Your body is perhaps the most important and complex organism God created and put on planet Earth. It is made up of billions of microscopic parts, each working together in an organized fashion that allows the total being to function.
How well each of those parts work together might define how healthy the body is.
It is through maintaining or improving the efficiency of our body and keeping its various systems in balance that health is maintained.
The Wikipedia Encyclopedia defines "Health" as the level of functional and/or metabolic efficiency of an organism at both the micro(cellular) and macro(social) level. In the medical field, health is commonly defined as an organism's ability to efficiently respond to challenges (stressors) and effectively restore and sustain a "state of balance," known as homeostasis.
While science and the practice of medicine is important to our health, perhaps the most important factors are impacted through individual effort. Activities such as fitness training, weight loss, a healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, stress management and quitting smoking are examples of things you can do to improve your health.
You are in control of your own health, life and fitness.
It should be one of your top priorities to take care of your body as best you can. After all, you only have ONE body and when it's gone… it's gone. It is, therefore, important that you take responsibility for your health and begin to make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Taking personal control over your health will become even more important in the coming years. Your healthcare is being socialized with programs like Obamacare which will decrease your quality of care while skyrocketing the costs. Make no mistake about it… there are billions of dollars at stake and the medical industrial complex wants to control all of it. While it's probably impossible to completely avoid the nightmare of Obamacare, you will probably want to put yourself in a position where you don't need to visit your doctor as often and you don't contract the many diseases that are sweeping the globe.
If you want to be healthy, you need to STOP listening to MD's for nutritional advise. Medical doctors are not taught about nutrition and are the wrong person to go to for advice about nutritional health.
They do not attend to your health, they will only prescribe toxic drugs to mitigate your symptoms. In fact, while MD's have been in control chronic disease has gotten worse; we've lost the war on cancer, we've lost the war on heart disease, obesity is escalating, autism rates are going through the roof, and we're getting sicker every year.
It's been estimated that more than 50% of us die from cardiovascular disease. One third of us develop cancer and an increasing percentage of us suffer from life threatening infectious diseases. In addition, most Americans have weakened immune systems that leave us vulnerable to debilitating, avoidable infections. These conditions are all preventable when you take an active role in your body's health.
The mission of this website is to provide you information and resources that will empower you to make more healthy lifestyle choices. As you become better informed about health issues related to your body and gain access to resources to improve your health, you will be empowered to make the choices necessary to improve your overall quality of life.


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Best Places to See Animals in Tanzania
Tanzania, one of the world's most renowned safari destinations, is home to beguiling beaches, ancient cultural monuments, notable archaeological sites, fabulous wildlife spectacles, and stunning landscapes. Some of Tanzania's extraordinary wildlife spectacles include the annual wildebeest migration, tree-climbing lions, huge herds of elephants, big five animal sightings, flamingo covered lakes, and crocodile-infested rivers.
Our handy list of the best places to see animals in Tanzania includes Tanzania's iconic national parks and reserves, known for their abundant wildlife.
1. Arusha National Park
2. Lake Manyara National Park
3. Serengeti National Park
4. Ruaha National Park
5. Selous Game Reserve
6. Tarangire National Park
7. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Although Arusha isn't home to the big five, it has plenty of giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. On most Arusha safaris, the game vehicles will stop at the Ngurdoto Crater – a volcanic crater with a swamp floor. Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forests and is a great spot to see several species of antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, and warthogs. The Momella Lakes include the Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Lekandiro, Rishateni, and Tulusia. Giraffes and buffaloes are also commonly spotted around the banks of these rivers.
Lake Longil, the only freshwater lake in the park, offers safari visitors a chance to see buffaloes and waterbucks in their natural habitat. The Tululusia Hill and waterfall region within the boundaries of Arusha National Park is an excellent wildlife viewing spot. A few fortunate visitors have come across tree-dwelling pythons, red duiker, and leopards on their safari.
Mount Meru's fertile slopes, savannahs, and forests also host diverse wildlife. In the forested regions of the mountain, you'll find colobus monkey, olive baboon, and red-tailed monkey, whereas giraffes and zebras can be seen grazing in the savannas.
Highlight: Mount Meru, common sightings of colobus monkey, giraffe, buffalo, and zebras.
Wildlife Safaris with Activities:
A Day Trip of Arusha National Park: Game drive, canoe, nature walk, and birding
4-Day Mount Meru Climb: Game drive, trekking, and hiking
Arusha Walking Safari: Game drive and walking safari
Arusha Birdwatching Safari: Game drive and walking safari
At Lake Manyara National Park's entrance, you'll be greeted not only by the park's staff and guides but also by its resident primates such as the blue monkeys and olive baboons who inhabit the forest patch at the park's entrance.
Visitors anticipating their visit to the Lake Manyara National Park have a lot to look forward to, beginning with the tree-climbing lions that have shown a preference for acacia trees. Several studies have tried to pinpoint the reason for this behavior of the lions in Lake Manyara National Park. Some claim that the lions climb the trees as they offer a great vantage point while another theory suggests that the lions started climbing trees to escape epidemics of flies and mosquitoes, a trick mimicked by future generations.
Lake Manyara attracts thousands of migratory birds. Amongst these are the pink flamingos covering the lake surface, creating a stunning contrast over the ash-colored waters of the lake. The park's hippo pool, located on the northern shores of Lake Manyara, is one place where you have guaranteed hippo sightings.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to more than 400 bird species. The large variety and population of birds ensure that visitors can spot numerous bird species during a safari. The most commonly spotted bird species are black heron, glossy ibis, little bee-eater, martial eagle, and silvery-cheeked hornbill.
Refer to the list of birds in Lake Manyara National Park to find out about other bird species.
Highlight: Tree climbing lions, large elephant population, flamingo covered lake.
Flamingo Watching at Lake Manyara: Game drive
Tree-Climbing Lions Safari: Game drive and optional activities
Lake Manyara, Ngorongor, and Tarangire National park Safari: Game drive
Unforgettable Tanzania wildlife and cultural Safari: Game drive, walking safari, bicycle, village visits, birding, and cultural experience
The prime time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park is between June and September, although the Serengeti is a superb year-round wildlife viewing destination. During the dry season (July to October), the lack of vegetation makes it even easier to spot wildlife. Check out our detailed wildebeest migration infographic to see the annual progression of the migration. Based on your preferences and timelines, you can choose the best time to visit the park.
The marshes of the Mara River are home to Nile crocodiles, one of the deadliest predators of Africa, as well as hippos. Serengeti is one of the best places to spot three of the big five in Tanzania, with its high concentration of elephants, buffaloes, and lions, while a few lucky safari-goers might also catch sight of the rarely seen black rhino and leopard. In addition, Serengeti is one of the places in Tanzania with a sizable population of cheetahs while spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and golden jackals are always following the lead of the apex predators, the big cats. These hunters will either try to steal their prey or scavenge on their carcass.
During the migration, the Grumeti River offers a great view of mega herds crossing from its banks. Located in the park's western corridor, the Grumeti River's remote location offers visitors a break from crowds. Additionally, visitors will also have frequent sightings of Nile crocodiles, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and lions throughout the year.
Highlight: The wildebeest migration and abundant wildlife
3-Day Wildlife safari Serengeti and Ngorongoro: Game drive
Serengeti Ngorongoro Lodge Safari: Game drive and optional activities
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara Group Safari: Game drive
Great Wildebeest Migration Safari: Game drive and cultural experiences
Ruaha National Park's namesake, the Ruha River, flowing along the park's southeastern border, offers the perfect spot for game viewing. Another river, the Njombe, travels through the park's rocky landscape and gorges. Visitors can see Nile crocodiles basking in the sunlight on the banks of these rivers. Several animals frequent these water sources to quench their thirst, among them are herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, impalas, and kudus. There's also a chance of spotting one of the numerous predators such as wild dog, cheetah, leopard, and spotted hyena.
For a better chance of spotting animals, visitors should head over to the Mbage-Mwagusi circuit and to see roan antelope, sable, and hartebeest, head over to the Mdonya Woodlands.
Ruaha National Park's primary attractions include its large concentration of elephants and lions. It is also amongst Tanzania's essential Lion Conservation Reserves, protecting its lion population.
Highlight: Large population of lions and elephants
4-Day Ruaha National Park Safari: Game drive and walking safari
6-Day Mikumi to Ruaha National Park Safari: Game drive, walking safari, and birding
15-Day Tanzania Self-drive Adventure: Game drive
Tanzania Southern circuit Safari: Game drive, walking safari, boat cruise, and nature walk
Selous Game Reserve is one of the primary attractions in Tanzania's southern park circuit. Thanks to its abundant wildlife concentration, Selous Game Reserve promises excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Despite its popularity, it is one of the less visited and therefore less crowded parks in Tanzania, allowing visitors to explore the wildlife without any distractions. Selous Game Reserve is home to a healthy and large population of African wild dogs, an endangered species, as well as lion and leopard.
Rufiji River, Lake Tagalaga, and several Selous waterholes are often visited by the park's wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and waterbucks, and often predators aren't far behind. If luck has it, you might even get to witness a lion hunting its prey. Selous is popular for adventurous safaris including walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the wildlife's natural habitat close up, and superb boat trips.
Highlight: Rufiji river and abundant game animals
3-Day Selous Game Reserve Wildlife Safari: Game drive
Classic Southern Tanzania Safari: Game drive, walking safari, canoe, and boat cruise
7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Game drive, walking safari, boat cruise, birding, and cultural experience
Southern Circuit Off the beaten track safari: Game drive, walking safari, and boat cruise
Tarangire National Park is ideal for people who want to see large herds of elephants in their natural habitat. It has the largest population of elephants in Tanzania and four of the big five African animals – leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants. Primates such as troops of baboons and vervet monkeys are commonly spotted all over the national park. Vervet monkeys especially congregate around the park's picnic areas and aren't above stealing your meal.
Tarangire's water sources and swamps are ideal spots for seeing hippopotamus. Amongst the predators, you are more likely to see a lion than any other species, such as leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Tarangire is also known for its tree-climbing pythons, forced to seek shelter when the swamps dry up.
Ashy starling, red-and-yellow barbet, red-bellied parrot, speckle-fronted weaver, and tawny eagle are five of the commonly spotted birds in the Tarangire sky. The park has over 500 bird species, best viewed in the period between November to April.
Highlight: Zebra and wildebeest migration
2-Day Tarangire Cultural and WIldlife Safari: Game drive, village visits, and cultural experience
5-Day Serengeti Ngorongoro Tanzania: Game drive
3-Day Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara Safari: Game drive
3-Day Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Camping Safari: Game drive
As well as a wealth of wildlife, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also one of the best examples of local communities living in harmony with wildlife. There are around 100,000 Maasai living here, looking after their livestock without impacting the wildlife. In addition, there are fascinating landmarks to see in the conservation area, such as Nasera Rock, Olduvai Gorge, Oldonyo Lengai, Empakaai Crater and of course the renowned Ngorongoro Crater.
Rich in wildlife, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to cheetah, one of the most commonly spotted predators here. They roam the plains outside the crater in the Lake Ndutu region. Giraffes cannot reach the crater surface and can also be spotted outside the crater. The big five can be seen in the Ngorongoro Crater itself and it's one of the best places to spot the black rhino. Lions can also be seen prowling the grasslands in the Lake Ndutu area while buffaloes and elephants are seen throughout the conservation area, from floodplains to swamps and savannahs. The elusive leopards can be seen within the rainforest at the crater's rim.
Visitors can head over to either the Gongor Swamps or Mandusi Hippo Pools to catch sight of the park's hippos. The rare black rhinos can also be found in the Gongor Swamps. Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies in the path of the annual wildebeest migration from Tanzania to Kenya and back. To see the wildebeest migration in progress, visitors need to plan a trip for December to February. During this time, the wildebeest are in Ngorongoro, and it is the calving season.
Flamingoes are found all over Tanzania, from Lake Manyara to Ngorongore's crater lakes. Every year, thousands of flamingos inhabit the lakes during the wet season, making it an ideal time to spot these beautiful birds. They can be spotted at Lake Ndutu, Empakaai Crater Lake, and Lake Magadi. These crater lakes also attract the great white pelican, breeding in the shallow lakes and swamps. So don't wait, take a Safari trip to Tanzania soon!
Highlight: Wildebeest migration, Ngorongoro Crater and lions.
4 Days Ngorongoro and Serengeti Safari: Game drive
3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Game drive
Ultimate Ngorongor, Tarangire, and Manyara Safari: Game drive
7 Days Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Game drive, and other optional activities
Animals in Tanzania
safari animals in Tanzania
Tanzania safari
Tanzania safari animal
Wildlife Animals in Tanzania
Safari Deal
MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


1 Discovering Affordable Dental Implants in El Indio, Texas– Why So Pricey?
5 How Do I Get Dental Implants in El Indio TX?
You assumed everything was fine. No person appeared to observe that you were missing a few teeth, as well as then somebody went across the line. You were offered granny sandals and a crocheted blanket for Xmas, the recommendation being that it was time to curl up on the couch with your cat and a glass of warm milk.
Discovering Affordable Dental Implants in El Indio, Texas– Why So Pricey?
Shedding your teeth has started to make you look old. You rarely talk with any individual any longer anyhow, so why not work out in for a very early snooze? Nonsense! When affordable dental implants are simply a phone call away, you don't have to clear up.
Probably relative will be a lot more direct and also sensible regarding it, yet somebody should tell you that affordable dental implants could be life-altering. Finding affordable dental implants starts with an internet search and the readiness to travel a bit. Opportunities are you will have to go to a major city to locate a dental expert that makes it his company to provide budget friendly oral solutions to people that require them. It might appear like incorrect economic climate if you have to pay for train tickets or gas, but merely keep in mind the distinction in price as well as it quickly comes to be clear: taking a trip is well worth the effort to have your smile once more.
The factor dental implants are so pricey is that great deals of individuals get included in making them, putting them as well as completing them. Include this to the expense of materials plus the dental practitioner's helicopter costs, and quickly you will have to offer your auto to be able to eat steak once again.
How Do I Get Dental Implants in El Indio TX?
Dentists can reduce costs by doing what every consumer does to conserve money: purchasing in bulk. Since there is no such thing as a poor dental professional, it is clear that these treatments occur typically enough for a specialist to get materials in breakthrough. Moreover, if he is trained, he can perform more of the work himself instead of sending you to a various person to tackle each portion of the procedure. Every one of this might conserve you loan, after you request a strong sedative to obtain you with the process.
Many of these dental methods promote services over the internet. Web marketing aids to maintain costs down as well as reach even more individuals, while broadening their customer base at the exact same time. Even more consumers and reduced media expenses add up to cost savings we can hand down to customers. Make certain to request a price analysis for the dental implants when you see one of our dental practitioners.
Consider taking advantage of these solutions before anyone has to trigger you. Shock them with a new smile. The advantages start with self-confidence, which is critical to living a full life. Not everyone that sheds teeth will be senior. Several youngsters experience oral conditions or injuries which lead to tooth loss. When you could not grin or talk easily, this cuts you off from individuals and obstructs your chances of success, specifically if you intend to operate in a customer support capability.
Worse still, your jaw requires teeth in it to remain healthy and balanced. Without anything to support, your jaw begins to squander away like a muscle mass that never ever gets utilized. Your mouth will alter form to ensure that, even if you wish to get dentures ultimately, they will certainly not fit. Act swiftly to stop this from taking place and offer us a call today.
The advantage of selecting affordable dental implants over dentures is that they will aid you to keep bone mass, whereas dentures do not. You have simply as good a possibility of losing bone if you put on dentures as you do without teeth.
Also dentures can be placed in your mouth semi-permanently. Your dental expert will certainly repair them to a variety of messages to ensure that you take hip jump lessons without losing them. While the howling of your other professional dancers or the target market as they go flying can be interesting, the rule of 'finders caretakers' can spell your failure for discovering affordable dental implants.
Pay little focus on the expense of your pal's procedure. Her mouth is various from your own, so the solutions you need will not cost the same quantity. It might take longer for your treatment to be ended up. A lot more materials might be called for. Bone grafting could be essential prior to any more job could be done. Try not to be demandinged.
When picking affordable dental implants, just discover exactly what sort of anesthetic services are used at the same time. This should put you at your convenience. You could be asleep during. This is particularly convenient if your main worry regarding going to the dental practitioner is that you are simply afraid. A phobia of dental practitioners prevails, however is in some cases preventable. Do not watch 'Little Store of Horrors' or 'Marathon Male,' and also you might be just fine.
Maybe household participants will certainly be much more direct as well as sensible about it, but somebody requires to inform you that affordable dental implants could be life-altering. Finding affordable dental implants begins with a net search as well as the willingness to take a trip a little bit. While the shrieking of your other dancers or the target market as they go flying could be amazing, the guideline of 'finders caretakers' can spell your failure for locating affordable dental implants.
When picking affordable dental implants, simply discover out what kind of anesthetic solutions are supplied at the same time.


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Q: waiting 2 thread are finished before to continue the program When i click on a button, i would like to start action. When theses both actions would be finish, i want to start another action, this one need the result of both actions previous terminated.

A: Start a thread which starts two more threads and waits for them to finish i.e. join(). When the two have finished the first thread can do the work which comes after.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Today I have an exciting giveaway from My Memories Suite ! Back in September I did giveaway for My Memories Suite and gave away their My Memories Suite 2 Software, today I'm giving away their upgrade software ( My Memories Suite 3 Software). So below is an update review on their update software and I will explain all the rules at the end.
What is My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software?
Is downloading and the program itself easy?
Yes! Downloaded the software was easy, once you had it downloaded you could begin making your own album from scratch or you could begin with one of their pre-made albums.
I started with a pre- made album so I could get use to the program, it you start with a pre-made album all you really have to do is drop your pictures into the picture boxes that they have design for you. But the amazing thing is that you can go in and change a pre- made album page by adding more or deleting some thing off the page. The program was so simple to use and adding or deleting anything off a page was just a click away ( I will admit that the program does get a little addicting). Now if you don't know where to start the MyMemories site dose offers great tutorial videos, on how to use the program.
Once I got the hang of pre- made albums, I started with one album made from scratch. I created 3 pages in my album and I wanted to show you guys some of the cool things that you can do with the program.
* Note all the pages you see were made by me using the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software.
Why is the updated version better?
Create in minutes:Fast, and easy to use. Simple enough for beginners, yet powerful enough for a serious scrapbooker.
Make it Easy:Setup and cleanup are as easy as the exit button. And the savings over traditional scrapbooks is huge!
Speaks for itself :Video, music, and narration can bring all your memories to life.
So, go ahead, show off:Countless ways to share your creation with family and friends again and again—and again.
Can you get more papers, to add to your program?
Now the fun doesn't stop there, you can download extra papers and more goodies from the MyMemories site. They offer papers that are freebies and they have many other great papers made by different designers that you can buy. Their paper that you buy start at .99 cent and don't go over 9.99, and they have a wide variety of themes and designers.
Win a Free Copy of My Memories Suite!
Now what you really want, I'm giving away My Memories Suite which is normally $39.97.
1. Visit mymemories.com and then come back here and post a comment telling me which layout or kit you like best.
* Make sure you leave your e-mail address in at least one of your entires ( so I can contact you if you win)!
The giveaway will end on December 22 at 12:00 Midnight, and is open to everyone. I'll will pick the winner from Random.org , and announce them on December 23.
What If You Don't Win Or Just Don't Want To Wait?
This program is really fun and simple to use and if your thinking about going to digital scrapbooking then this program is definitely the way to go.
Good Lucky and have a Happy Thursday!
A Christmas to remember is my favorite!


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Trump to confront Turkey about buying Russian air defense system
Deb Riechmann, The Associated Press
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on May 16, 2017. (Oliver Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)
NEW YORK — President Donald Trump will confront Turkey's leader about his decision to buy a Russian air defense system when they meet this week at the White House amid strained relations between the two NATO allies.
Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, said Sunday that the United States is still "very upset" by the move to purchase the Russian S-400 system. The U.S. says the system is not compatible with NATO forces and could compromise the F-35 fighter jet program and aid Russian intelligence. The Trump administration removed Turkey from the F-35 program in July.
Here's how F-35 technology would be compromised if Turkey also had the S-400 anti-aircraft system
The U.S. Air Force was able to bomb Libya with impunity after knocking out its relic of an Integrated Air Defense System, but what if the country had actually maintained a competent IADS network?
Kyle Rempfer
O'Brien told CBS' "Face the Nation" that if Turkey doesn't get rid of the Russian system, Turkey will likely face U.S. sanctions backed by a bipartisan majority in Congress. Trump is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday.
"There's no place in NATO for the S-400," O'Brien said. "There's no place in NATO for significant Russian military purchases. That's a message that the president will deliver to him very clearly when he's here in Washington."
O'Brien said, however, that the U.S. will do everything it can to keep Turkey in NATO.
Turkey has been roundly criticized for its incursion into northern Syria to attack Kurdish forces that were fighting with the U.S. against Islamic State militants. Trump has been denounced for removing U.S. forces from the area before the incursion, but O'Brien said the administration did not pave the way for Erdogan's offensive into Syria.


People around the globe are often seen complaining about a common ant problem. With the commencement of summer season, the ant problem increases by several folds. During the cold weather, these tiny creatures go becomes dormant but as the earth surface warms, the ants crawls up on the surface and roams around. Kitchen becomes the most vulnerable place where the ants can find sugary substance. Using pesticide is not often recommended as it can prove to be dangerous for humans as well. A home with children must avoid the use of pesticides and should use alternative ways to get rid of ants instead. Mentioned below are few steps that can be helpful in keeping ants at bay.
We often tend to ignore the small opening or entrances on the floor or ceiling where ants can make their colony. "The best way to get rid of ants is to block their entrance." –Pest Experts in Ontario. Once you come across few ants in your kitchen, instead of killing them instantly you can look for their source and block their entrance. You can also check for the small opening on your kitchen floors and try to seal them using a sealant or cement.
You can also use coffee to deter ants from entering your home. Coffee granules act as a barrier for ants and help in getting rid of ants. If you come across ants in your house, spread coffee granules around the place. Baby powder also acts as an effective barrier which keeps ants away.
The best way to get rid of ants is to solve the root cause of the problem. The ants get attracted to sugary and sticky kitchen floor. The best way to avoid ants is to keep the kitchen neat and clean. Make sure to clean the kitchen on a regular basis. Try to keep all your food material in an air tight sealed the jar.
It is very important to keep the floors neat and clean. You can use soap water to clean the floor on regular basis. The soap water helps in destroying the chemical trail of ants. Sometimes food scrums on the floor attract the ants and by cleaning the floor regularly, you can keep the ants at bay.
Ants do not like certain odor and that odor acts as a deterrent. Ant hates camphor and cloves; you can use camphor based room freshener or can keep few cloves on your kitchen floor to keep ants away. Ants also hate the pungent smell of white vinegar and sweeping kitchen floor with white vinegar can help to get rid of ants.
Getting rid of ants is not so difficult. Keeping your place neat and clean is the best possible way to get rid of ants naturally. However, if you find it difficult, there are several professional services available that can help you to get rid of these tiny crawling creatures.


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Singer (baritone)
Ben Harpwood
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Check availability and get a free quote now - no commitment to book
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The Debonairs - 4 piece
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Ben is a fantastic singer and entertainer. As comfortable fronting a jazz band as hosting a cabaret evening.
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Ben sings and swings with jazz and swing group The Debonairs, established in 2013. They perform a wide repertoire of jazz and swing standards, from the 1920s to the 1970s. Available with 2-5 members (adding bass, percussion and sax). Ben also performs songs in a similar style by himself (as One Man Frank) and as a guest performer with the "Swindon All Stars" 20-piece big band and Great Gatsby style "Stableyard Jazz Band" Ben is part of the duo Acoustic Sunset. They have been performing handpicked pop classics since 2015 at weddings and festivals across the country. From The Beatles to The Bangles, Buddy Holly to Blur, Bowie to Beyonce, and even some artists that don't begin with a B! Available with 2-4 members (adding drums and bass).
I can perform outdoors
I have a car I can use to travel to gigs
I require car parking close to venues
I can perform with backing tracks
I can perform while walking around a venue
My equipment is PAT tested
I own a PA system
1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, Jazz, Cabaret, Dixieland, Ragtime, Swing, Easy listening, Pop, Acoustic, Covers, Top 40, Vintage
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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A Foggy Day in London Town - Michael Buble
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square - Harry Connick Jr
Ain't Misbehavin' - Louis Armstrong
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Ain't That A Kick In The Head - Dean Martin
All of Me - Frank Sinatra
All Or Nothing At All - Frank Sinatra
All The Way - Frank Sinatra
Always On My Mind - Elvis Presley
And I Love You So	- Perry Como
Aqua Marina - Stingray
As Time Goes By - Frank Sinatra
Auld Lang Syne - traditional
Bad Bad Leroy Brown - Frank Sinatra
Bare Necessities (Jungle Book) - Louis Prima
Beyond The Sea - Bobby Darin
Big Bang Theory theme
Blue Moon - Dean Martin
Blue Velvet - Bobby Vinton
Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
Body and Soul - Tony Bennett
Born Free - Matt Munro
Buona Sera - Michael Buble
Bye Bye Blackbird - Dean Martin
C'est Si Bon- Dean Martin
Call Me Irresponsible - Bobby Darin
Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis Presley
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Andy Williams
Cheek to Cheek - Frank Sinatra
Chicago - Frank Sinatra
Come Dance With Me - Frank Sinatra
Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
Copacabana - Barry Manilow
Danke Schoen - Wayne Newton
Danny Boy - Elvis Presley
Day In, Day Out - Frank Sinatra
Diamonds Are Forever	- Shirley Bassey
Don't Fence Me In - Bing Crosby
Don't Get Around Much Any More - Duke Ellington
Don't Know Why - Norah Jones
Dream A Little Dream - Michael Buble
Edelweiss - The Sound Of Music
Embraceable You - Frank Sinatra
Every Time We Say Goodbye - Ella Fitzgerald
Fever - Michael Buble
Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue - Lewis Henderson
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
For Once In My Life - Frank Sinatra
French Foreign Legion - Frank Sinatra
From Russia With Love - Matt Monro
Frosty The Snowman - Michael Buble
Georgia On My Mind - Michael Buble
Get Happy - Frank Sinatra
Girl From Ipanema - Frank Sinatra
Goldfinger - Shirley Bassey
Hallelujah I Love Her So - Ray Charles
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
Hello Dolly! - Louis Armstrong
High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
Human - Rag N Bone Man
I Could Have Danced All Night - Frank Sinatra
I Could Write A Book - Harry Connick Jr
I Get A Kick Out Of You - Frank Sinatra
I Wanna Be Like You (Jungle Book) - Louis Prima
I Won't Dance - Michael Buble
I'll Never Smile Again - Frank Sinatra
I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter - Frank Sinatra
I'm In The Mood For Love - Frank Sinatra
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm - Frank Sinatra
I've Got The World On A String - Frank Sinatra
I've Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra
In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - Frank Sinatra
Is You Is You Ain't My Baby - Louis Jordan
It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr
It Happened In Monterey - Frank Sinatra
It Was A Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra
It's All Right With Me - Harry Connick Jr
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
Just A Gigolo	- Louis Prima
Just In Time - Frank Sinatra
Just One Of Those Things - Frank Sinatra
L-O-V-E	- Nat King Cole
La Mer (in French!) - Charles Trenet
La Vie En Rose - Louis Armstrong
Last Christmas - Postmodern Jukebox
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Dean Martin
Let There Be Love - Nat King Cole
Let's Face The Music and Dance - Nat King Cole
Let's Get Away From It All - Frank Sinatra
Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
Little Old Wine Drinker Me - Dean Martin
Livin' On A Prayer - Postmodern Jukebox
Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
Love Letters - Nat King Cole
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Luck Be A Lady - Frank Sinatra
Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin
Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
Moon River - Frank Sinatra
Moondance - Michael Buble
Moonlight In Vermont - Frank Sinatra
More - Bobby Darin
My Funny Valentine - Frank Sinatra
My Girl - The Temptations
My Kind Of Town - Frank Sinatra
My Way - Frank Sinatra
Nature Boy - Nat King Cole
New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
Nice n Easy - Frank Sinatra
Night and Day - Frank Sinatra
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (in French!) - Edith Piaf
Oh What A Beautiful Morning - Howard Keel
Ol Man River - Paul Robeson
On The Street Where You Live - Nat King Cole
One For My Baby - Frank Sinatra
Our Love Is Here To Stay - Harry Connick Jr
Pennies From Heaven - Frank Sinatra
Que Sera Sera - Doris Day
Rockin Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Route 66 - Nat King Cole
Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - traditional
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bing Crosby
Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week - Frank Sinatra
Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
Sittin' On the Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
Smile - Nat King Cole
Some Enchanted Evening - Howard Keel
Something Stupid - Frank Sinatra
St James Infirmary - Hugh Laurie
Stormy Weather - Etta James
Straighten Up and Fly Right - Nat King Cole
Strangers In The Night - Frank Sinatra
Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
Summertime - Sarah Vaughan
Sunny Side Of The Street - Frank Sinatra
Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
Sway - Dean Martin
Sweet Lorraine - Nat King Cole
Taking A Chance On Love - Frank Sinatra
Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley
That's Amore - Dean Martin
That's Life - Frank Sinatra
The Best Is Yet To Come - Frank Sinatra
The Continental - Fred Astaire
The Lady Is A Tramp - Frank Sinatra
The Nearness of You - Norah Jones
The Tender Trap - Frank Sinatra
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
They Can't Take That Away From Me - Frank Sinatra
Things - Bobby Darin
Too Marvellous For Words - Frank Sinatra
Too Young - Nat King Cole
Top Hat, White Tie, & Tails - Irving Berlin
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Walk Like A Panther - Tony Christie
We Are In Love - Harry Connick Jr
We Have All the Time in the World - Louis Armstrong
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Winter Wonderland - Michael Buble
Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Wonderwall - Mike Flowers Pops
You Do Something To Me - Frank Sinatra
You Make Me Feel So Young - Frank Sinatra
You Only Live Twice - Nancy Sinatra
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To - Frank Sinatra
You're The Cream In My Coffee - Nat King Cole
Young At Heart - Frank Sinatra
What if my timings change after I've booked you?
These things often happen and won't usually affect the price. Please do let me know though in case I have other commitments that day.
Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?
Yes. I have huge selection of background music. I can also bring lights and host a disco after the final set until the venue closes, for an additional £120.
How much time do you need to set up?
Ad a solo performer I only need around 30 minutes to set up. Or 45 minutes if you would also like me to host a disco afterwards. If I'm performing with musicians then we usually need around an hour.
Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?
Of course! I'm happy to discuss songs with you. Most clients let me know some songs they love so I can tailor my set to match.
Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?
Yep! I have a wireless set up so usually roam around the room (or garden if the weather's nice!) while I sing.
Can you learn specific pieces before the event?
Yes. I'd be happy to learn one new song for your event, but would charge £30 for any additional new songs to cover practice time.
What do your clients love most about your performances?
I bring an authentic rat pack sound to any event and people love that I mingle with the crowd while performing. I can also mix in a few jazz versions of more modern songs such as Living On A Prayer and Wonderwall for a bit of fun.
Which venues have you performed at in the past?
Many, many wedding venues... I have also sung in one of Gareth Malone's choirs on BBC 2 and in front of the Queen at the opening of Birmingham's revamped New St Station!
Which artists have you been most influenced by?
Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, Harry Connick Jr, Dean Martin
What is the most high profile gig you've performed?
I sang at a corporate event for Channel 4 which was packed with famous faces.
Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click "Check availability".
Performance duration Price
Short performance (up to 15 min) £160
Up to 1 hour £220
Up to 2 hours £250
All prices include:PA equipment, background music before, in between and for a short time after performing
+£180
From customers:
Tom A, 1 year ago
The Debonairs were absolutely fantastic! We asked them to step in at the very last minute leading up to our wedding, the process for booking them was quick and simple and they provided all the necessary paperwork for us to hand over to the venue. Performance wise they did a great job at getting the crowd warmed up. They had a challenge with children running around being a bit of a distraction but they were able to keep both the children and adults entertained without affecting their show. They played a diverse mix of classic fifties swing and modern tracks with a swing influence added to them. Myself, my wife and all the guests were thoroughly impressed with the show, anybody who wasn't on the dance floor was sat right next to it so that they could enjoy the music. I can't recommend this band enough. A fantastic act that added to an already fantastic day!
Rebecca L, 2 years ago
You really did a fabulous job, a brilliant tribute to Frank, a beautiful voice and what's more you really engaged with the audience, got stuck in, had fun and made some new fans too. You are part of the team now!
Jasmine G, 3 years ago
I just wanted to say a huge huge huge thankyou for your services on Saturday!! You were amazing!!! So many people came up to me through out the whole evening even after you had left to say how amazing you were, And you truly were! It was perfect and just want we wanted and had in mind! Thankyou so much for your time!!!
Sue D, 3 years ago
Hi Ben - just wanted to say how much we enjoyed your performance on Saturday. You were amazing and just right for our event. Thank you so much, and we will definitely be in touch in future as will the golf club.
B13 M, 6 years ago
Ben is brilliant! If you want charisma he's got it, and he has the songs and the act down.
Melvin D, 5 years ago
Ben is a great singer and really funny too. He entertained the crowd brilliantly. We're having him back to compere
Tracey B, 5 years ago
Ben absolutely surpassed expectations, and helped create a fun filled wonderful romantic evening
Gill B, 4 years ago
The fabulous Debonairs jazz quartet had everyone thoroughly entertained and some crazy jazz dancing!
Jasmine, B, 4 years ago
I just wanted to say a huge huge huge thankyou for your services on Saturday!! You were amazing!!! So many people came up to me through out the whole evening even after you had left to say how amazing you were, And you truly were! It was perfect and just want we wanted and had in mind!
Sue, 4 years ago
just wanted to say how much we enjoyed your performance on Saturday. You were amazing and just right for our event.
Lisa, D, 4 years ago
The Debonairs were wonderfully entertaining! Amazing musicians and very entertaining. Cat wait to see them again next year!
Rebecca, F, 3 years ago
Many thanks for your efforts over the weekend, your act received the most feedback and everyone thought you were terrific. It was great that you got so involved and engaged with the audience.
Singer (baritone)s in the UK
Singer (baritone)s in West Bromwich
Singer (baritone)s in West Midlands
Singer (baritone)s in Solihull
Singer (baritone)s in Dudley
Singer (baritone)s in Walsall


Because even in a Portland winter, the sun comes out from time to time. Long enough, at least, to capture a handful of senior shots for Joel! Noble Woods is one of my favorite "go to" spots for a quick Oregon-y shoot, and it didn't disappoint.
Smith family, enjoy your previews!


Park City is on the move. This page lists links to those doing the heavy lifting. This page lists links for storage units and moving companies in Park City.
The Storage Depot offers self storage services in the heart of Park City.
Located within Silver Creek Business Park in Park City, Utah, 1/4 mile north of the Home Depot off Highway 40. Park City Storage is a step above the others in self storage.
Market Place Self Storage, by Executive Self Storage, offers storage units at 6344 Promontory Ranch Road.
Two Man Movers offers moving and storage services.
Storage Elevated is a state of the art storage facility at 4006 North Forestdale Drive in Park City.


■ The ultimate goal of surgical education is to ensure competency, reduce error, and improve patient safety.
■ The primary methods of assessment in medical education are based on testing factual knowledge.
■ The ACGME core competencies and the OSATS and OSCE have provided a foundation for a paradigm shift in this concept. In the information age, factual knowledge may be less important.
■ "The student should not be taught what to know, but rather where to find information (trusted sources), how to discriminate among the literally thousands of facts, and, once the correct information is found, how to make the correct decision."
■ Virtual reality simulation is a promising tool that when built into such a dynamic curriculum will be used for objectively training and assessing procedural cognitive and technical skills.
■ A mechanism of funding for postgraduate education skill acquisition, development, training validation, and assessment needs to be implemented before this goal becomes a reality.
As laparoscopic skills become more widely disseminated, laparoscopic skills trainers representing complete procedures for laparoscopic urology procedures are desperately needed and are currently under development by numerous universities and simulation companies.
nSimbionix, Cleveland, OH. "Surgical Science, Göteborg, Sweden. PDublin, Ireland.


Ok now coming to Homemade idli/dosa batter without idly rice, for this recipe i did not used idli rice. Yup, its been 2.5 years i bought idli rice from store and for all my dosa, Adai, everything using my regular cooking rice, Sona Masoori. As u see the pictures the idly comes out soft and tasty and as well crispy dosa. I follow the regular measurement, 4:1 ration -rice n urad dal ratio respectively. The magic ingredient for getting soft and light idlis, Poha/Beaten rice. Addition of poha gives u white colored soft n fluffy idlis.
For Idly or dosa batter i follow the ratio alone and not the cup measurement, yes u can use any cup/bow/tumbler to measure the rice and dal and poha. No need for standard measurement cups or no worries about the weight. I follow only the ratio and use any desired cups, this time i used 160 ml cup (which come along with electric rice cooker). Using the same method for more than 5 years successfully. But My Mom & Grandma followed the perfect measurement like for ex., 1 kg idli rice, 200gm urad dal sorry am not sure will update after checking with my Mom.
Wash and soak rice first then after 2-3 hours wash urad dal and poha then soak it separately for 2 hours. So totally rice should be soaked for 4-5 hours and urad dal not more than 2 or 2.5 hours.
After soaking time, first we are going to grind poha n urad dal so drain water from poha and urad dal.
Turn on your grinder and slowly and carefully add poha to it and run for 2 minutes, once it blended start adding urad dal-methi seeds slowly and sprinkle little water.
After adding the urad completely keep running the grinder for 10-15 minutes, sprinkle water now and then to grind dal but don't add too much water in the beginning itself.
At the end of 10-15 minutes, the dal will be grinded coarsely(see above 3rd pic) now add drained rice without stopping the grinder, slowly and carefully add all the rice to grinder and grind it for another 25-30 minutes using water. Don't add water in one go, just sprinkle little by little as needed.
Once the batter gets smooth, check the texture using fingers, the batter should be smooth, silky, but with little grainy or fine rava like texture.see pic below.
After that transfer the ground batter to wide and large vessel and add salt, mix well using hand and allow to ferment for overnight or 8-10 hours.
*see notes for the Fermentation tips.
After 8-10 hours of fermentation u will see the volume of the batter is little raised, stir the batter gently, if its properly fermented the batter will be so light, airy and fluffy.
Now the batter is ready to make soft idlis, do not stir the fermented batter for long time, just gentle stir and also the batter should be little thick than the flowing consistency and also not too thick. if it is too thick just add little water and mix it.
Now grease the idli plates with oil/ghee, then pour a ladle of batter in each plate and keep it in sauce pan, idli vessel and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Check the idlis by inserting wet knife or wet tooth pick, if doesn't have any fresh batter n come out clean turn off the stove.
Can u able to see the grainy/rava like texture?
With the same idly batter you can make crispy and yummy dosa. Just add some water and dilute the batter to free flowing consistency but not like water, more or similar to bhajji batter.
the below pic is to show, how to make CONE DOSA. click the link for more.
With the same Idly/Dosa batter u make different varieties of Dosa.
And then add finely chopped onion, green chili, curry leaves and saute for 1-2 minutes.
Then add crumbled idly and turmeric powder and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
Lastly sprinkle little salt, curry masala powder and cilantro leaves, stir well and switch off the stove.
That's it yummy idly upma ready. Serve hot.
* Preheat your oven to 250 degree Fahrenheit, once it attain its temp turn off the oven. Wait for 20 minutes , after that wrap your batter containing vessel/bowl with kitchen towel and keep it in the oven with its light on. Morning u will see the batter raised & fermented well. But make sure the oven is not too hot n the coils also not in red color.
* This is another easy method, always spare 1/4 cup of already fermented batter/left over batter and mix it with the freshly ground batter and set aside in oven with its light on.
If u grind the batter to a smooth and fluffy batter, ie,. without rava like texture ur idlis will be so soft, light n fluffy.
If u are using idli rice, adding poha is optional but it gives u best result.
And also idli quality depends on urad dal quality, if ur idly doesnt turned soft n light next time try with 1 cup urad dal for 3 cup rice n methi, poha in same ratio will sure give u good result.
You batter texture should be grainy/rava like texture.
Your dosa batter consistency should be free flowing but at the same time not like neer dosa batter.
For dosa always try to use iron griddle/tawa. before making dosa heat the griddle hot, check by sprinkling little water, if it sizzle tawa is ready. then smear tawa with a slice of onion dipped in oil(regular oil or sesame oil) n pour dosa batter n make dosa.
Keep the fermented batter in the fridge. Idly will be fresh and soft with 1st day or 2nd day batter, if it get sour u can very well make dosa and paniyarams.
Try to grind the entire batter with less amount of water, after grinding if its too thick u can add water and make it to desired consistency.
But if u grind it with more water and in thinner consistency your idlis will not come soft n good.
But still u can make good dosa.
If u are grinding in large portion, first grind poha(if using), rice to perfect consistency then transfer it to a bowl, then grind urad dal to smooth,fluffy batter and add to the same bowl containing rice batter, add salt and mix everything well and set aside for fermentation.
With the same batter(3rd or 4th day batter) u can also make PANIYARAMS. CHECKOUT THE LINK FOR DIFFERENT VARIETIES N STUFFED PANIYARAM RECIPES.
What a useful post Sangee... Perfect in every detail.
Omg, Sangee you again clicked everything, kudos to your lil ones,seriously give them a tight hugs,can see their tiny hands helping you a lot.
Wat a detailed and useful post, now this page is going to be a treasure for beginners. Cone dosas rocks.
Very useful post for non south indians like me.
Lovelyyyyyyyyy Post. Nice n useful post too.liked dat 2 types dosas.
Wow thw idly and dosa looks very nice.
looks fabulous and super inviting.....awesome clicks..
Very very informative, detailed and great for someone who has yet to master this skill!
Too good. Presentation & Explained very well. I will try this multipurpose batter.
Very useful post. Well explained with lots of details.. Thanks for sharing, Sangee..
As usual clicks are amazing..
This is indeed a very usual post loved your detailed explanation. I usually use a different rice dal ratio. Seeing your fluffy idlli makes me want to try this.
A wonderful post Sangee...Though I've heard a lot about adding poha, never tried it..would love to try it some time...The dosas and idlis look just perfect to dig in..
very informative post sangee.. liked all your clicks..
I love Dosas and Idlis. This is a great tutorial with fantastic directions!
Special post for housewifes and the leftover idlis,quite informative.
Yum :)this is very detailed and wonderful presentation, mouth watering!!!!!
I tried this today and it was absolutely yummy and perfect! Softest and fluffiest idli ever! Of all the idli batters I have tried, this one was and is the best!!
How long shd i soak poha? thanks!
generally 20-30 minutes is enough but u can soak along with rice n dal (2 hours)..
beautiful post...I wish if you can post about Potato filling in Dosa....Thanks!!
it completely depends on the batter, if its too thin also it won't come properly n also we dunno h the store bought batters are made, so can't help...if possible try to make homemade batter, sure u will get the desired result.
sorry couldn't help u ..
Love the way your idli looks! I somehow have not mastered making perfect tamil nadu idlis. I think i need to keep practicing & one fine day even I will have idlis look like the ones you make. Btw I don't have a grinder so i use mixie. Does that make a huge difference to the outcome?
This method is so easy n def u will get good result. Grinding in mixie doesnt make huge diff but try to grind urad dal 70% smooth n fluffy then add rice n grind. Do give it a try n let me know h it turned out to u. Thanks!
Initially i was using Juice blenders u know but it takes lil' more time than we do in grinder.
you can make soft dosa with the same batter, just make little thick not too thin, thin spread will give you crispy dosa but make the spread little thick not too thick like oottappam.
For even more soft dosa, after spreading the batter, drizzle oil around then cover the dosa with lid for a minute then open the lid and remove from the pan(no need to cook other side,it gets cooked with the help of steam)..this way dosa will be soft like idlis...Hope this helps...do feel free to ask any doubt or share your suggestions and feedback.
Can you tell me if we can make dosa from the grounded batter on the same day?
Yes.,You can make dosa on the same day batter after 8 hrs fermentation. After fermentation make your batter little thin, flowing consistency then make dosa. Thick or thin to your desire.
You mean, you want to make dosa instead of idli with the fresh batter or?! If the above reply helps..
First thanks for trying my recipe!
If you live in colder place and if the batter doesn't ferment overnight, here are few tips i can suggest you - if u have oven, keep the batter bowl in the oven with its light only turn on or if u have microwave keep the bowl in the microwave with slightly door open, so that the light will be on. this way you get enough warm temp for fermenting. The next day definitely your batter will be fermented, if not fermented not problem do not leave the batter till other day night...simple stir the batter and if u have eno fruit salt..then add 2 tsp eno fruit salt, sprinkle little water and mix the batter well. And make idli with this batter, definitely ur idlis will be super soft, white and good taste. Then make dosa the next day.
If your batter fermented too much n get sour smell, then don't make idlis try dosa & Paniyaram.
Hope this helps...please feel free to ask me any doubts and am sorry that ur idli did not turn good this time....don't leave the batter for such long time..over night or 8 -10 hrs is more than enough.
Very well explained and superb recipe. Very useful. Thanks a lot !!
thanks for your feedback, happy that your Husband liked it :)Happy cooking!
This is so phenomenal!!! Nice work! electric dosa maker is the only choice for buying a good idea. i really like to read this blog.
Awesome explanation thanks, wil be trying soon. Could you recommend a good grinder by the way.
Sure..give it a try and let me know how it turned out to you. Sorry i do not much about grinders, i brought Amirtha Table top grinder from India 5 yrs back and using it...any table top would be fine i think.
Your recipe for idli/dosa batter was just perfect !!!Thanks !
Beautiful pictures and great explanation..
Great recipe, I tried twice, dosa and idli came like restaurant taste. thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.
I didn't use poha.I used only sona masoori,urad dal and methi seeds as per the given rate but my idli got harder and dosa didn't come out well.what will do now?
If u have have the batter, then soak 1 cup poha and grind it smoothly and add it to the batter and let it rest for 1-2 hrs and use it.
I had always been skeptical about making idli dosa!we travel so much that getting boiled rice is almost impossible... I tried this proportion with brown rice.. it was awesome!!
Thanks lady! You made my life easy!!
Beautiful post!!! Can you please let me know ur grandmom's recipe as I wud like to try the authentic tamilnadu recipe once. I have heard so much abt it tat I am curious to know it. Thanks.
Thank you Sneha, sure, can you please share your email id so that I will email you the exact recipe after checking with my mom. Or I will try to update the proper measurement in the recipe soon.
Do you use Idli rice or Sona Masoori? Do You use Poha along with rice, dal and methi seeds? For Nice golden brown dosa, I suggest you to use iron griddle and also cook the dosa in medium high heat. Adding poha gives not only soft and white idlis and also it gives nice crispy and brown crust dosa. If you haven't tried making idli batter as per My above recipe, please give it a try using all the ingredients above mentioned and also follow the instructions as per the recipe. You will definitely get a soft idlis and crispy brown dosa. Good Luck.


Welcome to Why I runDisney 2.0!
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2018! Welcome to Why I runDisney 2.0! This year, I'm stripping down my running journey and starting all over again. With the new start, it seemed fitting to tweak the blog as well. Initially, I hoped to have everything all set by January 1st. However, the holidays were very busy and I didn't finish as much as I would have liked. So, keep a look out for the changes that are coming soon to this blog.
First, there's the obvious…the new layout….new header…new color scheme, etc. I've also updated my "About" tab to reflect where I'm at right now. I have links to other social media that I've set up such as Pinterest, YouTube, Google Plus, and Facebook. The YouTube and Google Plus pages have been around for a while, however, I haven't used them very much. The Pinterest and Facebook pages are new and still very much a work in progress.
You'll notice that I have taken away the archives links and tags links. I'm working on a better way of having those kinds of things available. I'm also in the process of deleting many of the archival postings. Don't worry, race recaps will remain as well as other posts I think are important to come back to. However, the archival weekly recaps will be going away. The reason is that this is a new, fresh start on my running journey. So, after reading through some of them, I realized that I didn't need to keep them. As I make more changes to the blog, I'll let you all know.
As I enter 2018, a brand new chapter of my running journey is starting! I'm super excited to be here, finally! As the header in my blog now reads…From Disney to Boston. It's going to be a long and bumpy ride. But, it all starts this year.
It all starts with my number 1 goal for 2018…I want to lose 50 pounds this year. As of January 1, 2018, I weight 262 lbs. If I am ever going to run a Boston Marathon Qualifying time, I need to lose some significant weight. I'm thinking that 50 lbs is a good goal for 2018. Then, I can work on losing more in 2019. I'll get into the exact numbers I hope to eventually get to in another post. Trust me when I say I'm not wanting anything that is unhealthy. I'm overweight now and have no desire to get to the underweight area ever. However, the facts are that a person of my size and weight should not be even trying to run a marathon at a pace that would allow me to qualify for Boston. So, weight loss will be a key component. For 2018, the goal is 50lbs. plain and simple.
The next set of 4 goals are, what I call, gated. That is, I need to get through one of the gates (or goals) before I pursue the next one. Get it? So, the first gate (or goal) is to run a 5K race without any walk breaks. This goal may sound strange to some of you. I mean, just a few months ago, I finished the TCS NYC Marathon. So, why would a marathoner need to worry about a 5K? Well, I need to achieve a certain fitness level before I can even get close to a Boston Qualifying time. Many of the training plans out there have speed workouts that require you to run at least a quarter-mile to half-mile without stopping. My run 30 seconds, walk 60-90 seconds simply will not do for these kinds of workouts. So, I need to be able to run longer than 30 seconds at a time. I'm going to using a Couch to 5K program starting this week.
Here's how the first 4 weeks will look. I'm planning on doing my week night runs on a treadmill along with putting in 25 minutes on the elliptical machine, doing ab work, and the leg press. For my Saturday run, I'm going to head to a local track. Since this plan is basically utilizing the same run/walk intervals for the entire week, I'm hoping that the track runs will solidify the week's intervals. After all, I need to be able to run a 5K race without a walk break and those races are not on a treadmill.
The SECOND running goal is to run a 5K race (without a walk break) in under 30 minutes. There is a high likelihood that I will find myself accomplishing the first two running goals for the year on the same race. However, this second goal is here in case I don't. I want my first attempt at finishing a 5K race without any walk breaks to be done without the stress of finishing with a time goal as well. Running 3.1 miles without walking will be enough for that first race.
My THIRD running goal will be to run an entire 10K race without a walk break. It makes me nervous just writing this goal. However, once I get myself in the kind of shape needed to run a 5K without walk breaks in under 30 minutes, this goal should look more doable. I do not have a plan to get me from that 5K race to the 10K race as of today. This is a gated process. I am not going to think about how to get to the 10K until I finish that 5K without a walk break first. Then, I'll look into that.
The FOURTH (and last) running goal is to run a 10K race without walk breaks in under 1 hour. Right now, this goal seems really hard. However, I'm trusting that, once I get myself in the kind of condition I need to be in for running a 10K without walk breaks, this goal will seem way more doable. I'm not as confident that I'll make it through goals 3 and 4 in the same race.
I'm still sad a little that there will be no 4th Star Wars Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort this month. It's felt so strange to not have a runDisney race to train for. This will be the first time since January 2011 that I won't be running in a runDisney race. To think that there will be zero runDisney races on my calendar this year feels totally strange. However, I think this development with runDisney will ultimately help me accomplish the goals I've mentioned here. I've felt the need to do something like this for the past few years. However, runDisney trots out another cool race weekend after another and I kept going back. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, if I accomplish all of these goals, I will greatly appreciate runDisney for taking away those Disneyland Resort races in 2018.
I've got some challenging fitness goals to chase after this year. As always, I'll be chronicling this chase all year long. I'm hopeful, on January 1st, that the elimination of double digit training runs will help me immensely stay focused on these 5 goals. I can't worry about what happens after these 5 goals until I get through all the gates. I've got to take them 1 gate at a time. Life has changed since I started running. It's about time I change with it. One last change to mention here is that I will be putting out new posts 3 times a week. I'm hoping I can hold to that this year. However, three times is about all my schedule will allow most of the time.
As you might imagine, I do have other life goals I'm working on this year. The biggest pursuit for me overall is to find a better life balance. This goal is much harder to quantify. However, for now, it's enough to know that I'll be seeking growth in things like spending time in the scriptures, getting more consistent at church attendance, finding a small group Bible study, working on becoming better at handling my family's finances, making sure to carve out time for my wife and I to do things without the boy, and still making sure there is time to spend with my boy. Professionally, I'll be seeking out ways to be more efficient at my work with Disney. It's definitely hard to balance it all. So, finding what that looks like will likely be an entire year-long pursuit. If I do find a way to quantify what that balance looks like, I'll most definitely do a post. Until then, Happy New Year! May your 2018 be LEGENDARY!
You can do it my friend. Good luck on the refocus and I pray for your success!


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Toyota Boshoku America Creating 400 Jobs In Athens, Alabama
The automotive supplier will invest more than $50 million to build a new manufacturing facility in the Breeding North Industrial Park in Athens, AL.
BF Staff
https://businessfacilities.com/2019/04/toyota-boshoku-400-jobs-athens-alabama/
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Home » Blog » Industry News » Automotive » Toyota Boshoku America Creating 400 Jobs In Alabama
Toyota Boshoku America Creating 400 Jobs In Alabama
Toyota Boshoku America will invest more than $50 million to open a manufacturing facility in Athens, AL, creating approximately 400 jobs once full production is reached. The global automotive supplier's new Alabama factory will produce seat systems for vehicles built at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. (MTMUS), a joint venture assembly plant the automakers are constructing about 30 miles away in Huntsville.
Dr. Shuhei Toyoda of Toyota Boshoku speaks during an announcement detailing the company's plans for an Alabama plant with 400 workers. (Photo: Alabama Department of Commerce)
"When we began our search for a new site to build our production facility, we looked at many locations," said Dr. Shuhei Toyoda of Toyota Boshoku. "After an extensive search, we determined that Athens, Alabama is the perfect fit. We are grateful for the assistance from the State of Alabama, the City of Athens and Limestone County to make this project a reality."
Toyota Boshoku is one of the first suppliers to announce plans for an Alabama facility to produce parts for MTMUS, which is expected to assemble its first vehicle in 2021.
The new facility will be located in the Breeding North Industrial Park in Athens. The company is anticipating starting the construction around May 1, 2019. The initial phases of construction on the MTMUS began in November 2018 at a 2,500-acre site in Limestone County. The automakers plan to invest $1.6 billion in the Alabama facility, where 4,000 workers will produce 300,000 vehicles annually.
(Photo: Alabama Department of Commerce)
"Toyota Boshoku is a premier manufacturer of automotive interior systems and a welcome addition to Alabama's growing constellation of world-class auto suppliers," said Governor Kay Ivey. "We look forward to seeing the company put down roots in Athens and know that it will find all the ingredients for success in Sweet Home Alabama."
"Alabama's economic development team has been working hard to facilitate the formation of the supply chain for MTMUS, and Toyota Boshoku's decision to locate in Athens will add momentum to our efforts," said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "We expect to develop a long-lasting partnership with this outstanding company as it creates well-paying jobs in Alabama."
"Athens attracting one of the first Tier 1 suppliers for MTMUS speaks to our city's attractiveness as a community and our great working relationship with several entities on industrial development," said Mayor Ronnie Marks. "From the State of Alabama to our Limestone County Economic Development Association and our other partners, we work well together to help industries invest in our community and provide jobs for our citizens. Athens appreciates Toyota Boshoku being the latest to invest in our city."
Toyota Boshoku Corp., a member of the Toyota group of companies, develops and manufactures automotive interior systems and other components. Toyota Boshoku has extensive manufacturing operations in Japan and other parts of Asia, as well as Europe and the Americas. Based in Erlanger, KY, Toyota Boshoku America employs more than 11,000 people in 20 locations through the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The company's U.S. manufacturing sites are in Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Kentucky.
Relocating Or Expanding Your Business In Alabama
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Airlines cover up cameras on seat backs after backlash
By Janet Perez, Komando.com May 1st, 2019
When you're on a trip, it seems more cameras are focused on you than there are pointed at actual tourist attractions. Airports, hotel lobbies, hotel rooms, Airbnbs all have cameras focusing on consumers. Now, the latest privacy invasion comes from airlines that installed entertainment consoles on the back of premium plane seats.
While the cameras have been reported on since February, it wasn't until last month that a passenger on Singapore Airlines noticed the devices and passengers swiftly began calling foul. Now, U.S. carriers United, Delta and American have announced they are covering the cameras on their planes.
How the cameras got on planes
In early April, Singapore Airlines began getting complaints from passengers concerned about cameras embedded in the seat-back displays on some of its aircraft. They were afraid the airline might be assembling visual data about passengers during flights. The airline said the cameras were not in use and that it has no intention of activating them.
The cameras were part of in-flight entertainment systems placed in the seat-backs for premium customers. Singapore Airlines said the cameras were a standard feature installed by the in-flight entertainment systems' manufacturers.
Panasonic Avionics is one of those manufacturers. Panasonic's airline customers include American, United and Japan Airlines.
In and interview with Digital Trends, Panasonic Avionics said it takes passenger privacy seriously.
"While the company does include cameras as part of its in-flight entertainment systems, at no time have these cameras been activated or used in any manner by either Panasonic Avionics or its customers," according to the interview. "The cameras have simply been included to support potential future applications like seat-to-seat video conferencing."
Senators address the controversy
That explanation wasn't good enough for U.S. senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and John Kennedy of Louisiana. The two sent a joint letter protesting cameras to Delta, Southwest, Frontier, United, Spirit, American, jetBlue and Alaska Air.
On April 22, the two senators introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at safeguarding passengers' privacy in the air. Called the "Passenger Privacy Protection Act of 2019," it would prohibit airlines from having cameras or microphones embedded in in-flight entertainment systems on any of their aircraft.
"Americans have their personal space invaded enough already when they fly," Merkley said in a press release. "The last thing passengers need to worry about is the idea that airlines or hackers may be spying on them while they eat their pretzels. It's time to protect Americans' privacy and get rid of hidden cameras and microphones on airplanes."
Senator Kennedy added, "The need for airport security is understandable, but we need to make sure that we're not trampling on people's privacy."
"It's one thing to walk through a metal detector and have your bags searched," Kennedy continued. "It's quite another thing to be secretly spied on while you're having a private conversation. We shouldn't take security to absurd levels."
Merkley and Kennedy also pressed 16 major international carriers for more information about the current and potential uses of the systems on their planes. The senators requested the airlines respond within 30 days.
Covering them up
United reports that it has begun covering the seat-back cameras with stickers. Delta and American say they also will begin covering the cameras.
Ironically, United received the top prize for its onboard entertainment interface at last month's annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Germany. United's system was created by Panasonic Avionics.
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Home » Node » CP on Technical Standards on standardised terminology » Submission #55
ITALIAN BANKING ASSOCIATION
Question 1: Do you agree with the EBA's decision to take a broad approach to defining 'service'? Please explain your reasoning.
Associazione Bancaria Italiana (ABI) welcomes the public consultation launched by the EBA on 22nd September 2016 on Technical Standards on standardised terminology and disclosure documents under the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD) and wishes to provide the views of its member banks on the proposed Technical Standards and the answers to the consultation questions.
Overall, ABI considers that the draft Technical Standards on standardised terminology and disclosure documents are consistent with the PAD provisions and in line with the aim of enhancing payment accounts' comparability for the benefit of consumers.
However, ABI would like to point out that for the sake of competitiveness of the banking industry, both at national and at European level, it is crucial to avoid products' standardisation.
Moreover, we would like to suggest to take a coordinated approach with other legislative requirements (e.g. PSD 2).
ABI considers that EBA's decision to take a broad approach to defining 'service' is in line with the mandate - foreseen in Article 3 (4) of the PAD - for the EBA to set out the Union standardised terminology 'for those services that are common to at least a majority of Member States'.
Since the PAD does not clarify which services specifically constitutes a 'service' in the context of the Directive and given the differences in services and related pricing structures that exist between payment services providers (PSPs) and between Member States (MS), it seems quite straightforward that - as a result - national authorities took different approaches in defining their respective provisional lists of the most representative services linked to a payment account and subject to a fee.
Accordingly, ABI agrees with the idea that - in such a heterogeneous context - the broad approach, that looks at the core of the definition, regardless of any specific types or sub-categories which may be referred to on some provisional lists, allows to identify a higher number of most common services compared to the narrow approach (although the narrow approach - by taking into account the specificities of each service – allows to distinguish the services at a more granular level). This in turn should ensure that the Directive's aim of increasing comparability is achieved for the widest possible number of services.
However, ABI also believes that taking this option might pose a challenge in MS for their task of integrating, in the next step of the process, the final Union standardised terminology into their respective provisional lists, as required in Article 3 (5) of the Directive, because in several countries the integration might not be a straightforward task of replacing the national term by the standardised one. Although the 'integration process' is not part of the EBA mandate, ABI believes that it might be advisable - in order to ensure a certain degree of harmonization among MS - to provide MS with specific instructions as to how to integrate the Union standardised terminology into their respective provisional lists.
Question 2: Do you consider the services that the EBA has selected for standardised terms and definitions to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI welcomes the selection process adopted by the EBA to identify the most common services - based on the frequency of services included by national authorities and taking the broad approach of counting the number of times services appeared on MS provisional lists - and considers the proposed services suitable to achieve the aim of the Directive.
In particular, taking into consideration the assessment procedure used by the EBA (the 28 lists were assessed in order to identify which services were mentioned in at least 15 national lists), ABI agrees on the eight services proposed for standardised terms and definitions which appear to be those that are common to at least a majority of Member States, consistently with the PAD provisions.
Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind that, given the differences in terms of variety of services linked to payment accounts among MS, the list identified by the EBA clearly represents a 'compromise solution'. Moreover, we would like to underline that this list should be kept "open" and updated to consider possible future changes due to the "evolution" of services linked to payment accounts and their spread across MS.
Question 3: Do you consider the drafting decisions taken by the EBA for the standardised terms and definitions, and the resultant provisions in Recitals of the draft RTS, to be suitable for achieving the aims of the Directive of enhancing transparency and comparability? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI agrees on the drafting decisions taken by the EBA for the standardised terms and definitions (and on the resultant provisions in Recitals of the draft RTS), which appear to be in line with the Directive's aim of fostering transparency and comparability. Specifically, ABI shares the EBA's view that the Union standardised terms and definitions should:
• be drafted in clear, simple, and consumer-oriented language which avoids the use of legal terminology.
• use the third person.
• be short and direct to enable consumers to understand at a glance which service is being referred to. The definitions should be as brief as possible whilst also containing the most relevant information on the service. Crucially, the definitions should not seek to describe every aspect of the service but rather only its key features, in particular those which are important to consumers in differentiating the service from other similar ones.
• focus on the service itself rather than on defining precisely what is meant by the constituent elements of the service.
Question 4: Do you consider the terms and definitions proposed by the EBA in the Annexes to the draft RTS, and the resultant provisions in the Recitals of the draft RTS, to be adequate for achieving the aims of the Directive of enhancing transparency and comparability? If not, please provide alternative terms and definitions and their underlying rationale.
ABI believes the terms and definitions proposed by the EBA in the Annexes to the draft RTS (and the resultant provisions in Recitals of the draft RTS) respond to the need of enhancing transparency and comparability.
However, as regards the terms "providing a debit card" ("rilascio di una carta di debito") and "providing a credit card" ("rilascio di una carta di credito"), we do not completely agree with the use of the word "providing". We believe it could be better to use the terms "debit card" and "credit card", as for the other services included in the table ("standing order", "direct debit", etc.), thus referring - in a broader sense - not only to the idea of providing a card, but also to the card's functionalities.
Question 5: Do you consider the FID template that is being proposed in the draft ITS and its Annex to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI shares the EBA's view that the Union standardised FID should be clear when read by consumers as well as easy to be produced by PSPs and believes the FID template proposed in the draft ITS and its Annex appears to be consistent with the requirements of article 4 (2) of the PAD, according to which the FID should be a short and stand-alone document presented in a clear and easy-to-read way. ABI agrees on the proposed requirements prescribed for the FID template (regarding format and size of the document, font size, colours used in the template, etc.).
However, we think it is necessary to include into the FID the "last update date", for consumers to know that the economic conditions displayed in the document refer to a specific moment/period.
Question 6: Do you consider the common symbol in the FID template that is being proposed in the draft ITS and its Annex suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI believes that the common symbol in the FID template proposed by the EBA, in its simplicity, could help consumers to distinguish the FID from other documents related to payment accounts.
However, we suggest another option: the symbol constituted of the acronyms of the Fee Information Document with EU acronyms and a text next to the symbol indicating "Standardised EU information sheet" to facilitate the distinction between the EU document and the national one (e.g. EU-FID).
Question 7: Do you consider the proposed instructions for the completion of the FID template contained in Articles 2 to 11 of the draft ITS, to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
According to ABI the proposed instructions for the completion of the FID template contained in Articles 2 to 11 of the draft ITS appear to be quite suitable for achieving the Directive's aims. Indeed, the simple and standardised structure proposed for the FID seems to enhance the overall products' comparability.
However, it must be noted that such a simplification/standardisation of the template does not allow PSPs to fully represent the specificities (in terms of pricing structures) of the payment accounts offered to consumers.
Moreover, ABI believes that some clarifications should be made with regard to the following points (here we refer to both the FID template and the FID template instructions):
1. In the proposed instructions for the completion of the FID template, it is not clear where and how the PSPs can describe and display information regarding (possible) 'promotional offers' and/or 'discounts' linked to the payment account. In many cases, fees vary during the year due to contractual terms and conditions (conditions that might not be included directly in the FID – e.g. the account fees change due to the amount of investments held by the client).
ABI believes that in order to allow consumers to make informed choices it is crucial to provide them with the necessary information. In this respect, it could be useful to include in the FID an 'additional information' box where PSPs can explain/underline the product specificities.
2. In the main text of the Consultation Paper (point. 71, pag.22), EBA indicates that - based on the PAD definition of 'fees' ("all charges and penalties, if any, payable by the consumer to the PSP for or in relation to services linked to a payment account") - taxes charged by the PSP on behalf of tax authorities will have to be included in the amount disclosed.
ABI believes that:
- it should be explicitly mentioned in the FID that taxes are included;
- it is necessary to provide consumers with the related fee/tax structure details, otherwise the information could be misleading.
In this respect, therefore, ABI suggests to define a unique criterion at EU level for the PSPs to display this kind of information in the FID in a clear and easy-to-read way, also with the aim of assuring a level playing field and cross-border coherence. This is particularly true with reference to taxes, in order to take into account the specific rules provided by national tax legislation (e.g. exemptions/exceptions).
3. According to the PAD, PSPs shall display in the FID the comprehensive cost indicator summarising the overall annual cost of the payment account, where required by national provisions. However, it must be noted that - since the method to calculate the comprehensive cost indicator is not the same across Europe - the indicator used in country A may not be compared with the indicator used in country B. Hence, ABI considers that it is advisable to include a short explanation (or a disclaimer) in the FID, next to the comprehensive cost indicator table, for consumers to understand that such indicators represent an estimate of the payment account cost and that methodologies differ across Europe.
Question 8: Do you consider the proposed instructions for the completion of the FID template contained in Articles 2 to 11 of the draft ITS, to be clear and easy to follow? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI considers the proposed instructions for the completion of the FID template contained in Articles 2 to 11 of the draft ITS to be clear and easy to follow. The more instructions are detailed and accurate, the better in terms of comparability.
In order to make the instructions even clearer, ABI believes it is advisable to specify that the FID will display the fees for all services contained in the list of the most representative services linked to a payment account at national level (which in turn means all the services included in the final list developed by the competent authorities). Similarly, it could be useful to explain how the services included in the final list will be divided into the 5 categories identified by the EBA ('general account services', 'payments', 'card and cash', 'overdraft and related services', 'other services').
Regarding Article 4 of the draft ITS, we note that the heading of the article refers to 'account provider' while the "body" refers to PSP. ABI believes that for the sake of clarity it might be better to use the same terminology both in the title and in the body of the article.
With reference to Article 8 (2), stating that "all services covered by the package, regardless of whether they are included in the final national list of most representative services linked to a payment account referred to in Article 3 (5) of the Directive 2014/92/EU, shall be listed in the section of the table on general account service" it is not clear whether the services to be considered are banking services only or extra-banking services shall be included.
Question 9: Do you consider the SoF template that is being proposed in draft ITS and its Annex to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
As previously stated for the FID template, ABI shares the EBA's view that the Union standardised SoF should be clear when read by consumers as well as easy to be produced by PSPs. ABI believes the SoF template proposed in the draft ITS and its Annex appears to be consistent with the requirements of article 5 (4) of the PAD, which specifies the minimum information to be included in the SoF as well as requirements for the form and format of the SoF. ABI agrees on the proposed requirements prescribed for the SoF template (regarding format and size, font size, colours used in the template, etc.).
Question 10: Do you consider the common symbol that is being proposed in the draft ITS and its Annex to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI believes the proposed common symbol could help consumers to distinguish the SoF from other documents related to payment accounts, although it must be noted that it appears to be quite similar to the one included in the FID template.
We suggest another option: the symbol constituted of the acronyms of the Statement of Fees with EU acronyms and a text next to the symbol indicating "Standardised EU statement of fees" to facilitate the distinction between the EU document and the national one (e.g. EU-SoF).
Question 11: Do you consider the proposed instructions for payment services providers on how to complete the SoF template contained in Articles 2 to 16 of the draft ITS, to be suitable to achieve the aims of the Directive? Please explain your reasoning.
According to ABI the proposed instructions for the completion of the SoF template contained in Articles 2 to 16 of the draft ITS appear to be suitable for achieving the Directive's aims.
However, there is one point ABI would like to highlight regarding the comprehensive cost indicator. It must be noted that according to Recital 19 this indicator seems to be required for the FID only. Therefore, ABI considers that the reference to the comprehensive cost indicator should be removed from the draft ITS related to SoF (specifically, point 6 of the ITS introductory part and Article 10 (4) of the Regulation).
Question 12: Do you consider the proposed instructions for payment service providers on how to complete the SoF template, contained in Articles 2 to 16 of the draft ITS, to be clear and easy to follow? Please explain your reasoning.
ABI considers the proposed instructions for the completion of the SoF template contained in Articles 2 to 16 of the draft ITS to be clear and easy to follow.
However, ABI would like to underline that, given the objective of the SoF to provide the consumer with all the relevant information, it seems that the sub-heading "other services" may include quite a wide range of services (depending on what kind of/how many transactions the consumer makes in the relevant period). Concerning the provision stated in Article 12 (8) of the ITS, according to which "where the fee has changed during the relevant period, PSPs shall list the fee applied during each period, by adding new lines in the "Unit fee" column", ABI fears that such a granular/detailed level of information could be difficult for consumers to understand.
As previously stated for the FID, regarding Article 4 of the draft ITS, we note that the heading of the article refers to 'account provider' while the "body" refers to PSP. ABI believes that for the sake of clarity it might be better to use the same terminology both in the title and in the body of the article.
Please select which category best describes you and/or your organisation [Other "]"
If you selected "Other", please provide details voluntary non-profit organisation
Please select which category best describes the services provided by you/your organisation [Other"]"
If you selected "Other", please provide details
to represent, defend and promote the interests of its member banks and financial intermediaries
Name of organisation ITALIAN BANKING ASSOCIATION