Looking for fun outings that the whole family will enjoy? Check out the best of our area.
The struggle is so real — find a place the kids enjoy and the adults are bored (Chuck E. Cheese, I'm looking at you) or find a place the adults enjoy and the kids are miserable. And with summer coming up, visitors on the way, and lots of time to fill while the kids are out of school, you're looking for some new ideas for those fun family outings. Never fear: as always, I'm here to help! Check out my picks for the best family activities in Arlington and Alexandria.
If you have a child who gets excited whenever a plane goes by overhead, you must visit Gravelly Point. This small park is situated along the GW Parkway and offers unparalleled views of Reagan National's runways. Bring a picnic and watch the planes take off and land so close that it feels like you could touch them.
If you haven't already, check out the incredible services and events offered at one of APL's many area branches. With everything from an American Girl doll lending program to Paws to Read, pairing children with four-legged reading companions, you'll find a lot to love. Be sure and sign up for summer reading and kids clubs to get in on the fun.
For the ultimate day out, Upton Hill has it all. Waterpark, hiking trails, mini-golf, batting cages — you'll find it all at this massive complex. Bring a picnic and make a day of it — the kids will be begging to come back again.
Looking for a break from the heat? Bring the family to a public skating event at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. There's Family Pick-up Hockey, Free Skating, and Stick-and-Shoot for all ages. And if your little one has a summer birthday, this would make a great beat-the-heat party theme!
For a variety of sports and a playground that is a local favorite, Bluemont Park should definitely be on your radar. Beautiful and pastoral, and particularly loved for its wading streams and proximity to the W&OD Trail.
An amazing park with room to run and gardens designed for kids, Green Spring's centerpiece is the historic home on site. In addition, the emphasis here is on horticulture and learning opportunities, so you may just want to take home some of your newfound knowledge to create a garden of your own!
Indoor soft play room for rainy days and a pool for the summer, plus open gym for toddlers several days a week. Who could ask for anything more? This Alexandria spot is a favorite with local parents and children, with sports and recreation activities for all ages.
While it's fun to go to a Nationals Game, there's nothing like getting close to the action. The Alexandria Aces are a local baseball club made up of collegiate athletes in the area. They play about 20 games a season at Four Mile Run Park and offer the chance to enjoy a little old-fashioned "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" fun.
With service from the Wharf to the National Mall, Georgetown, and National Harbor, you'll love taking the Water Taxi instead of fighting the traffic. Bonus? Have fun teaching the kids about the landmarks and memorials you'll see along the waterway. It's a whole new way to see DC.
Every first Thursday in the months of April through September, the Del Ray Business Association hosts a street fair along Mt. Vernon Ave. with fun, food, games, music, and more. Bring the kids, bring the pets, and explore Del Ray while giving back to the community — each First Thursday features a local non-profit!
On the Saturday after 4th of July, Alexandrians celebrate the birthday of their city along the waterfront with the Alexandria Symphony and fireworks! Bring a picnic or buy dinner on-site, and don't forget there's birthday cake for dessert! It's a great Alexandria tradition.
Want to get active while learning about Alexandria? A local Eagle Scout, Russ Leggett, partnered with the Alexandria Archaeology Museum to create this fun and interactive scavenger hunt that crisscrosses 20 blocks of Old Town. Get moving!
For some of DC's most spectacular wildlife watching, you must visit Huntley Meadows. With wetlands, forest, and meadow habitats, you'll be amazed at all of the creatures you'll spot. And with a variety of classes and camps available, who knows what lifelong interest in the natural world you'll spark when you bring the kids to this enchanted place?
There are so many fun things to do in the area — things that you just can't experience anywhere else. I hope to see you soon when you're out and about, exploring all of these fun spots. If you're thinking of buying a home in this fantastic part of the DC Metro, let me know! I'd love to help you find the perfect place for you and your family!
What Makes the Spring Market So Hot?
You've heard about it, but here's why it matters if you're thinking of selling your home.
If you've ever met a real estate agent, you'll know that they talk about the Spring Market with the kind of anticipation and delight most people reserve for birthdays or holidays. They get a little gleam in their eye when they talk about it, and while it's happening you'll probably have a hard time getting them to think about anything else.
In our area, the Winter seems to have dragged on and on, making it tough to think about Spring some days. (You may even have seen me interviewed about it here.) But even with the unseasonably chilly weather, the Spring Market arrived just like always. And oh boy, it's a hot one, with some homes selling over asking price even before their first Open House.
If you've been putting off listing your home, it's time to hop to it! Here's why the Spring Market matters so much for DC-area real estate.
One of the reasons that Spring is an exciting time for real estate in Alexandria and the surrounding DC market is the forced hibernation in our area, causing many of us to hunker down indoors. Especially with the late Winter weather, people are itching to get out of their routine and look at some fresh new surroundings. After being cooped up for months, a new home feels like a whole new beginning.
In addition, hopeful home Buyers with a green thumb who are currently living in an apartment or condo may be searching for that perfect bit of garden to dig into this Spring and Summer. Others have been dreaming of backyard barbecues. That makes this the perfect time to market homes with desirable outdoor spaces like a yard, patio, deck, or porch.
Home Buyers with children who are still in school begin gearing up their home search this time of year in order to take advantage of the Summer vacation to unpack and adjust to their new surroundings. A Buyer looking now will probably go under contract over the next few weeks, then close right around the time school lets out for the Summer. That means they'll have plenty of time to get the kids used to their new neighborhood before school begins in the Fall.
Because our school calendars trend a little later than many metro areas, there's still time to take advantage of this important market segment. Getting your home ready to list over the next few weeks will allow you to dazzle them right when they're ready to buy.
Most major metropolitan markets have been contending with low inventory for several years now, and DC is no exception. The reasons are many: post-2008 home building slowdowns, diminishing labor pools for new construction, and economic and political uncertainty in some areas. That means that with fewer homes on the market, Buyers are ready to snap up desirable properties, sometimes even before they are officially listed.
Because the slower Fall and Winter selling season results in an inventory bottleneck, demand is even higher. Now those who didn't want to deal with Open Houses during the holidays or shoveling snow for Buyer walkthroughs are in a position to be one of the first ones listed in their neighborhood.
Did you know that Millennials make up the largest generation, outnumbering even Baby Boomers? Those number mean that there are more Buyers than ever looking for a home, and you could be one of the lucky Sellers to find yourself in a multiple offer situation. A combination of low inventory and the massive number of Millennials graduating from college, coming of age, and looking for their first home purchase is creating unprecedented demand.
In many desirable neighborhoods, in fact, homeowners whose houses aren't even on the market are getting knocks at their doors from hopeful Buyer Agents. Being first to the market in one of these areas can pay big dividends at the closing table.
There's no time like the present to sell your DC home! Check out my suggestions for getting your home ready to sell, then contact me to get started! We'll get you geared up and on the market in time to greet those excited Spring Buyers and find you a great new space of your own!
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Make sure your upgrades don't end up hurting your home's value.
One of the most heartbreaking things that can happen at an Open House or private showing is walking through a perfectly charming house, envisioning its potential, then walking headlong into a deal-breaker.
Maybe it's shiplap or panelling in the den. Maybe it's a baby pink bathroom. Maybe it's wallpaper EVERYWHERE. How about a different paint color and carpet in each room? These are the kinds of "improvements" that probably seemed like a good idea at the time, but now work as time machines, taking you back to an earlier, and uglier, era in home design.
For most Buyers, a deal-breaker is an element that is too unattractive to live with and too expensive to fix. Even if the rest of the house is great, the deal-breaker makes everyone turn around and exit — quickly.
Whether you are a Buyer deciding what upgrades you're willing to pay for or a Seller considering some timely updates before you put your home on the market, it's a good idea to think through some of the current design trends that might become tomorrow's deal-breakers.
Maybe you live in a bungalow but you want a marble bathroom fit for a Queen. You live in a luxury home, but you're more the down-home, country type. Or perhaps you're looking at starter homes and find one with super luxe finishes. Anything that is far outside of the norm for the home style and the market probably won't serve you well financially — it may even make your home less desirable by being out-of-step with the taste of most Buyers.
If you're a Seller thinking of adding some updates, make sure they're in keeping with the style of the home and the local market.
If you're a Buyer, don't be tempted to pay more for an upgrade that isn't really adding value.
A backlit, translucent zinc shower wall straight out of Vegas. A gourmet kitchen that would intimidate Martha Stewart. A backyard pool that gives the local water park a run for its money. Gold leaf as far as the eye can see. While all of these no doubt said "fancy" to the homeowners who installed them, they'll probably turn off most potential buyers. Remember that what works in a magazine or in a luxury hotel or spa may just be too much in a home.
If you're a Seller thinking of adding some luxury upgrades, keep in mind the overall style of your home and your market. Add touches here and there rather than going all-in.
If you're a Buyer, make sure you're taking into account the maintenance and upkeep required by a mega-upgrade like a pool or gourmet kitchen.
Whether it's a child's bedroom that looks like a castle, a kitchen that looks like a barn, or a backyard that looks like a fairyland, some homeowners love a theme. Cutesy or chic, too many elements built around a specific theme are off-putting for Buyers and limit the number of people who'll be interested in the home. And when the theme is in a child's room or play area, you'll be surprised how quickly they outgrow it.
If you're a Seller thinking of organizing your renovation around a theme, remember that neutral is more appealing and helps you sell faster.
If you're a Buyer tempted by a themed space, think about your life a year from now. Five years from now. Will that theme still be appealing then?
Perhaps you work from home and crave a really fabulous home office instead of the dining room you never use. Maybe you want to convert a spare room into your own designer closet and dressing room. Or perhaps you're thinking of a Star Wars themed media room renovation for the bonus space. While you'll no doubt enjoy these unique elements, if you're thinking of resale you may want to re-think such extreme measures.
If you're a Seller, work with your decorator or contractor to create a plan that can be converted back to normal at a later point.
If you're a Buyer, think about how that space will work for you over the next few years. If you plan to have children, for example, that spare room or formal dining room may be more appealing (and necessary) than it is right now.
One homeowner's dream home is another's deal-breaker. While you want to enjoy your space and make it work for your family, be cautious about design decisions that may undercut your home's value down the road. Whether you're a Seller wanting to discuss upgrades that get big returns on investment or a Buyer who wants to discuss comps for your favorite neighborhood, I'm here to help! Contact me today and let's get started on a plan to make your real estate dreams a reality.
Worried that rising rates could derail your home buying goals? Don't. There are a variety of ways to limit the damage and stay on track.
One of the factors driving the health of the housing market over the last few years of economic recovery has been consistently low interest rates. Currently hovering around 4.5% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, home borrowing and refinancing is incredibly affordable. And compared to historical rates, it almost feels as if mortgage companies are giving away free money.
This chart from Fannie Mae shows how interest rates have fallen precipitously over the last 30 years, making borrowing far more affordable. Coupled with low down payment loan products like the FHA mortgage, today's lower interest rates allow buyers to purchase more home while paying less over the life of the mortgage.
While financial writers bemoan a rise in interest rates over the last few months, rates are still far below their historical average of 8%. Because the economy is doing so well — a rising stock market and very low unemployment — the artificially low mortgage interest of recent years is no longer needed to juice the housing market. That could set the stage for rising interest rates over the next few months or years.
While current rates are expected to hold steady for the immediate future, uncertainty remains due to the possibility of inflation, the naming of a new Federal Reserve Chair, and other factors. So if you're not quite ready to buy, how can you keep a rise in interest rates from spoiling your plans?
1. Choose a 15-year fixed rate mortgage.
While most people automatically think in terms of a 30-year mortgage, there are a lot of reasons to love a 15-year term. In today's more mobile economy, people just don't buy a home at 28 and then stay there for the rest of their lives. By choosing a 15-year mortgage, you can build equity faster so that you can move anywhere your ambition and talent take you without losing money on your home sale.
In terms of interest rates, the 15-year mortgage is often a full ½% below the more popular 30-year fixed. Add to that the fact that you're only paying interest for 15 years instead of 30, and this option ends up saving you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
2. Increase your down payment.
If possible, adding more to your down payment can save you thousands over the life of your loan for a couple of reasons. That bump in the down payment means you're financing less up front and saving the interest on that money over the life of the loan. In addition, low down payment loans may require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) until the loan reaches 20% equity. That can take several years at a cost of hundreds of dollars each month. A higher down payment can keep you from having to spend that money, and may make up for a slightly higher interest rate.
Although we talk about the "current interest rate" as if it is one particular number, it's really an average of the available range of interest rates. That means that different lenders may have different rates on offer. In addition, different products have different rates, even if their terms are otherwise the same. If the interest rate on a 30-year conventional is up, the rate on a 30-year FHA may be lower.
In addition, different lenders have access to different loan products, special offers, and even grants that make your down payment or loan terms more affordable. A great program that helps with the down payment or closing costs may be more than enough to offset a slight interest rate change.
While we often worry about a rise in interest rates and how it will affect the total cost of the loan over time, on a month-to-month basis it may only cause a change in your payment of a few dollars each month. While, yes, that does add up over time, it may not account for much in your monthly budget. And who knows? If interest rates go lower down the road, you may be in a position to refinance and recapture some of that money on the backend of your mortgage.
Need to discuss your budget and loan options with a lender? I know some great ones and can help you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Let's talk about your options and create a home search that works for you. Contact me today and let's get started!
You know Alexandria is a great place to live. Check out some of our notable neighbors.
Alexandria is a fantastic place to live, with great shopping, restaurants, natural beauty, and, of course, proximity to all of the glamour, pomp, and circumstance of DC's political elite. But Alexandria also has many residents and former residents who are better known for their pop culture significance than for their political views. Here is a list of some of the most interesting Alexandria natives.
Although originally from Springfield, VA, former Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters front man Grohl spent time living and playing in various places throughout Northern Virginia, including Alexandria. Grohl built a recording studio in his Alexandria home and recorded much of the Foo Fighters' third album there. The title of his song "Arlandria" is a combination of Arlington and Alexandria, two of the places Grohl lived in the area.
Whether you've swooned over this handsome actor on Law & Order: SVU or in any of his other television and movie roles, you'll be glad to know that he was always awesome. As a high school quarterback and football captain at Alexandria's St. Stephen School, his team went undefeated. In fact, you're still likely to see him in Old Town from time to time, as he still has family in the area and is a regular at high school reunions.
If you've wondered how The West Wing could so beautifully and accurately portray life in DC, it's because Executive Producer and Showrunner John Wells hails from Alexandria. The theater, film, and television producer has also helmed ER, Third Watch, Southland, and Shameless.
Playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon is the Alexandria native who created, wrote, and served as showrunner for House of Cards. Willimon also wrote plays like Farragut North and The Parisian Woman and films like George Clooney's The Ides of March. He is currently serving as President of The Writers Guild of America, East.
C. Williams alum Dermot Mulroney has had a long and active career in Hollywood, starring in such movies as My Best Friend's Wedding with Julia Roberts and The Grey with Liam Neeson. Mulroney has been featured in TV roles in Friends, Shameless, American Horror Story and many other shows. He is currently starring in the popular new TV show LA to Vegas. With family still in the area, you may just spot him around town.
Longtime TV personality and Today show weatherman Willard Scott is an Alexandria native. Scott was best known for offering birthday wishes to viewers who were 100 or older, a role he continued to play for many years after his retirement as a weatherman. Scott frequently returns to the area and has made a number of appearances, including multiple appearances as Santa Claus at the White House Tree Lighting.
Multiple Grammy winning country artist Mary Chapin Carpenter has lived all over the DC area, including many years in Alexandria. Although she currently lives on a farm outside of Charlottesville, she still has family in the area and often makes her way back to Alexandria for visits and performances.
Football legend Joe Theismann is an Alexandria fixture and his restaurant Theismann's Restaurant & Bar has been a local landmark since 1975. Theismann himself is often in the area, dividing his time among homes in Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida as well as travelling extensively for personal appearances and speaking engagements.
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1. Last-minute trips to the beach.
2. The best field trips on Earth.
While going on field trips is part of nearly everyone's upbringing, no one can boast memorable field trips quite like Virginians. Between Mount Vernon, Monticello, Jamestown, and Williamsburg, there are countless opportunities to interact with our state's impressive history.
Hiking in Virginia is an activity that appeals to outdoor lovers of all ages. If you grew up in Virginia, chances are you have hiked at least a few miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
4. Experiencing four gorgeous seasons.
There's nothing like fall in Virginia, spring in Virginia, summer in Virginia and even winter in Virginia. Each season brings about its unique beauty and appeal.
Whether it's a spontaneous trip to the nearest crab shack or a planned event, there's nothing like a crab picking party to bring a group of Virginians together.
6. You can understand directions given solely in terms of landmarks.
"Drive past the red barn and continue on for a quarter of a mile before going over the train tracks…" is a common way you might find your way from here to there.
7. Friendships last through generations.
If you grew up in Virginia, you most likely are friends with the children of your parents' friends, and so the cycle continues for generations and generations.
8. The Nation's Capital is just a drive away.
Depending on how willing you are to brave the traffic of I-95, traveling to Washington D.C. is a relatively easy trip.
9. You've enjoyed a lifetime's worth of live music.
Here in Virginia, you never have to travel too far to enjoy an incredible live music performance. Whether it's a concert in a historic venue, an impromptu jam, or an entire weekend of music, there are so many ways to get into the groove here.
10. You've had the privilege of growing up in the most beautiful state in the U.S.
Perhaps we're just slightly biased, but there's honestly no natural beauty that rivals that of Virginia's. We're grateful to have grown up here!
Now it's time for you to speak up! What are your favorite memories from having grown up in Virginia?
Washington D.C. Metro's December median sales price of $420,050 was up 2.4% or $9,950 compared to last year. For the calendar year ending December 2017, the overall median sales price was up 2.4% to $425,000. In 2017, each month's median sales price was higher year-over-year and every month's median sales price was the highest monthly level of the decade.
Closed sales of 3,886 were down 3.4% compared to last year and were 4.8% below last month.
New contracts of 3,314 were down 6.3% compared to last year and down 22.0% compared to last month.
New listings of 2,799 were down 9.4% compared to last year and down 35.0% from last month.
Active listings of 6,734 are down 9.7% compared to last year and down 22.0% compared to last month. This is the 20th consecutive month of declines in year-over-year inventory.
The average percent of original list price received at sale in December was 97.2%.
The median days-on-market for December 2017 was 27 days, two days lower than last year.
December's regional median sales price of $420,050 was an increase of 2.4% or $9,950 compared to last year, but was down 1.2% or $4,950 compared to last month. This is the 15th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases and was the highest December level of the last 10 years.
Compared to last year, single-family detached home prices increased 5.2% to $515,285, townhome prices rose 1.5% to $410,000 and condo prices rose a slight 0.1% to $299,800.
December prices are above the 5-year average of $404,902 and the 10-year average of $369,101.
The regional price of $420,050 is 31.3% higher than the market low of $320,000 seen in 2009.
Falls Church City remains the most expensive location in the region, with a median sales price of $725,000, up 6.8% from last year.
Prince George's County remains the most affordable area in the region, with a median sales price of $280,000, a 5.7% increase over last year.
For the year, the overall regional median sales price of $425,000 was up 2.4% compared to 2016 and all jurisdictions saw positive price growth over the prior year.
Closed sales of 3,886 were down 3.4% from last year and down 4.8% from last month.
Only condo sales rose compared to last year, increasing 3.2% to 1,037. Townhome sales were down 2.0% to 1,052 and single-family detached sales were down 7.6% to 1,797.
Sales were above the 10-year average of 3,626, but dipped below the 5-year average of 3,938.
December's closed sales were 24.1% above the market low of 3,131 seen in December 2008, but were 7.4% below the decade's high of 4,198 seen in 2015.
Sales activity across the region was mostly down, with gains in Fairfax City (+90.0% to 38 sales) and in Washington D.C. (+10.0 to 695 sales). The smallest decline in sales was in Montgomery County (-2.8% to 926 sales) and the largest decline was in Falls Church City (-35.7% to 9 sales).
For all of 2017, closed sales across the region were up 4.1% to 55,700.
New pending sales of 3,314 were down 6.3% compared to last year, and were down 22.0% compared to last month.
Pending sales of single-family detached homes were down 10.8% to 1,479, while condo pending sales decreased 2.5% to 941 and townhome pending sales decreased 2.2% to 893.
Pending sales are above the 5-year average of 3,281 and the 10-year average of 3,084.
December's new pending sales were 39.7% more than the December 2008 low of 2,372.
Pending sales activity across the region was mostly down, with Washington D.C. (+3.2% to 613) and Alexandria City (+2.3% to 136) showing the only increases compared to last year. Prince George's County saw the smallest decline (-2.9% to 894) and Falls Church City saw the largest percentage decline (-66.7% to 2).
December's 2,799 new listings were down 9.4% from last year and down a seasonal 35.0% from last month.
Compared to last year, new townhome listings were down 1.0% to 762, new single-family listings were down 11.1% to 1,281, and new condo listings were down 14.1% to 753.
New listings are slightly below the 5-year average of 2,891 and the 10-year average of 3,054.
December new listings are 13.5% above the 10-year low of 2,465 seen in December 2012, and are 31.4% below the peak of 4,079 seen in 2008.
Across the region, Falls Church City saw the largest percentage decline in new listings (-63.6% to 4). The only increase was in Prince George's County (+7.4% to 871).
For all of 2017, new listings across the entire DC Metro area were up 2.1% to 74,659.
There were 6,734 active listings at the end of December, down 9.7% compared to last year and down 22.0% compared to last month. Inventory levels have declined for 20 consecutive months.
Townhome inventories were up 3.9% to 1,351, while single-family detached inventories were down 12.3% to 3,560 and condo inventories were down 13.2% to 1,815.
Inventories are well below both the 5-year average of 7,609 and the 10-year average of 10,269.
December inventory levels exceed the 2012 low of 6,466 by just 4.1%, but are down 68.1% from the peak of 21,080 seen in December 2008.
Across the region, inventory levels showed the largest gain in Fairfax City, where they increased 28.9% to 58. The largest percentage decline was in Falls Church City where they dropped 45.0% to 11.
The regional average sales price to original listing price ratio (SP to OLP ratio) for December was 97.2%, up from last year's 97.0% but down from last month's 97.4%. This is the highest December SP to OLP ratio of the decade.
Townhomes have the highest December SP to OLP ratio of 98.2%. Condos have a SP to OLP ratio of 97.1% and single-family detached homes have a SP to OLP ratio of 96.6%.
December's SP to OLP ratio exceeds the 5-year average of 96.8% and the 10-year average of 95.2%.
Fairfax City had the highest regional SP to OLP ratio of 99.1%, up significantly from last year's 95.6%.
Arlington County had the lowest SP to OLP ratio of 96.6%, down from last year's 96.8%.
For calendar year 2017, the regional SP to OLP ratio was 98.1%, up from 2016's 97.5%.
The median days-on-market (DOM) in December was 27 days, down two days from last year but up six days from last month.
Townhomes have a median DOM of 20, while condos have a median DOM of 27, and single-family detached homes have a median DOM of 32.
December's median DOM was three days below the 5-year average of 30 days and 10 days below the 10-year average of 37 days.
This month's median DOM of 27 is the second-lowest December level in a decade (the lowest was 25 days in 2013). The highest December median DOM of the last 10 years was 64 days in 2008.
The highest median DOM in the region in December was in Fairfax County, where it was 35 days, down from 37 days last year.
Fairfax City has the lowest median DOM of 16 days, down significantly from 56 days last year.
For all of 2017, the overall regional median DOM was 16 days, down from 21 days in 2016.
On January 26 to February 4, 2018, more than 60 Alexandria restaurants will feature a $35 three-course dinner for one OR a $35 dinner for two during Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. More than 30 restaurants will also offer lunch menus at $10, $15 or $20 per person in addition to the dinner specials.
Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End. At a range of locales, from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites, guests will savor the flavors of Alexandria's distinctive collection of eateries.
Below, use the Search Listings "By Category" feature to sort by Dinner for Two People, Three Course Prix Fixe for One Person, and Lunch Menus.
When it's hot outside, you want your home to be minimalist and breezy, with no extra layers to capture the humidity or hold in heat. But once it gets chilly, you want those layers back to make the house feel warm and cozy. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to make your space inviting and comfortable for winter. Here are 9 tiny ways to cozy up your home.
Crisp cotton and linen is great for summer months, but flannel is where it's at for winter! Trade your crisp sateen sheets for ones that will hold the warmth in, like flannel or jersey. While you're at it, fold a quilt or throw blanket over the foot of your bed to have handy for the coldest nights.
Stash slippers by the door.
The first step to feeling cozy: No chilly feet! Keep a pair of slippers by your main entrance to change into as soon as you cross the threshold, so you'll be comfortable from the moment you get home from work. Bonus: They'll keep you from tracking in snow or salt from the sidewalk.
Swap in snuggly throw pillows.
Finally, an excuse to splurge on one of those big furry pillows! Add one or two textured throw pillows to your couch (or just change the covers on your existing pillows) to make your space look and feel cozier. Other options: Nubby boucle, a wooly cable knit, or a rich velvet.
Sisal and flat-weave rugs are great when it's warm outside, but for winter, you want a little pile. If you don't have the budget to get a giant area rug, consider layering smaller rugs in strategic spots, like next to the bed, under the coffee table, or in front of your favorite reading chair.
When the nights get darker earlier, it's tempting to go to bed around 7 p.m. Resist, but without the harsh overhead lighting, by fitting table lamps with warm-toned LED lights for a cozy candle-lit glow that'll still keep you awake.
Warm up your window treatments.
If you normally have sheer linen curtains, consider trading them out for velvet drapes, or any heavy curtain that boasts a thermal lining. Besides making a space look warm and cozy, they'll actually insulate the room by blocking cold air from leaking through old windows at night.
If you have a slip-covered couch—or even if you don't, but your sofa's a standard size—try a new slipcover for the colder months. Choose a deep jewel tone and a softer fabric than your standard crisp white cotton to give the living room a cozier feel.
Start from the bottom up: A little kitchen rug on the floor in front of the sink, a runner or tablecloth on the breakfast table, and linen slipcovers over your wooden or metal cafe chairs. Anytime you can put a layer of fabric between yourself and bare wood or tile, it'll feel just a bit warmer.
Put your memories on display.
They won't technically make your space warmer, but a mantel full of holiday cards or a wall full of photos from the last year will keep your heart full of warm memories as you get through the next few gray months.


Ace the Adventure: It's Carnaval! Drink Like a Prince!
I found this advertisement in out local Ablert Heijn, and just had to share it. The makers of Bavaria Bier would like to remind you that with a purchase of two six-packs, you can receive a special Carnaval Bier Scepter, and "Drink like a prince!" And really, who doesn't at least secretly want one of these?
So there you have it, folks. Enjoy your Carnaval, but please do it responsibly.
Hilarious, every one should have one!
Missed out, really could have used one of those (ha-ha), jammer!
I know! I think they're brilliant! =) They even light up!


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A Supermassive Black Hole Is Heading Earth's Way At 110 KM Per Second
May 10, 2019 Science
A black hole with millions of times more mass than the sun is hurtling towards Earth and will one day wipe out life as we know it. The black hole is speeding towards us at 110 kilometres per second and is at the centre of the Andromeda Galaxy – the Milky Way's nearest and much larger neighbour. At the centre of most galaxies is a supermassive black hole which stars swirl around and helps keep everything in formation.
But such is the intense gravitational pull of the Milky Way and Andromeda that they are being drawn toward each other and will one day crash. Fraser Cain, publisher of space website Universe Today, wrote for Phys.org: "There's a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way.
"And not just any black hole, it's a supermassive black hole with more than 4.1 million times the mass of the Sun. It's right over there, in the direction of the Sagittarius constellation. Located just 26,000 light-years away. And as we speak, it's in the process of tearing apart entire stars and star systems, occasionally consuming them, adding to its mass like a voracious shark."
Due to the size of Andromeda however, there is only going to be one winner when it smashes into the Milky Way. But, as Andromeda is 2.5 million light years away, it will take over four billion years to reach us, so we are safe for now.
Mr Cain said: "Panic will happen when the Milky Way collides with Andromeda in about 4 billion years. Suddenly, you'll have two whole clouds of stars interacting in all kinds of ways, like an unstable blended family. Stars that would have been safe will careen past other stars and be deflected down into the maw of either of the two supermassive black holes on hand. Andromeda's black hole could be 100 million times the mass of the Sun, so it's a bigger target for stars with a death wish."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: whether $t=0$ is missed in the proof? When I try to compute $g^{ij}g^{pq}\nabla_{i,j}^2h_{pq}=\Delta tr_gh$, I need $g^{ij}=\delta^{ij},\nabla_i g_{kl}=0$,i.e, it's normal coordinate. But $g(t)$ will  change with $t$,  only for a $t_0$, I can use normal coordinate. So, whether $t=0$ is missed  in the proof in picture below ?
The picture is from 59th page of this paper.

A: I think you are missing the essence of using normal coordinate, if you are able to derive
$$g^{ij} g^{pq} \nabla^2_{ij} h_{pq} = \Delta \text{tr}_g h$$
using normal coordinate, then the above equation holds under ANY coordinate, as both sides of the equations are tensor fields. So to derive that equality, fix a $p$ and a $t$, then assume $g_t$ is the normal coordinate at $p$ and compute.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Home Art Risk Art Crime Nazi-looted El Greco portrait returned to owners
Art Restitution
Nazi-looted El Greco portrait returned to owners
Rebecca Hawkins
Detail 'Portrait of a Gentleman' by El Greco.
Art Recovery International has worked with The Commission for Looted Art in Europe to restitute 'Portrait of a Gentleman' by El Greco.
The Commission for Looted Art in Europe (CLAE) was acting on behalf of the rightful owners of the work and helped reach an equitable settlement for both parties due to the conclusive evidence. Chris Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, who was acting on behalf of the gallery that had acquired the painting, said: "This case proves that equitable restitution of looted works is attainable."
The painting was originally owned by Julius Priester, a Viennese industrialist who fled Vienna in March 1938 for Paris. Six years after Priester fled, the painting was seized by the Gestapo along with the rest of his collection, which he had started in the early 1920s. He never returned to Vienna, instead continuing his efforts to track down his collection from Mexico where he eventually settled in 1940.
In 1945, after the war, investigations took place to find the missing paintings, using international publicity to identify the missing paintings. After Priester's death the investigations were continued by his heirs and family and then by the CLAE. Anne Webber, co-chair of the CLAE, said that this story highlights "how difficult it is for those who have been dispossessed to find and recover their property."
After being sent to a dealer in New York in 1951 the painting changed hands several times before eventually ended up with a private owner in 2003. In 2010 the work was acquired by a gallery and last year when the painting came up for sale in New York under commission of a London art dealer, the CLAE made a claim on the painting, beginning the process of restitution.
Art Recovery International
Chris Marinello
Commission for Looted Art in Europe
Julius Priester
Previous articleNavigating the changing art world
Next articleInternational art sales on the up
Rebecca's passion for the visual arts started at a early age so studying a BA (Hons) in History & Philosophy of Art was a natural progression. A keen artist she has also completed a Fine Art Foundation to develop her own artistic practice. Rebecca has recently started writing features for Private Art Investor. Please feel free to contact Rebecca on +44 1737 245 564 or at rebecca@privateartinvestor.com if you are interested in arranging an interview.
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Bible Study by Anthony Crumley on November 8, 2018.
This entry was posted on Friday, November 16th, 2018 at 9:02 pmand is filed under Bible Study. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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Guardian Magazine
HomeSci-TechEuropean Space Agency warns over space junk we're heading for disaster
European Space Agency warns over space junk we're heading for disaster
Levels of space junk are close to a tipping point, the European Space Agency (ESA)'s top safety official has warned.
Earth's orbit is polluted by more than 34,000 man-made objects and there is no international regulation to force operators to retrieve their debris or abandoned devices.
Destroying objects in orbit is not an option as it would simply generate smaller debris.
The scale of the problem was illustrated in September when an ESA satellite had to dodge a small SpaceX Internet-providing craft.
Although such near-collisions have happened before, the urgency of the issue is underlined when considering the scale of the Starlink constellation imagined by Elon Musk, comprising some 12,000 satellites.
The ESA has recently commissioned the first space debris removal mission to Swiss startup, ClearSpace. The mission ClearSpace-1 is planned to operate in 2025 and will "hug" the unwanted VESPA satellite using four robotic arms and put it back in the atmosphere where it will disintegrate.
"Imagine how dangerous sailing the high seas would be if all the ships ever lost in history were still drifting on top of the water," said Jan Wörner, ESA director-general in a briefing about the mission. "That is the current situation in orbit, and it cannot be allowed to continue."
As for climate change, if nothing is done "we are heading for disaster" says Holger Krag, from the European Space Agency's Space Safety department, in charge of the space debris. Euronews had the opportunity to discuss the issue during the recent European Space Week in Helsinki.
"Space sustainability" is one of the key issues for the space community and had a dedicated session during the European Space Week plenary. The arrival of new players able to put into orbit dozens of tiny satellites -the size of a shoebox- doesn't help reducing space waste.
Space rule number one: there are no rules
People unfamiliar with space regulations might imagine that there's a sort of air traffic control up there. In fact, there is none. "ESA is not a regulator," says Krag. Nor is NASA.
"The space regulation from a legal point of view is that you have freedom. Every country has freedom to access space, almost unlimited freedom, and the actors in a country have the same freedom," he said.
"In other words, freedom only stops when you start influencing the freedom of another. So you cannot put up just a law or a rule. That's why I believe having an international regime like the one of air traffic won't happen anytime soon," says Krag.
Entering the 6th Global Extinction Stage: Insect populations suffering death by 1,000 cuts
NASA: The Number of Galaxies in the Universe is Much Less than Initially Thought
Beginning by hacking Tesla .. Is the world witnessing a global war for artificial intelligence?
Discovery of Inscriptions on Northern edge of the Amazon River depicts giant Ice Age creatures
Gold rises due to US stimulus expectations
Guardian App On Android
Drinking Coffee Daily may Protect Men from Prostate Cancer
Arches of Chaos: a Space Highway System Discovered in the Solar System
Crafted with by Guardianmag


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Q: QGIS Handle Bad Layers Window Size I'm using QGIS 2.18.9.
Using the Handle Bad Layers Window, I find that I can't change the window size or the size of the individual columns.  Sometimes I have a long path and/or file name and see only the first few characters in the relevant column.  I might have several layer files with the same first few characters and hence don't know what file to browse for.
Is there some way of enlarging the window and columns?
I have just discovered that if I double-click on the visible text in the Datasource column, the complete filename is displayed.


Nothing was further from my mind, when I discovered the "Release Drug" Relin, than the realization that it would lead me through as strange and ghastly and revealing a series of adventures as any man has ever experienced. I encountered it, in a way, as a mere by-product of my experiments; I am a chemist by profession, and as one of the staff of the Morganstern Foundation I have access to some of the best equipped laboratories in America. The startling new invention I must call it that, though I did not create it deliberately came to me in the course of my investigations into the obscure depths of the human personality.


1. Mochimaru Y, Azuma M, Oshima N, Ichijo Y, Satou K, Matsuda K, Asaoka Y, Nishina H, Nakakura T, Mogi C, Sato K, Okajima F, Tomura H. Extracellular acidification activates ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 and GPR4 homologs of zebra fish. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 457: 493-499.
2. Tobo A, Tobo M, Nakakura T, Ebara M, Tomura H, Mogi C, Im DS, Murata N, Kuwabara A, Ito S, Fukuda H, Arisawa M, Shuto S, Nakaya M, Kurose H, Sato K, Okajima F. Characterization of imidazopyridine compounds as negative allosteric modulators of proton-sensing GPR4 in extracellular acidification-induced responses. PLoS One 2015; 10: e0129334.
3. Ichijo Y, Mochimaru Y, Azuma M, Satou K, Negishi J, Nakakura T, Oshima N, Mogi C, Sato K, Matsuda K, Okajima F, Tomura H. Two zebrafish G2A homologs activate multiple intracellular signaling pathways in acidic environment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 469: 81-86.
4. Negishi J, Omori Y, Shindo M, Takanashi H, Musha S, Nagayama S, Hirayama J, Nishina H, T. N, Mogi C, Sato K, Okajima F, Mochimaru Y, Tomura H. Manganese and cobalt activate zebrafish ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 but not GPR4. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2017; 37: 401-408.
5. Satou K, Mochimaru Y, Nakakura T, Kusada T, Negishi J, Musha S, Yoshimura N, Kato Y, Tomura H. Easy detection of hormone secretion from LbetaT2 cells by using Gaussia luciferase. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63: 199-204.
6. Mochimaru Y, Negishi J, Murakami S, Musha S, Sato K, Okajima F, Tomura H. Metals Differentially Activate Ovarian Cancer G Protein-Coupled Receptor 1 in Various Species. Zoolog Sci. 2018; 35:109-114.
1. Mochimaru Y, Oshima N, Nakakura T, Mogi C, Sato K, Okajima F, Tomura H. Characterization of OGR1 and GPR4 homologues in zebrafish genome. The 39th JSCE and 8th ISAREN合同大会, 岡崎カンファレンスセンター, 2014.11.7-9.
2. Mochimaru Y, Satou K, Shindo M, Kato Y, Tomura H. Analysis of LβT2 cell responses through ovarian cancer G-protein coupled receptor 1. CompBiol 2015広島大会, 広島・JMSアステールプラザ, 2015.12.11-13.
3. Negishi J, Omori Y, Takanashi H, Kusada T, Tomura H. Metals activate ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 of zebrafish. CompBiol 2015広島大会, 広島・JMSアステールプラザ, 2015.12.11-13.
4. Mochimaru Y, Azuma M, Negishi J, Tomura H. Proton activates OGR1, GPR4 and G2A homologs of zebrafish. International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR2016), San Francisco, 2016.6.22-25.
5. Mochimaru Y, Azuma M, Negishi J, Tomura H. Proton activates OGR1, GPR4 and G2A homologs of zebrafish. International Symposium on Pituitary Gland and Related Systems (ISPGRS 2016), Honolulu, Hawaii, 2016.9.1-5.
6. Negishi J, Omori Y, Nagayama S, Tomura H. Effect of metal ions on the activation of zebrafish ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1. International Symposium on Pituitary Gland and Related Systems (ISPGRS 2016), Honolulu, Hawaii, 2016.9.1-5.
7. Negishi J, Musha S, Nagayama S, Tomura H. Effect of metals on the activation of zebrafish ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 and GPR4. The 4th World Congress of Reproductive Biology 2017 (WCRB 2017), Okinawa Convention Center, Okinawa, 2017.9.27-29.
8. Mochimaru Y, Murakami S, Yoshimura N, Tomura H. Metal ions may modulate proton induced OGR1 activation. The 4th World Congress of Reproductive Biology 2017 (WCRB 2017), Okinawa Convention Center, Okinawa, 2017.9.27-29.
1. 佐藤一裕, 一條裕太, 高橋邑和, 立石裕貴, 草田智之, 根岸潤, 佐藤聡恵, 加藤幸雄, 戸村秀明. LβT2細胞におけるGnRHに対するシグナル活性化様式の解析. 第29回日本下垂体研究会学術集会, 八王子セミナーハウス, 2014.8.8-10.
2. 小金井健登, 持丸雄太, 大嶋菜月, 戸村秀明.ゼブラフィッシュOGR1ファミリーのシグナリング解析. 第29回日本下垂体研究会, 八王子セミナーハウス, 2014.8.8-10.
3. 佐藤一裕, 加藤幸雄, 戸村秀明. LβT2細胞におけるGnRHに対するシグナル活性化パターンの解析. 第107回日本繁殖生物学会, 帯広畜産大学, 2014.8.20-23.
4. 一條祐太, 戸村秀明. ゼブラフィッシュG2Aの機能解析. 第87回日本生化学会大会, 京都国際会議場, 2014.10.15-17.
5. 佐藤一裕, 加藤幸雄, 戸村秀明. LβT2細胞における性腺刺激ホルモン放出ホルモンに対するシグナル応答解析. 第87回日本生化学会大会, 京都国際会議場, 2014.10.15-17.
6. 大嶋菜月, 持丸雄太, 戸村秀明. ゼブラフィッシュGPR4, OGR1の分子的特徴. 第87回日本生化学会大会, 京都国際会議場, 2014.10.15-17.
9. 佐藤一裕, 根岸潤, 中倉敬, 草田智之, 加藤幸雄, 戸村秀明. ガウシアルシフェラーゼを利用した高感度ホルモン分泌アッセイ系の構築の試み. 第108回日本繁殖生物学会, 宮崎大学, 2015.9.17-20.
10. 持丸雄太, 新堂真実, 西田真実, 金子諒, 加藤幸雄, 戸村秀明. プロトン刺激による性腺刺激ホルモン産生細胞株の応答解析. 第108回日本繁殖生物学会, 宮崎大学, 2015.9.17-20.
11. 持丸雄太, 根岸潤, 大森由花, 高梨颯, 武者詩織, 戸村秀明. 生物種間における金属イオンによるOGR1活性化の比較. 第109回日本繁殖生物学会大会, 相模原・麻布大学, 2016.9.11-15.
12. 高梨颯, 根岸潤, 大森由花, 武者詩織, 永山純礼, 戸村秀明. ゼブラフィッシュOGR1は金属イオンにより活性化される. 第39回日本分子生物学会年会, 横浜パシフィコ横浜, 2016.11.30-12-2.
17. 武者詩織、根岸潤、永山純礼、持丸雄太、戸村秀明 金属イオンによるOGR1, GPR4を介した応答解析 2017年度生命科学系学会合同年次大会(ConBio2017), 神戸ポートアイランド, 2017.12.6-9.
18. 村上奨、持丸雄太、東野瑚子、吉村名央、戸村秀明 金属イオンによるOGR1活性化の差を生む部位の探索 2017年度生命科学系学会合同年次大会(ConBio2017), 神戸ポートアイランド, 2017.12.6-9.


text:
EU's Barnier says it's hard to see Brexit solution
By Reuters Share
By Kylie MacLellan and Thomas Escritt
The European Union's Brexit negotiator yesterday said it was difficult to see a way to break the Brexit impasse as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's demand to drop an insurance policy for the Irish border was unacceptable.
More than three years after the United Kingdom voted by 52%-48% in a referendum to leave the European Union, the future of Brexit remains uncertain, with options ranging from a turbulent no-deal exit to abandoning the entire endeavour.
Hopes of a deal to ease the transition were stoked when Johnson said the shape of an accord was emerging and European Commission President Juncker said an agreement was possible.
But EU negotiator Michel Barnier cast doubt on the likelihood of a deal and reaffirmed that the bloc could not agree to London's demand to remove the Irish "backstop", a policy to prevent a return of border controls on the island of Ireland - without a serious alternative.
"I am sure you understand this is unacceptable," Mr Barnier said during a news conference in Berlin alongside German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
EU sources said no proper alternative for the border between Northern Ireland, a British province, and Ireland that ensures the integrity of the EU single market and customs union has been proposed yet by London, so no breakthrough is on the cards.
In a quip about British talk of virtual checks on the border, Mr Barnier said: "I don't know how to inspect a cow with virtual methods."
"Based on current UK thinking, it is difficult to see how we can arrive at a legally operative solution which fulfils all the objectives of the backstop. It is in a very sensitive and difficult phase," he said.
Mr Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the EU by the current deadline of October 31, with or without a transition deal.
With the outcome of the marathon Brexit process still mired in doubt, the United Kingdom Supreme Court will rule today whether Mr Johnson's August 28 decision to suspend parliament was unlawful.
BREXIT IN PLAY?
If its 11 justices rule against the government today Mr Johnson could be forced to recall parliament - a step that widens the scope for lawmakers to block his "do-or-die" Brexit plans, which they fear could see Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal.
The opposition Labour Party will vote to decide its strategy on Monday, leader Jeremy Corbyn heading for a showdown with the widely pro-EU party membership over whether Labour should endorse a policy of remaining in the bloc.
Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution. Unless the Irish border backstop is removed or amended, Johnson will not be able to win parliamentary approval - but Ireland and the EU are loath to sign a deal without a solution to the frontier.
Mr Johnson has said he wants to secure an amended deal at an EU summit on October 17-18, and that "a large number of the important players", including Britain, Germany, France and Ireland, are keen to reach an agreement.
But he says that means a removal of the backstop, which aims to avoid the reimposition of checks along what would be the sole British land border with the EU by having London follow EU rules on trade, state aid, labour and environmental standards.
He said it was important the United Kingdom "whole and entire" was able to break away from EU law in future.
"The problem with ... the current backstop is that it would prevent the UK from diverging over a huge range of industrial standards and others," he said.
"We may want to regulate differently but clearly there is also a strong incentive to keep goods moving fluidly, and we think we can do both."
An EU diplomat said on Monday that Johnson's government was sticking to a counter-productive approach imposing "its own, self-made problems on us and demand(ing) that we fix them.
"...Why would we bend our rules for a country that is leaving? Why put ourselves at risk for a third country? Why help smooth their departure at our own cost?" the diplomat said.
Post-Brexit deal on Gib allows 'convergence based on respect', Laya tells Spanish Parliament
Framework agreement is 'imperfect compromise' that opens door to 'safe, beneficial' treaty, CM tells Lords
Lord Darroch: UK-US trade deal in Biden's first term would be 'a stretch'
Opposition quizzes CM on 'serious concerns' over framework agreement, hopes for 'safe and beneficial' deal


text:
Art expo heads for the virtual world
Eye-catching. . . Alma Crosswell, of Rangiora, right, with Di Gillanders, of Rangiora centre, and Valerie McClatchy, of Rangiora, observing Rangiora artist Ryan Oliver's oil painting Angelina, during last year's Kaiapoi Art Expo which was held in the Riverview Lounge at the Kaiapoi Club. PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP
By SHELLEY TOPP
A virtual Kaiapoi Art Expo has been established to replace this year's annual event, which was cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The virtual art exhibition was created by Martyn Cook, business manager of the Kaiapoi Promotion Association.
Martyn's idea for the virtual exhibition came about during a collaboration with Waimakariri Arts Trust deputy chairwoman Jackie Watson.
The virtual Art Expo went public last Monday and is accessible through the Waimak App, in the Expo section on the home screen.
Visitors will be able to browse and purchase the artworks. Users will also be able to vote for their favourite art work in the popular Public Choice Award. Jackie says she hopes people will support the virtual expo idea and help the artists involved.
"The thousands that turn up to the Kaiapoi Art Expo every year spend over $30,000 buying local art, so the cancellation of the 2020 Expo will have obviously impacted on many artists' incomes, as will the many other art events and outlets, such as galleries, that have been cancelled or closed during this lockdown,
This year's expo was to have been held on July 11 and 12.
"Kaiapoi will certainly be a lot quieter in July with the loss of not only the expo but also Blackwells' Fire and Ice Festival, which is held at the same time," she says.
However, All Together Kaiapoi's lantern festival, Lighting Up Kaiapoi, which is also traditionally held at this time of year, will still go ahead as it is not compromised by any Covid-19 restrictions.
The dates for next year's Kaiapoi Expo are July 17 and 18.Sports brands
Previous articleAn eye-catching bit of mantis magic
Next articleChristopher hits the right note


Carmelita Giacoletti Obituary - Frist Funeral Home, Inc.
Carmelita Giacoletti, 93, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 12:10 pm at the Vermillion Convalescent Center.
She was born October 31, 1925, to Stanley Ball and Velma Wilson Ball. On November 1, 1945, she married Jave J. Giacoletti.
Carmelita worked at the Vermillion County Hospital in the Medical Records Department, and later went to A P & S Clinic in Terre Haute as a receptionist in Pediatrics. While working for Drs. Conway, Scully, and West, they encouraged her to return to school and get her nursing license. She was a graduate of the Vigo County Adult Education program and received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 1970. After working in Pediatrics for a while, she transferred to Orthopedics and became the nurse for Dr. Harold Rosene. Later she worked for Drs. Kable, Topping, and Rosene, and retired from Orthopedic Surgery of Terre Haute in 1982. After her husband's death in 1990, she returned to nursing at Vermillion Convalescent Center in Clinton. She retired from VCC at the age of 84, in 2010.
Carmelita was very active in the community. She was the Past Matron of the Jerusalem Chapter, Order of Eastern Star in Clinton and served as the District #8 Deputy and Past President of the District #8 Association. She was also Grand Guardian of the International Order of Job's Daughters for the State of Indiana in 1988-89. Carmelita also was a member and Past Oracle for Royal Neighbors of America, Blanford Camp.
Carmelita loved to sing and she belonged to Sweet Adelines Group in Terre Haute, First Christian Church choir, and was one of the original Italian Singers when the Little Italy Festival began. The Little Italy Festival was her favorite time of year, and in 1995 she was the Regina of the Festival.
Her whole life she lived the scripture, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart". During her life she attended State Line Christian Church, First Christian Church of Clinton, Bono United Methodist Church , and was a member of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church.
Carmelita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother Chester Ball.
She is survived by her children, Joe and Diane Giacoletti of Indianapolis and Velann and Jack Dorfmeyer of Clinton; her grandchildren, Katie and Kent Ferrari of Clinton, and Carlye and Cole Mathas of Montezuma; and her 4 great-grandchildren, Luke and Landry Ferrari and Jackson and Graham Mathas.
She is also survived by a niece, Kim Anderson and nephews, Chuck Sasso and Jim Ball.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 4 to 8 pm at Frist Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 2 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Duke and Rev. Charlie Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in North Terre Haute.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clinton Central School PTO in memory of Carmelita.
I am so very sorry for your loss. One thing she's in such a better place now and no more suffering. She was such a wonderful person. Always smiling. I'm sure she will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of you.
My thought and prayers. Carm was a special lady to me.
Such great memories. I am grateful to have known such a successful woman.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
What a blessing to have Carmelita as your mom. It was alway a joy to see her our last memory was on your pontoon boat at Racoon Lake.. Peace be with you all during this sad time.
Sorry to hear of your loss. What a gracious, caring person. Absolutely certain she is greeted with, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
Carmelita was the most wonderful lady. Always so kind and warm. Though we were friends OF the family, she always treated me like I WAS family. She will be missed. Condolences to the whole family for this loss.
To the Giacoletti Family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carmelita was a sweet and caring person, always had a smile-what a wonderful legacy she has left for you.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Carm's family. I was very honored to be one of the young ladies who traveled with Carm when she worked with Job's Daughters. I have many wonderful memories of her. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She was always a happy person and would spread sunshine to everyone she would meet. She loved her family and couldn't wait to share with others about her granddaughters and great grand children. I will always remember: "Put a song in your heart. Those who sing will praise twice and bless others. Carm was a truly blessing through her singing and her love for life. She will truly be missed.
We were so saddened by the passing of your mother. John and I have always enjoyed being with her in the Italian Singers. What a wonderful and caring person who was always joyful and so pretty in her Italian clothing. We are sorry that we will not be able to come to the visitation, but offering prayers for your family! May the wonderful memories fade the sadness as time passes!
So sorry for your loss. Carmelita was a great lady and true Christian. It was a pleasure to know her and visit with her. She is singing with the Saints, oh what a happy time that must be. God Bless you all during this time.
My husband, Danny and I knew he thru Job's Daughters. We always enjoyed being able to visit with her. She was such a wonderful person and will be missed by many people.
Carmelita was such a lovely lady, inside and out. She always had a positive attitude and great personality. Her special legacy lives on in her lovely family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.


All hotel/studio rooms are lake facing and offer an outdoor balcony (first floor) or patio (if on the ground floor).
Room size is approximately 30 square metres.
The hotel/studio room is also the second room of the two bedroom apartment self-contained style room, via an interconnecting door.
If the hotel/studio doesn't meet your needs, check out our one-bedroom suite or two bedroom apartments.


In Kimberley he supervised the working of his brother's claim and speculated on his behalf. Among his associates in the early days were John X Merriman and Charles D. Rudd, of the infamous Rudd Concession, who later became his partner in the De Beers Mining Company and the British South Africa Company. In 1872 Rhodes suffered a slight heart attack.
Poverty. Diamond miners who work in small-scale mining panning or digging for diamonds produce about 15% of the world's diamonds. But their wages do not reflect the value of their work. An estimated one million diamond diggers in Africa earn less than a dollar a day. This unlivable wage is below the extreme poverty line.
Mining while The perils of Marikana. Women miners in South Africa say they are often subjected to sexual harassment and worse while on the job.
May 06, 2017foreign mining companies in south africa FOREIGN COMPANIES AND BEE Bowmans bowmanslaw. The general principle is that foreign companies doing business in South Africa either through a registered branch office or through a subsidiary would be subject to BEE legislative and regulatory requirements.
efforts to address occupational health and safety to the broader social agenda for Occupational health and safety in mining—status, new developments and concerns Province. Mining also has a multiplier effect on the rest of the of the number of work-related fatalities in South Africa.


Sexual-minority youth have higher depressive symptoms at age 10 and an increased likelihood of self-harm in adolescence and young adulthood.
HealthDay News — Sexual-minority youth have higher depressive symptoms at age 10 and an increased likelihood of self-harm in adolescence and young adulthood, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
Madeleine Irish, from King's College London, and colleagues compared trajectories of depressive symptoms in 4,828 sexual-minority and heterosexual adolescents who reported their sexual orientation when aged 16 years. When the adolescents were aged 10 to 21 years, the authors assessed depressive symptoms at seven time points using the short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (sMFQ).
"The fact we found mental health disparities at such a young age suggests that early interventions may be useful to prevent and treat such mental health challenges," a coauthor said in a statement.


text:
Resident objects to town's fireworks donation
John David Corey says July 4th pyrotechnics conflict with town's green initiative
William Kelly
wkelly@pbdailynews.com
A member of the Architectural Commission has raised objections to a request by West Palm Beach for a $12,000 donation toward the cost of this year's July 4 fireworks display, saying it conflicts with the town's "green initiative."
Town Manager Kirk Blouin is recommending the Palm Beach Town Council approve the co-sponsorship request, which is on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting. The town has donated to the 4th on Flagler event in the past, including last year.
>> RELATED: See pictures from last year's stormy fireworks display
"Since many Palm Beach residents enjoy the Fourth on Flagler fireworks, we believe town sponsorship is fair, provides and public benefit, and is good intergovernmental relations," Blouin said in a memo to Mayor Gail Coniglio and council members.
But in an email to Coniglio and council members, John David Corey questioned the wisdom of spending $12,000 on the display, and suggested it's at odds with the town's "green initiative," its push to embrace more environmentally friendly practices. He's asking the council to discuss the funding request, which would require pulling it from the "consent" portion of the agenda, where it would normally be approved without discussion.
"With our green initiative, we may also want to think about the toxic nature of fireworks that cause air, water and noise pollution," Corey said.
He attached a chart of 16 "potential toxic elements found in fireworks that depending on the wind can blow right over Palm Beach." The chart is complete with the "toxic effect of fallout dust and fumes" he said are associated with each chemical.
Kathleen Walker, West Palm Beach's communications director, responded to Corey's environmental concerns with a written statement from Pyrotecnico, the special effects and fireworks display company that handles the city's 4th on Flagler event.
"Pyrotecnico has produced safe displays for the past decade in West Palm Beach without incident," Chris Liberatore, the firm's vice president of sales, said in the statement. "Pyrotechnicians who are exposed to materials/chemicals in raw powder form, as well as during the course of employment putting on shows, have never experienced adverse health conditions."
Corey is a member of the Architectural Commission and founder of Palm Beach Walks pedestrian advocacy group. He said Friday the city's co-sponsorship also presents a funding issue. He has in the past asked the council to repaint crosswalks to make them safer and been told the funds weren't available.
"I could think of 10 crosswalks that could be repainted for $12,000," he said.
Walker said the 4th on Flagler display costs West Palm $75,000. In addition to the town of Palm Beach, sponsors include AT&T, Discover the Palm Beaches, WPBF Channel 25, Marriott Hotels and the Palm Beach Post.
This summer will mark the 31st anniversary of the event, which has become the largest 4th of July fireworks celebration in Palm Beach County, said Cinde Martin, marketing consultant for the city. The event is free to the public.
This year, like last, the city is undertaking a 60-day Summer in Paradise Campaign beginning June 6 including trolley and bike tours with stops in Palm Beach, Martin said.
The Town Council meeting at Town Hall begins at 9:30 a.m.


The most intense, rip-roaringest hunt ever! Even though the moon was almost full and daytime temps were in the 80s, we were chasing bugling bulls all week. In fact, EVERY DAY I experienced more run-and-gun action than in all seven of my previous elk hunts COMBINED! I almost needed a defibrillator to control my thumping heart.
The guides (all very experienced bowhunters who'd have been hunting had they drawn a tag) were great, the other hunters were fun to have in camp, and I learned a lot. It was like attending an "Elk University."
For those of you on the "meat list," sorry to let you down, but I didn't want to stop the fun by tagging out too soon. I passed on a young 6x6 (approx. 300", which is still plenty big, and I got the whole thing on video) opening morning at 40 yards broadside, then later a raghorn at 20 yards, a spike at 10 yards, and then muffed an opportunity at another 6x6 on literally the final hour (#%^@!! branch was blocking the vitals!). On several occasions I had opportunities at larger bulls, but Murphy interfered like only Murphy can. Once a 350# black bear walked right into the middle of the action just as several bulls were closing in. Another 340" bull was saved by brush blocking his vitals.
Waxing moon and daytime temps in the 80s, which was unusual. Even so, the bugling action was fantastic, so I can only imagine how it would've been had the weather been normal.


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RE/MAX of Boulder Community Portal
Spend this Valentine's Day with a "Qualify-ed" New Love Interest
Photo courtesy of Qualify
Valentine's Day is perhaps the most love-to-hate holiday of all time. For the last month, you have been accosted by pink fluffy bears and heart-shaped chocolate on your weekly grocery-store trip. V-Day is still a week away, and you're already sick of it.
Maybe that's because you and your partner find it contrived — but more likely it's because you are single, and have been doing the heart-shaped holiday all wrong.
Enter Qualify, the brand new dating app debuted by University of Colorado Boulder senior Sean Chenoweth along with co-founders and fellow CU-Boulder students Keenan Olsen and Jack Elder, and Chief Technology Officer Christian Tucker who is a full-stack coder and SEO specialist.
Before you discount Qualify as another Tinder or Bumble — think again.
"The dating apps I was using were not working. After a series of awkward dates that were bad for both my date and for myself because we had nothing in common, I thought, if only I could qualify my matches," Chenoweth says. "Tinder is based on the way someone looks and Match.com has a lengthy profiling process with questions developed by Match. Why not create a dating app in between both of those where I could ask my own questions of prospective dates, and even gamify it to make it fun?"
With the help of dedicated friends, and with superb mentorship and funds from Catalyze CU, the startup accelerator program at CU-Boulder, Chenoweth has done just that.
What separates Qualify from the rest of the dating apps out there is the user-generated aspect and that it is only available for college students with a valid .edu email address. The model of the app works like this:
After downloading the app, you see a name and the blurred photo of a potential date. You come up with three questions and answers, and as the other person answers your questions correctly, the photo un-blurs. Your potential partner is then able to quiz you with three questions of their own. Answer only one correctly, and you are able to start a conversation with your prospective new date.
The revolutionary dating app has been propelled into the spotlight ever since it won Boulder Chamber's 2016 Esprit Venture Challenge, a contest between three top early-stage startups who pitch their companies during the event to the audience of over 300 attendees who vote on the winning company. Awarded a prize of $10,000, Chenoweth says this incredible funding has enabled them to develop an Android version of the app in addition to the Apple version of the app, which is already available on the App Store. According to the co-founders, one out of three college students have Android phones and their primary goal is to get more users, so the Esprit Venture Challenge funding came at a crucial time. They have also worked with Boulder-based public relations firm Metzger Albee to promote their app, which they say has been invaluable.
Qualify co-founders presented with their prize as Boulder Chamber's Esprit Venture Challenge winners
Keenan remarks, "Winning the Challenge has given us so much exposure, and the Boulder startup community has been tremendously supportive. For example, local accelerator Boomtown invited us to pitch at their Demo Day. It's wonderful to be part of Boulder's community, in the middle of Boulder's amazing startup ecosystem."
Originally beta tested at CU-Boulder where it was rolled out to 1,500 students, Qualify generated over 2,000 quiz takes per week, an impressive number which stunned everyone. Currently, Qualify is only available to universities in Colorado, but Chenoweth and his team plan to release it nationwide in the near future, and even have their sights set on possible international markets. Chenoweth is graduating this spring and plans to pursue a career at Qualify to make it into a mainstream dating app.
And it's not only college students who should be excited about the app. Qualify will be reaching out to businesses because they will be able to add their branding to sponsored quizzes, for example, and could potentially offer giveaways such as free drinks or discounts to users.
"We see Qualify being at every university in the U.S. and becoming 'The' definitive college dating app. We're even looking at test markets for the possibility of a longer-term roll out to countries outside of the U.S.," Chenoweth says. "As to expanding the demographic to other age groups, the answer is no. We will stay with college students as our market."
To celebrate their ingenious app, and to spread the love on Valentine's Day, Qualify will be part of a special V-day event, "License to Love," hosted by License No. 1 Bar in the iconic Hotel Boulderado — and the bash is designed to get singles mingling. The deal is buy one get one free drink, but only if you give that second drink to someone sweet you have been wanting to talk to all night.
The bash starts at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 14 at License No. 1 bar with no cover, DJ, and all-night drink specials. You might just find that all of the fluffy pink decor is a little less horrifying when you have someone to share it with.
Learn more at http://qualify.buzz/ or download it from the App Store.
About the Co-Founders of Qualify:
Sean Chenoweth: Sean co-founded Qualify in 2015 while enrolled at the University of Colorado. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership led Qualify into the University's program for student-led start-ups, where they received the CU-New Venture Challenge Rising Star Award. From this success, Qualify was accepted into Catalyze CU, a start-up accelerator for college students, and in the fall of 2016 his team won the Boulder Chamber of Commerce Esprit Challenge.
Keenan Olsen: Keenan grew up just outside of Boulder and is currently a senior at the University of Colorado studying economics. In his time at the University, Keenan met his co-founder Sean as roommates. Both were members of the CU Gold leadership program in fall 2016 and also founded the Internet Marketing Club with Jack Elder in 2015. Keenan continues to help build the Qualify app and recruits new employees.
Jack Elder: Jack grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is currently a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder. Jack is passionate about biology, the outdoors and can work magic with a camera (follow him at @thtgoodsht). He will graduate with a double major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Molecular and Cellular Developmental Biology. Jack was childhood friends with Sean and he helps lead digital production and marketing for the team.
Christian Tucker: Christian developed his passion for coding at a young age, when he began programming and building computers the age of eight. He was approached to help develop Qualify in 2015 while he was teaching programming theory out of his home in Alvin, TX. Christian made the trip to Colorado to help start the app and was able to code Qualify himself. He is the CTO of Qualify and loves to use his skills as a full stack engineer and SEO specialist to develop for others.
Boulder Arts Week
by Micali DePinto
This Week! NYC Violinist Zack Brock and Triptych – Jazz at the Dairy
Eight Colorado Players Have Make-or-Break Weekend at the NFL Combine
Weekly Event Update! August 19th - August 26th
ZEE JFL at Boulder Presents World-Class Authors...
Bon Voyage to Summer - Weekly Event Update!
TEDxBoulder Tapings
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Virtual & In-Person Tour of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism Exhibit at Denver Art Museum
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text:
Richard Meier Accused of Sexual Harassment by 5 Women; Temporarily Steps Down from Firm
By David Shankbone - David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Link
Written by AD Editorial Team
https://www.archdaily.com/890682/richard-meier-accused-of-sexual-harassment-by-5-women-temporarily-steps-down-from-firm
The New York Times has detailed accusations of sexual harassment made by five women against architect Richard Meier. The allegations have been made by four women who have worked with Mr. Meier, including two women describing incidents which have occurred over the last ten years. A fifth woman, who did not work at the firm, details an incident with Mr. Meier in the 1980s.
In response to the allegations put to Mr. Meier by the New York Times, the 83-year-old architect has said he will take a six-month leave of absence from his firm, and issued the following statement:"I am deeply troubled and embarrassed by the accounts of several women who were offended by my words and actions. While our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior."
The full article by The New York Times, providing detailed accounts of each of the incidents, can be read here.
NewsArchitecture NewsRichard Meier & PartnersNew York TimesRichard MeierWomen Architects
Cite: AD Editorial Team. "Richard Meier Accused of Sexual Harassment by 5 Women; Temporarily Steps Down from Firm" 13 Mar 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/890682/richard-meier-accused-of-sexual-harassment-by-5-women-temporarily-steps-down-from-firm> ISSN 0719-8884
理查德·迈耶被五名女性指控性骚扰,目前将离职六个月


Sleep is something we all need, from fish to mammals to birds. It helps our body and organs regenerate. When sleep doesn't come easily, your health can be affected. This information has been gathered to help you.
TIP! If you have insomnia constantly, check out the clocks you use. Sleep experts say that you don't notice clocks as you're attempting to sleep, but they are a huge distraction.
Incorporate physical exercise into your lifestyle. Those that have a stationary job experience insomnia more often than those that are manual laborers. You need a tired body to be able to rest. Try walking for one or two miles when you return home after work.
Try aromatherapy. Find a few plugins with nice scents and use them in your bedroom. This can help relieve stress and help you beat your insomnia. If you opt for something like lavender, sleep may be easier to get.
TIP! To mitigate your insomnia, purchase a firmer mattress. You may not get enough support from a soft mattress.
Trypophan, found in many foods, can make you drowsy. You are far more likely to get to sleep with speed and ease if your last foods prior to bedtime include foods featuring tryptophan. Foods like eggs, turkey, cashews, cottage cheese and hot or warm milk all contain tryptophan. It is important to only drink milk that is warm or hot, cold milk does not work.
Just sleep and dress in your bedroom — nothing else! If you work there or get into arguments with your partner there, your brain will start to make the association. If that's a place where you only sleep, your brain will learn that quickly.
TIP! If you have tried everything to get to sleep and all has failed, you may be ready to try a prescription sleep medication. Visit your family doctor and discuss which of the many sleep aids available is the right one for you.
Reduce the stress and anxiety at night before attempting to go to bed. Try different relaxing techniques to help you fall asleep. It is crucial to getting quality sleep that your mind and body are relaxed. Incorporate techniques such as meditation, imagery and deep breathing exercises.
Try to adjusting when you wake up in the morning if you're having trouble sleeping. Move that time up by about half an hour. You should be more tired in the evenings, leading to better sleep. After your body gets used to your preferred bedtime, you may be able to go back to waking up at your regular time in the mornings.
TIP! If you are having trouble getting to sleep every night, try getting some sun during the day. When you go to have some lunch go outside and allow the sun to shine on you.
Before taking sleeping medication, read about their side effects. Always make sure you speak with a doctor before taking a sleep medication for an extended period of time. Additionally, do your own research about the possible dangers and side effects.
What's going on with your bed? It is important to sleep in a comfortable bed. A mattress that lacks firmness may lead to back aches, which then make it even more difficult to sleep soundly. Remember that about a third of your life is spent sleeping, so your bed should be comfortable.
TIP! Keep your bedroom both dark and quiet. Any type of light can prevent you from getting the rest you need.
Put your anxieties down on paper. Obsessing over the stresses of your life can really mess up your sleep. Instead, jot down your problems earlier in the day and figure out ways you can fix them. That plan will help you feel better and allow you to sleep.
Avoid the consumption of fluids for about three hours prior to going to bed. If you drink liquids before bedtime, you will need to get up during the night. If you are getting up hourly to use the toilet, you are not going to achieve a good night's sleep. Drink fluids for the beginning half of your day and try avoiding them around bedtime.
TIP! The clock can be an annoyance when you can't sleep. Thinking about all the sleep you are missing can simply cause you to get even less sleep.
These expert tips have been known to help others who also have your issue. Previous insomniacs have used the tips within this article to defeat their suffering and find sleep again. Do what you can to get more restful sleep today.


text:
Poienița Voinii este un sat în comuna Bunila din județul Hunedoara, Transilvania, România.

Personalități
 Drăgan Muntean (n. 18 aprilie 1955 – d. 20 aprilie 2002), cunoscut solist vocal de folclor muzical românesc din Ardeal.

Vezi și
Biserica de lemn din Poienița Voinii

Imagini

Poienița Voinii, Bunila

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Automobile Renting Occupation and Use Tax Act".
Sec. 2. Definitions. "Renting" means any transfer of the possession or right to possession of an automobile to a user for a valuable consideration for a period of one year or less.
"Renting" does not include making a charge for the use of an automobile where the rentor, either himself or through an agent, furnishes a service of operating an automobile so that the rentor remains in possession of the automobile, because this does not constitute a transfer of possession or right to possession of the automobile.
"Renting" does not include the making of a charge by an automobile dealer for the use of an automobile as a demonstrator in connection with the dealer's business of selling, where the charge is merely made to recover the costs of operating the automobile as a demonstrator and is not intended as a rental or leasing charge in the ordinary sense.
"Automobile" means (1) any motor vehicle of the first division, or (2) a motor vehicle of the second division which: (A) is a self-contained motor vehicle designed or permanently converted to provide living quarters for recreational, camping or travel use, with direct walk through access to the living quarters from the driver's seat; (B) is of the van configuration designed for the transportation of not less than 7 nor more than 16 passengers, as defined in Section 1-146 of the Illinois Vehicle Code; or (C) has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, as defined in Section 1-124.5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, of 8,000 pounds or less.
"Person" means any natural individual, firm, partnership, association, joint stock company, joint adventure, public or private corporation, limited liability company, or a receiver, executor, trustee, conservator or other representative appointed by order of any court.
"Rentor" means any person, firm, corporation or association engaged in the business of renting or leasing automobiles to users. For this purpose, the objective of making a profit is not necessary to make the renting activity a business.
"Rentee" means any user to whom the possession, or the right to possession, of an automobile is transferred for a valuable consideration for a period of one year or less, whether paid for by the "rentee" or by someone else.
"Gross receipts" from the renting of tangible personal property or "rent" means the total rental price or leasing price. In the case of rental transactions in which the consideration is paid to the rentor on an installment basis, the amounts of such payments shall be included by the rentor in gross receipts or rent only as and when payments are received by the rentor.
"Gross receipts" does not include receipts received by an automobile dealer from a manufacturer or service contract provider for the use of an automobile by a person while that person's automobile is being repaired by that automobile dealer and the repair is made pursuant to a manufacturer's warranty or a service contract where a manufacturer or service contract provider reimburses that automobile dealer pursuant to a manufacturer's warranty or a service contract and the reimbursement is merely made to recover the costs of operating the automobile as a loaner vehicle.
"Rental price" means the consideration for renting or leasing an automobile valued in money, whether received in money or otherwise, including cash credits, property and services, and shall be determined without any deduction on account of the cost of the property rented, the cost of materials used, labor or service cost, or any other expense whatsoever, but does not include charges that are added by a rentor on account of the rentor's tax liability under this Act or on account of the rentor's duty to collect, from the rentee, the tax that is imposed by Section 4 of this Act. The phrase "rental price" does not include compensation paid to a rentor by a rentee in consideration of the waiver by the rentor of any right of action or claim against the rentee for loss or damage to the automobile rented and also does not include a separately stated charge for insurance or recovery of refueling costs or other separately stated charges that are not for the use of tangible personal property.
Sec. 3. A tax is imposed upon persons engaged in this State in the business of renting automobiles in Illinois at the rate of 5% of the gross receipts received from such business. The tax herein imposed does not apply to the renting of automobiles to any governmental body, nor to any corporation, society, association, foundation or institution organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious or educational purposes, nor to any not for profit corporation, society, association, foundation, institution or organization which has no compensated officers or employees and which is organized and operated primarily for the recreation of persons 55 years of age or older. Every person engaged in this State in the business of renting automobiles shall apply to the Department (upon a form prescribed and furnished by the Department) for a certificate of registration under this Act. The certificate of registration which is issued by the Department to a retailer under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act shall permit such rentor to engage in a business which is taxable under this Section without registering separately with the Department.
Sec. 4. A tax is imposed upon the privilege of using, in this State, an automobile which is rented from a rentor. Such tax is at the rate of 4% of the rental price of such automobile prior to July 1, 1985 and at the rate of 5% of the rental price of such automobile on and after July 1, 1985 paid to the rentor under any rental agreement. The tax herein imposed shall not apply to any governmental body, nor to any corporation, society, association, foundation or institution, organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious or educational purposes, nor to any not for profit corporation, society, association, foundation, institution or organization which has no compensated officers or employees and which is organized and operated primarily for the recreation of persons 55 years of age or older, when using tangible personal property as a rentee.
The tax hereby imposed shall be collected from the rentee by a rentor maintaining a place of business in this State and remitted to the Department.
The tax hereby imposed and not paid to a rentor pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Section shall be paid to the Department directly by any person using such automobile within this State.
Rentors shall collect the tax from rentees by adding the tax to the rental price of the automobile, when rented for use, in the manner prescribed by the Department. The Department shall have the power to adopt and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the adding of such tax by rentors to rental prices by prescribing bracket systems for the purpose of enabling such rentors to add and collect, as far as practicable, the amount of such tax.
The tax imposed by this Section shall, when collected, be stated as a distinct item separate and apart from the rental price of the automobile.
The Department shall have full power to administer and enforce this Section; to collect all taxes, penalties and interest due hereunder; to dispose of taxes, penalties and interest so collected in the manner hereinafter provided, and to determine all rights to credit memoranda or refunds arising on account of the erroneous payment of tax, penalty or interest hereunder. In the administration of, and compliance with, this Section, the Department and persons who are subject to this Section shall have the same rights, remedies, privileges, immunities, powers and duties, and be subject to the same conditions, restrictions, limitations, penalties and definitions of terms, and employ the same modes of procedure, as are prescribed in Sections 2, 3 through 3-80, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 (except provisions relating to transaction returns, electronic filing of returns, and quarter monthly payments), 10, 11, 12, 12a, 12b, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the Use Tax Act, and are not inconsistent with this Section, as fully as if those provisions were set forth herein.
Sec. 5. Sunset of exemptions, credits, and deductions. The application of every exemption, credit, and deduction against tax imposed by this Act that becomes law after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1994 shall be limited by a reasonable and appropriate sunset date. A taxpayer is not entitled to take the exemption, credit, or deduction beginning on the sunset date and thereafter. If a reasonable and appropriate sunset date is not specified in the Public Act that creates the exemption, credit, or deduction, a taxpayer shall not be entitled to take the exemption, credit, or deduction beginning 5 years after the effective date of the Public Act creating the exemption, credit, or deduction and thereafter.


text:
Character: Laura
By Gene Ambaum on January 16, 2023 at 6:33 am
Characters: Laura, Martin
Characters: Laura
Characters: Jody, Laura
By Gene Ambaum on June 13, 2022 at 6:28 am
By Gene Ambaum on May 30, 2022 at 6:55 am


text:
Weekend Washup: The news the #libspill overshadowed this week
Nathan Hondros
Political Reporter
September 1, 2018 — 10.07am
GST arms race escalates in the west
After the dumping of Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister and the installation of Scott Morrison in the nation's most powerful office, the Liberal party moved to settle uncertainty about its promise to Western Australians to fix the GST.
On Tuesday morning Finance Minister Mathias Cormann faced the media to reassure us the government's $4.7 billion commitment to a 75 cent floor and a change in the GST distribution formula was still good to go.
The first cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
He called on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to match the government's commitment.
Which a couple of hours later he did. Kind of.
Mr Shorten promised a "unity ticket" on GST reform, but left unanswered questions about whether he would change the GST formula or just pay the state government untied "top-up" payments to create an artificial 75 cent floor.
He also ramped up the pressure by committing to legislate the change within the first 100 days of winning office.
Mr Morrison, on the other hand, plans to implement his reform with an agreement between all the states.
Enter the Prime Minister, who late in the day said if Mr Shorten was "fair dinkum" about a unity ticket, the government would introduce legislation to get the job done.
No word yet from Mr Shorten on whether nuclear detente has been achieved.
Liberal leadership spill fallout continues
No doubt Labor want an election as soon as possible to capitalise on last week's Liberal party mess.
Shadow Consumer Affairs Minister Madeleine King, who is also WA's most senior Labor MP, said her party is ready for the hustings.
On Tuesday, Senator Cormann explained his role in the events surrounding the demise of Mr Turnbull, standing by his decision to withdraw support from the former PM.
"The judgment I formed was that the party room had lost confidence in the former Prime Minister, that there was a view that there was a need for change," he said.
"My judgment and decisions are on the record, I stand by the judgments and decisions that I've made."
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Peter Dutton supporter Christian Porter will be facing an uphill battle to keep his seat, with Labor polling showing an almost 20 per cent collapse in his primary vote.
Turns out, Julie Bishop is pretty popular among WA voters, according to the polling.
If you missed it, here's our analysis on how last week's spill will change WA politics forever.
Indigenous Health Minister not convinced on Tony Abbott as special envoy
Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt hit the airwaves with a lukewarm response to the PM's new job as indigenous affairs "special envoy" for Tony Abbott.
"Look, Tony has been offered something by the Prime Minister, whether I agree or disagree doesn't matter," he said.
"If Tony accepts that, then he's going to have to work with Aboriginal people, listen to them, accept their perspectives and then bring that back.
"What I liked about Malcolm [Turnbull] was that he kept reminding all of us that we have to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find the solutions, not do things to them.
"If Tony can do that, then that's fine. If he can't, then I have a problem."
Gourmet Escape drops 'Margaret River' from brand name
There are some upset South West tourism types after the government decided to axe the Margaret River Gourmet escape and replace it with a WA Gourmet escape, which would include events in Perth and the Swan Valley.
The plan had been dropped as an exclusive to another media outlet, but WAtoday obtained a leaked copy of the media release.
"The Swan Valley program will promote the region's reputation as one of Australia's oldest wine regions and celebrate the area's rustic charm, history and produce," Mr Papalia said in the leaked statement.
He said the Margaret River component of the event would be "just as big".
WA politicians love free trips to China
Western Australian senator and Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety Glenn Sterle joins the long list of the state's politicians who have accepted expenses-paid trips to China.
The list includes Curtin MP Julie Bishop, Swan MP Steve Irons, state ministers Ben Wyatt, Rita Saffioti and Sue Ellery and Shadow Minister Jim Chown.
Senator Sterle told parliament in 2016 accepting gifts of overseas travel was justifiable because the taxpayers don't like politicians using their money for junkets.
"There is nothing illegal with members of parliament going on funded trips around the world," he said.
"The sad part is the majority of decent, hard working Australians just cannot stomach the thought of politicians spending their money on trips.
"It is true. I do not argue. I think the same thing. So the trips I went on to China were not taxpayer-funded."
We're still waiting to hear back from his office as to why he thought accepting 23 days worth of travel to China from organisations run by Chinese billionaire benefited his constituents.
ICYMI: It wasn't all about #libspill.
While we were all on the edge of our seats last week waiting for the black smoke issuing from Canberra's Parliament House to turn white there was other news, too.
The state government tabled in parliament details of how much money it spent on overseas travel. This included the $53,000 taxpayers spent to fly Premier Mark McGowan, Tourism Minister Paul Papalia and two staff to Europe on the first Perth-London Qantas direct flight.
The WA Parliament released its long awaited report into euthanasia and assisted suicide on Thursday.
The report called for legislation to permit those dying from a condition causing "grievous and irremediable suffering" to self-administer a "lethal medication", or to have a doctor do it if they are unable.
In laying down a philosophical basis for euthanasia and assisted suicide, the report quoted John Stuart Mill and referred to the moral theories of Immanual Kant and classical utilitarianism, which might upset some moral philosophers.
But the libertarians in parliament should be pleased.
The report also said those who opposed the practice "lack rigorous evidence to back up their claims".
Expect a hard fought debate from supporters and opponents over coming months.
Tweet of the week
Treasurer Ben Wyatt went a bit viral this week, with a tweet criticising the appointment of Tony Abbott as Indigenous Affairs Special Envoy.
Nathan is WAtoday's political reporter.
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