“Let us dare to, read, think, speak and write.” - John Adams, 1765 January 12, 2012
heWeekly Reporter e Weekly Reporter h T T
WillingTo Say The Truth.
Protecting Liberty Through Freedom of Speech
Neighbors Tell Mayor “No More Blasting!” Press Release Indicates Mayor Noak May Relent
Romeoville Mayor John Noak
Hanson /Material Service Corporation has managed to arouse the attention of an important block of citizens, who are also voters, with the application it has filed with the village to expand its quarry operations. The company owns a significant amount of property west of Route 53 and bounded on the north by Taylor road. It has requested village permission to begin quarrying on the property. If it gets the go-ahead from the village it plans to do only surface mining not underground work which it says is too costly. The new tentative operation would require significant blasting and digging down to about 200 feet below the surface of the land. The company has submitted plans to do its blasting Monday thru Saturday in the afternoons excluding Sundays. The families who reside in close proximity to the proposed site have responded with a loud NO to the company’s plans. They suggest that the new operation will endanger their homes because the shock waves created by the blasting will damage their properties. Some say their homes shake now from the blasting that is done farther from their homes on the east side of Route 53. At least one resident has questioned whether the new operation will contaminate the air with dust from the blasting. That resident has questioned whether such contaminated air will contain silica particles that could cause lung or other cancers. The Weekly Reporter is not aware of any environmental impact studies that may have been done or
whether they are necessary under the circumstances. On December 12, 2012 Mayor John Noak met with residents of the Nottingham Ridge sub division by invitation along with representatives of Hanson/Material Service Corporation. The company and the residents were given opportunities to address the issues from their individual perspectives. The Mayor presided over that meeting. No conclusions were reached and the residents again presented concerns at the regularly scheduled village meeting on December 21, 2011 and again on January 4, 2012. The only concrete decision to come out of those meetings was the rescheduling of a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting which will be held on February 14th. That meeting will be conducted at 7:00 pm in the Romeoville High School to accommodate the large number of people who are expected to turn out. In the interim Village Manager Steve Gulden issued a press release on Friday January 6th in which Mayor Noak announced that “the Corporate Authority” of the Village has decided that they “do not envision any possibility of amending the Spangler property annexation to open the property to quarrying.” That decision now finds two friends on opposite sides of the issue. Attorney Richard Kavanagh represents Hanson/Material Service and is also the Chairman of the Will County Republican Party. Mayor Noak is a
Republican and member of that party and has worked for Congresswoman Judy Biggert in the past. Mayor Noak is up for reelection next year; he may very well be considering how a decision in favor of Hanson could impact his chances of being elected to a second term. Residents are pushing the issue with signs There is always, of course, the chance that he might find himself confronted with the issue again after the election. Assuming he were to win such an election he might be more willing to grant Hanson’s application on the gamble that voters would forget the issue before another election came around. Some residents have complained that 2 men, village officials were seen stealing signs from infront of homes.
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TWO MEN SEEN STEALING SIGNS Some Romeoville citizens have had signs printed that they have placed on their property to show they oppose the expansion of the Hanson/Material Service Corporation quarry operations. They own those signs. Whether the signs were purchased by them, acquired by them, or printed by them the signs are personal possessions and it may not be removed from anyone’s property without the owner’s permission to do so. Entering a man’s property to remove or to destroy anything on it is a crime. The victim can have the offender arrested charged with a crime and tried. In addition, the person may seek damages in a civil court with is entirely different matter. So, the law provides two avenues of relief for anyone who is a victim of theft.
By John Gabriel A ward winning writer
were destroyed and stolen. It is strong evidence that many Americans who spout loyalty really do not support our freedoms. There was never any evidence that Mayor Noak was aware of the sign thefts or destructions. Usually the offenders are over zealous supporters of a candidate who are acting without the knowledge of the person they support. The right of Americans to voice their opinions or beliefs, political or otherwise, is clearly and unequivocally protected by the First Amendment. Although most Americans will avow their strong support of the Constitution, that support often wanes when it comes to the rights of others whose opinions or beliefs differ from their own. In other words, Americans love Constitutional protections for themselves but not necessarily for all citizens. The United States Supreme Court has upheld the right of the people to display signs on their property. The First Amendment is still a part of the U.S. Constitution. Entering onto someone’s property to steal anything is a crime. If you walk onto someone’s lawn to take a lawn chair placed on it to destroy that chair you are guilty of a crime. Something on one’s property is not deemed to be abandoned so that excuse will not allow you to trespass and then remove it or destroy it. Whatever a person puts, or leaves or causes to be on his property cannot be removed by anyone. Even law enforcement is prohibited from removing anything from a Everything on a person’s property is protected and that person’s property without a warrant to enter the premises includes signs of any nature including political signs or those and then remove the item(s). A sworn affidavit must be that voice an opinion such as the No Quarry signs some presented to a judge to obtain a search warrant that will Romeoville residents have put on their lawns. allow an officer of the law to seek and remove anything Two men have been observed stealing signs from from your private property. That affidavit must convince the lawns. The two men, whom our source wishes not to name judge that there is a justifiable reason to search for and for the moment, are allegedly village officials. subsequently remove anything from your property. Apparently they are not aware of the Mayor’s press It is wise to always ask the opinion of a lawyer before you run the risk of being arrested and/or being sued for release of January 6th in which he seems to make it clear that the application of Hanson/Material Service Corporation damages. The law depends upon the most recent court decisions. One thing is for certain, the Constitution is only will not be approved. as strong as the support of the citizens whom it was During the last Romeoville mayoral campaign many intended to protect. signs that promoted candidates opposing Mayor Noak
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WHO IS NOT DOING THEIR JOB IN ROMEOVILLE? What Are The Village Attorneys Doing? “It is the public policy of this State that public bodies eist to aid in the conduct of the people's business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business. In order that the people shall be informed, the General Assembly finds and declares that it is the intent of this Act to ensure that the actions of public bodies be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.” (5 ILCS 120/1) (from Ch. 102, par. 41) Sec. 1.
That quote is taken directly from the Illinois Compiled Statutes – the law of the state; it does not exclude the Mayor of Romeoville or any other mayor in Illinois. On December 12, 2011, Mayor John Noak conducted a “private meeting” intended for residents who will be affected if Hanson Material Service Corporation is permitted to expand its quarry operations in Romeoville. The public was not invited and those present were the invited residents, Attorney Richard Kavanagh Chairman of the Will County Republican Party who represents Hanson Material Service Corporation. Other company representatives were present to support the companies bid to begin quarrying operations west of Route 53. The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires that certain persons in each governmental body be trained to understand and assure the compliance with the act. Someone in Romeoville has dropped the ball because, while the Mayor may argue it was not a village meeting it is difficult to call it any-
thing different. The village is represented by Attorneys Ray Meader and Richard Vogel of Tracy, Johnson & Wilson, a Joliet law firm, at a cost of nearly $900,000 per year. It seems someone ought to be making certain the Mayor and the village are obeying the law. No agenda was published, attendees were invited to the meeting to the exclusion of all others, and, important business was discussed privately. We do not know if there was a quorum. We have no idea who attended the meeting. The Act was intended to put an end to secret meetings. The question? Why was the public excluded from the meeting?
Americans paying credit cards on time, but lag on mortgages ARA) - While more Americans are paying their credit card bills on time, a growing number are paying their mortgages 60 or more days late, according to research by Experian, the leading global information services company. Nationally, since 2007, the number of credit card payments that are 60 days or more overdue declined by 20 percent, the study found. In contrast, 25 percent more consumers are paying their mortgages 60 days late. In 30 of the nation's largest metropolitan areas, the percentage of late credit card payments decreased significantly, with Cleveland showing the most improvement, Experian reports. Residents of the "Rock and Roll Capital of the World" improved their payment rate by nearly 35 percent between 2007 and 2011. Mortgage payment rates, however, did not fare as well over the same time period in many metropolitan areas across the country. The percentage of missed mortgage payments (considered to be payments 60 or more days overdue), rose dramatically in 26 regions in the study, and improved in just four. Portland, Ore., fared the worst, with nearly a 100 percent increase in the number of missed mortgage payments.
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SOMEHOW THEY ALWAYS FIND KAVANAGH WHEN ISSUES AFFECT THE LITTLE GUYS! Neumann Homes, Inc. promised certain homeowners in Romeoville, particularly residents of Nottingham Ridge that they need not be concerned about the nearby quarry when they purchased their homes. The quarry, Neumann Homes Inc. said, would only be active for a few years. Homeowners signed documents verifying that notification. Now, years later, the quarry owner, Hanson Material Service Corporation has applied for village approval to expand its operations to property it owns west of Route 53 at Taylor Road. Homeowners have organized to voice their dismay over such a proposal saying the blasting that will be
undertaken, if the application is approved, will cause damage to their homes and may even threaten their lives. Some fear that the additional dust created Atty. Richard Kavanagh may contain harmful materials such as silica that might subject them to cancer. Hanson Material Service Corporation (of Irving Texas) intends to do deep underground mining and has promised it will not blast on certain national holidays but it will blast
for another term in office. He was confronted with a great deal of heat for how he ran the city and for a number of issues that painted him in rather shady tones. The Weekly Reporter defended homeowners in Lockport when Mayor Murphy decided to take property from them to widen 151st Street there. He was not truthful when he said the city possessed 100 year old documents that proved the city owned the property. In the end the homeowners were victorious but it is unknown if their lawsuits Mayor John Noak have been resolved for trees as much as 200 years old that were sawn down by Commonwealth Edison to make room for the widening. The families in Romeoville who purchased homes from
everyday of the week with the exception of Sunday giving homeowners little relief from the anticipated shockwaves from the explosions. The company is represented by a local Attorney who is also the Chairman of the Will County Republican Party, Richard Kavanagh. Kavanagh has a history of representing questionable causes such as twisting the arm of then Mayor Tim Murphy of Lockport, IL to assist in pushing thru a $19 million dollar tax break for a new Target Store in Lockport. Former Mayor Murphy who was suspected of unsavory practices in that deal in which Target allegedly did not request the break did not choose to run
Neumann Homes, Inc. have little recourse as far as Neumann is concerned. That company filed bankruptcy in 2007 owing creditors a reported $286.9 million dollars! Neumann told the bankruptcy court it was facing dozens of lawsuits from small businesses for breach of contract. They were listed as primarily plumbing, roofing, and flooring contractors. The Village of Romeoville is not responsible for any assurances that may have been made by Neumann Homes, Inc. but the Mayor and the trustees do have to consider the fact that Mayor Noak is up for re-election next year and that the issue could stand between him and another term in office should he choose to run again.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/25/news/la-pn-gingrich-worth-2011http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/25/news/la-pnOur Blog gingrich-worth-201107250725 The Squeaking Wheel
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NASA FILMS STRANGE UNEXPLAINABLE OBJECTS TRAVELING ABOUT THE SUN
Scien
By John Gabriel Award Winning Writer
How do they defy the Sun’s Gravity? How do they withstand the Sun’s Intense heat? Why are they there? Where are they from? Video #2 WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
Video #2
Video #3
Last January NASA reported photographing unidentified objects traveling around the sun as though someone or something is studying the huge star on which all life on earth depends. The three videos accompanying this article provide excellent zoom shots of the objects; shots that make it apparent they are not natural by any means. They give the appearance of being in contact with one another as their movements seem to be coordinated and purposeful. The surface temperature of the sun has been estimated at 5,500 degrees but solar flares can reach temperatures much hotter. Solar flares also emit tremendous amounts of radiation and electrical energy. Thus the space surrounding the sun is very hostile to anything coming close to it; the intense gravity of the sun will draw anything close to it to a fiery end. Those facts raise some curious questions. Why would any intelligent creatures wish to travel so close to the sun and what could they possibly hope to learn from it that requires a large number of space stations to perform the work? The objects have been estimated to be the size of the earth or larger. What allows them to defy the gravitational pull of the Sun? What manner of materials allow them to travel close to the sun without experiencing heat damage to the objects or to the inhabitants if there are any?
No additional information concerning the strange objects has been released. They are puzzling and
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HEADS UP ON FINANCE
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Smart ways to use credit when redecorating (ARA) - When your redecorating project is done, you want everyone who sees it to think it looks like a million bucks. But woe to your wallet - and possibly your credit if you overspend to achieve that look. Credit can be a good tool to help you fulfill your decorating dreams, provided that you use it wisely. The last
what factors affect it and even when is the best time to apply for new credit. Understanding your credit could mean the difference between using credit wisely to fund your redecorating project, or opting to wait until your credit situation improves before you incur new debt. 2. Estimate the cost of your project. Spending without a plan is one of the surest ways to overspend, especially when it's a home improvement project. In order to create a plan, you need to know the likely cost of your redecorating project. Online cost estimators can help you get an idea of how much you'll need to fund your redecorating dreams. You'll need to consider all aspects of your project, from paint and carpeting to curtains and accessories in order to get the most accurate cost estimate. 3. Determine what you can do yourself. If you can do some of the home improvement work yourself, you'll not only save some money, you'll get the added bonus of pride in doing it yourself. Be honest with yourself and think about which tasks you're skilled enough to tackle (painting, hanging curtains) and which ones you'll need to leave to a professional (laying carpet or placing tile). 4. Establish a budget Once you have a cost estimate, and know where you can find DIY savings, you'll be able to establish a budget for your remodeling project. To prevent overspending, pad your budget as much as 10 percent to cover cost overruns. When your budget is set, you're ready to begin. Keep a running log of all expenditures and refer to your budget frequently to ensure your project is staying on track and within costs.
thing you want is to rack up redecorating debt that outlives the stylishness of your room's new look. Before you give your bank card a workout, or sign up for a new credit card with your local home improvement store, take these credit-conscious steps: 1. Assess your current credit status. Whenever you're considering a significant credit expenditure - like financing a remodel - it's important to Redecorating can be a fun, rewarding home understand your credit and how your spending might impact it. Websites like freecreditscore.com allow you to see your improvement project. With advanced planning and careful credit score, and provide information on how it's calculated, consideration of your credit, you can use credit wisely to help make your vision a reality.
Your legacy of giving: Review your beneficiary lists during theBlog holiday season Our
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Today's boomers downsize homes, but upsize the amenities
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For Seniors Only Kennyholmes@theweeklyreporter.com
(ARA) - Say goodbye to the McMansion. According to a leading real estate website, Trulia.com, 2010 was officially the year that homes over 3,200 square feet ended their dominance and appeal. But don't think that downsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeowners are looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoy every inch of their homes.
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of teak and aluminum; or updating common bath accessories such as a paper holder, towel bar or shelf with a new integrated version that combines each accessory with a grab bar for added safety.
"Our goal is to make every bath a safe bath. And, for savvy homeowners looking to incorporate safety at any age, it's essential we provide products to meet their safety and style requirements," says Laurie Birko, Moen Home Care brand manager. "Our newest products, such as our FoldAnd, while many different generations are following this Down Shower Seat and Grab Bars with Accessories look trend, Boomers are a unique group, looking to enjoy their like decorative pieces rather than safety devices, so smaller nest now that the kids have flown the coop - yet homeowners no longer have to choose between safety or ensure that their homes are filled with the many amenities style ... they can have both." they'll require for their golden years. Kitchens that cook ... and more Anything but basic baths Different generations have very specific desires in terms While they may purchase a smaller floor plan, mature of creating a kitchen to meet their needs, and according to adults are looking for ways to turn ordinary rooms into findings from the Research Institute for Cooking and extraordinarily indulgent experiences. In the bath, that means Kitchen Intelligence, boomers are looking for kitchens with the ultimate spa experience - from elaborate showers to amenities that will assist with entertaining. These upgrades heated floors and towel warmers. But when it comes to the may include cooktops with special-purpose features, such bathroom, it's just as important to keep it safe. Luckily, safe as a built-in grill or wok; commercial or professional-grade can also equate to stylish. Try installing comfortable seating appliances; a built-in coffee pot connected directly to for the shower with a beautiful fold-down shower seat made Continued on 13
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Budget-friendly tips and tricks for easy entertaining (ARA) - Whether entertaining throughout the season or inviting your closest friends and family over for an evening of fun, every host strives to impress their guests. But sometimes the stress and steep costs of shopping, cooking and entertaining can derail plans of being the hostess with the mostess. This year, use a few simple tips and tricks to make your gatherings special, memorable and affordable.
Music Ink Guitar. Stop by your local Family Dollar store to pick up these games and toys, which are sure to entertain for hours. If kids are young, hire a local teenager for an hour to lead the games, freeing up some adult time. * My favorite tradition is to use pretty greeting cards and envelopes as place cards, then write a personalized note inside. I love to have my visitors feel like their presence matters as they sit down at our family table. * Instead of splurging on premade snacks, make your own. Spiced Herbed Nuts is an easy and festive recipe. Sprinkle herbs, spices, a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt with a bit of butter into a saute pan. Toss in the nuts and cook until fragrant. Serve as an appetizer, garnish a salad or accompany a cheese platter. Stocking up on these simple ingredients at your local discount retailer like Family Dollar will go a long way for a reasonable price. * Buying preshaved toppings can be pricey, instead, purchase inexpensive bars of chocolate and use a vegetable peeler to create elegant garnishes, giving a final touch to any dessert dish. Perusing online and sharing ideas with other cooks is a "Costs and quality don't necessarily have to compete," great way to become an expert host. Family Dollar's "Dollar says Melissa d'Arabian, cook and celebrity chef who focuses Dinners for the Holiday" Contest offers a forum for you to on creating meals for the family that cost less than $10. exchange recipes and find special offers. Visit "When entertaining, I like to keep things creative, without www.familydollar.com to enter for a chance to win a private breaking the bank - especially if you have a big family or a entertaining consultation with d'Arabian, along with $500 in large group of guests. By being savvy and finding creative Family Dollar gift cards for your next family bash. ways to save, I'll have extra funds to put towards party As you're focused on creating an unforgettable essentials or gifts." gathering, don't lose sight of the most important part. "When Celebrity chef d'Arabian offers these expert tips to add you welcome people into your home, it's about the people. flair to your next special occasion without letting costs add Your guests want to see you more than anything else," says up: d'Arabian. "Keep your menu simple so you can give your * Allow eager guests to bring their signature dish, in lieu attention and energy to your guests, not just the food." of bringing a bottle of wine. This will help you to focus on For more value-priced entertaining and gifting ideas, visit your plates and ensure everyone feels part of the special www.familydollar.com or check out Family Dollar on occasion. Facebook at www.facebook.com/familydollar. * If kids are attending, set aside a table with fun games like Disney Puzzle Packs, Green Lantern Hot Wheels Set or
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It's It's never never too too early early to to start start saving saving for for the the future future (ARA) - As many parents know, college students are no strangers to procrastination. Visit any campus coffee shop late at night and you're guaranteed to spot some students engaged in last-minute cramming for exams. Of course, some things, like college funding, can't be prepared for overnight. Funding your child's
A college funding study guide for parents
education takes planning and time. Read up on these college funding options from Thrivent Financial now to prepare for the future, and say goodbye to last-minute panic down the road. 529 plan 529 plans are a tax-deferred way for anyone to invest in a child's education. These accounts are
Custodial account This type of savings account allows you to build savings for any child, meaning grandparents, relatives and friends could also set this up. While the child's name is on the account, the adult custodian is responsible for overseeing it until the child turns the age of majority. Custodial accounts can be used for any reason, meaning that if your savings exceeds the amount needed for tuition, your child could use it for living expenses or save it for something else.
controlled by your state or by a manager your state has appointed. Anyone can establish a 529 savings plan naming anyone as a beneficiary. Check with a financial professional in your area to find out how a 529 plan in your state could be helpful to your collegefunding
The savings accrued in a Coverdell account can be used for approved expenses before your child goes to college, on K-12 expenses for students in private or public schools, as well as eligible post-secondary education expenses. A child can receive up to $2,000 annually in a Coverdell account until age 18. Other types of accounts * Trusts Contact an attorney to see if a trust could be right for you. Trusts can be used for education and other purposes. Once the trust belongs to your child (usually at age 18), that money is no longer included in your taxable estate. Contributions to a trust have no minimum or maximum, and anyone can contribute. * IRAs While traditionally used for retirement savings, traditional and Roth IRAs allow you to withdraw funds penalty-free if used for educational purposes. Your contributions may be tax deductible and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. Contact a financial representative about using IRAs for college funding, as this could affect your retirement strategy and financial aid eligibility. Continued on 13
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Health & Wellness
Meningococcal meningitis cases peak in winter months; help protect your children by getting them vaccinated today (ARA) - School nurses are urging parents to vaccinate their preteens and teens against meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially lifethreatening bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and take a child's life in just a single day. Cases of meningococcal disease begin to peak during the late-winter and early-spring months, so now is a perfect time to be sure children have been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that preteens and teens get vaccinated beginning at age 11 with a booster dose by 18 years of age. Despite this recommendation, more than a third of teens 13-17 years of age in this country have not been vaccinated against meningitis, leaving far too many children unprotected. "Parents may be unaware about the importance of meningococcal vaccination, and that public health officials now recommend a booster dose by 18 years of age," said Linda Davis-Alldritt, MA, BSN, RN, FNASN, FASHA, and President of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). "School nurses nationwide have joined with families affected by meningitis and public health officials to educate communities about the dangers of meningitis and the need for vaccination." Gaitley Batton knows all too well the dangers of this disease - she contracted meningitis on New Year's Day as a child. Gaitley was fortunate to survive, but not without consequence - she had to have her leg amputated below the knee due to tissue damage caused by the disease. Gaitley and her mother Heidi Moody have joined the NASN's Voices of Meningitis campaign, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of vaccination for preteens and teens. "I continue to live with the lasting effects of this disease every day," said Batton. "No one should have to go through what my family and I did, which is why I'm
sharing my story. Vaccination is the best way to help protect preteens and teens from this disease." About 10 percent of the 1000 to 1200 Americans who get meningococcal meningitis each year will die. Like Gaitley, many who survive this disease - one in five - are left with serious medical problems, including amputation of limbs, brain damage, deafness, and organ damage.
Adolescents are thought to be at increased risk for meningitis because of common, everyday activities they engage in with other teens, like sharing drinking glasses and kissing, since meningococcal bacteria are spread from person to person through close contact. Not getting enough sleep can also increase their risk of getting the disease. A national telephone survey found that nearly 82 percent of teens engage in many of these activities. The result? Teens put themselves at risk for getting meningitis every day, making vaccination all the more important. "Winter break is a great time to get preteens and teens vaccinated, and parents need to know that any health-care visit is an opportunity to discuss vaccination," said Moody. "Parents should make it their priority to schedule a vaccination appointment. Don't wait, do it today."
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Teach teens to drive safely and save their lives (ARA) - In 2009, 3,466 teenagers died in the United States from automobile crash injuries, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Such injuries are by far the leading public
health problem among youths 13 to19 years old. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. The crash risk among teenage drivers is particularly high during the first months of licensure. An IIHS review of recent literature confirmed that driver age and experience both have strong effects on driver crash risk. Crash rates for young drivers are high largely because of the driver's immaturity combined with driving inexperience. The immaturity is apparent in young drivers' risky driving practices such as speeding. At the same time, teenagers' lack of experience behind the wheel makes it difficult for them to recognize and respond to hazards. They get in trouble trying to handle unusual driving situations, and these situations turn disastrous more often than when older people drive. Research shows which behaviors contribute to teen-related crashes. Inexperience and immaturity combined with speed, drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving (cellphone use, loud music, other teen passengers, etc.), drowsy driving, nighttime driving and other drug use aggravate this problem. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends a multi-tiered strategy to prevent motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries among teen drivers: Increase seat belt use, implement graduated driver licensing, reduce teens' access to alcohol and increase parental responsibility. * Keep your hands on the wheel. * Keep your eyes on the road.
* Keep your hands and eyes away from your cellphone while driving. "You need to teach safe driving behavior from the beginning," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. As the parent, you can start by modeling safe driving behavior whenever you drive your children, from the time they are infants." Give teens an edge by teaching them some basics about cars and the rules of the road early, well before they hit driving age. Ease them into driving with short trips in familiar areas, at low speeds, in daylight and with an adult. Choose a safe car that is predictable in its handling and easy to drive. Insurance carriers often offer good student and safe driving discounts for teens. Parents can include these incentives in the discussion regarding safe driving. Fireman's Fund recommends parents use devices such as Cellcontrol to disable cellphone use while driving.
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Continued from For Seniors Only
plumbing or an oven that dramatically reduces cooking times without microwaves. Bedrooms that sizzle Mature adults still know how to spice up their bedroom with hot amenities, including fireplaces, heated mattress pads and large-capacity warming cabinets for blankets, robes, towels and clothing. Conveniencebased bedroom trends include a laundry room off of the master suite, remote-controlled window treatments and voice controlled lighting and electronics, making your mature boudoir much more magical than your childhood bedroom. The greater outdoors No-mow lawns have sprouted up as a time-, water-, fuel- and moneysaving alternative to the traditional lawn. These lawns have been around for over a decade in parks and other
public spaces. Now they're catching on with homeowners - particularly with the growing population of secondhomeowners who don't want to spend their precious getaway weekends mowing the lawn. They're also becoming popular with mature adults who are simply tired of the rigors and high cost of constant lawn upkeep. For homeowners in colder climates who are tired of the hassles and hazards of snow removal, driveway heating systems are an ideal amenity. Radiant driveway heating systems provide heat similar to indoor in-floor heating systems. Heat is delivered with either electric cable (electric systems) or by hot water pumped through plastic tubing (hydronic systems) compacted in the surface. Most driveway heating systems have automatic smart sensors that turn the systems on when it begins to snow, providing great consistency
Continued from Education Matters
Permanent life insurance If something should happen to you, a permanent life insurance contract can help ensure that goals like education can be met, even if the unthinkable happens. In addition, permanent life insurance contracts accumulate cash value that can be used during your lifetime. Visit Thrivent.com for more information on types of life insurance to help you pay for college. With so many options for college funding to choose from, selecting the best set of tools for you or your child can be difficult. A financial representative can help you decide which options are best for you to meet your family's needs. Visit Thrivent.com to contact a financial representative, learn more about college funding options and even estimate your needs with a College Savings Calculator. Financial ease, like a good report card, doesn't come without preparation. Now that you have started studying, put your knowledge to the test and start forming your college funding strategy.
and reliability for snow removal, whether you're home or not. And, with safety always a concern - both indoors and out - driveway heating systems are not only convenient; these systems are potentially lifesavers, helping prevent heart attacks, frostbite and back pain commonly associated with snow removal. Driveway heating also helps reduce injuries due to slips and falls, and possibly liability due to such accidents. Regardless of the size of your home, whether you build new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hot amenities will help to make your golden years as good as gold. For more information about Moen Home Care bath safety products, visit www.moen.com.
Dont Be Stupid Don’t Vote For an Idiot Because He’s In Your Party!! That’s Dumb!
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Experts expect smartphones to overtake personal computers in 2012 (ARA) - Smartphones are steadily becoming smartphones are more affordable than in the past, so now is commonplace devices for everyone from professionals to a perfect time to take advantage of their capabilities. busy moms. Users of these devices now instinctively turn to their phones for tasks that previously they would only have accomplished on a computer, over the phone or in person. These tasks include surfing the Web, obtaining driving directions, connecting via social media, and even shopping. In the United States, 87.4 million people own smartphones. And, in 2012, smartphone sales are expected to top sales of personal computers. As smartphones allow people to connect with businesses in new and exciting ways, businesses in turn need to become savvier about going mobile.
* Consider industry-specific devices - Numerous mobile technologies, from smartphone applications to tablets, have been created with specific industries in mind. For example, rugged tablets that can withstand the elements are available for those in the construction industry and tablets created for the health care industry can be sterilized between patient visits to avoid contamination. * Make websites mobile-compatible - In an era in which most consumers first go to the Internet to find local service providers, it's crucial that small businesses have a polished and informative online presence that's friendly for mobile consumption. Even for business owners who aren't For example, a small home health care provider recently tech-savvy, starting a website is feasible. A quick Internet utilized smartphones to expand to 400 patients across four search will reveal numerous free or low-cost website major counties in Utah. Its employees previously struggled templates. You might also choose to work with a Web to keep up with all the paperwork and regulatory developer to ensure your business's website is smartphonerequirements, so the company decided to go completely friendly. mobile, equipping its entire staff with Microsoft Windows * Get social - Popular social media platforms like Phones. This allowed the staff to visit patients and instantly Facebook and Twitter make it simple to connect with update their condition and treatments. customers in a casual, but also personal, manner and also For small businesses, embracing the smartphone age is embrace the mobile population that frequents these sites on becoming crucial for success. Here are some easy ways smartphones. Consider leveraging one or more of these small businesses can go mobile in 2012: platforms to further establish your business's online presence * Invest in smartphones - Transitioning from a flip phone and create positive buzz around new offerings and special to a smartphone makes it much easier to run a business on deals and promotions. the go. Providing easy access to email, calendar information For more ideas on how to boost your business with and the Internet, smartphones increase productivity and can mobile technology, visit www.microsoftbusinesshub.com. provide peace of mind while out of the office. Today,