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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Own your own town for $800k

There are cars out there that are worth millions of dollars a piece. there are 5000 square feet Houses over million dollars. But what about a TOWN worth only $800k? "Own your own town for $800k" is an article written by Mike Krumboltz just yesterday. The article describes the entire town for sale.
"Had it with life in the big city?", the article starts off with. "The traffic, crowds, and high rent got you down?", it also said. "Then may we suggest you consider investing in the town of Scenic, South Dakota?", the author says. Mike also describes that, "by "invest" we mean "buy the whole darn town for $800,000." "That's right", the author says and who would not be interested if they have money to spent on this kind of investment. "The small town, which admittedly has seen better days, can be yours for just a bit more than an average home in San Francisco", the author confirms. Then the author says, "So, what exactly do you get for your $800k? Quite a lot, actually". He also gives description of what the investor would get in the investment. Mike says, "You'll get a dance hall, a saloon, two jails, a train depot, two stores, and some more empty buildings." "According to ABC News, the town is for sale because the current owner, Twila Merrill, has been diagnosed with cancer", the article says. According to the article Twila Merrill's daughter, Lee Ann Keester, remarked, "I have to take care of my mom. Family always comes first... But it's just time, everything comes with time... [My mom] would love to do it until she's 100, but her health won't permit her."
"True, the town won't be mistaken for New York or even Green Acres" the author says. though however according to the article, "based on the pictures, it does have a certain Old West charm", and , "One can almost picture John Wayne ambling down the street." The author also says, "It does look like a ghost town--and with fewer than 10 residents, it's mighty close to becoming one." "This isn't the first time an entire town has gone up for sale", according to the article. Mike says, "Some may remember actress Kim Basinger's ill-fated purchase of Braselton, Georgia for $20 million." A town on sale for $20 million is understandable, but this one is in 6 digit not even 7, only 800k. what kind of town is it, or is it the location of town? Then the author says, "Basinger planned to turn the town into a tourist draw, complete with film festival, but things didn't quite work out as she planned." also, according to the author, "She was later forced to sell the town at a huge loss due to financial problems of her own." Article also tells us that, "Basinger isn't alone." according to the author, "As an article from MSN points out, many have purchased towns only to see that the dream of "owning their own zip code" turn into a nightmare." also, "It's one thing to be a landlord and have to fix a renter's leaky faucet", according to the article. Then to wrap it up at the end the author says, "It's another to be responsible for an entire town of faucets (and toilets, and electricity, and crime prevention, and, and, and...)".

here is the link to the article: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/own-own-town-800k-210019125.html

Friday, July 22, 2011

"Life"

Hi, friends! I am going to present something my friend wrote long time ago. I just wanted to leave something related to life as we come close to the end of the semester. he wrote this about life. I don't get all of it, but hopefully you will. If it helps you in anyway to see how beautiful the life is and what we should take out of it,I would be more than happy. I would appreciate life as it is!
"Life is changing every moment
For a moment it’s a shade
For a moment it’s a spotlight

Live every moment you have
For tomorrow might never come
Take the chances that you can
You might not be able to take it tomorrow
Grab those hands that love you the most
For tomorrow they might not be there

Life is addiction
When your wants are never ended
Life is obsession
When you can’t stop thinking
Life is illusion
When you run for unreachable
Life is about emotions
Where you live with persistence
Life takes persistence
Live your life with passion
Who knows for tomorrow might never come

life is as we see it..!"



Link to the NOTE: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=61204351676

Student splits 40K in winnings among runners-up

This is a great example of being selfless. This is article, "Student splits 40K in winnings among runners-up" written on July 5, 2011 by Rival High. According to the article, "The event - a foul-shooting contest for top academic students at Compton High School in Los Angeles - was created with a simple premise: Organizers wanted to show the kids at Compton how to create community spirit with college scholarship money as the incentive." The author says, "Following a tear-jerking gesture from the winner - it appears the true lessons learned were by the adults".
"The kids in Compton are more than alright" the author says. The article revealed that, "Three months after winning the $40,000 top prize, Allan Guei donated all of his winnings to the seven other finalists." That is very inspirational I thought. How many people in situation that Allen was would do such a thing. Therefore, I appreciate this kind of kindness by people like Allen. "Guei, a star player on the basketball team who is headed to Cal-State Northridge on a full scholarship, said he felt the others could use the college cash more than he could", according to the article. the article also said, "He wanted to give his classmates a chance to make their academic dreams come true, too". "I've already been blessed so much and I know we're living with a bad economy, so I know this money can really help my classmates," he said in a release from the school according to the article. Allen also said, "It was the right decision."
"One that stunned Court Crandall, the man behind the event", the author says. "What he has done is exceptional, just like Allan," he said, according to the author. "Like any young people, whether it's my kids or someone else's, you hope they are given opportunities to show what they can do. These Compton High grads have a lot of talent. They have a lot of drive, and I wish them all the best", the man said according to the article. "Crandall, a partner at the Southern California advertising firm WDCW and a hollywood screenwriter whose credits include "Old School," came up with the idea after watching his 16-year-old son play on a basketball team with some Compton students", the author says. Also according to the author, "Crandall felt foul shooting was something that could unite a community regardless of racial divide. He felt doing it in Compton - a community battling an image problem - could help change those attitudes, too". "I thought the free throw is a good metaphor in a world where there's a bunch of lines that are kind of dividing us," Crandall said afterward confirming with the article. Crandall also said, "The focus became, how do we show the world another side of Compton, that's more positive, beyond the stereotypical guns and crime stuff", according to the article.
The author describes, "The only requirement for the contest is that the students must have a GPA of 3.0 and above. After receiving nearly 100 applicants, eight contestants were chosen at random. The contest was held in March." "My hope was that what started as a competition would become a collaboration with the kids supporting each other," Crandall told the L.A. Times according to the article. He also said, "They did, but in the end they did that to a much greater extent than I ever could have anticipated." "The students were filmed throughout the ordeal as part of a documentary that is scheduled to be released this fall" the author says. According to the article "One of the final scenes figures to be Compton principal Jesse Jones making the surprise announcement at the school's graduation in June". "Allan is a great basketball player, but he is a better citizen than a basketball player," Jones said confirming with the author. "Even though Guei was a basketball star, Crandall allowed him to enter the contest to reward him for his academic efforts" according to the article. The author says, "Guei would have been allowed to keep the money under NCAA rules. The other finalists, who will receive roughly $5,500, are thankful that he will not."
"Donald Dotson, who also plans to attend Cal-State Northridge, said Guei is "a very deep, intelligent, and warm person"", according to the author. Also, "Dotson figures his gesture will pay forward" according to the author. Duston says in the article, "He's [Allen] going to go really far in life", "Because of what he's done for us, God will bless him. That's what life is all about; stepping forward to help other people." Then at the end the author says, "The irony in this story: Compton's boys basketball team advanced to the Southern Section Division 2AA title game last winter before losing . The team was done in by poor foul shooting."
Link to the article: http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1237085

Friday, July 15, 2011

The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value

This article “The 3 Veggies with the least National Value” is written by Amy Paturel for SELF magazine just day before yesterday. Amy says, “We're not here to demonize any form of produce. After all, every veggie has at least some nutritional value -- and we all need to include more vegetables in our diets, not less!” I am a vegetarian myself, but to be honest there are so many vegetables I don’t eat. Celery is one of the foods I don’t eat, but I do like cucumbers and lettuce. The article says, more important for the people who like salad, “if you're wondering whether to use iceberg or romaine in your signature summer salad, you may want to check out our list of the veggies with the least nutritional value
First the author talks about Celery. The author saysSure, you can nosh on 8 inches of celery for only 6 calories, but are you really getting any nutrients in return?” Amy says, “The answer: Yes, but you'd have to go beyond an 8-inch stalk, which provides a mere 1.6 percent of our daily requirement for calcium and 2 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin C.” Amy also says, “It does, however, boast a decent amount of fiber and vitamin K. A better alternative: Carrots, which are loaded with eye-protecting beta carotene.” The author says we can “Toss them into salads for a low-calorie crunch; braise them as a sweet summer side dish or slice them thin and add them to your favorite stir-fry”, which sounds perfect for the people who wants to lose weight and especially if they like salad.
Then the authors tells us about the Cucumber. According to the article “cucumber is another low-calorie veggie. One cup of sliced cucumber weighs in at only 16 calories. But it's slim on nutrients, too. In fact, cucumbers contain 5 percent or less of our daily requirement for potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C.” She also says that, “On the plus side, cucumber extracts (not the whole cucumber) do have a number of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds, like tannins and flavonoids, says Registered Dietitian and Chef Consultant Michelle Dudash.” Then the author gives even better reason to eat cucumber, she says, “A better alternative: Purslane, a peppery herb that's high in heart-healthy alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3).” According to the author, “It's also higher in beta carotene than spinach.” She says we can also, “Toss it in salads, fold it into omelets or use it as a crunchy green on sandwiches.” I like cucumber they are great in taste even without any dressings. I really recommend cucumber as a dish by itself because not only it is so healthy, it tastes great as well.
Then lastly she talks about Iceberg Lettuce. The author says, “Iceberg lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., along with potatoes (as French fries) and tomatoes, but that doesn't mean it's the healthiest option.” Amy says, “While iceberg is low in calories and offers some vitamins and fiber, other dark leafy greens contain much more vitamin A and C.” according to the article “A better alternative: Romaine lettuce, which offers much more beta carotene than iceberg. Use romaine in a traditional wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette, or layer it on turkey sandwiches.” All these vegetables are great vegetables, but yet they have the least national value. Well if you are not big fan of veggies than you won’t mind it I guess.

Here is the link to the article: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/vitality/the-3-veggies-with-the-least-nutritional-value-2510765/

NEW CAREER!!!

Hi friends! I am not going to be working at taco bell any more. I have to work one week there and I am done with taco bell. I enjoyed working over there. I worked there for about 2 years and I learned how to cook Mexican from there. Therefore I think besides getting paid there are some other advantages of working at even fast food restaurants. I am going to be working at a motel as a front desk. I have little experience of hotel work, so hopefully I will be fine. I want to learn management at the hotel if possible. Never know it might come in handy in future. So no more making food! J

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

“10 Excuses for Missing Work”

Tired from work? Here is something you might want to keep in mind for future reference. This article, “10 Excuses for Missing Work”, is written by Michele Marrinan, who is Writes for Monster Contributing. She described the 5 smart excuses and 5 not-smart excuses. Let’s have a look at them.

First “I've Earned It”, Michele says. She says, no one can argue with performance. She also says, “Come in two or three hours early -- or stay late -- for a week or two. Then negotiate a day off in advance.” according to the article Andrea Nierenberg says , “Really work when you're there, so you'll be able to feel good about taking time off,”. The author says Andrea Nierenberg is the president of The Nierenberg Group, which is a management consulting and personal marketing practice. Second, “I'm Playing Golf with a Client”, is actually my favorite of all these five smart excuses from the author. Really, no one from work will even think about telling you not to play any sport with the client because every company wants to keep their client happy. Michele says, “For this one to work, you've got to have a job that requires you to meet and court current and prospective clients.” Neil Simpkins, an account executive at Oxford Communications, has used this one successfully, according to the article. The author gives one piece of advice on this one: “Meet the client; don't just say you did.” Third, the author says, “I Have a Doctor's Appointment”. This excuse will get you out of work for a half-day or so, Michele says. Actually if you are a student at MSSU, then you can get a full day off, may be more than one day. I have used this one once. I was sick and I went to the nurse at the health center and she wrote me a note for not being able to go to work. Forth, “I Have Cramps”, the author says. “Before you dismiss this one, think about it: Who can argue?” according to the author. According to the article, “It's such an embarrassing topic that nobody will ever challenge it,” says Jennifer Newman, vice president of Lippe Taylor Public Relations. Jennifer has used this excuse -- and had it used on her -- successfully. Jennifer also says, “It's one of those things that men honestly have no clue about, and women can sympathize with.” The author says this excuse is only good or women. So don't use this one if you're a man. It'll never work, she says. Fifth, the author says, “I'm [working] from Home”, which, “is an excellent way to give yourself a break if your company allows it”, Michele says. Michele also says, “You will need to do some work at home, but you can generally get away with a shortened day.” This will at least help you eliminate your commuting time, according to the article. These were the five “Smart Excuses”; let’s see the five “Not-So-Smart Excuses” now.

First, Michel says, “There's a Death in the Family”. The author says, “Don't ever use this excuse if it's not true. Your employer will lose all trust in you. According to the article, “I had an employee whose mother died -- twice,” says David Wear, a Virginia PR executive. “He also had the misfortune of losing all his grandparents -- 12 of them -- during a two-year period.” This is really bad one, how can you fake death so many times, unless the person had biological mother and step-mother, which can add up to six grand parents at most. Yet still that would be 14 death in two years, which makes me think either the employee was really dumb, or the employee thought the employer was too naive or dumb. Secondly, Michele says, “I'm Too Sleepy”. The author says, “When she was a manager at IBM, Marilynn Mobley heard it all. This one still makes her laugh: The employee apparently took Tylenol 3 with codeine instead of a vitamin, because the bottles looked alike.” Third, the author says, “I Can't Get My Car Out of the Garage: This is another one that Mobley didn't buy.” According to the article, “An employee said that a power failure was preventing him from opening his power-operated garage door.” Forth, Michel says, “I Can't Find My Polling Place”. According to the article, “Mary Dale Walters, a communications specialist at CCH, couldn't believe this one.” “A former employee needed an entire day to figure out where she had to go to vote in the presidential election”, the author says. Fifth, “I Have a Personal Emergency”, the author says. She says, “This one is so vague that it rarely works. It could mean anything from fatigue to an appointment with your hairdresser, and your boss knows it.” The author says, “Don't lie, no matter which excuse you use. According to the article, “I'm not a believer in playing hooky, because it always comes back to you,” Nierenberg says. The article also points out that, “Don't lie to your boss, your supervisor or your clients. You're guaranteed they will be the ones you'll run into while you're walking down the street in your jeans.”

Really if you have a good work ethics and you are a hard worker, you don’t need any smart or not-smart excuses. Just tell the truth and your employer will understand.

Here is the link to the Article: http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/work-life-balance/excuses-for-missing-work/article.aspx

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Treasure Hunt of Florida

Florida divers find new treasure from famed wreck” is an interesting article written by Michael Haskins about a “Ring” and two “Silver Spoons” found from the sea in Key West, Florida. Michael says the large emerald ring and two silver spoons believed to come from Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a shipwrecked Spanish galleon that has already yielded one of the greatest treasures ever recovered from the sea. Michael also says that, “Employees of Mel Fisher's Treasure, the salvage company that has worked the shipwreck site since 1969, believe the latest haul signals they are close to finding the sterncastle, a key missing portion of the ship.” According to the article "The sterncastle is where the clergy and elite were with their personal items," said Sean Fisher, spokesman for the family business and grandson of its late founder, Mel Fisher. The Atocha was headed back to Spain with a load of gold and silver from the New World when it sank and broke up in a hurricane not far from Key West in September 1622, the author says. He also says, “After a 16-year-search, Mel Fisher and his crew found the "mother lode" of the shipwreck in September 1985. They hauled up more than 40 [tons] of gold and silver, including more than 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight," along with Colombian emeralds and other artifacts. The company estimated its worth at nearly $500 million.” Michael says, “Since then, Sean Fisher said the crew has made many other discoveries within a ten-mile (16-km) spread of the original site, and in a straight line.” According to the article Sean Fisher said, "This tells us we are moving in the right direction," and "We have virgin territory around our search area and will be in there next." After the original wreck, currents and additional hurricanes moved the broken parts around, according to the articles. Therefore, Sean Fisher said, "It broke in two and then banged around for hundreds of years and that is why what we are finding is scattered". The ring initially valued at $500,000 according to the article. Tim Meade is the diver who came up with the large square emerald mounted in a gold ring, two silver spoons and other artifacts on June 23, when he was on the company's salvage ship JB Magruder, according to the article. Unlike the gold ring, the other items are encrusted and a value can't be placed on them at this time, the article said. "I think one item is a hinge and another is a lid, so it's possibly pieces from a jewelry box," Fisher said. The author says that Fisher has a copy of the Atocha's manifest and going by it, he expects to find at least 100,000 coins, 400 silver bars and personal jewelry at the sterncastle location. Fisher says, “We have already found more gold than is on the manifest," he said with a smile. He also says, "There was a lot of smuggling so the clergy and nobility wouldn't have to pay the king's tax. We expect there will be many items around the sterncastle that are not on the manifest." Then Fisher described the thrill of seeing and touching the treasure, and being the first person to do so in almost 400 years. Fisher says, "I was 15 when I found my first silver," and "I was 17 when I first found gold. Silver is great, but gold shines, even after more than 300 years in the water." According to the author Fisher said, “The dive for treasure is a group effort. Two divers search the selected area at a time, while other crew members stay on deck. The whole crew participates and when the value of the search is determined, bonuses are given out.” Fisher said 90 percent of treasure hunting involved finding out where the treasure isn't, according to the author. Fisher said, "Technology has helped us above the water," but "Below the water our search hasn't changed much over the years." Michael says, “The company uses "mailboxes," large round tubes on the stern of the salvage ship that force air below the waterline to blow away the top layer of debris and sand on the bottom.” Michael also tells us that, “The Magruder pulled into its slip at Safe Harbor Marina, outside Key West, last Thursday after discovering the ring and other artifacts about 35 miles away.” At the end the author says that, each ship has a crew of six or eight and stays out about 10 days at a time, weather permitting.

Link to the Article: http://news.yahoo.com/florida-divers-treasure-famed-wreck-151015129.html