world.
Still, there is certainly no guarantee that the new regime that emerges to replace Mubarak will not tilt in ways that are oppressive, anti-Semitic, or anti-Israel. This option for reactionary politics is always a big risk with democracy.
We support democracy even when its outcomes may be offensive to our values (e.g., the re-election of George W. Bush, the recent victory of right-wing extremists in the 2010 U.S. congressional elections, or the quite possible right-wing victories in 2012), because we believe that so long as free speech, free press and media, freedom of assembly, jury trials, and free elections are in place, even in their money-drenched forms in the United States today, it will always be possible for people to learn from their mistakes and use these democratic processes to rectify those mistakes.
Part of what people fear might happen in Egypt is the plausible consequence of the United States and Israel’s approach to the Muslim world, an approach that can best be summed up as a strategy of domination. The United States imposed the Shah on Iran, tried to support him when popular forces challenged him, and then found that all the repression in the world was not sufficient to silence the outrage of the Iranian people after decades of Western-backed torture and violence by U.S.-trained and -equipped “security forces.” The wide-ranging anger at Israel in Islamic lands is in good part an outcome of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people for the past sixty-two years. The anger in the streets of Cairo at being shot at and gassed by weapons made in the United States and supplied to the Mubarak regime was predictable. And if some Egyptians would like to see the peace treaty with Israel abrogated, it is not because they actually seek a war with Israel but because that treaty symbolized the corrupt deal with the United States in which the Mubarak regime received tens of billions of dollars in U.S. aid (thanks to the influence of the Christian Zionists and AIPAC) in exchange for doing Israel’s dirty work in containing Hamas in Gaza. Ordinary Egyptians watched all that money go to the military and to graft for the Egyptian elites.
It’s an ethically corrupt and pragmatically stupid strategy to support repressive regimes in the hopes of keeping the lid on popular discontent — it simply never works for any length of time. Israel could be safe if it switched from a strategy of domination to a new spirit of generosity toward the Palestinian people, and the United States could be safe from Islamic extremists if it announced a new approach to foreign policy based on a Global Marshall Plan such as the one advocated by the Network of Spiritual Progressives (spiritualprogressives.org/GMP). Our task as Americans is to help our fellow Americans feel safe to switch from domination to generosity, and then push for these changes in our governmental policies.
Yet we can see in the current uprising a danger that keeps on repeating itself in country after country around the world. We want the democratic forces to win. But when they do (and, at the moment of this writing, that is far from assured in Egypt, which might continue as a repressive regime even without Mubarak as the figurehead), there will remain a tension between two major forces that have led to the revolution: the secular and human rights–oriented tendencies manifested in many of the middle-class youth who believe that the freedom they seek can be achieved by making their country in the image of the United States and its global capitalist empire, and those poorer and more downtrodden masses who are unlikely to benefit from an Egypt more fully integrated into the global capitalist system. It is members of the latter group who may feel the tug of spiritual yearnings and a desire for meaning in life unconnected to material success, and then be drawn to various forms of fundamentalist religion that provide meaning at the expense of individual freedom (particularly for women) and by labeling those outside the religious community as “enemies.” The tension between these two tendencies will play out in Egypt, as they are currently playing out in the United States and other advanced industrial societies in slightly different ways (the “enemy” of choice here in the United States being Muslims, immigrants, GLBTQ people, and African Americans; and the fundamentalism here being Christian, while Israel contends with some variants of Jewish fundamentalism or what I’ve called “settler Judaism”).
Until we can provide a viable spiritual progressive vision such as the Spiritual Covenant for America (please read it at spiritualprogressives.org) — a vision that affirms the need for meaning and spiritual fulfillment but disconnects it from repressive religions, demeaning of others, and the various philosophies of domination and control of others, we in Egypt, Israel, the United States, and other countries around the world will face this alternation between spiritually and emotionally stunted forms of an individualist and materialist-based Left and a repressive and angry religious Right. That’s why we say it is time to embrace an ethos of love, kindness, generosity, caring for others and for the planet, and awe and wonder at the grandeur and mystery of the universe. It is for that alternative that we hope — for Egypt, for Israel, for the United States, and for the rest of the world.
These ideas, which have been dismissed by many as too utopian, are actually the only practical and “realistic” approach.