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Mortgage and Conveyance Fraud

Mortgage and conveyance fraud or other fraud in real estate transactions involve real estate agents, buyers and sellers and organized groups. This type of fraud is committed when any unlawful activity occurs with the intent to present false information on a mortgage application or other real estate documents regarding the transfer of funds.

Fraud can occur when a potential buyer is told to submit payment to an agent before an offer is considered, or someone contacts a homeowner in distress and offers to buy the house in return for allegedly entering into a lease and buy-back arrangement that does not occur or where the rent is grossly inflated.

Other instances of mortgage fraud may include:

  • Using persons with sufficient credit to act as straw buyers
  • Fraudulent loan applications with fabricated employment or credit history
  • Failure to disclose financial liabilities
  • Use of false identifications
  • Appraisal fraud or unjustly inflating the house’s value
  • Shotgunning–taking out more than one loan on the same house
  • Predatory lending practices

The use of straw buyers is not uncommon. In one scenario, straw buyers or individuals posing as buyers who have sufficient credit to obtain a loan, are used to buy and sell the property numerous times with each sales price higher than the last and the appraiser, real estate broker or investor obtaining the benefits.

Conveyance Fraud

Conveyance fraud refers to the unlawful transfer of real property to another person to defraud creditors or to place such property out of the reach of creditors by illegal means.

People attempt to collect Social Security benefits by transferring their real property to a relative or friend, or do so in a divorce or bankruptcy proceeding to keep the property from their estranged spouse’s knowledge or to protect it from being seized by a bankruptcy trustee.

Other offenses include:

  • Forging deeds
  • Failing to disclose material defects in a house by the seller or listing broker
  • A realtor collecting excessive fees or any fees for services that should be provided as part of the normal commission
  • Rent fraud by collecting rents on a unit you do not own
  • Deceiving a homeowner of the house’s equity or title
  • Foreclosure fraud

A common practice is the use of straw buyers to create false documents to obtain a loan and then channel the proceeds to the perpetrator’s account.

Seniors are defrauded by signing over documents they do not understand or are led to understand will result in a lower mortgage payment and unwittingly sign over the title to someone who then evicts them.

Related Offenses

There are various related offenses to mortgage and conveyance fraud:

  • Forgery
  • Internet fraud
  • Senior or Elder Abuse fraud
  • False pretenses
  • Federal wire fraud
  • Grand theft
  • False personation

Use of the internet in mortgage fraud could also be a federal offense if interstate commerce is involved in the transfer of funds or property with more severe penalties.

Penalties for Fraud

Since the property being taken in a real estate fraud is substantial, it is nearly always considered grand theft since the value of the item stolen must be over $950.

Grand theft is usually a felony and generally carries a prison sentence of 16 months, 2 years or 3 years. If the value of the property exceeded $65,000, another year is added. 2 years is added if the property was over $200,000; 3 years if it exceeded $1.3 million; and 4 years for property over $3.2 million.

Possible Defenses to Mortgage and Conveyance Fraud

Legal defenses to these crimes include the following:

  • Challenging the valuations used by the government

In some cases, the government or prosecution will inflate the value of the property sold or not know its true value. By demonstrating its true value, we could either diminish the loss to your advantage or show no damages or incurred.

  • Innocent intent

Some people are innocently caught up in a scam and receive what they believe are the proceeds for which they are legitimately entitled.

  • Entrapment

Law enforcement agents who are trying to uncover an organized scam may entice or convince you to participate while you did not initially possess any criminal intent.

  • Consent

The aggrieved party gave consent to the transaction and is only bringing a complaint because the deal turned out to be a loss for them. You must not have misrepresented a material fact in the transaction, however.

  • Proof of the Offense

In all cases, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you misrepresented yourself or a document or unlawfully deceived the victim into participating in the fraud.

Immigration Consequences

Under federal immigration law, if you are an alien or permanent resident and you commit a crime of moral turpitude including mortgage and conveyance fraud, you may have serious immigration consequences. In some cases, you could face potential deportation and not be eligible for cancellation of removal relief.

Call the Law Offices of Ramiro J. Lluis

Facing a charge of mortgage or conveyance fraud or a related offense can result in serious prison time and have long range or permanent adverse consequences on your life. If you have been charged with false pretenses, call the Law Offices of Ramiro J. Lluis today for a free, confidential initial consultation at (213) 687-4412.


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• Randie Silverstein

Literally held in suspense...

With most of my artwork finished for the exhibit, I am starting to lay out the plans for installation. Since the entire piece will be hung from the ceiling of the gallery, I need to work out the logistics before the work is delivered for installation. Nervous and excited all at once! While laboring long hours on creating my 20” glass discs, I had plenty of time to ruminate on the science of dark matter, particle physics and the search for how the universe works. Filling the airwaves of the studio with episodes of the radio show “Star Talk”, and remembering my many meetings and conversations with my collaborator Alex, makes me feel more in touch with how to consider the enormity of the universe. This is pretty heady stuff and creates quite a distraction from everyday chopping wood and carrying water—that’s for sure…

Becoming comfortable in conversing about particles and cosmology, I find myself really groking the concept that we are made— of stardust. Every atom, molecule of our beings came from the elements from when the universe was formed! It’s hard to not conclude that we are all more alike than different.

In a political climate that is divided, rigid and opposed (not to mention the general lack of “belief” in science) it would be infinitely helpful if more people understood that we are all made of the same stuff! If we as a species could truly understand that we are all made of stardust, perhaps we could all get along. There would be no more wars, we could share resources fairly, and people could live in peace with each other on this blue planet.

I recently heard an interview on “StarTalk” where they were discussing the similarity between art and science! Of course it caught my interest right away! The discussion was around the idea that both artist and scientist seek truth. The portrait painter, can express the literal or abstract version of the truth, but still seeks it. The scientist conducts experiments that rule out unfounded beliefs and previous theories. All in the quest for the truth.

The phone rings. My thoughts are launched back through the time-space continuum. Back from dreaming of utopia, where peace and knowledge are important and valued by the citizens of the earth. Back from the philosophical rumination of the artist in the “zone”! Time to get my head out of the clouds, and get some work done! I am very much looking forward to seeing all the art that was created for this exhibit!

Enjoy some process shots!

For more interesting information please visit the website: https://slbailey109.wixsite.com/fusion/blog/literally-held-in-suspense

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Online Grocery Shopping Sets the Pace for Chinese New Year

Preparation work for Chinese New Year, especially the reunion dinner, is often extensive and time-consuming. As the festive celebration is around the corner, 11street – Malaysia’s number two online marketplace – has reinforced its partnership with JOCOM to bring prepping and shopping for Chinese New Year grocery items to another level of convenience.
This partnership is off the back of 11street’s grocery category emerging as one of the platform’s continued focus in 2018, in which it saw more than 30% increase in its gross merchandising value (GMV) in 2017 as compared to 2016.
Bruce Lim, Vice President of Merchandising at 11street said: “More Malaysian consumers would start to explore shopping for groceries and other household items online. This holds true and as 2017 comes to an end, we expect this category to only flourish from hereon.

“This motivates us to strengthen our collaboration with JOCOM and become the e-commerce platform that offers great variety of fresh produce and other frozen goods as food preparation for Chinese New Year heightens. With our host of offering coupled with our established technological prowess, we aim to enable consumers to use our platform as the go-to channel to fulfil all their grocery needs, especially during the festive season.”
The partnership between 11street and JOCOM goes beyond opening an online channel for grocery shopping, for it also includes “Cooking Up Prosperity”, a 10-episode cooking show that will be streamed online. Featuring Chef Cheah Kee Khiang, a prominent chef in Malaysia, and hosted by well-known host and TV personality, Wong Chui Ling, the show will feature simple-to-follow Chinese New Year recipes using fresh ingredients available on JOCOM’s online store at 11street.
Joshua Sew, Chief Executive Officer of JOCOM said: “When we first partnered with 11street last year, we wanted to expand our outreach to a wider community. More importantly, we hoped to empower Malaysians with the convenience of shopping for groceries and other household items online. As a way forward, we produced the cooking show to showcase that Chinese New Year preparation can be made simpler if they know where to get the ingredients and how to best prepare them, without the need to leave their homes.”
Each episode of “Cooking Up Prosperity” will be streamed every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning 4 Jan 18, and run for 10 minutes. Among the dishes featured are Golden Prosperity (Fried Prawn with Salted Egg Floss), Tremendous Opulence (CNY Cake with Taro & Sweet Potato), and Superior Smooth Porridge Seafood Steamboat, with each dish taking less than 10 minutes to cook.

The cooking show is sponsored by Clio, Desa Home, Electrolux, F&N, Khind, Kinohimitsu, Maggi, Onenot-enough, Philips, Sharp, SJK Electrical, Starbucks, Sublime and Trine Nexus.

Moving forward, 11street is geared towards enhancing the variety of groceries to advocate the growing trend of grocery shopping for better consumer convenience. On that note, by working with 11street, JOCOM is planning to expand its online grocery business nationwide by Q3 of 2018, including to the east coast. Currently, 11street’s online grocery services is available to consumers in Klang Valley, Johor and Penang.

“Following the growth of online grocery shopping, we hope the numbers especially the GMV and number of orders will double in the next two years. The possibilities are limitless, in which we believe that there are still many untapped avenues to grow the grocery segment on the 11street platform,” Sew concluded.

In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, 11street will be having promotions for more than 3,000 home appliances, grocery and household items, with up to 50% discounts and conditional free shipping.

On top of lower prices, shoppers can also enjoy additional savings by visiting the promotion page to download discount coupons worth up to RM20 until 4 March 2018. For more information on the “Cooking Up Prosperity” promotion, please visit
To conclude the event, JOCOM was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the First Grocery Mobile Commerce App in the country. The award was presented by Tan Sri Danny Ooi, Founder of the Malaysia Book of Records and witnessed by YB Datuk Wira Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah; Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

The four-month evaluation process concluded with JOCOM leading the way in its product innovation and leadership – a nod above other local and foreign grocery app providers and competitors, including more established hypermarket. JOCOM was further lauded as the first Malaysian establishment to have won an award under the category.

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Celebrate The Year of The Dog The Lego Way

As we are entering the lunar new year of the year of the dog, LEGO® Malaysia has spread the joy of gifting by bringing back its special edition Lunar New Year GWPs.
Do you love this cute limited-edition LEGO® MICRODOG like we do?
For more information on the awesome promotions, participating outlets and fun-tastic activities, do like and follow LEGO® Malaysia Facebook page.

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Amy Schumer Hates Guns, Ramps Up Personal Security

Amy Schumer, the raunchy comedian, actress, and cousin of anti-gun Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has made her stance on firearms … Continued

Amy Schumer, the raunchy comedian, actress, and cousin of anti-gun Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has made her stance on firearms well known, publicly supporting her cousin’s anti-gun agenda and satirizing gun owners on her sketch comedy show Inside Amy Schumer on Comedy Central.

According to this story from, the comedian, who recently published a book called “The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo,” said in an interview that she’s increasing her personal security. Unless they will be armed with pepper spray and bad attitudes, that means she’s surrounding herself with more guns in order to feel safer.

After discussing the difference between a “tramp stamp” and a lower back tattoo (apparently the latter is much larger) and her new book with Lena Dunham for her online newsletter “Lenny,” Schumer said she avoids reading about mass shootings or viewing news broadcasts to “protect herself from becoming emotionally overwhelmed.”

From the interview:

“Like, I skipped Sandy Hook. I was like, no, no, not letting this in, I can’t. I didn’t go too deep into Orlando. I was like, I can’t go down the rabbit hole because it really f—ing kills me for at least a week,” Schumer said in the interview. “And then I got really angry, and I was like, this is not OK. I want to really do something,”

A senator is calling for an investigation about the easily concealed backup firearm, which hasn’t been fully made.

Sen. Chuck Schumer Urges Cell-Phone Gun Investigation

After a shooting in a Louisiana theater during a screening of her film “Trainwreck” in July, 2015 that killed two people, Schumer says she got a call from her cousin, spurring her into action.

“Chuck Schumer called, and I answered and said I hope this is about preventing gun violence, and he said yes, do you want to do something? And I was like yes, let’s work together, I really want to help. So then I started going to events and meeting all these families of victims,” she said.

It’s worth noting that Schumer’s chronology of events is a little strange, as the Sandy Hook shooting occurred on December 14, 2012. The Orlando shooting at the Pulse Nightclub is the most recent event, occurring on June 12, 2016. The Louisiana shooting that supposedly turned her into an anti-gun activist occurred in between those two events on July 23, 2015.

Schumer goes on to say in the interview that she attended President Obama’s January 2016 ceremony announcing executive orders to expand background checks where she met with survivors of shootings and other gun control activists.

She did not address the fact that the suspect in the Louisiana shooting obtained his firearm legally, going through the required background checks in Alabama.

Though she says she cannot bear to read about the incidents, Schumer says she would give her life for the anti-gun cause.

“Seeing Obama deliver that speech — like, tears just shot right out of his face when he started crying about the first graders being shot — I was just like, I am a lifer, I am in this. I really hope I don’t have to die for it, but I would,” she said in the interview.

Dunham then asked Schumer if she has ramped up security at her stand-up shows because of her outspoken views.

“Yes. Security is up,” Schumer answered. “I’m really trying to protect myself. I am not being an idiot.”

Schumer went on to say that gun owners shouldn’t bother coming to her shows, because they just aren’t going to dig it.

“I’m just like, yeah, if you are voting for Trump, if you are about that gun life, you are not going to love the show. I mean people have the right to bear arms of course, but if me mentioning not wanting someone on the terrorist watch list to be able to legally buy guns is going to make you upset, then please stay home or go see Jeff Dunham,” she said.

Since his executive actions were announced, Obama has advocated using the secret and arbitrarily created “terror watch lists” and “no-fly” lists to remove citizen’s constitutional rights on mere suspicion, with no due process or adjudication.


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Beretta DT11 Cotton Vest *Special Order**Cannot ship outside Canada*

Beretta DT11 Cotton Vest in Various Sizes & Colours *Special Order*

Deposit: 100% of the Full Price
Lead Time: 2 to 12 Months

Note: Please contact Rangeview Sports if you would like to special order this product. Deposit amount will be charged during checkout, and balance due at time of shipping. A restocking fee as 50% of the deposit amount is charged for the order cancelled by its purchaser.

With full-length shooting shoulders made with durable cotton to help absorb recoil and two front pockets to hold your cartridges, the Beretta DT11 is the perfect ambidextrous skeet shooting vest. The breathable mesh back whisks away moisture to keep you cool and focused during the competition and plastic clips on the back attach to your shooter number. Plus, there are even inner security pockets to hold your Beretta recoil reducer.

  • Elastic inserts on the shoulders
  • Full-length shooting shoulders in durable cotton
  • YKK zip
  • Front double-entrance pockets
  • Breathable mesh on the back
  • Beretta logo rubber patch in contrasting color on the back yoke
  • Plastic clips on the back to attach a shooter number
  • Elastic inserts on the sides
  • Earmuff/towel binding on both sides
  • Back multifunctional pocket
  • Inner pockets for the “Beretta recoil reducer”
  • Inner security pockets

  • Dark Olive & Forest Night
  • Navy
  • Black & Grey

Rangeview Sports Canada
License Gun Store in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

  • Stock image may be displayed. Actual product may not be exactly as shown.
  • We do our best to keep online inventory quantity adjusted to match the retail store. However, please be advised that there is a delay when current levels are synced. All inventory is synced every few hours during business hours.
  • All pricing is subject to change without notice
  • Oversized, overweight, or bulk small-pack ammunition orders are subject to additional shipping charges
  • Orders will be processed and shipped within retail store hours.


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Regulatory Focus™ > News Articles > 2020 > 4 > EMA Q&A explains regulatory expectations for drugs during the pandemic

EMA Q&A explains regulatory expectations for drugs during the pandemic

Posted 10 April 2020 | By Zachary Brennan

EMA Q&A explains regulatory expectations for drugs during the pandemic

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Commission on Friday released a question and answer document on regulatory expectations for marketing authorization holders (MAHs) and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Q&A discusses issues related to marketing authorizations, manufacturing and imports, quality variations, product information and labeling.

As far as marketing a medicine in the absence of an authorization, the Q&A says that member states can resort to compassionate use, or authorization of the distribution of an unauthorized medicinal product in accordance with Article 5(2) of Directive 2001/83/EC. To permit prompt assessment of these requests, applicants are asked to send messages to the relevant national competent authority, labeled “CONCERNS COVID-19.”

The Q&A also discusses possible flexibilities for MAHs seeking to renew their marketing authorizations, as well as how if the sunset clause, which can invalidate a marketing authorization, is an issue, MAHs are can request an exemption due to exceptional circumstances and on public health grounds.

On the issue of drug shortages, the guidance further discusses how an exceptional change management process (ECMP) can help MAHs source starting materials, reagents, intermediates or active substances from suppliers not specifically mentioned in the marketing authorization if that is necessary to prevent/mitigate shortages of supplies in the EU.

“The ECMP will permit the swift implementation of changes to suppliers and/or manufacturing/control sites necessary to reduce the risks of shortages under certain conditions intended to ensure the quality of the medicinal product, while deferring the full assessment of the variation,” the Q&A says.

MAHs that wish to rely on the ECMP must notify the relevant national competent authority that granted the marketing authorization or EMA and the Q&A explains what to include in such a notification.

In addition, MAHs facing difficulties with quality controls, due to a significant increase of manufacturing capacity to meet the demands of patients in the EU or other circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, are invited to contact the competent authorities and to present an adapted control scheme based on a risk-based approach, the Q&A says, noting that the request should be submitted as a variation in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1234/2008.

And on labeling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the document notes that member states may accept that the product information of products marketed in their territory may not be translated into the relevant official language if there are severe problems of availability of that medicine.

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Transportation in Taipei

One of the best parts about living in different areas of the world is getting to experience the lay of the land. Each country has it’s own geography that dictates how people are able to commute. As we inhabit different places around the world we mold our surroundings to fit our needs.

台北市 UBikeIn America, people have built large highway systems to provide people chances to traverse the large landscape. Many people commute into the cities to work and then commute out. The ideal situation for many people later in life is to move into a suburban area.

This means cars are a necessity for life in America. A rite of passage for many teenagers when they turn 16 is to get their drivers’ license and obtain a sense of freedom.

In contrast, Taiwan is a much smaller country. A country laced with railway infrastructure that makes traveling to every part of the nation a breeze. Not only are railways prevalent, but busses and taxis are so cheap, clean, and convenient that it’s accessible to every walk of life.

Additionally, a big city like Taipei has its own subway system, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). With five lines and 117 stops the MRT is one of the most convenient ways to get anywhere in the Taipei and New Taipei City.

The average cost of a trip on the MRT will cost 20-35 NTD, roughly USD$0.60 – USD$1.10.

The streets of Taipei are also wide with plenty of room for foot and bicycle traffic. At all times of the day and night, you can see people walking and biking around everywhere. It’s more popular for people to go out and meet up instead of congregating at peoples’ apartments. The really wide sidewalks were created in order to accommodate all of the foot traffic.

Taipei and New Taipei City also boast a “U-bike” system, much like New York City’s “Citi Bike” or London’s “Santander Cycles” (Borris Bikes). All you need to do is register your metro card, called a “Yo Yo card” and you are all set to go. A

A 30-minute bike ride will cost 5 NTD (about USD$0.15) in Taipei city, in New Taipei City the first 30 minutes is free. With “U-Bike” stations everywhere it’s an extremely convenient form of transport.

However, there are some pet peeves that come with this ease of transport.Taiwan boasts its wide sidewalks and big areas to walk around, but the people do not walk in a straight line. It sounds crazy, but it’s a real thing!

Imagine you’re in a rush walking to work or to meet up with some friends and people are constantly cutting off your path. Even worse, you’re on a bike going down the sidewalk and someone decides it’s a good idea to walk diagonally into your path and just when you try to cycle in the opposite direction they cut back again! Very dangerous indeed.

Also, there are small alleys off the large main roads in the city. Cars and scooters will still fly down these small alleys that have pedestrians walking down them. It’s the peoples’ responsibility to see the cars coming and move out of the way. Crosswalks with stop lights can often seem meaningless to some drivers.

All in all, transportation in Taipei is incredibly convenient! With time, the things that bother you become habitual and a way of life. If I had one piece of advice for the people of Taipei, it would be to look behind you before you decide to walk at a 45-degree angle.

Have you ever lived in Taiwan? Do you currently live in Taiwan? What have been your experiences of the transport system here? Let us know in the comments section below.

pic_for_TVadim Rubin is an ethnic Belarussian learning to speak Mandarin Chinese. He is a coach, teacher, linguist, athlete, and an aspiring world traveler. As an avid volleyball player and coach, he spends a majority of his time on the court with sweaty volleyball junkies. Off the court he enjoys to travel, write, and teach world languages. In the summer of 2012 he traveled to Taiwan to study Chinese and wrote about his adventures in his blog: 三個月在臺灣 My Three months in Taiwan . He documented his adventures in Taiwan and China on his blog  Where’s Your Inner Child? He is now back in Taiwan teaching English, traveling, and discovering what life has to offer. – See more at: Vadim Rubin, Author at Baltimore Post-Examiner

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The Best We Could Do

Thi Bui

The Best We Could Do
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The Best We Could Do

Thi Bui

Now in paperback, this critically acclaimed and beautifully illustrated emotional story is an evocative memoir about the search for a better future and a longing for the past.

Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s, and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves. At the heart of Sui’s story is a universal struggle: While adjusting to life as a first- time mother, she ultimately discovers what it means to be a parent-the endless sacrifices, the unnoticed gestures, and the depths of unspoken love.

Despite how impossible it seems to take on the simultaneous roles of both parent and child, Bui pushes through. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, she examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home.

In what Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen calls a book to break your heart and heal it, The Best We Could Do brings to life Thi Sui’s journey of understanding, and provides inspiration to all of those who search for a better future while longing for a simpler past.

This item is in-stock and will ship in 2-3 business days

Please note, our stock data is updated overnight, and availability may change throughout the day. Prices are subject to change without notice.

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What is COSHH?

Jessica Clifton

by Jessica Clifton

21st August 2019

COSHH is a very important part of the chemical industry in the U.K. The term COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’, and is the law that requires employers to ensure they maintain health and safety in the workplace related to these types of substances. Under the COSHH Regulations (2002) employers must either prevent, reduce or control their employees’ exposure to hazardous substances. In this article, we look in more detail at what COSHH is and why it’s so important.

How Do Employers Adhere to COSHH Regulations?

This law doesn’t just apply to the chemical industry, although it is clearly of great importance to all chemical suppliers and manufacturers. Most companies use substances or products that contain substances which are hazardous. In the chemical industry these substances are often very recognisable – many acids and solvents are hazardous, for example. But there are also many ‘everyday’ products, such as paint, bleach, fumes, ink, and even fibres from natural materials that can be hazardous to health.

COSHH regulations can prevent and reduce health hazards

COSHH regulations can prevent and reduce health hazards in the workplace

Employers can prevent or reduce their employees’ exposure to hazardous substances in several ways:

  • Find out exactly what the health hazards are for a potentially hazardous substance
  • Conduct a risk assessment so you know how to prevent harm to health
  • Introduce control measures to reduce harm to health

Once these measures are in place, an employer should ensure they are used. This includes keeping all controls in working order; providing information and training; monitoring health surveillance where necessary, and planning for emergencies.

Why is COSHH Important?

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), thousands of workers become ill due to hazardous substances each year. These illnesses include lung disease, cancer, asthma, and skin diseases. Adhering to COSHH can help prevent and reduce this.

These diseases also cost millions of pounds each year: to the employer, who needs to train new staff; to society, in healthcare; and to the person affected, who could potentially lose their job.

As well as helping to prevent these illnesses and their related costs, following COSHH regulations can also make production more efficient and reduce waste. In fact, a healthier workforce leads to healthier profits.

How to Comply with COSHH Regulations

There are eight steps to take in order to comply with COSHH regulations. We’ll look at them in more depth in a future blog post, but put simply they are:

  1. Risk assessment
  2. Decide on the necessary precautions to take
  3. Prevent or control exposure
  4. Ensure the controls you put in place are used
  5. Monitor exposure
  6. Undertake health surveillance where necessary
  7. Put together a plan in case of accidents or emergencies
  8. Inform, train, and supervise employees

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All content published on the ReAgent.ie blog is for information only. The blog, its authors, and affiliates cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from using the information provided. Additionally, we do not recommend using any chemical without reading the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which can be obtained from the manufacturer. You should also follow any safety advice and precautions listed on the product label. If you have health and safety related questions, visit HSE.gov.uk.

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The proper shoe can prevent sore feet and achy joints. Shoe shop at the end of the day, when feet are largest, and at an athletic footwear store, where salespeople will measure your feet and have options if you’re hard-to-fit. Wear the shoes only for walking, and replace them about every six months.

  • Make sure there’s at least a thumb’s width between your big toe and the front of the shoe.
  • Inner soles should be made of flexible, sturdy, shock-absorbing foam, such as EVA.
  • Look for wide, slanted heels to help you push off with your toes and roll your foot forward.


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Is a Tax Sheltered Annuity Qualified?

Is a Tax Sheltered Annuity Qualified?

Posted by on Mar 18, 2021

Shelters, annuities, qualified, unqualified…all of these terms can get confusing when an investor planning for retirement is trying to figure out the best vehicle for saving and accumulating assets. It helps to refresh our understanding of some key terms:

Qualified Retirement Plans are those that meet ERISA guidelines. ERISA is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, enacted in 1974 to protect workers’ retirement income and provide them with adequate information to make decisions about participating. Examples of qualified plans include 401(k) and 403(b). However, the 403(b) and other Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plans can remain outside the "qualified" status by choosing plan administration options.

If the TSA sponsor does not match employee contributions, it is exempt from the ERISA provisions, which allows the employer to reduce reporting. The exemption also allows the 403(b) to sidestep nondiscrimination testing required of 401(k) plans. Such testing is designed to ensure that all employees receive the same benefits under the program.

A tax-sheltered annuity is an investment that facilitates employees’ ability to contribute before-tax income into a retirement account. TSAs are often offered to employees of public schools and other tax-exempt organizations and are considered qualified under ERISA. When the employer also contributes or matches the employee amount, that is also not taxed. Long ago, tax-sheltered annuities were only paid out to retirees as genuine annuity payments, meaning that the payment is guaranteed for the remainder of the individual's lifetime (this is also known as a defined benefit, as opposed to a defined contribution plan). This component became optional in 1974 and is much less common today.

403(b) is a common tax-sheltered annuity plan in the United States. In addition to schools, it is popular with churches and other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

IRAs are individual retirement accounts. These were established for taxpayers who did not have access to employer-sponsored retirement accounts. If you can contribute to an employer-sponsored plan, you face limits on your ability to also contribute to a traditional IRA.

Roth IRAs are funded with post-tax dollars. As a result, contributions can be withdrawn at any time without incurring a penalty or additional taxes. Earnings, however, can only be withdrawn tax-free after the taxpayer has reached age 59.5.

What is the Difference between a TSA and a 401(k)?

The primary difference between the two plans is the type of employer that offers them.  401(k) plans are offered by private companies, while the TSA is generally the province of non-profit organizations, schools, colleges, and government bodies.

Another distinction is the TSA sponsor's ability to choose to avoid "qualification" under ERISA, as discussed previously. This decision offers the employer some flexibility. Another notable difference is found in the administration. 401(k) programs are frequently overseen by mutual fund managers and have many choices for investment preferences. TSAs are often under the umbrella of an insurance company and offer more limited investment choices than the typical 401(k).

More Alike than Different

While TSAs and other 403(b) plans have some facets that set them apart from the more common 401(k), all the retirement programs share some standard components:

  •   Both offer tax-deferred retirement savings.
  •   Both have the same fundamental contribution limits.
  •  Both offer catch-up provisions.
  •  Both require participants to reach age 59.5 before taking distributions without penalty.
  •  Both have loan and hardship withdrawal options in many cases.
  •  Both require participants to begin withdrawing by age 72 in most cases.
This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.

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Tag: Montana

Posted in Behind The Woodshed Uncategorized WhoopAss

Behind The Woodshed Blogcaster – May 9, 2021.

BTWRLM421, Gov Ignorant Of Military Deception, Gangland Bio-Turf War, Play Stoopid Games, No Jab For Me, 2021 Apartheid Segregationists, Digital Dictatorship, Slave Trade, SWIFT Dollar DesCent, Forged Letter Campaign, Record Deaths, India, Vaccine Geopolitics, Seychelles, Ministry of Health, Maldives, Sinopharm, TikTok, Edward, Starbucks, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Israeli, Propagandists, Global PR Offensive, Biden Proposal, Central Bank Digital Currency, Trackable Currency, Montana, Unemployment Benefits, Russia, SWIFT, Foreign Ministry, Canadian Forces, Wolves, Rlog

Continue Reading Behind The Woodshed Blogcaster – May 9, 2021.


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Marcene Weatherall, Director of Counseling Intervention Keller ISD | The Healing Springs Show Ep.14

“How can improving social and emotional health affect academic performance. What programs are out there to help? How can schools go beyond academics and work to build the community? Marcene Weatherall, MA, LCDC the Director of Counseling Intervention Services at Keller ISD shares her inspirational story that answers these questions and offers a vision of what education and communities can become. “


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For commissions or if  you have a question and would like to find out more about my collections, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you. Please note that as I spend most of my day making jewellery in my studio I may not be able to reply straight away but aim to respond within 24 hours.

Thanks for submitting!

For press inquiries, please contact info@rebeccaoxenham.com

For wholesale inquiries, please contact rebecca@rebeccaoxenham.com


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We are OPEN for business

I can't believe it.

My vision has finally come to fruition.

Welcome to Rebel Equestrian!

Please take a look around the site. Peruse the beautiful equestrian items. These products are amazing. I have spent so much time perfecting my ideas, which is not easy as I have a problem communicating the thoughts that go on inside my head.

As you can tell, I have an affinity for rose gold and black. I love classy items with an edgy twist. I hope that will be apparent in these items. We love celebrating all that is unique.

We are so excited to announce this new and exciting venture.

Rebel Equestrian is a new brand of equestrian equipment and accessories catering to a rider and horse lover who is looking for unique, quality items.

We aim to provide amazing service to our customers. Do you have something specific you'd like to see in our online store? Drop us a message hello@rebelequestrian.com and let us know your thoughts on product!

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Shinto Towels

Inner Pile Towel

Sale price Price $39.00 Regular price Unit price  per

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Light and soft despite its volume .
A towel that combines the goodness of gauze and pile .

"Inner pile" developed by the original technology of sandwiching the pile between the gauze on both sides. Skilled craftsmen spend time and effort weaving old-fashioned shuttle machines.

Enjoy the gentle touch of the outer layers of baby-soft gauze with an inner layer of highly absorbent pile.

Use for post bath drying, as a cover or as a blanket. Thick and fluffy yet soft and light, this is Shinto Towel's reinvention of the classic towel.

Available in 3 sizes (Face, Hand and Bath) and comes in 3 colours (Ivory, Navy and Light Grey).

  • Face - 23cm x 23cm
  • Hand - 29cm x 82cm
  • Bath - 63cm x 130cm

100% organic cotton

Made in Japan


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The Recording ConnectionAudio Engineering School Huntsville-DecaturNot like any other school: We. Hit. Different.

Apply Online

Amplify your life by breaking into your dream career in audio or music with our unique 1-on-1 mentorship programs. Available in-person or online.Get Started

Call Admissions: (800) 755-7597

Why learn audio or music production from an instructor on a campus when you can learn from a pro in his or her Huntsville-Decatur studio?

On Location, Or Remote.

If you thought there were no good music recording schools in the Huntsville-Decatur area, take another look! The RECORDING CONNECTION is the only Huntsville-Decatur music school that gets you inside an actual recording studio in Huntsville or Decatur, where you will study as a recording studio student extern while you learn your choice of audio engineering, mixing, music production, live audio, electronic music-and its many sub-genres (dub step, drum and bass, techno, jungle and more), post production audio and club DJ. The smartest way to launch a career in audio recording in the Huntsville-Decatur area is by working as a recording extern inside a Huntsville-Decatur recording studio–and that’s where we come in.

Don’t be fooled; it can cost you up to 50 thousand dollars or more (plus relocation) to go to a music recording trade school somewhere. Why do that, when for a fraction of that amount you can go to music school right here in the Huntsville-Decatur area? Be smart, learn from the pros, and get connected as you get educated. No one gets you there more easily or cost-effectively than our music school alternative.

To APPLY for our Huntsville-Decatur Music School, click here.

Located in northern Alabama along the Tennessee River, the cities of Huntsville and Decatur together serve as anchor cities for a metro area with a combined population of over half a million people. Aerospace is one of the defining economic factors of the region, with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center located at nearby Redstone Arsenal. While its music scene is not nationally well-known, the Huntsville-Decatur area has been home to musicians such as blues-rocker Bo Bice and emo band Northstar. The area regularly hosts live music influenced by musical styles from both Alabama and Tennessee, in live venues such as Sammy Ts Music Hall, the Alabama Opry, and a number of others. While country and rock encompass the lion’s share of live music, genres such as jazz, blues, metal and punk are also represented.

In addition to the live music scene, the Huntsville-Decatur is also home to several recording studios meeting the needs of the musical acts in the area. Whether your interest is in recording engineering, live audio engineering or music production, you’ll find plenty of opportunity here in the Huntsville-Decatur area.

How are we different than other professional audio engineering schools?

We took that old stale classroom concept, rebuilt and upgraded it by putting your classroom in a professional recording studio.Then we emptied out all the other students and left only YOU and YOUR TEACHER (yay for one-on-one learning!) who happens to be a pro music producer (with killer credits) to train you privately (at your pace, full time, part time, nights or weekends available).

Your hands-on learn-by-doing experience starts here!

Recording Connection is Audio Education Upgraded for 2021.
Watch to Learn Why:

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10 Miles, 10 Blocks, Or 10 Seconds from Your Future as a Music Industry Professional

Does A Career In The Music Industry Sound Too Good To Be True?
It isn't. Become a Music Legend. You are too good not to be true to your dreams. Get Started Now.

Amplify Your Life Now

Professional Audio and Music Production Programs

Work with the Stars and Amplify

With our many professional connections and relationships forged over the years, the RECORDING CONNECTION is in a unique position to help fulfill your dreams of a career in the recording industry. Thanks to our revolutionary mentor-apprentice (extern) approach, we put you close to the action in ways other music schools can't. Enroll in our Huntsville-Decatur Music School today, and find out why over 70% of our graduates get hired! Why wait? You could be next!

Success Stories from Students Near Huntsville-Decature

Learn Audio Engineering in a Real Recording Studio.
"I have learned a lot since I have been in the Recording Connection program, and almost everything there is to know about live recording. I noticed when setting up the recording sessions that I get training on mic placement…and interacting with the band has boosted my people skills. The great thing is that I have learned very quickly. "
-- Christopher Duncanson, Huntsville, Alabama

Read More Success Stories from Our Students

Audio and Music Programs Available Learn from an Industry Professional in a Real Recording Studio.

Ableton Electronic Music Production

24-Week and 36-Week Programs Available

Capture the music in your head with our hands-on Ableton Live curriculum featuring private training from noted EDM DJs and producers. In the Recording Connection for Ableton Electronic Music Production program, learn how to elevate your music to the professional level and get your sound in front of the decision-makers at major EDM labels.

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Hip Hop & Beat Making

24 Weeks

Take your beat making and hip hop knowledge to the professional level by learning from a major Hip Hop Producer in his or her studio in our Recording Connection for Hip Hop & Beat Making program. Learn what separates the real-deals from the wannabes.

Hip Hop School and Beat MakingHip Hop School and Beat Making

Logic Pro Electronic Music Production

20 Weeks

Learn Logic Pro as you extern under a professional electronic music composer, dance music producer, or touring DJ in their studio in our Recording Connection for Logic Pro Electronic Music Production program. Gain insider access to the electronic music scene. You tell us your favorite genres of electronic music, and we will help you produce that type of music.

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Music Producing

20 Weeks

Looking to build a career as a music producer? Our insider access is your opportunity to make lasting hookups that can help you get started at producing today’s music. In our Recording Connection for Music Producing program, you’ll learn in private sessions with a professional producer who can show you the ins-and-outs of this dynamic career.

Music Production SchoolMusic Production School

Audio Engineering & Music Production

20 Weeks

From the basics of listening and microphone placement to Pro Tools and mastering, extern with a professional audio engineer in the studio, learn in the trenches and on-the-job. Take your dreams to the professional level in our Recording Connection for Audio Engineering & Music Production program.

Audio Engineering SchoolAudio Engineering School

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- Recording Connection grad Jake Kiyokane, Los Angeles, CA
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*Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.

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As MLB moves toward playing, Rangers' minor-leaguers wonder when they will play

Jeff Wilson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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Not every player in the Texas Rangers organization went home in March after Major League Baseball shuttered spring training because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Surprise Recreation Campus has seen players continue to work out there the past two months.

A small group of players on the 40-man roster, all but one of them in minor-league camp. A few non-roster invites. A smattering of other minor-leaguers. A group of Venezuelan prospects not allowed back into their country.

That's quite a cast, and they are all united by one thing (besides baseball) despite varying backgrounds: They have no idea when, where and if they are going to play official games in 2020.

With the ball rolling toward an MLB season, albeit with considerable obstacles yet be to overcome, minor-league players, farm directors and minor-league franchise owners are stuck in limbo.

"We're not getting much," right-hander Tyler Phillips said. "All they've told us is that we may be getting some answers soon and that we need to start picking it up a little bit with the workouts. If there is no season, they're going to have to create a plan for us to get the same type of workload that we would for a whole season.

"But for a start time, we have no idea still. We're just as annoyed as everybody else."

All MLB teams need to dip into their minor leagues during the season, the Rangers are staying engaged with their minor-leaguers, whether they're in Arizona or spread across the country and into Latin America. Coaches have been assigned players to call or text six days a week.

Players have been given workout plans, and progress is updated regularly. The plans have been tailored to each player based on the resources he has wherever he may be staying.

The Rangers have created virtual classrooms for players, who watch videos multiple times during the week or just sit and talk some ball with the guys.

"We just want to be prepared," said Paul Kruger, the Rangers' director of minor-league operations. "We're preparing everybody as if we're going to start up at some point. I think it's going to be hard to run every minor-league team as we know it. Just to see the sheer number of cities and logistical issues that could come up, there's a lot of them. We haven't gotten clearance and guidance on what that will be."

Kruger knows that the MLB season is the top priority, and rightfully so, but even that plan will affect some minor-leaguers. Rosters are expected to be expanded, and teams will be allowed to take a maximum of 50 players to spring training.

Those who don't make the Opening Day roster could form a taxi squad, which would stay near the big-league team or at least have easy access to join the club in case an injury replacement is needed.

The Rangers have discussed assigning players who weren't in big-league camp but who they thought had a chance to make the majors later in the season. Usually, that kind of player is a hard-throwing reliever.

They are considering holding an instructional league, or a series of them, once they get the go-ahead to resume group workouts. The Rangers have their spring home in Surprise, an academy in the Dominican Republic. They own their High-A and Low-A teams in Kinston, N.C., and Hickory, N.C., but rent the ballparks from those cities.

The goal is to not lose development time _ even though they are losing development time.

"We're strong player development-wise, but they're young," Kruger said. "They need reps. We're not of the mind-set that we're going to lose a year in anyway. I actually think we've made a lot of progress the last two months just from afar."

Phillips is on the Rangers' 40-man roster and had been optioned out of his first big-league spring training before the pandemic hit. He was expecting to open the season at Double A Frisco.

Right-handers Demarcus Evans, Luke Farrell, Kyle Cody and Wei-Chieh Huang, and left-hander Joe Palumbo are also working out with Phillips. They throw bullpen sessions on Tuesdays and Friday, lift weights four times a week and play catch every day.

Three non-roster invites _ first baseman Greg Bird, infielder Matt Duffy and outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who lives in Phoenix _ are also part of Phillips' group.

Bullpen coach Doug Mathis, who lives in nearby Peoria, is working with the pitchers.

Some prospects have come and gone, like 2019 first-round pick Josh Jung, a third baseman, and catcher Sam Huff, a Phoenix resident. Right-hander Cole Winn, the Rangers' first-rounder in 2018, and Jason Bahr, the reigning Minor League Pitcher of the Year, are also in Surprise.

Monday through Friday they wake up, head to the field and do their work.

And wait.

"It's really all we can do," Phillips said. "We're out there working every day, and they're pushing us to get stronger in the weight room, to keep conditioned, to keep throwing with a purpose.

"They're telling us to be ready in case the time comes. They're telling us this is the best opportunity for us because they're going to need help. That's why I'm here. I've got to stay in shape."

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About Us

Centrally located in Tampa, Florida, we are a recovery residence program that provides sober living homes for adult women recovering from substance use disorders. Our program offers sober living through peer- supportive and supervised lifestyle that requires our residents to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or other twelve step based program meetings. Our program assists with our residents to build their recovery foundation while developing an independent lifestyle.  Recovery Avenue is a FARR Accredited,Certified Recovery Residence and an abstinence- based Transitional Living Program.

Mission Statement

Recovery Avenue’s mission is to provide a peer- supportive, safe and affordable home style living environment for adult women wanting to create their recovery foundation. Through working the 12 step programs of AA/NA, our goal is to help our residents build a long term sobriety that will sustain them once they transition out of our sober living homes and on to independent living.

Central Tampa

Women's Residence (9 beds, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms)

- Designated outdoor smoking areas

- Washer and Dryer on site

- Wi-Fi, streaming tv services, community computer, printer

- Fully furnished

- Twin size beds

- Walking distance to bus stop, convenient stores, metro areas and AA clubhouse

- Lawn maintenance included

Meet The Staff

Hana Young is a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator (CRRA) and a Certified Recovery Coach. She has been in the industry since 2016. She was the former Director of Operations of one of the longest established FARR accredited recovery residence.


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Poverty Point World Heritage Site

Poverty Point National Monument

Poverty Point World Heritage Site does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!

Located in northeastern Louisiana, Poverty Point National Monument can be visited in any season. This site, which contains some of the largest prehistoric earth works in North America, is managed by the state of Louisiana. These state park facilities are open to the public. Learn more on the Louisiana State Parks Poverty Point website. Please note that there are NO federal facilities!

Photo Gallery


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Johnson Controls shows how their battery recycling system is used to make new batteries

Battery Recycling Locations in GAINESVILLE , Florida

Every year, an estimated 1.8 million used batteries are not responsibly recycled. When a lead-acid battery is not properly recycled, lead, acid and mercury can be deposited into lakes, streams and landfills. Do your part to help eliminate safety hazards in your community by recycling your used vehicle battery today!

GAINESVILLE Florida US has battery recycling locations nearby where you can recycle almost all vehicle batteries. All you have to do is drop off the battery and they’ll do the rest. In fact, most retailers will give you a credit for your used battery even if you do not purchase a new battery.

To learn more about what batteries can be recycled, visit

Locations Near You:

Phone: (352) 332-6003

2.Advance Auto Parts

118 NW Eighth Ave
Gainesville FL 32601
Phone: (352) 372-8581

3.Advance Auto Parts

2018 Sw 34th St
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 379-8913

4.Advance Auto Parts

1035 E University
Gainesville FL 32601
Phone: (352) 371-7515

5.Advance Auto Parts

2830 NW 13th St
Gainesville FL 32609
Phone: (352) 371-3083

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James Collection - Sectionals

  • JAMES CHAISE SECTIONAL  starting at $

    Chaise can be on either right or left

    Each fabric has a different grade and the grade of the fabric you choose will determine it's price.

    Please note there are several different pieces in this modular sectional collection, allowing for many more configurations than you see here.  Please call us or come by the showroom so you can discover all the options.

    Retro modern goes “uptown” in this classy-cool group. Tapered legs and track arms keep things light and easy while button-tufted seat and back cushions add a dressy but not fussy touch.  Hand-crafted and Bench-made in North Carolina with locally sourced materials.

    Frame:  all hardwood, double-doweled, corner block construction

    Cushion:   2.5 density High Resiliency foam, wrapped in high denier polyester fiber, and then encased In a down proof ticking

    Due to the custom nature and multitude of finish choices, we can't include this piece in E-commerce.  Please call us or come by our showroom so we can assist you in finding the perfect size and coloration for your unique space.

  • We want you to be happy with your purchase.  Each piece of our upholstery is custom made to order for you and therefore is not returnable.  We can save you time and money by assisting you in choosing the right piece and the perfect fabric choice for you before you place your order.


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Delivery and Returns

We do not require you to be at home to receive your compost delivery – just give instructions with your order as to where the bags are to be deposited. There may be occasions where someone has to be in to open a locked gate and we will do our utmost to accommodate such requirements, but this may entail a delay in your delivery.

Plants are only sent out when they have reached a sufficient stage of growth, size and quality. We believe it’s best to send them out when they’re ready and in the best possible condition.

Local Delivery Charges:

East Lothian (EH21, EH31 – EH36, EH39 – EH42) – Free for orders over £35. £6 if order is under £35.

Edinburgh & Midlothian (EH1 – EH20, EH22 – EH26, EH37, EH38) – Free for orders over £35. £6 if order is under £35.

Borders (EH43 – EH46, TD2, TD13) – £6.

Borders (TD1, TD3, TD4, TD6, TD10, TD11, TD14) – £12.

West Lothian (EH27 – EH30, EH47 – EH55) – £12.

Courier Charges:

If your postcode does not appear within our local delivery charges above, your order will be dispatched via a third party courier.

Postal Items – £1.99 (Vouchers, Seed Packets)

Delivery – £6.00 (Plants, Sundries)

Heavy Items – £24.00 (Compost, Trees)


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Low water levels reveal a keyboard at the Almaden Reservoir in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014.
Low water levels reveal a keyboard at the Almaden Reservoir in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014.

As bad as the current drought may seem to Southern Californians suffering with brown lawns and low-flow showerheads, it doesn’t hold water to what the area faced during some of the worst periods in its history.

Scientists who study ancient climates are learning that California’s past is marked by stifling, soul-crushing droughts that lasted 30 years or much longer and brought complex societies to their knees.

By aging old tree stumps in Lake Tahoe, climate researcher Susan Lindstrom found a dry period that lasted an estimated 1,300 years until it finally started getting wetter around 4000 B.C.

And, more recently, an extended dry period that began about 1,050 years ago likely helped cause the collapse of intricate Southwest American-Indian societies.

The same scientists who study ancient droughts often work with anthropologists and archaeologists who examine how people responded to extremely dry periods.

Researchers think regimes fell as warfare and starvation emaciated ancient cities.

Skeletons in the Southwestern United States from periods of drought are marked with higher incidences of injuries from arrow tips and spears, according to anthropologist Pat Lambert of Utah State University.

“Droughts create two things,” said Douglas Kennett, an archaeologist who has studied how California’s early people responded to climate changes. “An increase in interpersonal violence and an increase in social hierarchy.”

Those who can innovate and respond to the change gain an advantage, which can cause a culture to stratify along economic lines, he said.

For instance, groups that made beads used for currency seemed to fare better than other cultures. So did groups near the coast, who depended on ocean fish for food.

Some societies formed more permanent settlements along the most reliable springs and streams.

“Certain communities dominate others,” Kennett said.

Other cultures simply disappeared.

By comparison to that scale, the last 150 years of weather represent some of the most peaceful, reliable periods of rainfall in the region’s history, concluded paleoclimatologists B. Lynn Ingram and Frances Malamud-Roam, in their recent book “The West Without Water.”

But the authors also concluded that we have drastically underestimated the severity of the West’s weather.

Using their own research and cross-referencing with other scientists and scientific disciplines, they say California’s water supply can turn seemingly on a dime, and then stay changed for long stretches of time.

Scientists call it the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. And when the ocean is cold, the jet stream change tends to move north, making for a much drier California.

During the 1986-87 rainy season, a warm PDO crossed with warm temporary El Niño conditions, generating an additional 16 inches of rain in Los Angeles on top of what’s normal and delivering legendary ocean swells for surfers.

Around 2000, the PDO flipped, and the weather has since been significantly drier, noted climatologist Bill Patzert at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.


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Is sleeping in your makeup really that bad?

Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury doesn't seem to think so
Mouth, Lip, Cheek, Hairstyle, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Facial expression, Style,
Getty Images

Kim Kardashian recently revealed that Charlotte Tilbury was her idol. And the reason why? Because she sleeps in her makeup.

Speaking at the InStyle awards, where the reality TV star presented the makeup artist with an award, she said:

'I'm going to make this quick because my heartburn just kicked in, but Charlotte Tilbury is my hero because she has never let her husband see her without makeup on. She sleeps with her makeup on. She's my idol. She's inspired me when I am really lazy and I can't do my makeup the next day, so I'll sleep in my makeup. I know that's probably the worst advice, but she has all the magic creams to put on the next day to make up for it.'

Kardashian also praised Tilbury, who is loved by Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Penelope Cruz, for being personal yet professional.

'Charlotte is also one of the most energetic people. The person who is doing your makeup is so in your personal space, and she makes you feel like you're her sister, but is so professional. She believes that makeup makes you feel empowered and confident, and I love that about her. Truly, if I wasn't doing what I'm doing now, I would be a makeup artist.'

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Rev Your Engines — Mario Kart Is The Most Downloaded iPhone Game Of 2019!

This year has been anything but glorious — politics have been, well, politics, the bachelorette got royally effed over by a "singer-songwriter," and Shiv did not end up head honcho — but one thing this year has gone very, very right. Mario Kart Tour, the iOS iteration of the classic Nintendo game, is officially the most downloaded game of 2019. This win is an accomplishment in its own right and is made even sweeter by the fact that the game achieved this success in just over two months.
Mario Kart Tour is very similar to the Mario Kart you know and love from childhood (or, if you're like me, from your early twenties when you spent most evenings racing Toad around on your roommate's Wii), with a few iOS additions. The game takes you on a tour through different cities and worlds, from New York to Paris to "Winter Tour," which is mostly just a normal Mario Kart world with a flurry of snow and Christmas trees. Although you can't play the game with other people IRL, you can compete with your friends via rankings.
Mario Kart Tour's number one position was followed by other top contenders such as Color Bump 3D, Call Of Duty, Wordscapes, and Fortnite. The game's win also reflects Apple's Game Trend of the Year — Blockbusters Reborn — which saw hits from decades past reimagined for iOS in 2019. Congrats to Mario Kart, and to y'all — see you on the track!
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Here's How To Write The Perfect Sick-Day Email

photographed by Michael Beckert; produced by Sam Nodelman; modeled by Selah Fong; produced by Yuki Mizuma.
We're all human, and sometimes we get sick. It's a practically inevitable that at some point you won't be able to go to work because of an illness.
Sick days are important — not just to make sure you take time to heal your body but also to ensure you're not spreading your germs around at work — but there is still a lot of guilt and hesitance around taking them.
In fact, recent statistics suggest that one in five American workers took zero sick days last year. These trends are linked to rising concerns that many workers are coming into work when they really shouldn't be.
Of course, paid sick days are a luxury afforded to few Americans. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 31% of American workers with average wages in the lowest 10% had access to paid sick days, illustrating a troubling lack of access to fair labor practices.
So, if you have the ability to take a sick day — especially if it's paid — you absolutely should. And you shouldn't need to feel stressed about it. Being able to write a straight-forward email can make the process more bearable. Below are a few things to keep in mind when writing a sick-day email:

1. Notify your manager as soon as you can.

Sometimes we can feel a cold coming, other times an illness can sneak up on us without warning. Regardless, make sure you notify your boss as soon as you suspect you'll need to take a day off to help alleviate any logistical challenges.

2. Keep unnecessary details to a minimum.

It can be tempting to recount the horrors of your current state — your high fever, the length of your current migraine, how many hours you spent on the floor of the bathroom — but your manager really doesn't need to know these things. Plus, it can set a slippery precedent for qualifying the legitimacy of a sick day. Simply stating that you'll need to stay home due to an illness is enough.

3. Be clear about your needs.

No matter what your relationship with your manager is like, make sure your email subject is straightforward. A simple subject line like: "Sick day," or "Sick today," should suffice.

4. Set clear boundaries and expectations.

Every work culture is different, some places require and expect employees to be 'on' even if they're sick — which could include periodically checking Slack or work emails — others may not expect a thing. You know your workplace best, so be clear in your email about how available you'll be.
If you're semi-coherent and want to stay in the loop, let your manager know. If you're in a Nyquil-induced stupor, it's probably best for everyone if you stay offline. Also, if you have a hunch you'll need more than one day out, make sure you address that in your email and let your manager know that you'll follow up about your state.

5. Be proactive and think ahead.

Even if you work in an understanding office, missing a day of work can bring about a few hiccups, especially if you're missing a meeting or something else that could affect pre-existing timelines.
Keeping this in mind, it may be helpful to acknowledge anything that you might be missing and either delegate to someone else or make sure you clarify that you'll be able to pick up the slack once you're back in the office. This will not only help your team, but will also demonstrate that you're thoughtful and proactive.

6. Remember that, by taking care of yourself, you're doing your team a favor.

Never mind the germs that you'd be bringing in if you're sick — which could potentially knock out more of your colleagues — taking the time to care for yourself and heal whatever it is that you're dealing with is, in the long-run, better for your team and your company. Going into work when you're sick doesn't make you a hero — it means you're probably not going to be doing your best, most productive work while also putting your teammates at risk.

Sample email:

Hi [Manager name],
I've unfortunately come down with [insert illness or condition here]. In the interest of recovering (and avoiding spreading my germs around the office), I need to take a sick day today.
I will not be checking email or Slack while I'm out, but have spoken with [colleague name] and they are able to step in if anything pressing comes up in my absence. Otherwise, I'll prioritize any pending responsibilities once I am back in the office.
I'm hoping to be back in on [date], but I will let you know if anything changes.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for understanding.
[Your name]

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Reform Magazine | July 30, 2021

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On the pilgrim way: The value of shedding tears

maxeyI have been shedding rather a lot of tears in the past month. I have always been prone to tears of both joy and sorrow. I wept a lot when our eldest started school – for the loss of his babyhood forever. I wept for joy when one of our daughters, working abroad, unexpectedly arrived home for Christmas. According to the psalmist, God is collecting my tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

I have been shedding tears over my husband, Kees, his marked physical decline; every activity takes him much longer than before and is clearly an effort. My tears were partly of loss, which I felt every time I remembered our long country walks and exploring the secret streets of London, which, like our son’s babyhood, are presumably gone forever. And partly my tears were of fear and anxiety: Where is all this leading? Will we have to move house – after 48 years? How long have we got? There were also tears of sadness for him: No more nipping to the shops for something we’ve forgotten. I hope God has a large bottle!

Then, something changed. I suddenly realised that Kees did not share my griefs and my fears. Kees does not think of his situation as sad or even frightening; he finds it sometimes frustrating, and, having to bow out of some activities, a bit disappointing, but life continues to be interesting, fulfilling, busy and good. This was, for me, what is popularly called a “lightbulb moment” – there was another way of looking at our situation.

The first effect was that I began, once more, to really enjoy our everyday life: Sitting over lunch in the garden talking about our books, the news, the family, and watching the birds on the feeder; the daily slow walk to the shops ending up in our favourite café; planning our next holiday. And then, at last, the world beyond us came back into focus and I started thinking about Charles, an inspiring figure in our church, who died in June, aged 95.

The facts of Charles’ life might tempt a stranger to think “poor Charles”: His wife was crippled with rheumatoid arthritis for the last 15 years of her life and Charles retired early to care for her; his only son lived at a distance and he had no grandchildren; he lived alone for the last 30 years of his life and, during the last six months of his life, his short term memory had failed. But Charles would not have recognised that picture of his life. Charles loved life, insisted on the benefits of old age, and to the end said: “I’m a lucky old Charlie.” There were 300 people at his funeral.

For the moment, God has put the top on my bottle of tears; but the promise, in Revelation, that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes is not for this life.

Sheila Maxey is book reviews editor for Reform

This is an extract from the September 2015 edition of Reform.

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