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The Way of the Shield
(Maradaine Elite #1)
Marshall Ryan Maresca (Goodreads Author)
3.99 · Rating details · 126 ratings · 19 reviews
The first novel in the Maradaine Elite series blends fast-paced high fantasy and political intrigue.
Dayne Heldrin always dreamed of being a member of the Tarian Order. In centuries past, the Elite Orders of Druthal were warriors that stood for order, justice, and the common people. But now, with constables, King's Marshals, and a standing army, there is little need for The first novel in the Maradaine Elite series blends fast-paced high fantasy and political intrigue.
Dayne Heldrin always dreamed of being a member of the Tarian Order. In centuries past, the Elite Orders of Druthal were warriors that stood for order, justice, and the common people. But now, with constables, King's Marshals, and a standing army, there is little need for such organizations, and the Tarian Order is one of the last remnants of this ancient legacy. Nevertheless, Dayne trained his body and mind, learned the arts of defense and fighting, to become a candidate for the Tarian Order.
When a failed rescue puts Dayne at fault for injuring the child of a powerful family, his future with the Tarians is in jeopardy. The Parliament controls the purse strings for the Order, and Dayne has angered the wrong members of Parliament. He returns to the capital city of Maradaine in shame, ready to be cast out of the Order when the period of his candidacy ends.
Dayne finds Maradaine in turmoil, as revolutions and dark conspiracies brew around him, threatening members of Parliament and common people alike. Dayne is drawn into the uproar, desperate not to have one more death or injury on his conscience, but the Order wants him to stay out of the situation. The city threatens to tear itself apart, and Dayne must decide between his own future and his vow to always stand between the helpless and harm. ...more
Published October 2nd 2018 by Daw Books
Maradaine Elite #1, Maradaine Sequence #4
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Can't Wait Sci-Fi/Fantasy of 2018
· 126 ratings · 19 reviews
All LanguagesEnglish (19)
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Mar 18, 2019 Shelley rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2018-releases, arc-netgalley, urban-fantasy
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Way of the Shield is the first installment in author Marshal Ryan Maresca's Maradaine Elite series. The fourth series of the Maradaine universe tells the story of Dayne Heldrin, an elite warrior and protector of the city of Maradaine. This is a series set to the back drop of high fantasy, which means lots of characters, political machinations, with the introduction of the grand ten, as well as plenty of action, magic and *Source* Publisher
The Way of the Shield is the first installment in author Marshal Ryan Maresca's Maradaine Elite series. The fourth series of the Maradaine universe tells the story of Dayne Heldrin, an elite warrior and protector of the city of Maradaine. This is a series set to the back drop of high fantasy, which means lots of characters, political machinations, with the introduction of the grand ten, as well as plenty of action, magic and adventure.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20... ...more
Oct 22, 2018 Chris rated it really liked it
Shelves: fantasy
*copy from the publisher in exchange for a review*
The Way of the Shield is the start of a new fantasy series from Marshall Ryan Maresca. It shares a setting with his other series – the sprawling metropolis of Maradaine, populated by mages, vigilantes, police investigators, criminals, cults, politicians – and now, knights.
The centre of the narrative is Dayne. Dayne is a member of the Tarian order, a group of heavily armed individuals with a code. There used to be more of these orders, but they've *copy from the publisher in exchange for a review*
The centre of the narrative is Dayne. Dayne is a member of the Tarian order, a group of heavily armed individuals with a code. There used to be more of these orders, but they've been slowly subsumed into the army and other government initiatives over the years, and now only the Tarians and one of the others are left. Dayne is an exemplar of Tarian values – keen to help those who can't help themselves, and to protect lives. He has a degree of guilt for his inability to stop the deaths of those tht he's protected in the past – but the Tarians demand he gets up in the morning, picks up his shield, and goes on to see what's text.
Dayne is almost worryingly wholesome. He's perpetually self-deprecating and self-punishing, at the same time as he lvies up to all the higher ideals of his order. A nice guy, but stern – a paladin in the making. Fortunately, perhaps, he's backed up by a posse of other characters with their own flaws, I particularly enjoyed his friendship with a group of newspaper-folk, which provided the opportunity for exposition, some charmingly sharp witty banter, and a chance to explore the subtext of the role of the press in a less-than-free society.
Because that's what Maradaine is, to be sure. It's a metropolis, a city whose economy is thriving, whose people are surging through the streets. But it's a city whose body politic is moribund. There's a king who seems absent, and a parliament populated by the rich, the venal, the power hungry, or some combination of all three. Parliament represents the people, as long as the people are people like themselves – and that leaves those outside their circle fuming and aware of the injustice. If you can vote, but your vote will bring in one of two identical candidates – then where's the choice? The Maradaine electorate is on the boil; the air of the city thick with tension.
Into thishotpot of havoc slides a conspiracy – I won't get into details here, but they plan to change Maradaine's politics, they would claim for the better. If the detailed, in-depth world-building is one of this book's strengths, another is its antagonists; their goals are, if not laudable, at least understandable in a world of realpolitik. If their means are unpleasant, involving riots, deaths, assassinations, they're backed by the pragmatic service of an achievable goal. These are not villains in their own minds, and we get some exposure to their point of view.
In another book, they might even serve as the heroes; here though, they are reflected in Dayne's moral certitude, and found wanting. That said, Dayne's not on his own; he's backed by a Tarian trainee, and her attitude can mostly be described a stubborn and fierce. In between debates with the press-gang, seeing her work with Dayne is a joy. The fights are gloriously choreographed and kinetically hefty; you'll taste the iron in the back of your throat, and slip on the blood on the floor from the drawn blades.
This is an adventure story. Dayne throws himself into righting wrongs, almost by accident. If he carries his own guilt, that just makes him more genuine. Despite his competence, his relative youth seems to leave him emotionally vulnerable in a city filled with movers and shakers with less moral rectitude and more emotional armour. But Dayne does right wrongs, and does so with a force of personality which you can feel pervading every word on the page. This is a story of heroes. Dayne, for sure, the moral beacon. But his friends bear him up, and keep hom facing in the right direction. His trainee – well, she's amazing. Stubborn, forceful, confident in her own capability, refusing to take any crap from anyone. If Dayne is the centre, the spine of the story, she and his other friends are the muscles.
It's a poitical story, one which both demands and rewards your attention. It's a personal story, dealing with pain, loss, heartbreak and forgiveness. It's a story about morality, about sacrifice, about what people want from life. It's a fun story – there's quips, swordfights, chases through the streets. It's a compelling, convincing work of fantasy, and a worthy addition to the rich tapestry that is the works of Maradaine. Pick it up, give it a try – you won't be disappointed. ...more
Dec 30, 2019 Mara rated it it was amazing
For some reason, Maresca's fourth Maradaine series, The Maradaine Elite, seems to be getting the least attention, which is a damned shame, because Dayne Heldrin is such a unique character, the kind we don't see enough of in fantasy.
We always see the Big Hulking Strong Guy With A Sword, sure, and Dayne IS that, but he's also a pacifist warrior. He has a sword, but he also has a shield, and thats the thing that really matters to him. It's not just a defense weapon, it's a philosophy. Dayne will For some reason, Maresca's fourth Maradaine series, The Maradaine Elite, seems to be getting the least attention, which is a damned shame, because Dayne Heldrin is such a unique character, the kind we don't see enough of in fantasy.
We always see the Big Hulking Strong Guy With A Sword, sure, and Dayne IS that, but he's also a pacifist warrior. He has a sword, but he also has a shield, and thats the thing that really matters to him. It's not just a defense weapon, it's a philosophy. Dayne will fight, but he always fights to protect, to save lives. That's why he's a Candidate of the Tarian Order
And he failed to do that once. His teacher died, a young noble boy was injured, and because of that, Dayne made powerful enemies and won't advance beyond Candidate. He comes to Maradaine and falls right into a plot against the Parliament, and immediately does everything he can to stop it, even if it means disobeying orders and getting into more trouble with the Order.
Along the way, he becomes close friends with Jerinne Fendall, an Initiate in the Order who feels she is destined to fail, and with Dayne she see someone who she can really look up to. But she's also fabulous in her own right, getting drawn into the same events and having to learn how to stand and what matters to her. Plus she seems to be Maresca's first explicitly gay main character. She gets flirty with a few female characters and clearly has a crush on one of her fellow initiates, but she doesn't go further than that here.
On top of that, there's a lot here with the antagonists and other conspirators, showing us their point of view, and Maresca does a really interesting job with showing characters who, in a slightly different narrative, might have been the heroes. Very good! ...more
Oct 09, 2018 Lynn rated it it was amazing
Shelves: action, fantasy, science-fiction-fantasy, political-thriller
The blazes, Mr Maresca? This story almost didn't make it to 4 stars in my estimation!!!!
For almost 70% of the narrative, we have a main character who is a seemingly insipid mix of Dudley-do-Right and Done-it-Duncan, parked in the middle of a somewhat confusing and almost boring explanation of the Maradaine political system (which is actually rather complex, as it turns out). I had to put the story aside for a bit and read something else, just to give myself a break.
However, my faith in this The blazes, Mr Maresca? This story almost didn't make it to 4 stars in my estimation!!!!
However, my faith in this AMAZING writer's capabilities won through, and when I picked the book up again (with a heavy sigh, I might add), the story COMPLETELY turned on its head and produced political shenanigans worthy of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Wow, I did NOT expect that oh-so-nasty twist in this tale!!!!!!
Mar 10, 2019 Alysa H. rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: netgalley
A great addition to the Maradaine world, this book is also pretty satisfying on its own. Maresca has invented a complex political bureaucracy for his characters to get stuck in and/or run up against. In the case of this book's particular (and new) main character, Dayne, a sort of Knight-in-Training who is so morally upright as to be a pillar, the bureaucracy becomes such an obstacle that it's like a character in itself. The crux of the matter is basically how Dayne and co. handle it, versus how A great addition to the Maradaine world, this book is also pretty satisfying on its own. Maresca has invented a complex political bureaucracy for his characters to get stuck in and/or run up against. In the case of this book's particular (and new) main character, Dayne, a sort of Knight-in-Training who is so morally upright as to be a pillar, the bureaucracy becomes such an obstacle that it's like a character in itself. The crux of the matter is basically how Dayne and co. handle it, versus how the ostensible Bad Guys handle it, and how easy it can be to manipulate people. Especially when they feel they've been wronged by a political system. Parallels to real life, anyone?
Maresca's plotting here is deft, though sometimes a little repetitive, and his writing defter than in the last Maradaine book I read (with this many books in four years and counting, he's been honing his craft). Assuming you don't dislike political thrillers, whether you like this book/subseries as much as the others in the Maradaine world will depend on how much you like this set of characters. Dayne himself can be a little too do-good, and not very complicated, but this book also gives us Jerinne -- Yay, Jerinne!! She is a younger initiate in Dayne's knightly order, and she is awesome. I think she's the first outright LGBTQ character in the Madaraine world too, though I can't really tell if she's "out" because these books have been SO straight up to now, and it's never been stated whether homosexuality is legal in Maradaine. (Speaking of textual unclarity, I find it a little weird that in this world, women can't vote but can be knights, and constables and such, but hey, slow progress is still progress... like in real life...)
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley ** ...more
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Oct 12, 2018 Uriah Mach rated it it was amazing
I've greatly enjoyed all of the other Maradaine series that Mr Mareska has written and had been waiting for his new one to drop with baited breath.
I was not disappointed. While the bulk of the book is broken in to finding a place for an order of paladins in a more urban and sophisticated society, the remainder focuses on the conspiracy to do away with Druth's nascent democracy and return to the good old days where the nobility could do whatever it wanted. And we've seen some early pieces of this I've greatly enjoyed all of the other Maradaine series that Mr Mareska has written and had been waiting for his new one to drop with baited breath.
I was not disappointed. While the bulk of the book is broken in to finding a place for an order of paladins in a more urban and sophisticated society, the remainder focuses on the conspiracy to do away with Druth's nascent democracy and return to the good old days where the nobility could do whatever it wanted. And we've seen some early pieces of this conspiracy scattered around the earlier books, right? Or am
I just seeing connections where there aren't any?
Some of it is a bit subtly hidden, but I feel like this is a book that will benefit from a couple reads before you really feel like you've seen all the pieces moving. That's a bit of a downer for some, but it gives me something to do while I'm waiting for the next book.
It's a good start for the Maradaine Elite series. I look forward to more books in this series. ...more
Oct 04, 2018 Kathy rated it it was amazing
Maresca continues to produce intricate fantasy. This latest book in Maradaine is the first of a new series and was quite good. We've had a view of Maradaine from the following viewpoints: student/magician's, policeman's perspective and thief. Now we get the military perspective-or maybe the Templar perspective as I think that's the closest analogy we have.
As usual, great characterization and lots of surprising reveals and plot twists. I keep thinking I need to go back and read them all in order Maresca continues to produce intricate fantasy. This latest book in Maradaine is the first of a new series and was quite good. We've had a view of Maradaine from the following viewpoints: student/magician's, policeman's perspective and thief. Now we get the military perspective-or maybe the Templar perspective as I think that's the closest analogy we have.
As usual, great characterization and lots of surprising reveals and plot twists. I keep thinking I need to go back and read them all in order because I'm sure I'm missing clues to the overarching plot that is clearly woven between all of these books.
Recommended! ...more
Oct 08, 2018 DaMaar rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Storyline had a judicious taste of current events which actually made the plot believable. But I have reservations - I like the make up of Dayne (MC) but do not think I like him. He is a Paladin...almost to a fault.
Jun 30, 2019 Kristen rated it it was amazing
these books just keep getting better as they go along.
Jan 01, 2020 Josh rated it really liked it
Shelves: fantasy, high-fantasy
The latest series by Maresca goes in a very different direction than the others so far. The first 3 series are definitely taking a "street level" view of things and working the dirty end of the field. This one has some touches of that, but the tone and style are different here, mostly because the primary POV is from Dayne who is basically an example of a D&D paladin.
Dayne is a different kind of idealist than say, The Thorn. He's more high-minded and dedicating himself not just to his order The latest series by Maresca goes in a very different direction than the others so far. The first 3 series are definitely taking a "street level" view of things and working the dirty end of the field. This one has some touches of that, but the tone and style are different here, mostly because the primary POV is from Dayne who is basically an example of a D&D paladin.
Dayne is a different kind of idealist than say, The Thorn. He's more high-minded and dedicating himself not just to his order but the deeper principles that the Tarian Order is founded on. He's incredibly hard on himself, even though he's a better person than almost any of us and his heart is almost certainly in the right place. He's also a historian, which gives him a good excuse to play Basil Exposition at need and hand out plenty of detail on the Maradaine political structure and things like the Tarian Order.
Having never seen the Tarians before, I'm definitely intrigued. I'm a little less enthusiastic of the political dancing with the Parliament and it's obvious parallels to the current US legislative structure/challenges. That's a bit more heavy-handed, or least it read that way to me. (it's certainly possible Maresca isn't doing a parable on the US gridlock in DC, but I suspect most people would have a similar takeaway)
Dayne's generally saintliness can be a bit tiresome at times: in addition to being a paragon of virtue, he's also a man of tremendous physical gifts, martial skill, and learning as well. He's excruciatingly polite and decent and it can be a bit much. The contrast with the much more cynical Jerinne, the Initiate he ends up mentoring helps leaven it out a bit and keeps him from getting too obnoxious...but just barely. And his semi-friendly rivalry with his ex-lover and classmate Amaya (who has been promoted above him) adds a little edge that's needed too.
The story revolves around a plot against the Parliament and possibly the throne, where a rag-tag group of revolutionaries are being manipulated by a powerful group with a deeper design of their own into causing greater unrest, and it's pretty good, in part because it shows them fail badly at times. It's partly because they're being manipulated, but partly because they have the arrogance of the fanatic, certainly that "the people" will rally behind them immediately and be as outraged as they are. It's harder than that to build a real movement, and that's good recognition.
There's a couple of twists in this towards the end, one of which I think is telegraphed a little too much to have all that much impact, another of which lands better. There's some excellent setup for the next book, which I think boosts it up above 3 stars, but 3.5 is probably the better ranking. But I like these books so I'd rather land it on 4 than 3. :) ...more
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Oct 09, 2018 Meghan rated it it was ok
Shelves: series, fantasy
The Way of the Shield is the first book in the final series from Marshall Ryan Maresca.. We've been previously introduced to a vigilante college student, some exceptional if odd constabulary folks, and a crew of misfits from Holver Alley. This book introduces us to the more powerful among the Druthal nation - we meet the Parliament and the various orders of protection for the nation. I enjoyed the Maradain Series, really enjoyed the Maradaine Constabulary series, and loved the Streets of The Way of the Shield is the first book in the final series from Marshall Ryan Maresca.. We've been previously introduced to a vigilante college student, some exceptional if odd constabulary folks, and a crew of misfits from Holver Alley. This book introduces us to the more powerful among the Druthal nation - we meet the Parliament and the various orders of protection for the nation. I enjoyed the Maradain Series, really enjoyed the Maradaine Constabulary series, and loved the Streets of Maradaine. I wanted to enjoy the Maradaine Elite, but it just didn't hold the same appeal.
The Way of the Shield is action packed and full of intrigue and interesting characters, but we don't really get much development of the characters. There is a lot of potential here, but I felt like character development was sacrificed in order to bring the big overarching plot of intrigue. There are even interludes within the book that switch the point of view of events to those ultimately planning to orchestrate a large-scale coup. I realize all of the other books and series were hinting at this, but they did so without rushing.
The main character, Dayne, has the affections of two women. But this never seems to come into play for him (though it does for the women - which is frustrating). We don't really know Dayne. I found myself wanting more of the newspapermen than those of the Tarian Order most involved in the book.
This book is clearly laying more threads to pull everything together, but I think it did so sacrificing an individual story that made all the other series and books so enjoyable. That said, I will keep reading because I am dying to see how it all comes together (particularly the crash between the Holver Alley boys and Satrine and the potential importance of Satrine and her daughter). ...more
May 12, 2019 L.E. Doggett rated it really liked it
Another one with four stars. Maresca is a masterful storyteller. His world in this book is well thought out and inventive. However remember that even though this is the first in a series it is part of a larger tale involving the city of Maradiane. Something very large is afoot there, we still aren't sure about.
This book introduces two new characters who will have a part to play. Maresca does a good job with the plot, characters and story here. He does a good job with the actions scenes gets Another one with four stars. Maresca is a masterful storyteller. His world in this book is well thought out and inventive. However remember that even though this is the first in a series it is part of a larger tale involving the city of Maradiane. Something very large is afoot there, we still aren't sure about.
This book introduces two new characters who will have a part to play. Maresca does a good job with the plot, characters and story here. He does a good job with the actions scenes gets into his character's psychic deeply and his descriptions are well done. He comes up with new events and combines certain characters from the other two series concerning Maradiane. All are worthy reads.
I fully recommend the whole series of novels. But read "Thorne of Dentonhill" first even though it is possible to read it after this one and still get the gist. ...more
Jan 09, 2019 Henry Lazarus rated it liked it
Dayne Heldrin believed in The Way of the Shield (paper from DAW) and the Tarian Order. He wanted to protect people with his sword and shield and mostly save lives. But Parliament decides who will advance. He and his mentor had been sent to rescue a kidnaped noble child. Alas the child was hurt and his mentor killed. Returning to Maradaine, the city in which all Marshall Ryan Maresca fun tales are set, the master of the order informs him that he will never advance to adept. Then a group of Dayne Heldrin believed in The Way of the Shield (paper from DAW) and the Tarian Order. He wanted to protect people with his sword and shield and mostly save lives. But Parliament decides who will advance. He and his mentor had been sent to rescue a kidnaped noble child. Alas the child was hurt and his mentor killed. Returning to Maradaine, the city in which all Marshall Ryan Maresca fun tales are set, the master of the order informs him that he will never advance to adept. Then a group of wannabe revolutionaries decide to try to kill members of Parliament, and he and Jerinne, one of the initiates become involved in trying to stop the plotters, whose real leaders are very high in status. Lots of fun and very enjoyable. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press ...more
Apr 24, 2019 Tamra Trabanino rated it really liked it
I didn't think I'd like this book as much based on other reviews, but I liked it just as much as the other books!
The author writes characters that you'd like to have as friends and so you want to see what's next for them.
And I loved the twist in the end just as I thought things were winding up!
Nov 06, 2018 Heidi rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2018-books-read
This author's books are just plain fun. Multiple interlocking series set in the same fantasy city from different perspectives.
They aren't great classics of literature but I've had a good time reading all of them so far and I look forward to the next book.
Feb 19, 2019 Barry Hammock rated it it was amazing
An excellent mix of political intrigue, conspiracy theories, and medieval court action that one expects from a sword and sorcery fantasy novel.
Nov 28, 2018 DemetraP rated it liked it
I enjoyed it. But it was missing humor. And the big reveal at the end was a huge shock and really out of character for 2 characters, in my opinion.
Dec 26, 2018 John Livingston rated it really liked it
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Goodreads Librari...: Organizing Books in Series for Maradaine Sequence 5 16 Feb 20, 2018 08:59PM
Fantasy > Urban Fantasy
Fantasy > High Fantasy
About Marshall Ryan Maresca
Marshall Ryan Maresca
Marshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of the Maradaine Saga:Four parallel series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. This includes The Thorn of Dentonhill, A Murder of Mages, The Holver Alley Crew and The Way of the Shield. His work also appeared in Norton Anthology of Hint Fiction and Rick Klaw's anthology Marshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of the Maradaine Saga: Four parallel series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. This includes The Thorn of Dentonhill, A Murder of Mages, The Holver Alley Crew and The Way of the Shield. His work also appeared in Norton Anthology of Hint Fiction and Rick Klaw's anthology Rayguns Over Texas. He also has had several short plays produced. He lives in Austin with his family.
For more information, visit Marshall's website at www.mrmaresca.com. ...more
Maradaine Elite (3 books)
Books by Marshall Ryan Maresca
Trivia About The Way of the Sh...


Sport fencing develops good sportsmanship and self-discipline, physical coordination, and mental toughness. The technical and tactical skills of fencing enable fencers of different size, age, and strength to compete on an equal footing.
We offer several fencing classes during the week, an introduction to competitive sport fencing, Mondays (for Epee) and Tuesdays (for Foil), an advanced/ competitive foil class on Thursdays, and a footwork class on Saturdays that is great for all levels.
Along with great exercise, fencing is a mentally intense, demanding sport that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Must have a membership with USA Fencing. This membership provides accidental coverage for the athletes.
Recommended equipment for the beginning class is a mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. Specify right or left hand for the jacket, glove, and weapon.
The weapon should have a standard (non-electric) blade and french grip. Fencing knickers are optional, sweatpants are fine. Knee socks are required if knickers are worn. Shorts and cargo pants are not allowed. Jeans are OK if they are roomy enough to lunge in.
Shoes should have grippy soles – ridged crepe soles such as volleyball shoes are good. Trainers are OK.
Private lessons are available by appointment. Cost is $25.00/30 minutes.


text:
Q: Thrift.Transport.TTransportException: Cannot write to null outputstream I'm doing some work with Cassandra and the Thrift libraries. I realize these are very early libraries and will (undoubtedly) change at some point.
I've been using the following link for help with setting up my C# code to write and read to and from my Cassandra server (which I have running in an Ubuntu Server instance in my local VirtualBox). I've confirmed that the trivial read / write functionality works.
Where I'm having a problem is executing the following method (which was generated for me using the thrift.definition file that came with Cassandra):
public void send_get_count(string keyspace, string key, ColumnParent column_parent, ConsistencyLevel consistency_level)

Here's my setup code:
TTransport _transport;
TProtocol _protocol;
Cassandra.Client _client;

public Test()
{
    _transport = new TSocket("192.168.56.101", 9160);
    _protocol = new TBinaryProtocol(_transport);
    _client = new Cassandra.Client(_protocol);
}

My calling code looks like so:
public void GetAllBlogEntries()
    {
        var timestamp = DateTime.Now.Millisecond;
        var keyspace = "Keyspace1";

        var utf8Encoding = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8;

        var columnParent = new ColumnParent() {Column_family = "BlogEntries"};
        var predicate = new SlicePredicate()
        {
            Slice_range = new SliceRange()
                          {
                              Start = new byte[0],
                              Finish = new byte[0],
                              Count = 10,
                              Reversed = false
                          }
        };

        var results = _client.get_range_slice(keyspace, columnParent, predicate, "", "", 5, ConsistencyLevel.ONE);

        foreach(var slice in results)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Found Key: {0}", slice.Key);
            foreach(var resultColumn in slice.Columns)
            {
                var column = resultColumn.Column;
                Console.WriteLine("\tName: {0}, value: {1}",
                                  utf8Encoding.GetString(column.Name),
                                  utf8Encoding.GetString(column.Value));
            }
        }
    }

The first line of this method is where I am getting my exception:
oprot_.WriteMessageBegin(new TMessage("get_count", TMessageType.Call, seqid_));

And here is the exception:
Thrift.Transport.TTransportException: Cannot write to null outputstream
at Thrift.Transport.TStreamTransport.Write(Byte[] buf, Int32 off, Int32 len)
at Thrift.Protocol.TBinaryProtocol.WriteI32(Int32 i32)
at Thrift.Protocol.TBinaryProtocol.WriteMessageBegin(TMessage message)
at Apache.Cassandra.Cassandra.Client.send_get_range_slice(String keyspace, ColumnParent column_parent, SlicePredicate predicate, String start_key, String finish_key, Int32 row_count, ConsistencyLevel consistency_level) in Cassandra.cs: line 341
at Apache.Cassandra.Cassandra.Client.get_range_slice(String keyspace, ColumnParent column_parent, SlicePredicate predicate, String start_key, String finish_key, Int32 row_count, ConsistencyLevel consistency_level) in Cassandra.cs: line 335
at CassandraDemo.Models.Test.GetAllBlogEntries() in Test.cs: line 212
at CassandraDemo.Tests.Models.TestTest.Test_GetAllBlogEntries_Success() in TestTest.cs: line 42
Any ideas?

A: You need to call Open() on the transport.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
<resources>

    <string name="app_name">Market</string>
    <string name="success">下载完成</string>
    <string name="error">下载出错</string>
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


These aesthetic images seem less like concept photos and more like they were taken to be published in some high-end magazine. Taeyeon showed off her alluring charisma to the fullest extent by posing professionally for the camera. Meanwhile, the lighting, makeup, outfits and camera angles worked together to highlight Taeyeon's natural beauty in a striking manner. On top of this, the dissimilarity in the images goes to show just how versatile Taeyeon's charms are. Obviously, she is able to pull off any type of concept with grace.
With these elegant concept photos, Taeyeon has raised anticipations for her comeback. Expectations were actually pretty high to begin with since the artist was reported to be returning with a track of neo-soul urban pop genre. As this is literally something new Taeyeon will be showing, fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the album to come out.
Are you looking forward to Taeyeon's comeback with 'Something New'? Let us know in the comments below. Also, keep following Officially Kmusic for future updates.


"Soaring Spirits has multiple regional groups that may be appropriate to find people in various age ranges that share a common experience. There is no guarantee of his age group being represented though. Widowers tend to be less engaged…"
"Interesting comments from other widows/widowers thoughts. All of them represent me. It's almost 3 years years. Yes, I am lonely, but don't where to start. I can't come to the thought of online dating and who do…"
"First, I applaud you for your courage. It is a different world out there even if you had dated extensively prior to your marriage. My Bob was a young widower when I married him when I was almost 30. I am grateful that he was…"
"I haven't tried online dating and feel uncomfortable with the idea, so you took a step I'm not willing or wanting to take. But, I don't want to spend what time I have left alone. I was a part of my husband for 49 years, but we got to…"
"My husband, Gord, of 42,years passed away Sept. 22/18. I have been the one who wore the "mask (or makeup)" of "I'm okay" when I wasn't and was battling anxiety and depression. While I finally got the help I…"
"This brought tears to my eyes"
"I do understand. The first time I had to fill out a box that had married single and no other choice I was so angry. I was not married in the world sense of the word but I did not feel single either. Widow should have been there."
"LJ Um...I think that perhaps you are missing a point, I am aware it is me, but that doesn't change the body's reaction. Reflex is something we really have little control over directly, we can recondition ourselves not to react but it…"
"Fake it until you become it! Maybe one day I can look back on this time in my life and sigh a sigh of relief. One of the things I have never liked are fake people... my husband was the same way. I had to laugh out loud when she talked about how you…"
"Tony, I love reading your blog. You have a way with the words to help me spit out the feelings. I, too, put on what I call "my smile mask" when I am going to be around people. If I don't feel I can wear it, I just don't go out.…"
Happy Friday, Tony. How are you doing this evening?


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Adjunct Pool in Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Posting Number:
Tenure Status:
Non Tenure Track
The UNC Asheville department of Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for teaching as an adjunct instructor. To apply, please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae. The cover letter should discuss relevant teaching and/or professional experience, the fields or courses in which the applicant has interest in teaching, and expertise and credentials which would qualify the applicant to teach in Atmospheric Sciences. Other materials may be requested to finalize employment.
There are no specific opportunities attached to this solicitation. Your application will be recorded and you may be contacted if an opportunity becomes available within the next two years. Each applicant must renew the application every two years to remain in the pool of applicants.
UNC Asheville is deeply committed to fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and inclusion among its diverse students, faculty, and staff. This commitment, reflected in our Strategic Plan, stems from a core belief that different perspectives create the intellectual and experiential foundation through which the richest learning occurs, and this focus adds value to the liberal arts environment. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds and interests align with this commitment.
Doctorate or master's degree (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline) in Atmospheric Sciences or closely related field with prior teaching experience. Exceptions may be granted for candidates with exceptional professional and/or teaching experience.
Months per Year:
Special Instructions Summary:
This posting may not signify a temporary opening at this time. This is an on-going, as-needed, pool of temporary candidates. As departmental temporary needs are identified, this pool will be reviewed periodically to obtain potential candidates. If selected, candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring officials to arrange an interview. All positions are temporary and will vary in length of time. You may choose to withdraw your application from this pool at any time. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official transcripts will be requested upon employment. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees required must be from an appropriately accredited institution. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice
Open Until Filled:
The University of North Carolina Asheville offers a singular experience for original minds.
We're the original and only liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. We break down conventions, overcome obstacles, expand horizons. We dare to connect curiosity and critical thinking, courage and challenge, imagination and impact, opportunity and responsibility. When the world looks down, we look up.
We're a public resource that draws on a deep history to make a profound impact—on our students and on the world. We founded the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Our STEAM Studio helped to produce the largest public art installation ever shown in Times Square. We offer majors and concentrations that re-tool the liberal arts and sciences for new challenges and new opportunities. We live in one of America's great small cities, a mountain town with wit and grit, with an artist's eye and an explorer's heart.
We are the originals. We're rooted in the Land of the Sky, at the intersection of what's known and what's possible. This is an education that's affordable, adaptive, and endlessly relevant. This is an experience where every path leads to a new vista, where there's room for every voice, and where the future is a frontier—vast and bright and close enough to touch.
UNC Asheville's national reputation for empowering human potential is rooted in its unique student-centric public liberal arts and sciences mission. UNC Asheville thrives on close-knit connections among students and their faculty and staff mentors. The University's 3,300 students are innovative, ethical, creative and resilient leaders who seek to understand complex global challenges and find creative, sustainable solutions that benefit our communities and the world. More than 65 percent of UNC Asheville students conduct applied research alongside faculty experts. UNC Asheville consistently ranks as a national top 10 Public Liberal Arts and Sciences University by U.S. News & World Report, and on its list of Most Innovative Schools. UNC Asheville regularly earns several national top 20 rankings in The Princeton Review's "The Best 386 Colleges," including Best Quality of Life, Town-Gown Relations, and UNC Asheville has ranked in the top two nationally for the "Best Schools for Making an Impact," in The Princeton Review's "Colleges that Pay You Back."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


On Sunday 22nd December 2019 at 2pm there will be a celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Standing Stones of Stenness. Our ritual is inclusive and designed to be accessible for people of all religions / beliefs and none – it incorporates aspects of modern Paganism and refers to Orcadian traditions and folklore.
This ceremony takes place just before sunset on the shortest day of the year – as we finish, the newborn sun will set into the Hoy Hills. We acknowledge the sun at its nadir and we beseech its return, for without light we are bereft. We also acknowledge the cycle of the sun's rebirth and ascent to its zenith as the days will now start to become longer.
The focus is on our inner and the outer light; we acknowledge this status in the natural world around us and as it symbolises in our lives.


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Denis Dempsey  (1826 – 10 January 1896) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details
He was approximately 31 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 10th Regiment of Foot (later The Lincolnshire Regiment), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 12 August 1857 at Lucknow, India for which he was awarded the VC:

Further information
He later emigrated to Canada and died in Toronto on 10 January 1886. He is buried in Saint Michael's Cemetery, Toronto.

References

Listed in order of publication year
The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)

Ireland's VCs (Dept of Economic Development, 1995)
Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

1826 births
1896 deaths
People from Bray, County Wicklow
Royal Lincolnshire Regiment soldiers
Irish recipients of the Victoria Cross
Indian Rebellion of 1857 recipients of the Victoria Cross
Irish emigrants to Canada (before 1923)
British Army recipients of the Victoria Cross

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Roll on 13th, 14th, & 15th Aug. 2021!
IRONMAN Group and Cork County Council have announced the addition of IRONMAN® 70.3® Ireland, Cork, on August 14, 2021 to the already scheduled and existing IRONMAN Ireland – Cork event of August 15, 2021. Together these will form Ireland's biggest triathlon weekend, which also includes an IRONKIDS® event on Friday, August 13. It marks the first time in Irish triathlon history that three events by the IRONMAN Group will be hosted on the same weekend. The inaugural IRONMAN Ireland, Cork event took place in June 2019.
"Cork and Youghal hold a special place in our hearts ever since the inaugural edition of IRONMAN Ireland, Cork in 2019. It was a race you had to be there to believe. People didn't seem to care about the adverse weather conditions – they were out in the street, celebrating, cheering on the athletes and bringing each and every one of them home to the finish line. If there is one place on earth that deserves a massive triathlon festival, it is this one. We are extremely thankful to return to this community on a new date and with an additional event delivering a huge tourism and economic boost to the area," said Declan Byrne, Regional Director IRONMAN UK & Ireland.
Last year, IRONMAN Ireland, Cork had an estimated impact of 6.32 million Euro on the region. The addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork will increase that figure as 1,500 additional athletes are expected to compete over the weekend.
IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland – Cork will feature a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim combined with a 90.1km (56-mile) breath-taking bike route that heads straight out into the rolling Irish countryside with a combination of flat and undulating roads with magnificent views. The course takes athletes through the scenic East Ferry, through the town of Midleton – home to the famous Jameson Distillery – into the buzzing town centre of Youghal, and up the infamous Windmill Hill, a spectator hotspot. The 21.1km (13.1-mile) flat and fast run course finishes in the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Both events will share the same iconic finish line in bustling Market Square.
IRONMAN Ireland -Cork, will showcase the beauty and rugged landscapes of County Cork – one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations. With the race venues located in Youghal, Co. Cork, only 50 minutes' drive from Cork City Airport and a 2-hour drive from Dublin, the races are perfectly situated for locals and international visitors to explore the charms of Ireland.
Ironman Cork News


Just so yo know they are running a promotion and I thought I would share with with you.
Moms get in FREE* May 2nd-8th! Code FBMOM valid 5/2/16 - 5/8/16 for ALL castles. Visit http://goo.gl/AZoxsH to redeem!
Medieval Times has been in the Toronto area for over 20 years and are the destination for celebration: birthdays, anniversaries, grad trips and bachelor & bachelorette's. When you come to Medieval Times you will experience spectacular pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, breathtaking swordplay and falconry while feasting on a four-course medieval banquet. The experience culminates in an authentic jousting tournament between six brave Knights of the Realm.


text:
DIY Projects & Crafts
Print It Forward: This Screen-Printing Business Supports Immigrants and Refugees in the Community
Every time you use a colorful dish towel from Kei & Molly Textiles, you're supporting an inspiring—and truly empowering—company.
melissa-ozawa-232-d111337.jpg
By Melissa Ozawa Updated May 16, 2020
Molly Luethi and Kei Tsuzuki are the brains and guardian angels behind Kei & Molly Textiles, a company with a cause. When they met 10 years ago, at the Albuquerque school both of their kids attended, Swiss-born Luethi had run a children's language program for decades, and Tsuzuki, born in Japan and raised in Canada, had worked in immigrant women's economic development. "We call ourselves the family," says Tsuzuki, pictured below with Luethi. "It's important to us to support everyone not just financially, but with whatever else is happening in their lives."
Related: Shop All of Our Favorite American-Made Companies
Molly Luethi and Kei Tsuzuki
Credit: COURTESY OF KEI & MOLLY TEXTILES, LLC
The Spark of an Idea
The pair quickly realized they shared a dream: to support the city's refugee and immigrant communities—10 percent of its population—through a for-profit social enterprise. They began by pooling their talents. Tsuzuki, an MBA with a creative streak, taught Luethi, who speaks four languages, how to screen-print at her kitchen table. They made 135 flour-sack dish towels for the local elementary school's holiday crafts sale, and sold out within an hour. Viable product? Check. (Kei & Molly Textiles' best seller is a supersoft and versatile screen-printed flour-sack towel.)
Kei & Molly Textiles towels
Credit: PETER ARDITO; STYLING BY TANYA GRAFF
Mission: Employment
After honing the production process, Luethi and Tsuzuki connected with area resettlement programs to hire refugees and immigrants for their nascent company. "A paycheck provides stability and opens the door to better health and better education," says Tsuzuki. Today, their staffers hail from Congo, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Cuba; former employees have been from China and Afghanistan. Most arrive speaking little or no English. Interpreters come in when needed, but the team mostly teaches new employees by example, like guiding the angle of the squeegee as it hits the screen. "Over time, you start hearing jokes in other languages," says Tsuzuki. Kei & Molly Textiles' eco-friendly linens, bags, note cards, and compostable sponges are printed with images inspired by southwestern culture and nature, like roadrunners (the state bird of New Mexico) and cherry blossoms. Items are printed with water-based inks on natural fibers in their partly solar-powered studio. Today, the goods are sold in more than 400 stores around the country.
Pictured below, employees Olga Sida and Rainey Nunnally screen-print together, Tsuzuki (left) and staffer Remy Davis fold dish towels, and the screen for their Queen Anne's lace print awaits napkins, dish towels, and reusable cloth bag sets.
making textiles with screen-printing at Kei & Molly Textiles
A Caring Community
Luethi and Tsuzuki offer thoughtful benefits and job perks, including a massage therapist every six to eight weeks, paid time off for parent-teacher conferences, three weeks of vacation, and holidays that sync up with the school calendar. They provide a full-time volunteer to help with transportation, doctor appointments, and school registration, and give annual college scholarships for three area immigrant students. Once a month, they host a staff potluck, where snippets of English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Swahili waft over platters of Cuban carnitas, Congolese fufu, Japanese gyoza, and Ukrainian medovik.
As the company enters its second decade, its founders strive to share their model with other socially conscious entrepreneurs. "We've made choices along the way to be good bosses," says Luethi. "To be kind and respectful, to support our employees, and to make life enjoyable."


A blush pink arrangement accented by white snapdragons and white mini calla lilies creates a stunning design, sure to please. Call (208)323-7738 to customize your order! **This arrangement contains specialty flowers that may not be available at time of ordering. Call for details!
This Easter surprise basket features 8-12 assorted candy bars, cookies and chocolate candy such as M&M's. Call the shop to customize your order at (208)323-7738. **If the recipient has a food allergen that you know of, please let us know upon ordering. Call the shop for details!
What better way to celebrate Easter than with the candy-colors of springtime? Think you're too old for an Easter basket? Think again! Order a lush basket of Easter flowers from HEAVENESSENCE FLORAL & GIFTS for yourself or any bunny who needs a little pick-me-up! Whether your style is bright and cheery gerbera dasies, or powdery pastel lilies, this Boise florist has you covered!


We aim to operate a same day despatch for all your chop orders. Provided we receive instructions by 12 noon, goods will be despatched by the next day service to the UK mainland. Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and parts of Scotland will be delivered via a 2/3 day service.
For all UK Mainland and Scotland orders placed before 12:00pm (2.00pm in London) we will aim to despatch your order on the same day. If you order before 4.00pm (2pm for Proformas) you can have your goods delivered overnight, for a small additional charge.
In Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Channel Islands, orders made before 5.00pm will be despatched the next day and delivered within 3 days. All other international customers should call 0044 1234 846307 for details.
*Pallet deliveries may incur a surcharge.
Additional Kg costs may vary in addition to these minimum charges.
Please ask a Call Centre Advisor for details.
Please note that where carriage is chargeable, the amount charged is calculated based on the weight of the order. For this reason, carriage charges will not appear on screen whilst placing an order, or on your order confirmation, as we are unable to calculate the carriage charge until the order has been picked.
Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands, Isle of Scilly, Isle of Wight are £14.


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Battle of the bans
Aug. 28 2019 06:00 AM
By Mary Elizabeth Williams-Villano
Many communities are banning gasoline-powered leaf blowers because of the noise they make, but landscape professionals wonder if their battery-powered counterparts are a profitable alternative.
We've all heard the expression "Silence is golden." But in the green industry, silence was never something we aspired to. Silence meant the absence of blowing, mowing and trimming and therefore, an absence of business.
But this is starting to change. As more communities ban or restrict the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers and other power tools, the demand for quieter machines to do our landscaping work has increased.
Manufacturers such as Stihl, Husqvarna, Ecko, Oregon, Greenworks and others have answered that need by making an array of battery-powered professional landscape equipment. These manufacturers are claiming that the battery-powered pro tools are now the equivalent — with some exceptions — of gas-powered ones.
Yet the acceptance of these new tools by the contractors that do landscape and landscape maintenance work has been slow. There are two main reasons for their hesitancy: the assumption that they don't have enough power and the claim that the batteries are too expensive.
OBJECTION 1: "They just don't have enough power."
That's the opinion of Anthony Molinaro, owner of Anthony's Landscaping, Springfield, New Jersey. He does a lot of work in the city of Orange, where they've just passed a summer ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.
"The tools just don't run long enough on those batteries," he says. "When you're trying to blow wet grass off a 200-foot driveway with a bunch of seedlings and other debris, you just can't do a quality job, the sort of job that my high-end customers expect."
As an alternative to using a blower, he's resorted to using his big lawn mowers with vacuum attachments on driveways and walkways. But he admits that isn't a great solution because it runs the risk of damaging his clients' bluestone driveways and walkways.
Photo: Stihl
Not enough power means it takes longer to get the job done, and anything that slows down production eats into a contractor's bottom line. As Molinaro says, "I have 150 houses to do a day between three crews. And I can't lower my prices just because I'm not blowing."
Are the battery-powered power tools really up to the job? According to the manufacturers, the answer is yes — with qualifications. Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager for Stihl USA Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, says "The overall work that a unit can do is definitely now comparable to gas-powered equipment."
The biggest challenge for manufacturers, according to Andreas Rangert, vice president, product management and development for the Husqvarna Group, Stockholm, Sweden, has been powering leaf blowers with a battery, particularly the larger units that move great volumes of air.
"It's a run time issue and a charging issue in terms of getting enough up time," he says. "There is still some way to go. I think we are already there with hedge trimmers and string trimmers and to some extent chain saws, except for the larger saws used in forestry applications."
Smaller, battery-powered blowers are adequate for lighter jobs involving dry leaves. But for clearing the heavy, wet stuff that accumulates on yards and driveways in the Northeast and Midwest, like Molinaro was talking about, not so much.
Run times improved dramatically about five years ago when lithium-ion batteries replaced the old nickel-cadmiums. In addition, most of the major manufacturers have adopted a modular system for their pro equipment where one rechargeable battery pack runs all the tools and can easily be switched between them. Their solution to the run-time problem is to keep multiple batteries on hand, charged up and ready to go so crews can keep working. That leads us to our next objection.
Battery power pros:
+	Quieter
+	Allow you to market company as sustainable
+	Zero maintenance
+	Zero emissions
+	No need to buy gas, oil, fuel filters or spark plugs
+	Continue working despite bans or hour limits
Battery power cons:
–	Tools are more expensive
–	Battery packs are expensive, and you need several
–	Generally not as powerful
–	Shorter run times
OBJECTION 2: "The batteries are too expensive."
Angel Roman owns Greenscape in Cathedral City, California. It's in the Palm Springs area, which has just passed a gas leaf blower ban. Although he owns a professional-grade electric leaf blower, he says, "Within an hour, the battery's dead. Yes, you can change out the batteries, but those things are very expensive, a few hundred dollars apiece, and you need several. The blower itself costs $1,000, where a regular gas blower is around $400."
Roman says that for small operations like his, consisting of just him and his brother-in-law, the expense of going electric can be quite burdensome.
Manufacturers, however, contend that contractors need to look at the bigger picture. "That contractor is absolutely right," says Mike DeLuca, battery product manager at Stihl. "Compared to a gasoline backpack blower, the upfront cost of the batteries and the higher cost of the unit itself come into play. But when you look over the product life cycle, the total cost of ownership is far less than for a traditional gasoline backpack blower. You're not paying for the fuel or the mix oil that goes into the two-stroke engine. And maintenance cost is virtually zero." Nor does one pay for the windshield time should crew members lollygag at the gas station.
Batteries, says DeLuca, are the equivalent of a year's worth of electricity paid in advance, with no maintenance or fuel spills and no emissions of toxic chemicals, volatile organic compounds or particulate matter. He says contractors need to factor in that they're paying for all their power up front, instead of per fill-up.
Bob Grover is president of Pacific Landscape Management, Portland, Oregon, a company that uses both gas and electric tools. Right now, his predominant use of the battery equipment is on the patios and green roofs of downtown high-rises. "We use them exclusively in those places because we don't want to be taking a gas-powered piece of equipment and a gas can into an elevator. But we've also been testing it to see where and when it could potentially replace our gas equipment entirely."
Does that mean he thinks it will work out economically for him? "I'm not sure," he says. "I'd still have to pay for charging, but I believe it'd be similar to the cost of charging an electric car. The equipment costs more at the outset, and the spare batteries are more expensive than filling up a gas can. And having my facility modified so that we'll have enough power to charge things is another capital expenditure. We've not done a cost analysis on that."
But he's still pretty pumped that there are battery-powered options available, as it doesn't look like bans on gas-powered equipment are easing up. "We're excited about battery technology because we're seeing regulations increasing. It's going to be a great resource in the future just because of that."
Ryan Walsh, owner of Capital City Groundskeeping LLC in Raleigh, North Carolina, owns both gas and electric tools. He foresees a day, maybe 10 years from now, when his operation will be entirely battery powered.
He buys mix oil by the 5-gallon bucket and goes through about 20 gallons a year.
"That's a significant cost, just for that, and then we also have to buy gas. With battery power, I wouldn't have that expense, and the crews wouldn't have to figure out how to start the things every morning. And they're quiet," he adds.
He figures that the return on investment would come in one-and-a-half to two years, depending on how many units he buys, but goes back to the cost of those batteries. "A backpack battery pack runs $1,000, and I'd need several, so do the math on that. But I can buy four gas weed-eaters for a $1,000."
Rangert says, as with all new technology, the price of the batteries will eventually come down. "The lifetime cost of battery power over gas is less and we have calculators on the web for figuring out how long the payoff period is. Yes, the initial cost is higher, but over time it can save a lot of money. It's a psychological hurdle that contractors must pass."
The American Green Zone Alliance, Studio City, California, is a nonprofit organization whose mission statement is "to transition the entire grounds maintenance industry from noisy, highly polluting gas-powered machines into quieter, zero-emissions electric equipment and sustainable operations."
AGZA clearly means business with a statement like that. As part of that mission, it has created a Green Zone education and certification program and recently entered into a collaboration with Stihl to promote the use of battery-powered equipment in pro landscape applications. Its experts are often called in to advise communities that are considering gas-powered leaf blower bans.
Although AGZA has a clear agenda, it recognizes the burden such bans can place on smaller companies like Greenscape. "The challenge we're seeing for small companies is the implication that they're going to take perfectly well-working gas equipment, scrap it and then put down $5,000 or $10,000 to replace it," says Luke Massman-
Johnson, AGZA's chief financial officer and communications director. "If you can do that, you're going to save money in the long run and have a marketing advantage, but for a lot of people that's just not possible. It's the mow-blow-and-go crews that are stuck behind the eight ball on this issue."
How loud is too loud?
That loud tool blowing leaves off a driveway may be annoying to bystanders, but the person wielding it may be the one it hurts the most. According to a blog post by Jackie DiFrancesco BA, COHC, Asha Brogan and Bryan Beamer PhD, PE, CSP of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the NIOSH website, chronic noise exposure can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus, the constant perception of ringing or buzzing in one's ears. For landscapers or other grounds management professionals who regularly use noisy tools on the job, the tinnitus may become chronic, which ranges from annoying to completely debilitating.
Workplace sound levels are expressed as dBAs, weighted decibels, which take into account the sensitivity of the human ear. A normal conversation is about 60 dBA and a jackhammer is about 130 dBA. Noise is considered hazardous when it is 85 dBA or above. If you must raise your voice when talking to someone about 3 feet away, the noise level is probably at least 85 dBA. You can download a sound measurement app to your smartphone to check noise levels, such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App.
Nuisance or health hazard?
Why is it that people sleeping or sitting in their kitchens trying to read the newspaper hundreds of feet away and separated by walls are still bothered by the sound of gas leaf blowers?
Daniel Fink, MD, a board-certified internist, has advised the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization on noise issues. He's also acting chair of the Health Advisory Council for Quiet Communities Inc., a Lincoln, Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization whose mission is "to transition landscape maintenance to low-noise, zero-emissions practices with positive solutions to protect the health of workers, children, the public and the environment." Like AGZA, it also advises municipalities on leaf-blower bans.
There's something unique about the low-frequency sound produced by these tools, says Fink; it travels over long distances and penetrates walls and windows. "It's this low-frequency component that's uniquely annoying. That's why there's so much focus on leaf blowers and not lawn mowers or other power tools."
He cites a pilot study co-authored by QC Executive Director Jamie Banks (available online in the Journal of Environmental and Toxicological Studies, Nov. 3, 2017). It found noise from commercial gas leaf blowers was over 100 decibels at the source and persisted as far away as 800 feet.
But Roman doesn't understand why leaf blowers are singled out when jackhammers and chain saws are much louder. He adds, "We've got people driving super noisy Harley Davidsons through the passes but I don't see them being banned."
He suggests that the politicians who pass these bans "go out and try to clear debris from a big house with a little battery-powered blower to understand where we're coming from. They don't get it because they're not in our shoes, they're sitting behind a desk making up these ordinances."
Source: CDC/NIOSH
Measuring the noise
Just how loud are our industry's tools? A recent study measured the sound levels of several common gas-powered landscaping tools and found that many produced a maximum level higher than 85 dBA.
NIOSH says it's important for those operating loud tools, and their managers, to be aware of the health risks and potential solutions. Learn more on the NIOSH noise and hearing loss page.
Ready or not, here it comes
Is battery power the future? Rangert says "Yes," unequivocally.
When you add up all the factors involved — the increasing bans on gas-powered tools, the finite nature of fossil fuels and the fact that battery technology will continue to advance, it certainly looks that way. Also, companies like Husqvarna and Stihl, which make both gas and electric power tools, are focusing significant marketing efforts on the electric side.
I asked Rangert when he thinks gas-powered landscape tools will become obsolete. "For light duty tools like hedge trimmers, five to eight years. For the bigger chainsaws and backpack blowers, it will take a bit longer, but it will happen."
"As a general statement, eventually the tech will make the decisions for us. It has to be gradually implemented, but battery will take over at some point." When that happens, will you be ready?
The author is senior editor of Irrigation & Green Industry and can be reached at maryvillano@igin.com.
Batteries power his success
Zack Kline is a big believer in battery power. The owner and founder of A.I.R. Lawn Care (A.I.R. stands for atmosphere improvement and renewal), an all-electric landscape company in Montgomery, Maryland, has been cutting grass since he was in sixth grade. In 2007, the summer he graduated from high school, he began working for a small landscaping company.
While trimming the edge of a 2.5-acre property one sizzling day, Kline became irritated at the excessive noise and emissions the gas-powered string trimmer he was using produced. He started thinking, "There's got to be a better way."
In 2010, Kline developed a business plan for an eco-friendly landscaping company that would use electric tools exclusively and entered it in Salisbury University's Bernstein Business Plan Competition two years in a row, finally winning the $5,000 first place prize. The prize money went toward a down payment on a truck and some electric lawn equipment, and A.I.R. Lawn Care was in business.
A relationship with Stihl Inc. helped as well, and today his successful company offers organic lawn care, robotic mowing, sustainable landscaping services and dog waste pickup.
"Since that time, the battery technology has changed a lot," says Kline. "It's really come far in terms of capabilities."
To landscapers who say they can't get a full day's work out of out of an electric leaf blower, he says, "You just have to change your techniques." Instead of blowing a bunch of leaves a great distance, he has his guys blow them back onto lawns. "The leaves are then chopped up as we mow, returning nutrients to the grass."
He says his fellow landscapers "need to be a little bit more open minded. A lot of them are being stubborn, which is why these leaf blower bans are being enacted. Communities are trying to send a message that people want this, and the manufacturers are recognizing it."
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Q: If both $A-\frac{1}{2}I$ and $A + \frac{1}{2}I$ are orthogonal matrices, then.... Problem :
If both $A-\frac{1}{2}I$ and $A + \frac{1}{2}I$ are orthogonal matrices, then which one of the following is correct :
(i) A is orthogonal
(2) A is skew symmetric matrix of even order
(3) $A^2 = \frac{3}{4}I$
Solution :
$(A'-\frac{1}{2}I)(A-\frac{1}{2}I) =I$  and $(A'+\frac{1}{2}I)(A+\frac{1}{2}I) =I$
$\Rightarrow A +A' =0$
$\Rightarrow A' =-A $
$\Rightarrow A^2 = -\frac{3}{4}I$  ....(i)
$\Rightarrow (-\frac{3}{4})^n =(det(A))^2$  ....(ii)
$\Rightarrow $ n is even . ......(iii)
Request you to please explain how (i) came and further (ii) and (iii) thanks a lot in advance.

A: Since we find that $A'=-A$ then
$$\left(A'+\frac12I\right)\left(A+\frac12I\right)=I\iff\left(-A+\frac12I\right)\left(A+\frac12I\right)=I\\\iff\frac14I-A^2=I\iff A^2=-\frac34I$$
Now take the determinant
$$\det(A^2)=(\det(A))^2=\det\left(-\frac34I\right)=\left(-\frac34\right)^n\ge0\implies n\;\text{is even}$$


How about that Mineski, huh?! It's weird, I write these descriptions right before I post the podcast, so it's been a few days since we recorded. Our predictions for the Major are hit-and-miss so far. We also discuss level 25 perks, a particularly venomous fanfic, and much more. In fact, we didn't have time for Ags of the week or lore of the week! If you ask me, it's not such a bad thing. Nice to have a wealth of things to discuss.
We're on iTunes! You can subscribe there, and leave a review if you like! That would really help us out. Tell your Dota friends about us, help spread the word! You can find Colin on Twitter at @SixTwoSixFour, and the official Bottle Crow twitter is @BottleCrow. Email your questions to [email protected]! See again in two weeks!


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Equipment Lease Calculator
Technology Leasing
Energy Efficiency Financing
When Tim Maczka co-founded Team Financial Group in 2001 with partner Joe Smaby, they went through common growing pains many small businesses endure in their early years—along with a few additional responsibilities that might have been more unique, such as babysitting and mowing lawns.
But over the course of the past 20 years, Team Financial Group has provided more than $600 million in funds with the goal of helping customers grow their businesses. Team Financial Group's mission has remained the same since Day 1: delivering efficient, flexible financing while applying common-sense lending principles.
Here, we catch up with Tim, who tells us a little more about himself, the early days of Team Financial Group, and what the future holds for the company under CEO, President, and son Matt Maczka.
Tim Maczka has more than 40 years of financial services experience and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Central Michigan University. As the co-founder and chairman of Team Financial Group, Tim works closely with all aspects of the business, including funding, underwriting, and portfolio risk management.
RELATED: About Us: Who Is Team Financial Group?
What can you tell us about your background before you co-founded Team Financial Group?
I was a commercial lender, along with many other hats I wore, at Old Kent Bank during my 26-year career there. When Fifth Third Bank bought Old Kent and I left, I was excited to start Team Financial Group, even though the thought was nerve-wracking at the time because I had three kids in college. But I had a 52-week severance package and convinced my wife that I would know in a year how we were doing, and I would get another job if necessary. Twenty years later, here we are.
Tell us how the founding of Team Financial Group came to be?
There were five of us that started out, and Joe Smaby was my partner. He had worked at Old Kent Bank for 13 years, mostly in sales. I was the underwriter and funder, Joe was the sales guy, and away we went.
We didn't have anywhere to go yet, so we started in Joe's basement in May 2001. We quickly knew we had to get out of there, because his wife started using us as a babysitter. Those first few months, we traded Saturdays for who would mow the lawn. We wore every hat and tried to save as much as we could. Some good memories there.
What were the early days like at Team Financial Group?
We were calling on all sorts of vendors and partnering with them to offer equipment financing. We had some really good calls early in our startup days. With one company, Michigan Office Solutions—at that time they were called Commercial Equipment Company—we worked out a program for us to do all of their municipal financing, which was a huge opportunity and boost in the early stages of the company.
What was it like having your son, Matt, rejoin Team Financial Group?
I was 48 years old when we started the company, and one of the first things I wrote on a notebook I kept on my desk was "succession." Matt was working as a civil engineer in Indianapolis, and I kind of wrote him off as a possibility. But after nine years working in the construction industry, Matt told me he was getting a master's degree in finance. I thought to myself, "Wow, that's interesting." When he was done with school and said he was interested in coming to work with us at Team Financial Group, I remember thinking, "Yes, my prayers have been answered." It's been a blessing for all of us. Matt fit right in, came in with an eagerness to learn and a humbleness that made it really nice.
How have you seen Team Financial Group change in the past few years?
System-wise, Matt brought in a lot of operational expertise. We went through a complete conversion of all our systems. I remember at the time Matt joined us, I think we had about $50 million in assets, and he wrote on a whiteboard right away, "What does $100 million look like?" Joe and I got a little nervous about that, but it was good. We always had a lot of hustle, but Matt brought an aggressiveness that we didn't always have.
What are you most proud of regarding Team Financial Group?
That we've been here for 20 years. The failure rate of small businesses is fairly high, so the fact that we've built a business that is stable and growing and well capitalized is a compliment to all of us and our customers. We're pretty proud of that.
When you put the numbers to it, over $500 million in capital to small businesses, not just in West Michigan, but all of Michigan, is pretty exciting. On the employee side, we have employees that started right out of school. (Accounting Manager) Tanya Schulz been with us for 19 years. If you look at the longevity of our employees, it's pretty exciting too.
What does the future hold for Team Financial Group?
I think we're just getting started. The management team keeps getting better. I think there's an old saying that goes, "The first generation starts a business, the second generation grows it." Matt is definitely poised to take us to the next level, no question about it.
What do you like to do away from office?
My wife and I like to bicycle, golf, and we love our nine grandkids. Our world kind of revolves around that. We've been going on these bike tour trips, starting about 10-15 years ago, and we go to great places. We're going to Yellowstone National Park on a bicycle trip next year. We like outdoor activities. We live on a lake, and that's a magnet for our grandkids, so we like that. Our church is a big part of our life, too.
For us, it's all about our customers and employees. We feel strongly about our accomplishments. That's really the bottom line. Take care of customers and they'll take care of you.
Partner With Team Financial Group for Fast, Flexible Financing
At Team Financial Group, we work with clients to identify and customize financing solutions that meet their unique needs. Our commercial equipment financing options can improve your business' cash flow and overall financial health.
To get fast, flexible financing today, please complete this brief online application.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. For financial advice, please contact our commercial financing experts.
Team Financial Group, Inc., is proud to be celebrating its 20th year of helping customers grow their business through convenient financing solutions.
After long careers in the banking industry, Tim Maczka and Joe Smaby founded Team Financial Group in 2001 with the goal of providing small business owners with an alternative source of equipment financing and financial expertise to supplement their existing bank relationships. Today, Team Financial Group's mission remains the same: delivering fast, flexible financing while developing lasting relationships with both customers and vendors to provide the best financing solutions.
"Like most small businesses, we started from humble beginnings, but have enjoyed success and significant growth over the years because of the services we provide and the respectful and honest way we provide them," Team Financial Group President and CEO Matt Maczka said. "Twenty years of business is a tremendous milestone, but what I'm most proud of is that many of our customers and employees have been working with us for 10 years or longer."
Team Financial Group has steadily expanded its portfolio and footprint across dozens of industries in the Midwest. Team Financial Group has grown its annual originations from $25 million in 2012 to more than $60 million in 2021, and services more than a $100 million portfolio.
In the future, Team Financial Group hopes to continue to serve the West Michigan community where it's based, create new opportunities for current and future employees, and be opportunistic about additional growth and expansion.
"Over the past 20 years, we have been very blessed with loyal customers, vendors, and employees. Our success is a testament to the fact that businesses still value customer service," Founder and Chairman Tim Maczka said. "We have always strived to make it a win/win/win for all parties, whether you are a client, vendor, or employee. The amount of repeat and referral business that continues to drive our growth indicates that we have been successful in meeting that objective."
About Team Financial Group
Established in 2001, Team Financial Group has provided over $500 million in funds for businesses, helping its customers grow. Its mission is to deliver fast, flexible financing while applying common-sense lending principles. The corporation develops lasting relationships with both its customers and vendors to provide each with the best financing solutions.
For more information, give us a call at 616-735-2393 or fill out our contact form.
Matt Maczka knows the value of relationships. It's one of the reasons why he returned to his hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2012 and joined Team Financial Group. He was named President in 2015 and then succeeded his father, Tim Maczka, as CEO, in November 2020.
Founded in 2001, Team Financial Group has provided over half a billion in funds for businesses towards the goal of helping our customers' businesses grow. Team Financial Group's mission is to deliver efficient, flexible financing while applying common-sense lending principles. Matt leads Team Financial Group's business operations and is heavily involved in the sales arena, where he develops strong vendor and client relationships.
Here, we catch up with Matt, who tells us a little more about himself and his goals for Team Financial Group in the future.
Can you tell us about your background before you joined Team Financial Group?
Prior to Team Financial Group, I worked as a Project Manager for a large, family- and employee-owned construction company in Indianapolis. My education is in civil engineering, and although I had an engineering degree, I was never really an engineer. I was more of a people manager. I went back to Butler University and got my business degree after about five or six years at the construction company with the idea that I would eventually become CFO.
How did you end up at Team Financial Group?
There was no succession plan at Team Financial Group at the time, and I wanted to move back to West Michigan. So, my wife and I decided to leave Central Indiana and give it a shot. It was a big change for our family, but it was a pretty low-risk move in 2012.
What was it like to transition to President and CEO?
I'm a fast learner, and I have no problem doing the work. For the first four or five years, I was really just learning the business. When I became President, I was comfortable. It was a good transition. I only became CEO about a year ago, and Tim still comes to work every day and is the majority owner of the business. We don't really get too hung up on roles and titles. We run this as a team.
We've continued to build our portfolio and the size of our customer base. We're really in the repeat and referral business. Always have been. We can only be in this business if we treat people fairly with honesty, dignity, and respect Business gets a lot simpler when you treat people with respect, and it's snowballed over the last seven or eight years.
We measure ourselves like any bank or lender would in total outstanding loans. We went through a major milestone recently; we have crossed the $100 million mark in our loan portfolio.
The world has gotten a lot smaller. That's something that's changed a lot in the past seven years—we're doing a lot more deals outside of the state.
What's been one of your biggest challenges?
In many ways, what we're trying to do is grow our book of business, find more of the right people, but not change our culture. That sounds kind of goofy, but what differentiates us is we take care of people. The challenge is how can we bring on more employees but still have the expertise and maintain the "we'll-take-care-of-you" atmosphere. A lot of people say we can't grow [and preserve that culture], and maybe they're right—but we're going to find out.
What's the one thing you wish people knew about Team Financial Group?
What our customers value is we take care of them in an efficient manner, but we're looking out for their best interests as well. A lot of lenders out there are more worried about getting the current deal done and then moving on. We want to take care of people because we know that they're going to call us back year after year after year. We don't just act as lenders. Our customers see us as consultants, helping them address their business' evolving needs and goals. We're going to take care of them. We want our relationship to grow and stand the test of time.
What do you like to do away from the office?
I like to do stuff outside: hunt, fish, golf, play sports with my four boys. We've got a lot of kid sports going on right now. Lacrosse, basketball, golf, football, baseball, tennis. You name it, we're doing it.
This won't affect your credit score
650 Three Mile Rd NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
info@teamfinancialgroup.com
© 2019 Team Financial Group. All Rights Reserved.
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Multifamily Hydronic and Steam Heating Controls and Distribution Retrofits on the order of 30% of the heating fuel use compared to the same building with standard outdoor Jordan Dentz, The Levy Partnership (ARIES) A wide variety of new, energy-saving control concepts for heating boilers are emerging on the.
Our expertise dates back to 1919 when the first marine boiler was designed at as pumping, heating, cooling, cleaning and hot-water for the accommodation.
Nov 18, 2009 And greenhouse gas emissions from buildings account for well over Heat for the Municipal Building is provided by two oil-fired boilers.. nBiomass-fired district heating plant for the Municipal Building and the Town Library.
Rob Jordan and Sons Plumbing and Heating | HomeAdvisor prescreened Heating Contractors Thermostat Install; Thermostat Repair; Gas Boiler or Radiator Heat Repair; Gas. Project: Repair an Oil Fired Boiler or Radiator Heating System.
Boilers manufactured since 1992 must have an AFUE of at least 80%. We offer a complete line of gas and oil boilers starting at 80% AFUE and up.
All Bentone gas burners are approved according to the new Gas Appliance and his team at Hotline Trading for further discussions regarding boilers and burners heating and air-conditioning technology as well as intelligent home systems.
Jordan Oil Burner Services - Providing expert service for over 40 years.
Certikin, EuroCal, Boulter Buderus, Reillo Burners, The Merlin, Benson, Worcester Grant HRM, Ecoflam, EOGB, Heating World, Trianco, Thermecon Oil Boilers.


It's time to celebrate! We're celebrating Chic Algene's birthday and for fun, Chic Algene of I Heart Giveaways and The Coffee Chic are sponsoring $150 Paypal Cash for our awesome readers! Co-hosts include Bay Area Mommy, Zoe's Printable Coupons, Samut-Sari, Wrap with Jolene, Mamal Diane and Stiletto Files.
Enter on the Rafflecopter form below between May 8 12:01AM to May 30 11:5PM. Open Worldwide, 18+. Good luck! Please take the time to enter my other giveaways while you're here.
Spending time with loved ones and getting yummy cake!
That you actually have lived another year!
the best thing is the smiles!
I love that I get to spend the day with the entire family.
Sharing stories, meet friends and the cakes of course!
Celebrating another year of memories and accomplishments and looking forward to whats to come!
Cake is the best thing about birthdays!!!
Being with those you love.
Giving the best gift at the party to my niece and nephews!
The best thing about celebrating birthdays is making the birthday person feel special on their day!
Best thing about celebrating birthdays is that it is the perfect excuse to have your cake and eat it too!
You feel extra special. Plus, people close to your heart celebrates with you.
I love spending time with my hubby as he always takes my and his bdays off work!


Steven Shi is a Director of Berkeley Research Group based in Beijing. He specializes in conducting complex research and consulting assignments involving business intelligence, due diligence investigations, and pre-IPO and other risk consulting services in mainland China.
Mr. Shi has been involved in a large number of risk managing assignments for multinationals in mainland China and abroad, and has supported Chinese firms with their overseas investments. These have included risk mitigation and pre-transactional due diligence projects for M&A practices, as well as advisory services. He has considerable expertise in addressing problems in corporate distribution and procurement systems.
Before BRG, Mr. Shi spent twelve years as the managing director at a large US consulting firm, three years as a news assistant at the Asian Wall Street Journal's Beijing office, and three years as an associate director with the US-China Business Council.
Mr. Shi has contributed articles to the Asian Wall Street Journal, China Business Review, and China International Business Daily on China's investment environment, mainland Chinese-listed companies, the development of the Chinese distribution industry, China's social security network, and issues related to corporate governance and foreign investment.
Mr. Shi has an MBA in finance from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland in the United States. He speaks fluent Mandarin and English.


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Q: I changed the password complexity and now only administrators can log in windows server, what i can do? I there:
I changed the password complexity disabling it via a GPO and its included the server machine because i applied the GPO as a domain policies and now, only domain administrators can log into my windows server machine.
I tried disabling the GPO, enabling and turning it back and nothing works.
what i can do?.
ps: it is a test machine.

A: You need to set the GPO vice versa.
When a GPO is applied it will set the value until something changes it. If you are setting it to "Not Configured" the GPO-engine will only skip to set it... and therefore the old value will still be there.


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News Blogs Jobs Tenders Events
Calls to charity's housing helpline remain high
New statistics have highlighted the continued daily struggle of thousands of households across Scotland to keep a roof over their head.
Released today, the figures for 2014 gathered from housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland's free national helpline and services teams showed that 16,300 individual calls for help were answered.
Around 75 per cent (12,092) of people were helped through the charity's helpline while 4,208 people were helped by its services teams. Of those 4,208 cases, 53 per cent were helped to keep their accommodation, 36 per cent were helped to access housing and 4 per cent were helped to improve their home.
Homelessness, the cost of housing and landlord issues made up 50 percent of all cases opened. An alarming 46 per cent of calls came from people living in the private rented sector - a hugely disproportionate level as only 14 per cent of housing in Scotland is provided by private renting.
Shelter Scotland's Get Advice section on its website also received around 680,000 hits last year and the charity's new digital advice (online chat) service has helped over 1,500 people.
Alison Watson, deputy director of Shelter Scotland, said: "These numbers show how thousands of people in Scotland face a daily struggle to keep a roof over their heads, how thousands face bad housing and homelessness and how thousands have trouble with their landlord.
"The high cost of housing, the impact of savage welfare cuts and the increased reliance on the private rented sector are key factors behind many of the calls for help.
"That 46 per cent of people needing our help came from the private rented sector is alarming and underpins the need for reform of the sector. Reform is the primary focus of our Make Renting Right campaign which aims to make private renting modern, stable, flexible, predictable and fair for those individuals and families that call it home."
Alison Watson added: "The high level of calls from people living in the private rented sector is also down to the high cost of rent. High rents are driven and sustained by a major lack of affordable housing. To help many of the people who called us for help this year and to meaningfully tackle our housing crisis, we need to build 10,000 new social homes every year for the foreseeable future. This will bring hope to the 150,500 households on council waiting lists across Scotland and help stop rents spiralling even higher.
"Despite positive action by the Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of unfair reforms like the bedroom tax and ensuring more affordable housing is being built, the number of cases dealt with by our helpline and services teams still remains high. We are concerned that things may get worse in the coming months and years, especially when even harsher welfare reforms such as the punitive cuts to housing benefit entitlement for 18-21 year-olds hit home.
"We fear that despite Shelter Scotland's and other support service's best efforts, more hardship is on the way which will lead to an even greater demand for our help and will severely test our resources."
@shelterscotland
Tags: PRS, Shelter Scotland
Concern as number of households in fuel poverty rose by 36,000 Home Group launches housing fund to 'ramp up delivery of affordable homes' Sigma Capital expands Edinburgh team to support PRS offering
Internal Audit Services Project Manager Project Officer (Contract Management and Clerk of Works Services) Board Members Senior Short-term Housing Support Worker Housing Advisor Head of Housing Urgent transfer proposals Senior Support Worker Internal Audit Services Housing Services Officer Empty Homes Partnership Officer Property Services Manager Send your tenders to Scottish Housing News
De-escalating aggression and conflict - SHARE TPAS Scotland Tenants Event - Aberdeen TPAS Scotland Tenants Event - Fife Pre-tenancy - essential conversations - SHARE Governance Masterclass – the road to good governance


Machina by Mariusz Loszakiewicz - 10" x 8"
Machina poster by Mariusz Loszakiewicz. Our posters are produced on acid-free papers using archival inks to guarantee that they last a lifetime without fading or loss of color. All posters include a 1" white border around the image to allow for future framing and matting, if desired.
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� Copyright Mariusz Loszakiewicz. All Rights Reserved.
Mariusz �oszakiewicz, born 1972, an architect, an artist (traditional & digital). Graduated from Fine Arts College in Suprasl then Architecture and Town Planning Faculty at Technical University of Bialystok. He has been working as an architect for several years, he also is an author of numerous architectural visualisations. He took part in several 3d graphics competitions. He also took part in Kilkenny Art Festival in 2007& 2008 exhibiting both tradition and digital art. His art can be described as realistic abstraction. He wants the viewers to experience undefined feelings just like abstract artist do but unlike them he uses realistic pictures to achieve that effect.


Our small gnome is hand-made from natural sheep's wool and has either curly or straight and gray or white hair and beard. This is the original Swedish Santa (Jultomte) from Åsa's Tomtebod. Each and every tomte is different, and they all are extremely handsome and highly personable. Choose red hat (gray hat temporarily out of stock), and we will select your unique gnome. 9.8 - 11.8 in (25 - 30 cm). Made in Sweden.


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TV WITH JANE: Jane Holmes..
TV WITH JANE: Jane Holmes reviews 'Hoges' on 3AW Mornings
The reviews are in for the Channel 7's Paul Hogan mini-series 'Hoges', and they're not all gleaming.
3AW's Jane Holmes tells Neil Mitchell their heart was in the right place, but doesn't know why they did it.
'Oh Neil… Oh dear, oh dear, crikey! It wasn't what I was hoping for to say the least.'
'You can't take your eyes off his wig… and his nasal voice!' says Jane.
3AW listener Michelle says she's not happy but will continue watching, 'It didn't quite hit the mark.'
'There's no gags, no gags, just a little bit of a tickle!'
Guest reviewer Emily says, 'I really wanted to love it.
'I'm going to stick with it, because we're getting to get to the juicer bits.'
Click PLAY below to hear more


The museum building from the 17th century, with a knight figure on the facade, is already a tourist attraction from the outside. Inside there are eleven sections over three floors that explain the history of Osterode and its surrounding areas.
Guided tours of the historic collection are held regularly on variety of topics. For groups on request at any time!
Here you can learn about the living conditions and needs of Osterode in the Middle Ages: The versatile function of the town hall, the hustle and bustle of the market, the battle at the town wall or the atrocities of medieval justice. You will learn about the unique traditions of the craftsmen and learn something about the conflicting thoughts and feelings of people from the Biedermeier period.