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(Video) Amazing Las Vegas Photo Flight: Phenom 300

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Amazing shots during a behind the scenes video on a photo flight of an Embraer Phenom 300 over the Las Vegas Strip during NBAA 2013 ( Mais...

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Bruce Williams 9
I was on board the Beechcraft A36 as a safety pilot. The formation pilot on the Phenom 300 was a former USAF Thunderbird, and he coordinated extensively with Las Vegas Approach and the McCarran control tower. We had specific restrictions altitudes and the oval patterns we flew west of the strip. In general, we remained north of the centerlines of runways 25 to avoid conflicts with departing airline traffic, and we operated west of the route that the sight-seeing helicopters use along the strip. We were in constant contact with McCarran tower. At one point, during a lull in airline departures, we got permission to fly a track farther south so that we could get McCarran in the background. A photo shoot like this requires experienced pilots, thorough briefings, and coordination with the appropriate ATC facilities. That it went smoothly and produced excellent results, is evidence of that preparation and, of course, the skill of the photographer, Jessica Ambats.
13Defender 1
I was watching the flying on my way back from the NBAA show that night and marveling at the precision. The video does a great job of capturing the preparation that goes into a safe and successful photo flight. Thanks for sharing!
Mike Francis 6
I was driving into Las Vegas that night and saw the photo shoot for about 20 minutes. Took me a while to figure out what was going on!
Chris Muncy 3
Fantastic work.
Patty Wagstaff 2
Great job by photo platform pilot Melissa too! Also, the music was kick ass and worked perfectly for the shoot.
oowmmr 2
That's a couple of nice planes and P6SM
lawrence zeluck 4
great aerial photography, and the scenery, especially at dusk, breathtaking.
GeoffreyOlsen 2
Nicely done! Not only are the photos great but it is nice that you brought us along for a very small bit of the briefing.

[This comment was deleted.]

Andriy Tsyupka 1
Good work !
Eric da Silva 1
That was amazing! Great Job!
Ulrich Wenzel 1
good Job
John Cumming 1
Reminds me of of the days (evenings and mornings) doing the same kind of photography for Piper Aircraft.
Patricia Reed 1
I think my friend Melissa flew the photo aircraft. She's amazing and so are the photos.
Ross DeWitt 1
That was an exceptionally enjoyable video! Sure, I might be biased since I'm Director of an Aviation Department that operates a 300, and a Phenom 100, as well! I might add that the paint job on the Phenom is really a nice design - well done on that, too - but the video turned out just great!
Tom Jones 1
Absolutely brilliant video!
dakotadoc 1
Appears to be a photo from this shoot:
trevor caruso 1
this was simply amazing. gorgeous airplane and gorgeous backdrop. just awesome
Scott Campbell 1
I've flown into KLAS a number of times in a Cherokee, and I always love departing over the strip and the turn back west over the surrounding mountains especially at dusk... Great shots and video, Thanks for posting !
Michael Wilson 1
Absolutely awesome
Steve Shaw 1
Wow. You guys (and gals) are good. Congrats on a job well done. From all angles and from both aircraft it was a huge undertaking that with careful and complete planning came together perfectly. As a corporate pilot of a CJ3 I deal with KLAS and McCarren ATC frequently also. They are very professional and take pride in their work keeping us safe. Thanks to McCarren ATC for coordinating this photo shoot opportunity. Thank you Bruce for the additional information posted. Having a former USAF Thunderbird to work out the formation details was a great idea. And as always, Jessica, you make it look soooo easy, even when it is not. My ONLY regret is that I wasn't in either aircraft to witness this as it happened. I know it had to be a great feeling. Blue Skies ALL. !!
Robert Engle 1
As a guy who loves photography and flies also this is really coo.
Bill McGlynn 1
Awesome video. Did the AP fly the Phenom around the "track"?
Bruce Williams 1
All of the flying was done by the respective pilots. You can't use an autopilot during formation work, and as you can see in the video, photo work requires many adjustments that are outside the norm for formation flying.
Bill McGlynn 1
Bruce - that makes sense, but it I don't see the Phenom pilot's hand on the yoke - does it also have a side stick?
doublet 1
The guy in the right seat was doing the flying of the Phenom. Former USAF Thunderbird.
Daniel Trujillo 1
Beautiful.Thanks for sharing.
Chris Costa 1
Wow, some of the shots are so great I would have thought the Phenom was photoshopped into them if I had not watched the video. Great job!
graham spraggins 1
Impressive !
Jim Turner 1
Why is it some people ruin a great video by adding absolutely putrid "music"!
Daniel Baker 5
Well, in this case, it's the music of one of passengers on the Phenom.
Mike Stirewalt 4
Awful racket. Why are so many otherwise interesting videos compromised by adding an annoying "soundtrack?" People gotta have noise it seems or it isn't real for them.
Brad Littlejohn 1

For this, they nearly killed the STAAV4 departures, but were low enough that their departure frequency is the same as LAS Tower for Helicopters. Luckily, they stayed low enough to stay out of the STAAV4 departure corridor, and east enough to not worry about the GA traffic into VGT.

Really good stuff here. Very very well done. I feel spoiled in living there, but really good stuff.
Richard Bergman 1
Way too many pix of the people and the cockpit!
Anthony Kirkham 0
Stunning piece of video. Plaudits must go to the skillful pilots and the superb photographers.

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Issue 3, 2015
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New approaches to advance the use of genetic toxicology analyses for human health risk assessment

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Genetic toxicology testing has a crucial role in the safety assessment of new and existing substances of societal value by reducing/eliminating human exposure to potential somatic and germ cell mutagens. Genetic toxicology assays have historically been used in a qualitative manner to arrive at the binary decision of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ with regards to the mutagenic potential. However, the field is currently at a crossroads, with new methods being developed and new proposals being made to use genetic toxicity data in a more quantitative manner. Technological advances have made it possible to perform high-content, high-throughput and high-precision analysis to increase the number of “scored” events leading to increased statistical precision of the endpoint under evaluation. Automated flow cytometry and image analysis are providing significant advantages for the evaluation of gene mutations as well as cytogenetic damage both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, statistical methods such as the benchmark dose (BMD) approach can be used to identify point of departure (PoD) metrics for use in human health risk assessments, including estimation of reference dose (RfD) and margins of exposure (MOE) from in vivo data. Here we provide new data to compare different in vitro micronucleus approaches, observing that the flow based assay performs very well in defining a PoD for methyl methanesulfonate. We also present reanalysis of published in vivo Pig-a gene mutation data, to show how covariate analysis increases precision and reduces the effects of outliers when defining BMD values. Furthermore, we show how in vivo BMD metrics can be used to define RfD values, and then provide comparisons to other human exposure limit values such as permitted daily exposure (PDE). Finally, the principles of empirical correlation using BMD metrics are presented, with methods for derivation of BMD values for endpoint B, when using data from only endpoint A. These developments are opening the possibility of genetic toxicity data being used as an apical endpoint to define negligible risk in human health risk assessments. Expert groups consisting of stakeholders representing academia, industry and the government are now developing guidance on transforming genetic toxicology testing from a qualitative to a quantitative science, keeping in mind the 3R principles of animal welfare.

Graphical abstract: New approaches to advance the use of genetic toxicology analyses for human health risk assessment

  • This article is part of the themed collection: New Talents
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05 Sep 2014
14 Nov 2014
First published
18 Nov 2014

Toxicol. Res., 2015,4, 667-676
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High Scorers

August High Scorers

August 14th – August 20th August 21st – August 27th August 28th – September 3rd
Battle Ladder Winner aphrodisiac dai1995 fuschia
Biggest Battler aphrodisiac fuschia fuschia
Biggest Voter divaesque divaesque vivalabc
Hottest Diva bethusial tammylynne tammylynne
Hottest Shop “DIVASHOP” by marialovee “~Serendipity~” by _marie_ “Witchy Woman Wardrobe” by hippie_chick
Staff Member of the Month hippie_chick

Congratulations, everyone!

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Beauty Review

NYC Ultra Moist Lip Wear in “Sheer Red”

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You might have browsed through NYC makeup because of the attractive, cheap prices, or turned away because of the very reason too. When I first started to venture into the world of lipsticks, I didn’t want to spend too much money on something I would not like so I stuck with the two dollar lipstick from NYC. I picked up two shades from this particular line in “Sheer Red” and “Ruby.”

I gave “Ruby” to my sister because I didn’t like how the colour looked on me. It was too glittery and pink for my liking. However, I absolutely adore the “Sheer Red!”

It is very true to it’s colour, as it is absolutely red but it is not opaque. It is definitely build able, but I think it still looks great when sheer. It’s a nice, red tint to your lips that isn’t too bold. The consistency is creamy and not drying at all. You will probably have to reapply after drinking and eating, but it is easy to do if you carry the tube around with you.

Final Thoughts

This line is a great idea to try out. There are plenty of colours to choose from and the colour is true to the stick. Even if you don’t like it, it definitely is not a large dent in your wallet.

Overall Score 4
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JULY 26 || #cyborgs live at PWNW

Thursday July 26 || 7-10 pm with performance beginning at 8pm || FREE
Alembic Co-Production

#cyborgs brings together artwork from across disciplinary divides for a multi-platformed art experience focused on Donna Haraway’s concept of the cyborg as a queer political body. #cyborgs connects photography, digital images, video, score-based performance, digital avatars, social media residencies, and potent fusions of them all. See more about the #cyborgs project in all its manifestiations HERE

maggie hazen — EVERLAST
crystal jiko sasaki — ♥ u

7-10 pm
Performance begins @ 8pm and runs on loop throughout the evening

36983032_10157590761008047_2029965057789526016_nEverlast is a durational performance re-staging the UFC fight 193 Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm where Rousey lost her undefeated bantamweight title in 2015.

After the fight, many took to social media to criticize Rousey following her first loss—she said she felt incredibly attacked by the media. This new choreography reflects a spirit of empathetic persistence instead of public scrutiny.

Maggie Hazen and her performance partner Amanda Evans, will engage in a durational performance re-staging the fight. The performance will last 00:59 seconds, the same duration of time clocking Ronda’s loss in the second round of the fight. This 00:59 performance will be performed on loop every 15 minutes for 2 hours. They will perform under a live feed special effects camera which generates a composite image of the performers bodies with the bodies of Rousey and Holm during the fight.

“I was sitting in the corner [thinking] like, ‘What am I anymore if I’m not this?’ And I was literally sitting there and thinking about killing myself and that exact second, I’m [thinking] ‘I’m nothing … what do I do anymore and no one gives a shit about me anymore without this.’” Rousey emphasized that the feelings had been temporary. “Maybe winning all the time isn’t what’s best for everybody … maybe I had to be that example of picking myself up off the floor.”

crystal jiko sasaki –— ♥ u

+video, publication and more!

#cyborg artists: Alex Hovet, Chloe Patricia ONeill, Crystal Jiko Sasaki, Daniel Pinheiro, Desta Matla, Emma Dickson, Fratolish Hiang-Perpeshki, Garrett Lynch, HOUSE OF KILLING ft Esben Holk, Izabela Koczanowska, karl munstedt, Kello + Anneli Goeller, Kevin A. Perrin, Dr. Lila Moore, Maggie Hazen, Manion Kuhn, Mores McWreath, Nicci Yin, Noah Travis Phillips, Peter Whittenberger, s-ara, Sam Lavigne, SEICA, Tara Youngborg, Tim Tsang, William Wolfgang Wunderbar.

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command line interface for jira

Project description

Jira command line interface

jiracli is a simple command line interface based on the jira-python module. The module uses the REST API to communicate with the Jira instance.

python2.7 and jira-python from is needed.

  • You can install jiracli with pip in a virtual environment:

    virtualenv myenv
    source myenv/bin/activate
    pip install jiracli
  • or without an virtual env:

    pip install jiracli
  • or directly from the extracted source:

    python install

During the first run, jiracli asks for username, password and Jira url. All values are stored in ~/.jiracli.ini.

Try the help with:

./jiracli -h

Example: create a new issue:

The following command creates a new issue for the project PROJECT. Issue type is Dev Bug, labels are abc and def and components are xxx and yyyy:

./jiracli  -c PROJECT "Dev Bug" "my test summary" "abc,def" "xxx,yyyy"

Example: show a single issue:

The following command prints a single issue:

./jiracli -i PROJECT-3535
PROJECT-3535, Prod Bug: This is a terrible bug. (Created, Low)
created              : Thu Oct 24 09:30:35 2013, by t.bechtold
assignee             : t.bechtold
updated              : Fri Nov  8 15:56:27 2013
components           : SITE:XYZ
labels               : mylabel
attachment           :

You can also provide a list of issues. Then all issues will be printed. To also see the description of the issue(s), use –issue-desc. To list the comments, use –issue-comments. For a short overview (online per issue), use –issue-oneline.

Example: use favourite filters

To see the favourite filters of the currently logged in user, do:

$ ./jiracli --filter-list-fav
23905, t.bechtold PROJECT bugs
Url                  :
description          : Bugs of t.bechtold in project PROJECT
owner                : t.bechtold
jql                  : project = PROJECT AND asignee = t.bechtold

The number 23905 in the filter head line is the filter-id. This id is used to search the issues for this filter:

./jiracli --issue-search-by-filter 23905

This command simply executes the search string given by the filter.

Example: Searching with jql

Useing the Jira query language to search is simple:

./jiracli --issue-search "assignee=CurrentUser() and status='Closed'" --issue-comment

This command searches for all closed issues of the currently logged in user. The command also prints the comments for every issue.

Example: Add and remove issue watchers

To get informed if something changed on an issue, there are watchers. The following commands add and remove a watch:

./jiracli --issue-watch-add PROJECT-1234
./jiracli --issue-watch-remove PROJECT-1234

Example: Add and remove labels

Adding and removing labels is simple. First add a label called testlabel and then remove it:

./jiracli --issue-label-add PROJECT-3724 "testlabel"
./jiracli --issue-label-remove PROJECT-3724 "testlabel"

Example: Add and remove components

A list of available components for a given project is available with:

./jiracli  --project-list-components PROJECT

Now add and remove a component from the given list to an issue:

./jiracli --issue-component-add PROJECT-1234 "COMP1"
./jiracli --issue-component-remove PROJECT-1234 "COMP1"

Example: Add and remove fix versions to issue

This is a simple task, similar to labels or components:

./jiracli --issue-fix-version-add PROJECT-3750 "My Fix version"
./jiracli --issue-fix-version-remove PROJECT-3750 "My Fix version"

Example: Add a comment to an issue

The following command open a text editor to insert the comment:

./jiracli --issue-comment-add PROJECT-3724

The short form is:

./jiracli --issue-comment-add PROJECT-3724 -m "another comment"

Example: Create multiple tickets in one shot

With a simple plain text file filled with Issue summaries per line you can easily greate mulitple Issues and Sub-Tasks in one run.

The layout of the file is pretty basic:

  • each line represents an issue
  • this line will be the summary of the issue
  • issues starting with a * or - character will be a Sub-Task of the previous parent issue

As a DevOps I want to automate all daily duties via a RESTful API
* Collect requirments from all DevOps teams
* Design RESTful API draft
* Implement the API

The following command creates multiple tickets with the summary from the given file:

./jiracli --issues-create PROJECT "User Story" "Sub-task" sprint22-stories.txt

Appending Sub-Tasks or Child-Tickets from a file to an existing Issue with a given parent id:

./jiracli --issue-parent PROJECT-3763 --issues-create PROJECT "User Story" "Sub-task" sprint22-stories.txt

Example: Show ongoing sprint for a project

The following command will show you the current ongoing sprint of a project:

./jiracli --sprint MYPROJECT
issue    status          assignee    summary
-------  --------------  ----------  -------------------------------------------
RD-1547  In Progress     user_owner  Bug on main screen of MyLittlePoney Project
RD-1517  Refused         Nobody      Please add a green poney
RD-1516  Resolved        user_x      My poney is not pink enough

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PySAL Explore Module

Esda implements methods for the analysis of both global (map-wide) and local (focal) spatial autocorrelation, for both continuous and binary data. In addition, the package increasingly offers cutting-edge statistics about boundary strength and measures of aggregation error in statistical analyses.

Giddy is an extension of Esda to spatio-temporal data. The package hosts state-of-the-art methods that explicitly consider the role of space in the dynamics of distributions over time.

Inequality provides indices for measuring inequality over space and time. These comprise classic measures such as the Theil *T* information index and the Gini index in mean deviation form; but also spatially-explicit measures that incorporate the location and spatial configuration of observations in the calculation of inequality measures.

Pointpats supports the statistical analysis of point data, including methods to characterize the spatial structure of an observed point pattern: a collection of locations where some phenomena of interest have been recorded. This includes measures of centrography which provide overall geometric summaries of the point pattern, including central tendency, dispersion, intensity, and extent.

The Segregation package calculates over 40 different segregation indices and provides a suite of additional features for measurement, visualization, and hypothesis testing that together represent the state-of-the-art in quantitative segregation analysis.

Spaghetti supports the spatial analysis of graphs, networks, topology, and inference. It includes a robust all-to-all Dijkstra shortest path algorithm, the ability to connect near-network observations onto the network, functionality for the statistical testing of clusters on networks, and high-performance geometric and spatial computations.


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Forget Zoom — the 2021 Oscars will be in-person

The 2021 Oscars will not be a virtual event and will be organized traditionally as an “in-person telecast,” according to a report from industry publication Variety.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences moved the 73rd Academy Awards ceremony to April 25, 2021, so that theatres could potentially open again in the spring, which will allow more films to compete in the awards, the report said.

Read more:
Elliot Page: Canadian actor announces he’s transgender

“The Oscars in-person telecast will happen,” Variety reported on Tuesday, citing a representative from the Academy.

The Academy Awards are traditionally held at the 3,400-seat Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of people who will be allowed to attend is unclear.

“The Academy has done a walkthrough of the Dolby recently to see all the multiple options,” the report added, citing an awards publicist familiar with the situation.

Read more:
Into a war zone: ‘Eye of the Beholder’ VR takes you to the front lines of battle

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Walt Disney Co.-owned broadcaster ABC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Television’s Emmy Awards in September were a virtual-only ceremony. Including the host Jimmy Kimmel, only production staff and a handful of stars were allowed inside the event venue at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

© 2020 Reuters

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How To Diagnose and Treat Tachycardia?

1 Answer

These messages are for mutual support and information sharing only. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
Diagnosis Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, conduct a thorough physical examination, and ask you about your health habits and medical history. You may also be tested by:
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG; EKG). It's a painless test that detects and records your heart's electrical activity using small sensors (electrodes) attached to your chest and arms. It can be used to determine what kind of tachycardia you have and how abnormalities in the heart may be contributing to a fast heart rate.
  • Electrophysiological test. It's used to confirm the diagnosis or to pinpoint the location of problems in your heart's circuitry.
  • Cardiac imaging. It's used to to determine if structural abnormalities are affecting blood flow and contributing to tachycardia. Types of cardiac imaging include echocardiogram (echo), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), coronary angiogram, and chest X-ray.
  • Stress Test. It is used to see how your heart functions while it is working hard during exercise or when medication is given to make it beat fast.
  • Tilt table test. It is used to help your doctor better understand how your tachycardia contributes to fainting spells.
  • Additional tests. They are ordered to diagnose an underlying condition that is contributing to tachycardia and judge the condition of your heart.
Treatment The goals of the treatments for tachycardia are to address the cause of the condition as well as slow a fast heart rate when it occurs, prevent future episodes and minimize complications. They include:
  • Vagal maneuvers. They affect the vagus nerve, which helps regulate your heartbeat.
  • Medications if vagal maneuvers don't help. You may need an injection of an anti-arrhythmic medication to restore a normal heart rate. Your doctor also may prescribe a pill version of an anti-arrhythmic drug.
  • Cardioversion. It's generally used when emergency care is needed or when maneuvers and medications aren't effective.
  • Catheter ablation. It can use extreme cold or radiofrequency energy to damage (ablate) the extra electrical pathway that is responsible for an increased heart rate and prevent it from sending electrical signals.
  • Medications to prevent a fast heart rate.
  • Pacemaker. It is a small device that is surgically implanted under your skin to emit an electrical pulse that helps the heart resume a normal beat.
  • Implantable cardioverter. It is surgically implanted in your chest to monitor your heartbeat, detect an increase in heart rate and deliver precisely calibrated electrical shocks, if needed, to restore a normal heart rhythm.
  • Surgery. It is usually used only when other treatment options don't work or when surgery is needed to treat another heart disorder. The goal is to destroy an extra electrical pathway causing tachycardia.
  • Blood-thinning medication. It is used to help lower your risk of developing a blood clot that could cause a stroke or heart attack.
  • Treating the underlying disease to prevent or minimize tachycardia episodes.


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Month: June 2017

A Clean Sweep Strategy

Sales Incentive StrategyIt’s hard for me to believe, but the QIC Blog has now been in existence for nearly four years. Looking back at my contributions to the endeavor, I still count among my favorites a post that was published in September 2013, entitled Lessons from the Street – Employee Recognition and Misguided Sweet Sweepers .

In that post, I employed some observations from the real world to develop two key recommendations for incentive and recognition program design. Here are those recommendations.

  1. Be clear about what you are trying to accomplish (your strategy) – and how your tactics support that strategy.
  2. Know what to do first; create a firm foundation.

You may recall (or reread) that I used a negative example to develop these recommendations. Specifically, I wrote about the less-than-desirable outcomes that prevailed because:

  • objectives weren’t completely understood, and
  • essential activities were pursued in the wrong order.

I’m writing today to share a positive example of what happens when those recommendations are followed.

We recently launched an incentive program designed to support a very specific strategic initiative, which was to motivate our client’s associates to cross-sell complementary services to its existing customers. Our client had introduced this initiative months prior to the launch of the program, and had made clear that it was (is) centrally important to the company’s success.  So, check box number one – the program objectives were well-understood by the program participants.

To design the program award rules, QIC leveraged a comprehensive report developed by the client to support the cross-selling initiative. This report, which was used since the onset of the initiative, was the foundation upon which effective award rules could be built. Developing these things in the opposite order, i.e., award rules then report, might have worked but would not have been nearly as effective. Check box number two – the client knew what to do first.

I’m happy to report that to date, the program has demonstrated excellent traction and solid results. Based on the program’s strategic clarity and careful planning, we are confident that these trends will continue. Please call us if we can help you design and implement a program that integrates with your key strategies. And we promise to advise you on the correct order in which key activities should be done.

Recognition is Universal

I’m a big fan of the Twilight Zone series.  I have DVD’s of all the episodes and I still watch them when I happen to catch one being shown.   One of my favorite episodes (along with To Serve Man) featured Roddy McDowall as biologist Sam Conrad who is scheduled to go on a mission to… Read more »

Safety Should be a Lifestyle

When it comes to employee recognition programs, none are more important or impactful as well-crafted, properly executed employee safety programs.  Keeping employees safe at work should be an essential part of any organization’s mission, and we are proud to play a role in assisting our clients with this important responsibility. June has been named National… Read more »


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Harvest 2011 – half of the grapes harvested

Tinta Roriz vineThe second week of harvest is gone and temperatures persist high. Too high for what we wished. Summer is almost over but it is still hot in the Douro. High temperatures make our life both in the vineyards and at the winery much more difficult. In the vineyards harvesters are not as productive as with cool climate. At the winery, we use more energy to control the speed of fermentation, in order to reduce the temperature of the tanks, so we can slow down the reproduction of the yeast and to make sure we keep nice bouquets.

We finished the harvest this week-end in our third Quinta which is by the riverside. After Mós and Alegria, Quinta Vale d’Agodinho was the last we harvested. So far, the production is being lower that in the last years, which is in line with the reduction of around 25% in the beneficio system for 2011. The rainfall we had two weeks ago did dont lead to a reduction in the sugar of the grapes. Actually, we are recording higher values than last year, which will mean that lower volumes of brandy will be necessary to fortify our musts (as more sugar of the grapes will be fermented and transformed into alcohol).

Some of our readers have been asking how is quality of 2011 Ports and wines looking like. No clue… nice colors, but not too dark, nice flavors but not surprisingly intense, rich but not overwhelming. Well, maybe we can say that we have balanced musts that need time to show something. And time we have, a lot!

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Summer wine tastings in the Douro Museum – come over and taste Quevedo's

ima_topoThe Douro Museum is one of the most recent places of attraction for those who visit Douro. It was inaugurated last December, and since then it has received the attention of the local folks as well as tourists and researchers of the Douro Valley.

During July, the Douro Museum is promoting wine tastings every week-end, inviting the visitors for tasting Port and still wines of the region. Click here to see the schedule of each producers’ tastings. This is a good opportunity as it puts consumers and producers side by side, promoting the dialog and the exchange of ideas between those who make the wine and those who drink it.

Quevedo could not stay out of this initiative: We love to talk to the people and we want to spread out the word of wine social media, saying to all people visiting the Douro that they can follow our activities through our blog.

So next Saturday if you are visiting Portugal go to the Douro, to the city of Régua and from 10a.m. to 6p.m. come to see us. Bruno will be there waiting for you in the Douro Museum.

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6-24-2020 School Committee Special Meeting Agenda

Quincy School Committee
Special Meeting
Coddington Building
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law,
G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School
Committee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting audio live on
QATV Channel 22 or at www.qatv.org. The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast
and posted on the QPS website on Friday, June 26, 2020.

I. Chairman’s Update -  Mayor Koch

II. Approval of Minutes: June 10, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes

III. Open Forum Mr. Andronico

Open Forum items may be submitted to School Committee via email to:
QSCOpenForum@quincypublicschools.com. Please include your full name and
mailing address as part of the email.

IV. Quincy Public Schools Superintendent Search - Mr. Andronico, Mr. Santoro

  • Survey/Focus Group Update
  • Selection Criteria

V. Remote Learning High School Grading Mr. Gutro

VI. High School Graduations Update Interim Superintendent Mulvey

VII. Private School Application  - Interim Superintendent Mulvey

  • Rising Tides Academy

VIII. QPS Reopening Task Force -  Interim Superintendent Mulvey

IX. Adjournment


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Celebrating Cedros Montessori School!

They are all winners. This is how the Principal of the Cedros Montessori School, Monica Soorjan described her students.

The school’s  first Annual School Sports was followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade- this was the order of events for the pre-school students of the Cedros Montessori School in the past week.

On Thursday last- the day for the Annual Easter Bonnet Parade- they made the usual walk undertaken by the school to the Jetty (called the “Old Jetty” by residents) and back to their school.

These preschoolers were all well-dressed! The girls looked beautiful and the boys were dashing! The baskets, the flowers, the hats, the Easter eggs, the bunnies and the excitement they showed made the event truly memorable and it was evident that their parents invested a lot of time!

Beautiful girls of the Cedros Montessori School!
Handsome boys of the Cedros Montessori School!

They were accompanied by Soorjan who they all refer to as Miss Monica, their 3 teachers and some of the proud parents!

Before the Parade!
Some of the students!

Mere days earlier (on Sunday) they participated in the  first Annual Sports Day hosted by their Principal and their teachers.

All parents provided tremendous support and participation here as well to make the event a resounding success. In addition to this, other family members were on hand to urge them on and make their very first school sports a day they might always remember.

Seeing them ready for the march past and marching with smiles on their faces was wonderful. They marched and they marched well in spite of the sun. Then they took part in the events that followed. It really was a sight to behold and it was filled with lots of excitement.

Team Sapphire, Team Aquamarine, Team Ruby (all teams)
My reason for being at this Sports Day- my darling nephew Richie-Lee Thomas

Most certainly we can learn a lot from these preschoolers. Through their parents and the school as an institution (principal and teachers) it is evident that there is discipline, respect, team work, sportsmanship, friendship and that learning is also taking place.

Hats off to these darling angels and all those who are a part of their learning, together with those who are nurturing their growth and development! It is definitely a reason to celebrate!

The adults also had an opportunity to enjoy events of their own. They had Zumba and Tug-O-War. Those that participated in Zumba thoroughly enjoyed it! It was evident that it in tug-o-war they joined in, they stuck together and they also had fun!

It is a fervent reminder of Nappy Mayers, “Bring Back the Old Time Days”.

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Inspire U: The Podcast

Source: WENN / WENN

So we’ve all heard the tale that Chuck Norris doesn’t read books, he stares them down until he gets the information he wants.  He’s one bad dude, for sure…but did he storm the Capitol?  Apparently lots of people thought he was actually there.  In a recent tweet, he revealed that he was in fact NOT at the Capitol riots, but there was a lookalike there that had people confused.  Check out his statement below.

The original tweet with the lookalike’s photo has since been removed from the platform.  Although, there’s now a string of joke conspiracies claiming he’s actually hiding out in the air ducts at the Capitol waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

Also On RadioNOW 100.9:


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Radon Warminster, PA 18974

Radon Testing and Radon Remediation in Warminster

Businesses in Warminster have the opportunity to target over 32,000 residents in just this community.

Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium found in trace amounts in soil, rock, and water. Radon is the main source of our exposure to all radiation. The US Surgeon General and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined that radon is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for Radon is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.

Warminster includes:

  • Beautiful homes, condominiums, and apartments in a variety of architectural styles and prices
  • A large selection of retail shopping center and food stores
  • Choices of public and parochial schools, elementary through high school.
  • Longstreth Elementary School named a Blue Ribbon School in 1998!
  • Log College Middle School named a Blue Ribbon School in 1999!
  • Leary Elementary School named a Blue Ribbon School!
  • Radon is prevalent in Warminster, even if you’re not aware of it.

Radon-Rid, LLC – A Full Service Radon Testing and Radon Remediation Company providing peace of mind from Radon in homes and businesses throughout Southeastern PA.

Call for us for radon testing and radon remediation in Pennsylvania – Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Berks County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County.

If You Live in Warminster, Radon is in your home

Scientific analysis of radon levels in homes in Warminster and many other Pennsylvania cities have found that 10% or more of homes contain dangerous levels of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be removed from the house though radon mitigation.

Radon Radioactive Gas Kills

On average, 20,000 Americans die each year from radon exposure. Most of the exposure happens in their own home, where radon has a chance to build up over time because it is trapped by the walls and foundation. The percentage of radon contamination in Bucks County homes can be very high. Radon in Warminster affects on average 10-40% of all homes.

For Help with Radon Testing and Radon Remediation in Warminster

Contact a professional today about your home. Radon testing can verify that you are living in a safe environment, and if not Radon mitigation specialists can help you make your home safe for your family.

What are Radon Levels in Your County? Click to Find out!

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[IT] Caravaggio by Hitachi Rail Italy, the new star for regional transport

When Italian design and Japanese quality come together. This is the new ‘Caravaggio’. A new double deck passenger train for regional transport, developed by Hitachi Rail Italy, formerly known as AnsaldoBreda. Hitachi from Japan took over the Italian manufacturer from Finmeccanica in November 2015.

And no, this is not a dreamy concept for the distant future, this is the real thing. The Italian railways Trenitalia have started a huge fleet renewal program. The operator wants to spend around 5 billion euro on new rolling stock for its passenger services. Alstom, Hitachi Rail and Stadler rail have been mentioned as preferred suppliers.

For Hitachi Rail the plan has concretized into a first fixed order for 39 5-car double deck compositions. 39 Caravaggio’s are coming! An order worth 333 million euro, part of a larger framework agreement. Ultimately, Hitachi Rail could be building up to 300 such trains under this contract, then worth around 2.6 billion euro. The trains will operate nation-wide.

Copyright Hitachi Rail Italy

The Caravaggio will become the flagship of the new Italian regional train fleet. The 5-car trains will be 136 meters long and 2.8 meter wide. Its total capacity will be 656 passengers and it will have a top speed of 160 km/h, with an acceleration greater than 1 m/sec2.

The design? Made in Italy. Hitachi Rail promises that the trains will feature an interior design ‘that will be different from anything seen so far’. The company mentions new interior arrangements more effectively using the spaces available and stylish leather seats.

Copyright Hitachi Rail Italy
Copyright Hitachi Rail Italy

The trains will be produced in Hitachi Rail Italy’s three factories in Pistoia, Naples and Reggio Calabria, Italy. We can not wait.

Maurizio Manfellotto AD Hitachi Rail Italy e Barbara Morgante AD Trenitalia
Update: The contract was signed on 03.08.2016

Cabina di guida

Cabina di guida

Interni - sedili

Panoramica interna

Spazi interni

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[AT] First of four Gmeinder D75BB 4-axle locomotives for Logserv in service

In 2017 Logserv ordered four new D75BB 4-axle locomotives at Gmeider Locomotives for the Voestalpine steelworks plant in Linz (Austria). Halfway April 2018 the first locomotive was taken into service.

The D75BB locomotive for Logserv, numbered 1004.01, is a Gmeinder standard product, but tailor-made and optimized for use at the Voestalpine plant in Linz. Four axles and a high service weight of 90 tons provide increased power transmission for improved traction and a quiet, track-saving run. Start-stop technology reduces diesel consumption, CO2 emissions and maintenance costs. The main area of application is in the area of the coking plant, where heavy ore and coal trains are manipulated. The manipulation is partly done by radio remote control.

Logserv’s new 1004.01 being transported from Gmeinder home town Mosbach to Passau passing Nürnberg (19.03.2018) – Photo: Christian Bauer

Back to Linz!

To build its locomotives Gmeinder needs heavy steel plates cut, worked on and straightened. Since 2014 Voestalpine delivers steel to the requirements of the German locomotive engineer. For other Gmeinder customers, but also for the new Logserv 1004 series locomotives. So they are going ‘back’ to Linz.

First Gmeinder D75BB locomotive handed over to Logserv on17.04.2018 – Photo: Logserv

Technical Data

  • Length: 13,00 m
  • Width: 3,08 m
  • Height: 4,26 m
  • Power at wheel: 600 kW
  • Top Speed: 25 km/h
Logserv’s new Gmeinder locomotive in train Tfzf (D) 83038 behind the 213 332 – Photo: Christian Bauer

One delivered, three to go

The next locomotive will be delivered in September 2018 and visit some rail exhibitions. At the end of 2019, the locomotives 1004.03 and 1004.04 are to complete the fleet in Linz.

Make sure your advertising is railevant!


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Tumblr posts

I’ve been doing a fun event on tumblr that I’m going to share on here too. It’s just about me and about my books in progress. So here’s the first one!

Me. Huh. I write. I also sew and dabble in drawing sometimes.

I’m a stay at home mom with two beautiful daughters.

I have a genetic defect called Fragile X, which threw me into early menopause when I was thirty. That was hard. I’m over it most of the time now, two years later. Other than that there’s nothing too unique about me, I’m pretty ordinary.

I’m normally a pretty private person. But I’m trying to branch out.

One random fact about me is that I’m horrible at winking! I can only wink my right eye and I have to move my whole face up to do it so it ends up looking silly!

I’ve loved writing my whole life, whether through journals or stories. I have two WIPs I’m currently working on and posting about.

Guess that’s it!

What Beck Knows

“You’re here!” Beck shouted. “I’m so glad to see you!”

“I bet you are,” Lenci chuckled. “Let’s get you out of here.” She untied him and heaved him up by his arm. “We have to hurry. Twenty more are about to come down on us.”

Beck glanced at the slightly scorched grunts. “Are they dead?”

“No.” Lenci dragged him along with her out the door and stopped.

Outside the door stood a horde more guards. Lenci did a quick count. Fifteen. She looked left and right. The right was crowded in while the left was more spaced out. She hesitated for a moment. The left was away from the front door, the wrong way for an escape. For the moment, it was the only way.

“Follow me,” she whispered to Beck. Throwing punches and swinging men around, she cleared a path for Beck to follow.

They fought off clawing hands and swinging fists until they were clear. Lenci dashed away with Beck behind. She came to some stairs and had an idea. Two floors up, she led them to the roof access.

“Where are we going?!” Beck called while stair hopping. “We’ll be cornered up there!”

“No we won’t!” Lenci pushed the roof door open and ran to the edge. “Come on!”

“What are we doing?”

“Hold onto me.” She stepped up onto the ledge and held her hand out for him.

“Up there?”

“Yes, up here! Will you listen?” She looked up as the man with the pointy nose dashed through the roof entrance.

He stared at her as he said, “There’s nowhere to go. Come back inside. You’re meant to be here anyway. My master will be pleased.” Guards filled in behind the man. “Your Keeper was a letdown though. We were expecting the Keeper of such a powerful demon as Braithe would be privy to more information. He’s so green, fresh from the world. He has absolutely no knowledge of anything.”

“Not true!” Beck shouted. “I gave you the greatest breakdown of health insurance ins and outs ever!”

“Disappointing.” The man frowned.

“That’s a theme for you today, huh?” Lenci goaded.

“Not now that you’re here.” The man’s frown turned up.

“Ooh, sorry,” Lenci cooed. “That’s not happening today.” She reached down and grabbed Beck’s shirt collar and yanked him up on the ledge with her.

“Where are you going to go?”

“Nowhere to go…” she looked behind her, “…but down!”

The man motioned for his guards to go after them. Lenci threw her arms around Beck’s neck as she hurled them over the edge. “Warden!!!” She cried as she heard Beck shouting. Then a white cloud appeared and swallowed them up.

Stories, Writing

Beach Day

When they arrived back at the house they settled in for lunch. But they didn’t get the chance to eat. They were standing in the kitchen, getting ready to cook, when the floor shook. Lenci fell onto Beck. He caught her and held her up with him against the counter. He held her tight until the shaking stopped.

“Hey there.” He looked down at her.

“Nope.” She stood up quickly, using the same thing he told her the night they met.

He laughed and asked, “What was that? An earthquake?”

“No. We’ve moved again. Let’s go see where we’ve landed.”

“Why would we have moved again?” Beck followed her to the front door.

Lenci opened the door and smiled. “Because he thought we might like a warmer vacation.”

“He?” Beck peeked around her to look outside. Before them was a sandy beach and turquoise waves. Not a soul in sight. It stretched on as far as they could see.

“I won’t complain. I hope he got me a swimsuit.” He turned around and headed straight for his room.

A few minutes later they both emerged from their bedroom doors to face each other in their swimsuits. Beck was in a pair of black swim shorts. Lenci was in a green one piece with mesh and no lining on her nearly flat torso. A short, flouncy, white swim skirt hid the tops of her round legs. Sunglasses sat on her head like a headband, keeping her hair out of her face.

Beck leaned against his door frame as he looked her over. “Yep. This is my best vacation ever.” He smiled at her as his eyes meandered over her well supported and much less covered than usual chest.

“None of that, you!” Lenci laughed even though she couldn’t help but notice his body too. He looked fit but not carved, with a healthy thin layer of fat over his abs that still allowed for the nice V shape she loved at the bottom. His chest looked firm and his arms strong. He looked like he took good care of himself, which made her happy. “Come on!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him along to the beach.

Lenci and Beck swam around, splashed, played, and laughed in the waves. Lenci was enjoying herself when she heard a quiet voice in her head. She knew who it was. It was the same voice she’d been hearing and fighting off for two centuries. She froze in the water. It was cool and refreshing. Her body was losing heat quickly. As the voice echoed in her head she wondered if she’d stayed in too long.

“Edifice,” Braithe whispered to her mind. “Edifice.”

“No,” Lenci answered silently. She noticed Beck staring at her. A few moments passed as Lenci pushed Braithe down deeper. “Sorry,” she said aloud to him. “I think I need to get some sun. Some heat.”

“Alright. Need me to get something to lie on?” Beck asked. He watched her with concern in the waist deep water. The waves didn’t budge her. Her eyes were distant and shimmered oddly.

“Sure. There are some light blankets in the closet.” She didn’t move from her spot in the water.

“I’ll go get one. Come on, Lenci.” Beck took her arm and pulled her hesitantly to the shore.

As he turned to walk away she grabbed his arm and said, “Thanks.” He nodded and went inside. She stood in the sun for a few minutes as Braithe tried to persist. Lenci closed her eyes as Braithe’s grating voice faded from her mind and she sighed as the sun warmed her skin. Beck came back as she let out a long breath. He saw her chest rise and fall dramatically.

“Everything okay? Are you in control? Should I get the lighter?”

Lenci opened her eyes. “Everything’s okay,” she answered. “Everything is good. I should probably stay out of the water the rest of today.”

“Here.” He laid out a large blanket for both of them to lie on.

“Thanks.” Lenci lied down, pulled her sunglasses from her head to her face, and basked in the sun’s warmth.

After a long period of silence, Beck turned on his side and propped his head up on his hand. “What’s it like, living for so long?”

“It’s weird.” She laughed and turned to him too. “You see things come and go. People come up with the strangest things. Some are amazing, some are bonkers! Cars, phones, computers… the internet! The fashions are interesting to watch change. I’ve loved watching the progression of equality so far. My favorite is the food. Oh the things people have done with food! You have no idea how excited I was when the cupcake came about!” She gushed. “Chocolate milk, ice cream, burgers and fries, tacos, oh my heavens. Who knew?!”

Beck laughed loudly. “Of all the things you could love about being immortal, it’s awesome your favorite is the food.”

“It’s not all good.” Her face fell. “People are born and die while I don’t age. I watched my family grow old. My siblings got married and had children of their own. I stayed with them until all my immediate family was gone, held their hands as they died. I even kept a distant eye on my siblings’ great grand children. Eventually they branched out too far and I was left with no family. There are horrifying wars and devastating illnesses. As much good as there is, there’s an equal amount of awful.”

“I’m sorry you’ve had to see all that.” He tilted her face back up. “That’s a lot.” She looked into his hazel eyes and didn’t say anything. “Maybe I can help you through the next little bit.”

“I’d like that.” She gave a small smile.

“I think I might too. If I can manage not to get killed,” he chuckled.

“I’ll do my best to teach you what you need to know.”

“No small task.” He sat all the way up and picked at the blanket. “I’m not quite sure why you chose me. I’m sure there’s someone out there better for the job. Maybe someone who knows how to fight.”

“Fighting skills I can teach.” She sat up, put her sunglasses back on her head, and put a hand on his shoulder. “What I can’t teach is a sense of right and wrong. I can’t make someone learn how to have a conscience or a strong moral compass. I most definitely cannot teach someone to have an intuition like yours. You have what is needed. I can teach you the rest.”

“You really think so?”

Lenci threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. “Oh Beck,” she whispered, “you have no idea how hard it was to find someone like you.”

“Thanks.” He hugged her back tightly. His stomach growled and he laughed as he let her go. “I guess I’m a little hungry.”

“We did skip lunch. We should have a picnic dinner on the beach! I’ll go whip up some sandwiches.”

“I’ll get drinks and chips.”

After their dinner, they sat on the edge of their blanket sipping sodas and watching the sun set. They were side by side, their shoulders close to touching.

“I know you can’t be in a relationship. But have you ever been in love?” Beck asked.

Neither of them looked at each other as they stared at the vast array of colors before them. The pink and orange sky reflected on the water and it looked as though they could dip their toes into the sunset. Lenci loved the thought of it. She thought a sunset ocean would be supremely warm. She wasn’t sure how she should answer his question though. He deserved her total honesty. She also didn’t want to give him any ideas.

“Yes,” she answered after a long moment of silence. She would give him the truth. “Not being able to be in a relationship doesn’t stop feelings from arising. I’ve learned to break off connections early if I begin to develop real feelings that could lead to love. So I haven’t been in love in a long time. I don’t give myself the chance any more.” She dug her toes into the sand.

“You should.” Beck rested his hand on hers. “I imagine a long life without love would get lonely.”

“Let me guess, I should give it another chance with you?” She looked at him with a wry expression.

He broke into laughter. “No! That’s not what I meant! …Although I wouldn’t complain if it ended up being me.” He winked at her.

“I’m not going to fall in love with you, Beck.” She shoved him a little but not hard enough to knock him over.

“We’ll see.”

“Yes, we will.” Lenci twisted around suddenly as the house’s alarm blared. This time it was flashing blue. “Inside!” She shouted and heaved Beck to his feet.

They dashed into the house and back to the mansion. Doors slammed behind them. The house shook once again and they both fell to the floor. When the shaking stopped, Lenci stood and helped Beck up.

“Did we move again?” He asked as he regained his feet.

“Yes. That was an emergency move. I wonder why.” Lenci walked to the front door. “Let’s see where we are now.” She opened the door and groaned. “Crap.”

Stories, Writing

First Meeting

I reworked Amara’s first interaction with Tucian. I think I like it better from his point of view instead of hers. Let me know what you think!

Tucian had been watching her for a while now, this woman in the supermarket. Never in his life had he seen someone so radiant. At first she had looked at him with skepticism. She would look him over carefully as though she were sizing him up, seeing if she could take him down. Her calculating eyes had drawn him in, intrigued him.

After two weeks she seemed to let her gazing guard down. The looks that followed were even better. He adored the way she would blush each time he caught her eye. And her smile ignited his whole world. He admired how she moved with strength and purpose. It seemed like she knew who she was and what she was doing. This beautiful woman never meandered in the store and he suspected she didn’t meander in any other aspects of life either. She usually came to the store with who he assumed was her sister in outfits that looked like they had been in combat training. Today, however, she was alone and in a tee shirt and jeans.

“Excuse me, miss?” Tucian finally braved. She whirled around and froze under the intense gaze of his grey eyes. He didn’t say anything for a moment. Her bright green eyes stared at him. They were even more intimidating up close. He thought it would be easier to speak to her alone. It wasn’t.

“Yes?” She asked as she looked him over once again.

“My name is Tucian Rhodes,” he finally spoke. “I was wondering if you would let me take you out sometime?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tucian. I’m Amara Sinclair. And I am certainly flattered. But um…” Amara trailed off, biting her bottom lip.

“But?” Tucian reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. He hoped she wouldn’t notice how nervous she was making him. He kept his eyes on hers, not dropping her hand. “Are you already seeing someone?” He wouldn’t be surprised if someone else had already tried to make her theirs. She was too spectacular not to have men fawning over her.

Amara chuckled a little. “No, that’s not it. There’s no one else.”

Tucian was both shocked and glad.

“It’s that I don’t know you.” Amara pulled her hand back, tucking her light blonde hair behind her ear. Tucian tilted his head curiously. “I can’t go running off to be alone with someone I barely met,” she explained. “For all I know, you could be the serial killer in town.” She laughed.

Tucian enjoyed her magical laughter and laughed too. “I understand. But I can’t be the serial killer. He’s been on the loose for months. I only moved here three weeks ago.”

“That’s good.” She gave him a wavering smile. “But I still don’t know anything else about you.”

“If I can’t take you out, then how will I ever get to know you, my beautiful stranger?” He puzzled, stepping closer.

“What if we double up? You bring your dark and mysterious friend, I’ll bring my sister, Avery. If things go well, maybe we can arrange for something more private down the road,” Amara offered.

“You mean Jett?” Tucian laughed at her ‘dark and mysterious’ reference. He found himself glad that she hadn’t used the term ‘dark and handsome’ about Jett. “He’s my brother. I suppose I could convince him to tag along.” He paused to stroke his hand down her cheek. “If it means I get to spend some time with you.” Butterflies collided in Tucian’s stomach. He hoped Amara was feeling the same. From the look in her eyes he guessed she was. They stood quietly, staring at each other.

“You’ll need my number.” Tucian broke through the silent haze building around them. He reached down and pulled Amara’s phone out of her jean pocket, brushing her hip. He smiled at her surprised eyes. She must not have expected his forwardness. But her shock turned into a half smile as she watched him add himself to her contacts. He took her hand and set the phone in it, sliding his fingers along hers and noticing the shiver that rushed through her. “Would you like some company while you shop? Maybe I can become less of a stranger.”

“I would like that very much.”

Hey guys! I know, I know, I’m awful at posting. And I’m sorry! But here’s another excerpt from my book, Edifice. Enjoy!

Trigger warning: Talk of assisted suicide

“You were an awkward kid, weren’t you?” Beck laughed.

“I was. Especially for back then. I was much too free spirited for those times. Maybe that’s why…” she trailed off.

“Why what?”

“Why Warden chose me.”

“I’m sorry about what he did. He had no right.”

“I know. And I don’t understand it. But there was something I wanted to talk to you about because of that.”

“Yeah?” Beck cautiously set the photo album down and turned to face her on the couch.

“I had an idea. I need you tell me if I’ve completely lost it.”

“I can tell you already. You’ve lost it. You’re crazy. I told you that the night we met.”

Lenci laughed. She remembered that. And she had agreed with him. “That’s right. I remember.”

“There you go. But seriously, what is it?”

“What if…” she paused. It sounded very dark in her head and she was sure it would be worse out loud. But it needed to be said. “What if I could get rid of Braithe for good?”

“That would be amazing!”

“Definitely.” Beck nodded, liking the idea of not having that demon around any more. Even better, the idea that Lenci would be free from the torment of it all. ”How?”

“I need you to kill me.”

Beck stared at her. Neither of them spoke. After ages of silence he shook his head, said, “Nope,” and walked out of the room.

“Beck, wait!” Lenci ran after him. She caught up and ran around in front of him. “Hear me out, please.”

“Any plan that ends in your death is going to be a no, Lenci. I want to protect you, not take your life.”

“But did you hear what The Warden said?”

“I did. I heard it all. It’s an awful thing to do to a person. But that doesn’t mean you have to go and die. I didn’t hear that mentioned at all.” He went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of whiskey.

“Not all that. He said whatever happens to me, happens to the demon. If I die, she dies. Forever.”

Beck took a sip and set his cup down. “That’s not a strong enough argument. Sorry.”

“Saving the world from a murderous demon, literal demon, who will have nearly unlimited power if she’s united with her master, isn’t a good enough argument?”

“It would save countless lives.” She looked at Beck in unbelief. She didn’t understand why he wouldn’t want Braithe gone. It was the best possible solution to all their problems.

“If it worked. This all sounds pretty experimental to me. You could die and your demon could take over for all we know. I’m not going to risk it and I’m not going to kill you no matter how much you try to rationalize it.” He frowned and took a long swig.

“Please, Beck, don’t make me do it myself.”

“Don’t make you—“ He shook his head. “Come with me.” He grabbed the whiskey bottle and walked briskly to the secure room.

Lenci followed him, wondering what he was thinking. He opened both security doors for her. At the second one, Lenci paused. She hated this room where she gave up her will to her demon. She looked at Beck, who nodded that she needed to go in. She stepped up into the room and sauntered around. There were no chains today. Beck had taken them out to clean the blood from them and hadn’t put them back yet.

Beck closed the door behind her and bolted it. He stood at the viewing window and turned on the sound.

“What am I doing in here? You know I hate this room.”

“I do know that. And I hate it too. I hate putting you in there. I hate seeing you suffer as a demon takes control of the body that is rightfully yours. I’m sorry to have to ask you to be in there. But you, my friend, are not going to kill yourself. This is the only way to ensure that. So we’re going to sit here until we’ve worked this out.”

“We can’t sit here forever. I’ve made up my mind. Sticking me in here isn’t going to change that.”

“I’ve got time. And I’m pretty sure you do too.” Beck winked and raised his bottle to her before taking a gulp.

Lenci couldn’t help smiling and almost laughing. The way he said things lifted her heart. He had a playfulness about him. “What can you say that will change my mind?” She folded her arms.

“I’m not really sure yet. But I’ll come up with something. Give me some time.”

Stories, Writing

I haven’t posted original content in a week. I’m sorry. I didn’t have time make a new character profile or anything. I had costumes to sew and Halloween swallowed me whole! But I do have a little excerpt from my Amara story. Here you go!

Amara crashed into the upstairs of her parents’ home, her home. Emerald green sparks flowed around her as she fell to the floor.

“Amara!” Her mother, Kiva, ran over to check on her.

“I’m okay,” Amara huffed out as she tried to catch her breath. “I’m okay,” she repeated as her mom helped her from the floor and her sister, Avery, joined. They sat her against a wall, sat on each side of her and waited.

It took Amara a minute to realize where she was. She hadn’t been as focused as she would have been normally. She looked around the room. It was a large rectangle with thick black mats on the floor. Weapons lined the wall in front of her and a door stood to her left on one of the short walls.

She was in one of her family’s training rooms. The second floor of their house held four of them, each with an identical setup. But the second floor was also hidden from anyone outside the family. To everyone else their home was a single level house.

Amara let out an exasperated sigh and stood as she shouted, “He threw me off a cliff!” She was glad her mom and sister hadn’t pushed her to talk until she wanted to. They were good at that.

“Who what?” Avery asked in confusion from her spot on the floor.

“The killer! He threw me off a cliff! A frickin’ cliff!” Amara repeated as she threw her hands in the air. “When I catch him, he’s gonna regret every little—“

“If you catch him.”

“Ugh. Avery, you’re not funny.” Amara sat back between them.

“Shut up. I’m hilarious,” Avery chuckled.

“Not right now.” Amara sighed.

“I know you’re frustrated, sweetie.” Kiva set a hand on Amara’s. “But you’ll get him.”

“You should probably give him a better name than ‘the killer’ though. He did just throw you off a cliff.”

“So he’s earned himself a nickname by nearly killing me?” Amara raised a brow at her sister.

“Welllllll…..” Avery stalled. “It is pretty impressive.”

“And creative,” her mom added.

“Yes, he’s impressive and creative. And, oh yeah, he’s a murderer!”

“You do have to call him something unless you want to keep calling him ‘the killer’,” Kiva said.

“What would you recommend I call him?”

“How about Cliff?” Avery laughed and Kiva joined.

“Ha ha laugh it up. I could have died!”

Stories, Writing

Character Intro: Lenci

Name: Lenci

Meaning: Light

Ethnicity: Romanian

Age: 220

Title: Edifice to ice demon Braithe

Power: Fire

Physical Description: Pale with freckles, long red hair, brown eyes, 5’ 5”

Loves: Food, Friends, Hot chocolate

Hates: Cold, Braithe, tapioca

Quote: “Don’t take this the wrong way but… you’re always welcome in my bed.”

Stories, Writing

WIP Summary

Okay. I wrote the story. I’ve tried to write a summary and… I can’t? Why can I write a whole book and not be able to summarize it? I don’t know. @mcvreates asked if I had a summary and I don’t. So I’m going to try. Remember I’m awful at this. Here goes:

It all started with The Warden and Demon Master, embodiments of love and hate. Demon Master created six more demons. The Warden took measures to keep the demons under control and humankind safe. He trapped them within people with powers, Edifices. He also found Keepers to help his Edifices.

Lenci is one of six Edifices. She contains the ice demon. But her Keeper has been killed. She needs to find a new Keeper. Beck has lost everything but is found by Lenci. He agrees to be her Keeper and many adventures follow. Kidnappings, hostile takeovers, demon escapes and attacks.

Lenci and Beck grow close but rules prevent them from being anything but friends. Tension grows high as they battle demons and intense feelings for each other. Can they make it through?

Stories, Writing

History Lesson

To highlight my previous character profile for The Warden, here’s his background story as told to Beck by Lenci.

“It all started centuries ago. There was only one demon and The Warden then. It’s said that the demon was made from the first human who felt hatred. The Warden was created when humans first felt love. The two were forever locked in battle against one another, neither was able to defeat the other. Such is the way of darkness and light.

“Eventually the Demon Master created more demons from different elements of the Earth: brimstone and lava, a tree of a dead forest, a rock from a deadly cliff, water from the darkest depths of the ocean, lightning from a storm, and…” She paused. Next on the list was her demon’s element. She didn’t want to say it. She hated it.

Beck finished his hot cocoa and looked over at her with concern. The fire snuffed itself out and her head snapped toward it. She ran over and restarted it quickly.

She let out a sigh and said, “Ice. He made a demon from the coldest, most isolated glacier. Six demons total.” She didn’t look back at Beck. She’d gotten lost in thought and fear and almost lost her control. She would need to be careful until tomorrow night.

“And what did the uh… Warden? Do?” Beck did his best to recall what she’d called the protector.

“The Warden created his own army. He chose people who had been born with the opposite gifts of the demons. They couldn’t kill the demons though.” Lenci paused to warm her cooling hands. She stuck them straight into the flames and turned them up and down. She could feel the ice and needed to combat it with her own warmth. It was getting worse as the time neared.

Beck, now curious, sat on the floor next to her and watched her fingers play with the flames. “Amazing,” he whispered.

Lenci laughed. “Yeah, I guess it isn’t a bad power to have.”

“Not bad at all.”

“On with the story,” she continued. “The Warden realized he couldn’t kill or imprison the demons. The only way to keep the demons in check was to trap them in a body. One by one they trapped each demon into an opposite warrior’s body. It worked!” Lenci’s face lit up for a moment and then fell again. “Until it didn’t.

“Things were fine short term. They found that they could only tolerate the demon for one moon cycle. The Warden learned that if the human could be given their control back, they could again keep the demon under control for another moon cycle.

“He recruited more humans to help his warriors battle their demons. These helpers were given the warrior’s powers for the night. They would keep the demon under control for the night and bring the human back at the sun’s return.”

“Smart,” Beck commented.

“Very,” Lenci agreed. “The warriors were given the title of Edifices, holders of demons. The helpers gained the title of Keepers. They recruited and trained ranks of each to be possible future Edifices and Keepers should anything happen. And now, here we are.”

“Wow.” Beck leaned back on his arms. “What a story.”

“You believe it? You’ll help me?” Lenci looked at him hopefully.

“I don’t know if I believe it. I at least believe that you have cool fire powers.” He chuckled.

Stories, Writing

Character Intro: The Warden

Here’s my first character profile featuring my original character and artwork! I know I’m not a great artist so please be kind. These are both mine so feel free to like, comment, and reblog, but no stealing! There are lots more to come and I hope you like them all!

Name: The Warden

Meaning: Caretaker

Ethnicity: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Title: The Warden

Power: Teleportation, Immortality, Gifting immortality, Strength, Ability to absorb magical attacks

Physical Description: Brown skin, short black hair, green eyes, 6’ 5″

Loves: Humankind, History, Suits

Hates: Demons

Quote: “Why would I condone you harassing another person? When someone says no, it means no. You need to take your answer and go.”


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Province Adjusts City Infrastructure Priorities

By Ryan McGreal
Published June 08, 2009

I lamented, after reading about the city's stimulus with list, that we were planing to squander the federal and provincial infrastructure money on roadwork. Thankfully, someone at the Province was paying attention.

The feds and province just committed $122 million in funding for Hamilton, and no road projects were included in the list of funded projects.

Liberal MPP Sophia Aggelonitis of Hamiton Mountain stated, "This is not about filling potholes. This is about building legacy priorities."

The money will be used on 14 projects, including: $42 million to upgrade the Woodward water treatment plant, $30 million for a sewage biogas project, $40 million for upgrading community and recreation centres, $25 million for a new emergency training facility, and $15 million for reservoir and pumping station upgrades, among a few other projects.

Hamilton is required to contribute one third of the total cost, and the money must be spent in the next two years.

Ryan McGreal, the editor of Raise the Hammer, lives in Hamilton with his family and works as a programmer, writer and consultant. Ryan volunteers with Hamilton Light Rail, a citizen group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. Ryan wrote a city affairs column in Hamilton Magazine, and several of his articles have been published in the Hamilton Spectator. His articles have also been published in The Walrus, HuffPost and Behind the Numbers. He maintains a personal website, has been known to share passing thoughts on Twitter and Facebook, and posts the occasional cat photo on Instagram.

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By jason (registered) | Posted June 08, 2009 at 11:55:49

sackcloth and ashes!!! We couldn't blow it all on roads???

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By Really? (registered) | Posted June 08, 2009 at 12:29:46

Makes you wonder what politicians & bureaucrats think of Hamilton when we submit a list of pot-hole projects as an 'economic stimulus'. Thank God there are those politicians and bureaucrats to nix such requests.

It's no wonder Politicians/Businesses/Big-Name Retailers/Canadians don't take Hamiltons seriously; Just look at City Staff's priorities!

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Do you know him/her — today?

It has been a while since I read a book that brought so much inspiration to how I approach life. The last one that probably topped this book was “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown. The new book? “A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life” by Brian Grazer. Grazer is a Hollywood producer (known for Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon, 24, and his crazy spiked hair), and while reading about a Hollywood producer would normally turn me off, the book is about his lifelong pursuit of curiosity. He lives and breathes it and it has contributed to how he has lived his life and his many successes. The book showcases his “curiosity conversations” where he has been led to talk to anyone and everyone about how they live their life. He is a listener and learns by asking questions. He talks about curiosity in relation to his professional and personal life.

I was one of those kids that always asked questions. I always wanted to know more and was never satisfied with pat answers — I wanted to know why. I wanted to understand how things worked and how people ticked. I am also someone who often talks things out. One of my favorite times of the day is my drive home from work with Chris. We have been married for 12 years, and have had only one car for 11.5 of those married years. I am usually quieter on the way to work. It is my last few moments of silence before a long and full day.

On the way home it can take us anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on traffic and I find it the perfect time to debrief about our days. Sometimes I talk the entire way home because I have so much to share, sometimes it is Chris that talks the entire time, and others we banter back and forth and share intermittently about our day. When I get home I am off to go for a run, or catch up on a few more pieces of work to get it out of my head, so those minutes in the car are precious. They are one of the ways we connect and learn a bit more about what we each experienced that day. Grazer mentions this specifically in his book — how many couples do not ask each other or talk about their days:

“How many marriages that drift into disconnection and boredom could be helped by a revival of genuine curiosity on both sides? We need these daily reminders that although I live with person, I don’t actually know her today—unless I ask about her today.” page 160

And later on that same page…

“We don’t just take our relationships to those closest to us for granted. We take for granted that we know them so well, we know what happened today. We know what they think. But we don’t. That’s part of the fun of curiosity, and part of the value of curiosity: it creates the moment of surprise.” page 160

I love this. I am voraciously curious about Chris and what continues to make him tick. I am curious about those I work with, my friends, and family. How are they changing? What is bothering them? What continues to make them happy? Promise me to not take each day for granted. Ask the questions. Be curious. And, if you want to read a good book, pick up “A Curious Mind.”

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5 Common Home Security Mistakes

by Jul 29, 2020Home Security, tech upgrades

And How Smart Home Automation Can Help

Did you know that a burglary occurs once every 13 seconds in the US? Everybody thinks it’s not going to be them until it does. Burglaries can easily be thwarted, but people make a lot of simple mistakes with their home security. Just taking a few precautions can massively reduce the chances of a burglary. With the right smart home automation, you can make that even better. Let’s take a look at some examples.

1. Key Problems

a key left in the door is an obvious security problem

Photo by Photomix Company

People have this image of burglars as people in ski masks cleverly picking locks, or breaking in with crowbars. Nothing could be further form the truth. Statistically, most burglaries happen during the day, while people are likely to be out, and burglars avoid forcing their way in if they can.

One of the biggest home security mistakes people make is leaving a spare key outside. It should be obvious that you never want to put a key under the doormat, as that’s so cliché you see it on every TV show, but people still make that mistake. Others think if they put it under a rock, or in a bush, or under a lawn ornament, that will do. It won’t. If you leave a key outside, burglars will find it. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor.

Smart Home Solution

Smart Locks. A smart lock requires no key. Instead, it connects to your WiFi and allows you to lock and unlock your door with your phone, or a touch screen using a pin number. You’ll never have to worry about a burglar finding your key again. Additionally, a smart lock signals that you’ve thought about security for your home. That alone can dissuade burglars.

2. No Home Security System

Some people put up fake security cameras thinking to scare burglars off, but it’s easy to spot a fake security camera. One of the biggest tells is that actual security systems will advertise their presence. Surely you’ve seen those signs people place in their lawn that say “Protected By Such-And-Such Security System”? Companies want everyone to know that the system is protecting the house. Not only is it good advertisement, but it goes a long way towards keeping them away.

Smart Home Solution

Get a security system. These days, quality security systems are fairly inexpensive. You can get one for very little money and the added protection is definitely worth it. With smart home automation, you can even have your security system send alerts directly to your phone when something happens, so you always know what’s going on.

3. Lighting Mistakes

There are a lot of mistakes people make with lighting. One of the big ones is leaving lights on all night. They think if their yard is brightly lit, burglars can’t hide. In reality, having your lights on all night just makes it easier to see your yard and plan an approach that won’t make noise. On top of that, it wastes electricity. In the other extreme, having no lights at all does give the cover of darkness.

Smart Home Solution

The trick is to draw attention. If you want your lighting to actually scare burglars off, the best option is motion sensor lights. They turn on as soon as the burglar attempts to get near your house and the sudden change in lighting is an obvious tell that someone is sneaking around.

Generally, lighting isn’t a good deterrent either way, since most burglaries happen during the day, but there are plenty of other reasons why good lighting is a worthwhile investment.

4. Leaving Things In Plain Sight

You know what the easiest way to steal something is? Picking up a package left on someone’s doorstep and walking away with it. You can do it quickly and nobody will see you. If you leave valuable things in plain sight near a window, that’s also an open invitation. Most burglars won’t try to break a window to get in, but if they’re certain nobody’s home and they can just smash the window, grab something, and run, some will take that chance. You should avoid leaving anything in plain sight and easy reach.

Smart Home Solution

While you can easily keep things out of sight from windows, packages on the porch are a bit more difficult. You don’t always know when they’ve been dropped off. A smart home solution for this is a motion-activated camera. If someone walks up to your home, the camera records it and with smart home integration, you can have alerts sent to your home. You’ll always know when something’s dropped off at home. If you’re home, you can go get it. If not, you can call someone who is. In a pinch, call a neighbor and ask them to hold onto it for you until you get back.

5. Making Announcements

Do you have a social media page? Statistics suggest you do; either Facebook, Twitter, or some other platform. You probably have multiple social media accounts. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to announce when they’re going out of town on social media. Your social media isn’t private. Even if you put your pages settings to private, the information gets leaked all the time. If you announce when you’re going to be gone on social media, you’re letting every burglar within driving distance know there’s an easy target out there. If there’s no chance of you coming back and surprising them, they can take their time burglarizing your home.

Smart Home Solution

Well, having the security systems mentioned above can help, but there’s no real smart home solution to this one. If you really want this not to be a problem, the solution is on you: don’t announce your travel plans on social media. There’s plenty of time to post your vacation photos and stories after you get home. Just wait until then.

Bonus Tip: Weak WiFi and Modem Passwords

burglar breaching security

Photo by Donald Tong

Movies and TV shows like to hype up hacking as some complicated process that requires compute programing skills and the ability to type at 120 WPM to outwit security systems. I always laugh when I see this, because it’s nothing like that. In fact, 9 times out of 10, if a system gets hacked, it was done by someone guessing the password. That’s why you need a strong password. Never use your name, a pet’s name, or something obvious like that.

Another common mistake people make is leaving default passwords for their modem and router. They might change their WiFi password, but they don’t realize that the rest of your equipment also has passwords to it. They come with default passwords chosen from company lists, but these lists get leaked to the internet all the time. If you don’t take the time to change those passwords, someone can access them from their mobile phone just by running through a list of default passwords they found online.

Securing your WiFi, modem, and router is super important, especially if you have smart home automation. If a burglar can use their own phone to get access to your home network, they can get access to anything hooked up to your smart home system. Make sure you use a strong password and that you remember to actually change the passwords on your network equipment from their defaults.

Smart Home Security

There are a lot of smart home solutions to security problems. As technology becomes more readily available, the costs of security measures goes down. Right now, just a few simple, inexpensive smart home security upgrades can significantly reduce the chances of burglaries. There’s no reason not to take advantage of what’s available.

Here at Rapture Audio, we can help you install and set up smart home integrations of all kinds, including security features. Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you out. We’ll help you feel safe in your own home, whether you’re there or not!


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Davidoff COOL WATER 2.4 oz Deodorant Stick for Men

Davidoff launched the legendary fragrance Davidoff Cool Water for men in 1988. This scent revolutionized men’s fragrances thanks to the air of freshness injected into the mixture. This sharp and intense cologne manages to combine a crispness that resonates with men from all walks of life.

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Favorite Books in Series: Magical Creatures

Favorite Magical Creatures Series

Secret Unicorn by Linda Chapman

Twilight is an ordinary little pony, but when Lauren whispers the magic words, he turns into a beautiful snow-white unicorn. Lauren and Twilight have been chosen to help other unicorns and their friends when they have a problem. It’s not as easy as it seems but with a little magic, they soon find their own special way of lending a hand.

Mermaid Tales by Debbie Dadey
It’s MerGirl Shelly Siren’s first day at a new school, and she is nervous from the tip of her head to the end of her sparkling mermaid tail. How will she ever fit in at the prestigious Trident Academy? Everyone there is so smart and so pretty and so rich. At least she and her best friend, Echo, are in the same class, but so is Pearl, a spoiled know-it-all who only wants to make trouble for Shelly; Rocky, a MerBoy who loves to tease everyone; and Kiki, a shy MerGirl who’s new to Trident City.

Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery – about her own identity, the mysterious father she’s never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water’s surface.

Superfairies by Janey Louise Jones
When there’s trouble in Peaseblossom Woods it’s up to the Superfairies to save the day! Rose, Berry, Star, and Silk use teamwork to rescue animals in distress, bringing together their unique superskills, petal power, and lots of love.

Candy Fairies by Len Perelman
Welcome to the Sugar Valley, where the Candy Fairies have magical adventures.

The Never Girls by Kiki Thorpe
The smell of salt water, a gust of seabreeze, and the bell-like ringing of a fairy’s laugh are the only hints that something magical is happening to Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby. In a blink of an eye, the four friends are whisked out of their ordinary lives to the most wonderful place of all—Never Land, home to fairies, mermaids . . . and now four lost girls. The girls don’t want to leave right away, but Queen Clarion and Tinker Bell have figured out a way for them to get home. Will Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby’s fantastic adventure end before it’s barely begun?


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Common Questions on Hard Money Loans

What are Hard Money Loans?

Hard money loans are a specific type of asset-based loans that are secured by real estate collateral. Hard money loans are generally given through private investors or companies.  For example RCN Capital’s loans are hard money loans which are backed by investor’s non-owner occupied residential real estate.

Who Uses Hard Money?

The main individuals who utilize hard money loans are real estate investors, developers, fix and flippers, and buy and hold investors.  The ability for hard money lenders to fund much faster than a traditional bank helps those who are trying to acquire a property with competing bids, and sellers who want a quick close. In many situations, hard money lenders can issue funds in as little as 10 business days, while traditional banks have a wait time of 30-50 days for funding.

What is the interest rate?

Interest rates charged by hard money lenders can vary depending on the lender and on the location of the property.  For example lenders in California are much more competitive with their rates and will usually offer lower interest rates than other areas of the U.S.

Overall, interest rates range between 8%-18% depending on the lender’s perceived risk of the loan and the location of the property. Due to the risk involved, hard money lenders have higher rates than traditional lenders. RCN Capital’s rates start at 8.99% for experienced investors and then can range up to 12% for first-time investors.

How long is the loan term?

Hard money loans are generally all short term loans, ranging from 6 months to 18 months.  Depending on the specific lender you choose, you can also find longer term loans in the 3+ year range.  Typically though, the investors who are using hard money are using them for the quick turnaround times and the ability to acquire, renovate, and sell a home all in a couple months.  For investors who are looking to buy and hold a property, these short term loans are considered bridge loans, where investors refinance the property with a traditional lender who have longer terms.

What are typical Loan-to-Value ratios?

Loan-to-Value ratio, or LTV, is the amount of money hard money lenders can lend on a specific property. The LTV is determined by the ratio of the loan amount divided by the value of the property.  Most hard money lenders can lend up to 65% to 75% of the property’s current value. Other lenders, such as RCN Capital, lend based off the After-Repair-Value of the property. The After-Repair-Value of a property or, ARV, is the appraised value of the property once repairs are completed. Some lenders can offer up to 55% to 70% of the ARV.  RCN Capital has a specific Loan Program, where we can fund up to 85% of the purchase price and 100% of the renovation costs, not exceeding 75% of the After-Repair-Value of the property.

Are there costs associated with Hard Money?

Lenders require Title Policy, Insurance, and Appraisal fees are paid by the borrower, and some lenders may have application fees.  RCN, however, does not charge any upfront fees during the pre-approval and approval process such as an application fee. Though, the borrower is responsible for third party fees such as appraisals or project feasibility studies.

How much does the credit score really matter?

Most hard money lenders do run credit checks, but mostly to look for the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Typically, credit score requirements depend on the exit strategy of the investment.

RCN Capital’s After Repair Value loan program as well as our commercial loan program do have a minimum FICO requirement of 600. For some of our other loan programs, RCN does not have a set minimum but the borrower’s credit score is taken into consideration when underwriting the loan. RCN reviews the individual’s history to determine if there is a repeating pattern of poor financial management or if an isolated incident affected the individual’s credit. We also look at the borrower’s credit in terms of the exit strategy. If the borrower intends to buy and hold rather than fix and flip the property, we will pay closer attention to FICO scores.

As a direct private lender, RCN Capital is here to help you fund your next fix and flip or fix and lease property. Our experienced loan officers and in-house underwriting help the process run smoothly and quickly.

For more information on how RCN can help you, visit

Chat with the RCN Capital Sales Team!


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Looking for Commercial Finningley Tarmac Surfacing?R Cunningham & Sons offers quality asphalt & tarmacadam

We are a trusted tarmac surfacing company based in Finningley, providing high quality asphalt surfaces to businesses in the local area.

From a small path or shop front, to a complete tarmac car park or sports area, we have the resources and equipment to cater for all your Finningley tarmac surface needs.

Why choose tarmac surfacing in Finningley?

Tarmac surfaces offer huge scope for any Finningley public or commercial area as an affordable, yet highly durable surface. Tarmac can easily be customised with the addition of block paving kerb stones or a different coloured tarmac. Very stylish looks can be created, whilst often saving money over other types of commercial paving. Tarmac surfacing is commonplace around Finningley as it's one of the most efficient and cost effective surfaces for public use.

Tarmac / asphalt offers a rapidly installed and low maintenance way to enhance areas that face regular foot traffic and vehicular access.

Tarmacadam/asphalt also has the benefit of being water permeable, so you won't experience puddles forming on the new surface.

Tarmac surfacing from a local Finningley company

We ensure the right time and attention is applied to every Finningley tarmac surfacing project, to ensure a long-lasting and flawless finish for every client.

The new tarmac surface project will start off with a full survey of the location in Finningley, giving us an overview of the requirements. You can rely on R Cunningham & Sons for an excellent result.

Speak to our Finningley tarmac surfacing team on 01302 358087

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We don't just provide high quality Finningley tarmac surfacing, we also offer other services:

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