Global Drought

By Dr. Tim G Williams

Webster defined drought as a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months, years, or may even last for decades. The world today is faced with the fact that many countries around the world have squandered their natural resource of fresh water to the point that very critical shortages are already occurring. What is amazing though is that the Earth provides all living things with abundant amounts of rainfall and snow to survive. The logistics of fresh water transport to areas that are faced with dire shortages is hampered by monetary constraints that always thwart those areas from receiving relief form their water shortages.

Whether it is greed, the inhumanity of man or just plain ignorance are the main reasons why millions of people are now facing acute shortages of fresh clean water. It is very apparent to see that abundant fresh available water is the first primary requirement for any and all other projects. Without abundant available fresh water any future development whether it's new construction for homes or businesses or for agriculture will end up in failure. What is a major factor of the contributor to global water shortages is due to mans gluttony of the consumption of fossil fuels for the past 100 years. Our insistence on relying on fossil fuels has intensified Global warming to the point to where we are facing a global catastrophe of epic proportions. This disaster is happening right now in areas in the Mid East and will spread through-out the world if we fail to utilize the technologies that are now available to usher in an age of progress to eliminate the enormous consumption of fossil fuel sources. We also have to coordinate global initiatives to end drought conditions that are already occurring around the world.

In Egypt due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure to trap rain run offs the recent days of heavy rain and subsequent flooding swept tons of soil and other containments into the Nile. The Nile is the main fresh water supplier for all of Egypt now has been deluged with slit and sewage forcing the closures of practically all of their water treatment centers. This is just a sample of the monumental task of securing abundant fresh water for Egypt. The situation is dire for other Mid Eastern countries as well. The availability of potable freshwater has made the prices skyrocket to the point that millions still suffer because they cannot afford the rising costs now associated with procuring fresh water from all around the region.

The United States is not immune to the lack of fresh clean water either. Flint Michigan is a typical example of man's carelessness in not providing fresh water to the people of Flint, Michigan. Coastal regions like Florida also have inadequate measures in place to provide fresh water for the growing population. Due the vulnerability of the Southeast to tropical storms and hurricanes the infrastructure in place to trap rain and storm runoffs is woefully inadequate. And, what ever rain falls the rain run off goes right into the Atlantic or into the Gulf of Mexico. All across the United States people are facing fresh water shortages, rising costs, and even worse have their water shut off just because they can't pay their water bill. With so much emphasis on the recent Dakota oil pipe line where so much media attention is focused we should be really focusing on water transport instead of oil. Man can live quite well without oil but cannot live very long without fresh water.

We should remember that before modern times the Incas were able to sustain their culture above the rain line by collecting dew and channeling it to cisterns for later distribution. Historical records indicate the use of water-collecting fog fences. These traditional methods have usually been completely passive, requiring no external energy source other than naturally occurring temperatures. And, if ancient Rome can build aqueducts to supply Rome with more than enough fresh water just think what man can build today using our available technologies. We have already developed water technologies far superior to what the Incas deployed. There should be no reason why anyone anywhere around the world should have to suffer because of the lack of available fresh water. And yet wars are continually being fought for water rights. Today, the rising costs associated with the lack of potable fresh water have put mankind on the very brink of a catastrophe that if not immediately addressed will add to the deployment of a disaster of epic proportions that will soon explode on a global scale.

Yet, it continues to be the greed of man whether it is for corporate profits, political gain, or the power to control populations the available technologies that would greatly reduce the global tensions because of the lack of fresh available potable water are kept from ever reaching the areas that benefit the most. When you have water companies using free solar energy to harness enough fresh water right form the atmosphere but purposely keep that technology cost prohibitive only further exasperates water shortages. The need is imperative that to defuse a ticking time bomb due to the lack of fresh potable water these technologies must be made available to areas and countries that are most at risk of suffering due to the lack of fresh water. In the end water companies will become more profitable and global suffering of populations will ease. All because now they will have available fresh water without having to fight for water rights.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Tim_G_Williams/1672163
http://EzineArticles.com/?Global-Drought&id=9568150

Husband And Wife Business Partnership: Good Idea Or Bad Idea?

By Sohaib Azam, Esq

Partnerships in business are always a tough thing to consider because of the many caveats associated with a partnership. A husband and wife partnership is another such type of partnership to consider. This article will look at a few factors which one should look at before deciding on this type of business.

#1: Issue Of Trust And Cooperation

Even in a marriage, trust will always remain an issue. In the context of business, trust between all individuals is key. The husband and wife must be able to understand each other and understand that the other person is not trying to do things behind the other's back. This might include using business expenses for personal things or making an important business decision without talking to the other person. Both spouses must make sure that they can trust one another and that one will not make major unilateral decisions without talking to the other person.

Cooperation is just as important in a husband-wife partnership. Both individuals need to be able to come to an agreement on major business decisions such as how to use expenses and whether to adopt a new product or service. While it is not always important for both parties to agree 100 percent on every issue, there has to be a solid mutual understanding on the part of both parties with regard to the decisions made. Without cooperation, trust becomes a major issue when running the business.

#2: If The Couple Gets A Divorce Or Becomes Separated, What Happens?

It's always one of the biggest, but unfortunate, possibilities that a couple will decide to either separate or get a divorce. This not only causes great strain between the husband and wife, but also on their ability to run the business as a team. Depending on the nature of the separation or divorce, one person may have to give up their stake in the business, but this may not be easy to agree to.

Anytime there is a falling out between partners, the partnership and its operation become more difficult. This is even more problematic when a married couple falls out because of the difficulties involved in separating and/or getting a divorce as well as the impact it will have on the business. Both individuals will need to come to an agreement as to how to operate the partnership should either of these situations happen.

http://www.projusticeweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sohaib_Azam,_Esq/2182390
http://EzineArticles.com/?Husband-And-Wife-Business-Partnership:-Good-Idea-Or-Bad-Idea?&id=9489974

A Leadership Necessity: Maintain Integrity, But Know When To Compromise

By Richard Brody

Some individuals serving in positions of leadership, seem to feel, a leader must never compromise, while others appear ready to do so, without hesitation! After four decades of identifying, qualifying, developing, training and consulting, to over a thousand real and/ or potential leaders, I've come to believe that this concept, is often one of the most challenging to grasp, understand, and come to terms with! It is, indeed, necessary, for anyone wanting to be a successful leader, to understand when COMPROMISE is appropriate, and called for, and when it is merely a form of copping out, and taking a somewhat expedient, unprincipled course. How can someone come to a meeting of the minds, for the common good, seeking alternatives, etc, while maintaining one's commitment to maintain his absolute integrity, and still effectively listen to others, so as to achieve priorities and objectives, while still comforting and reassuring others?

1. Cooperate; create; correct: How do you determine, for a certainty, that your approach is the correct one, or the best alternative? Isn't there a possibility, most of the major objectives, goals, priorities and concerns, can be addressed in some sort of alternative strategy? Are you willing to focus on cooperative solutions and approaches, rather than adversarial ones? There is often a fine line between doing the right thing and sticking to one's principles, and coming to a compromise, in order to be pragmatic, and get something, of significance, done! Leading should be about creating something which serves the group and stakeholders, and not about My way or the highway!

2. Options: Are you certain there is no other option/ alternative, which might achieve most of the goals and objectives you seek? Isn't it better to compromise, from strength and logic, so that your idealism, is combined with being practical and achievable, by utilizing the proper degree of pragmatism?

3. Meanings: What is the central theme, or meaning, of your idea or plan? How will you articulate it, so that others, will buy into your vision, and adopt it (or, at least most of it), as their own?

4. Priorities; plans: Focus on the priorities, rather than merely rigidly adhering to your plan (known as Plan A)! Examine alternatives, in relation, to what you want to achieve and accomplish!

5. Relevant; rational; rationale; relate: Why might it be that others have difficulties accepting your approach? How can you help them to better relate to it, and feel it's both relevant and rational? Will you clearly explain and articulate your rationale?

6. Opportunities; opinions: Often, the major, defining difference between a great leader, and a wannabe, is understanding the need to prepare for opportunities, as well as create his own! Facts and opinions often vary, and a real leader must be ready, willing and able to distinguish between them!

7. Musts; methods: In every plan, leaders should differentiate between the musts and the wants! He must be willing to use the best methods available, and to evolve, as well as adapt, if necessary and called for.

8. Ideas; ideology; integrity; improve: Get to the crux of the matter, and don't sweat the petty stuff! Articulate your central ideas and ideology, maintain absolute integrity, and focus on improving!

9. Strength; sustainable system: A great leader becomes stronger by strengthening everyone around him! View everything in terms of the present needs, as well as intermediate and long - term sustainability!

10. Examine; evolve: Examine as many relevant factors and alternatives as possible, so you might tweak your plan, and create a meeting of the minds. When one compromises to achieve, without sacrificing the mission and purpose, he has properly done so! To compromise merely to get along, is not leadership! Evolve and understand that while it's nice to be idealistic, unless you achieve, it is merely symbolic! There is a time for pragmatic idealism!

The famous song tells us there is a time to hold them, and to fold them! Maintain absolute integrity, but know when, and how to COMPROMISE effectively!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for leadership planning: http://facebook.com/Plan2lead

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Leadership-Necessity:-Maintain-Integrity,-But-Know-When-To-Compromise&id=9480842

Empowering Yourself: What You Can Do About Mass Shootings

By Dr. Linda Sapadin

The San Bernardino killings occurred on December 9th, just 9 weeks after the Oregon student shootings. Will I be surprised if another mass shooting erupts between my writing this article and its publication? Not at all. For mass shootings have now become part of the American landscape.

We feel not only horrified but helpless too. What can we do to prevent these kinds of tragedies? We keep calling for better mental health services and, at least, a modicum of gun control. Such actions would help. But they are political issues that won't change overnight. They require altering attitudes, spending mucho money and creating nationwide systems to implement the changes.

So, is there anything that can be done right now to help prevent, or, at least, lower the frequency of, mass shootings?

Yes, there is. And the answer is solidly backed by psychological research. We need to demand that the media report these types of shootings in a non-sensational way. When they don't, they make the shooter a media star. This is what many of these disturbed minds want.

Perhaps the most poignant example of this is the shooting at Roseburg, Oregon. When Sheriff John Hanlin announced the details of the shooting, he said "I will not name the shooter... I will not give him the credit he probably sought prior to this horrific and cowardly act."

It wasn't long, however, before a CNN anchor took a different approach, bragging, "We do know his name and we are reporting it. His name is (xxxx)... He listed himself as (xxxx blog name). In his blog, he wrote, 'When they spill a little blood, the whole world knows who they are... Seems the more people you kill, the more you're in the limelight.'"

The Oregon shooter was right about being in the limelight. The names of the killers of JFK, RFK, and Lennon now live in infamy. By committing a heinous act, they raised their status from "nobody" to "somebody." Recent killings have gravitated from assassinating high-level people to committing mass murder. Fashion is fickle... even when it's deciding your style of murder.

These new killings are generally perpetrated by a person who is alienated, angry, and feels like a "nobody." What does he do with those powerful feelings? He sits on them - for a period of time. Then, he takes action. The form of the action is shaped more by what's outside of him then what's inside. That is, he decides what action to take by copy-catting others. As he watches the media sensationalize shootings, he discovers his path to fame. Simply pull the trigger and be "somebody."

So what should the media do? Stop reporting these shootings? Of course not. The media needs to do its job. It needs to cover the news but it doesn't need to sensationalize the event. News media can practice, as we all must, restraint.

But these are sensational stories. What's the press doing wrong?

They are hyping the story, not reporting it. What's the difference? Let me paraphrase Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart who when describing his threshold test for pornography said, "I know it when I see it."

Hyped reporting is when the story is repeated ad nauseum, spiced up with interviews from grieving relatives, shocked bystanders, even children on site.

Hyped reporting is when dramatic footage is shown over and over again, along with grisly photos and any other tidbits of information that stir our emotions.

Hyped reporting is when the goal is to hook the audience by revving up their emotions so that the buzz does not quickly die down.

But aren't we, the listener, to blame too? After all, we are the end consumer, gobbling up these news stories, pictures and videos like juicy junk food? Of course, we have a role in this. Though we are not creating the hype, we are consuming it. But if we are smart, we will demand that reporting on this epidemic of mass murders be done in a completely different way.

What if the media set a policy of strict blackouts on publicity for these killers? No names, no photos, no identifying information, no interviews with family members, neighbors, teachers etc. Do you think this would diminish the frequency of such attacks? I do. And my opinion is backed by psychological science, which has documented that media coverage is contagious. This is true for mass shootings and for suicides.

If you agree with me, get active. An immediate step you could take is to contact media sources you watch, listen to or read. Ask them to go along with this blackout. Tell them not to wait till the next mass murder. Do it now. Then ask your social media friends to do the same.

Then, an additional step you can take is to contact your legislators. Ask them to create laws which make such blackouts mandatory. Is this squashing freedom of the press? No, it is squashing freedom of the mass murderers. Anybody against that?

© 2016

If you'd like to empower yourself to do something about frequent, frightening mass shootings, take action. Contact the media that you listen to, read and watch. Demand that they create a blackout policy for mass murderers. No names mentioned. No 15 minutes of fame for these deranged people. Spread the work via social media. It's time for all of us to get active."The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good me to do nothing," Edmund Burke.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Linda_Sapadin/145023
http://EzineArticles.com/?Empowering-Yourself:-What-You-Can-Do-About-Mass-Shootings&id=9308199

Message From the Universe: Have Fun While Walking Your Path Towards Success!

By Daniel A Amzallag

"Do you know why koala bears are so cute? Why ospreys dance in flight? Why cheetahs run so fast? Arctic terns fly so far? Flowers smell so good? Blueberries taste so blue?

Butterflies flit? Parrots talk? Whales sing? And doves coo?

Because I was having fun... which is my greatest wish for you in all you do.

You can,
The Universe"

You really have two choices here. You either work hard and play hard until something amazing happens, and if it doesn't, no big deal because you had fun while venturing out into the unknown. Or only work hard and harder but still not get to your destination of a wealthy life. The only issue here is that you didn't have much fun along the way. Probably, while working harder and not smarter, you missed celebrations, birthday parties, weddings, maybe a funeral or two, to unfortunately end up not getting what you worked and hoped for so much. You sacrificed so much along the way and forgot who you are as a person. You didn't enjoy the journey because you focused too much on the destination, which probably isn't the same one you desperately worked for. Maybe the Universe has something else in store for you, and maybe a better opportunity will come along. Anything is possible, especially when you have great work ethics. However, during that moment of despair and discouragement, you are asking yourself: "What do I have to show for?", or "Was this sacrifice really all worth it?". This is when anger and lost of hope kicks in. You tend to forget the real reason why you got into being an entrepreneur, and the freedom you have to enjoy life while working towards your goals. Your reasons have now a complete different meaning and it is important that you get back into understanding the WHY'S you are doing all this for.

Some people will succeed, and others will fail. It's a given. Some have good luck, and others are just not getting it. Regardless of how hard you work, you will not see the results you been wishing for. You will be dealing with the heartaches, frustrations, insecurity feelings, loneliness, desperation if you allow the negative thoughts entering into your mind. You will need to change your perspective so you can reboot your mind and erase these feelings of despair. More you allow them to circulate into your subconscious mind, more harm they will do to your psyche. Forget the failures. forget the anguish, forget the disappointments, as they already occurred. You mourned your failure, now its time to move on. Take a deep breathe, make sure you learned from your mistakes, and go back to what you do best: Live your life and have fun.

Dr Dan Amzallag, PhD, MBA, CLC

Author/Inspirational Speaker/Life Coach

Consultation: 301-325-1550

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Daniel_A_Amzallag/257690
http://EzineArticles.com/?Message-From-the-Universe:-Have-Fun-While-Walking-Your-Path-Towards-Success!&id=9411357

Everything About Drones

By Dyna Smith



At times, you might have encountered a bouncing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle hovering in the aerospace swaying to and fro, left and ride and what not! The researchers may still identify the device but the people totally unaware might have an extremely agile pulse accelerating curio as to what the gadget is and how does it work. Let us introduce you to Drones!
What is a Drone?
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle also called as a drone is a battery-powered gadget which is designed to fly through a remote controller. The device can hover; flight high and far as per the limitations of the range. Also a drone is capable of clicking pictures, generating mesmerizing aerial videos and a lot more!
Military personnel named them as UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or RPAS (subsets of Unmanned Aircraft Systems) i.e. Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems. Though they are primarily used in military services, still the emergence of drones for recreational and commercial purposes is a landmark. They have successfully presented themselves as a utility device which may be used for a variety of agendas.
Drone-producing companies have Parrot, DJI and similar ones at the top who are all committed to manufacture these robotic toys lasting in vast variety of pricing categories. The prices may differ from a few dollars to thousands of dollar as per your choice. However it is advised to be a pro on a budgeted one before investing grand bucks.
Drone History
The inchoation of drones began in early 1900s and was originally planned to be restricted to military usage and none others. Later, an agency named CIA initiated the usage in 2002 during a military operation held somewhere in Afghanistan.
Nevertheless the circumscriptions somehow widened with time and the acceptance stretched to commercial and even recreational concepts.
The 4-rotor design to these quad copters enhances its reliability. As of 2012, USAF has put to use a number of 7494 UAVs. Also 50 countries in the world are reported to be active drone users. The commercial usage of the drones marks USA as the leading enthusiast. There have also been certain development measures and countermeasures incorporated by FAA for the use of drones in commercial aspects.
The progressive decline of manufacturing cost of the drones has allowed the manufacturers to lower the prices and make it quite affordable for the users.
Henceforth, drones have also fascinated media and news houses to use them for optimum purposes.
Conclusion
UAVs are the all new trend-setters that tend to administer the techno-era by eliminating complexities. Despite of the regulations as prescribed by FAA, the statistics of the drone using hobbyists have agreeably increased. In fact, the hobbyists, commercial users have popularized it to the extent where all age groups are into the deed of buying one, nurturing their passion of aerial photography and enjoying the pleasing experience of flying drones.
The best place to look for the most useful information and appropriate reviews of drones. We provide all sorts of news and updates about drones. Click here to know more:- www.DronoMag.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dyna_Smith/2260695
http://EzineArticles.com/?Know-Everything-About-Drones&id=9373257

Americans And The Addiction To Doom (Presidential Campaign)

By Matthew J Steadman

With primary results just coming in from the second largest "Super Tuesday" of the 2016 election season, we saw an almost sweep by Donald Trump. John Kasich won his first primary of the election season in Ohio, his home state.

Watching the television screen as each poll closed, and final results showed Donald Trump had won overall. Even booting Sen. Marco Rubio out of his home state of Florida. My wife turned to me after MSNBC panned out to show four squares with Trump's face, declaring him the winner in North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and Florida. "Who... Who is voting for him?" As I began to quip back, "Stupid people," I stopped and thought. Delved into what all I had seen on the debate stages, the words that were said, and the messages that people get depending on which debate they watch. I finally responded, "People run by a fear that is false."

I am proud to say I have watched every single GOP and Democrat debate. And the tones that you hear from each stage is so starkly different. One resounding "fact" you perpetually hear from the GOP stage is that of, "The Obama administration's failure over the last eight years." It almost gets repeated so much it is annoying. But, I also listen to Conservative Talk Radio, FOX News, and get inputs from many different facets. And one thing I hear repeatedly is that of our "President's failure,"The destruction of our country the last eight years," ObamaCare has ruined our health care system," and so on. But, do you notice, they use these overarching statements but never delve into the logistics of their claims. Is it fear mongering? Well, yes.

One thing to be clear about is this: The numbers I use as reported by the United States government agencies, would be the same numbers a Republican as would a Democratic president would be judged on. I often hear when a statistic is given that, "Well that isn't including (Blank)." Well, okay you have a statistical point. But, we can't negate it because if a Republican were in office the same numbers from the same agencies would be used, and have been, for many years.

In 2008, President Obama was sworn in as president and took over a very depleted country. We were losing 750,000 jobs per month in the private sector, and our stock market was shaky. Finally, the shuffling of bad bank investments by the "Big Banks," led to a collapse of the Stock Market that would have been not only the biggest in history but was also set to cause a "Global Stock Market Collapse." In essence, the hundreds of thousands of "Bad Mortgages," had grown to such a large number that when our economy and market fell, it was so intertwined in the Global Market that it would bring down every other Stock Exchange in the world. We boo-booed, and bad. President Obama put forth the Stimulus Package, which was voted on in the Senate and Congress and passed. Were this to not have taken place, our country could have gone into a depression 2X-3X worse than that of the Great Depression of 1929 (25% Unemployment - 1929-1939).

Along with losing jobs, our unemployment rate was skyrocketing. It began rising the last three years of President George W. Bush's presidency, peaked in 2009 at 10.8%, and as of March 2016 is at a steady 4.9%. Indeed, these numbers are not perfect, and there could be the discrepancy, but these are the same numbers all presidents of the modern age have been judged.

In 2009, the United States GDP was at a -2.6, and as of March 2016, we are at a steady 2.3. And we can see this through our stock market which is at the highest point in history.

On the issue of health care, we had a system that was working... for those who had health care. But, corporate greed was lashing out, and people were being denied health insurance for many reasons including having "Pre-existing Conditions," which included cancer and mental health. They only wanted healthy people, because those people pay in, but rarely call upon the insurance to do what it is supposed to do, pay out. We then received ObamaCare, which, contrary to the implied name and terms, is the furthest thing from "Socialized Medicine." What the "Affordable Care Act," did was make an open marketplace online for individuals to purchase insurance policies for themselves. They were not locked into their employers plan, and could compare options. Pushing through the radical statements from fellow politicians (the majority of the Republican base), President Obama eventually got the Act passed which included provisions such as not being denied health care due to "Pre-Existing Conditions."

President Obama also made a history-making Nuclear deal with Iran, with them agreeing to decrease their nuclear weapons building supply by 95%. It would mean that it would take them almost two years to make even a basic nuclear warhead. Honestly, for a country that does not have to listen to us in the least, for them to agree to this is not only amazing in itself but impressive.

This is just a beginning list and examples of the many ways the Obama Administration has, opposite the labels, not failed. In fact, I believe many are monumental accomplishments that are ignored or only acknowledged on one side.

None the less, this side is addicted to repeatedly telling it's watchers and listeners of how the Obama administration is "failed" and even "Anti-American," and the rhetoric is not researched or debated. Rather, it is taken and regurgitated back out. This, in basic Psychology, begins a wave of fear. And that sector of the media continues churning it out by the minute.

A vast majority of American's are addicted to fear, and they do not even have the most fundamental realization of the fact. And sadly, we see the repercussions of it play out in our Senate, Congress, and Presidential Elections of the 2016 race.

Matthew Steadman is an active blogger, writer, and soon to be published author. He is passionate about many areas of society and enjoys speaking to it through writing. He is also involved in freelance work regarding writing, editing, proofreading, and authorship. His website is: http://www.MatthewSteadman.com His email: Matthew@MatthewSteadman.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Matthew_J_Steadman/2091497
http://EzineArticles.com/?Americans-And-The-Addiction-To-Doom&id=9355134

A True "Green" Focus Makes North Carolina the Best Place to Relocate Or Retire

By Bob Bencivenga

"Reuse and Recycle" has become a popular phrase showing our growing concern and commitment as a nation to finding the best ways to be stewards of the environment and North Carolina is notably one place that embraces Green trends and Green building practices.
The general principals of green building as set forth by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) division consist of four critical areas:

1. energy efficiency
2. water efficiency
3. use of recycled or environmentally sustainable building materials
4. healthy indoor environmental quality

North Carolina makes sure all of these areas are at work in building projects across the state.
The Green building projects in North Carolina impressively include everything from projects such as:

1. Eco-dorm at Warren Wilson College just outside Asheville, NC
2. Renovating an abandoned building which now holds Brown and Jones Architects in Raleigh, NC and;
3. Rammed earth walls and radiant heating system of the Philips residence in Pittsboro, NC.

North Carolina takes Green building practices seriously and doesn't limit it's commitment to large businesses, schools and private residences. In fact, in 1998, North Carolina State committed itself to be a leader in environmental stewardship. This commitment saved taxpayers money through Green practices. In addition, North Carolina "Greened" all state government buildings.
We at Places of Value have covered the many ways North Carolina has embraced green trends and environmental stewardship, especially Green building practices.
For those interested in "Going Green", follow the lead of North Carolina and while finding that Best Place to relocate or retire in North Carolina here are ten steps to a Green home and Green lifestyle right now.

1. Recycle and reuse: Get involved with your local recycling program and make it a priority to buy products made from recycled materials.
2. Turn it off: Turn off lights or appliances that don't need to be on.
3. Get out of the car: Spend less time driving and more time walking, running or riding a bike. Look for a community that helps you get around without a car.
4. Watch what you eat: Try eating less meat and more local fruits and vegetables; local farmers will thank you, fewer energy resources are consumed and it's healthier.
5. Use less water, especially hot water: Switch to low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads and remember you use a lot of energy to heat that hot water.
6. Green building/renovation: Take a look what you can do to improve the structural energy efficiency of your home, especially state programs to encourage energy efficient building/renovations.
7. Change your lights: Compact fluorescent bulbs save energy and money.
8. Plant something: A tree or garden, anything green.
9. Update your appliances: Look for more energy efficient models.
10. Borrow: Instead of running out to buy, think about borrowing first.

Let's not forget that when finding your Best Place to relocate or retire to in North Carolina you can clearly save money by going Green.
Energy efficient homes lower your bills, help your resale value and when combined with Green building practices help the environment as a whole.
For more information on Green homes and Green lifestyles in North Carolina, visit Places of Value.com. I've spent over 30 years finding the best real estate locations for major corporations. These companies have made hundreds of millions of dollars based on the locations I've selected. I'm a professional real estate site locator and location analyst. During the last 5 years, I've been researching the growth of towns in North and South Carolina, for the relocation of my family. I've studied hundreds of towns to find those areas which are still affordable, have a high quality lifestyle, and the potential for future growth. My purpose is to share what I've found with you and help you find your Dream Place in the Carolinas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Bencivenga
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-True-Green-Focus-Makes-North-Carolina-the-Best-Place-to-Relocate-Or-Retire&id=3254487

8 Different Ways Different States Treat Divorce

I never put much thought into divorce as I have my own personal views but I do believe people should have the right to do so if nothing is working and no joy can come of the marriage. The article below talks about different state laws on divorce. Basically if you choose to go this route, hire a good attorney that specializes in divorce...

8 Different Ways Different States Treat Divorce
By Chad Mathew Taylor

You're thinking about divorce - maybe you need to give some thought to where you live. Divorce laws differ widely from state to state. Here are 8 examples that will show you just how different divorce laws can be.

1. Want To Get Out Of Paying Alimony? Well, if your spouse has been unfaithful, you want to be living in Georgia. Georgia law allows adultery as a bar to paying alimony. Make your case and alimony will not be awarded.


2. Want To Get Even? Let's get back to that unfaithful scenario. In 7 states you can still sue a homewrecker for "alienation of affection" if another person has stolen your spouse from you. New Mexico, Illinois, Hawaii, North Carolina, Mississippi, Utah and South Dakota are where you want to be if you want to sue. In some of those states, the name is "criminal conversation".


3. Want A Fast Divorce? You may think that Nevada is the state for a quickie divorce. Think again. In New Hampshire you can be divorced in a single day. You both just cross the border and stay in New Hampshire - that's taking up residence. There's no minimum processing time or minimum residency requirement. You can "move" to New Hampshire on Wednesday and file on Thursday and be divorced.


4. Not So Fast? Then try Vermont. In Vermont, you have to have been residents for at least a year. You must undergo a six-month separation, living apart during that time. Meet those requirements and the judge will grant the divorce. But, wait! It's not final for another three-months!


5. Find Fault In Idaho. If your spouse is a boozer and you've had enough. You can file for a fault divorce on the grounds of habitual intemperance.


6. Murder She Wrote - Or He Wrote. If you want grounds for a fault divorce in Tennessee, you just have to show that your spouse has tried to murder you "by poison or any other means showing malice." Yikes!


7. She Has A Headache Or He's Not In The Mood. And, that can be ground for a fault divorce in North Dakota where "persistent refusal to have reasonable matrimonial intercourse" lets you file for a fault divorce.


8. Still Seeing Each Other? In Delaware, a divorcing couple can continue to live together, but they must be in separate bedrooms. However, sex is allowed if it I an effort "to achieve reconciliation".

You can see how different divorce laws can be - and that's one reason why you want an experienced divorce lawyer on your side. You want an expert divorce attorney who understand the laws in your state and can help you make the right decisions within those boundaries.

A graduate in Marketing and Sociology, Chad is a writer at heart. Writing allows him to utilize his skills honed by years of experience. He writes for Adam Rieth one of the most trusted Gilbert Family Law Attorney and Divorce Attorney Glendale

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