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Travelling
Carlos - March 9, 2020
Most of the Hindus would have completed the famous four dhams pilgrimage in India. However, there will be very few people who would have visited and stayed at some rare [ … ]
Carlos - December 29, 2019
Mexico is constantly ostracized for many of the crises it’s facing (drug problems, subsequent kidnappings, economic inequity), but it’s also important to give it credit for some of the wonders [ … ]
LATEST POSTS
Procrastinating Christmas Lights
I am happy to report that this year I beat the procrastination curve…er, meaning I didn’t procrastinate. That’s right, I put up my Christmas lights the weekend prior to Thanksgiving this year. Take note, we don’t turn them on until tonight when our entire street does this “lighting parade” thing where we all turn them on as we walk down the street to the chorus of oohs and ahhs. Why is this important you ask? If you are asking, you are likely from California or some other warm state; those from states that snow knows what I am talking about. I beat the snow!
Yep, the putting up of the lights. I’m not a scrooge mind you. I enjoy having them there during the season, just dread the time it takes to do the actual putting up. It is one of those things that takes several hours for not all that much to show for it in the end. And, if you really want to go gangbusters with the display, you better set aside an entire weekend and a few extra weeknights threw in there for good measure.
I have several angles to my roofline, and the tallest peak is 28 feet up there, so mine is no small task. Now, imagine climbing up that high with snow and ice on the shingles – not gonna happen. I have done it in the past, like an idiot, and come very close numerous times to take a fast way down. Who knows how many times my ladder was on the brink of sliding out on its own way to leave me dangling on high. It is a real problem, in fact, there are articles every year about the injuries and deaths that occur with zealous people (typically men) try to hang the lights in the worst of conditions.
I am a procrastinator, I admit it and I try to stop doing it continually. This year I succeeded on at least this one thing. So, as it snows outside today for the first big storm of the year I sit at my computer and happily report that my lights are up and I welcome the weather. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Stay Refreshed Even While Camping
There are a number of reasons why investing in a portable hammock stand is a great idea. Hammocks are known to be comfortable and very efficient. While there are various kinds of hammocks available in the market, the ones that come with a portable stand are always the best ones to invest in. You can find a number of best 2 person hammock available in the market; however always ensure you pick one that comes with a stand which can be folded. These foldable stands are a lot easier to transport and take on trips.
One such advantage is the ability of the hammock to make your mind sharper and concentrate better. With a hammock you will sleep immediately. However when you do not sleep your mind tends to wander and think about a million things. This makes the mind feel tired when it wakes up in the morning. Since the hammock puts the body to sleep almost immediately the mind takes a rest as well. There are no thoughts that run through it and you will end up feeling fresh when you wake up in the morning. Switching from a mattress to a hammock is definitely one of the best things to do for your health.
People who have slept on hammocks confirm that they are comfortable and very efficient to sleep on. The rocking motion that a hammock has helps to relax your body and put you to sleep. Since they are not firm, you will never suffer from any back or neck problems while resting on them. Hammocks are very easy to set up and the ones that are portable are also convenient to pack while on a trip. You can also set them up in your garden when you plan on relaxing over the weekend.
By switching to a hammock you can smartly put your body to sleep and get rid of your sleeping problem from the first night itself. Since the hammock has a slow rocking action it relaxes your body and makes you feel like a baby. Within minutes your body will move to a completely relaxed state and you will be fast asleep. This is a better remedy than anything else available out there. Switching from a mattress to a hammock today will do you more good than harm.
Hammocks are very comfortable and they make amazing beds when you’re away from home. Sleeping in a hammock is very easy and even people who have sleep disorders manage to fall asleep in these hammocks in no time. The rocking motion helps to relax your body.
When you switch from a mattress to a hammock it takes a couple of minutes to get used to it. However once you are used to it there will be no reason to switch back to a mattress. Once of the biggest benefits of a hammock is the way it treats your back and your neck. There is no person who has not woken up from a mattress without back pain.
Iron ore: Yes, the juice is bitter
The competition is fierce among the top iron ore miners to drive down costs. In recent days BHP Billiton has touted its plan to usurp all – Rio Tinto in particular – as the lowest cost miner of iron ore, which is the main ingredient in steel making.
The miner is hosting analysts in Australia to hear its production plans which are, like its main rival, to produce more iron ore more cheaply in a market already in oversupply. Indeed, Jimmy Wilson, President of BHP’s iron ore unit, has likened it to squeezing as much juice from a lemon as possible.
The efforts are admirable but defensive. Four titans of iron ore – BHP, Rio Tinto, Vale and Fortescue – account for about half of the market’s supply and among these BHP and Rio Tinto produce iron ore cheapest. Rio Tinto comes first with very basic operating costs somewhere just under $21/tonne iron ore. BHP Billiton is next with operating costs at about $27/tonne. Vale and Fortescue come thereafter.
Now BHP wants to beat Rio Tinto on operating costs. Wilson said BHP aimed to be the “lowest all in cash cost supplier of iron ore to China” in a Monday presentation to analysts and has a $20/tonne figure in mind. Next year the company aims to come under $25/tonne.
It’s all quite notable. But it’s the price of iron ore that makes this lemon wringing exercise exceedingly bitter. The savings come in a market where prices have plummeted month after month.
The price for 62{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a}-iron-ore fines for example is now well under $100/tonnes after having spent the past half decade far above that mark (see chart below) – at times near $200/tonne. BHP, along with other miners reducing costs, is really just making the best of bad (or more fairly worse-than-it-was) situation.
Analysts have received the operating cost reductions favourably. JP Morgan analysts – on the BHP tour – called the diversified’s latest plan “impressive”.
But the hard work on costs isn’t translating into stock price bullishness. JP Morgan maintains a neutral stance on BHP shares.
Others rate it higher, though. Cowen and Company gives BHP stock a $67/share target, which at presstime traded just under $58 on the NYSE. That mark, however, was a recent reduction from $74/share.
Reflecting partly the fact that BHP is playing a bit of catch up on costs against front-runner Rio Tinto, analysts hold slightly more positive views of the latter miner. Cowen has called Rio Tinto it’s top pick among diversifieds.
Likewise, JP Morgan prefers Rio Tinto, seeing BHP shares as pricier in terms of free cash flow. Or as JP Morgan put it in a recent note: “we forecast RIO has a more attractive mark to market FCF yield; we forecast BHP’s FCF yield at 4.8{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a}/4.9{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a} in CY 2015/16E, whilst RIO trades on 5.5{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a}/5.8{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a} in CY 2015/16E.
There just isn’t enough sweetness in BHP’s cost-cutting plans to get a better rating. It is being aggressive, yes. But not so much as the fall of iron ore prices.
Marampa and Ebola: Sierra Leone economy twin hit
The economy of the ebola-hit West African state, Sierra Leone faces a major additional hurdle should London Mining’s Marampa iron ore mine shut down. With Marampa’s debt-ridden operating company, London Mining, in administration, and with apparently little hope of survival as a corporate entity all eyes are now on whether the iron ore mine itself can survive.
As an indicator of the importance of this mine to the national economy, Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister, Kaifala Marrah, flew into the UK this weekend in an attempt to salvage the mining operation from the London Mining wreckage. According to the UK’s Sunday Times the mine itself employs 2,400 workers directly, but an additional tens of thousands depend on it financially. It is one of the country’s bigger export earners with an output which was due to rise to 6.5 million tonne/year this year. Marampa has a mineral resource of over 1 billion tonnes of iron ore including a Probable Reserve of 539 million tonnes grading 31.1{f3b888cd21f4f097cf256c2abf48fb4da5e46c34da410c05974afd2e97e2de2a} Fe, sufficient for over 40 years of mine life.
Pre-ebola, Sierra Leone was one of the poorest countries in Africa and in the World, but had been showing relatively strong growth since the end of a devastating civil war which ended in 2002. While subsistence agriculture is the primary employer, mining is important to the economy, with diamonds the principal earner and iron ore beginning to be an important sector. While Marampa is a relatively small operation by world standards it is significant in Sierra Leone’s case, although is dwarfed by African Minerals’s Tonkolili iron ore mine which is building up to mine 35 million tonne/year iron ore and has a resource of over 12 billion tonnes. According to the World Bank, the country has a GDP of only around $5 billion and vast unemployment but the economy had been growing recently at double digit levels.
Talks in the UK with London Mining, its administrators and potential investors, is revolving around the future of Marampa rather than of London Mining itself which is seen as doomed. According to the Sunday Times there are two parties potentially interested in taking on the mine. The first is JSW Steel, a subsidiary of India’s Jindal Steel group but there are worries here that it might close down the operation while it invests in new infrastructure on site.
Entrepreneur Frank Timis, who is Executive Chairman of African Minerals, is also reported to be interested in taking over the mine and has proposed investing in a 4km rail spur to link Marampa to African Minerals’ rail link to the coast which would improve Marampa’s economics in the face of the big recent fall in the iron ore price.
But all this is happening at the worst possible time, with the ebola threat limiting investor interest in the country as a whole and adversely impacting logistics, and the low iron ore price having a severely adverse effect on iron ore mine profit potential. Finance Minister Marrah is also reported as considering nationalising Marampa should other talks fail and there is still hope that the mine, which is still operating, can be kept as a going concern, although the economics of so doing are fragile.
What Are Some Places to Go On A Vacation in February?
Have some vacation time in February, but not sure how to use it? There are plenty of great destinations to choose from when planning a vacation in February. Whether you want to lounge on a tropical beach or snuggle with your sweetheart at a winter festival, there’s a February vacation destination just waiting to dazzle you.
Hawaii
With sunny skies and temperatures of around 80 degrees, Hawaii is a destination for travelers looking for a guaranteed warm vacation spot. Visitors can explore Hawaii’s six distinctive tourist islands and participate in activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, golfing, and horseback riding, or visit Hawaii’s many beautiful plantations and gardens. Because February is in Hawaii’s “low” season, you can expect the beaches to be a bit less crowded and the accommodations to be at least $10 less expensive per night than during the “high” season.
Quebec City, Canada
If you don’t mind the cold, Quebec City holds its annual Winter Carnival during the first two weeks of February. Events include a giant soccer game, snow baths, winter slides, parades, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, an ice palace and skating. Travelers interested in visiting Quebec City during the Winter Carnival should make reservations well in advance as accommodations for the festival book quickly.
Las Vegas
Being a desert city has its advantages in that, even in February, Las Vegas is warm and hospitable to visitors. With temperatures averaging above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and hotel casinos expertly temperature-controlled, you might even forget it’s winter. Explore the Strip’s many sights, take in a classic Vegas show, explore old downtown Vegas or try your luck at the casinos. Since you’ll be visiting Vegas in its relatively short “off” season, you’re likely to find a great deal on accommodations at one of the many hotels on the Strip. For example, the Mirage hotel occasionally offers suites at a 20 percent discount through February. The Monte Carlo is another hotel that offers varying discounts throughout February.
Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations, and with reliably tropical temperatures year-round it’s easy to see why. Jamaica is just a short plane ride from many major U.S. cities. Visitors to Jamaica can spend their time lounging on the beach, participating in water sports, exploring limestone cave labyrinths or hiking up to gushing waterfalls. Travelers interested in a Jamaican vacation who are looking for a bargain should investigate the many all-inclusive resorts found on the island.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, another popular winter vacation destination, boasts temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in February. Home to the Walt Disney World resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando amusement parks, Orlando offers excitement for every member of your family. Rub elbows with your favorite Disney characters, ride the latest thrill rides at Universal Studios or see the popular Shamu Rocks show at SeaWorld Orlando. For visitors on a budget, Orlando has a number of museums and art galleries that offer free admission.
How to Silence Homebrew Trail Cameras
If you enjoy nature photography, chances are that you’ve either made or are thinking of making a homemade trail camera. This type of camera is placed in a homemade housing with a power supply and a motion-sensor trigger. However, if not enough thought is given to keeping the trail camera silenced, it could potentially scare away wildlife.
Things You’ll Need:
- Trail camera assembly Utility knife Closed cell foam Trail camera housing Tape measure Magic marker Foam block Band saw
- Trail camera assembly
- Utility knife
- Closed cell foam
- Trail camera housing
- Tape measure
- Magic marker
- Foam block
- Band saw
Step 1
Lay the camera assembly out on the foam block exactly as it will sit in the housing. Trace around the housing assembly with a magic marker.
Step 2
Band saw the foam block to create places for the camera assembly to fit. Round the corners of the foam block so that it will fit into the camera housing.
Step 3
Place the camera assembly into the foam block and insert both parts into the camera housing.
Step 4
Trace the camera shape into closed cell acoustical foam. Cut the camera shape out of the foam.
Step 5
Using the camera as a guide, cut openings for the camera lens and flash. Coat housing side of the foam with glue. Place the closed cell between the camera and the housing with the glue side against the housing.
As Paid Opportunities Prosper, Communications Pros Must Look Beyond The Placement
The line between “earned” media and “paid” media continues to blur in the world of news, and it has become even more crucial for PR pros to establish relationships with media contacts that uphold the tradition of evaluating content for news’ sake.
As any PR pro who has attempted to make media calls in a foreign country knows all too well, there exists a culture of pay-to-play. “You want some editorial coverage in my publication? Sure. Our ad deadlines are at the end of the month. What will you be purchasing…” It’s on the surface and it’s expected. In the U.S., there has always been a fine line between editorial coverage and advertising but most media outlets here have upheld the integrity of PR as a “price-less” mechanism for sharing the news society needs and values. However, as times have changed and advertising revenues have dipped, there has been more pressure on everyone to sell.
As more outlets have shifted towards pay-to-play placements, it has become even more crucial for PR pros to establish relationships with media contacts that uphold the tradition of evaluating content for news’ sake. In addition to fostering true collaborative connections, communications professionals must mine and evaluate opportunities to make sure that clients’ products/services match up with an audience that values legitimate content and appreciates credible news sources. On countless occasions I’ve received a call from an excited client who says they were contacted by an organization with the promise of a 30 minute TV special which will air on cable TV networks. What they are not told is that they will be responsible for all of the production costs, well into the tens of thousands, and the show will air as a paid advertisement in the very early morning hours, not as credible news.
Savvy consumers understand the difference between paid placements and news content, and they will judge a brand on its news authenticity just as much as they will judge on hyped marketing claims. More and more the importance of not just getting a media placement, but getting the right hit, rises. As newspapers fold and media continues down its path towards localized online content and an ever-changing social atmosphere, it’s up to PR professionals to make the most out each and every media hit. The right media placement can exist online forever, so making that placement work for you is more important now than ever.
CANADA – Everything Beside The Niagara Falls
Being a large country with few people, sitting close to the Polar Circle, Canada stirs a lot of curiosity and a handful of myths. Besides the Niagara Falls, Canada is famous for its excessively polite population, the delicious maple syrup and its obsession with hockey. Most people think of cold winters when they say Canada. It’s true the region has low temperatures during the winter, going lower than -10ᴼC, but they also have lovely summers.
You’d be surprised to learn Canada’s national sports don’t include just hockey, but also lacrosse (it’s up to you to decide whether this is a good thing or not). A Canadian invented basketball, which is a popular sport for them. Another stereotype says the locals think everything’s better with maple syrup and bacon. It’s hard to fight this prejudice knowing Canada produces 4 fifths of the global amount of maple syrup. However, the food they like the most is apparently mac and cheese — they are the world champions on this one.
Canadians have an incredibly harmonious balance between selfish attitudes and community guidelines. They appreciate solidarity, thus the everlasting politeness that made his people known. They drop the formalities very fast and want to make sure the persons around them are comfortable. At the same time, they pay respect to another’s privacy and strive for personal accomplishments. The locals are known for saying ‘eh’ and ‘aboot’ incredibly often in their sentences. This last one is absurd: Canada is home to many languages and has a vast number of francophone citizens.
As for sightseeing, the Niagara Falls is a must-see. The CN Tower has become a landmark for Toronto. For your stay, you can rest at Chateau Lake Louise, a hotel bordered by a glacier lake and the mountains. If you’re less conventional, a hostel offers accommodation in a jail. You can rest in the same place where convicts lost their life. Canada has many legends about lake monsters. They’re afraid of Sasquatch, which supposedly eats their beloved beavers. There are a considerable number of accidents because of animals roaming free, so don’t hesitate to visit the National Parks. Ottawa has many architectural artworks. You need to make some time for Saint Joesph’s Oratorio.
Things to Do in Northwest Ohio
Northwest Ohio is an area in the United States that is both rural and agricultural. Many locations are rich with history and have many public destinations that display historical artifacts and memorabilia. Finding something to do in Northwest Ohio is easy due to several entertainment venues to choose from. Whether it’s a day out with the family or an educational field trip with school, northwest Ohio has something to share with everyone.
Sauder Village
Sauder Village is located in the city of Archbold, Ohio. This man made historic replica of the Great Black Swamp mirrors life back in the 1800’s. Most of the homes and businesses located in the village are from the surrounding area. There is a working village on display for guests to see including over thirty-seven buildings such as a blacksmith shop, glassmaker, barber, general store and schoolhouse. A horse drawn carriage ride takes guests through the winding dirt streets to sight-see and explore. There is a large restaurant on the premises called “The Barn” that serves homemade country food and pastries.
Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is located on the outskirts of Toledo, Ohio. Here, people of all ages enjoy animals and exhibits that are exclusive to the zoo. The zoo has over 5000 animals and 700 different species. There is a lot to see and do. One of the exhibits, the “Arctic Encounter,” showcases animals indigenous to a real arctic environment. Polar bears and wolves are just some of the animals that can be found inside this exhibit. The “Africa!” animal exhibit showcases giraffes and other African animals in a grassy, desert terrain. This is a memorable and educational sight to see at the Toledo Zoo.
Toledo Mudhens
The Toledo Mudhens is Toledo’s own professional minor league baseball team. Their home is in downtown Toledo at the Fifth Third field. Named after the actual Mudhen bird that lives in marshy, wet locations, this team is well praised in the area and plays several games throughout the season. Fifth Third Field also has conference rooms and VIP areas for rent for large groups and private parties. Regular games are fairly easy to get into and inexpensive as well, at only $10. This is a great family event and kids are encouraged to attend.
Put-in-Bay
When looking for a place to get away in Northwest Ohio—Put-in-Bay comes to mind for many. This little island is located just a few miles from the Ohio shoreline. Guests depart via their own private boat or on the public “Jet Express.” The “Jet Express” offers the fastest way to Put-in-Bay and takes passengers on a twenty-minute jet boat ride across Lake Erie to their destination. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by quaint island life and gift shop lined streets. No motor vehicles are allowed on the island, making it a safe place for young visitors. Perry’s Monument towers over the Island as a distinct focal point. The monument was erected in honor of Oliver Hazard Perry’s naval victory over the War of 1812.
Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum
A hidden gem in Northwest Ohio, in Wapakoneta to be exact, is the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum. Here, visitors can experience firsthand different exhibits of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. The F5D Sky-lancer is one of items showcased and is a plane that Neil once tested. There are also several artifacts and memorabilia from the famed Apollo 11 mission—including a real moon track. Films and demonstrations of the US Space Program are also available for patrons to enjoy.
ARGENTINA
Argentina is a South American country whose citizens are, in their great majority, descendants of Europeans – Italians and Spaniards, who came here centuries ago. In the Argentine society, family occupies a very important place, and people are trying to maintain a warm relationship with the entire family, even with its extended version. The head of the family is treated with great respect, but this status brings huge responsibilities. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, and in recent years Argentina has experiences migration of many Muslims.
Argentineans are direct and honest people, but also very diplomatic when they talk to a person. They are friendly and welcoming, so they have a natural openness to foreigners. Do not be surprised if, while a conversation with an Argentine, he touches you: it’s a common custom in this country.
If you’re invited inside a house of an Argentinean family, it’s polite to bring a gift for the host. An appreciated gesture is to offer a foreign beverage bottle, because the excise duty on foreign spirits is very high here. The only gift that you should never offer them is a pair of scissors. Dress well if you intend to make a visit: men should wear an elegant shirt and a tie, while women should wear a dress or a skirt. Argentines are not punctual, so it’s not a problem in case you are late 35-45 minutes to an event or on a date.
“The city that has it all”, that’s how is characterized the city by local authorities. Art, culture, history and shopping lovers may find a heaven in Buenos Aires. The city is called “Paris of Latin America” first of all because of the culture that floats on the street and second of all because of the connections with Europe. But, despite all the leaders of Europe that Argentina has had, the city manages to create its own flavor.
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Health and Fitness
Carlos - April 7, 2023
Metabolism is the process by which our body converts food into energy. It is responsible for helping us to maintain a healthy weight and vital for overall health. Fortunately, we [ … ]
Home Improvement
Carlos - December 12, 2023
Introduction Bed linen plays a crucial role in our bedrooms. It contributes to the room’s overall aesthetics and influences our sleep quality and comfort. As the seasons change, so do [ … ]
News
Carlos - January 16, 2019
Mitt Romney’s religion continues to get slapped around by rival campaigns, and it really is no surprise. Politics, in general, seems to bring out the worst in people, doing whatever [ … ]