text:
Henry Steiner Talks China Ad Controversies and Hong Kong Design
By Bryan Grogan, May 28, 2019
"Humanity is a basic trait."
This is how Henry Steiner, a much traveled Austrian Jew who grew up between countries in Europe before moving to the US at the age of five years old, came to understand Chinese culture.
"One of my favorite poets is Li Bai and his poems don't get old you know. You don't have to be Chinese to appreciate him," Steiner tells me. "The reason that I like Li Bai so much is because his poems were used as some of the lyrics in Gustav Mahler's 'Song of the Earth.' That gave me insight into China and also showed that humanity is a basic trait, the trappings might be exotic but the soul is, of course, human."
Henry Steiner arrived in Hong Kong in 1961 after signing a nine-month contract with The Asia Magazine to oversee the publication's launch in the city. That nine-month contract turned into two years, before Steiner set up his own company, Graphic Communication (now known as Steiner&Co.). 58 years on and he is still there and has become widely known as the 'Father of Hong Kong Design.'
You have undoubtedly seen one of Steiner's designs, which are hidden in plain sight throughout Hong Kong and around the world. The HSBC logo? Steiner's design. Hong Kong's paper currency? Steiner. The intellectual, well-read man behind these designs has also become a by-word for cross-cultural design after the publication of his 1994 book, Cross-Cultural Design: Communicating in the Global Marketplace.
Image courtesy of promoter
Naturally, then, our conversation turns towards recent cross-cultural advertising campaigns that have gone awry, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Burger King's tacky use of chopsticks in campaigns over the past year.
READ MORE: Dolce & Gabbana Cancels Shanghai Show Following 'Racist' Ads
"You know this idea of being clumsy with chopsticks, it's just too thick-headed," Steiner says, adding "I don't think it's a huge scandal. I think it's stupid. You know that there are a lot of stupid things happening all the time. It's an absolute blunder but it should have been made fun of rather than turning the companies into martyrs."
Steiner's ideas concerning cross cultural designs tend towards a contrast of cultures, placing aspects of mythology, folklore or history from two cultures alongside one another so that each strengthens the impact of the other. In contrast to that, he's very much opposed to the idea of fusion. "When the design turns into a stew, [when you begin to think] 'you know what? why don't we just toss anything in.' Then the elements become indistinguishable."
Steiner's work is currently on display in Shenzhen's Design Society, which has collected designs from throughout his career in Hong Kong and farther afield. Shenzhen as a city is on the cutting-edge of just about everything from unrelenting urban development to urban air mobility and facial recognition technology to artificial intelligence projects.
As with his comments on Li Bai above, Steiner feels that there's nothing old fashioned or outdated about Chinese history and mythology, which he frequently references in his work. Take for example his designs on the Hong Kong bank notes, comissioned by Standard Chartered in 1975. Each of the five notes from HKD20 to HKD1,000 feature one of the five animals representing the five natural elements. This is symbolism that does not grow old, as Steiner suggests.
Image courtesy of Design Society
Steiner says that he had little trouble adjusting to life in the Fragrant Harbor when he first arrived. While he ascribes some of his comfort in foreign lands to a childhood spent moving between countries, he also recognizes that the English-speaking business environment in the city was certainly very helpful.
With that being said, life in Hong Kong is changing swiftly. Back around the time when Hong Kong was being handed back to China, Steiner compared the handover to the Anschluss, for dramatic effect, while also noting in the same breath that the process of handover was pleasant and came without much trouble for the city.
"There was a great deal of fear and angst because of what was happening. And I think that on the whole, the results have been kind of benign," He says about Hong Kong today, although he goes on to say about his adopted city: "I feel that, ironically, Shenzhen is a better example of what Hong Kong should be."
If you want to learn more about the designer's work, you can catch Henry Steiner • Graphic Communicator at Shenzhen's Sea World Culture and Arts Center now.
Until Jun 20; RMB50. Sea World Culture and Arts Center. See event listing.
[Cover image courtesy of promoter]
Shenzhen Hong Kong design
What's On in Hong Kong: December 2019
Four fun events to check out this month in Hong Kong!
What's On in Hong Kong: November 2019
What's On in Hong Kong: October 2019
What's On in Hong Kong: September 2019
Five fun events to check out this month in Hong Kong!
What's On in Hong Kong: August 2019
What's On in Hong Kong: July 2019
What's On in Hong Kong: June 2019
What's On in Hong Kong: May 2019
Five fantastic events happening in the Fragrant Harbor this May.
Sign up to get the entertainment, lifestyle and event news from That's Shenzhen every week!
Wrap Dumplings like a Pro Over CNY With the 'Jiaozi' Press
Live Beijing Music Founder Will Griffith is Bidding Beijing Adieu
Starbucks Reserve & Bar Mixato Opens at Ping An Finance Center
2 Relaxing Trips to Southern Anhui Province You Can Book Right Now
#ThatsShenzhen Instagram of the Week: @zoomliiiiii
Cloak Radio Founder Bl1nk Talks Chengdu Music and Radio Culture
Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsShenzhen for events, guides, giveaways and much more!
7 Days in Shenzhen With thatsmags.com
Never miss an issue of That's PRD!


text:
Space applications - Subject Guide
CEOS Database
The database currently features details of 301 Earth observing satellite missions and 843 instruments (423 distinct instruments, some being repeats), which are currently operating or planned for launch in the next 15 years - funded and operated by around 30 CEOS space agencies worldwide.
International Telecommunication Union
SatBeams
Satbeams.com is global Web 2.0 reference website that provides consolidated information about the Geostationary/Communications satellites, their technical details, coverage zones and frequency charts.
SPACOMM International Conference on Advances in Satellite and Space Communications
Open access to the proceeding papers.
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Satellite Database
Assembled by experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the Satellite Database is a listing of the more than 1000 operational satellites currently in orbit around Earth.
The global satellite industry and COVID-19
G70.4 - Remote sensing of the Earth
G70.212-215 - Geographic Information Systems
TK5104 - Artificial satellites in telecommunication
TL795.4 - Small satellites
TL796-798 - Artificial satellites
TL798.M4 - Meteorological satellites
TL798.N3 - Navigation satellites
TL798.S3 - Scientific satellites
TL798.T47 - Tethered satellites
Bhatta, B., 2011. Global navigation satellite systems: insights into GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass, and others. CRC Press
Campbell, J.B., 2011. Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press
Cochetti, R., 2015. Mobile satellite communications handbook. Hoboken: John Wiley
Jade Morton, Y.T., 2021. POSITION, NAVIGATION, AND TIMING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY: INTEGRATED SATELLITE NAVIGATION, SENSOR. John Wiley
Maral, G., Bousquet, M. and Sun, Z., 2020. Satellite communications systems: systems, techniques and technology. Hoboken: John Wiley
Pelton, J.N., 2017. Handbook of satellite applications, volume 1 & 2. New York: Springer
Sabins, F.F., 2020. Remote sensing: principles, interpretation and applications. Long Grove: Waveland Press
Braun, T.M., 2021. Satellite communications payload and system. Hoboken: John Wiley
Chen, X., 2012. Antennas for global navigation satellite systems. Hoboken: John Wiley
Chuvieco, E., 2020. Fundamentals of satellite remote sensing: an environmental approach. CRC Press
Elbert, B., 2014. The satellite communication ground segment and earth station handbook. Artech House.
Green, K, Congalton, R.G. and Tukman, M., 2017. Imagery and GIS : best practices for extracting information from imagery. ESRI Press
Sharma, S.K., 2018. Satellite communications in the 5G era. London: Institution of Engineering and Technology
Articles, journals and books published by Wiley across a variety of disciplines
Publications and journals of the American Institute of Physics
IEEEXplore
Digital library for journals, conference proceedings of the IEEE.
IOP Sciences
Publications and journals of the Institute of Physics in physics, chemistry, environment, mathematics
Advances in space research, available in print from 1981 - 2013, TOC online
International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC), series
International journal of remote sensing, TOC online
International journal of satellite communications and networking, TOC online
ISPRS Journal of photogrammetry and remote sensing, TOC online
Journal of applied remote sensing
GIScience and remote sensing, open access
Icarus, TOC online
Aviation Week and Space Technology
Geospatial World
News.satnews.com
SpaceNews.com
Via satellite
GPS.gov
Rand reports on satellites
Small Satellite Conference (Utah State University)
Satellite dashboard (SWFoundation, CSIS, UTAustin)
US GAO reports on satellites

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
<img alt="dcsimg" id="dcsimg" width="1" height="1" src="//www.qsstats.com/dcs0hqs4610000ou3mn7tu0uc_5l6j/njs.gif?dcsuri=/development/firms-integrate-solutions&dcsipa=1&WT.js=No&WT.tv=10.4.1&dcssip=www.eweek.com&WT.qs_dlk=XibtSwrIhEQAAFXae3gAAAJD&">
Firms Integrate Solutions
By: Renee Boucher Ferguson | July 30, 2001
Clarus, Manugistics partner to combine software to further adoption through the .Net platform
In one more step toward Clarus Corp.s plan to further its mass adoption channel strategy through the Microsoft Corp. .Net platform, the Atlanta-based company penned a partnership deal last week with Manugistics Group Inc. to incorporate software functionalities.
Under the agreement, Clarus will integrate its Clarus Indirect Procurement and Settlement solutions with Manugistics Network suite of e-procurement solutions. Manugistics, of Rockville, Md., provides what it terms Enterprise Profit Optimization solutions that simultaneously optimize a companys supply- and demand-side functions through a combination of supply chain management and pricing and revenue optimization solutions.
The big deal here, according to officials, is the end-to-end settlement capabilities that will be provided to users of the combined solution. The offering is also expected to extend the cost-saving benefits of Manugistics supply chain management software. As a Clarus reseller, Manugistics will target the transportation, retail, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, government, chemical and energy verticals.
Greg Owens, CEO of Manugistics, said Clarus strong track record of developing innovative software products on the .Net platform is an important factor as his company continues to build out its Microsoft offerings. On Clarus side, the alliance opens up a new set of market segments for Clarus settlement and procurement platforms.
John Haudrich, director of e-procurement at Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., in Chicago, is currently using the Clarus e-procurement application for direct, paperless material procurement, as well as the indirect procurement of white-collar and blue-collar maintenance, repair and operations.
Haudrichs e-procurement application automates the request through an approval process, using externally hosted catalogs to direct-spend to Smurfit-Stones preferred suppliers. The program also automates the electronic purchase order distribution to suppliers.
While Haudrich has plans to integrate the Clarus e-procurement application to an industry-specific accounting package to accomplish settlement, there is a team forming to consider marrying the companys supply chain management with e-procurement. While the company hasnt gone far enough in its plans to determine a technology leader, Haudrich said the current Clarus application works well in a manufacturing environment.
"A lot of the direct material purchases, and indirect, are very routine [because they are in] a consistent manufacturing environment," Haudrich said. "So it allows a lot of the products we buy to be prenegotiated and catalogs to be set up on prenegotiated contracts. The e-procurement system allows us to have greater compliance and provides the benefit of an automated procurement process."
The most recent announcement prior to the Manugistics deal came earlier this month when Clarus signed a partnership agreement with Microsofts Great Plains Software Inc.
Under that agreement, Clarus will provide its Clarus eProcurement, Fusion and View software to power Microsoft Great Plains eProcure, thus offering a streamlined, Web-based purchasing process for direct and indirect products and services, real-time purchase orders, and order processing.
Previous ReportSafe 3.0 Provides Flexibility, Ease of Use
Next Push for Exchange Partnerships Fades


text:
Q: Preflight Headers Not As Expected I'm trying to send a request from an Angular 8 app to Laravel 5.8 Passport API, but without success. I mean, with only a limited success. When I set withCredientials into the Angular request to true, the Preflight headers are trying to see whether the API would return proper headers, including Access-Control-Allow-Credentials: true, but the response shows that there's no such header, even though I'm setting it into the backend.
If I don't set withCredentials, the response headers include Access-Control-Allow-Credentials: true, just as expected, but I need that response in the preflight response as well.
I have tried enveloping the preflight request case in separate block, using
    if (!$_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD']=='OPTIONS')

and setting that header response explicitly, but without success as well.
A side note is that requesting that same URL from Postman works as expected (ever since Postman doesn't mess with CORS).
The request is being fired from the following code snippet:
    await this.http.post(this.logInEndPoint, credentials, {
        headers: this.httpHeaders,
        withCredentials: true
    }).subscribe(async res => {
    ...

The CORS middleware looks as follows:
    $res->headers->set('Content-Type', 'application/json');
    $res->headers->set('Access-Control-Allow-Origin', 'http://127.0.0.1:4200');
    $res->headers->set('Access-Control-Allow-Credentials', 'true');
    $res->headers->set('Access-Control-Max-Age', '60');
    $res->headers->set('Access-Control-Allow-Headers', 'x-requested-with, Content-Type, origin, authorization, accept, client-security-token');
    $res->headers->set('Access-Control-Allow-Methods', 'GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, OPTIONS');

    if (!$_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD']=='OPTIONS') {
      $next($res);
    } else {
      return $res;
    }

And that's where I define the use of the CORS middleware
api.php
    Route::middleware('web', 'json.response', 'cors')->group(function() {
       Route::post('login', 'AuthController@login');

    ...

I expect "Successfully logged in" message, but instead got Access to XMLHttpRequest at 'http://127.0.0.1:8000/api/login' from origin 'http://127.0.0.1:4200' has been blocked by CORS policy: Response to preflight request doesn't pass access control check: The value of the 'Access-Control-Allow-Credentials' header in the response is '' which must be 'true' when the request's credentials mode is 'include'. The credentials mode of requests initiated by the XMLHttpRequest is controlled by the withCredentials attribute. in the Developer Tools.

A: After several days of struggling with that problem, I finally figured it out.
If I have to summarize the majority of problems, related to Angular consuming Laravel APIs, I'd point out the header settings in the backend. For me it was somewhere within the custom CORS middleware.
If I have to be honest, I'm not sure what's exactly wrong in the configuration above (I guess it is in the Allow-Methods header), but I'd share how I fixed my issue.
First of all, I removed all the custom middlewares I made. I started using the Barry vd. Heuvel's CORS one, adding it for the API's group only. There, I changed the default configuration. I set allowOrigins to my Angular server URI and allowedMethods to the requests I'm expecting to use. After publishing the CORS configuration file, I made sure to run my Angular app on 127.0.0.1 (and not on localhost). The same I did for the Laravel server.
After running both the apps on one and the same IP address and using the new CORS middleware, everything ran smoothly and without problems.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The earlier you register, the more you save. Your commitment will be rewarded with lower pricing and motivation to get out there and train for the ColderBOLDER. We are offering matching scarves for purchase to keep you warm on race day. Sizes and supplies are limited.
What's Included In My ColderBOLDER Package?
Every race entry includes a ColderBOLDER beanie, beverages, snacks, and an ice cold brew from Oskar Blues. But if you register now, you have a chance to get one of these limited edition training shirts. We are also offering matching scarves for purchase to keep you warm on race day. Sizes and supplies are limited. Layer up and join us on race day!


Full-time multi-tasking ninja, running purely on caffeine, hugs, and creative energy.
Art, writing, culture, history, traveling, making friends.
A Fae King will stop at nothing to reclaim his lost princess and make her sister his bride after finding them in a rural Oregon town.


text:
Уно Йоханнесович Ярвела (; 20 июня 1926, Таллин — 23 января 2012, там же) — эстонский и советский хоровой  и . Профессор Таллиннской консерватории (с 1988). Народный артист Эстонской ССР (1976).

Биография
Окончил Английский колледж, где получил музыкальное воспитание.

До начала войны учился игре на скрипке в Таллинской консерватории (в 1942). В годы Второй мировой войны служил в составе  Эстонского добровольческого легиона СС («Финские парни»).

В 1946 году продолжил изучать музыкальную педагогику и хоровое дирижирование (1947). В 1950 году был депортирован вместе с семьей в Россию, где работал консультантом хора в городе Киров. В 1951 году вернулся в Эстонию и в 1952 году окончил Таллинскую консерваторию. Ученик Г. Г. Эрнесакса.

Позже стажировался в московском Большом театре, Ленинграде, Киеве, Одессе, работал с хорами Свердловского и других оперных театров СССР.

С 1952 г. занимался педагогической деятельность. С 1952 по 1956 год Ярвела работал преподавателем в музыкальной школе Кирова, с 1956 по 1960 год — Таллиннской музыкальной школе, с 1960 по 1963 и с 1970 по 1994 годы — в Таллинской консерватории.

В 1956—1975 годах — главный дирижёр хора мальчиков Таллинского дворца культуры им. Я. Томна, с 1957 года — одновременно дирижёр Государственного акададемического мужского хора Эстонской ССР (известный как крупнейший профессиональный мужской хор в мире).

С 1963 года — главный хормейстер Эстонского театра оперы и балета. С 1965 по 1975 год Уно Ярвела был генеральным директором хоров мальчиков на общих песенных фестивалях, а с 1980 по 1990 год — генеральным или почётным руководителем общих песенных фестивалей. Провёл несколько молодежных фестивалей песни.

Принимал участие в около 50 постановках:
 «Евгений Онегин» Петра Ильича Чайковского,
 «Алеко» Сергея Рахманинова,
 «Дон Жуан» Вольфганга Амадея Моцарта,
 «Трубадур» Джузеппе Верди,
 «Атилла» Верди,
 «Турок в Италии» Джоакино Россини,
 «Кармен» Жоржа Бизе,
 «Кровавая свадьба» Шандора Соколаи ,
 «Летучая мышь» Иоганна Штрауса II,
 «Катерина Измайлова» Дмитрия Шостаковича;
 «Кола Брюньон» Дмитрия Кабалевского,
 «Девичий переполох» Юрия Милютина,
 «Огни мщения» Эугена Каппа ,
 «Берег бурь» Густава Эрнесакса,
 «Сирано де Бержерак»
 «Железный дом» Эйно Тамберга,
 «Барбара фон Тизенхузен» Эдуарда Тубина.

Похоронен на Лесном кладбище Таллина.

Примечания

Литература
 Музыкальная энциклопедия в 6 тт., 1973—1982.

Ссылки
 Uno Järvela on õnnetähe all sündinud

Заслуженные артисты Эстонской ССР
Народные артисты Эстонской ССР
Выпускники Эстонской академии музыки и театра
Преподаватели Эстонской академии музыки и театра
Персоналии:Национальная опера «Эстония»
Участники Второй мировой войны (страны «оси» и их союзники)
Эстонские коллаборационисты
Репрессированные в СССР
Похороненные на Лесном кладбище Таллина

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Founder/CEO Les Magsalay-Zeller makes it easier for Pooki's Mahi® wholesale coffee club customers and resellers to purchase 100% Kona coffee pods while protecting sensitive data with Amazon Payments.
Pooki's Mahi direct to consumer (D2C) business started online. I implemented a zero tolerance policy because Pooki's Mahi brand and I were cyber-bullied by firms engaged in cyber-criminal activities resulting in irreparable harm.
Silicon Valley startup Pooki's Mahi® announced today Amazon Pay is now integrated to the platforms managing orders for wholesale resellers and private label products customers. Amazon Pay gives Pooki's Mahi repeat customers familiarity and convenient buying experience using existing information already stored on Amazon's systems.
"Pooki's Mahi actively monitors supply chain, technology platform and resellers for anomalies. Pooki's Mahi does not fulfill orders using compromised customer data. A customer is given three changes to fix the erroneous information used to purchase the 100% Kona coffee pods. Pooki's Mahi reports customers to the appropriate authorities for cyber-criminal activities if the customer does not fix the order information within three attempts," continues the Silicon Valley high tech exec.
The high tech startup actively monitors Pooki's Mahi's own platforms to protect customers from phishing attempts. Protecting customers from cyber-criminals is a high priority for Pooki's Mahi. Customers should be able to shop safely. The food and beverage startup has a zero tolerance policy for individuals or firms engaged in cyber-bullying or cyber-criminal activities like phishing information with the intent to harm a business.
Pooki's Mahi does not actively pursue customers to change where to purchase their favorite 100% Kona coffee single serve pods. A lot of repeat customers purchased Pooki's Mahi 100% Kona coffee pods on Amazon's marketplace before buying coffee subscriptions or placing private label orders directly on PookisMahi.com.
Pooki's Mahi added Amazon Payments to give existing customers an option to check out without providing personal details. The advanced fraud protection aligns with Pooki's Mahi zero tolerance policy against cyber-criminals. Amazon's Payments platform helps validate and verify customers with a familiar and trusted login. Amazon's fraud detection and prevention technology helps protect Pooki's Mahi from processing fraudulent orders. Pooki's Mahi monitors transactions for suspicious activities.
Amazon payments will not work on Pooki's Mahi coffee subscriptions platform.
Pooki's Mahi orders received by 9:00 am PT ship the next business day.
Pooki's Mahi sends the carrier and tracking information to the buyer.
Pooki's Mahi requires a signature in select zip codes reported to have shipments disappear.
Customer's information already stored in Amazon's systems will be used.
Pooki's Mahi direct to consumer (D2C) business started online. Protecting Pooki's Mahi brand and customer data from cyber-bullies and cyber-criminals is very important to the Silicon Valley food and beverage startup. Pooki's Mahi executives are deeply rooted in technology and have helped build platforms that power many of today's Fortune 500 companies. The stringent process to qualify and select vendors or suppliers ensures Pooki's Mahi does not experience data breaches.
For use in 1.0 and 2.0 single serve coffee makers. Pooki's Mahi®, Matcha Matcha Man® are registered trademarks of Pooki's Mahi. The PMO Practice™, Kona KaKao™, and KaKao™ are trademarks of Pooki's Mahi. New Product Launch Introductions, Go To Market Planning, and supply chain frameworks are protected under VA 1-924-170.
Pooki's Mahi® is a Silicon Valley-based high tech company passionate about combining technology, operations excellence and digital marketing to consistently launch the best Kona coffee pods, new private label coffee pods and custom promotional products to market. Pooki's Mahi is a private label manufacturer offering Hawaiian 100% Kona coffee and award-winning private label teas in sustainable single serves pods. Private label brands partner with Pooki's Mahi for the efficient supply chain, go to market launch and new product introduction expertise. Since its online launch in 2013, Pooki's Mahi products have been a favorite of customers, charities, celebrities and athletes and have been featured at red carpet events including Celebrity Gift Suites and athletes and seen on several television shows. Pooki's Mahi's mission is to revolutionize the supply chain ecosystem to make it efficient by using technology in bringing the highest quality Kona coffees into the market in a sustainable, compostable cup. Hawaiian coffees are harvested in Hawaii, pod manufactured in USA and distributed to several fulfillment centers in the US.
For more information on Pooki's Mahi custom private label coffee, pods pricing, tea pods visit http://www.pookismahi.com. Follow Pooki's Mahi on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to keep up with news insights to launching private label products. Visit Pooki's Mahi online policies to learn about the zero tolerance.


Taxes should not be the only driving force of a business or personal decision, but they do have to be carefully considered. These taxes include income taxes resulting from business operations and business sales, as well as estate and gift taxes involved in transferring personal assets during life and on death.
We work with our clients and their other advisors to decide what tax structure is best for them – in the short term and long term. To appropriately plan for future tax consequences, we talk with each client, examining personal and business goals, current finances and proposed needs and wants, current structures, and family and business plans.
Should the client's business structure be changed – perhaps they should elect Subchapter "S" status or consider a limited liability company.
Buying any new business real estate in a separate LLC that can be owned by the business owner and used to transfer wealth to or reallocate wealth among other family members.
Creating deferred compensation plans for key employees to provide them with the incentive to stay with the business and to help the business grow, but these have to be carefully drafted to ensure that the tax laws do not create some surprising results. For example, unanticipated taxes result from the company's right to "prepay" these amounts at will.
Creating a special partnership tax structure so that the investors who put money into the company get their investment back first, with a preferred return, while still encouraging other owners to participate in the growth and be rewarded for their services and expertise.
Generation-skipping trusts to save estate taxes on the transfer of wealth to multiple generations.
Allocation of assets among spouses and children to save estate taxes and income taxes.
It is possible, of course, to always rely on a client's accountant to make all of the tax planning decisions, but a team approach among advisors gives the client a better overall plan. Taking care of the family as well as the employees, having the business be more profitable for the owner, and keeping taxes low – these are the goals of every client. We help them achieve these goals.
Case Study: The Company is an LLC Taxed as a Partnership, but the Owner is Tired of that Heavy Personal Tax Burden Every Year.
MB Approach: Business taxes are a fact of life, but sometimes they can be limited. The client wanted to become a "C" corporation because "a friend said that would be best." We talked with our client about the company's current and past structure, and we looked at its company documents and tax returns. We spoke with the company's accountant and our client, considering options such as electing Subchapter "S" tax treatment or just revising the partnership tax structure. In the end, we collectively concluded that the company and its owners would benefit from converting to a Subchapter "S" corporation.
What's Next? The owner is able to reduce the tax burden, and also know that on a sale of the business, the tax bill will be lower than it might otherwise be. We will be revising the company's documents for the new structure.
There is no reason to pay more tax than necessary. There are many options to consider, and there are non-tax considerations that also need to be evaluated with each tax decision. Partnership tax treatment may be very flexible, but is it really the best after-tax structure when FICA is taken into account? It may be great to find an investor, but if they require the company to become a "C" corporation is that worthwhile? If the parent includes children as owners of the family partnership, is the parent really willing to give up that portion of the partnership's annual income?
The choice of business structure, or the formation of a new entity or entities.
Offering key employees deferred compensation plans that comply with tax requirements.
Choosing to gift assets to children and grandchildren during life as opposed to waiting until death.
We look at taxes for the business during its life and on sale, as well as gift taxes on family transfers and estate taxes on death, finding ways to limit taxes to achieve each client's goals.


If you're buying a home, getting an inspection is an important step as a potential home buyer. A certified home inspector will give you objective opinion of the value of your soon-to-be investment.
Many first-time home buyers do not fully comprehend what home is involved in a home inspection. Here we'll go over the entire process starting with a handy home inspection checklist.
Depending on the type of home you're in and where you live, your inspection may differ from the generic checklist above. You may also choose to opt for additional services like mold and radon testing.
A home inspector is hired to do a total overview of a house. Home inspections are done to validate the value of a home and bring to light any potential issues prior to purchase. It's important to hire a certified home inspector because the real condition of a home is not always apparent to the untrained eye. Even if a home looks like it's in perfect condition, there very well could be some serious structural issues.
Because buying a home is probably the biggest investment that you will make, getting a home inspection gives you the chance to avoid problems down the road. Buying a home is stressful enough, you don't want to have to worry about problems with the house. Getting a home inspection will ease your mind knowing that you're making a good investment.
After the home inspection, you will know just about everything you need to know about the condition of the house. This allows you to make a buying decision with confidence – and could even allow you to negotiate a lower price for the home, should any major issues be found.
In addition, a home inspection clause is usually part of the closing process in any home sale. If any serious flaws or oversights are found by a home oversight, the buyer is typically able to "back out" of the sale without having to pay any fees or penalties – so if serious problems are found, you usually do not have to commit to the purchase of the home.
When Do I Need To Call A Home Inspector?
Usually, home inspectors are hired immediately after you have signed a contract or a purchase agreement for the home that you're buying. However, you need to make sure that there is a home inspection clause as part of the contract. As mentioned above, this clause ensures that your final purchase of the home is contingent on the findings of the professional home inspection – so you can choose to renegotiate the price or back out of the sale, should serious issues be found.
What Should I Do If An Inspection Reveals Problems?
First, don't panic! Unless the home you're buying has been built within the last couple of years, it's almost certainly going to have a few problems. These are typically minor – an aging HVAC system, a roof that may need replacing in the near future, or minor problems with exterior elements like windows, shutters, or other things that tend to wear out over time.
If your home inspection reveals problems with the house, this doesn't mean that you should – or shouldn't – buy the house. It only means that you'll know in advance what to expect from the house.
For example, you may reconsider buying a home if it has some more serious issues, and you have a very tight budget. But, on the other hand, you may be able to get the current owner to make those repairs before you buy the house, or they could agree to lower the price, based on the home inspector's findings.
Take a deep breath, and talk to your home inspector. How serious are the issues? How much do they typically cost to repair? What should your next step be? A good home inspector can help you answer these questions, and make the proper decision.
Can A House "Fail" Inspection?
A house can't "fail" an inspection. There's no such thing as a "pass" or "fail". A home inspection is an objective view of the home's overall condition from a professional. A home inspection is not the same thing as an appraisal, which is usually done by a bank to determine the market value of a home. It is also not a municipal inspection, which ensures compliance with local municipal building codes.
Because of this, there is no such thing as a "fail" for home inspections. Your home inspector can't give you an appraisal for the overall value of the home but can give you an estimate of how serious the problems are and how much the repairs may cost to fix.
You aren't required to be present for a home inspection but this should only be the case if you are very short on time, and cannot make it to the inspection. It's a good idea to be present for the inspection. You might learn a lot about your home!A home inspection can be a very educational process for a new homeowner, and it will allow you to familiarize yourself with the major systems in the home that you're interested in buying. In most cases, home inspectors will allow you to follow them along during the process, and they can answer any questions you have about their findings.
This lets you get an inside look at the condition of the home, its condition, and the maintenance that you will likely have to do in the near-future.
According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of a home inspection at the average American home is about $315. However, you will pay more or less, depending on the size of your home.
For example, a smaller condo, or a ranch-style home that's under 1,000 square feet may cost less than a few hundred for an inspection. In contrast, a larger home that is over 2,000 square feet could cost a lot more.
Age is also sometimes a factor, as older homes usually require a more thorough and comprehensive inspection. Another factor to consider is additions and modifications, which can be difficult to assess and inspect.
It's important to note that there is no standard way by which home inspection costs are calculated. Some inspectors charge by the hour, while others may charge based on square footage – and some use a hybrid method.
However, if you give a home inspector a call and give them some of the details about the size of your home, they should be able to give you a fairly accurate quote for your home inspection.
What Extra Services Aren't Included With A Home Inspection?
Some home inspectors may offer additional services, which exceed the scope of a typical home inspection, for an extra charge. Others may not offer these services at all, and refer you to a specialized third-party company.
In most cases, the following services are not included with a home inspection.
● Mold – If you or the home inspector notices black mold during the inspection, a full-scale mold test may be required. These typically require specialized equipment, and can cost around $800.
● Radon – Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas which can cause lung cancer. Radon testing is usually an extra $100-$200 with a home inspector. However, there are a number of DIY test kits that you can use, if you do not want to hire a professional.
● Termites – It usually costs somewhere between $65-$100 to test for termites, which may be recommended if your home inspector sees tell-tale signs of a termite infestation.
● Asbestos – Asbestos examinations are usually only required for homes built before 1989. They cost between $400-$800, depending on the scope of testing.
● Lead – Lead was commonly used in both paint and pipes in homes built before 1978. Typically, a lead examination is recommended for these older homes, unless there is documentation proving that lead was not used in the home, or was already removed previously. This costs around $300.
● Septic/sewer – Home inspectors do not conduct sewer and septic tank examinations. It's recommended that you have these systems checked by a plumbing professional, as replacing pipes and septic tanks can be extremely expensive. The cost of this is $85-$300, depending on the particulars of the home.
In general, your home inspector should be able to help you understand which of these additional services you require. You may not need all of them – but in most cases, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Can I Do A Home Inspection Myself?
Also, it may be very hard for you to stay objective when examining a home you really want to purchase. You may ignore warning signs or minor problems – which can result in serious problems later on.
Because of these reasons, a professional home inspector is much more suited to inspecting a home than you are.
It may seem tempting to not hire an inspector to save some money – but if it turns out your home has serious structural issues after you have already finalized the purchase, the few hundred dollars on a home inspection will seems like a pretty good deal.
Hire A Home Inspector to Protect Your Investment!
By now you should understand that a home inspector has a very important job. Your home inspector is on your side – and their job is to make sure that you understand every aspect of the condition of the home you're interested in buying.
This helps you avoid making a bad investment – and ensures that you know everything there is to know about the condition of the house before you buy it. So make sure to hire a professional home inspector. You'll have peace of mind, knowing that there are no nasty, hidden surprises lurking within your home!


Dr Karen Morton qualified from the University of Cambridge in 1978. She trained at Cambridge, Oxford, Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital, Chelsea Hospital for Women and St Thomas' Hospital, before becoming a consultant in Guildford in 1991. Prior to becoming a full-time obstetrician and gynaecologist she worked in general medicine and in intensive neonatal care. Her major interests are general benign gynaecology, maternal medicine and labour ward management together with paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. Her instinct is to avoid major surgery if at all possible.


Carl Herndon is from Happy Valley, Oregon. He works in his shop creating his beautiful, one of a kind wood crafts. Carl and his wife, Judy, raise goats and sheep on their ranch. He loves woodworking, hiking, gardening, and playing with his 7 grandchildren.
You can regularly find him at the Oregon City Farmers Market. Check the CH Woodcraft Facebook page for the up to date list of other locations.
Looking for something special or unique?
Carl has crafted a range of special requests ranging from a four-foot spoon to unique carving boards. Fill out the contact form below or give him a call at (503)658-2011 with questions or special orders.


text:
Articles Posted in the " Ryan Reynolds " Category
By Steven Neish on October 15, 2013 0 comment
Theo (Ryan Reynolds), a small garden snail from Venice, California spends his days working at The Plant and his evenings watching races on a television in a nearby garage. His racing ambitions aren't appreciated by his older brother, Chet (Paul Giamatti), who refuses to address him by his self-appointed nickname, Turbo. Frustrated by his inherent…
This review was first published on Steven's website Popcornaddiction.com. You've only got yourself to blame if you don't visit it. When Boston detective Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) is murdered by his colleague and friend Bobby Hayes (Kevin Bacon), he finds himself plucked from the beyond by Mildred Proctor (Mary-Louise Parker) and recruited into the Rest…
Ryan Reynolds leaves Highlander reboot project
By Vincent Kenny on June 18, 2013 0 comment
There can only be…! Hey Ryan, where are you going!?
Casting super update!
By JLSB Sirisena on April 23, 2013 0 comment
More news on more movies to come!
R.I.P.D. gets first trailer
It's here! Come look!
R.I.P.D. releases first image
Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges & guns!
By Patrick Harley on April 09, 2013 2 comments
Bizarre visuals, outdated humour and a needlessly abstract moral prevent this prehistoric offering from DreamWorks Animation from living up to its potential. The animation flows smoothly enough and the 3D doesn't offend, but when it's difficult to recognise the message, let alone the wildlife, it's fair to say that something has missed the mark.
Amy Adams & Christoph Waltz in Tim Burton's Big Eyes
Burton in a whole new realm with biopic story
Lance Armstrong biopic planned by J.J. Abrams
By Ray Thompson on January 22, 2013 0 comment
His Cycle of Lies is over in the real world, but the cinema awaits.
DreamWorks saturation close to infinity percent
By Vincent Kenny on December 05, 2012 0 comment
Talking animals – check. Journey of a lifetime – check. Ryan Reynolds – double check.


text:
First <
Modi to set direction of FDI in India
BJP's victory BJP led by Modi is back in power after a decade in opposition, taking advantage of public anger at Congress for uncontrolled high prices, corruption scams and rising unemployment. However, its victory could be a bad news for foreign retailers like Walmart, Carrefour and Auchan who wish to introduce their grocery retail formats into the country. Significant liberalisation of ...
India's evolving grocery market
Following a recent trip to a land of 'unorganised retail', Laura May looks at how the Indian grocery landscape is evolving as international retail players enter the market. A stark contrast to grocery retailing as some may know it, India's millions of market stalls and specialist shops, kiranas and kiosks - collectively known as 'unorganised retail' - account for around 98% of the country's gr...
Future Group update
India's Future Group has a new subsidiary in the pipeline to support PL, and may be mulling supermarket acquisition in southern India. Supporting PL growth through UAE base The business division Future Consumer Enterprise (formerly known as Future Ventures) will invest around US$400,000 in setting up a wholly owned subsidiary, the Hindu Business Line reports. This will support the expo...
Big Bazaar: Republic Day retail roadshow
Future Retail's Big Bazaar banner will convert 50 trucks into supermarkets over the three day national holiday. Multichannel offer to better serve shoppers Mobile stores will help reach areas where stores are not currently located. They will stock around 100 SKUs at discounted prices, in keeping with promotions around this holiday period. The mobile stores will help relieve pressure on t...
Multichannel expansion for Future Retail
Building on the success of its ecommerce venture, India's Future Group plans to blur the lines between in-store and online shopping to maximise sales opportunities. Merging online and offline shopping Future Retail's CEO Kishore Biyani has emphasised the central role of technology to the company's retail strategy. Whilst the ecommerce channel continues to experience rapid growth, pro...
60 second update: India
Future Group is negotiating a new acquisition, M&S plans largest overseas expansion and AEON considers new market entry... Future Group negotiating Nilgiris acquisition The Future Group is in negotiations for the acquisition of Nilgiris supermarket chain, the Economic Times reports. Comprising of over 90 supermarkets around Bangalore, Nigiris is majority owned by a private equity firm Act...
India: FDI amendments ease entry
India's government announced three amendments to FDI multi-brand retail policy, serving to relax the conditions of investment in the market. Three key changes to policy Fifty percent of first $100m invested to be on back-end infrastructure. This amendment puts a $50m cap on the original policy which stated fifty percent of investment in the first three years must be spent on back end i...
Future Retail PL strategy update
The Indian retailer announces the extension of private label ranges in KB's Fairprice stores, and expansion into the health and beauty category. KB's Fairprice format driving growth The group launched private label brands into its stores in 2008; in the convenience KB's Fairprice format these ranges now contribute around 40% to sales turnover. Future Retail forecasts accelerated g...
India: Future Retail 1,000 stores by 2015
India's Future Retail, formerly known as Pantaloon Retail, plans to expand its convenience format portfolio to more than 1,000 stores in the next two years. 1,000 KB's Faiprice stores by 2015 Future Retail currently operates around 200 franchised convenience stores in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai under the KB's Fairprice banner. Store numbers in these cities will increase rapidly, reac...
India Supreme Court rejects anti-FDI petition
India's Supreme Court has rejected a petition against FDI in multi-brand retail, saying that as a policy it did not suffer from any constitutional or statutory infirmity. "Consumer is king" says court According to reports, the Supreme Court said the decision to allow FDI had a legal basis in a previous act. It welcomed what it called the focus on benefiting the consumer by " enlarging ...


text:
Home > Car Clinic
New cars with the longest warranty
Prefer peace of mind when you buy a new car? These cars will help you sleep better
CARS ARE expensive and complicated so when they go wrong, it can be a very costly business to fix them.
Don't know your BHPs from your MPVs? Click to take a look at our car jargon buster
That's why it's important that car buyers consider the warranty that is provided by the manufacturer. The longer it is, the less chance drivers have of being hit with a wallet-busting bill. During the warranty's period of cover, the manufacturer will repair faults free of charge, as long as the car has been serviced according to its maintenance schedule.
This week, Vauxhall performed a spectacular U-turn when it dropped its Lifetime Warranty, introduced in 2010. Then, Duncan Aldred, managing director of Vauxhall, said "We have confidence in the quality of our products, and we want our customers to benefit from that confidence, too."
Now customers will be offered a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty on new Vauxhalls. This is typical of the cover offered by the majority of car companies, and many drivers will be unimpressed. If you're one of them, and want to have the additional peace of mind that a warranty lasting more than three years can provide, or you're buying a used car and want to benefit from what remains of the new car warranty, read on.
Below are those models, arranged by sector, that come with the longest warranties.
City cars | Superminis | Hot hatchbacks and coupés | MPVs | Family cars | Large family cars | 4x4s & SUVs | Sports cars & convertibles | Supercars | Electric & hybrid cars
1. Kia Picanto
What you get: It may not have the style of a Fiat 500, but do you care when the Picanto has the longest warranty available from any car manufacturer, albeit one with certain caveats? It provides a total of seven years cover, unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
What you don't get: There's only one year of breakdown assistance provided – compared with five for Hyundai's warranty, below. The seven-year warranty doesn't apply to all components of the car; the battery and air conditioning are only covered for two years, and the audio system is covered for three.
Read Driving's review of the Kia Picanto or search for a used Picanto here
2. Hyundai i10
What you get: A city car that's ideal for the high-mileage driver. It comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty that goes one step further than Toyota's (below) by not putting any mileage restrictions in place. So drivers who cover over 20,000 miles a year could find that Hyundai's warranty is actually even more valuable than Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. What's more, it includes five years of breakdown assistance – four more than Kia or Toyota. It's transferable to the next owner, too.
What you don't get: There is an extensive list of restrictions here but highlights, as such, include just two years cover for the battery, clutch and the engine's V belt. Most suspension components are restricted to a 60,000-mile limit within the five-year period.
Read Driving's review of the Hyundai i10 or search for a used i10 here
3. Toyota Aygo
What you get: A five-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first year and then reverts to a 100,000 miles limit. For many drivers, this will make the Aygo more attractive than the mechanically identical Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108. It's also transferable.
What you don't get: Toyota is generous, stating that there are no specific exclusions other than wear and tear. So if a manufacturing defect contributed to an item failing, it would cover the full cost without restrictions. However, there is only one year's breakdown cover.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota Aygo or search for a used Yaris here
4. Renault Twingo
What you get: The all-new Twingo is a welcome addition to the city car market. It has a four-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years, and is then limited to 100,000 miles. Renault switched to a four-year warranty in 2012, and the cover is transferable if you sell the car. It includes four years' breakdown assistance.
What you don't get: Wear and tear is the only caveat to Renault's four-year warranty. The company says its dealers are responsible for establishing whether a manufacturing or assembly defect is responsible for a failure.
Read Driving's review of the Renault Twingo
Superminis
1. Kia Rio
What you get: It may not be as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta, but it comes with a total of seven years cover. This is unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
Search Driving for a used Kia Rio
What you get: An affordable supermini that's a bit short on flair. Still, it has a five-year warranty and breakdown recovery without any mileage restrictions. So drivers who cover over 20,000 miles a year could find that Hyundai's warranty is actually even more valuable than Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It's transferable to the next owner, too.
3. Toyota Yaris
What you get: A five-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first year and then reverts to a 100,000 miles limit. It could make the Yaris more appealing than a Volkswagen Polo for some buyers, and is also transferable.
What you don't get: Breakdown cover only lasts for the first year. Toyota says there are no specific warranty exclusions other than wear and tear. So if a manufacturing defect contributed to an item failing, it would cover the full cost without restrictions.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota Yaris or search for a used Yaris here
4. Renault Clio
What you get: A four-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years, and is then limited to 100,000 miles. First introduced in 2012, the cover is transferable if you sell the car. Also included is four years' breakdown assistance.
Read Driving's review of the Renault Clio or search for a used Clio here
Hot hatchbacks and coupés
1. Toyota GT86
What you get: As well as being a hoot to drive, the GT86 comes with a five-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first year, and then reverts to a 100,000 miles limit. Let's put that into context: even Porsche, reputed to build some of the world's most robust sports cars, offers only two years' protection on its new models.
What you don't get: Breakdown recovery only lasts for the first year, two less than the Subaru BRZ. There are no specific exclusions other than wear and tear. So if a manufacturing defect contributed to an item failing, Toyota would cover the full cost without restrictions.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota GT86 or search for a used GT86 here
2. Subaru BRZ
What you get: Subaru has confidence in the BRZ. Like the mechanically identical Toyota GT86, it comes with a five-year warranty. However, there's an important difference: Subaru offers a manufacturer's warranty in the first three years up to a maximum mileage of 60,000, then switches to the importer's warranty to take it to five years or 100,000 miles.
What you don't get: The Japanese car maker says its warranty is "bumper to bumper" and lists the only exclusion as the clutch plate. The breakdown cover runs for three years, not five.
Read Driving's review of the Subaru BRZ or search for a used BRZ here
3. Renaultsport Mégane
What you get: As if the Renaultsport Mégane weren't thrilling enough to tempt drivers to sign on the line, it comes with Renault's four-year warranty, too, which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years, and is then limited to 100,000 miles. It's transferable if you sell the car, and there is four years' breakdown cover included.
Read Driving's review of the Renaultsport Megane or search for a used Renaultsport Megane here
MPVs
1. Kia Carens
What you get: It's not the most spacious or practical MPV by any stretch but it will accommodate three child seats in the back, and comes with Kia's tempting seven-year warranty. This is unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
What you don't get: There's only one year of breakdown assistance provided. The seven year warranty doesn't apply to all components of the car; the battery and air conditioning are only covered for two years, and the audio system is covered for three.
Read Driving's review of the Kia Carens or search for a used Carens here
2. Toyota Verso and Prius+
What you get: The Verso and Prius+ are no better than Citroën's excellent C4 or the Ford C-Max, bar one important detail: their five-year warranty. There are no mileage restrictions in the first year and after that there is a 100,000-mile limit. It's also transferable.
What you don't get: There are no specific exclusions other than wear and tear. So if a manufacturing defect contributed to an item failing, Toyota would cover the full cost without restrictions. Shame it doesn't stretch to more than a year's breakdown assistance, however.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota Verso or search for a used Verso here
3. Renault Captur and Renault Scenic
What you get: The Captur is an affordable, practical MPV that has the more popular styling of an SUV, whereas the Scenic is good old-fashioned MPV. Both come with Renault's four-year warranty, which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years but is then limited to 100,000 miles. It's transferable if you sell the car, and there is four years' breakdown cover included.
Read Driving's review of the Renault Captur or search for a used Captur or a used Scenic
1. Kia cee'd
What you get: Former star of Top Gear, the cee'd is not the best car in its class but the seven-year warranty might make up for its shortcomings. This is unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
What you don't get: There's only one year of breakdown assistance provided. The seven-year warranty doesn't apply to all components of the car; the battery and air conditioning are only covered for two years, and the audio system is covered for three.
Read Driving's review of the Kia cee'd or search for a used cee'd here
What you get: A good car and one that shows how much Hyundai has closed the gap on the VW Golf and Ford Focus. Its five-year warranty doesn't have any mileage restrictions and includes five years' breakdown assistance. It's transferable to the next owner, too.
3. Toyota Auris
What you get: A comfortable, well made hatchback that doesn't do excitement but at least has a five-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first year, and then adopts a 100,000-mile limit.
What you don't get: Breakdown recovery only lasts for the first year. There are no specific exclusions other than wear and tear. So if a manufacturing defect contributed to an item failing, Toyota would cover the full cost without restrictions.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota Auris or search for a used Auris here
4. Renault Mégane
What you get: It's getting on, the Mégane , but it rides and handles well enough, and there are good deals to be had. Renault provides a four-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years, and is then limited to 100,000 miles. It's transferable if you sell the car, and there is four years' breakdown cover, too.
Read Driving's review of the Renault Megane or search for a used Megane here
1. Kia Optima
What you get: None of the high class of a German car or the driving appeal of a Ford, and only a solitary diesel engine, but the Optima is handsome enough and has a fuss-free interior. Its trump card is Kia's seven-year warranty. This is unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
What you don't get: There's only one year of breakdown assistance provided. The seven-year warranty doesn't apply to all components; the battery and air conditioning are only covered for two years, and the audio system is covered for three.
Read Driving's review of the Kia Optima or search for a used Optima here
What you get: It's competitively priced and equally competitive to tax for company car drivers, but do they care as much as a private customer about Hyundai's five-year warranty? It doesn't have any mileage restrictions and includes five years' breakdown assistance. It's transferable to the next owner, too.
3. Toyota Avensis
What you get: This is an uncompetitive car, so it badly needs the incentive of a five-year warranty to spark interest among drivers. There are no mileage restrictions in the first year and the warranty then reverts to a 100,000-mile limit.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota Avensis or search for a used Avensis here
4. Subaru Outback
What you get: A four-wheel-drive estate that makes a great workhorse. Subaru provides five years of cover, albeit with a manufacturer's warranty in the first three years (up to a maximum mileage of 60,000), then an importer's warranty to take it to five years (or 100,000 miles).
Read Driving's review of the Subaru Legacy or search for a used Legacy here
4x4s & SUVs
1. Kia Soul, Sportage and Sorento
What you get: The Soul is a little smasher, well worth considering alongside the Nissan Qashqai, especially given its long warranty. The Sportage looks good, but isn't particularly good to drive, and the Sorento is something of a big brute with seven seats. Kia's seven-year warranty is unlimited in mileage for the first three years, then restricted to 100,000 miles until the end of the seventh year. The warranty can be transferred to any subsequent owner.
Read Driving's review of the Kia Soul or Sportage or search for a used Soul or a used Sportage
2. Hyundai ix35 and Santa Fe
What you get: The ix35 is far from the best of the hugely popular breed of compact SUVs, and the bigger Santa Fe is about to be replaced. So is Hyundai's five-year warranty enough to swing it over better competition? It doesn't have any mileage restrictions and includes five years' breakdown assistance. It's transferable to the next owner, too.
Read Driving's review of the Hyundai iX35 or Santa Fe or search for a used iX35 or used Santa Fe
3. SsangYong Korando
What you get: We've described the Korando as an honest workhorse amid show ponies, and that pretty much says it all. This is a hardy, hard-working 4×4 that can breeze the school run then hit the hills. It comes with a five-year warranty that's free from mileage restrictions.
What you don't get: The clutch discs and brake friction materials are only covered for the first year, and the battery for three years. Breakdown assistance lasts just a year.
Search for a used SsangYong Korando here
4. Toyota RAV4 and Land Cruiser
What you get: The RAV4 has slipped behind Nissan's new Qashqai, and the Land Cruiser will come as quite a shock to Range Rover drivers, but both come with the benefit of a five-year warranty. There are no mileage restrictions in the first year and the warranty then reverts to a 100,000 miles limit.
Read Driving's review of the Toyota RAV4 or the Land Cruiser or search for a used RAV4 or used Land Cruiser
5. Subaru Forester and XV
What you get: Neither of these cars is at the top of their game, so you need to be a Subaru devotee to buy a new one. Better to buy a two-year-old model and enjoy three years of cover, as the company provides five years from new.
What you don't get: The Japanese car maker says its warranty is "bumper to bumper" and lists the only exclusion as the clutch driven plate. The breakdown cover runs for three years, not five.
Read Driving's review of the Subaru Forester and XV or search for a used Forester or a used XV
Sports cars and convertibles
1. Ferrari California T and 458 Italia/Spider
What you get: The California recently gained a T, for turbo, and changed for the better over the old model, and the 458 remains the most thrilling and useable sports car on the road. As standard, Ferrari offers a four-year warranty on all new models – double that provided by Porsche – and breakdown assistance. The warranty for the powertrain can be extended, at a cost, to as much as 12 years' protection.
What you don't get: The only exclusions are for oil seals, and oil and coolant leaks. Heck, Ferrari even includes seven years' servicing with its new cars these days…
Read Driving's review of the California T and 458 Italia or search for a used California or a used 458 Italia
2. Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4
What you get: Not to be totally outdone by Ferrari, Lamborghini offers a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty with its new cars, so Huracán drivers indulging in the 8,250rpm red line of the V10 engine can rest easy. It comes with four years of 'Lamborghini Assist' too.
What you don't get: The only exclusions are wear and tear…
Read Driving's review of the Huracán and or search for a used Huracán here
3. Renault Mégane coupé cabriolet
What you get: It's getting on, the Mégane, but if you want a convertible with a folding hard roof and a long warranty, look no further. Renault provides a four-year warranty which has no mileage restrictions in the first two years, and is then limited to 100,000 miles. It's transferable if you sell the car, and there is four years' breakdown cover, too.
1. Ferrari FF and F12
What you get: These are two of the fastest, baddest, brain-bending V12-powered supercars on the road, yet Ferrari is happy to supply each with a four-year warranty as standard. The warranty for the powertrain can be extended, at a cost, to as much as 12 years' protection.
What you don't get: The only exclusions are for oil seals, and oil and coolant leaks. Heck, Ferrari even includes seven years' servicing with new cars these days…
Read Driving's review of the Ferrari FF and the F12 or search for a used FF or a used F12
2. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
What you get: Probably the most thrilling, big bruiser of a supercar going. Lamborghini offers a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty with its new cars, and lord knows how much better that must help owners of the big V12 mid-engined monster sleep at night. It comes with four years of 'Lamborghini Assist' too.
Read Driving's review of the Aventador and or search for a used Aventador here
1. Tesla Model S
What you get: The Model S is one of the most sophisticated cars on the road, so it's little wonder Tesla recently improved the model's warranty package. It is now covered for four years or 50,000 miles, but the battery and drive unit have a warranty that lasts eight years, and either 125,000 miles or without restriction, depending on whether you buy the 60 kWh or 85 kWh version. Breakdown assistance lasts for the four-year period.
What you don't get: Tesla told Driving its UK warranty didn't cover wear and tear. But other than that, there are said to be no specific restrictions.
Read Driving's review of the Tesla Model S
2. Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Auris Hybrid and Prius
What you get: The Yaris, Auris and Prius hybrid models can be a good alternative to a diesel-powered car, but you need to do your sums carefully. They all have a five-year warranty – two years more, for example, than BMW offers with its i3 or Audi with the A3 e-tron. There are no mileage restrictions in the first year and the warranty then reverts to a 100,000 miles limit. You can extend the battery warranty to 11 years, so long as the car has an annual inspection at a Toyota dealer.
Read Driving's comprehensive buying guide to the Toyota Prius or search for a used Prius here
hot hatchbacks
Top five best city cars to buy in 2020/2021
Picking the top five best city cars is a much more difficult task than the pigeonhole title suggests.
Sunday Times Driving picks 10 best electric cars
Jeremy Clarkson has been given a well-deserved break this week, so that Sunday Times Driving can pick the 10 best electric cars on the market.
Best 0% APR finance deals on new cars in 2020
Buying a car on finance is an appealing proposition. You don't have to save up to afford a car, or spend what savings you may already have, leavi


text:
HBO's 'Deadwood' Movie Begins Shooting, Original Castmembers Returning
By Travis Hopson11/05/2018View Comments
It's real. Al Swearengen is readying his F-bombs and "cocksuckers" now, because the Deadwood movie is actually happening. HBO has confirmed the film's start of production, with the original cast on board. Well holy cocksuckin' shit.
This year has been a see-saw of good and bad news for fans of David Milch's Shakespearean western series, with star Timothy Olyphant saying it wouldn't happen at one point. A few months later and HBO had given it a thumbs up, and now this. Milch will write the script, of course, but it will be Daniel Minehan behind the camera. Much of the original cast is returning, too: Ian McShane (Al Swearengen), Timothy Olyphant (Seth Bullock), Molly Parker (Alma Ellsworth), Paula Malcomson (Trixie), John Hawkes (Sol Star), Anna Gunn (Martha Bullock), Dayton Callie (Charlie Utter), Brad Dourif (Doc Cochran), Robin Weigert ("Calamity" Jane Canary), William Sanderson (E.B. Farnum), Kim Dickens (Joanie Stubbs) and Gerald McRaney (George Hearst). A new character named Caroline is being introduced, as well, played by Jade Pettyjohn.
I have no idea what the story could be, but based on the show's third and final season I have to believe it has to do with the return of George Hearst, who was a major foil. Honestly, I don't really care because Deadwood is back and hopefully it does well enough that HBO will approve of more.


text:
Marc and Misty Ray to appear in court
The adoptive parents of a 16-year-old girl who weighed only 56 pounds when she was found dead will appear in court Friday.
Updated: 7:59 AM CDT Jun 9, 2017
Hannah Hilyard
The adoptive parents of a 16-year-old girl who weighed only 56 pounds when she was found dead will appear in court Friday.Misty Ray, 40, and her husband, Marc Ray, 41, are scheduled to appear in court on charges of child endangerment resulting in death and seven other child endangerment and negligence counts.Sabrina Ray, who died in her Perry home, weighed just 56 pounds and was severely malnourished, investigators said.According to court documents, two other children were inside the home when police arrived. It indicates Sabrina Ray showed signs of suffering "unreasonable force, torture and cruelty."Both parents were arrested and are being held in the Dallas County Jail in lieu of $1 million cash-only bail.KCCI's Hannah Hilyard will be in the courtroom. Look for updates on this developing story on the KCCI News App and KCCI 8 News.
PERRY, Iowa —
Misty Ray, 40, and her husband, Marc Ray, 41, are scheduled to appear in court on charges of child endangerment resulting in death and seven other child endangerment and negligence counts.
Sabrina Ray, who died in her Perry home, weighed just 56 pounds and was severely malnourished, investigators said.
According to court documents, two other children were inside the home when police arrived. It indicates Sabrina Ray showed signs of suffering "unreasonable force, torture and cruelty."
Both parents were arrested and are being held in the Dallas County Jail in lieu of $1 million cash-only bail.
KCCI's Hannah Hilyard will be in the courtroom. Look for updates on this developing story on the KCCI News App and KCCI 8 News.


Jim Rokos is a multi-award winning London based industrial designer. Originally trained as a model-maker in the film and television industry, he designed an innovative cat-food bowl that sold over 50,000 pieces throughout Europe. In 2006, Rokos completed a Master's degree in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design, in 2008 he received the RSA Design Directions award and in 2012 the Faces of Design award. His passion to explore materials, to create original, beautiful and refined concepts is palpable in all his collections.
The 13° 60° 104° mouth-blown decanter may have a slightly unusual name, but the numbers represent the three possible angles at which the decanter can sit. At 13 degrees, the decanter begins the evening sober, at 60 degrees the decanter is a little tipsy, and by the end of the evening, it sits at a drunken 104 degrees. The 13° 60° 104° decanter encourages oxygen into the wine and as the wine moves, its flavours are released.
Mouth-blown and formed by hand in England.


I finally got a pair of running shoes! I started running this year, and applied for the NYC Marathon.
This was scanned with 261 photos shot with iPhoneXs and processed with Metashape. The back and bottom are not great, due to poor lighting. Still happy with the result, and I think this is my first scan of a new shoe.


For your life insurance needs, we are here to understand the reality of your situation and help you make the appropriate choice! Contact Allstate Insurance: Bill Whiting in The Villages, FL.
Had a great experience dealing with Allstate Insurance: Bill Whiting? Share how great it was.
Owner of Allstate Insurance: Bill Whiting? Click here to edit or enhance this listing.


Sharpness is always in reach with Henckels International Self-Sharpening Statement Knife Blocks. The self-sharpening slots boast built-in ceramic honing wheels that automatically sharpen when knives are stored or removed.
Tailor-made for J.A. Henckels International Statement knives, these blocks help you maintain the superior sharpness of their fine edge, precision-honed blades. With a seamless transition from blade to handle, the knives' fully forged construction provides balance while their traditional triple-rivet handle encourages tireless cutting.


text:
Garrett & Moore
Garrett & Moore > Projects > Alternative Final Cover System Design
Alternative Final Cover System Design
Design, Permitting, and CQA
Garrett & Moore, Inc. was retained to prepare construction drawings and specifications for the initial closure phase of an active Subtitle D landfill. In planning and collaborating for the project with the owner, we raised several concerns regarding the permit-approved final cover system. Although the permitted design would be considered by many to be an industry standard final cover system, Garrett & Moore believed the approach was not ideal and could be improved.
For discussion purposes, the adjacent figure illustrates an industry standard final cover system that meets the Subtitle D regulatory requirements and therefore could be used in the closure of a lined municipal solid waste landfill.
The solid waste industry as a whole has gained experience in recent years about the performance, constructability, liner integrity, slope stability, and long-term maintenance of final cover systems for lined municipal solid waste landfills. Primarily because only recently have some of the landfills, which were initially permitted upon the promulgation of the Subtitle D rules, begun the facility's closure and post-closure care periods.
Based on lessons learned by others and as allowed in the regulations, the owner and Garrett & Moore permitted an alternate final cover system for the Subtitle D Landfill, which was the first true alternate final cover system approved in the state of South Carolina. Figure 2 illustrates the alternate final cover system.
Advantages of the alternate final cover system include:
Superior Flexible Membrane Liner (FML) integrity
Improved slope stability
Improved infiltration reduction
Improved long-term vegetative growth
Less weather-dependent construction
Construction required careful coordination with the existing landfill gas active collection system to ensure continuous operation of the landfill gas to energy plant onsite. The closure system needed to account for raising existing gas collection wells.
The owner competitively bid the industry standard final closure system and the alternate final closure system to understand the cost differences between the two options. It is important to note that the alternate final closure system was not intended to be a cost-savings measure; however, there was a concern as to how much of a premium would be paid to construct the alternate final cover system if it was more expensive. The bid results showed that the alternate final closure system was about 10% less than the industry standard final closure system. In the end the owner was able to provide an improved final closure system and save cost.
Links to Industry News:
Coal Ash Landfill Closure
Alternate Final Cover System
1029 West South St.


text:
Memories of an American boy
>>> Photo essay: Abadan in the '50s
Paul Schroeder
iranian.com
This essay aims to provide some background for the photos taken in Abadan in the late '50s taken by my father, Charles Schroeder. Some general features of the expatriate experience in Abadan will be given here along with some more personal reminiscences. My father is now a robust 96 and lives in the suburbs of Chicago, the city where he grew up and which is still home base for our extended family – though I live in Maine now. My sister Ellen, who lived a year in Abadan, also lives near Chicago. My mother Lois passed away about 10 years ago. [Also see part 2 of this phot essay: Khuzestan 1958-1960]
My father has given the ok for publication of the photos and for me to write about our time there. His slides were taken with an Argus C3 camera, bought specially for the trip. He has about 450 slides taken in various parts of Iran. Of these, about half are from Abadan. The photos posted here are about 2/3 of the Abadan group. We appreciate Mr. Javid's interest in publishing these materials. Readers are invited to let me know where my memory has gone astray.
In 1957 my father applied for an assignment within his company, Socony Vacuum (since then Mobil, now Exxon Mobil) to work in Iran. He got it, and in February, 1958 he traveled to Abadan, where he was head of the refinery's payroll department for two years. My mother, sister and I joined him there after the spring school term, in June. I stayed there until he left in February 1960. My mother was there most of that time except for a couple of months when she traveled back to the US with my sister, who finished her senior year of high school at home. My 12th birthday was a couple of months after we arrived in Abadan.
Socony owned about 1/7 of the "consortium" that had secured the rights to refine and market Iran's oil. As one of the operating companies, Socony had the obligation to send some of the managers and engineers who staffed the Abadan refinery. The consortium's official name was Iranian Oil Refining Company, IORC. The other major entity involved in the Iranian oil industry was the oil producing company, which was owned by the Iranian government. It was called the NIOC, the National Iranian Oil Company. The NIOC pumped oil out of the ground and sold it to the IORC, which refined and distributed it via the partner companies. These were the successors to the earlier AIOC, Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, which controlled Iran's oil economy between its discovery there in 1908 and the post-WWII period. All of the earlier arrangements changed when the US and UK outsted Iran's elected Prime Minister Mossadegh and reasserted western control of Iran's oil resources. The new agreements began in 1954.
My father's origin in Chicago was unusual for Americans in Abadan. It seemed most of my schoolmates were from Texas or New York, the centers of oil production and finance. This was his only assignment overseas. Some of my friends had lived in other oil localities such as Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. My father had been an accountant throughout his working life. In the late '30s he worked in Chicago for a printing firm, a meat packing firm, and an electrical appliance manufacturer, before getting the job in in Socony's Chicago office, eventually becoming its "paymaster," in charge of payroll for that office. My impression of my father is that he is a person of complete integrity and personal decency, qualities perhaps somewhat missing from corporate echelons today.
Among the "expatriates" in Abadan at that time were people from several countries besides the US, mainly the UK and the Netherlands. The community of foreigners linked to the refinery numbered about 300. The refinery at that time was known as "the world's largest." It had an incredible 30,000 employees, mostly laborers. I have no idea what they all did. Over 100 employees worked in the payroll department. Their main task was to fill weekly pay envelopes with cash, since there was no checking system. They counted the money by weight. A photo of the payroll department is among the slides.
Our family's personal community was made up of neighbors, a few associates from my father's work including Iranians who were among the managers in his department, families of my school friends, and the members of St. Christopher's Church. The church served overseas families who were Protestant, and was in the Anglican tradition. Its ministers rotated like the refinery staff. The kids my age who were part of the church had a group of sorts, who mostly played games outdoors during and after church events. There was an Iranian family who tended after the buildings and grounds of the church. Their outdoor charcoal brazier was one of hundreds in the yards and on the corners that gave Abadan its particular flavor.
We lived at SQ (Staff Quarters) 1098 in New Braim, which was an extension of Braim, an older mainly residential district. At the center of Braim was a maze of houses surrounded by high hedges known as Braim Square. Braim had several different sections, including social gathering places such as the Naft Club (with its outdoor cinema), the Golestan Club, the Central Annex, and apartment blocks for single people (such as my teacher, before he married, and my boy scout leader – I'm not sure what his job was). There was a doctor's office in Braim, and a small grocery store and bakery. Outside this store there were usually a couple of men begging who were amputees. Women gathered to nurse together at a crossroad near the store. I think it was there that I first noticed the way of sitting on flat feet and with legs folded. I'd never seen this before; it looked pretty comfortable to me.
Also in Braim were Alfi's Store on "Pickadilly Circus," the river front including some of the docks, date groves and the boat club. There were also several villages, most prominently the mud houses of Braim Village. Some of the books I remember buying at Alfi's include a paperback Koran and two collections of journalism about WWII. We also got Time magazine there, required reading for the current events lessons at school.
I think "green" when I think of Braim, with its shaded streets, high hedges, nullahs, flowers. As for New Braim where we lived, all was dust and dirt around new houses of brick and concrete. It had a more American flavor than the rest of Braim. Other places were a mystery to me. I recall the name "Segush Braim" -- where was that?
The school and the Braim pool were where I spent most of my time. The pool was an environment unto itself. Two tennis courts were part of it, made of crushed sea shells rolled flat with heavy rollers. The lines were canvas tape nailed into the shell court surface. This was rough on shoes, balls and knees. I was a latecomer to swimming, and loved the pool especially. The swimming skills I got there led to lifeguarding jobs for summer work back home. Among the grounds keepers for the pool and tennis courts were two brothers who lived behind the pool, who were friends with the pool kids. There was also usually a coin toss game going on played by ball boys flipping rials. I wished I could play along.
Just behind the pool was a clay oven that produced endless piles of "nun," or as we called it, chapatti. I would stand fascinated, watching the bakers flip the breads into the oven, sticking up on its inside dome, peeled off with broad paddles when done. I think the price was one or two rials each. I miss the taste of that bread. Beyond the bakery was the "Old House," which may have actually been a house at one time, or an abandoned warehouse. It was literally filled with glass bottles, and there were holes in the roof through which we could climb in. A proof of daring, at least for a meek person like myself, was to take the leap from a nearby roof over a small walk to get into the Old House. We weren't supposed to be there, and once for no reason a group of us got into an exchange of rock throwing with a group of Iranian boys. We ended up in the police station near Alfi's, and our parents had to come and get us. All of this was within a few blocks of the school.
Sometimes I'd take the bus with friends beyond the bazaar to Bawarda, the other major neighborhood for overseas and Iranian management staff, to swim in the Bawarda pool, where they played Bill Haley's Rock Around the Clock on the PA. We'd also go to the Seamen's Club for a swim or a snack. I first had a "Coney Dog" there. And the Taj Cinema, of course, where I first had the thrill of holding hands.
At school I was in the 7th grade one year, and the 8th grade the next. Our unique "junior high" was Americans only. The school also had separate K-6 sections for Americans, Dutch and kids from the UK. Some families sent students to boarding schools in Beirut or Switzerland, or left them home. My experience was mostly with other American kids. A boy from Surrey lived a couple doors down from us, and I knew a couple other British kids, and went to a birthday party at the house of a cute Dutch girl. Generally the various national groups of kids didn't have much interaction with each other; at least that was my experience. I knew a few Iranian boys, one friend from the neighborhood just past New Braim, and a couple more from the pool and scouts. I remember that the only westerner who spoke Farsi was a German boy who had been there for about 15 years. His father was a doctor.
I rode my bike or took the bus to school. The school was owned by the refinery, as was everything else, from roads to water system to bus line. In our room, the 7th graders were the two rows on the right side, and we moved over to the left for 8th. One teacher handled everything, the awesome Charles Libbert. Who will forget the first words he uttered to our class: "In this room I am absolute dictator." Hmm. When everyone figured out what that meant, we began to have a great educational experience. He was a fully engaged teacher. Occasionally our class was visited by Mademoiselle Suzanne, a person Mr. Libbert recruited to give us lessons in French. We probably should have been learning Farsi. Mr. Libbert went on to become math coordinator for the Santa Barbara schools.
We took occasional day trips from Abadan. Groups went to the "Sheikh's castle" up the river in the company's launch, and also to Khosrowabad. Groups went to the ziggurat at Tchoga Zambil, and to Shush and Shushtar. The boy scouts went on a couple of camping trips, most memorably to Lali, where we camped in the hills and were entertained by a man who played a shawm and his son, probably, who played a drum. I also traveled by train to the Middle East scout "jamboree" in Manzariyeh, Tehran, as part of Abadan International Troop 1. I think the church group went to Ahwaz, and somehow I remember seeing an antique Bugatti on the street there. There was a deli there named Negro's where we could get cheeses not found in Abadan. Once my father was invited to visit the Ahwaz home of a relative of a colleague from his office. The gracious family, the courtyard home, the delicious meal are wonderful memories. While my mom was back home with my sister, I traveled with my father to MIS and to Kharg Island, when they were just beginning to plan for the port there.
I'll try to convey something of the uniqueness of Abadan, beyond these everyday arrangements. Foremost was the intensity of the physical environment. The blazing sun and baking pavements were most memorable. As a product of the frozen northlands, I truly loved the relentless heat -- but of course I had a home and the pool for retreat, and didn't have to work in it. Bluer skies than Abadan's are impossible. The ever-flowing river was a constant presence, and the canal-watered date groves and irrigated neighborhoods of Braim provided a striking contrast with the surrounding parched tan earth, on which as far as I could see nothing grew except prickly "camel thorns." I'd go to the river to watch the freighters, tankers and dhows docked at the shore. There was a continuing conflict with Iraq over the river boundary (which still goes on), and there were usually army men behind sandbags at the shore. Now and then US destroyers and British frigates would sail up the river to show the flag, and we could visit the ships and have the sailors to home for a supper on shore.
Other elemental memories include the huge sulfur pile near the Taj, and its smell, and the piles of salt at salt flats somewhere near our house. Lizards scurried up and down the walls of our house, living under the eaves, sometimes finding their way inside. Once a massive cloud of locusts swept through town. These yellow and green giants were a tasty catch for drivers who raced down our street, then plucked freshly grilled snacks from their radiators. I remember seeing a young man reading under a street light outside our house. Was he there because he didn't have light at home, or just needing to get out of the house? In any case, I started to become aware of the particular privileges we had.
Through it all was the smell of the refinery. To this day I will occasionally flash on Abadan when filling my gas tank. The smell was bad, the memories are good.
All of this is to say that the opportunity to live in Abadan as a boy was a positive and life-changing experience. There was one moment from that time that I have been waiting for a chance to make an apology for, so I'll do it now. A few days after we arrived, in a display of my ignorance, I ordered a resting man away from the shade under the eaves of a neighbor's house. It's not possible anymore to say "I'm sorry" personally to this person, but perhaps this will help in a small way. In the grand scheme of things this was a small event, but the grand scheme is colored by thoughtless acts like this.
Probably the most lasting understanding that I gained from my time in Abadan was a sense that my everyday understanding and our own way of life is not the only way it can be. Whole universes of difference surrounded us, from the kids from Texas and England, to the people of the villages, markets and bazaar. Added to this was experience the wonders of Iran's cultural history such as Persepolis, Shiraz, the blue domes of Isfahan that merged with the blue Iranian sky, and the misty atmosphere of the Caspian's shores and hills. It was a privilege to be there, and I hope to visit Abadan again. It is also my hope that the unfortunate relations between the people and governments of the US and Iran will begin to find some way to be mended>>> Photo essay
[Also see part 2 of this phot essay: Khuzestan 1958-1960]
(1) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
(60) (70) (80) (90) (100)
(110) (120)
To Paul Schroeder
The Persian Gulf
A Political and Economic History of Five Port Cities 1500-1730
by Willem Floor


text:
David Walliams Pens Book… For Simon Cowell's Baby Eric!
Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams has always had a banterous, flirtatious relationship with fellow judge Simon Cowell – and now he's taken it one step further!
The comedian, 42, has written a children's book specifically for the media mogul's baby boy, entitled, 'David Walliams Presents Baby Eric'.
David tweeted the novel's cover, featuring an illustration by Tony Ross, depicting dad Simon, 54, in his signature V-neck t-shirt cradling son Eric (both wearing black sunnies) alongside girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 36.
He captioned the picture: 'This is the cover of the book I wrote especially for @SimonCowell & Lauren's son Eric'.
This is the cover of the book I wrote especially for @SimonCowell & Lauren's son Eric... pic.twitter.com/34PrhvpL4J
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) May 26, 2014
He presented Simon with 50 copies of the book, backstage at Britain's Got Talent on Monday's live show, much to Simon's surprise.
A blurb on the back cover reportedly reads, 'Simon Cowell was the man who thought he had everything, until the day Baby Eric arrived in his life.'
Don't expect to find the literary gem in your local bookstore, though, David reportedly self-funded the print run especially for Simon.
David himself has a one-year old son with model Lara Stone and has written a number of children's books, including Demon Dentist, Ratburger, The Slightly Annoying Elephant and Mr Stink, which was adapted into a BBC One programme.
What's the funniest/cutest baby gift you've received? Let us know below!
Author: Sarah Gibbons Sarah Gibbons
Sarah Gibbons
Celeb Friends Congratulate New Dad Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell welcomed his first baby – son Eric – into the world on Friday. And the music mogul's celeb pals wasted no time in congratulating the new dad on Twitter.
Simon Cowell Shares Pics Of Baby Eric
Media mogul Simon Cowell may have vowed that he 'wouldn't be changing nappies' not so long ago, but he looks as if he is now quite the doting hands-on dad, if new pictures posted on Twitter are anything to go by.
Russell Brand Writes Books For Children
Comedian Russell Brand has unveiled his new project – stories for kids…


Several months ago I did a post containing 36 different font pairings to help bloggers and business owners brand themselves. I was absolutely floored by the views and feedback I received and it turned out to be one of my highest viewed posts to date. Because of the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I've decided to do a second round of fonts to pair. Please note: you can download all of these fonts for yourself at the bottom of this post.
Some of the most popular fonts bloggers use for their image headers contain a script font. Script fonts are great to use if you want to add a bit of depth and variety to your image or even website. If you're a business owner or blogger, creating a strong visual style is the core to a strong brand. You don't need to be a designer to pair fonts together. Even just knowing some of the key terms will help you immensely when it comes to typography and font pairing. and I've put together some of my favorite font pairs and at the bottom of this post you'll find links for each one of these to download yourself. If you're unfamiliar to typefaces, in my examples you'll see a set of larger and smaller fonts. The larger fonts are the header fonts - typically used for short phrases or keywords and the small font is used for sentence structure. There are also some terms that are important to know as well. Below is the break down of some of the most commonly used terms.
Typography refers to the arrangement of type in a visually pleasing way. This is achieved by the use of both white space and varying typeface's to visually communicate ideas.
Is the process of adjusting space and distance between two characters in your type. This is typically done in order to achieve more balance and symmetry and helps make your type more visually pleasing.
This is the distance between the baseline of type. Not enough space between can cause the text to overlap making the content hard to read, while too much space can cause the content to appear disjointed. It's good to find a happy balance between the two.
Is a typeface style that has decorative lines (Serifs) at the end of horizontal and vertical lines. You may be familiar with these fonts if you've ever written a paper for school. Because of these, serif fonts tend to look professional and feel more traditional. Common serif fonts are Times New Roman, Garamond and Georgia.
Is a typeface style in which there are no decorative lines at the end of each character. These fonts appear more modern and feel cleaner. Common sans serif typefaces include Arial, Helvetica, AvantGarde and Verdana.
Is a typeface style that copies the look of cursive handwriting. Script fonts can appear more classy and elegant or more casual. This is entirely dependent on the amount of embellishment.
Is a typeface style that is thicker and is commonly used in headlines or titles. They appear very bold and strong and are typically not used in long blocks of text.
Below you can find the list of all 36 font pairings you can download today!
6/7 UPDATE: I've recently been notified that the font Salted Mocha was not available in a .ttf format. I've converted the .otf file to a .ttf file for those of you using Macs.
1) Click on any of the above links.
3) For dafont.com: Click on the "download" button on the right hand side. A zip file should begin downloading. If not located on dafont.com, be sure to follow the instructions listed near the bottom to download. Locate the zip file and open it. Open all of the .ttf files and click the "install" button at the top of each window that opens. They will be automtically installed into your fonts folder.


How lengthy possess you been taking part in? Each golfer has, in a moment of abject humility, thrusted to quit the sport. Only a few truly be conscious-via. Why? Because every ardent student, has the sensation that they possess the flexibility to play a good recreation.
One of perhaps the most frustrating ingredients of the sport, is the disparity between recordsdata and outcomes. A entire idea of swing mechanics does no longer scream improved performance, any longer than a typical recordsdata precludes breaking.
Produce you invest in typical instruction and be conscious diligently, but handiest keep marginal (if any) improvement? It's no longer queer to hear college students lament that their recreation deteriorated after a series of formal classes.
In most sports, we ask to toughen with typical instruction. As our self belief increases, our capacity level improves. For many golfers, taking a golf lesson is a closing resort; the student reluctantly accepts the indisputable truth that his recreation will deteriorate. This standpoint, (even although it would be properly-founded), is now not any longer precisely conductive to restoring self belief.
Most as soon as-a-week golfers harbor the perception that one unhappy shot is the spinoff of unhappy swing mechanics. This perception sets up an never-ending cycle of making an strive to "repair" their swing. Is the discrepancy between outcomes on the be conscious vary and the golf course, due to deteriorating swing mechanics or merely a lack of self belief?
A frequent reaction to a unhappy shot, is the automatic rigidity to expend a leer at to rapidly leer what you did unpleasant. The tacit assumption is, that ultimate mechanics will lead to ultimate outcomes. Presumably a brand new perspective, would interrupt the cycle of fault-finding and mistake correction.
What if we buy that unhappy photography are inevitable? Instead of the exercise of ultimate photography as the yardstick, why no longer ingrain the perception that golf is a recreation of "misses"? In preference to the exercise of par as the criterion, region up your possess scorecard according to the quality of mis-hits. You will devise a scoring machine, the build every shot is ranked on a scale from one to 10.
In conserving with my skills with over eleven-thousand college students, I've came across this replace in standpoint, is a simple methodology for rapidly restoring self belief after a unhappy shot. The exercise of numbers to mediate a shot, removes the emotional attachment and helps preserve a actually perfect emotional keel that capacity that you just can focal point on the approaching shot.
Self assurance is a conscious alternative. In the sport of golf, the percentages are stacked against you. Ought to you peep ultimate photography as happy accidents, then you positively might perhaps well per chance focal point on making improvements to the quality of the unhappy photography, and preserve a level of self belief that capacity that you just can consistently play to perhaps the most racy of your capacity.