International oil higher on supply concerns (AP)

NEW YORK ? International oil prices finished slightly higher on Wednesday because it was unclear when supplies of Libyan crude will return to global markets.

The conflict between rebels and forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continues. The uncertainty about the outcome and how much of Libya's large reserves will be available has raised Brent crude, which is used to price oil that's produced abroad. Brent rose 84 cents to end at $110.15 per barrel in London.

Meanwhile, benchmark U.S. crude fell as traders waited for possible moves by the Fed to stimulate the economy. West Texas Intermediate crude lost 28 cents to end at $85.16 per barrel in New York.

Traders say they are mostly in a holding pattern for now. Hurricane Irene's march toward oil refineries along the Atlantic Coast may push oil and gasoline prices higher later in the week, if it looks like supplies will be interrupted. They also expect Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to say something on Friday about how the Federal Reserve will try to stimulate the economy.

"We're just marking time here until Bernanke speaks," analyst and trader Jim Ritterbusch said.

Irene, which strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday with winds of 120 miles per hour, could hit refineries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania this weekend and disrupt gasoline shipments. With the storm's track still uncertain, however, "it still looks like a long shot," said Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service.

Independent oil analyst Andrew Lipow said refineries along the East Coast will likely decide Thursday whether to shut down production ahead of the storm. Once stopped, refineries usually need 10 to 21 days to get back up and running at full tilt. That means gasoline supplies could drop and prices rise, Lipow said.

At the pump, gasoline prices were nearly unchanged Wednesday at a national average of $3.575 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. A gallon of gasoline has fallen 41 cents from its peak this year near $4 on May 5, but it's still 87.3 cents more expensive than the same time last year.

In other Nymex trading, heating oil rose 1.98 cents to finish at $2.9690 per gallon and gasoline futures added less than a penny to end at $2.7558 per gallon. Natural gas lost 7.1 cents to finish at $3.922 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/energy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110824/ap_on_bi_ge/oil_prices

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Greyson Chance hopes to move beyond internet fame (AP)

NEW YORK ? Greyson Chance has the unique distinction of being a YouTube sensation. He grabbed attention worldwide (not to mention Web hits) for his rendition of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." At just 12 years old, he also caught the attention of talk- show host Ellen DeGeneres. She invited him on her show, and was so impressed, she created a record label called eleveneleven and signed him as its first artist.

Now, Greyson is 14 years old and has spent the time since writing, recording songs and touring to establish himself in the music industry.

He released his first album called "Hold on `til the Night" earlier this month. It debuted No. 29 on the Billboard album charts.

He talked about his music, DeGeneres and how he's wise beyond his years during a recent interview.

___

AP: What did you learn from recording your first album?

Greyson: I learned tons from recording this album. I really got into production and started learning how to make sounds, how to make beats and that sort of thing. Also, I think I've really advanced as a songwriter because I wrote more than half of the record.

AP: You didn't rush to put out an album after getting a record deal. Was there a pressure to keep the momentum going?

Greyson: I feel like you need to take time. You need to take time to build the process, gain the fans, put out the record and also build time to realize what the heck you're doing. You don't want to rush into something. You need to take your time, realize what you're doing, what you want to do, how to market yourself. And the music industry is a lot of business and it's a lot of politics.

AP: You're very well spoken and wise for your age. Are you sure you're only 14?

Greyson: Now that you're asking, I'm actually about to turn 46 this Christmas. I'm very excited. I'm going to spend it with the kids. You know, we're gonna have a good vacation, nice Christmas and it's gonna be good.

AP: You just look very young.

Greyson: Yeah, it's just all those long hours in the bar after work. It's just the Botox (laughs)!

AP: How involved is Ellen DeGeneres in your career?

Greyson: She is very, very involved. She is always critiquing songs, artwork, everything.

AP: What's the best piece of advice she's given you?

Greyson: She told me, "Do not change yourself," and I really haven't. I've definitely evolved as an artist and as a person but I haven't changed myself one bit.

AP: How are you with listening to your music or watching yourself perform?

Greyson: I'm very hard on myself. ... We record the show every night and I go look back at it and I write notes about what to do, what looks good, what doesn't look good.

AP: What do you do when you downtime and you're not doing something music-related?

Greyson: I'm very into photography. I love taking photos and I'm a huge reader ... I'm desperately into "Harry Potter."

____

Online:

http://www.greyson-official.com/

___

Alicia Rancilio covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/aliciar

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/celebrity/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110822/ap_en_mu/us_music_q_a_greyson_chance

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Property Management ? The Investor's Helper

During economic downturns many people begin buying property because it can be found for less. Many of these purchases are second, third, or vacation homes. These homes are often ones that have been lost by an unfortunate consumer, then sold at a lower price and bought by investors who then remodel the home and either re-sell or use it as a rental property to bring in a little extra cash.

For the investor, a property management company is a huge investment because this company is there to help them manage the property, equipment, and all other assets that are owned by the client. These can be used to find suitable renters, help hire general contractors or landscapers for work around the property, and manage the overall life of the property by having the responsibility to keep up, utilize, and dispose of it. Property managers can be used for both business and commercial real estate.

A property management company has many important roles. One of these is to be the go between for the landlord and the tenant. This may involve the collection of rent, responding to calls for maintenance on the property, and allowing for the landlord to keep a distance from their tenants. Another possible role of the manager is to take care of all the accounting and finances of the real estate that is being managed. It may also act as a participant if the landlord is taken to court by any of the tenants, private contractors, and/or insurance agencies, though most of the time that is left to lawyers who are trained in property litigation.

Because property management is subject to the county and city laws, the property manager must always keep informed of any new laws and practices where the property is located.

There are four main types of property management organizations. One of these specializes in the management of commercial property. This includes office space, shopping space, medical, and manufacturing. A commercial property manager is important when acquiring commercial property because the commercial lease is different from a residential lease. Another type of property manager is the residential property manager, often used when the residential property is not within a close distance to the property owner. They can oversee the maintenance and needs of the tenant. A third type of is the vacation property manager. This is a special type of property management that helps you book more time at your vacation property, or helps you find other people to fill your property when you aren?t there. They will arrange for cleaning services as well as any repairs to the building or furnishings while you are renting it out. A fourth type is the community association management. These are in charge of collecting annual dues from the residents, making sure that all the residents are following the community rules and regulations, and that all the shared areas are being kept up, as well as occasionally performing budget reviews and conducting board meetings.

If you own property, hiring a property manager is definitely a good idea to help you maintain your property, whether it is commercial, residential, or a vacation property.

Fort Lauderdale property management is an invaluable resource for taking care of all kinds of property. For more information, visit http://www.browardcountymanagement.com/.

Related posts:

1. Residential Property Management: What Should Be In Every Lease
2. Property Management Companies Require Excellent People Skills
3. Hiring A Property Management Company
4. For Renters, Having Good Property Management is Key to Good Living
5. Disputes for a Landlord Lawyer

Abraham Avotina is certainly in the know about various legal issues. He was once a paralegal and has a degree in Political Science. In addition to writing about law he enjoys reading and training his dogs.

Source: http://www.internettollfree.com/articles/property-management-the-investor%E2%80%99s-helper-8727

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Asbestos fear for homeowner | Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer News ...

Tony Rodriguez fears asbestos exposure from this house demolition.

EMERALD Beach homeowners Tony and Claire Rodriguez fear they have been exposed to asbestos.

Over the fence from their Fiddaman Rd property, work is under way to demolish a house, containing the hazardous material.

The building has been acquired by the Roads and Traffic Authority under the Sapphire to Woolgoolga Pacific Highway upgrade project.

It is understood joint contractors for the $705 million highway project, Leighton and Fulton Hogan, contracted a licensed asbestos removal company to conduct the demolition.

As a workman in protective clothing and a respirator mask removed asbestos sheeting from the house on Monday, the windows to his home remained open, Mr Rodriguez said.

He said the first he knew about an asbestos clean-up was when he spotted the safety fencing erected around the property with countless warning signs that asbestos was present.

?They told me the demolition of the house was going to happen, but they never said anything about asbestos,? Mr Rodriguez said.

?I came home and the windows were open ? it was a windy day and there was dust in the house.

?I wanted to turn on the heater (a reverse-cycle air-conditioner), but I thought it could be full of asbestos.?

Mr Rodriguez said his only protection was a timber fence (pictured).

The RTA responded saying it contacted Workcover yesterday in response to Mr Rodriguez?s concerns and an inspection was carried out.

?Workcover completed this inspection (yesterday) and advised it remains satisfied the work complies with the stringent safety requirements, which apply to work involving asbestos,? an RTA spokesman said.

?A licensed demolition contractor, accredited and experienced in removing asbestos safely, was engaged to carry out the demolition.

?An pre-inspection of before the demolition showed the asbestos is chrysotile (white asbestos),? he said.

The RTA said the Sapphire to Woolgoolga project team contacted Mr Rodriguez about the demolition work on August 10 and had now explained the safety measures that were in place. As of 4.45pm, Mr Rodriguez said he had not been contacted.

Article source: http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2011/08/24/asbestos-fear-for-homeowner-emerald-beach/

Tags: asbestos, demolition, demolition contractor, fulton hogan, Highway, Home, respirator mask, roads and traffic authority, safety fencing, work

Source: http://mesothelioma.eggamuffin.com/2011/08/asbestos-fear-for-homeowner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asbestos-fear-for-homeowner

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The World Class Fancy Luxury Deluxe hotels of Thekkady | Submit ...

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Thekkady is often called as the dreamland of luxury located in the Idukki district of Kerala a land filled with gorgeous green estate.

Source: http://www.submitarticles-free.com/travel-and-leisure/outdoors/the-world-class-fancy-luxury-deluxe-hotels-of-thekkady/

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Arizona Lawmakers Gut Consumer Protection Funds, Including the Real

*Sigh*

If you?ve listened to any local news source over the past?. what, two years? then you?re aware that Arizona ? like many states and the Federal government as well ? is in a bit of a budget crunch. It?s been painful for Arizona residents, taxpayers, and lawmakers.

I understand that things are rough, that money has to be scraped together, spending cut, taxes raised, etc etc etc.

This story however, annoys me beyond belief. From ABC15 comes, Arizona lawmakers raided consumer protection funds to help balance budget.

Really?

Seems the Arizona legislature swept millions of dollars out of consumer protection funds and into the general fund. These protection funds help reimburse consumers from negligent (and other) actions from a variety of professional services.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors Fund: Funds swept = $8.4M. Funds left = $28K
Arizona Department of Real Estate Recovery Fund: Funds swept = $700K. Funds remaining = $6K
Arizona Department of Financial Institutions Escrow Recovery Fund: Funds swept = More than $5M. Funds left = zero. The account is closed.

As a licensed real estate broker in Arizona, I pay into the Real Estate Recovery Fund. As does my wife, and every one of my agents. In fact, the Department of Real Estate info sheet on the recovery fund states, ?The recovery fund is funded from a surcharge on license fees. Tax dollars are not used.? (my emphasis)

How then can the legislature re-appropriate non-taxpayer provided money and use it for some purpose other than what it was legally designated for?

Clearly I am neither an attorney nor a legislative representative. But I?m not the only person wondering this. In fact, two insurance protection funds sued the state after lawmakers eyeballed their $29M funds.? According to ABC News:

But, lawmakers didn?t get all they wanted. Two insurance funds sued the state.

Lawmakers only got $19,000 for the general fund when they wanted $29 million.

The lawsuit claims the funds have a "particular purpose" of paying consumer claims if an insurer couldn?t. The money comes from insurance companies, not taxpayer money, so they are private, ?not public funds subject to appropriation".

Two years later, the fund still has its $29 million. (Arizona State Representative) Kavanagh is backing off.

?When we saw the legal argument, we stopped,? he said.

Huh. Why didn?t the Arizona Department of Real Estate follow the path the insurance funds took? The Real Estate Recovery Fund has a ?particular purpose.? The money comes from real estate agents and brokers, not taxpayer money ? just like the insurance fund.

According to ABC, Arizona Real Estate Commissioner Judy Lowe is ?past the angry stage.?

Well I?m not past the angry stage. I sure hope the Department doesn?t come after me or my agents to replenish the fund they let lawmakers gut. Personally I?d like to hear Commissioner Lowe?s full take on this. ?Past the angry stage? implies she was at least angry at some point. Surely the promise that the fund will be repaid doesn?t satisfy her. Where will the money come from to replenish the fund? Is she OK with giving consumers an I.O.U. as she states in the video below? I searched the AZ Department of Real Estate for news on the Recovery Fund sweep and found nothing about this matter. (Of note, there could be something there. It?s excruciating to find anything on that site.)

Below is a short video on the story. My favorite line is from Representative Kavanagh who when asked why the state took funds that were provided in the same manner as the insurance funds replied, "I don?t know what the actual legal arguments were." But you also said, ?when we saw the legal argument, we stopped.? If you ?don?t know what the actual legal arguments were?, why did you stop going after those particular funds?

What ever.

For more info on the Real Estate Recovery Fund (or what?s left of it), here?s an article from former Arizona Real Estate Commissioner Sam Wercinski. It?s slightly dated, but accurate as far as I can tell.

?

Photo Credit: Arizona State Senate Chambers. Willem van Bergen on Flickr. CC Licensed.

Source: http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/arizona-lawmakers-gut-consumer-protection-funds-including-the-real-estate-recovery-fund/

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Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: Discussion and Debate

Don't forget to rate this post!

This is an expansive topic concerning all matters of things, from size zero, weight disorders encouraged by fashion industry and much more. Remember keep it friendly and polite and as the topic says, the whole view is subjective. This isn't a debate to get anyone to agree, but to show various opinions. Beauty is often decided by the fashion industry and while at one time people like Marilyn Monroe were acceptable, now skeletons seem popular, and much media seems to encourage this stereotype with pictures they show. Not helped by celebrities people idolize. It's a very in-depth topic, thus best way to concentrate on one aspect at one time.

We help the multi-nationals
when they cry out protect us.
The locals scream and shout a bit,
but we don?t let that affect us.
We?re here to lend a helping hand
in case they don?t elect us.
How dare they buy our products
yet still they don?t respect us.

Billy Bragg - The Marching Song Of The Covert Battalions

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RolePlayGateway/~3/QEmgVK_cLrg/viewtopic.php

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