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<channel>
	<title>Land Grant Alliance</title>
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	<link>http://www.lgta.org</link>
	<description>BLOG</description>
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		<title>Where to Learn More About Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/where-to-learn-more-about-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/where-to-learn-more-about-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:08:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas General Land Office]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=832</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Grants are complicated documents, and it takes a highly skilled person to write or review a grant. If you’re looking to apply for a grant, there are many resources you can turn to for help to make it through this difficult process successfully. A Professional Grant Writer A professional grant writer is an invaluable resource. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1779_Livingston_Manor_map.png"><img title="1779 map of Livingston Manor and neighboring c..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/1779_Livingston_Manor_map.png/300px-1779_Livingston_Manor_map.png" alt="1779 map of Livingston Manor and neighboring c..." width="300" height="229" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
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<p>Grants are complicated documents, and it takes a highly skilled person to write or review a grant. If you’re looking to apply for a grant, there are many resources you can turn to for help to make it through this difficult process successfully.</p>
<p><strong>A Professional Grant Writer</strong></p>
<p>A professional grant writer is an invaluable resource. These writers compose intricate proposals that are sent to the grant-giving foundation to evaluate whether the candidate is worthy of the grant. They are skilled in demonstrating the needs of an individual or company and how a specific grant can fit those needs. Grant writers will be knowledgeable on everything from research grants to land grants. If you’re unsure of who to contact, visit a site like <a href="http://www.411.ca/">Canada 411</a> to search for writers in your area.</p>
<p><strong>Grants.gov</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> has a wealth of information on grants and how to apply for them. You can search for grant opportunities that fit your needs, apply for the grant through the website and track your application. Search for land grants on the site to find ways in which the government can help you obtain land.</p>
<p><strong>Your Local Government Office </strong></p>
<p>Local government officials can answer your questions on the availability of land grants in your area, and they can even give you a history of land grants made in your city or state. The <a href="http://www.glo.texas.gov/what-we-do/history-and-archives/genealogy-at-glo/index.html">Texas General Land Office</a>, for instance, offers a searchable database of land grants, which unveils Texas history and the history of the state settlement.</p>
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		<title>Debt Management Advice</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/debt-management-advice.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/debt-management-advice.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:54:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=812</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In order to stay out of trouble and maintain a good credit rating, one must learn how to manage their debt. Unfortunately, just about everybody has some level of debt: car loans, house loans and student loans are very common. The following is some advice to help you manage your debt. Don’t accrue more debt. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In order to stay out of trouble and maintain a good credit rating, one must learn how to manage their debt. Unfortunately, just about everybody has some level of debt: car loans, house loans and student loans are very common. The following is some advice to help you manage your debt.</p>
<p>Don’t accrue more debt. It may seem like common advice but the best way to manage your existing debt is to not accrue more debt. Consider using cash instead of <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/organize-credit-card-debt-1.aspx">credit cards</a> and set up a budget that you can stick with.</p>
<p>Pay down the highest interest rate debts first. Interest rates are, unfortunately, the price of having debt. Paying down the highest interest rate debt or loan first means that you’re wasting less money on interest rates.</p>
<p>Consolidate. If you have several credit cards with outstanding balances, consider consolidating them onto one card or secure a bank loan to pay off the cards. Either way you’ll be paying less in penalties, interest and fines. <a href="http://www.plaingreenloans.com/">Online personal loans</a> are another way to get money to consolidate your debt.</p>
<p>Ask for advice. There are many free credit counseling services out there that can help you manage your finances and reduce your debt. Before you get in over your head, consider talking to one of these agencies. Never pay for this service; there are many free, reputable companies out there to help.</p>
<p>Managing you debt before it becomes problematic is much easier than trying to deal with debt after you’ve missed payments or defaulted on loans.</p>
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		<title>Loan Grant Industry vs Online Trading Industry</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/loan-grant-industry-vs-online-trading-industry.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/loan-grant-industry-vs-online-trading-industry.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:35:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=819</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How the Loan Grant Industry Works A loan is a form of structured debt that the government or a financial institution provides. Types of loans include subsidized, unsubsidized, mortgage, or stock hedge loan. Financial institutions make a profit by charging interest for loans. The larger the loan, the more interest accrued. A grant is a fund provided [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>How the Loan Grant Industry Works</h3>
<p>A loan is a form of structured debt that the government or a financial institution provides. Types of loans include subsidized, unsubsidized, mortgage, or stock hedge loan. Financial institutions make a profit by charging <a href="http://money.howstuffworks.com/interest-rate.htm" target="_blank">interest</a> for loans. The larger the loan, the more interest accrued.</p>
<p>A grant is a fund provided by an institution that&#8217;s designated for a specific purpose. Though often provided by the government, businesses and non-profit organizations also supply <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_15334_apply-government-grants.html">grants</a>. Grants are generally received by submitting an in-depth proposal about what the intended party plans to do with the designated grant money. Grant writing is one of the most profitable professions in the writing industry, and it&#8217;s a market that&#8217;s expected to grow in the future.</p>
<h3>How the Online Trading Industry Works</h3>
<p>Whereas prior stock trading was done &#8220;live&#8221; at a traditional stock exchange, online trading makes it much easier for &#8220;everyday&#8221; traders to buy and sell stocks. If you&#8217;ve got money to trade and access to a computer, you can get into the market. Nowadays, people don&#8217;t even need a professional broker, though many online trading services, such as <a href="http://www.ufxmarkets.com/" target="_blank">UFX markets</a>, have quick access to a live or virtual (via chat room) broker.</p>
<p>Users buy a share of stock for a particular company. A public company is like a full-scale building made of blocks. Each share is like a block of the company. A shareholder holds a tiny (but essential) piece of that company. They can view, buy, and sell shares online through an online trader. Instead of a &#8220;live&#8221; broker, shareholders use an online broker.</p>
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		<title>Advice for Those with Bad Credit</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/advice-for-those-with-bad-credit.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/advice-for-those-with-bad-credit.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:37:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit rating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=808</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having bad credit is a problem, but it’s not the end of the world. So many people are frightened by the mistakes they have made, but the key to handling bad credit is owning it and using your resources to build your credit back again. That is the good news: you can turn your credit [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Visa_Electron_card.jpg"><img title="A Norwegian Visa Electron card issued by Spare..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Visa_Electron_card.jpg/300px-Visa_Electron_card.jpg" alt="A Norwegian Visa Electron card issued by Spare..." width="300" height="118" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Having bad credit is a problem, but it’s not the end of the world. So many people are frightened by the mistakes they have made, but the key to handling bad credit is owning it and using your resources to build your credit back again. That is the good news: you can turn your credit around. Here are some tips.</p>
<h2>Go Prepaid</h2>
<p>Getting a <a href="http://www.thereachcard.com/">prepaid Visa card</a> is the first best step to building back your credit. You can usually get this card through a bank. This allows you to curb your spending since you are only able to use the money that is there. No, this won’t help you build your credit in the same way as owning a home would. However, it will keep you from overspending which is part of the reason you may be in the mess you are in.</p>
<h2>Watch Your Report</h2>
<p>You might be scared to look at your <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre13.shtm">report</a> because there are plenty of things on it that you don’t like to revisit. But ignoring it doesn’t help you. Look at your report and make sure everything on there is exactly as it should be. If you find that there are errors, you can write to the credit companies and have them removed. This might not improve your score much but at least it will be honest. That’s a good start.</p>
<h2>Be Patient</h2>
<p>Getting your credit back to normal takes a long time and it will take a leap of faith from a creditor at some point. Don’t take bad deals just to get good credit. Be smart about spending first. You’ll be better off waiting. Good credit can be had. Don’t think it can’t.</p>
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		<title>Land Grants: Modern Awards with a Rich History</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-modern-awards-with-a-rich-history.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-modern-awards-with-a-rich-history.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:29:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=787</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr Land has been a valuable commodity since America’s early days. Today, land grants are major boons to businesses, organizations, and individuals.  Governments may award a land grant to a business that will improve a piece of neglected property, or as recompense for military services. Land grants are [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8623220@N02/2179082401"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2179082401_280e0ab8e5_m.jpg" alt="A farm, Bethel, Vt. (LOC)" width="240" height="192" /></a></p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8623220@N02/2179082401">The Library of Congress</a> via Flickr</p>
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<p>Land has been a valuable commodity since America’s early days. Today, land grants are major boons to businesses, organizations, and individuals.  Governments may award a land grant to a business that will improve a piece of neglected property, or as recompense for military services. Land grants are highly valued in the 21<sup>st</sup> century, while historically, their significance is both ancient and far reaching.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Rewarding the Militia</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Following their military service,<a href="http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/ROME/CONQITAL.HTM" target="_blank"> Roman soldiers</a> were frequently gifted denarii and/or land as a reward for their services to the Empire. This gift of land as a prize for military service appeared in America following the Revolutionary War, when parcels of land were awarded to the veterans. The Military Act of 1812 was a Congressional act that stipulated gifts of land across the country were to be awarded to volunteer soldiers of the War of 1812; Illinois alone set aside 3.5 million acres of tillable land for this purpose.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Land for the Future</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the 16<sup>th</sup> century, land grants were provided by Britain, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands for the purpose of establishing overseas settlements; recipients were then legally required to improve their land by planting crops and erecting a house. This provision<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_patent" target="_blank"> led to the establishment of America’s original 13 colonies</a>. Through the 19<sup>th</sup> century, the growth of railroad was made possible through land grants; the astounding transcontinental railroad would drastically change America’s future forever.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Since their inception, land grants have supported the growth of the Nation. Today they support business who provide economic growth and employment, organizations who seek to preserve and educate, and individuals who hold tight to the American dream.</p>
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		<title>Getting the &#8216;Open&#8217; Sign Fast</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/getting-the-open-sign-fast.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/getting-the-open-sign-fast.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 12:15:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Betting in poker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=766</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Let&#8217;s face it: it&#8217;s hard starting up a business. You have to think about a land contract, filing your taxes, licenses, hiring, accounting, finances. Crazy stuff! And all you want to do is get to the day when you can, for the first time, put up the &#8216;Open&#8217; sign! One of the biggest hurdles to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Let&#8217;s face it: it&#8217;s hard starting up a business. You have to think about a land contract, filing your taxes, licenses, hiring, accounting, finances. Crazy stuff! And all you want to do is get to the day when you can, for the first time, put up the &#8216;Open&#8217; sign!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the biggest hurdles to make when opening up a <a href="http://www.inc.com/running-a-business" target="_blank">business</a> is cinching the deal of the property &#8212; the land. That&#8217;s one of the biggest costs right there to owning a business. But if you play your cards right, you can get past a lot of the expenses that come with owning a piece of property. How?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They&#8217;re called <em>land grants</em>. And you get them from the government.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Know, though, that this is like sitting at <a href="http://www.custompokertables.com/" target="_blank">professional poker tables</a> and dealing your ante in, because it&#8217;s all up to the stars, whether they&#8217;re aligned or not. In order for you to obtain a grant, you have to estimate your costs, then write the proposal, include all your relevant information, and then basically the final step: pray. You did well on the other steps before the praying step, and your chances are decent that the government might award you a land grant, saving you money.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Typically, if you&#8217;ve contributed to your community in ways that can show you deserve a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_grant" target="_blank">land grant</a>, your chances are better. But that&#8217;s all up to you and how you write your proposal. You basically need to sell yourself. Whatever the case, you can know this, for sure: any costs that are cut down will definitely get you to your &#8216;Open&#8217; sign.</p>
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		<title>Debt Management Advice for Those With Bad Credit</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/debt-management-advice-for-those-with-bad-credit.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/debt-management-advice-for-those-with-bad-credit.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 13:13:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=764</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wish to get your financial life on track? Pounded by bad credit? Think of a debt management tip as safe and right choice. A debt management consultant is a trained professional who is equipped with knowledge of all rules and regulations related to this field. They act as third party between the creditors and the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justified;">Wish to get your financial life on track? Pounded by bad credit? Think of a <a href="http://www.debtmanagementtip.com/">debt management tip</a> as safe and right choice. A debt management consultant is a trained professional who is equipped with knowledge of all rules and regulations related to this field. They act as third party between the creditors and the client. These counselors look for a debt solution customized for your needs and also teach one the ways to manage one’s finance without falling in the pit of debts. They help by making a debt management plan for the client and consolidating one’s debts into one loan. They also help one through their reduced interest rates and no penalties or late fees reducing the overall debt. They negotiate with the creditor for a lower amount payable as debt. Bankruptcy is not a part of the solution provided through debt management advice as it has its own price tags of negative credit score, loss of control over assets and requirement of rebuilding everything from the base level. These counselors through their debt management advice can save you from this nightmare.</p>
<p style="text-align: justified;">A regular <a href="http://www.online-debt-management.com/">debt management program</a> takes 4-6 years of repayment of debt but during this time the company provides full debt management advice which includes legal advice and expertise of counselors. Enjoy a debt free life coupled with peace of mind, take the right decision to overcome your debt seek debt management advice and your debt will soon end. Not only for present but enjoy benefits of the advice throughout your life after being trained by the professionals on the ways to tackle your financial problems of the future. Debt management is the priceless art at the price of repaying your debt. Enjoy the fruits of a debt free life forever.</p>
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		<title>Getting a Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/getting-a-land-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/getting-a-land-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 09:01:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=773</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia The process of obtaining a land grant is not as simple or as quick as people may think. First of all people need to understand what a land grant is and what land grants are typically used for before they apply for a grant. A land grant is a gift of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; width: 310px; display: block; float: right;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keader_Keaton_50_Acre_Land_Grant_South_Carolina.jpg"><img style="display: block;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fa/Keader_Keaton_50_Acre_Land_Grant_South_Carolina.jpg/300px-Keader_Keaton_50_Acre_Land_Grant_South_Carolina.jpg" alt="Keaton Keaton Revolutionary Land Grant" width="300" height="417" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keader_Keaton_50_Acre_Land_Grant_South_Carolina.jpg">Wikipedia</a></p>
</div>
<p>The process of obtaining a land grant is not as simple or as quick as people may think. First of all people need to understand what a land grant is and what land grants are typically used for before they apply for a grant.</p>
<p>A land grant is a gift of land or the land&#8217;s privileges from the government or other authority. The gift of the land was usually given as a reward for services to an individuals. In the past, land grants were typically given to people in return for their military service. Now, land grants are usually awarded to people and companies that want to use and develop unused land. Most of the uses for unused land is to grow crops, build a school, or is used for a program in the community.</p>
<p>If you have found a piece of land that you are interested in then you need to go about getting the approval to use the space. You will have to estimate the costs of what you want to use the land for. If you are going to build a building for the community then you will have to estimate how much it will cost. It is important to be exact as the government can be very strict.</p>
<p>You will also need to write an effective and purposeful proposal. The proposal will be very important because it will tell the government exactly what you want to do with the land. You want to include exactly what you wish to accomplish and why you think that you deserve to get the grant.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Preparations before Traveling to Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/preparations-before-traveling-to-asia.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/preparations-before-traveling-to-asia.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asia travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facts about asia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are planning to travel to Asia, then you are in for a great visit. To make sure that your trip is really memorable one, there are some Asia facts to know as well as different things you have to take care of before you leave. Regardless your destination in Asia, it is a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justified;">If you are planning to travel to Asia, then you are in for a great visit. To make sure that your trip is really memorable one, there are some <a href='http://www.travel-asia-tips.com' target='_blank'>Asia facts</a> to know as well as different things you have to take care of before you leave. Regardless your destination in Asia, it is a good idea to register with the US Embassy&#8217;s Consular. This is necessary for your protection.</p>
<p style="text-align: justified;">It is necessary for you to have a valid passport. You have to check whether the visa is needed for where you are going. As well you can read the Consular information sheets for the areas you are planning to go. That way you will have updated information about anything taking place in the country you are planning to visit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justified;">In Asia regulations, rules and laws are different. And thus it is necessary to get aware of the procedures and policies of the area before <a href='http://www.travel-asia-tips.com' target='_blank'>travel Asia</a>. For sure you do not want to find yourself in some troubles out of the country since you were not aware of how the things are gone.</p>
<p style="text-align: justified;">Such things as wearing jewelry, expensive clothing as well as demonstrating great amounts of cash have to be avoided in Asia. Of course, all these things indicate that you are successful and have some items of value. However, it could easily lead you to being the victim of a robbery or crime. In order to avoid being the victim you do not have to exchange currency with anyone except an authorized agent.</p>
<p style="text-align: justified;">Of course traveling to Asia could be a great experience. And if you manage to take the time to follow these basic tips, you will be more likely to enjoy your trip and what is more important, you will return safely. However, these are not the only recommendations to those traveling to Asia. Before going to Asia it is recommended to find some information and tips about <a href='http://www.travel-asia-tips.com' target='_blank'>Asia online</a>, which could be quite useful for you.</p>
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		<title>Learning About Education Finance</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/learning-about-education-finance.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/learning-about-education-finance.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:58:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Student loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax deduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=768</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Education finance is an important aspect of student life while in college. If not managed properly it can take a student nearly 20 years to repay the debt they incurred while in college. This is a very scary picture and becoming more and more common with people today. The problem is that the loans are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Education finance is an important aspect of student life while in college. If not managed properly it can take a student nearly 20 years to repay the debt they incurred while in college. This is a very scary picture and becoming more and more common with people today. The problem is that the loans are out of sight and out of mind. Students tend to take more than what they need, and without realizing it, they have acquired a mountain of debt.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Making Student Loans Work for You</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are some strategies in keeping <a title="student loan" href="http://moneyhealthcentral.com/truth-about-student-loans/" target="_blank">student loan</a> debt manageable. The first is to only take what you need. More often than not the loan amount that is available to the student is more than the actual educational fees. When students take the extra money, they can spend it how they see fit, but that loan is now on their credit and will have to be repaid. If in a pinch, consider <a title="payday loan" href="http://www.acecashexpress.com/payday-loans.aspx" target="_blank">payday loans</a> rather than a higher student loan. This will give you the same amount of spending cash that you need without the years of repayment and interest charges.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Begin to pay them as soon as you can. This will help to guarantee that they are paid off in a reasonable amount of time without any excessive interest costs. The <a title="interest" href="http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Student-loan-debt-mounts-1332846.php" target="_blank">interest</a> on a student loan is tax deductible, so there is a perk there, but really, it is important to have them paid and cleaned off for more peace of mind.</p>
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		<title>The Challenge Of Selling A House in a Down Market</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-challenge-of-selling-a-house-in-a-down-market.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-challenge-of-selling-a-house-in-a-down-market.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:53:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bank of England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the current decline in the economy, it will be a challenge for the government of the United Kingdom to be able to stabilize the situation and for the meantime, numerous companies are expected to close down in the following months to come. And this comes along with the expectation of people losing employment as [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the current decline in the economy, it will be a challenge for the government of the United Kingdom to be able to stabilize the situation and for the meantime, numerous companies are expected to close down in the following months to come. And this comes along with the expectation of people losing employment as well, and at least forty-thousand properties that are likely to be repossessed. These also translate to the possibility of the job losses to be integrated into the private sector. This means that it is not favorable for those who live in this part of the city to be borrowing money for mortgage since it can be financially devastating in the long run. This will also possibly lead lending institutions to provide financial assistances and options for a lower price. <a href="http://www.sellhousefast.co.uk/quick-sale/national-home-buyers/">National homebuyers</a>. are cash buyers who thrive in an environment like this.</p>
<p>As of now, the Bank of England, and the government itself are exerting much effort in re-establishing the economy and one of their action plans would be to make some major cut backs. Furthermore, first-time property buyers are not advised to be borrowing money anytime soon for mortgages since they may find themselves unable to fulfill their financial obligations which can just lead to tragic repossessions.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is the interest rates that are not subject to any increase anytime soon until at least the next year comes but this is also not certain. With people likely to obtain a mortgage with a ten percent additional deposit, any loan provided of more than at least eighty percent will likely be uneconomical. Judging from the overall situation of the economy, it is not advantageous to buy a property in the United Kingdom as of the moment. Though prices may have decreased to entice prospective buyers and to <a href="http://www.sellhousefast.co.uk/">sell house fast</a>, the slight change is not enough to convince people into handing over their money for ownership of their supposed dream property. In fact, anyone who wants to own a home should have at least twenty percent of the deposit otherwise it’s a fair shot. For the meantime, economists and professionals alike are foreseeing another possible correction anytime soon and this can be a sign that it is not yet a good sign for anyone to purchase a home.</p>
<p>To sum it all up, looking at the nationwide indices may not always be helpful but then again, conducting your own research and observation on how prices fluctuate can spell the difference between selling a house at the right time and leaving it to stagnate in the United Kingdom housing market.</p>
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		<title>Two Groups Suing the EPA Over Continued Pesticide Use</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/two-groups-suing-the-epa-over-continued-pesticide-use.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/two-groups-suing-the-epa-over-continued-pesticide-use.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:10:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Center for Biological Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pesticide]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=677</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Two environmental groups are suing the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ignoring the blow that pesticides have on hundreds of species; most of them endangered or at least threatened, including the California Condor. The two groups suing are the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), and they‘re [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Two environmental groups are suing the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ignoring the blow that pesticides have on hundreds of species; most of them endangered or at least threatened, including the California Condor. The two groups suing are the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), and they‘re backed by peer-reviewed scientific studies.</div>
<div>Jeff Miller, conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, remarked that the lawsuit is meant to force the EPA to obey the laws and make sure that dangerous chemicals are not used in habitats where endangered or threatened species live. He said that for years the EPA has looked the other away while the effects of pesticides take place in some of the country’s rarest species. It’s being called the most comprehensive legal action ever taken under the umbrella of the Endangered Species Act.</div>
<div><strong>PANNA Chimes in for Environmental Law Suit Against the EPA</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>Heather Pilatic, co-director of Pesticide Action Network North America, calls it an opportunity for agriculture. She says that enforcing the law and realistically looking at the costs of pesticide use actually fortify the case for more maintainable practices, like crop rotation and beneficial insect release.</div>
<div>The species named for protection in the law suit, are:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Florida Panther</li>
<li>California Condor</li>
<li>Piping Plover</li>
<li>Black-footed Ferret</li>
<li>Arroyo Toad</li>
<li>Indiana Bat</li>
<li>Bony-Tail Chub</li>
<li>Alabama Sturgeon</li>
<li>And 206 other species across America</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>The two environmentalist groups say (in documents from the USFW and the EPA and in peer-reviewed scientific studies) the species in question are indeed harmed by the pesticides that the two environmentalist groups are taking issue with. The longer the EPA turns a blind eye to the use of certain pesticides, the longer the danger for the wildlife and the resulting backlash that comes with wiping out species in any area.</div>
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		<title>A Look at Land Grants for Local Wildlife Conservation</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-land-grants-for-local-wildlife-conservation.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-land-grants-for-local-wildlife-conservation.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:31:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=742</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a lot of development going on across the United States. While development is good for the economy is not good for the surrounding habitats and wildlife. Many areas across the United States are facing environmental problems due to the continuing development of neighboring communities. An effort to preserve natural wildlife and plant life [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a lot of development going on across the United States. While development is good for the economy is not good for the surrounding habitats and wildlife. Many areas across the United States are facing environmental problems due to the continuing development of neighboring communities. An effort to preserve natural wildlife and plant life the federal government has come up with a land grant program that helps local and state governments preserve the natural wildlife and habitat of the area.</p>
<p>The way the program works is simple. The federal government will provide the local and state governments with the opportunity to purchase private land that houses local wildlife and plant life that might be in danger. The government will then award these local and state governments funding in an effort to keep the wildlife and natural habitat the way that it is.</p>
<p>Should the local and state government not be able to provide for the animals and wildlife in the area that they purchased the federal government will offer a land grant to individual groups and organizations who vow to restore and preserve the surrounding environment. This can be done by preserving the natural wildlife and plant life. There are also available federal funds that allow these organizations and individuals to provide for and keep the natural surrounding habitat the way that it is.</p>
<p>It is through these government programs that many local and state parks and areas can preserve the existing wildlife and plant life and provide a natural environment when the community development continues to grow.</p>
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		<title>How Land Grants Help Develop Today&#8217;s Modern Transportation Systems</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-land-grants-help-develop-todays-modern-transportation-systems.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-land-grants-help-develop-todays-modern-transportation-systems.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:31:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rail transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=741</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The United States transportation system was not always as it used to be. In fact, transportation across the United States was almost impossible before the development of railways and railroads. It is believed that the United States transportation system would not be in effect if it were not for the use of government land grants [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The United States transportation system was not always as it used to be. In fact, transportation across the United States was almost impossible before the development of railways and railroads. It is believed that the United States transportation system would not be in effect if it were not for the use of government land grants that allowed railway and railroad companies to develop the railway system that is used today.</p>
<p>In 1862 the United States government passed an act titled the Pacific Railway Act. This government proposal allowed railways and railroad systems to develop and use public land in an effort to create a crossing railway system across the United States. If the railway company could not use the government land this act allowed them to sell off the land to private companies and use the profits in an effort to finance any railroad projects or to develop existing railway station.</p>
<p>It is believed that through this federal land grant project the United States was able to develop a transportation system that is uses today. In fact, land grants are credited with moving the transportation system that was used by the United States into the modern century. That is because without a railway system the United States would not have a means to transport goods from the East Coast to the West Coast. Today Railway systems and transportation are quicker than ever however without the use of the land-grant provided by the federal government railroads and railway systems would never have been developed and we might not have the system we have today.</p>
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		<title>History of Land Grants for Use of College and Universities</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/history-of-land-grants-for-use-of-college-and-universities.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/history-of-land-grants-for-use-of-college-and-universities.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:31:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=740</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants have an interesting history. The most interesting history of all land grants is that of the university land grant history. Although land grants are rarely used anymore for educational purposes less than 150 years ago when grants were used to build educational universities. Here is a look at how these land grants were [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants have an interesting history. The most interesting history of all land grants is that of the university land grant history. Although land grants are rarely used anymore for educational purposes less than 150 years ago when grants were used to build educational universities. Here is a look at how these land grants were able to help build and develop colleges and universities all across the United States.</p>
<p>The way land grants were is the government gave the states federal land that they could use to find colleges and universities. The states have two choices. First, they could sell the government land to private businesses and organizations and use that money to fund colleges and universities. This is a popular choice as many of the land grant that were available could bring a larger sum of money by targeting small businesses and private organizations.</p>
<p>The second choice was to build colleges and universities directly on the federal land. If the college and university was built using federal land this meant that the college must appeal to a wide range of students and offer an affordable education. The college and university was also offer agricultural and environmental lessons in effort to increase the amount of science and agricultural learning that within specific areas.</p>
<p>It is believed that by getting this land to the states they would be able to turn a profit on the federal land and fund local colleges and universities that allow local individuals to receive a higher education.</p>
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		<title>Working With a Grant Writer</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/working-with-a-grant-writer.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/working-with-a-grant-writer.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:31:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Non-profit organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Writer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=739</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether you are applying for grant for your small business or your nonprofit organization you will be required to submit a grant proposal. Many individuals are unable to write a grant proposal that will attract the attention of the application committee. This means that these individuals will work closely with the grant writer was able [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are applying for grant for your small business or your nonprofit organization you will be required to submit a grant proposal. Many individuals are unable to write a grant proposal that will attract the attention of the application committee. This means that these individuals will work closely with the grant writer was able to write out the grant proposal and make it so that the company or organization will be awarded the grant. If you are thinking of working closely with the grant writer here are some things keep in mind.</p>
<p>Expectations. It is important to talk to your grant writer about what expectations you have for the grant process. This can be outlining what you plan to do with the grant money or how you want to spotlight your community or organization. The grant writer may be unfamiliar with your organization and therefore taking the time to highlight what you want will allow you to get your best grant proposal.</p>
<p>Research. The grant writer will be able to research your organization. However, it is important that you give them an insider look at your business so that the grant can appear personal and targeted for your business.</p>
<p>Review the Grant Proposal. After the grant writer has written out the grant proposal is important that you review the grant proposal. This is to ensure that what is proposed is what you plan on using the grant money for. You do not want to have a grant approved for something that you have no means of carrying out. Make sure that the proposal is something that your business needs a highlight your business in the light.</p>
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		<title>Resources for Small Business Owners Who Are Looking for Government Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/resources-for-small-business-owners-who-are-looking-for-government-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/resources-for-small-business-owners-who-are-looking-for-government-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:31:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant (money)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=738</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are a number of resources available to small business owners who are looking for government grants to help them with every day business expenses. Grants are a great way to find a business as the majority of them do not need to be paid back as long as the outline and rules of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are a number of resources available to small business owners who are looking for government grants to help them with every day business expenses. Grants are a great way to find a business as the majority of them do not need to be paid back as long as the outline and rules of the government grant have been followed. If you are considering applying for a small business grant here are some resources where you can look at the latest grants available to small business owners.</p>
<p>A Federal Government Website. The federal government website is a great resource for small business loans. Many of the grants that are available are available through the federal government and are listed in in the resource section of the federal government website. These grants are usually available to businesses that are a nonprofit organization or meet a specific need in the community that is surrounding them. Small business grants can be searched by keyword, state and location of the small business. This allows business owners to find grants that meet their specific needs.</p>
<p>Small Business Alliance. The Small Business Alliance is a group of individuals devoted to helping small business owners find the funding and grants that meet their specific needs. The Small Business Alliance is a great resource because it not only offers government grants but also nonprofit or privates grants. This means that small business owners are able to see a wider pool of grants that are available to them and find grants that meet their specific needs. As private corporation grants are not available on the government website The Small Business Alliance may actually provide more grants a chance for small business owners to get a wider range of grants awarded them.</p>
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		<title>After the Small Business Grant has Been Approved</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/after-the-small-business-grant-has-been-approved.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/after-the-small-business-grant-has-been-approved.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:31:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant (money)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=737</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once a small business has been awarded a government grant the grant process is not over yet. Small businesses must agree to continue the grant process by outlining to the government what exactly is being done with the money that has been awarded to them. Here&#8217;s a look at what must be outlined after a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Once a small business has been awarded a government grant the grant process is not over yet. Small businesses must agree to continue the grant process by outlining to the government what exactly is being done with the money that has been awarded to them. Here&#8217;s a look at what must be outlined after a small business has received a government grant.</p>
<p>Business Outline. Once the grant has been approved the small business must outline in writing how the grant will be used. This will talk about the resources or training that will be purchased using the grant. This must be a detailed outline that explains how the grant will improve the business as well as how the business owner plans on going about achieving the resources or training that is needed for the business.</p>
<p>Receipts and Outline Of Money Spent. The small business must account for all the money that is spent using the grant money. This means the business owner must keep detailed records of every penny that is spent using the grant money. Receipts and an outline of where the money is going is very common and apart of the grant award process. This part of the grant process ensures that all businesses are using the money as intended.</p>
<p>Proof of Grant Money in Use. Depending upon the grant the small business owner may need to submit more than an outline and receipts for his grant money. Sometimes photos and other related materials will be required to be submitted to the government office as proof that the grant money is being used as intended.</p>
<p>Just because a business has been awarded a small business grant does not mean that the process is over. Small business owners must keep detailed records of where the money is being spent and how it is being spent or they could face having to return all the grant money.</p>
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		<title>The Application Process and Waiting for a Small Business Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-application-process-and-waiting-for-a-small-business-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-application-process-and-waiting-for-a-small-business-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:24:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The government offers grant money small businesses in an effort to allow them to encourage them to do business against big businesses. The grant process for small businesses can be a lengthy process but well worth the wait as many grants do not need to be paid back. If you are considering applying for small [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The government offers grant money small businesses in an effort to allow them to encourage them to do business against big businesses. The grant process for small businesses can be a lengthy process but well worth the wait as many grants do not need to be paid back. If you are considering applying for small business grant here looking at the process that you will have to undergo.</p>
<p>The Application Process. Many grants that are provided by the government have a specific purpose or targeted individual that they want to award the grant to. This means that during the application process you must show why you want the grant and how it can apply to your small business. For example if the grant is about creating a new accounting department you must outline in your application why your business needs a new accounting department in how the grant will help you. The application process can vary based off of grant and government office that is awarding the small business grant.it is also important to make sure that you fill out the application 100% correct as one small mistake could be the determining factor in your land-grant approval process.</p>
<p>Awarding The Grant. Awarding the grant is harder than it looks. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. This means that there is a limited amount money available to applicants and therefore the government must choose who they feel deserves the money the most. The application process and review committee can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The application committee will look closely on your application that you submitted as well as your needs for the grant. This is often the most difficult part of the process as hundreds of thousands of applicants can apply for small business grants which makes the decision-making process a lot harder.</p>
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		<title>Process of Applying for Federal Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/process-of-applying-for-federal-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/process-of-applying-for-federal-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:24:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Non-profit organization]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=709</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The ability to receive a land grant might be more difficult than it appears. Land grants are awarded through an application process. However, the reason for your land grant must usually be a nonprofit organization or educational opportunity catering to a specific demographic group. If you are considering building a number of buildings for the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The ability to receive a land grant might be more difficult than it appears. Land grants are awarded through an application process. However, the reason for your land grant must usually be a nonprofit organization or educational opportunity catering to a specific demographic group. If you are considering building a number of buildings for the specific purposes you might be able to qualify for a federal or state land grant. Here&#8217;s how to apply for a land grant using the Internet and the resources you have available.</p>
<p>Step one. You must first create an account at the government website for land grants. This website is grants.gov. To create an account you must put in your personal information and you must register as either an individual or as a business/nonprofit organization. If you register as an individual you only see land grants that are available to individuals. If you register as a business/nonprofit organization you only see grants available to those organizations. If you wish to see a combination of all of you must register to accounts one individual and one business/nonprofit.</p>
<p>Step two. You will be required to confirm your account via e-mail that was sent to you when you registered your account. Once confirmed you can log into the grant search link available on the government&#8217;s website.</p>
<p>Step three. You&#8217;ll be able to search grants that are available to individuals or businesses through the website. The grants will show you the qualifications and application process required to receive that grant. Some grants require an application process that requires multiple documents to be sent in. You can download these documents and to grant package straight from the website. You can then fill out the application and send it in.</p>
<p>Step four. After sending in the application you will have to wait a number of weeks or months to hear word back on whether you received the grant.</p>
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		<title>Tom&#8217;s Shoes Gives Back</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/toms-shoes-gives-back.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/toms-shoes-gives-back.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:25:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Argentina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa University]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toms Shoes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=630</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The idea of a company that gives back to the community is growing! This gentler marketing strategy is gaining in both market share and popularity as the consumer base becomes more interested in the ethical aspect of business. Many companies donate money or encourage their employees to volunteer, but Toms Shoes goes a step further [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sami_shoe.jpg"><img title="Sami shoe." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Sami_shoe.jpg/300px-Sami_shoe.jpg" alt="Sami shoe." width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>The idea of a company that gives back to the community is growing! This gentler marketing strategy is gaining in both market share and popularity as the consumer base becomes more interested in the ethical aspect of business. Many companies donate money or encourage their employees to volunteer, but <a href="http://www.sojones.com/urban-clothing/toms-shoes/">Toms Shoes</a> goes a step further and gives a pair of shoes to a needy person for every pair purchased. This brand is on a mission to make sure that no one in the world goes barefoot unless they want to!</p>
<h2>The Birth of Tom’s Shoes</h2>
<p>Curiously, Toms Shoes wasn’t founded by anyone named Tom, but by Blake Mycoskie, an Amazing Race participant. He was captivated by a shoe he saw in Argentina and by the fact that so many of the children there didn’t own shoes. To start a new business, he updated this Argentinian classic and made it his mission to donate one pair of shoes for every pair sold. With every purchase, consumers receive a comfortable, fashionable shoe from a company that <a href="http://gliving.com/toms-shoes-style-that-gives-back/">truly gives back</a>.</p>
<h2>Tom’s Inspires Others to Give Back, Too</h2>
<p>Toms Shoes is influencing both companies and individuals to give to this worthy cause. Recently, a group of students at Ottawa University were inspired to start their own <a href="http://www.oucampus.org/news/senior-core-group-inspired-by-toms-shoes-gives-back-1.2420005">shoe donation program</a>. They ordered Tom’s Shoes free video that showed just how many children around the world have never had a pair of shoes. The video was all they needed to make the decision to start a successful shoe drive. The goal was 150 pairs and $100, but the overshot their target to collect 159 pairs of shoes and $266! With this kind of motivation, you can bet that this group of students will continue their philanthropy well into their future.</p>
<p>Tom’s Shoes has found success through helping others. Would you be more likely to buy a pair of Toms because of their charitable program?</p>
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		<title>Differences Between Public Land Grant Colleges and Private Universities</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/differences-between-public-land-grant-colleges-and-private-universities.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/differences-between-public-land-grant-colleges-and-private-universities.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:24:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some colleges and universities are founded through the use of public land grants. The difference between a public land grant university or college, and a private university is where the funding for the college and programs comes from. Here is a look at the differences between a public land grant university and a private university. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some colleges and universities are founded through the use of public land grants. The difference between a public land grant university or college, and a private university is where the funding for the college and programs comes from. Here is a look at the differences between a public land grant university and a private university.</p>
<p>Enrollment. Public land grant universities and colleges are intended to offer classes to a wide range of students. This means there&#8217;ll be a difference in the amount of education, backgrounds, race, sexual orientation, religious backgrounds and sex. A public land grant university cannot discriminate against education, race or background. Private universities are allowed to limit who can come into the college or university. This means a private university can require that the college be filled with students of a certain religious background, ethical background, racial background or be filled with the same sex college.</p>
<p>Classes. Public land grant universities must also offer a number of science, technical and engineering classes to its students. The focus of these classes is to develop the understanding of science and technology to a wide range of backgrounds and areas. Private colleges and universities can offer a wide range of classes ranging from the liberal arts to science and technology to agricultural. The private college has the right to offer whatever programs it wants.</p>
<p>Funding. Public land grant universities and colleges receive a number of resources from the government. This goes into allowing the school to offer a lower rate tuition which opens the educational opportunities to a wide range of students. Private universities are able to offer their tuition at whatever rate they want as they do not receive government funding and instead rely upon tuition and donations from sponsors and past students. An example of the difference between tuition is a private school can cost anywhere from $35,000 on up, while a public land grant college usually starts at $10,000.</p>
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		<title>Examples of Colleges and Universities That Were Founded Using Federal Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/examples-of-colleges-and-universities-that-were-founded-using-federal-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/examples-of-colleges-and-universities-that-were-founded-using-federal-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:24:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Purdue University]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=707</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants were originally intended to allow universities and colleges to build on land that the government provided free of charge. These colleges and universities were intended to offer industrial areas a chance at higher scientific education. While land grants are no longer issued to educational resources and institutions there are still universities and colleges [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants were originally intended to allow universities and colleges to build on land that the government provided free of charge. These colleges and universities were intended to offer industrial areas a chance at higher scientific education. While land grants are no longer issued to educational resources and institutions there are still universities and colleges across the United States that are operating on land that was offered through the land-grant. Here is a look at some other colleges and universities that operate on land grant plots of land.</p>
<p>Cornell University. Cornell University is located in New York is considered an Ivy League college. It is most famous for its colleges of the veterinary science, industrial labor industries, and law school. This Ivy League school was built through a land grant from the federal government many years ago.</p>
<p>Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT was also developed on a land grant through the federal government. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers highly technical and scientific classes to college students. It is famous for its graphic and web design college classes.</p>
<p>Purdue University. Purdue University is another land-grant University that is established in Indiana on land that was given to the college through federal land grant process. This school is known for its engineering, architectural, agricultural, veterinary science and medicine and aero dynamic science classes. Currently it offers over 200 majors and 70 graduate programs.</p>
<p>University of California Berkeley. The University of California, Berkeley is another example of a university or college that was built using federal land-grant. This college has a wide range of undergraduate classes and focuses on the engineering and science aspect of college. There are over 300 different degree programs available to students who choose the University of California, Berkeley campus.</p>
<p>University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the first public colleges in the United States. It was built on a land grant offered to the state in an effort to build a school in North Carolina that focused on medicine, business, education and the environment.</p>
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		<title>Obtaining Local and State Land Grants for Local Citizens</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/obtaining-local-and-state-land-grants-for-local-citizens.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/obtaining-local-and-state-land-grants-for-local-citizens.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public land]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=706</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A number of years ago federal land grants were done away with by the federal government. Even though federal land grants are no longer available many local and state governments offer land grants to citizens in an effort to have them relocate to other areas. It is believed that by offering free land people will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A number of years ago federal land grants were done away with by the federal government. Even though federal land grants are no longer available many local and state governments offer land grants to citizens in an effort to have them relocate to other areas. It is believed that by offering free land people will be encouraged to build homes on the existing plot of land and develop the economic growth of the area.</p>
<p>Land grants are available in cities that usually have a decrease in population. In effort to increase the population and surrounding community the governments offer free land to citizens. There are several ways in which you can find land grants that are available in multiple areas. Here is a look at how to find free land grants that are available on this state and local level and what type of considerations should go into applying for a local or state land grant.</p>
<p>Internet Resource. Every state&#8217;s land grant office has its own Internet website. This website will outline the application process and number of grant available to those seeking a land grant. If you are unable to find your state land grant office online the Land Grant Alliance has a list of available resources for you to reference.</p>
<p>Considerations for Grants. The consideration for land grants very based on the state and the reason for the land grant. This means that the city and state will usually consider employment status, financial status and expectations for the community. It is important that you do your research regarding the application process before you apply for your land grant. It is also important to research why land grants are available in that area. Common reasons for land grants include a recent natural disaster or high unemployment and crime rates. It is important to understand what type of community you are entering before you apply for your grant.</p>
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		<title>Ways Organizations Can Apply for Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/ways-organizations-can-apply-for-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/ways-organizations-can-apply-for-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:23:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Non-profit organization]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=705</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants are available to community organizations who wish to build upon a government land. Land grants are great for community organizations because they do not require the organization to purchase the land instead the organization are able to receive the land and the steep discount. While land grants used to be readily available to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants are available to community organizations who wish to build upon a government land. Land grants are great for community organizations because they do not require the organization to purchase the land instead the organization are able to receive the land and the steep discount. While land grants used to be readily available to the public, however, in recent years land grants have become increasingly difficult to find. Here is a look at the way you can find land grants that are available to your community organization.</p>
<p>Unused Land. Organizations can use underdeveloped, abandoned or idle government property. If an organization&#8217;s use of land that they believe is underdeveloped, abandoned, or idle they can apply for the land grant through process known as Brownfield Economic Development Grant. These grants are available to nonprofit private organizations as well as public nonprofit organization. The purpose behind these land grants is to offer jobs and economic growth in the area.</p>
<p>Rural Housing. Land grants are available to nonprofit organizations in rural communities through the Rural Housing and Economic Development Grant. This grant awards grants to nonprofit organizations so they can develop their current organization in a rural community with hopes of spreading community service and bettering the rural area.</p>
<p>Environmental Preservation Grant. Land grants are also available to organizations who wish to preserve the surrounding environment and natural habitats of the community. The national Library for environment maintains a list of land grants that are available to nonprofit organizations.</p>
<p>State Land Grants. Every state has its own land grant application process. Nonprofit organizations are available to apply for state land-grants through the states land-grant process. As long as the organization is a nonprofit organization land-grant will be available for each specific project. Each state land-grant office is usually titled with the state&#8217;s name and the resource department. To discover the land-grants that are available to nonprofit organizations contact the national resource department of your state.</p>
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		<title>Ice Sheet in Greenland Melting Season 50 Days Longer</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/ice-sheet-in-greenland-melting-season-50-days-longer.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/ice-sheet-in-greenland-melting-season-50-days-longer.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:05:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greenland]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=683</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The ice sheet in Greenland melted record amounts in 2010 as reported by a Friday paper titled Environmental Research Letters. They are thinking that the largest single contributor to the sea level rising might be even a larger factor that they’d thought. 2010 has tied with 2005 as the warmest years on record, but 8 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The ice sheet in Greenland melted record amounts in 2010 as reported by a Friday paper titled Environmental Research Letters. They are thinking that the largest single contributor to the sea level rising might be even a larger factor that they’d thought.</div>
<div>2010 has tied with 2005 as the warmest years on record, but 8 scientists researching from the US, Holland and Belgium haven’t supplied a specific number for just how much melting actually happened. They said the data they have  paints a picture of a strongly negative imbalance on the surface mass during last year.</div>
<div>Surface temp anomalies over Greenland’s ice sheet, satellite data of melting, observations and scale models all help to predict the melting speed of the ice sheet.</div>
<div><strong>The 2010 Ice Sheet Melting Season was 50 Days Longer Than Average</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>They reported that summer temps were up by nearly 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and couple that with less snowfall that usual and there’s a recipe for high level melt. There’s also a condition known as an “albedo effect,” which means melting is accelerated after the ice was exposed for longer amounts of time, soaking up more of the sun that shone on it.</div>
<div>Marco Tedesco, the paper&#8217;s lead author wrote in an email that 2010 melting runoff could be as much as 530 gigatons. In comparison to the 1979-2009 record of 285 gigatons per year and 1958-1979 saw 274 gigatons of runoff, 2010 was a blockbuster year for melting. This carries serious implications for rising sea levels in the near future.</div>
<div>Climate scientist  Dr. Martin Sommerkorn reports that the sea level is likely to rise by at least 36 inches by the year 2100. It won’t stop there, he warns. The longer people take to reduce or stop greenhouse gases from being produced, the more ice will melt and the more sea levels will rise.</div>
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		<title>Control Spending with Smarter Cards</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/control-spending-with-smarter-cards.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/control-spending-with-smarter-cards.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:19:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prepaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=617</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many small businesses are now faced with a growing problem. Because of the economy, income from the sale of products and services is declining. At the same time, expenses seem to be increasing. Many small business owners are finding success by implementing a program in which prepaid credit cards are used for the purchase of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many small businesses are now faced with a growing problem. Because of the economy, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wage" target="_blank">income</a> from the sale of products and services is declining. At the same time, expenses seem to be increasing. Many small business owners are finding success by implementing a program in which prepaid credit cards are used for the purchase of specific goods for the company. This program can effectively manage the cost of doing business.</p>
<p>For example, many business owners find the cost of simple office supplies to be out of control. An inventory of office supplies is often difficult to track. Finding a successful way to budget and manage the office supply inventory can be an effective way of reining in expenses.</p>
<p>For example, utilize a program in which you load a <a href="http://www.ehow.com/prepaid-credit-cards/" target="_blank">prepaid credit card</a> with a predetermined amount of money each month. Then use the card solely for the purpose of purchasing office supplies. Small business owners quickly find they have a greater degree of control over money spent in this category after implementing such a program.</p>
<p>Those small business owners who opt to use a prepaid credit card for the purposes of controlling <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/expense.asp" target="_blank">expenses</a> also find their money is easier to track. Most companies who specialize in these cards provide cardholders with a variety of online tools designed to make expense tracking simpler and more intuitive. Small business owners who are willing to take the time to review the available information find they have a much greater degree of control over money used for business expenses.</p>
<p>It is of critical importance that business owners who are interested in utilizing these budget saving cards only work with reputable companies. Reputable companies, such as Visa’s <a href="http://www.visionprepaid.com/" target="_blank">Vision Prepaid</a>, offer business owners and administrators the greatest degree of control over their spending, while still providing them with the safety and security they need to keep their information and assets intact.</p>
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		<title>Secretary of Interior Restructures MMS and Turns one Entity Into Three</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/secretary-of-interior-restructures-mms-and-turns-one-entity-into-three.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/secretary-of-interior-restructures-mms-and-turns-one-entity-into-three.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:05:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ken Salazar]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=682</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now there will be two agencies to fulfill the duties of one. Two separate agencies will combine to implement offshore drilling operations that used to be delegated to the crooked Minerals Management Service, or MMS. On June 21 of last year the MMS was changed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Regulation and Enforcement, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Now there will be two agencies to fulfill the duties of one. Two separate agencies will combine to implement offshore drilling operations that used to be delegated to the crooked Minerals Management Service, or MMS. On June 21 of last year the MMS was changed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Regulation and Enforcement, or BOEMRE.</div>
<div>BOEMRE Director M Bromwich revealed the new structure and it’s functions as the regulating agency. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management  will be accountable for the improvement of the US’s offshore resources and they will conduct them in an ecologically aware and economical way. Functions of the new agency are not limited to but contain:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Renewable Energy Program</li>
<li>Economic analysis</li>
<li>Leasing</li>
<li>National Environmental Policy Act analysis</li>
<li>Environmental studies</li>
<li>Resource evaluation</li>
<li>Plan administration</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div><strong>One Entity Turns Into Three Entities to Oversee Offshore Drilling</strong></div>
<div>A third entity, the BSEE, or Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, will oversee that all safety and environmental regulations are in use. Among their duties will be these:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>All field operations</li>
<li>Training and Environmental Compliance activities</li>
<li>Oil Spill Response</li>
<li>Permitting</li>
<li>Offshore Regulatory Programs</li>
<li>Research</li>
<li>Inspections</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar remarked that he’s working diligently to establish a strong and independent management for offshore drilling to guarantee safe operation and compliance with the law.</div>
<div>The MMS was renamed BOEMRE in June of last June when Director Bromwich was sworn in to give a more accurate report of the immensity of the disaster and to get a more realistic view of the problem. The MMS restructure was made after the largest oil slick in the world’s history surged 4.1 (estimated) millions barrels of oil into the ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The underground well blew April 20, 2010 and it jettisoned massive amounts of crude oil into the ocean until July 19, 2010 when the well was capped for good.</div>
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		<title>World Money; Food Prices Rise and Japan&#8217;s Zinc Smelter Takes 2 Month Break</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/world-money-food-prices-rise-and-japans-zinc-smelter-takes-2-month-break.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/world-money-food-prices-rise-and-japans-zinc-smelter-takes-2-month-break.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:05:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zinc]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=681</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Food prices are causing riots in Africa, and it indirectly proves profitable for the US farm economy. Food prices world-wide rose 25% in 2010, the UN reports, and they were at record highs in December. The less fortunate paid about 20% more in 2009. The Department of Agriculture estimates that retail food in the US [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Food prices are causing riots in Africa, and it indirectly proves profitable for the US farm economy. Food prices world-wide rose 25% in 2010, the UN reports, and they were at record highs in December. The less fortunate paid about 20% more in 2009. The Department of Agriculture estimates that retail food in the US rose 1.5% in 2010 and is only expected to gain as much as 2% this year.</div>
<div>The USDA forecast that countries all over are limiting their sales or releasing large amounts in an effort to slow inflation, or food prices could go as high as 16% this year to a whopping $126.5 billion. Americans haven’t been impacted that much yet, but grocers all over the nation are gearing up for the higher prices to come.</div>
<div>Jason Britt, president of CSC (Central States Commodities Inc.), thinks Americans are spoiled, and he is right. We spend relatively little of our income on food in comparison to some other countries. Britt said it wouldn’t surprise him to see larger bite taken out of our revenues for it. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for it if we can.</div>
<div><strong>Japan’s Largest Zinc Smelter Takes Two Months Off</strong></div>
<div>Japan’s largest producer of zinc, Mitsui Mining &amp; Smelting Co., will likely back off production in the next financial year, planning to close down its largest zinc smelter for maintenance of up to two months. From March 15 to May 15 the Hachinohe smelter will close. Nobuyuki Nakamoto, manager of the zinc business said the plant’s productivity will drop by 10,000 metric tons to 90,000 metric tons in the fiscal year beginning April 1st.</div>
<div>Zinc prices soared by 50 % since June 2010 when it looked like the global economy was going to rally a bit.  Asian mining companies were firm on limits even though demand from China is growing. The demand for metal will stay strong and help to lead an export-led economic recovery.</div>
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		<title>BLM Decides Which Lands Have Wilderness Characteristics</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/blm-decides-which-lands-have-wilderness-characteristics.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/blm-decides-which-lands-have-wilderness-characteristics.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:05:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bureau of Land Management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=680</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A new Department of Interior Secretarial order 3310 allows the BLM to choose exactly what wilderness distinctive land is, and what is wilderness inventory to establish “Wild Lands” without the express permission of Congress. No US Forest Service-managed lands will be eligible for the status when considering land for Wild lands.  However, the BLM will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>A new Department of Interior Secretarial order 3310 allows the BLM to choose exactly what wilderness distinctive land is, and what is wilderness inventory to establish “Wild Lands” without the express permission of Congress.</div>
<div>No US Forest Service-managed lands will be eligible for the status when considering land for Wild lands.  However, the BLM will invite all locals and the county commissioners to get involved in the planning process. The order only relates to public lands managed by the BLM, as the agency has no all-inclusive national guidance for keeping inventory and manage lands with wilderness distinctions.</div>
<div>Steve Smith, BLM Nevada State Office Wilderness Coordinator says the guidance will spread uniformity across the BLM and supply a process for examining characteristics in project level decisions and land-use planning.</div>
<div><strong>USFS Lands are Not Included in the Plan</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>He added that the USFS managed lands are not included because they are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, and the Secretary’s Order only applies to those lands that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior.</div>
<div>It’s going to be the BLM’s job to take note of existing wilderness inventory data and to record lands that have been acquired, but haven’t already been recorded as inventory. It’s the Secretary’s hope that this system will help identify which lands are to be classified as Wild Lands.</div>
<div>Smith offered that the process will determine a range of options in protective and non-protective areas of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) and the BLM will designate which lands qualify as Wild Lands in land-use planning.</div>
<div></div>
<div>He added that the Wild Lands will be chosen and maintained under defensive procedures that will be identified in the land-use plans as well as the determination being made with all the appropriate necessities of law and other source management deliberations.</div>
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		<title>Who Comes up With This Stuff?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/who-comes-up-with-this-stuff.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/who-comes-up-with-this-stuff.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:04:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clean Air Act]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=679</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) wrote a cutting letter to the EPA that’s being called both irresponsible and ignorant. Blunt is angry about a law suit to enforce the Clean Air Act upon a coal-burning power plant in Missouri that allegedly increased pollution with sulfur dioxide. With all the scathing words and intentions, this letter did [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) wrote a cutting letter to the EPA that’s being called both irresponsible and ignorant. Blunt is angry about a law suit to enforce the Clean Air Act upon a coal-burning power plant in Missouri that allegedly increased pollution with sulfur dioxide.</div>
<div>With all the scathing words and intentions, this letter did not have any facts supporting his claims. He claimed knowledge of things he had no proof of and he supported the innocence of a federal civil defendant and the guilt of a federal law enforcement agency.  It didn’t seem to matter to him that the law suit was filed by civil servant justice department attorneys, nor did it matter that these exact same kinds of law suits were prosecuted successfully during Bush’s presidency.</div>
<div>The senator accused the EPA of interfering with the state’s own authorities, citing that he is weighed down by the responsibility of examining measures that may not work for his constituents. Okay&#8230;</div>
<div><strong>North Dakota Legislators Introduce Bill to Erase EPA Rules</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>It’s crazy, but true: North Dakota legislators actually had the nerve to introduce a bill that denies the EPA inspections and wipes out all previous EPA standards.</div>
<div>North Dakota Republican Representatives Jim Kasper, Jeff Delzer, Craig Headland, Dave Weiler and Senator Tom Fischer introduced a bill that cancels out all rules and regulations standardized by the EPA, and that the agency has no authority or effect in the state agency, and that the EPA has no right to inspect or visit without prior permission of the state.</div>
<div>If all the rules are voided, there’s no reason for them to ever give their permission for the EPA to conduct a visit or inspection. This seems a bit on the weird side; what about all those people that live in the jurisdiction that like to breathe clean air and drink/play/fish in clean water? If this can come to fruition, who else might they legislate against entering their state?</div>
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		<title>EPA Makes Historical Move Against Spruce No.1 Coal Mine</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/epa-makes-historical-move-against-spruce-no-1-coal-mine.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/epa-makes-historical-move-against-spruce-no-1-coal-mine.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:04:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[West Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=678</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday it was announced that the EPA invalidated the permits to run Arch Coal Inc.‘s Spruce No.1 Mine; a coal mine that’s gotten all the permits and requirements since 2007. It, at first, seems to be unfair and several politicians &#8211; including two of West Virginia’s Democratic senators, John Rockefeller IV and Joe Manchin III, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><span>Yesterday it was announced that the EPA invalidated the permits to run Arch Coal Inc.‘s Spruce No.1 Mine; a coal mine that’s gotten all the permits and requirements since 2007. It, at first, seems to be unfair and several politicians &#8211; including two of West Virginia’s Democratic senators, John Rockefeller IV and Joe <span>Manchin</span> III, and several cause groups are fighting it all the way.</span></div>
<div>The truth is that the company has been using a mode of mining that equals removing entire mountain-tops to look for ore. The remains of those mountain-tops are dumped in valleys and streams, wrecking habitats for the wildlife that live in/around those areas. This is a mining practice that’s already ruined environments and habitats all over Appalachia.</div>
<div><strong>EPA’s Move Should Give the Mining Industry a Rude Awakening</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>It’s hoped to give the mining industry a wake-up call that the end of political favor is at hand.  No more is the ‘good old boy’ scenario is going to be tolerated. The EPA’s action is an accolade to itself, especially after facing such fierce opposition, and the same for the tireless West Virginians who oppose the mine. Take note, mining industry. The EPA has always had the power to do this, but only once has it ever been used.</div>
<div><span>The Spruce No. 1 Mine has been blowing off the tops of the mountains for two years. Those ruins were literally dumped in places that ruined an area that’s estimated (by the EPA) to be six miles long, with no plan for returning the land to it’s original ecosystem.  Around those six miles of land were thousands of miles of prime stream beds that have already been wrecked. The EPA said it’s a clear violation of the Clean Water Act.</span></div>
<div>Arch Coal, Inc. is suing, big surprise. They really should spend time making a different plan for extracting the coal from these mountains in an ecologically safe, environmentally friendlier manner.</div>
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		<title>Use the Internet to Boost Your Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/use-the-internet-to-boost-your-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/use-the-internet-to-boost-your-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:25:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=512</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You probably are already pretty familiar with the Internet because you use it for personal use. Your personal usage of it may be limited to sending e-mails and instant messages, helping your kids research school projects, or to keep up with the latest sports or financial news. But when it comes to your business, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You probably are already pretty familiar with the Internet because you use it for personal use. Your personal usage of it may be limited to sending e-mails and instant messages, helping your kids research school projects, or to keep up with the latest sports or financial news. But when it comes to your business, you may not be aware of just how much the Internet can boost your revenue. You may have a website and you keep it updated and well-maintained, but is it designed to let you interact with your customers in other ways besides just receiving their orders?</p>
<p>For example, have you taken advantage of business tools such as online surveys? Many customers appreciate it when a business website offers them a chance to provide feedback through these, and most of them don’t mind completing them, especially if you have it set up to where they can simply “point and click” to mark their responses.</p>
<p>Another thing customers like about <a href="http://www.kissinsights.com/">online surveys</a> is the fact that the response is almost instantaneous. Even if it’s just a simple message thanking them for taking the time to respond and telling them when they can find out the results, they know you have received their input and it will be studied.</p>
<p>Online surveys can be designed so that responding to them will give customers an opportunity to receive “giveaways.” These can be as simple as discount coupons for products or services, or even a “freebie.&#8221;Not only will customers be more apt to respond to online surveys offering these advantages, but if you make the prizes something that they may not be as familiar with as they are other products or services, they may discover that this is something they truly needed. This gives you an advantage because it lets you know what your customers need or are looking for when they visit your website.</p>
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		<title>Less Fossil Fuel Use Could Have Adverse Impact on Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/less-fossil-fuel-use-could-have-adverse-impact-on-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/less-fossil-fuel-use-could-have-adverse-impact-on-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:04:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Mexico]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=676</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gas taxes have risen to record highs during the recession. Most states’ gas taxes take care of road maintenance and the environmental impact, but what happens when tax revenue is less than the cost of keeping roads drivable? In Virginia raising gas taxes from 17.5% is going to give the recession-laden population a sour taste, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Gas taxes have risen to record highs during the recession. Most states’ gas taxes take care of road maintenance and the environmental impact, but what happens when tax revenue is less than the cost of keeping roads drivable? In Virginia raising gas taxes from 17.5% is going to give the recession-laden population a sour taste, especially since it‘s become a yearly ritual.</div>
<div>Virginia governor Bob McDonnell has a monthly radio call-in show on WRVA where he agreed that from 1986 on, the amount of the tax had never been adjusted for inflation, resulting in a possible shortage of revenue for current needs in the roads and the environment. And there are already cars that use less energy and burn cleaner, non-fossil fuels, effectively reducing the use of gasoline.</div>
<div><strong>Raising Gas Taxes to Keep the State in Shape</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>McDonnell said it’s a real concern that will have to be looked at over the next year. The governor has his own interests in a $4 billion plan for transportation using previously issued state bonds and federally-backed bonds.</div>
<div>Virginia is not the only state in this situation. Take a look at what the other states’ gasoline and diesel tax is, and the ones with an asterisk also have sales tax added on top:</div>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State         gasoline, diesel tax</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Alabama*	18%,19%</li>
<li>Alaska	8%,8%</li>
<li>Arizona*	18%,19%</li>
<li>Arkansas*	21.5%,22.5%</li>
<li>California*	18%,185</li>
<li>Colorado*	22%,20.5%</li>
<li>Connecticut*25%,45.1%</li>
<li>Delaware	23%,22%</li>
<li>Dist. of Col*23.5%,205</li>
<li>Florida	16%,16%</li>
<li>Georgia*	7.5%,7.5%</li>
<li>Hawaii*	17%,17%</li>
<li>Idaho*	25%,25%</li>
<li>Illinois*	19%, 21.5%</li>
<li>Indiana*	18%,16%</li>
<li>Iowa* 	21%,22.5%</li>
<li>Kansas*	24%,26%</li>
<li>Kentucky*	24.1%,21.1%</li>
<li>Louisiana	20%,20%</li>
<li>Maine	29.5%,30.7%</li>
<li>Maryland*	23.5%,24.25%</li>
<li>Massachusetts*21%,21%</li>
<li>Michigan*	19%,15%</li>
<li>Minnesota*	27.1%,27.1%</li>
<li>Mississippi	18.4%,18.4%</li>
<li>Missouri	17%,17%</li>
<li>Montana	27.75%,27.75%</li>
<li>Nebraska*	26.8%,26.8%</li>
<li>Nevada	24%,27%</li>
<li>New Hampshire	18%,18%</li>
<li>New Jersey	10.5%,13.5%</li>
<li>New Mexico*18.875%,22.875%</li>
<li>New York*	24.35%,22.55%</li>
<li>North Carolina	30.55%,30.55%</li>
<li>North Dakota*	22%,22%</li>
<li>Ohio* 	28%,28%</li>
<li>Oklahoma*	17%,14%</li>
<li>Oregon	24%,24%</li>
<li>Pennsylvania*	31.2%,38.1%</li>
<li>Rhode Island*	33%,33%</li>
<li>South Carolina*	16%,16%</li>
<li>South Dakota*	22%,22%</li>
<li>Tennessee*   20%,17%</li>
<li>Texas*           0%,20%</li>
<li>Utah* 	24.5%,24.5%</li>
<li>Vermont	20%,29%</li>
<li>Virginia	17.5%,17.5%</li>
<li>Washington*	37.5%,37.5%</li>
<li>West Virginia	32.%,32.2%</li>
<li>Wisconsin*	30.9%,30.9%</li>
<li>Wyoming*	14%,14%</li>
</ul>
</div>
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		<title>Relying Online Learning to Help Start a Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/relying-online-learning-to-help-start-a-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/relying-online-learning-to-help-start-a-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:20:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Distance education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[E-learning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=614</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re interesting in starting a business. You&#8217;re already well into your professional life, but something&#8217;s been missing for quite some time. You&#8217;re thinking it&#8217;s the empty hole that exists from the American Dream you have a right to have in having your very own business! There&#8217;s just one problem: You don&#8217;t know where [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re interesting in starting a business. You&#8217;re already well into your professional life, but something&#8217;s been missing for quite some time. You&#8217;re thinking it&#8217;s the empty hole that exists from the American Dream you have a right to have in having your very own business! There&#8217;s just one problem:</p>
<p>You don&#8217;t know where to start.</p>
<p>Starting your own business can be a challenging feat, especially if you don&#8217;t have the experience necessary to run an operation. There are numerous factors to take into consideration: hiring, training, licenses, buildings, advertising, payroll, taxes, <a title="Definition of logistics" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics" target="_self">logistics</a>, loss prevention. It&#8217;s not all as easy as it seems. Not to mention the inevitable truth that you might actually have to <em>fire</em>some employees who might not fit the bill.</p>
<p>This is the bottom line: <em>all</em>of these concepts with starting a business need specific qualified training to get down right. Who would&#8217;ve thought you&#8217;d need education on how to <em>fire someone</em>? The truth is you do. What essentially happens to most individuals looking to start a brand-new business later on in life end up going back to school for <a title="Information about accounting" href="http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4570690_is-accounting-difficult.html" target="_self">accounting </a>and other training. A business degree usually gets them on the right track. As many of you might know, actually going back to college and getting the books and walking to the lecture halls can be daunting.</p>
<p>Enter: the convenient and important <a title="Information about online education" href="http://online.argosy.edu/college/undergraduate_studies/ba_liberal_arts/index.aspx" target="_self">online college classes</a>. Not only are they convenient, they&#8217;re quick. It&#8217;s a fast track to learning and success that will get you started right away on learning how to start a business. It&#8217;s a worthwhile trip to the internet for research on some online courses if you&#8217;re interested.</p>
<p>Either way you look at it, if you&#8217;re planning on starting a business, recognize the responsibility and learn what you need to do. Because you&#8217;re the one in control; so make sure you act like it.</p>
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		<title>What is a &#8216;Land Grant College&#8217; and How Does Granting Land Help Them?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college-and-how-does-granting-land-help-them.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college-and-how-does-granting-land-help-them.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:04:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=674</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hearing the term, land grant university, may not be familiar to some, as it’s not exactly something people clamor to learn about. However, they do clamor to the very universities the term speaks of. Institutions of higher education that qualify to receive benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 so they can exist [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Hearing the term, land grant university, may not be familiar to some, as it’s not exactly something people clamor to learn about. However, they do clamor to the very universities the term speaks of.</div>
<div>Institutions of higher education that qualify to receive benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 so they can exist are ‘land grant universities.’ And being granted the land requires certain levels of performance, growth and standards that must be upheld. Of all the land grant universities, only a very small percentage of the 70-plus schools still haven’t changed their name to ‘University’ and use the word “College” in their name.</div>
<div><strong>Values Change With Time</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>Educational institutions selected from each state to benefit have received grants due to the Morrill Acts that funded such foundations. They granted federally controlled lands to develop, sell or to generate income to fund and provide for land grant schools. The 1862 Act was for  higher learning about agriculture, engineering and science, but more in respect to changing social class and as a response to the industrial revolution. Less as the mission of these institutions to instill a higher learning as the base of traditional schooling.</div>
<div>Land grant universities benefited even further when in the Hatch Act was implemented. This 1887 Act granted federal funds to land grant schools to establish a series of land stations where agriculture experiments would be developed and carried out, and the information learned would be collected; especially in soil, minerals and plant growth of the region.</div>
<div>Later, in 1914, the Smith-Lever Act was enacted to allow federal agents to go into the rural areas and help however they could to bring the findings in agriculture sciences back to the state. The Act also granted each school annual federal funds for research, stipulating that the states match the federal funds.</div>
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		<title>Connecticut Recently Purchased 750 Acres to Preserve</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/connecticut-recently-purchased-750-acres-to-preserve.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/connecticut-recently-purchased-750-acres-to-preserve.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:04:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Berlin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connecticut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Berlin, Connecticut things are going to stay greener. At least, 750 acres will, since the town has acquired open lands beginning in December of ‘05. The state’s 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development stimulated the purchases to create a drive to buy up Berlin land and keep it undeveloped. This purchase only represents 40% [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>In Berlin, Connecticut things are going to stay greener. At least, 750 acres will, since the town has acquired open lands beginning in December of ‘05.</div>
<div>The state’s 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development stimulated the purchases to create a drive to buy up Berlin land and keep it undeveloped. This purchase only represents 40% of the total 1,800 acres dedicated to open green space in and around the city.</div>
<div>The most recent acquisition was of more than 450 acres of the Girl Scouts of America land through a land grant of $199,250, and the city closed the buy on January 6, 2011. The Blue Hills Conservation Area was formerly owned by the Meriden Gas Turbines power plant, being the largest plot of land donated (450 acres).</div>
<div>The Berlin Conservation Commission and the Berlin Land Trusts are working to preserve as much land as possible. Dennis Kern, President of the Berlin Land Trust said they’re very supportive of anything the town can do toward preserving land.</div>
<div><strong>Connecticut Wildlife Benefit </strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>Kern also reported that the open land in Berlin is situated with many various pieces of land that are all connected, enabling wildlife to roam free without having to cross highways or private properties.</div>
<div>As of now, the bonding for open land acquisition has been used up, and there are no more immediate plans to purchase more land. Berlin Economic Development Director James Mahoney added that further plans to acquire land would need the issuance of additional bonding funds.</div>
<div>Berlin considers large pieces of land as they become available, and then it is put before the town council on whether to proceed with a certain piece of land, based on quality, potential and price.</div>
<div>Connecticut’s long-term goal is that at least 21 percent of its land is open green spaces. Currently, successful preservation of 400,000 acres has been accomplished, making up 73% of the state’s 673,000 acre requirement for reaching that goal.</div>
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		<title>Oceanside: Solar Opportunities</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/oceanside-solar-opportunities.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/oceanside-solar-opportunities.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:59:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Investing in solar energy in or near Oceanside, California is a smart idea for the future. Investing in homes with solar panels and having a service such as Oceanside Property Management approve and manage your investment will be good for your wallet and for the environment. As access to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div>
<dl class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0fcl04qbKk97p?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0fcl04qbKk97p&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="FRANKFURT (ODER), GERMANY - AUGUST 19:  Solar ..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fcl04qbKk97p/150x100.jpg" alt="FRANKFURT (ODER), GERMANY - AUGUST 19:  Solar ..." width="150" height="100" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
</dl>
</div>
</div>
<p>Investing in solar energy in or near Oceanside, California is a smart idea for the future. Investing in homes with solar panels and having a service such as <a href="http://www.allpropertymanagement.com/search/california/oceanside-property-management-companies.html">Oceanside Property Management</a> approve and manage your investment will be good for your wallet and for the environment. As access to fossil fuels decreases and the price of oil increases, finding alternate ways to power your home and your investments is a smart, proactive approach.</p>
<p>Profiting from Solar Energy in Oceanside, California</p>
<p>Although Oceanside, California is located near the water, it is not far from the desert, and as everyone knows, Southern California benefits from continuous sunlight year-round. Investing in solar power can take different forms. You might buy stock in a company that manufactures solar panels and related materials. Or, you can buy property and equip it with solar panels to capitalize on the energy of the sun in a <a title="natural environment" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environment" target="_blank">natural environment</a>. In areas where these panels receive at least six or seven hours of direct sunlight, the potential for energy savings is large.</p>
<p>Solar Panels Save You Money</p>
<p>Solar panels are generally installed on the roof or on the side of the home that gets the most amount of sun. With such an approach, the power bill is cut drastically, which is appealing to tenants. As a landlord, you won&#8217;t have trouble attracting tenants with a home that conserves energy. You might also benefit from tax breaks related to installing solar panels.</p>
<p>Using Oceanside Property Management to Handle Your Property Investments</p>
<p>Buying property in Oceanside doesn&#8217;t mean you have to live there if your livelihood is elsewhere. You can rely on a service such as Oceanside Property Management to make sure that your solar energy measures meet regulations. Other aspects of maintaining your property will also be carefully managed.</p>
<p>By capitalizing on the use of solar energy and using a property management service, you&#8217;ll have profitable investments that also benefit the environment.</p>
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		<title>How a Land Grant University Funds Itself</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-a-land-grant-university-funds-itself.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-a-land-grant-university-funds-itself.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:04:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Student]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=672</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The state of Missouri’s land grant flagship, the University of Missouri, is open to everyone, whether rich or poor. It’s operating expenses are paid by two main resources; state appropriations and tuition, and although it was founded in 1839 as a state public university, most of its operating budget (since 2004) is fulfilled through tuition. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The state of Missouri’s land grant flagship, the University of Missouri, is open to everyone, whether rich or poor. It’s operating expenses are paid by two main resources; state appropriations and tuition, and although it was founded in 1839 as a state public university, most of its operating budget (since 2004) is fulfilled through tuition. In an effort to keep school affordable, the University has agreed (for the last two years) to keep tuition levels at flat-fees as long as the state didn’t cut a great deal from it’s appropriation.</div>
<div>MU faculty and planners work hard each year to get gifts and generate income to fund research and provide students with jobs, ensuring that MU can continue to offer the same high-caliber education. They also work to ensure, even though they’re trying to reduce the budget in every conceivable way, that school will be affordable and that financial aid will continue to be available for those who need assistance.</div>
<div><strong>How do They Meet Their Expenses?</strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div>Need- and merit-based funds were given last year to the tune of $26.3 million from the university&#8217;s budget and $11.9 million from private gifts to residents in undergraduate studies. MU also pays $50 million a year in student-based employee wages, as they offer students a plethora of opportunities to work on campus.</div>
<div>Students at the university also receive $31.1 million in state and federal grant aids, and another $64.9 million from Missouri families. All residents of Missouri qualify for admission, and students from other states with more tuition funding are not accepted until all the state residents are admitted. It’s important, though, for the school to try and attract out-of-state students because Missouri’s high school graduates are projected to decrease starting in 2011. Out-of-state students pay a higher tuition than state resident students do, and having part of the revenue generated from others and their presence in the school contribute to the quality of the educational experience.</div>
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		<title>What is the APLU?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-the-aplu.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-the-aplu.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:04:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The APLU, or Association of Public and Land Grant Universities used to be known as the NASULGC, or the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. The newer name is easier to remember. It’s run by an all-unpaid staff, being a not-for-profit agency of land-grant institutions and both private and public (and state) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The APLU, or Association of Public and Land Grant Universities used to be known as the NASULGC, or the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. The newer name is easier to remember. It’s run by an all-unpaid staff, being a not-for-profit agency of land-grant institutions and both private and public (and state) research university systems. Membership is 218, and 18 of those are historically black colleges.</div>
<div>All the US Territories and all 50 states house at least one member campus. The institution is governed by an elected board of directors and chairperson that come from member universities and such involved systems.</div>
<div>The APLU is made up of 76 land-grant universities (18 of those are historically black universities) for a total of 218 foundations and interests in the US’s 33 American Indian Land-grant Colleges through American Indian Higher Education Consortiums (AIHEC).</div>
<div><strong>APLU Sees Millions of Students Through Land-grant Colleges</strong></div>
<div>APLU schools see 4.7 million students each year and have an estimated 20 million plus alumni. It’s the country’s oldest higher education association, being implemented in 1887, and on March 30, 2009 they adopted their current name from a series of long initials, including;</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>American Association of Land-grant Colleges and Universities, then they joined the</li>
<li>National Association of State Universities and the name was changed to the</li>
<li>National Association of State Universities and Land-grant Colleges.</li>
<li>The APLU is much easier to remember; this name was adopted on March 30th, 2009.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>All land-grant institutions are put into one of three categories:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1862</li>
<li>1890</li>
<li>1994</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>The category a land-grant institution falls into is determined by the date of legislation that elected them land-grant standing. For a complete listing of all the land-grant universities in the US and it’s properties, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_land-grant_universities">see this</a>.</div>
<div>Out of all the land-grant institutions, only two aren’t members of the APLU and the tribal colleges are represented as a whole by a 1994 system by the single entity, American Indian Higher Education Consortium.</div>
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		<title>How to Be Friendly to the Environment While Shopping at the Grocery Store</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-be-friendly-to-the-environment-while-shopping-at-the-grocery-store.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-be-friendly-to-the-environment-while-shopping-at-the-grocery-store.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:37:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food and Related Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grocery store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=595</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Fortunately for anyone who is concerned about being kind to the environment, there is an ever increasing number of ways to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle through a variety of commitment levels. One of the easiest ways to begin or enhance an environmentally conscious lifestyle is to start at the grocery store. [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Storeisle.png"><img title="Example of an American grocery store aisle." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Storeisle.png/300px-Storeisle.png" alt="Example of an American grocery store aisle." width="300" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Storeisle.png">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Fortunately for anyone who is concerned about being kind to the  environment, there is an ever increasing number of ways to live an  environmentally conscious lifestyle through a variety of commitment  levels.</p>
<p>One of the easiest ways to begin or enhance an environmentally conscious  lifestyle is to start at the grocery store. As strange as that may  seem, the reality is that grocery shopping is an essential part of  everyone&#8217;s life in some form or another. Whether you are responsible for  all the groceries in your household or merely have some supplemental  input, you can make a different in the condition of the environment by  doing a few easy things.</p>
<p>Start out by avoiding processed foods whenever possible. In general,  normally processed foods are not as healthy as those that are minimally  processed. In regards to the environment, food processing plants use a  lot of energy and often are not environmentally friendly in regards to  their business tactics.</p>
<p>Also, consider growing your own food, at least on a partial basis. Even  if you live in an apartment and don&#8217;t have access to your own yard, you  can grow herbs using nothing more than the ledge of your window.  Usually, your local grocery store will have herb growing kits in the  fresh produce section.</p>
<p>Finally, consider buying less meat. Most livestock used for food  purposes is raised on huge farms. Normally such farms contribute to vast  amounts of soil, air and water pollution. Additionally, the act of  raising animals for slaughter requires a large amount of resources.  If  you aren&#8217;t ready to give up meat entirely, there are several ways to  reduce your meat consumption without becoming a full vegetarian.</p>
<p>As you can see, if you are concerned about the environment, you can  become proactive just by making a few alterations in your grocery  shopping habits.<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=f8f72f24-53d5-419c-a9f7-a8b25e0379d1" alt="" /></p>
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		<title>How To Be Kind To The Environment and Save Money at the Same Time</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-be-kind-to-the-environment-and-save-money-at-the-same-time.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-be-kind-to-the-environment-and-save-money-at-the-same-time.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:36:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carbon Cycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentally friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greenhouse gas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Save (baseball)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable living]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=588</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently it has become clear that it is more important to do whatever you can to reduce your carbon emissions and save energy in a constant effort to be conscious of an overall environmental impact. However, you don&#8217;t have to break the bank while you save the environment. In fact, there are actually some things [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recently it has become clear that it is more important to do whatever  you can to reduce your carbon emissions and save energy in a constant  effort to be conscious of an overall environmental impact. However, you  don&#8217;t have to break the bank while you save the environment. In fact,  there are actually some things that you can do to save the environment  and save money, too!</p>
<p>Your efforts can start by simply stopping into a vintage clothing store.  Clothes require a lot of energy during the process of their creation.  Therefore, shopping for secondhand clothes cuts down on the amount of  energy that you are indirectly using when you buy things off the rack.  Not to mention, with a bit of effort and creativity, you can use  secondhand finds to create a style that&#8217;s all your own, usually at a  much lower cost than if the clothes were new.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re the type that likes to invest your money in order to enjoy  future gains, consider investing in companies that have demonstrated a  commitment to creating sustainable living and other environmentally  friendly practices.</p>
<p>Finally, see if your local area offers a produce cooperative. This would  allow you to purchase locally grown produce on a payment plan that is  usually very cost effective. However, since the types of produce  received will largely depend on the type of produce that happens to be  in season, you may have to learn how to cook vegetables that you might  not have ordinarily purchased if you were just shopping at the grocery  store. However, if you are serious about making an environmental impact  in your local area, the act of joining a produce cooperative allows you  to support the livelihood of farmers who operate out of small  establishments that are often very environmentally friendly.<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=5f939734-3eaf-4eed-9d06-81f4c5b4c284" alt="" /></p>
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		<title>The Importance Of Conservation Efforts When Helping The Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-importance-of-conservation-efforts-when-helping-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-importance-of-conservation-efforts-when-helping-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:34:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bottle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bottled water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drinking water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Working Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water filter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Treatment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=576</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is now more important than ever that you consider doing what you can to protect the environment through your everyday activities. However, luckily you&#8217;ll soon see that it may be easier than you think to make a positive impact on the environment through your lifestyle. One of the foundations of an environmentally conscious lifestyle [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is now more important than ever that you consider doing what you can  to protect the environment through your everyday activities. However,  luckily you&#8217;ll soon see that it may be easier than you think to make a  positive impact on the environment through your lifestyle.</p>
<p>One of the foundations of an environmentally conscious lifestyle is  simply an awareness of usage, and an attempt to conserve whenever  possible. This can be as simple as turning off the lights in a room that  you are not using, in a pledge to save energy. Additionally, you can  consider installing energy efficient lightbulbs in your home. With this  method, you can save energy by just spending a few dollars more than it  might cost to buy traditional lightbulbs. Actually, even though the  initial cost is a bit higher, you&#8217;ll usually find that it will even out  with time. This is because energy efficient lightbulbs often last much  longer than the traditional types, so that you may only have to replace  them once every few years.</p>
<p>Also, if you currently buy a lot of bottled water, plan to buy a water  filter. Some types of water filters fit directly on your current faucet  with minimal installation requirements. If you don&#8217;t wish to use that  method, there are also water filter pitchers and water bottles with a  small filter integrated into the bottle&#8217;s design. In this way, you will  be saving money, and saving the environment at the same time. The costs  of creating disposable plastic water bottles are significant, especially  when considering that most users throw away the bottles after just a  single use. When thinking about the above reasons, it&#8217;s easy to see why  more and more people are choosing to buy water filters and reusable  containers instead of relying on traditional packaged water consumption.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=0a97068f-67cb-41c4-841f-446ce5d72dfb" alt="" /></div>
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		<title>Raising Environmentally Conscious Children</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/raising-environmentally-conscious-children.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/raising-environmentally-conscious-children.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waste and Recycling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=574</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As scientists uncover an increasing amount of compelling evidence for the global climate crisis, it is important to do your best to encourage environmentally conscious living throughout your household. It is easiest to do if you introduce your children to the concept of caring for the planet from a very early age. Teach them about [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As scientists uncover an increasing amount of compelling evidence for  the global climate crisis, it is important to do your best to encourage  environmentally conscious living throughout your household. It is  easiest to do if you introduce your children to the concept of caring  for the planet from a very early age.</p>
<p>Teach them about the values of recycling and let them help sort the  recycling materials before they are collected. If possible, see if you  can arrange a tour of a local recycling center, so that your kids can  enjoy a first hand experience of knowing how their contributions play a  role in preserving the environment.</p>
<p>Also, make sure that they learn to enjoy all nature has to offer. See if  your city or town has a public camping area nearby. There are so many  life lessons that can be learned by simply spending a night out under  the stars. If you are camping with particularly young children, or  concerned about the possibility of bad weather, consider staying at a  public campground that offers cabins for rent. This offers the perfect  combination of rustic living and and appreciation of nature without  having to deal with many of the unpleasant factors that can arise.</p>
<p>Talk to your kids about the positive impacts that they can have on the  environment by doing simple things such as biking or walking instead of  taking a car or by becoming involved in community cleanup efforts. These  activities will not only instill a sense of environmental  responsibility in your children but will also help them to understand  the many benefits that come from a selfless attitude of service and  awareness of the world around them.</p>
<p>Finally, when they are old enough, rent environmental films that teach  about the hazards of pollution and a lack of environmental efforts.<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ac5b74a9-3c2c-4289-a650-7870e894284c" alt="" /></p>
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		<title>Being Environmentally Aware When Buying Groceries</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/being-environmentally-aware-when-buying-groceries.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/being-environmentally-aware-when-buying-groceries.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:31:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food and Related Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grocery store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kathmandu Valley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=566</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Even if you are just beginning to become aware of small things you can do to help the environment, it is important to realize that it often doesn&#8217;t take a huge effort to make a recognizable improvement in the state of the environment for future generations. In fact, you can even do [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fruit_and_berries_in_a_grocery_store%2C_Paris.JPG"><img title="Fruit and berries in a grocery store, Paris, F..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Fruit_and_berries_in_a_grocery_store%2C_Paris.JPG/300px-Fruit_and_berries_in_a_grocery_store%2C_Paris.JPG" alt="Fruit and berries in a grocery store, Paris, F..." width="300" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fruit_and_berries_in_a_grocery_store%2C_Paris.JPG">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Even if you are just beginning to become aware of small things you can  do to help the environment, it is important to realize that it often  doesn&#8217;t take a huge effort to make a recognizable improvement in the  state of the environment for future generations. In fact, you can even  do your part to conserve the environment while you shop for groceries!</p>
<p>For starters, consider buying locally grown or organic produce. If you  are buying fruits from the grocery store that originated in another  country, chances are that a lot of fuel was required to allow you to  access the fruit. Although you may not be able to get all kinds of fruit  when you choose to buy locally, you will gain an enhanced appreciation  and recognition of the local growing season and may even find that you  are gently urged to cook with ingredients that you may not otherwise  have considered. Additionally, the pesticides that are used on most  conventionally grown fruits and vegetables has been shown to have a  detrimental effect on the environment, as well as those who consume the  products.</p>
<p>Avoid pre-packaged foods whenever possible. As well as the fact that  most fresh foods are healthier, many packaged foods include large  amounts of packaging that ultimately contributes to more waste in the  country&#8217;s landfills.</p>
<p>Finally, bring your own bags to the grocery store. Some stores will even  reward you with a credit if you choose to bring bags from home. Most  grocery store bags are poorly made and intended to be used only once.  You can buy a reusable bag for just a few dollars and use it for all  your grocery store visits. Not only does this help to cut down on the  amount of waste, but it saves you from having to find a use for dozens  of conventional plastic grocery store bags!<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=d4dc9bcb-657c-46e0-a27a-22f27fae6a06" alt="" /></p>
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		<title>How To Have An Environmentally Friendly Home Office</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-have-an-environmentally-friendly-home-office.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-have-an-environmentally-friendly-home-office.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:27:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Construction and Maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentally friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Office]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=560</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have a home office, you may be curious about how to make your space more environmentally-friendly. Luckily, you can get started in the process by simply participating in a few simple steps. Many inhabitants of a home office environment would be stunned to find out just how much paper they use in an [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have a home office, you may be curious about how to make your  space more environmentally-friendly. Luckily, you can get started in the  process by simply participating in a few simple steps.</p>
<p>Many inhabitants of a home office environment would be stunned to find  out just how much paper they use in an average week or month. From notes  to bank statements to proposals, paper seems to be present in almost  every home businessperson&#8217;s life in one way or another. However, you can  make a small but noticeable improvement by using a whiteboard or  chalkboard to make notes instead of using traditional paper.</p>
<p>Also, investigate the possibility of sending documents in an electronic  format rather than printing them out on paper. If you have clients who  are not accustomed to documents that are in electronic formats, you can  urge them to use one of the many free document readers that allow  documents to be edited, saved and viewed without ever having to make use  of a printer.</p>
<p>Consider the use of energy efficient appliances and electronics. Many  tools such as printers have a &#8220;sleep&#8221; mode so that they will only turn  on when they need to be used.</p>
<p>Finally, consider outfitting your home office space with organic accent  such as bamboo rugs, organic linen curtains or recycled artwork. There  are many companies that specialize in creating artwork from recycled  glass or other materials. When it is time to update your home office  with a coat of fresh paint, consider buying brands that pledge to be  committed to the environment through their business and manufacturing  practices.</p>
<p>Often, you&#8217;ll find that by taking the above suggestions and coming up  with some of your own, you&#8217;ll be more productive as you work, since you  are inspired by your personal efforts to conserve the environment.</p>
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		<title>How To Take An Environmentally Friendly Vacation</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-take-an-environmentally-friendly-vacation.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-take-an-environmentally-friendly-vacation.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:25:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bottled water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water filter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water supply]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Treatment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=556</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When planning a vacation, it&#8217;s important to consider efforts that you can make to ensure that you have a great time while doing your part to protect the environment. Your mode of transportation is an especially important aspect to consider. Most of us don&#8217;t have the luxury of using hybrid vehicles when we travel, but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When planning a vacation, it&#8217;s important to consider efforts that you  can make to ensure that you have a great time while doing your part to  protect the environment.</p>
<p>Your mode of transportation is an especially important aspect to  consider. Most of us don&#8217;t have the luxury of using hybrid vehicles when  we travel, but there are other options that may suffice. For example,  see if there is any possibility of getting together with friends to  engage in a group travel excursion. That way, if you take the time to  arrange for a full car load before setting off on your journey, more  people can enjoy the passing scenery and vacation activities for the  same gas prices as it would have been if just you and a spouse or  sibling were on the trip.</p>
<p>If you are staying in a hotel, consider requesting that your linens are  not changed for the duration of your stay, and mention that you don&#8217;t  mind using your bath towels more than once. This helps the environment  because it cuts down on the amount of laundry from the hotel.</p>
<p>Plan a vacation activity that allows you to immerse yourself in all the  benefits of nature.  Whether it is something as simple as bird watching,  or taking a stroll along a sandy beach, the enjoyment of natural  surroundings is often one of the most powerful motivators to encourage  an environmentally conscious lifestyle long after the vacation is over.</p>
<p>Also, although it is very important to stay hydrated when traveling,  consider using water filters or containers that allow you to refrain  from purchasing multiple packages of bottled water from a store.  However, always make sure that the local water supply is safe to drink  without special purification efforts.</p>
<p>As you can see, it is possible to be conscious of the state of the environment even when taking a vacation!<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=836fd8ba-ae7f-43ca-9ff9-39e27c163f0e" alt="" /></p>
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		<title>Growing Your Bluffing Skills</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/growing-your-bluffing-skills.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/growing-your-bluffing-skills.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:50:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bluff (poker)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poker]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=486</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Have you ever bluffed your way out of a difficult situation? If you&#8217;re like my hubby, you&#8217;ve had to stutter a little bit when you&#8217;ve said things like, &#8220;No sweetheart, you look gorgeous in that dress &#8211; slender as a super model.&#8221; While I know I&#8217;m no heifer, he probably wasn&#8217;t telling [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
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<dl class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Noche_de_Poker.jpg"><img title="Poker table" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Noche_de_Poker.jpg/300px-Noche_de_Poker.jpg" alt="Poker table" width="300" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Noche_de_Poker.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Have you ever bluffed your way out of a difficult situation?   If you&#8217;re like my hubby, you&#8217;ve had to stutter a little bit when you&#8217;ve  said things like, &#8220;No sweetheart, you look gorgeous in that dress &#8211;  slender as a super model.&#8221;  While I know I&#8217;m no heifer, he probably  wasn&#8217;t telling me the whole truth, and it showed a little bit too  obviously.  Of course, there are some times when it&#8217;s harmless like  that, and other times when it can be the difference between winning and  losing.  What can I say, poker is a metaphor the for the rest of life.   Think about that for a second.</p>
<p>Some scientists say that our  brains got so big and powerful because we are always out to deceive each  other, whether it&#8217;s in the games we play on <a href="http://www.custompokertables.com/" target="_blank">custom poker tables</a>,  or just in the social situations of our lives.  While that&#8217;s kind of a  depressing thought, it is true that being able to keep a secret and bend  the truth can work wonders.  Think about it: if everybody knew the  whole truth about you, would they still like you as much as they do?  In  most of our cases, not so much.  Almost everybody has a few things  they&#8217;ve done that they aren&#8217;t all that proud of.</p>
<p>So I&#8217;m  thinking about taking up a game like poker.  It&#8217;s not that I&#8217;m going to  become a professional gambler or anything, but rather that I want to  learn how to bluff more effectively.  I&#8217;ve been thinking about the times  when I should be negotiating but haven&#8217;t (such as with my credit card  company), and I shudder at how naive I&#8217;ve been up to this point.  If I  were a good bluffer (if that is even a word), I think my life would be  going even better than it is.  Not that things are bad at all, just  better.</p>
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		<title>Being Environmentally Friendly At The Office</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/being-environmentally-friendly-at-the-office.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/being-environmentally-friendly-at-the-office.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:24:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coffee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mug]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paper recycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waste management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=542</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although the need to be kind to the environment may be the farthest thing from your mind as you head to work each day, it&#8217;s important to take steps to do things from the environment even within a workplace. After all, some of us spend forty hours or more per week in our workplaces, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although the need to be kind to the environment may be the farthest  thing from your mind as you head to work each day, it&#8217;s important to  take steps to do things from the environment even within a workplace.  After all, some of us spend forty hours or more per week in our  workplaces, and thanks to some easy tips, it&#8217;s possible to earn a living  and save the environment at the same time.</p>
<p>Keep a recycling bin under your desk so it is easily accessible at all  times. You may even want to volunteer to start an office-wide recycling  effort so that all your coworkers can contribute to the cause of  recycling in order to help the environment.</p>
<p>Many of us can&#8217;t fathom getting through the day without at least one cup  of coffee. Help the environment while indulging your caffeine fix by  purchasing a reusable coffee cup. Most traditional options such as  Styrofoam and plastic are harmful to the environment because they  contribute to waste. On the other hand, reusable cups are not only  environmentally friendly, but convenient. Get into the habit of taking  your coffee mug home each night to be washed, and bringing it back with  you at the start of your next shift. If you&#8217;ve gotten into the habit of  purchasing coffee from a particular shop and bringing it to work with  you, check to see if they offer any discounts because you brought your  own cup from home.</p>
<p>Finally, keep tabs on your use of paper. Use both sides when possible,  especially if you are just using scrap paper to take notes at your desk.  Additionally, consider the use of a whiteboard and marker system that  would allow you to jot down notes and erase them at will without having  to worry about wasting paper.</p>
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		<title>Climate Change and Ignoring Climate Change</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/climate-change-and-ignoring-climate-change.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/climate-change-and-ignoring-climate-change.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:58:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Climate change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industrial Revolution]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=159</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife If you have been living on Earth for the past few years, you have doubtless been exposed to the three different sides of the climate change debate. On the first side, there are people who say that our climate has been changing rather rapidly since human beings began burning [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/09RN24PdW379R?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=09RN24PdW379R&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="SUN VALLEY, CA - DECEMBER 11:  The Department ..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/09RN24PdW379R/150x100.jpg" alt="SUN VALLEY, CA - DECEMBER 11:  The Department ..." width="150" height="100" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>If you have been living on Earth for the past few years, you have  doubtless been exposed to the three different sides of the climate  change debate.  On the first side, there are people who say that our  climate has been changing rather rapidly since human beings began  burning fossil fuels in large volume (in other words, since the start of  the Industrial Revolution roughly 250 years ago).  These people believe  that within the lifetimes of an average young adult&#8217;s grandchildren,  the climate of our planet may be altered to the point where sea levels  may have effectively washed away (or simply submerged) many coastal  cities around the world.  This group has called on the removal of  greenhouse gas emissions from factories, automobiles and any other  sources that can be identified.</p>
<p>The second group of people believes that, while there may be climate  change, this change is simply a natural cycle that our world has always  undergone.  And since our planet has experienced these cycles for an  untold number of eons, we really have nothing to worry about one way or  the next.  The temperature will go up a little, but then it will go back  down again whenever it feels like doing so.  In the end, we aren&#8217;t  going to end up like the dinosaurs just because some giant ice cubes are  melting up north.  The people who believe global climate change is our  fault often accuse these people of being in denial.</p>
<p>While most folks believe that those are the only two sides, there is a  third, very powerful group involved in this argument &#8211; the people who  could not care less.  The fact that our biosphere may be experiencing a  level of change that could end all of our lives and destroy our species  simply does not matter to these people.  To them, the money we make  today is the justification for doing whatever.  And if something happens  because of it, we will probably just end up fixing the problem before  too many people get hurt.  Since these are the people who vote,  politicians play to them.</p>
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		<title>Planning An Environmentally Friendly Wedding</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/planning-an-environmentally-friendly-wedding.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/planning-an-environmentally-friendly-wedding.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:21:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentally friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding dress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=529</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Some people say that they spend their whole life planning for the day that they will become married to the one they love. Now, there are many ways to fulfill the requirements of a dream wedding while being kind to the environment at the same time. A great way to get started [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wedding_Dress.jpg"><img title="Wedding Dress" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Wedding_Dress.jpg/300px-Wedding_Dress.jpg" alt="Wedding Dress" width="300" height="400" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wedding_Dress.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Some people say that they spend their whole life planning for the day  that they will become married to the one they love. Now, there are many  ways to fulfill the requirements of a dream wedding while being kind to  the environment at the same time.</p>
<p>A great way to get started is to use environmentally friendly  invitations. Although many people would stop short of using electronic  invitations (because of the lack of tangible memories) there are several  companies that sell invitations made from recycled paper.</p>
<p>When discussing the wedding reception, plan a menu that features local,  sustainable and organic foods. Although this option will likely be a bit  more expensive than serving standard foods, many catering companies  will offer a discount when serving large groups of guests. Also consider  options created from fair trade products including coffee and  chocolate. If you use candles on the tables for your guests, seek out  choices that are created with the environment in mind, such as those  that are made entirely from soy.</p>
<p>There are a variety of ways that the wedding party can be outfitted in  attire that is friendly to the environment, too. Search for options such  as hemp silk, which is becoming very popular for wedding dresses while  offering a reasonable price. In regards to rings, consider using items  that have been passed down from family members. In the event that you  choose to buy the jewelry, always take care to ensure that the materials  were sourced responsibly.</p>
<p>Finally, don&#8217;t forget to be environmentally conscious during the  honeymoon! There are many companies that specialize in travel packages  for the &#8220;green minded&#8221; couple. Some conservation organizations even  offer a list of suggestions on their websites and within their  literature, so it is easy to choose a honeymoon destination that is fun  as well as environmentally responsible.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=98b62454-231e-4355-b89b-6fc1c210b71b" alt="" /></div>
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		<title>Minimizing Your Impact On The Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/minimizing-your-impact-on-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/minimizing-your-impact-on-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:19:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grocery store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plastic bag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reusable shopping bag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping bag]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=523</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re serious about leaving the environment in better condition than you found it, you&#8217;ll be glad to know that it&#8217;s easy to help the planet without too much extra effort. One thing you can do almost right away is to take steps to reduce the amount of paper that you use. Replace standard notepads [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re serious about leaving the environment in better condition than  you found it, you&#8217;ll be glad to know that it&#8217;s easy to help the planet  without too much extra effort.</p>
<p>One thing you can do almost right away is to take steps to reduce the  amount of paper that you use. Replace standard notepads with dry erase  boards so you can change the messages as you see fit. Also, do what you  can to remove yourself from any catalog mailing lists, unless you order  from a certain company frequently. Even so, remember that you can  usually go online to the company&#8217;s website, and the information there  may even be more current than what&#8217;s in the catalog.</p>
<p>You can also check to see if there is any way for you to enroll in  &#8220;paperless&#8221; billing cycles from your credit card bank, utility company  and more. As an increasing number of people are taking a stand against  the condition of the environment, more companies are enabling their  customers to pay bills, check account statuses and more, without ever  using any paper.</p>
<p>Also, consider reusable bags when you go to the grocery store.  Traditional plastic bags can be harmful to wildlife and they can be  costly to produce, especially since most people only use them once  before throwing them away. Reusable bags are convenient, strong and many  even come in trendy designs that are easily folded to stow in a purse  or pocket.</p>
<p>Finally, don&#8217;t underestimate the worth of recycling. Many towns and  cities have started curbside recycling programs so that citizens can  simply collect their recyclable items, take them to the curb, and wait  for them to be picked up on a periodic basis. Usually this service is  free, or very low cost. As you can see, it&#8217;s very easy to help the  environment just by changing a few habits.</p>
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		<title>Researching the History of Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/researching-the-history-of-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/researching-the-history-of-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:14:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genealogy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=492</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife You can learn all about the history of land grants by doing strategic Internet searches. It doesn&#8217;t matter what period of history interests you the most, you&#8217;re likely to find detailed information online. The most important thing is to craft your search terms wisely so you don&#8217;t get overwhelmed [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0dhF0pK9VpbI8?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0dhF0pK9VpbI8&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 22:  Chen Luming, vi..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dhF0pK9VpbI8/150x103.jpg" alt="BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 22:  Chen Luming, vi..." width="150" height="103" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>You can learn all about the history of land grants by doing strategic  Internet searches. It doesn&#8217;t matter what period of history interests  you the most, you&#8217;re likely to find detailed information online. The  most important thing is to craft your search terms wisely so you don&#8217;t  get overwhelmed by too much information.</p>
<p>Perhaps you&#8217;re  interested in land grants handed out by a particular state as a gift to  individuals who served honorably in the armed services. You might narrow  your search by using the state name,   the name of a particular  conflict, and the term “land grant.”</p>
<p>Maybe you want to learn  about the history of land grants and the land grant process in countries  such as Ireland, Australia, and Canada. If you can narrow your  interests to particular regions in these countries, you&#8217;ll find useful  information more quickly than if you just search for the country name by  itself.</p>
<p>Many people are familiar with the concept of land grant  universities. If you want to know more about how a particular  institutions got its start through a land grant, it&#8217;s likely you can  find that information on the university&#8217;s website. Land grant  institutions have particular missions and histories that are very  fascinating to researchers.</p>
<p>If your interests focus on your family, <a href="http://www.downloadsoftware.com/">downloadable programs</a> related to genealogy may help you get started with a project that  tracks the land grants in your own family tree. You&#8217;ve heard stories  about how your great-great-great uncle received a land grant but you  don&#8217;t know why he received this land. By putting the details you do know  into a program, you can begin to develop the right questions to ask.  This will help you interview family members and tailor your online  searches.</p>
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		<title>Building An Environmentally Efficient Home</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/building-an-environmentally-efficient-home.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/building-an-environmentally-efficient-home.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:16:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Efficient energy use]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=516</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re getting ready to build a new house, prepare yourself for a momentous occasion that is satisfying, yet requires a great deal of thought. After all, there are so many possibilities that can come into play when a house is being built. How many rooms should it have? Shower or bathtub? What color should [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re getting ready to build a new house, prepare yourself for a  momentous occasion that is satisfying, yet requires a great deal of  thought. After all, there are so many possibilities that can come into  play when a house is being built. How many rooms should it have? Shower  or bathtub? What color should my daughter&#8217;s room be? All these questions  are very important, but if you desire to make a positive impact on the  environment and save yourself a bit of money at the same time, consider  building an environmentally friendly house. Although experts say that  this decision could increase your building costs by fifteen percent or  more, consider that if you do things properly, you could actually end up  saving yourself a lot more than that on utility costs over a long term  basis.</p>
<p>For starters, there are a lot of things you can do to reduce water  consumption. Think about installing water conserving shower heads, and  research the possibility of a toilet that flushes with the use of a tank  that collects rainwater. You can also consider the use of solar panels  to help heat water.</p>
<p>You can also harness the sun&#8217;s energy by including a lot of windows in  the design of the house, particularly in the northern side of the house.  Besides helping to save energy, natural light helps to brighten up a  room and provide a great sense of ambiance. Also, by choosing a double  insulated ceiling, you can help the sun&#8217;s rays heat your house during  the winter months.</p>
<p>Finally, you can install energy efficient lightbulbs. Even though this  seems like a small change, it can really cut down on your monthly  utility bill while still providing the same functionality as a standard  lightbulb. Additionally, the energy efficient styles usually don&#8217;t need  to be changed as often, which is definitely a bonus if you&#8217;re trying to  install a lightbulb in a hard to reach place!</p>
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		<title>How Cheap is Your Commute?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-cheap-is-your-commute.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-cheap-is-your-commute.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:47:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Telecommuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public transport]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Commuting from a nice, sterile suburb to the rough, exciting city where a lot of people work and play is kind of the ultimate dream of a lot of different people. At one point in history, taking on the use of a car granted people a level of freedom [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0fFf2x8dIGeCK?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0fFf2x8dIGeCK&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="NEW YORK - MARCH 09:  Commuters wait for the s..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fFf2x8dIGeCK/150x100.jpg" alt="NEW YORK - MARCH 09:  Commuters wait for the s..." width="150" height="100" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>Commuting from a nice, sterile suburb to the rough, exciting city where a  lot of people work and play is kind of the ultimate dream of a lot of  different people.  At one point in history, taking on the use of a car  granted people a level of freedom to move around that they had never  been able to enjoy before.  But in this day and age, where a couple of  hundred houses may have nothing around them for miles in any direction  but only have tiny individual plots of land apiece, one starts to wonder  at the level of freedom this really provides for anyone.  Without  public transportation, a car becomes a necessity, after all.</p>
<p>And precisely how free can an individual be, when their very livelihood  is predicated upon not only having a job, but also having their car so  that they can get to their job.  Without a backup plan, the illusion of  freedom is a shadow behind which indenturing stays only slightly hidden.   The car, which looks like a shiny steed of mobility and the capacity  to go &#8220;wherever you want&#8221; becomes a prison of its own, due to  construction, traffic, and the fact that more and more of a person&#8217;s day  is bound to be consumed by the tedious act of going further and further  from their exurb to or from whatever they actually want to do.</p>
<p>While the immediate feeling of a car is that it is cheap, available  freedom to go wherever you want, this feeling is erroneous for more than  just the fact that you may only go where the road allows you to go.   You are also constrained on the affordability front.  Have you ever  stopped to crunch the numbers on what a car costs?  Everybody knows what  the monthly payment on their car is (unless they&#8217;ve paid it off), but  how much money are you shelling out through interest?  How much is  insurance really costing you over the years?  And when you add in gas,  the occasional tire that needs changing, oil and other maintenance, cars  are not so cheap.</p>
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		<title>The Purpose of Land Grant Universities</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-purpose-of-land-grant-universities.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-purpose-of-land-grant-universities.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:23:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=495</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The actual definition of a land grant is a portion of land that a governmental body sets aside for a particular use. In most cases, the land is for railways, mining operations, or state colleges. When that land is used for institutions of higher education, these schools become known as land grant universities. A land [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The actual definition of a land grant is a portion of land that a  governmental body sets aside for a particular use. In most cases, the  land is for railways, mining operations, or state colleges. When that  land is used for institutions of higher education, these schools become  known as land grant universities.</p>
<p>A land grant university is a  college or public learning institution that the government has  specifically designated for a location for higher learning. The  university or college cannot have just any focus. However, these schools  usually have a wide offering of programs such as business, marketing,  and classes that would help students who are interested in learning to  sell <a href="https://auto.21st.com/AutoQuote/home.do?method=getHome">21st Century Insurance</a>.  Still, the college must be an institution where the focus of the  education is primarily on one of three fields: agriculture, science, or  engineering. There might be classes such as English, math or history but  the core field of study must fall within one of these three fields.</p>
<p>The purpose behind these types of colleges is to promote the study of  these areas. It is believed that if the land was not sectioned off for  these types of colleges, then the study of agriculture, science, or  engineering could dwindle. It could become difficult, if not impossible,  for all students to have equal access to such important fields of  study.</p>
<p>Land grant universities are set aside and developed over time in  order to ensure that there is a designated place for the study of fields  that are so critical to the United State&#8217;s well being. Without these  designated schools of learning who knows where college students would  have to go or how far they would have to travel to get the proper  education in the fields of agriculture, engineering, and science.</p>
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		<title>Green Power: it&#8217;s for Real</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/green-power-its-for-real.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/green-power-its-for-real.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:53:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hydroelectricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia If you live and work in a part of the country where you can elect to buy your electricity from sources other than fossil fuels, you are doing reasonably well. Not so long ago, that simply was not an option for most people or businesses. But now, in a large segment of [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Turbine_aalborg.jpg"><img title="Taken by Neutronic" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Turbine_aalborg.jpg/300px-Turbine_aalborg.jpg" alt="Taken by Neutronic" width="300" height="400" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Turbine_aalborg.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>If you live and work in a part of the country where you can elect to buy  your electricity from sources other than fossil fuels, you are doing  reasonably well.  Not so long ago, that simply was not an option for  most people or businesses.  But now, in a large segment of the country,  you can elect to get at least a portion of your electricity from sources  that generate using absolutely no fossil fuels.  Through these sorts of  programs, you can avoid the huge carbon footprint (and all of the  nagging guilt) that you have if you buy your electricity from the more  traditional types of generators that produce most of the world&#8217;s power.</p>
<p>Those types of generators use diminishing resources, after all.  Sooner  or later, they will either need to jack up their prices to pay for the  dwindling supply of materials they need, or completely shut down their  operations for the simple fact that there may not be enough of these  materials left to actually run their plants.  Between the uncertainty of  fossil fuel availability in the future and the fact that they are  polluting like crazy right now, it only makes sense that green power is  eventually going to take over.  Don&#8217;t expect it to dominate next week,  but every year more households and companies sign up for it.  And every  year people realize a little bit better how much we&#8217;re really saving,  for spending a buck or two more per month.</p>
<p>In some parts of the country, the green power options include  hydroelectric power and solar.  In other parts, the clean and renewable  energy options extend more into the realm of wind generating plants and  the methane gases of land fills.  Believe it or not, land fills are  actually a viable source of power in the modern world, that you can  actually tap into legally.  You ever think it would be fun to have your  home be powered by garbage?  Well, whether you have ever thought such a  thing or not, you totally have that option nowadays.  You can get your  power forever with garbage.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=7736f003-c257-40bc-8dc7-a632cd52bf56" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>
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		<title>Going Back to School</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/going-back-to-school.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/going-back-to-school.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:38:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=483</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Going back to school can be intimidating. You&#8217;ve been out of school for years, everyone seems younger than you and maybe you hated school when you went to high school, so why would you want to go back now? All of these are valid points to consider, but getting a degree can help you obtain [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Going back to school can be intimidating. You&#8217;ve been out of school  for years, everyone seems younger than you and maybe you hated school  when you went to high school, so why would you want to go back now? All  of these are valid points to consider, but getting a degree can help you  obtain better work, have a better resume and let&#8217;s face it, learn more.  That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s pretty awesome to be able to go back to school online  with places like elearners.com where you can find a great online school.</p>
<p>In today&#8217;s world where everything is hectic, going to school at home  seems like an excellent idea. You can pretty much go to class whenever  you want as long as it adheres to the individual class policy. That  means that you no longer have to worry about the weather outside,  whether your car is running good or if the kids have to be somewhere.  You can sleep late if you want or take class in your pajamas. You see,  going to school online can be much more accommodating than a brick and  mortar school that you have to attend in person.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s also a  great idea for those who have disabilities or other issues that might  keep them from wanting to attend school at a traditional university.  Look at it this way: you can do your classwork at 3:00 AM if you choose,  so for those of you that are insomniacs, there&#8217;s no more worrying about  getting up in time for class. That can be a huge burden that is lifted  from your shoulders. You still get the teacher/student interaction and  sometimes even have interaction with other students; you just don&#8217;t have  to show up in person and for some people, that can really be a plus!</p>
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		<title>Greenhouse Gases: Beyond Direct Emission</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/greenhouse-gases-beyond-direct-emission.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/greenhouse-gases-beyond-direct-emission.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:24:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=154</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia The corporate standard in the world of businesses that attempt to go green measures the first two &#8220;Scopes&#8221; of greenhouse gases (also known as GHG). The first two scopes are the direct consumption of fossil fuels, and the indirect consumption of fossil fuels by way of purchasing power and steam from a [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GHG_intensity_2000.svg"><img title="Greenhouse gas intensity in 2000 including lan..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/GHG_intensity_2000.svg/300px-GHG_intensity_2000.svg.png" alt="Greenhouse gas intensity in 2000 including lan..." width="300" height="152" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GHG_intensity_2000.svg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>The corporate standard in the world of businesses that attempt to go  green measures the first two &#8220;Scopes&#8221; of greenhouse gases (also known as  GHG).  The first two scopes are the direct consumption of fossil fuels,  and the indirect consumption of fossil fuels by way of purchasing power  and steam from a company that directly produces GHG.  While these are  relatively easy to quantify and do represent a significant share of the  GHG emitted in the world of business, it has been suggested that as much  as 75% of the GHG which is emitted in this world comes from a third,  far less easily quantified source.  This source has been classified as  Corporate Value Chain, or Scope 3.</p>
<p>Scope 3 emissions are tricky to quantify because it is difficult to  determine where one company&#8217;s use ends and another&#8217;s begins.  It is also  difficult to track how much an end user contributes the the emissions,  as most individuals do not report on such things in their private lives.   Scope 3 emissions require the collection of emissions data from a  variety of different sources, which makes it a tricky horse to ride.  35  companies have actually gone through with road testing their Scope 3  emissions, and most of those who have done so have noticed a rather  extensive level of GHG being emitted out of the least suspected places.</p>
<p>But you might be wondering what sorts of activities release Scope 3 GHG.   These activities can come from both upstream or downstream of your  actual direct emissions.  For one thing, what level of GHG are your  suppliers emitting?  What level of emissions occur during the inbound  transportation of your raw materials?  How many greenhouse gases do your  products themselves actually emit?  How much GHG is produced when  someone transports away your products?  How about when your products  reach the end of their life cycles, and need to be disposed of by their  end users?  How many greenhouse gases are released during the average  daily commute of your employees every day, and how many more are emitted  when they go on business trips?</p>
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		<title>Keep Your Computer Running Well With a Driver Update</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/keep-your-computer-running-well-with-a-driver-update.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/keep-your-computer-running-well-with-a-driver-update.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:26:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Device driver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Device Manager]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Installation (computer programs)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft Windows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Operating system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal computer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Universal Serial Bus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=476</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Technology is here to stay. It can be a lot of fun to work (and play) with, but it can also be a big hassle if you&#8217;re not quite sure how to keep things running smoothly. There are all kinds of different things you can do, too, in order [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0cMob7S4UC8ec?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0cMob7S4UC8ec&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 08:  Apple Senior Vice Pr..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cMob7S4UC8ec/110x150.jpg" alt="SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 08:  Apple Senior Vice Pr..." width="110" height="150" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>Technology is here to stay. It can be a lot of fun to work (and play)  with, but it can also be a big hassle if you&#8217;re not quite sure how to  keep things running smoothly. There are all kinds of different things  you can do, too, in order to get your computer in tip-top shape and keep  it there. Some are easy and can be done by just about anyone. Others  are more complicated and you might want to get a professional to do them  &#8211; or at least consult with someone who&#8217;s done it before so you can  avoid the more common mistakes.</p>
<p>Most of the changes that a  person would be making to their computer are pretty easy, and they can  be done even by people who aren&#8217;t that familiar with technology. One of  these common things is a <a href="http://www.devicedoctor.com/">driver update</a>.  These are updates that are used to enhance the device drivers in your  computer. Some of them make things better and/or faster, and others fix  stability issues and similar problems. Getting them from a reputable  site is important, and they&#8217;re generally very safe to download. They&#8217;re  also easy to install, so all you need to do is follow the instructions.</p>
<p>In no time, you&#8217;ll have the new drivers on your computer and things  will be running smoothly. That will help you keep your computer usable  for a long time to come, too. You won&#8217;t need to upgrade or replace your  computer as often as you might have to otherwise, and extending the life  of your computer by taking good care of it is a great way to save  yourself some money. Computer have come down in price quite a lot, but  they&#8217;re still expensive and it&#8217;s easier and cheaper if you can go for a  longer period of time without replacing them.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=2ead79e3-9071-47a3-9481-9b79bc5a1a5f" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>
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		<title>Land Granting: a Good Idea in its Day</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/land-granting-a-good-idea-in-its-day.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/land-granting-a-good-idea-in-its-day.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:37:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Building Types]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=162</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Just as land can be taken away by a government at any time it deems right, land can also be granted with the same vested power. Throughout history, people have received land grants in return for performing a variety of different services to &#8220;the state,&#8221; which can be any [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0djsbX617a0Ev?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0djsbX617a0Ev&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="ALMERIA, SPAIN - APRIL 04:  An abandoned real ..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0djsbX617a0Ev/150x102.jpg" alt="ALMERIA, SPAIN - APRIL 04:  An abandoned real ..." width="150" height="102" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>Just as land can be taken away by a government at any time it deems  right, land can also be granted with the same vested power.  Throughout  history, people have received land grants in return for performing a  variety of different services to &#8220;the state,&#8221; which can be any  government that holds authority over a particular area.  From as far  back as the Roman empire, the granting of land was a privilege bestowed  on successful soldiers whose countries wanted to allow them a  comfortable retirement.  One day you&#8217;re marching across Europe slaying  barbarians, and the next day you&#8217;re planting and harvesting lentils;  that does seem a reasonable transition, doesn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p>Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the countries of Europe granted  land all over the place.  At one point in the late 18th century, the  newly released convicts in the colony of New South Wales were granted  abundant amounts of land.  One of the largest land grants in recorded  history was made in 1670 by King Charles II of England.  Known as  Rupert&#8217;s Land, this gargantuan parcel surrounding the Hudson Bay was  more than one third the size of modern day Canada.  Keep in mind that  there have been many monarchs throughout history who have ruled over  (and had their hands full with) much tinier kingdoms than that.  In the  United States, the general rule of land granting was that a soldier  would receive a grant of land as his sole pension.  The idea of a  homeless, penniless soldier is tragic, indeed.</p>
<p>In Ireland and the United States at least, the concept generally  revolved around ensuring that the person the grant was issued to  improved the land, cultivating at least a certain percentage of its area  and building their home steads on it.  Whether this was for the  improvement of a nation or merely to keep the people occupied with  peaceful pursuits is open to the debates of historians.  But  unfortunately, since the populations all over the world have exploded,  the 20th century saw the death of most large scale land grants.  Don&#8217;t  you wish someone would give you Canada?</p>
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		<title>Booklets Are A Great Way To Market Your Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/booklets-are-a-great-way-to-market-your-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/booklets-are-a-great-way-to-market-your-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:24:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecommuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Printing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=489</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife As a business owner, you understand the importance of marketing and advertising. You want to drive current and new customers to your business in order to create new income for you. You have printed business cards and stationery. Part of your marketing material package also can include brochures and [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/08jMe0N3Bp9mI?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=08jMe0N3Bp9mI&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08:  Paul Costiglio, a mar..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08jMe0N3Bp9mI/150x104.jpg" alt="NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08:  Paul Costiglio, a mar..." width="150" height="104" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>As a business owner, you understand the importance of  marketing and advertising. You want to drive current and new customers  to your business in order to create new income for you. You have printed  business cards and stationery. Part of your marketing material package  also can include brochures and booklets. Booklets are a great marketing  medium.</p>
<p>A combination of a small brochure and a full catalog,  booklets can provide company information or product information. You can  give your customers more information using a booklet than a single-page  flyer.</p>
<p>It is important that your booklet provide the proper impression, so your <a href="http://www.printexpress.co.uk/colour-printing/booklets/42/2p-n-032/">booklet printing</a> needs to be of good quality. The design of your booklet should also be  of high quality. There is nothing worse than distributing marketing  materials that look as if they were designed by a first-grader with a  box of crayons.</p>
<p>Here are a few things about booklets and booklet printing that can guide you along the way.</p>
<p>• Most booklets are printed on offset printers that can ensures that all the pages come out looking the same.</p>
<p>•  The offset printing process allows very large print quantities at a  good price point. You want to reach the largest number of potential  customers as possible with your message.</p>
<p>• Your booklets will be  printed in full color. This will give your piece a visual impact. Work  closely with a graphic designer to make full use of the printing  feature.</p>
<p>• Today’s print companies have fast turnarounds. By  using modern digital printing technology, your projects can be delivered  to you in a very timely manner.</p>
<p>• Booklet printing is affordable because of modern printing techniques. This will help you stay within your marketing budget.</p>
<p>There are many online print companies that can help you with your booklet project.</p>
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		<title>A Look at the History of Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-the-history-of-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-the-history-of-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:32:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Land grants have been provided by the government since the early 1500s. The government awards a land grant to organizations or ventures that qualify as providing a beneficial service to the country, as well as the local area where the land is situated. Land grants can be awarded for a number of [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Central_Branch_Union_Pacific_hanging_end.jpg"><img title="A portion of &quot;Map of the routes of the Un..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Central_Branch_Union_Pacific_hanging_end.jpg/300px-Central_Branch_Union_Pacific_hanging_end.jpg" alt="A portion of &quot;Map of the routes of the Un..." width="300" height="240" /></a></dt>
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<p>Land grants have been provided by the government since the early 1500s. The government awards a land grant to organizations or ventures that qualify as providing a beneficial service to the country, as well as the local area where the land is situated. Land grants can be awarded for a number of different ventures, from environmental conservation to economic growth.</p>
<p>Back in the 16th Century, land grants were given to early settlers in order to provide growth and a backbone for the growing economy. Settling countries like Spain and England gave the grants to people on the provision that they would work the land in order to provide goods that could be consumed and traded. Early settlers also had to build a house on the land they were provided a grant for. If these conditions were not met by the individual, the land could be taken back at any time by the government and re-appropriated to someone else. Grants were also given to people who were building religious communities such as missions and military sites like barracks or training grounds for soldiers.</p>
<p>After the revolution of American citizens against the British and Spanish, certain states gave land grants to veterans of the war as a means of rewarding them for fighting for their country. These states included New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In the 19th Century, land grants were awarded to companies who were building railroads across the country. One of the most famous railroads that was built with a land grant is the Union Pacific Railroad. These grants were given in order to speed up trade as, due to the size of the country, goods were being increasingly needed to be transported in shorter distances. Land grants were also awarded for the building of universities, where subject such as agriculture and warfare were taught to students.</p>
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		<title>Benefits of Choosing a Public Land Grant University</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/benefits-of-choosing-a-public-land-grant-university.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/benefits-of-choosing-a-public-land-grant-university.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:35:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are a young student looking to go to college, there are a number of things you need to consider. As well as thinking about your future career plans and what type of subject will be most beneficial to you in later life, the subject of tuition fees is also an area that needs [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are a young student looking to go to college, there are a number of things you need to consider. As well as thinking about your future career plans and what type of subject will be most beneficial to you in later life, the subject of tuition fees is also an area that needs to be carefully thought about. College is not cheap by anyone&#8217;s standards, especially as a course can go on for four or five years. One way to cut down your fees is by selecting a university that has been awarded a land grant from the government.</p>
<p>Land grant universities are cheaper than private institutions because they receive money from the government. This means they need to charge students less to learn there in order to meet their overheads. Universities are able to apply for land grants due to the Morrill Acts of the 1800s. These provided universities the ability to teach subjects such as warfare and agriculture, which were deemed beneficial to the economy. Nowadays universities that have been awarded a grant have a much wider selection of courses available!</p>
<p>Land grant universities are a great option for students who are less financially secure than some of their peers. Many students of land grant schools can find themselves saving as much as a third on annual tuition fees as their privately educated counterparts. There is also the question of diversity at college. Due to the wide range of people applying for universities which receive land grants, the societal break down of campus life can sometimes be much more varied than at a private school, where students are traditionally from higher income families.</p>
<p>Land grant universities provide a great opportunity for students who might perhaps be unable to attend university otherwise receive a helping hand with their education.</p>
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		<title>Getting a Free Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/getting-a-free-land-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/getting-a-free-land-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:24:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=378</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Although it is impossible to get a free land grant for federal land, you can get a free grant for municipal land. There are many benefits to obtaining this land, most notably being able to build a house there. Many cities across the US are offering citizens free grants in return for [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Land_Grant_Hand-Written.JPG"><img title="Georgia Surveyor's Grant" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cf/Land_Grant_Hand-Written.JPG/300px-Land_Grant_Hand-Written.JPG" alt="Georgia Surveyor's Grant" width="300" height="152" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Land_Grant_Hand-Written.JPG">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Although it is impossible to get a free land grant for federal land, you can get a free grant for municipal land. There are many benefits to obtaining this land, most notably being able to build a house there. Many cities across the US are offering citizens free grants in return for them relocating into a new area. However, there are a few steps you need to take in order to receive one of these grants.</p>
<p>The first step is to search on the Internet for cities where you can obtain a free land grant. Using keywords like Free Residential Lots and Free Commercial Lots in your search will help you narrow down the areas that you can move to. It is usually the case that cities offering these grants have dwindling populations and need new people to move there in order to boost their economies. A majority of these cities also tend to be in the Mid West.</p>
<p>You should ideally visit the city a few times before you go ahead with obtaining any land. Although receiving a grant for free land sounds perfect, you should think about why the local government is giving it away for free. If a lot of people are moving out of the area and the government is keen to get new ones in, there is usually a reason WHY people are moving out in the first place, perhaps due to lack of employment or high crime rate.</p>
<p>It is also highly important that you read the fine print on any land grant contract you receive. There are often such clauses as the size of your house or the time frame that you will have to move in by. A standard contract will ask you to contact a housing developer within six months and move in fully within three years.</p>
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		<title>A Look at Mining Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-mining-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/a-look-at-mining-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:41:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplemental Funding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=395</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants may be given out by the government for a number of reasons. However, the most likely scenario is that your company or organization is providing a benefit to the landscape or the country. One type of land grant that is given out is for companies looking to mine the land for valuable resources. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants may be given out by the government for a number of reasons. However, the most likely scenario is that your company or organization is providing a benefit to the landscape or the country. One type of land grant that is given out is for companies looking to mine the land for valuable resources.</p>
<p>There are two main types of this grant, called Abandoned Mine Land Grants and Regulatory Program Grants. The first kind of grant is awarded to the state rather than an individual organization. The grant is given on the provision that the local governing body takes care and maintains the regional natural landscape after mining has occurred. The other grant is awarded to groups for the purpose of enforcing certain laws about mining, as well as inspecting mining sites to make sure they are up to standard. These grants are again awarded to the local government of the separate state, although they can also be awarded to Native American tribes in areas where they still live and are responsible for the land.</p>
<p>These grants are handed out by The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, which also handles the regularity of distribution and the amount of grant monies awarded. The organization assesses each grant on a quarterly basis in order to decide whether an increase in grant money is required. This will depend on a range of factors, including staff wages and over-running factors from the previous quarter. When it comes to waste removal, it use to be the case that this was dependent on the amount of money awarded in the grant. However, more and more nowadays external renewable energy companies help with the removal of waste, meaning that the amount awarded for the grant can be stretched further.</p>
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		<title>There Is Something For Everyone in New Jersey</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/there-is-something-for-everyone-in-new-jersey.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/there-is-something-for-everyone-in-new-jersey.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:03:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albert Einstein House]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atlantic City New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden State]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newark New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pine Barrens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=467</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Visiting New York City? Consider adding New Jersey to your vacation itinerary. The Garden State has some great off-the-beaten path attractions that are fun for the whole family. From museums, the theatre, and historical sites, to mountains and the beach, there is something for everyone in New Jersey. Go across the Hudson [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Albert-einstein-house.JPG"><img title="Albert Einstein House, Princeton, NJ" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Albert-einstein-house.JPG/300px-Albert-einstein-house.JPG" alt="Albert Einstein House, Princeton, NJ" width="200" height="125" /></a></dt>
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<p>Visiting New York City? Consider adding New Jersey to your vacation  itinerary. The Garden State has some great off-the-beaten path  attractions that are fun for the whole family. From museums, the  theatre, and historical sites, to mountains and the beach, there is  something for everyone in New Jersey.</p>
<p>Go across the Hudson River  from New York City and you land in Newark, the state&#8217;s largest city.  Located just eight miles from Manhattan, it is part of the New York City  metro area. Newark is culturally diverse, and has several museums,  galleries, and theaters that are worth visiting. In addition, there are  neighborhoods ranging from the upscale that are home to <a title="There Is Something For Everyone in New Jersey" href="http://www.225grand.net/" target="_blank">New Jersey luxury apartments</a> and elegant houses, to high concentrations of beaux-arts architecture.</p>
<p>New  Jersey&#8217;s seashore is a popular destination, with miles of coastline for  swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and taking on stroll on the beach. There  are several parks and beach access points, making it easy to enjoy sun  and surf for a day. The Jersey Shore and Atlantic City are not to be  missed.</p>
<p>Historical sites are scattered all over the state, which  has a long and rich history. Don&#8217;t miss the Albert Einstein House in  Mercer County, and the Princeton Battlefield of Revolutionary War fame,  also in Mercer County.</p>
<p>Though populated, the state still has some  wild places left that are well worth visiting. Head inland to explore  New Jersey&#8217;s mountains, located on the west side of the state. Don&#8217;t  miss the Pine Barrens, a huge preserve with extensive trail networks and  opportunities for outdoor recreation, for a day of hiking, biking, and  enjoying the scenery. There are also several lakes and rivers that are  fun to explore by canoe or kayak.</p>
<p>Escape the crowds of New York  City, and visit New Jersey! You&#8217;ll have no problem spending a few days  and having some fun in the Garden State.</p>
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		<title>Grants for Buying Farm Land</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/grants-for-buying-farm-land.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/grants-for-buying-farm-land.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:35:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agriculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Development aid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=372</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia If you are looking to set up your own piece of land for agriculture, you may be able to obtain a land grant from the government to help you out. The US government has been giving land grants to citizens to start farms for centuries as new farmers and agricultural practices help [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Farming-on-Indonesia.jpg"><img title="Farming on Indonesia." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Farming-on-Indonesia.jpg/300px-Farming-on-Indonesia.jpg" alt="Farming on Indonesia." width="300" height="225" /></a></dt>
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<p>If you are looking to set up your own piece of land for agriculture, you may be able to obtain a land grant from the government to help you out. The US government has been giving land grants to citizens to start farms for centuries as new farmers and agricultural practices help boost the economy. There are many different types of land grant you can get for farming purposes.</p>
<p>One type of grant are Rural Business Enterprise Grants. These grants are given to small or private businesses looking for more land. Any money that is allocated can be used for a number of resources, such as educating adults or business development assistance. There is no monetary limit for these grants, although there is often a preference given to smaller businesses that need a helping hand. The typical grant ranges from $10,000 to $500,000.</p>
<p>Value-Added Producer Grants are another type of grant that is given to farmers to help boost their businesses. Ten percent of these funds are also allocated for farmers who are just starting out in order to keep fresh interest in the sector. In order to qualify for one of these grants you must either be a beginning farmer or a farmer that is socially disadvantaged.</p>
<p>There is also something called the Community Facilities Program that has been set up to aid farmers in local areas. Funds from this program are similarly used to help individuals acquire farming land legally. The money can also be used to buy equipment that is going to be used in community projects. There are a few conditions that anyone applying for one of these grants needs to comply to. They must be able to legally borrow and repay money, as well as be financial responsible enough to manage money and interest.</p>
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		<title>The Truth About Federal Land Grants and Foreclosure</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-truth-about-federal-land-grants-and-foreclosure.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-truth-about-federal-land-grants-and-foreclosure.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:42:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, one of the most terrifying thoughts is that you might foreclose on your house and lose your home.  It is important to know a little about land grants and foreclosure when you are in this position to avoid getting caught out by land grant scams. Such scams [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, one of the most terrifying thoughts is that you might foreclose on your house and lose your home.  It is important to know a little about land grants and foreclosure when you are in this position to avoid getting caught out by land grant scams.</p>
<p>Such scams work by assuring you that your property is protected by a federal land grant. Once you hand over the deeds to the &#8216;government representative&#8217; you are told that your property is being protected by the government and that you no longer need to fear your creditors taking your house. In reality, there is no kind of federal land grant that you can get to protect a personal home or property.</p>
<p>Federal land grant do exist that provide an element of protection for the owner, but they are not provided to people who cannot pay the mortgage. Instead, federal land grant are awarded to companies or organizations that are providing an environmental or economic benefit, both to the local area and the country as a whole. Federal land grants are awarded to projects such as the building and maintenance of universities or the construction of a railroad that will aid transport and trade.</p>
<p>However, there are a number of things you can do to stop from losing your house. The most commonly used option is to declare bankruptcy, which will immediately prevent your creditors from having any right over your remaining assets. You could also attempt to change your mortgage agreement and alter the payment plan you have set up to make it easier on yourself. Equally, there are a number of charitable and non-profit organizations that have been set up solely for the purpose of helping people who cannot pay their mortgage make ends meet, without losing their home.</p>
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		<title>Skipping The Financial Advisor</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/skipping-the-financial-advisor.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/skipping-the-financial-advisor.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 09:21:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial adviser]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mutual fund]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=465</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If there is one thing that people strive to take care of the most, it&#8217;s their money. Money is essential to people&#8217;s long term security. If you are interested in taking care of your money long term, then you have probably considered hiring a financial advisor. You might know other people who use these advisors, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If there is one thing that people strive to take care of the  most, it&#8217;s their money. Money is essential to people&#8217;s long term  security. If you are interested in taking care of your money long term,  then you have probably considered hiring a financial advisor. You might  know other people who use these advisors, and you might be think it&#8217;s  great for you to have your money handled by an expert. However, if you  look at it closely, you might just see that an advisor might be a waste  of your time and money.</p>
<p>The truth is that most of you are in a  position right now where you are looking towards the future. You are  interested in making money to have when the time comes to retire. For  this, you are going to need safe investments. You won&#8217;t be managing your  money to make quick cash. If that were the case, then you would want  the help of an experienced professional. But in your case you are  looking for safe, long-term investments. You don&#8217;t need a professional  to help you with that.</p>
<p>The internet is loaded with places where you can get investing news and tips. Reputable sites, like <a href="http://www.411.ca/">Canada 411</a>,  are great resources for studying up on mutual funds as well as the trends of any and all stocks you are interested in.</p>
<p>Financial advisors have their strong points, but unless you are  investing millions, they might be a little too much information and  money for your needs. They take a commission, and that is money out of  your pocket. When you are saving for the end of your working days, you  want to keep as much money as possible. You should probably steer clear  of an advisor.</p>
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		<title>Get a Grant for a Farm From the Government</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/get-a-grant-for-a-farm-from-the-government.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/get-a-grant-for-a-farm-from-the-government.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:58:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agriculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States Department of Agriculture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=370</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking to set up your own farm, one of the things you can do to help you meet the costs is obtain a grant from the government. This is a tried and tested way to legally get control of farming land that has been used to help individuals, not to mention the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are looking to set up your own farm, one of the things you can do to help you meet the costs is obtain a grant from the government. This is a tried and tested way to legally get control of farming land that has been used to help individuals, not to mention the wider economy, for centuries. There are a few key steps that you need to undertake in order to obtain a grant for farming purposes.</p>
<p>The first thing to do is to contact the local branch of the Department of Agriculture. The people working here will be able to help you obtain all the necessary forms you need and will put you in touch with the necessary lawyers and officials who can speed up the process for you. If you are not having any luck with your regional branch, contact the head office of the department in Washington.</p>
<p>After this you will need to be assigned an agent who can deal with your query. It is not unusual to have to wait a few weeks before you can have a meeting with a representative. This may also have to be on the phone rather than in person, depending on where you live and your availability. You should discuss with the agent the type of farm you want to set up and how much funding you think you will need. Doing as much research as possible before you have your meeting will put the agent in a better position to help you.</p>
<p>You will need to have your social security details and a form of identification when applying for a grant, as well as all the other paperwork. It is also worth remembering that the type of grant you are applying for can have an effect on the time it takes to get approved. Typically smaller grant applications are approved quicker than large ones.</p>
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		<title>Land Grants and Bankruptcy: What You Need To Consider</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-and-bankruptcy-what-you-need-to-consider.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-and-bankruptcy-what-you-need-to-consider.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:43:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chapter 7 Title 11 United States Code]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr Many people assume that credit after bankruptcy is not something that they are going to be able to get. The whole situation surrounding credit and getting credit can be a bit tough. While it is true that your credit will be tarnished for a short [...]]]></description>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31846825@N04/4777235222">State Library and Archives of Florida</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>Many people assume that <a href="http://www.totalbankruptcy.com/life-after-bankruptcy/credit/why-credit-after-bankruptcy.aspx">credit after bankruptcy</a> is not something that they are going to be able to get. The whole  situation surrounding credit and getting credit can be a bit tough.  While it is true that your credit will be tarnished for a short period  of time, there are still many lenders out there who are going to be  willing to work with you, even if you have filed bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Before you file bankruptcy though, you are going to want to make sure  that you are taking the time to think through all of the possible  problems you might face. The last thing you want to do is to make such a  large financial decision without really thinking through all of the  pros and cons.</p>
<p>One of the biggest concerns you will probably  have is concerning land grants. You want to make sure that you are going  to still be able to accept things in life such as land grants. While it  is true that it is going to be a little tough, there is no reason to  believe that you are simply not going to be able to obtain land because  of your bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, any land that you  obtain after your bankruptcy case closes is going to be safer than any  land you had in your name prior to the case being filed. This doesn&#8217;t  mean you should go out and overload yourself with a lot of land that you  can&#8217;t maintain or afford, but there is no reason to believe that you  are going to be shut out from owning any.</p>
<p>So now that you know  that you should be safe with land grants, you can continue to explore  the consequences of filing a bankruptcy case in order to make the best  decision for your needs.</p>
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		<title>Keep an Eye on Your Income Tax to Keep Your Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/keep-an-eye-on-your-income-tax-to-keep-your-land-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/keep-an-eye-on-your-income-tax-to-keep-your-land-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:03:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Accounting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Counties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internal Revenue Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philanthropy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States Department of Health and Human Services]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=462</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife You have worked hard to come up with a great reason for a land grant, and even got the grant itself. Unfortunatley, you know full well that you still have a lot of work ahead of you. In fact, you&#8217;ve barely begun. Now, you need to develop the land [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0bZW00t7Lm4jR?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0bZW00t7Lm4jR&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="WASHINGTON - MAY 04:  U.S. President Barack Ob..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bZW00t7Lm4jR/113x150.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON - MAY 04:  U.S. President Barack Ob..." width="113" height="150" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>You have worked hard to come up with a great reason for a land grant,  and even got the grant itself.  Unfortunatley, you know full well that  you still have a lot of work ahead of you.  In fact,  you&#8217;ve barely  begun.  Now, you need to develop the land how you promised, making it  better than it was when you were given the grant.  This is what you have  been working toward.  There are some things that you will want to keep  in mind as you go about this, to keep your grant and keep your work  going.</p>
<p>You will want to make sure that you keep enough supplies  on hand when you need them.  For example, if you are planting wild  grasses, you will want to make sure that you have what you need for the  plot you are working on.  Along with this, you will want to make sure  that if you need extra help, you have the help that you require.</p>
<p>When you are filing your taxes, you will want to make sure that you  file with your land grant in mind.  You may want to consult with a <a href="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/">tax</a> professional on this. Making sure that you file the income taxes  correctly with the land grant in mind is extremely important.  If this  is done incorrectly, you could lose the grant, and even end up with  fines or worse.  Making sure that you have your taxes right is one of  the most important steps you can take to keep your land grant.</p>
<p>You will also need to make sure that you put in the effort that you have  promised.  Generally with a land grant, your work and effort will be  checked on on a regular basis.  If you are not keeping up your end of  the deal, it is possible that the grant may be taken away.</p>
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		<title>The History of Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-history-of-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-history-of-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:55:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New World]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=459</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants are an important consideration, even today. After all, land, as with the rest of the real estate market, has a strong record of climbing in value. However, the idea of the Government providing land in exchange for someone&#8217;s useful service is not at all new. It extends to well before the first social [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants are an important consideration, even today.   After all, land, as with the rest of the real estate market, has a  strong record of climbing in value.  However, the idea of the Government  providing land in exchange for someone&#8217;s useful service is not at all  new.  It extends to well before the first <a href="http://www.visibletechnologies.com/">social media company</a> reared its head — before we worried about Y2k — and before, in fact, the fall of Rome.</p>
<p>One of the main ways that Roman soldiers were recruited was with the  promise of a land grant, which was then called praernia.  At the end of  the soldier&#8217;s campaign, they would be rewarded with a large amount of  money or land, with the exact amount varying dependent on the segment of  Rome&#8217;s history.</p>
<p>In other countries since, grants have been  used to further a political objective or prompt citizens to contribute  to some social aim.  Especially of note, Australia gave a substantial  amount of land grants to released convicts, effectively colonizing and  dividing the land.</p>
<p>In the United States, a number of countries  gave land grants to help further their presence in the &#8220;New World.&#8221;   Whether it was for a religious mission, farming settlements, or other  &#8220;general populace&#8221; locations, these grants were given generously.  These  froze after the territory was largely exhausted, but several  resurgences were seen since.  The development of Florida, once an  unlivable swampland, is largely due to land grants.</p>
<p>The most  recent major use of large scale land grants was during the 1800s when  the US authorized the distribution of land to five major railroad  companies.  These railroads created the initial infrastructure for the  continental transportation system — and later stirred controversy about  monopolistic tendencies from some railroads.</p>
<p>Since that time,  land grants have been given out far less generously and frequently,  however, those knowing where to look can still find excellent resources  on modern-day grants.</p>
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		<title>What Projects are Federal Land Grants Awarded to?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-projects-are-federal-land-grants-awarded-to.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-projects-are-federal-land-grants-awarded-to.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:38:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=391</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Owning land is a crucial part of owning any business. However, depending on the kind of business you are in, you may be able to get help owning land without having to pay a great deal of money for it. The government awards federal land grants to projects and organizations that it deems worthy and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Owning land is a crucial part of owning any business. However, depending on the kind of business you are in, you may be able to get help owning land without having to pay a great deal of money for it. The government awards federal land grants to projects and organizations that it deems worthy and if you are one of these, you may find it worth your while to apply for a grant.</p>
<p>Federal land grants are only awarded to projects that are providing an intrinsic level of value to both the local are and the entire country. This may be a form of good environmental practice or a benefit to the wider economy.</p>
<p>One area where federal land grants are awarded is universities. The system was set up in the early 19th Century to save land for public buildings and services. Nowadays there are a wealth of land grant universities providing a wealth of knowledge for the agricultural and farming sectors.</p>
<p>Another area where federal land grants have worked well is the nation&#8217;s railroads. The most famous of these is the Union Pacific Railroad, which was set up in the 1800s in order to boost trade and transport across the country. Public land was acquired by railway companies with grants and was then sold, with the money generated being used to create the railways themselves.</p>
<p>The other great area where federal land grants have proved successful is conservation. Local states are able to purchase land from the government with grants in order to maintain and encourage the local habitat, which may provide the backdrop for endangered wildlife. This is especially important in areas of stunning natural beauty that need to be protected from expanding industrial or business enterprises, such as The Grand Canyon or Niagra Falls.</p>
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		<title>North Carolina Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/north-carolina-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/north-carolina-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:28:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Carolina]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=365</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Land grants have been awarded by the state to individuals looking to set up certain projects in America for years. Many of the land grants in the olden days went to companies looking to set up things like railroads or universities, although some of the grants were also given to citizens for [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_NC.svg"><img title="Map of USA with North Carolina highlighted" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Map_of_USA_NC.svg/286px-Map_of_USA_NC.svg.png" alt="Map of USA with North Carolina highlighted" width="286" height="186" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_NC.svg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Land grants have been awarded by the state to individuals looking to set up certain projects in America for years. Many of the land grants in the olden days went to companies looking to set up things like railroads or universities, although some of the grants were also given to citizens for agricultural purposes. North Carolina is one of the states that has a rich heritage in land grant acquisition.</p>
<p>One type of grant that was used in the past are headright grants. These were a primitive sort of grant that ensured that every man who paid for himself would receive 100 acres of land to do with as he wished. He would also receive bonus acres for his family occasionally. Although the owner of the grant had to pay a yearly tax to the local government, there were no other stipulations on the awarding of the grant and he was free to do with the land as he wished.</p>
<p>Purchase grants were also used in the past as a method obtaining land. Here the applicant had to pay a fee to have the land in question surveyed by an independent party. After the land was surveyed to make sure it was grant worthy the applicant would make a claim at the local court and would receive his grant.</p>
<p>Another type of grant that was used directly after the American Revolution was the bounty grant. This was a grant of land that was awarded to American soldiers who had fought bravely in the war to defend the freedoms of their country. Again the land who have to be surveyed before the grant was awarded, although in this case the solider got the claim to have the survey carried out from the military, rather than paying for it. The amount awarded also depended on his rank and the amount of time he had spent in the service.</p>
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		<title>Get Ready to Propose Your Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/get-ready-to-propose-your-land-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/get-ready-to-propose-your-land-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:17:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organizations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=453</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking into getting a land grant, you may want to consider puchasing some new running shoes first. There are a lot of hoops that you are going to have to jump through, and a lot of &#8220;running&#8221; to do. Getting a land grant is most definitley not an easy thing to do. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are looking into getting a land grant, you may want to consider puchasing some new <a href="http://www.zappos.com/running-shoes">running shoes</a> first.   There are a lot of hoops that you are going to have to jump through,  and a lot of &#8220;running&#8221; to do.  Getting a land grant is most definitley  not an easy thing to do.</p>
<p>First, you need to come up with an  idea that may get you the grant.  Many times land grants are only given  out for things that will not only benefit the area, but also help the  country.  Things like wildlife preserves, areas of natural grasses, and  other ideas that will help benefit everyone are much more likely to get a  land grant than things like industrial parks.  In fact, it is extremely  difficult to get a land grant for something industrial.</p>
<p>Once  you have the idea for what you would like to do with the land, you will  need to write up a proposal.  The details on this may vary, depending  on who you plan to talk to about the grant.  You may know a landowner in  the area that would be willing to give you part of their land for your  project.  Though this is not always the case, if it is an option for  you, it may work out very well.  In most cases, a land grant proposal is  given to a city, state, or country government.  You will need to know  the costs of what you propose, exactly what you want to do, and how you  plan to do it.</p>
<p>If you are turned down for the grant, look into  your options.  Is this project something you can do elsewhere?  Are  there changes to your idea or proposal that you should make?  Try to get  some input from others; sometimes a fresh eye can help catch things in  your proposal that you would not have caught otherwise.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=08e566b7-ad91-4097-aac3-89019eec2aff" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>
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		<title>How to Get a Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-get-a-land-grant-2.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-get-a-land-grant-2.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:34:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fossil fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=406</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Ken Lund via Flickr Getting a land grant is no easy matter. What with proving to the government that you are going to use the grant for a valuable purpose and dealing with the stress of an application, many people often get lost. However, there are a few things you can do to [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75683070@N00/4083653882"><img title="Scorpion Ranch Area, Santa Cruz Island, Channe..." src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4083653882_c29d913490_m.jpg" alt="Scorpion Ranch Area, Santa Cruz Island, Channe..." width="240" height="180" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75683070@N00/4083653882">Ken Lund</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>Getting a land grant is no easy matter. What with proving to the government that you are going to use the grant for a valuable purpose and dealing with the stress of an application, many people often get lost. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.</p>
<p>The first step is to estimate your potential costs. An official body or landowner is much more likely to give you a grant if you have researched your project thoroughly and have shown that it is feasible. This should include information on the cost of building materials, labor and supplies. Once you have this collated, you should begin writing your proposal. This needs to lay out your main objectives and targets when applying for the grant. It is VERY important that you describe clearly the benefits your project will provide to the local community and, if possible, the wider area as a whole. If you are unsure how to do this you can hire a professional writer who will write the proposal for you in the necessary language, although you will still need to provide the writer with a list of your aims and objectives.</p>
<p>Including every aspect of your plans is essential to the success of your proposal. To do this, you may want to write it with any other people that are involved in the project &#8211; two minds are better than one and they may remember some important details you might have forgotten. Once the proposal is written, check and re-check it. Many applications fail because of silly mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Again, having an extra pair of eyes go over it for you will help you reduce errors to a minimum. Good luck!</p>
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		<title>Homestead Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/homestead-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/homestead-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:23:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homestead Act]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=358</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Homestead Land Grants were a type of grant that were awarded to American citizens during the time that the country was being settled by ordinary families. Regular people were enticed to set up their homes across a wider and wider distance as the frontier expanded. The grants were given to people to [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Freeman_homestead-certificate.jpg"><img title="certificate of the first homestead according t..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Freeman_homestead-certificate.jpg/300px-Freeman_homestead-certificate.jpg" alt="certificate of the first homestead according t..." width="300" height="221" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Freeman_homestead-certificate.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Homestead Land Grants were a type of grant that were awarded to American citizens during the time that the country was being settled by ordinary families. Regular people were enticed to set up their homes across a wider and wider distance as the frontier expanded. The grants were given to people to provide them with the legal right to own and occupy a certain area of land, and in return the settlers would live there for at least five years. This helped grow the country&#8217;s economy by establishing settlements and providing services.</p>
<p>One problem the government had during the American Revolution was a lack of soldiers. In order to try and combat this, the government set up bounty grants which were awarded as an incentive for young men to join the army and fight in the war. At the end of their service, they were provided with an area of land which they could call their own. Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee were all areas that were settled by soldiers who had been provided with bounty grants.</p>
<p>Homestead grants were also popular in Texas. The land here was actually owned by Mexico in the past, when it removed itself from Spanish rule. In order to protect its Texan borders from angry retaliation by Native Americans, the Mexican government offered grants of land to incoming settlers from England and other parts of Europe in order to entice them to settle in what is now Texas. This helped boost the local forces that were fighting in favor of the Mexican government and its rule.</p>
<p>The Homestead Act of 1862 helped many poorer citizens obtain their first homes. For a small fee of around $10, people were given grants that entitled them to build their own homes and live on the land for a minimum of five years. Many immigrants and freed slaves gained land using this act.</p>
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		<title>How to Finance a Small Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-finance-a-small-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-finance-a-small-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:24:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Architecture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=351</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are tired of working for somebody else and you have an idea that has profitability, you may want to think about setting up your own business. Although it requires hard work and dedication having your own business can change your life and give you a feeling of freedom that you perhaps never had [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are tired of working for somebody else and you have an idea that has profitability, you may want to think about setting up your own business. Although it requires hard work and dedication having your own business can change your life and give you a feeling of freedom that you perhaps never had before. However, you will need quite a substantial sum of money to get your business off the ground. If you are thinking of working for yourself, you will need to amass some money to finance your business initially.</p>
<p>The first think you should do is decide how much money you will need for the first few months. You should work out your potential overheads and investments, as well as how much business you will make and any incoming money you will receive. You then need to write up your business loan proposal. This is a document that gives details on your company and its history and how much money you are looking to borrow from the bank to set up. However, your company has to be a pre existing business for it to qualify for a bank loan. The banks do not tend to give out money to brand new companies as their investment has no guarantee of being protected.</p>
<p>If you do have a start up company, you can apply for a Small Business Administration loan. This is a dedicated loan that is given to new firms to help them set up on their own. Again, there is no guarantee that the investment of the loan is protected for the body that awards them, so they may require you have a number of commodities or collateral which they can secure their loan against. If you do not have a good credit history, you might want to think about getting a personal loan which you can pump into your business.</p>
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		<title>Finance Your Franchise Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/finance-your-franchise-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/finance-your-franchise-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:28:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=341</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Running a franchise business can be a profitable way to make a living. However, as with any business, you will need some financial backing to get your business off the ground. There are a number of ways you can finance your franchise business when you are just starting out. The first thing you have to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Running a franchise business can be a profitable way to make a living. However, as with any business, you will need some financial backing to get your business off the ground. There are a number of ways you can finance your franchise business when you are just starting out.</p>
<p>The first thing you have to do is assess how much money you will need to run your business. You will need to include expenses such as franchising fees and royalty payments into your plan so that you have a clear idea of what you will be spending on your business in the future. You also need to find out whether your franchisor will supply you with funding to set up your business. This is not usually the case, but it is a good idea to find out before you start.</p>
<p>You can try to get a bank loan to finance your business. Banks do not usually give financial backing to franchise businesses as there is nothing to protect their investment, but you may have a good credit rating which will help your case. You may have to put your house down as collateral to secure the investment. Alternatively, the Small Business Administration has a list of registered franchise that act as protection for the bank. If the firm you are looking to become a franchise of is registered on the list, it may be easier to obtain money from the bank.</p>
<p>Third party financing is also an option you can try. There are a number of companies that provide loans and financial investment for franchise businesses such as GE Capital and Banco Popular. Additionally, you could try to get financial backing from a venture capital group or another external investor. This may prove more expensive in the long run, but it is a viable option for those who find all other doors closed.</p>
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		<title>How to Finance a Large Business</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-finance-a-large-business.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-finance-a-large-business.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:54:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supply and Demand]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=349</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have owned your own business that has grown into quite a sizeable company, you may be able to qualify for loan to help you expand and grow. You can even qualify for business finance if your company has come under hard times and is struggling. The kind of loan you will be able [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have owned your own business that has grown into quite a sizeable company, you may be able to qualify for loan to help you expand and grow. You can even qualify for business finance if your company has come under hard times and is struggling. The kind of loan you will be able to receive will be more limited and you will essentially be reliant on venture capital firms that actively seek out businesses that need turning around. Whatever your reason for securing finance, there are a number of things you can do to speed up the process.</p>
<p>The first thing to do is make a document stating your reasons for wanting additional investment. You should explain where any new funds will be invested and what you will do with the money and you should draft up a business plan for the future laying out your future plans for the company. Once this is done, you will need to compile what is known as a due diligence book. This is a collection of all your legal documents and papers, including tax information and minutes of board meetings. Any potential investors will want to go over this information to see you company&#8217;s history.</p>
<p>You also need to look into the type of financing that you will need. Depending on where you plan to spend the money you will need a different type of loan. For example, if you are buying physical equipment like machine or factory items then you will need a form of short term financing. Long term investments are suitable for other areas of the business and can be obtained from venture capital firms of by issuing shares.</p>
<p>You should also be prepared to not receive the exact amount of money you are looking for. It is important to have a back up plan in this instance.</p>
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		<title>Environmental Definitions: Passive Solar</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environmental-definitions-passive-solar.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/environmental-definitions-passive-solar.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:52:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fossil fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Passive solar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=290</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Conservation is a cause shared throughout the world &#8211; land must be protected; water consumption must reduced; and once abundant resources must now be offered sparingly. The assumption that all energies will remain (able to be used when wanted, able to be found in excess) no longer exists. Thoughts instead turn toward [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moody_Sunburst.jpg"><img title="Moody sun burst hovering over a trough at Kram..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Moody_Sunburst.jpg/300px-Moody_Sunburst.jpg" alt="Moody sun burst hovering over a trough at Kram..." width="300" height="201" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moody_Sunburst.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Conservation is a cause shared throughout the world &#8211; land must be  protected; water consumption must reduced; and once abundant resources  must now be offered sparingly. The assumption that all energies will  remain (able to be used when wanted, able to be found in excess) no  longer exists. Thoughts instead turn toward the future, where all  elements will surely be taken in necessity and nothing more, where there  will be no worthy environment. And such thoughts have forced new  methods to arise, hoping to find sustainable alternatives to fossil  fuels and their emissions.</p>
<p>One such method is Passive Solar Technologies.</p>
<p>As its name implies, Passive Solar Technologies is the utilization of  sunlight without the aid of extra machinery. Simply explained: this form  of sustainable energy allows panels to gather rays and then filter them  into the connected network of heat sources &#8211; such as boilers, lighting  and more. These heat sources do not use fans, cooling pumps or similar  components to circulate themselves. They are instead devoted purely to  the sun.</p>
<p>And this is what marks them truly sustainable (unlike their more  technology reliant counters in Active Solar Technologies). There is no  demand for external energies and their potential problems, such as:  carbon releases, higher costs and waste creating materials. Everything  is instead supplied by the sun and nothing more.</p>
<p>For some, however, this environmental triumph may prove to be a  challenge. Unlike Active Solar Technologies, which can fuel the entire  home, Passive is more limiting. Its processes tend to be reserved for  only the essential tasks and excessive energy is not possible. It also  requires green building techniques to ensure that all panels are placed  in the most ideal locations. This can be problematic for those without  an abundance of choices for their home.</p>
<p>Passive Technologies still remain a viable option, though, and should be  considered. Their impact on the earth is meager and their abilities are  commendable.</p>
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		<title>Environmental Reasons: Conservation</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environmental-reasons-conservation.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/environmental-reasons-conservation.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 Oct 2010 09:51:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=284</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It&#8217;s a series of simple mistakes, learned from too many days and too many forgotten intentions: you take a long shower, trying to avoid the pressures of the day; you leave the faucet on as you study yourself in the mirror and find perceived imperfections; you let the radio, the hair dryer [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Handheld_blowdryer.jpg"><img title="Woman styling her hair with a blowdryer after ..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Handheld_blowdryer.jpg/300px-Handheld_blowdryer.jpg" alt="Woman styling her hair with a blowdryer after ..." width="300" height="200" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Handheld_blowdryer.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It&#8217;s a series of simple mistakes, learned from too many days and too  many forgotten intentions: you take a long shower, trying to avoid the  pressures of the day; you leave the faucet on as you study yourself in  the mirror and find perceived imperfections; you let the radio, the hair  dryer and other assorted electronics hum as they wish; and, as you  finally stroll out, you forget to turn the light off. Your morning was  spent in a excess of time and energy. You took all you wanted and  ignored the consequences (not  realizing that they even existed).</p>
<p>Conservation is an old philosophy now shaded green, with the world  demanding careful budgeting of resources. You are not immune to this  demand. You are not able to ignore the environment and its many needs.  And understanding the logic that formed this effort is essential in your  quest to finally following it:</p>
<p>1. Population growth. Countries are expanding; cities are ever changing;  and the population is swelling to unpredicted heights. And resources  cannot match the pace. Consumption of them, if continued without  compromise, will result in their eventual depletion. They must be used  sparingly and without the mentality of more, more, more.</p>
<p>2. High costs. Energy is not a cheap creature. It must be purchased  again and again. As resources become scarce, however, such purchasing  becomes difficult &#8211; and expensive. Conservation helps to eliminate this  by maintaining elements, rather than forcing them to become rare.</p>
<p>3. Environment. The world is not as it once was. The persistent use of  resources has left nature uncertain. Through green practices, though,  this can be combated. All carbon footprints can fade into a far happier  obscurity.</p>
<p>Conservation demands your best efforts; and, for some, this can seem too  much of a complication. It is still essential, though, that you reduce  energy and consumption. The reasons are clear.</p>
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		<title>Renewable Resources: Environmental Explanations</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/renewable-resources-environmental-explanations.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/renewable-resources-environmental-explanations.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:50:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fossil fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=281</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by The World Wants a Real Deal via Flickr It was once the only choice: a resource that was formed over countless years, buried deep within the earth. It was found, plucked out and shaped into energy. There was no concern for its life-span, no worry for its totality. It was instead merely used, [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45290485@N08/4181136566"><img title="Alice Springs, Australia" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/4181136566_4683d30920_m.jpg" alt="Alice Springs, Australia" width="160" height="240" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45290485@N08/4181136566">The World Wants a Real Deal</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>It was once the only choice: a resource that was formed over countless  years, buried deep within the earth. It was found, plucked out and  shaped into energy. There was no concern for its life-span, no worry for  its totality. It was instead merely used, forged into the necessary  power. Civilizations were crafted from it. Industry flourished. And the  world spun a little faster with its help. But now such spinning is  deemed dangerous. The resource is collapsing beneath the weight of its  own necessity. It has been used too often; it has been stretched too  sparse.</p>
<p>And so other methods must be formed to replace it. There is confusion,  however, on how such these methods can exist. Individuals believe they  will simply repeat the terrible pattern &#8211; appear, be praised, be  depleted. This is not the truth, however. These alternatives are not  defined to the common limitations. They are instead renewable.</p>
<p>Renewable resources, as their name clearly defines, are elements that  can be replaced again and again. They are natural in their conception  but are not forced to long developments (like fossil fuels and its many  offspring). They can instead be created quickly and without concern.  Components like forestry and water can now be reproduced; and methods  like the sun and wind can be channeled into energy for any structures.  This allows for the environment to provide ways to ensure its own  protection, and allows for land to become a greater value. It can be  completely utilized.</p>
<p>Renewable resources still must be carefully watched, however. Some (such  as timber) must be replenished in higher amounts to compensate for the  growing dependence on them. The discovery of alternatives has led to a  new explorations; and individuals worry still over the effects of the  sudden demands.</p>
<p>Creating more of these resources and utilizing natural energy methods is  possible, though; and this makes them an invaluable counter to the once  essential fossil fuels. Through the environment can we find true  progress.</p>
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		<title>The Most Common Renewable Energies: Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-most-common-renewable-energies-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-most-common-renewable-energies-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:48:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industrial Revolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=276</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Energy is impermanent &#8211; this has become the common belief, with all critics citing imminent danger for resources and the environment. All of the modern methods will fail, resulting in too many complications for the years to come. Generations will be without power. Cities will be forced to siphon every flickering light. [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WEAs_in_Neuenkirchen.JPG"><img title="Wind power is one of the most environmentally ..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/WEAs_in_Neuenkirchen.JPG/300px-WEAs_in_Neuenkirchen.JPG" alt="Wind power is one of the most environmentally ..." width="300" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WEAs_in_Neuenkirchen.JPG">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Energy is impermanent &#8211; this has become the common belief, with all  critics citing imminent danger for resources and the environment. All of  the modern methods will fail, resulting in too many complications for  the years to come. Generations will be without power. Cities will be  forced to siphon every flickering light. Consumption won&#8217;t be countered  and no compromise will be enough. Instead there will only be worries for  the future and no answers to offer.</p>
<p>Such a bleak assumption is not entirely correct, however. There are  renewable energies that are slowly carving a niche for themselves within  daily life. These alternatives work to secure both vital power demands  and the environment &#8211; and they succeed. Without the limitations of  typical sources (like petroleum or coal), they can be used as often as  theyâ€™re needed. And there are three that are championing the cause:</p>
<p>1. Solar power. The sun is the most prominent renewable source found on  Earth. Because of this companies have been creating ways to take  advantage of its abundance; and they have succeeded with passive and  active solar panels. Energy is formed through rays causing water to boil  and generate electricity. This is the most common of all new methods  and is posed to continue growing.</p>
<p>2. Wind power. None can argue with the advantages of wind turbines.  Despite initial concerns over their appearance, these machines have  increased dramatically in usage and are found across the globe.  Utilizing breezes, they allow energy to be created through the whirl of  propellers. This causes virtually no environmental impact and is proven  to reduce carbon emissions.</p>
<p>3. Hydroelectric power. While controversy follows this method (due to  its high costs and land requirements), its popularity has not decreased  since its conception within the Industrial Revolution. Using turbines to  churn water and create currents, hydroelectric can be sustained for all  years to come. It is without limit.</p>
<p>Energy is not to be wasted. It is to be preserved. But, with the aid of  these renewable forces, its consumption will not be forced to meager  fractions and small uses.</p>
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		<title>So You Want to Be a Property Owner</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/so-you-want-to-be-a-property-owner.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/so-you-want-to-be-a-property-owner.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:41:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=295</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people dream about owning a piece of property to call their own, whether they want to build a home, start a business, or use the land for some other purpose. Property can be very expensive, especially if it is in a location that is very desirable. Determining the Value of Land In general, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people dream about owning a piece of property to call their own,  whether they want to build a home, start a business, or use the land  for some other purpose. Property can be very expensive, especially if it  is in a location that is very desirable.</p>
<h2>Determining the Value of Land</h2>
<p>In general, the closer the property is to a main city, the more  expensive it will be. Also, people tend to be willing to pay more money  for property on the top of a hill or mountain because of the views that  can be gained. The same is true of properties next to the ocean or a  lake. Another factor that determines the value of a piece of property is  the resources that are available on it.</p>
<h2>Buying a Piece of Property</h2>
<p>Once you have found a piece of land that is for sale and is in the  perfect location for you, you will need to find a way to pay for it.  Banks can give you a mortgage to pay for the property and you can also  seek out land grants from the government. Depending on what you want to  use the property for, the government may be willing to give you free  money to help cover the cost of the initial price of the land. Even if  you have to use a <a href="http://www.paydayone.com/">payday advance</a> to secure the property that you want, you will be happy you were able to buy it before someone else did.</p>
<h2>Make Plans to Use the Land</h2>
<p>Once you have purchased the property you want, the hard part is over.  You can then start making plans for how you are going to use it. Make  sure to get all the proper zoning done before you begin building and do  your research before hiring someone. You will soon be on your way to  enjoying your new property.</p>
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		<title>Benefits of Going Green: Tax and the Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/benefits-of-going-green-tax-and-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/benefits-of-going-green-tax-and-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 09:47:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid vehicle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=273</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia There is one truth to remember in this ever evolving world: it must be protected for the generations to come. The environment is an uncertain thing, with its elements all fragile and its resources all dwindling. And, while the creation of cities and the development of land is vital, such processes cannot [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Darlingtonia_californica.jpg"><img title="Northernmost natural population" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Darlingtonia_californica.jpg/300px-Darlingtonia_californica.jpg" alt="Northernmost natural population" width="300" height="400" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Darlingtonia_californica.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>There is one truth to remember in this ever evolving world: it must be  protected for the generations to come. The environment is an uncertain  thing, with its elements all fragile and its resources all dwindling.  And, while the creation of cities and the development of land is vital,  such processes cannot ignore the philosophy of going green &#8211; finding  sustainable alternatives and new energy sources to create clean air and  reduced effects. But some businesses think those effects will be too  costly. Converting their well learned (and far too easy) practices seems  more like a risk than good sense; and theyâ€™re certain the expense  cannot be compensated.</p>
<p>It can.</p>
<p>Following the green movement is more than a promise to the environment.  It is instead a way to earn government praises. Those companies who  choose to reinvent their image &#8211; and their methods &#8211; can receive  multiple advantages; and tax incentives are among them.</p>
<p>The most common decisions (and reductions) as of 2010 are:</p>
<p>1. Energy efficient windows and doors. The purpose of saving the  environment is to ensure its resources arenâ€™t wasted, a challenge with  consumption constantly on the rise. To secure these resources,  companies are encouraged to choose materials that keep energy from  escaping (and becoming therefore useless). Each installation of these  materials can result in $500.00 returns.</p>
<p>2. Air conditioning. The summer is inescapable and forever hot. Cooling  units are therefore necessary to ensure steady tempers and productivity.  If those units are geothermal in nature, however, they can each be  valued for a $300.00 exemption.</p>
<p>3. Company cars. Traveling cannot be avoided: customers must be sought  and meetings must be formed in multiple destinations. Choosing hybrid  cars to reach those meetings, though, can generate a hefty tax return &#8211;  up to $3,000.00 per car.</p>
<p>Simple changes can result in massive rewards: this is the green  philosophy. And the environment is not the only thing to enjoy those  rewards. Instead companies can find endless reductions and values.</p>
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		<title>Environment: Low Energy Buildings</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environment-low-energy-buildings.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/environment-low-energy-buildings.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2010 09:46:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Cool roof]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Light-emitting diode]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Low-energy house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It was an assumption of materials, the designs that were believed to be essential &#8211; every structure was formed for the purpose of appearance, with no concern for the land it consumed or the efforts it wasted. Windows leaked energy. Installation forgot its intentions. And all rooms were cooled by money consuming [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RBG-LED.jpg"><img title="R, G, and B LEDs [7]." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/RBG-LED.jpg/300px-RBG-LED.jpg" alt="R, G, and B LEDs [7]." width="300" height="222" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RBG-LED.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It was an assumption of materials, the designs that were believed to be  essential &#8211; every structure was formed for the purpose of appearance,  with no concern for the land it consumed or the efforts it wasted.  Windows leaked energy. Installation forgot its intentions. And all rooms  were cooled by money consuming conditioners. Every building was an  exercise in excess, offering no reward beyond aesthetics. And that  philosophy has finally been recognized as false &#8211; the world now demands  environment worthy structures, each without the hefty consumption of  resources. These structures are instead to be without fault or worry.</p>
<p>They are called Low Energy Buildings.</p>
<p>As their name explains, Low Energy Buildings are crafted with the  specific (and vital) purpose of containing heat and air. Each is  designed carefully, with better materials chosen and concerns for the  future addressed before a foundation is even laid. The point is not to  merely create an architectural wonder &#8211; filled to all the flourishes and  brick-faced beauties &#8211; but it is instead to ensure that the environment  is protected. Great care is taken with the process and the result is  proven to be effective.</p>
<p>Low Energy Buildings commonly utilize:</p>
<p>1. Passive solar technology. Reducing the use of machinery and chemical  emissions, Passive solar technology allows for light to be converted  into heat; which helps to lower costs as well as reduce the consumption  of energy.</p>
<p>2. Lighting design. Choosing to tame the amount of electricity used, Low  Energy Buildings allow for uncommon fixtures &#8211; such as halogens and  polymer light emitting diodes. These reduce the currents used and also  allow for longer life-spans.</p>
<p>3. Cool Roof. The sun, though often used to power Low Energy Buildings,  can also be a complication for many designs. The heat generated on  rooftops can sink inside, raising temperatures and forcing individuals  to use excessive energy to lower them. A Cool Roof, however, can keep  this from happening. Its design reflects rays, allowing them to bounce  harmlessly away. This reduces heat.</p>
<p>Low Energy Buildings represent the future of craftsmanship and the environment. Theyâ€™re to be recognized as vital.</p>
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		<title>Environment: Active Daylighting</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environment-active-daylighting.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/environment-active-daylighting.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 09:45:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Active Daylighting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Daylight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Passive Daylighting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar panel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=264</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia The sun has forever been a source of fascination, the reason for entire civilizations to rise. Its importance has been charted in fables and prayers, theory and science. It has has been debated, worshiped and always watched; with a diligence that is ingrained within the human condition. And from this diligence came [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ring_of_fire.jpg"><img title="View of a solar flare." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/Ring_of_fire.jpg/300px-Ring_of_fire.jpg" alt="View of a solar flare." width="300" height="300" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ring_of_fire.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>The sun has forever been a source of fascination, the reason for entire  civilizations to rise. Its importance has been charted in fables and  prayers, theory and science. It has has been debated, worshiped and  always watched; with a diligence that is ingrained within the human  condition. And from this diligence came the wonderings of energy and its  limitations, the ability to utilize light. It was, of course, the most  abundant of resources. Why should it then be denied? Why should it  simply be offered to the environment? And so solar flares were then  studied, learned and eventually mastered.</p>
<p>That mastery is now experienced today in the form of Active Daylighting.</p>
<p>Simply explained, Active Daylighting is the use of the sun to generate  energy; which can then be given to the necessary fixtures and light  points within a building. It is not the typical solar panels and their  networks. It is instead a specialized form of providing power to a home.  Its purpose is restrained but no less vital.</p>
<p>Active Daylighting works through tracking the sun&#8217;s motions by  sensors. These follow the rays throughout the day, ensuring that enough  energy can be supplied to the structure. This marks it different from  its Passive Daylighting counterpart, which remains still and instead  requires reflections and cleverly placed receivers to reach its  necessary quotas. And, while some would question the sense of such  efforts, Passive Daylighting does offer an advantage to Active: it does  not require mechanical aid, which reduces its carbon emissions.</p>
<p>Despite this, however, Active is still the most preferred alternative  lighting source. Its abilities exceed all expectations and can capture  as much of the sun&#8217;s rays as needed. It is defined to its ease and  convenience &#8211; as well as the incentives it offers companies that choose  to use it. Tax exemptions and reductions can be found through this  method as it helps to protect the environment and conserves energy. It  is therefore a worthy aid to any and a choice that simply works.</p>
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		<title>Environment: The Advantage of the Green Roof</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environment-the-advantage-of-the-green-roof.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/environment-the-advantage-of-the-green-roof.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green roof]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Architecture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by dawneday via Flickr It seems a common sight: an urban sprawl, formed of concrete and glass, the elegant marble. A building stands before you, trying to challenge the notions of gravity. Itâ€™s an impossibly high high-rise and you expect nothing less. It&#8217;s rumored, however, that a secret waits above it, hidden along the [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7998285@N08/483969695"><img title="Minneapolis green roof_9134" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/483969695_3848320194_m.jpg" alt="Minneapolis green roof_9134" width="240" height="160" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7998285@N08/483969695">dawneday</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>It seems a common sight: an urban sprawl, formed of concrete and glass, the elegant marble. A building stands before you, trying to challenge the notions of gravity. Itâ€™s an impossibly high high-rise and you expect nothing less. It&#8217;s rumored, however, that a secret waits above it, hidden along the roof. You think this can&#8217;t be true. There will just be the typical stone. But, as you saunter in and claim an elevator for your own, are slowly taken through the many levels and to the top, you realize that stone does not exist. It has instead be replaced to&#8230; grass.</p>
<p>And that grass is found on more than one building as you glance about the city. You&#8217;re stunned.</p>
<p>You shouldn&#8217;t be.</p>
<p>You&#8217;re experiencing a green roof. Simply defined, this concept utilizes the natural advantages of the environment within unlikely settings. Vegetation is crated along the top of a structure, with much care given to its root systems and irrigation (layers are created to ensure that there is room for growth). These vegetations may include standard gardens, with food made for consumption, or be tailored instead to simple flowers. The purpose is dictated by the needs of the individuals below.</p>
<p>Such needs are met aptly by a green roof, though. The advantages to this process are staggering:</p>
<p>1. Heat reduction. Buildings attract the sun, with their concrete easily being warmed to high degrees. This forces a constant stream of air conditioning and electricity, which then causes a loss of energy. Green roofs, however, absorb the heat and help to keep a structure cooled.</p>
<p>2. Carbon decrease. The city is formed of carbon, with emissions constantly being released. Green roofs can combat this, however, and offer clean air.</p>
<p>3. Water purification. Plants can naturally reverse the effects of rain-water and its pollutants. Green roofs utilize water, allowing it supply the needed nutrients and removing the metallic elements found within.</p>
<p>The environment isn&#8217;t to be kept to the wild. It&#8217;s instead to be found in urban centers. And green roofs make that possible.</p>
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		<title>Sustainable Architecture: Redefining the Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/sustainable-architecture-redefining-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/sustainable-architecture-redefining-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:37:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Architecture]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It is a sad truth, proven by overwhelming statistics and underwhelming resources, the constant concerns of the world &#8211; the environment is changing, forced weak by the demands of an ever needy public. Energy is wasted. Materials are consumed. And the consequence is now an unsteady climate and an obscured horizon, the [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arts_Center_Greensburg%2C_Kansas%2C_Photo_by_Eric_Ascalon.jpg"><img title="Greensburg, Kansas arts center, a LEED Platinu..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Arts_Center_Greensburg%2C_Kansas%2C_Photo_by_Eric_Ascalon.jpg/300px-Arts_Center_Greensburg%2C_Kansas%2C_Photo_by_Eric_Ascalon.jpg" alt="Greensburg, Kansas arts center, a LEED Platinu..." width="300" height="103" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arts_Center_Greensburg%2C_Kansas%2C_Photo_by_Eric_Ascalon.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It is a sad truth, proven by overwhelming statistics and underwhelming  resources, the constant concerns of the world &#8211; the environment is  changing, forced weak by the demands of an ever needy public. Energy is  wasted. Materials are consumed. And the consequence is now an unsteady  climate and an obscured horizon, the steady burst of carbon. Something  must change; an effort must occur; and it has been decided that this  effort will be the designs of the cities to come.</p>
<p>Sustainable Architecture is a modern concept with future implications.  Its purpose is to reduce not only the amount of energy wasted in homes  and offices, but also the intrusion of those structures on the  environment. Each design is efficient, conserving resources and  utilizing alternative methods for power. And, while some have doubted  the abilities of these buildings, the proof is in their continued  development.</p>
<p>Sustainable Architecture, as one would assume, is formed by the beliefs  of sustainable energy &#8211; elements that will not falter after many uses  but will instead remain. This philosophy has led all structures to be  crafted carefully and with precise attention to detail. They must  include a variety of specificities and cannot veer from their purpose.  Typically these buildings use:</p>
<p>1. Solar panels.<br />
2. Wind turbines.<br />
3. Geothermal heating systems.<br />
4. Passive Daylighting units.<br />
5. Efficiency windows and doors.</p>
<p>The inclusion of these elements helps to ensure that every current is  properly maintained and used, allowing for no excess to occur. Energy is  stored until it is needed and does not leak into the air (corrupting  the already tenuous atmosphere).</p>
<p>But Sustainable Architecture does more than demand the proper materials.  It instead seeks to place those materials in areas where they will be  less obtrusive. The environment is the true concern here, with locations  chosen in urban areas to eliminate the need for land to be destroyed.  And, should these structures need to be placed among the wild, they will  be framed to do the least amount of damage possible.</p>
<p>The future requires more than convenience. It instead requires planning; and Sustainable Architecture offers that.</p>
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		<title>The Environment Changing: Sustainable Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-environment-changing-sustainable-energy.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-environment-changing-sustainable-energy.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:35:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=222</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by JKönig via Flickr There is a fear among the masses &#8211; one of future failures and energy lost. The notion of channeling the environment into friendlier currents has swept across the world, with countless companies reinventing their efforts and finding alternatives to coal. But such alternatives, many argue, will not maintain themselves for [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83156837@N00/2903667414"><img title="let's all move to vermont!" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2903667414_5139ba1a7c_m.jpg" alt="let's all move to vermont!" width="240" height="171" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83156837@N00/2903667414">JKönig</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>There is a fear among the masses &#8211; one of future failures and energy  lost. The notion of channeling the environment into friendlier currents  has swept across the world, with countless companies reinventing their  efforts and finding alternatives to coal. But such alternatives, many  argue, will not maintain themselves for the days to come. They are  fashionably green but ultimately impractical; and they will only offer  damaging concerns for the many generations to follow our own. They  cannot last. They cannot withstand the demands of cities. They will  instead collapse beneath the weight of their own promises, leaving many  to scramble after.</p>
<p>And it because of this that sustainable energy has become the new ideal.</p>
<p>Explained without a tangle of technicalities and jargon: sustainable  energy is the use of elements that will not impact the environment  negatively but will also not force future civilizations to be without  their needed power. To ease the burden of coal and carbon is necessary,  but so is the assurance that these methods will last. Resources must be  without fail. They cannot be hoarded, given sparingly and to the highest  bidder. The energy must instead be able to be shared and sure:  sustainable.</p>
<p>And it is this need that has driven many individuals to improve the  aptly named green methods. All of the resources must not only reduce  emissions and provide cleaner air, but they must also be constant. And  research has been offered to the common choices of turbines, solar  panels and geothermal generators. These have been adapted from their  once limited abilities, able now to aid more than individual home or  meager avenues. They have been improved.</p>
<p>This is essential.</p>
<p>Sustainable energy is a cause now championed by many. The intention is  not to ignore the needs of the environment. It is instead to tame those  needs to a modern purpose. Land is to be tailored to better intentions.  Science and sun are in unison &#8211; and the results are promising.</p>
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		<title>Green Energy: The Environment Redefined</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/green-energy-the-environment-redefined.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/green-energy-the-environment-redefined.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:34:34 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=218</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia The world is changing &#8211; the once accepted reliance on carbon spewing machines has been replaced to a collective awareness. Individuals now demand their air to be without the smoke and stratus dangers. The miles are to be empty, clean, and philosophies are without their former disdain for the refusal of seemingly [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:El-v-01_ubt.jpeg"><img title="Wind turbines (Vendsyssel, Denmark, 2004)" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/El-v-01_ubt.jpeg/300px-El-v-01_ubt.jpeg" alt="Wind turbines (Vendsyssel, Denmark, 2004)" width="300" height="125" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:El-v-01_ubt.jpeg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>The world is changing &#8211; the once accepted reliance on carbon spewing  machines has been replaced to a collective awareness. Individuals now  demand their air to be without the smoke and stratus dangers. The miles  are to be empty, clean, and philosophies are without their former  disdain for the refusal of seemingly easy coal. The environment is now  to be saved, not simply ravaged and left for future generations to heal.  It is instead to be protected through endless campaigns and  contingencies; one of which has become the rallying cry across  continents: green energy.</p>
<p>Simply defined, green energy is the use of environment friendly  alternatives to generate the needed power. Elements like solar panels,  wind turbines and tidal turns are used to create electricity &#8211; allowing  it to be without the usual complications of emissions or damning  poisons. These elements can offer the same strength of currents as their  coal counterparts and yet allow a companyâ€™s (or homeâ€™s) impact on  nature be minimized.</p>
<p>There are some that would argue the efficiency of green energy, however.  Wishing to save the environment is an important cause, they claim, but  it cannot be done at the expense of modern needs. Progress will be ended  with the use of these methods, with all efforts given to the protection  of botanicals and to not the necessity of cities: this is the common  complaint, offered daily and vehemently.</p>
<p>It is as unfounded as it is loud.</p>
<p>Green energy is not a proof of dwindling progress. It is instead the  reinvention of it. Using the environment to tame the use of coal and  similar options ensures that the generations to come will not be forced  to turn all focus to combating the effects of today. Their attentions  can instead be given to new ideas and new potentials &#8211; not to seeking  ways to eliminate the constant haze. It is an assurance of the future  and an aid to the present.</p>
<p>The use of green energy will not be a quick transition but it is an inevitable one. Its worth has been proven.</p>
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		<title>Environment and Industry: First Generation</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/environment-and-industry-first-generation.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:33:34 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=216</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife It was a greet of steel and necessity. Men carved out a new empire within the United States, wishing to surpass the limits of civilizations already long since established. The world was watching this fledgling country, seeing if rebels could become conquerers; and so the Industrial Revolution began, with [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/01U33LS8LO9jk?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=01U33LS8LO9jk&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 16: Harald Kegelmann f..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01U33LS8LO9jk/150x89.jpg" alt="GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 16: Harald Kegelmann f..." width="150" height="89" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></dd>
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<p>It was a greet of steel and necessity. Men carved out a new empire  within the United States, wishing to surpass the limits of civilizations  already long since established. The world was watching this fledgling  country, seeing if rebels could become conquerers; and so the Industrial  Revolution began, with only one intention: progress. It was steam and  piston twists, the exploration of power. No concern was offered for the  future beyond its dominance &#8211; and the environment was forgotten, with  forests ravaged and earth tilled until it became impotent. America grew  but lost something vital to the wave of new technology.</p>
<p>Such technology is still seen today, however. The engine turns and water  wheels have been modified for modern societies, but offer the same  difficulties as the past. They are deemed first generation technologies  and many have called for their dismantling.</p>
<p>First generation technology, defined simply, is what remains of the  Industrial age. They are most often hydroelectric methods, using water  to generate the needed power; and, while such notions have been offered  as green in philosophy, there are still too many unfortunate effects  from them. The initial building forces a wide loss of acres, constant  machine emissions and possible flooding. The hydroelectric choice can  also only be accomplished in specific settings, leaving the majority of  the country unable to use it (unless these settings are recreated, which  can prove costly). Land must instead be chosen carefully.</p>
<p>And these effects have forced companies to reconsider the value and  ultimate usage of first generation technologies. There is logic to find  in them but it must still be shaped new to ensure the environment is not  harmed. And, though progress has been made, these methods are still  among the most uncertain. Many believe they cannot be sustained for the  years to come. They are assumed to be too problematic.</p>
<p>Losing the confines of the Industrial Revolution, however, could still  prove possible. It is simply a matter of time and patience.</p>
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		<title>Overcoming Concerns: The Environment and Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/overcoming-concerns-the-environment-and-energy.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:32:11 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=211</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by kevindooley via Flickr It was a new philosophy, offered with caution and unsure words; the quivering promises. An environment was to be saved &#8211; forests were to be spared and horizons were to be without their coal soaked hazes. The dominating power, forced from unkind sources, was to be shifted into alternative methods. [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00/4370352638"><img title="Wind farm and greenhouse gas farm, together" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4370352638_1237b3f906_m.jpg" alt="Wind farm and greenhouse gas farm, together" width="240" height="240" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00/4370352638">kevindooley</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>It was a new philosophy, offered with caution and unsure words; the  quivering promises. An environment was to be saved &#8211; forests were to be  spared and horizons were to be without their coal soaked hazes. The  dominating power, forced from unkind sources, was to be shifted into  alternative methods. It was not be generated without concern, allowed to  exist without rules. Compromises had to be made. Standards had to be  revised.</p>
<p>And yet this ideal was met with little certainty. Companies assumed it  would be impossible; cities were unwilling to risk their established  profits. The environment was important, they conceded, but it was not  the only issue (and it was far behind the more obvious ones of power and  its constant needs).</p>
<p>But the movement did not die, despite the chides and derision; and  during the 1990â€™s it began to slowly (and painstakingly) flourish.  Second generation technology&#8211;as it was called&#8211;could be found across  the world and its effects were soon seen.</p>
<p>Composed of modern inventions like solar panels, wind farms and thermal  drills, second generation technology is the result of necessary change.  Its predecessors (hydroelectric dams and costly generators) were often  burdened to complications, leaving many to consider them unworthy; and  from this consideration came a call for power that would utilize the  environment, rather than exploiting it.</p>
<p>Such a distinction was difficult to reach but second generation  technology did manage. Its inclusion of solar energy and renewable  causes allowed it become far more than a simple alternative. It instead  had the potential to become the only choice. And, while such  implementation has not yet occurred, the progress made toward it has  been remarkable &#8211; when the movement began in 1996, there was an  estimated 6,100 turbines found throughout the world. By 2008 that number  had risen to almost 200,000; with land being used willingly and  companies forming kinder opinions. Those results are staggering and  offer hope for the days to come.</p>
<p>Second generation technology is the awakening of the green philosophy. It is poised to continue on and create a better future.</p>
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		<title>Third Generation: The Future of the Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/third-generation-the-future-of-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/third-generation-the-future-of-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:31:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Coal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Petroleum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Progress is not a war that is easily won &#8211; it is forced to constant uncertainties and complaints, the profit woes and unproven theories. There are endless debates and arguments; there are persistent worries. And creating alternatives to the established methods is as difficult as it is unsure: it is human nature to resist change [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Progress is not a war that is easily won &#8211; it is forced to constant  uncertainties and complaints, the profit woes and unproven theories.  There are endless debates and arguments; there are persistent worries.  And creating alternatives to the established methods is as difficult as  it is unsure: it is human nature to resist change and it is human apathy  to accept what already exists. But the environment demands more than  mere acceptance. It cannot be sustained by dwindling interests and  stagnant concerns. The current notions have proven themselves  commendable. Now, however, they must yield to other ideas.</p>
<p>And such ideas are named Third Generation Technologies.</p>
<p>It is impossible to define these concepts (however necessary a  definition may seem). They are either not yet created or are barely  formed. Their existence is tentative, left still to exploration and  error. But they can at least be considered the future of the  environment; with all emphasis given to power efficiency and safety. The  purpose here is to create better, stronger, alternatives to the more  common solar panels or wind turbines. While these methods are considered  valuable, they have still not reached their full potential. Third  Generation Technologies are meant to unlock that potential and release  it to the world &#8211; providing more than energy, but also hope.</p>
<p>Because, while the green movement has become popular within countries,  it is not yet secure. Its effects have not been studied for the  necessary decades to ensure all attempts are sustainable and constant.  Should they prove themselves to be less than satisfactory in the future,  Third Generation Technologies will have to be offered as an immediate  (and effective) aid.</p>
<p>Considerations are now being given to more than sun and wind. They are  instead being broadened to the ocean, geothermal layers and the  conversion of once dangerous materials (such as coal and petroleum) into  safer hydrogen. And such efforts will eventually be granted the respect  and research they require.</p>
<p>The environment is to be championed and science is never to remain still.</p>
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		<title>The Difference Learned: Energy and Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-difference-learned-energy-and-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-difference-learned-energy-and-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:29:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=205</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It&#8217;s become an easy thing, exchanging names and principles, believing all philosophies to be the same. The environment is to be championed and all energy alternatives (those new ideals, spanning generations and industry) are assumed to be identical. The notion of green efficiency is given a broad definition, with its many subtleties [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alternative_Energies.jpg"><img title="© Guerito 2005" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Alternative_Energies.jpg/300px-Alternative_Energies.jpg" alt="© Guerito 2005" width="300" height="195" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alternative_Energies.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It&#8217;s become an easy thing, exchanging names and principles, believing  all philosophies to be the same. The environment is to be championed and  all energy alternatives (those new ideals, spanning generations and  industry) are assumed to be identical. The notion of green efficiency is  given a broad definition, with its many subtleties forgotten and its  many purposes ignored. Individuals think it all to be simply one  movement. They care little for the distinctions found within it,  concerned only for how it effects the development of their land. But  those distinctions are vital in how the world begins to approach its  progress. They must be learned. They must be understood.</p>
<p>When considering new methods, the argument always returns to green  energy and sustainable energy. But too often these are thought to be the  same, the terms tossed about with little care. These concepts, while  dependent on each other, are not direct copies, however. They are  separate meanings and must be addressed as such.</p>
<p>Green Energy: encompassing the spirit of the environmental movement,  green energy is the use of methods that donâ€™t offer the typical  pollutants or dangers. Their purpose is to lessen the impact of  companies and consumers, alleviating the carbon waste left behind. This  expression can be given to anything that is efficient. It is broad in  its scope and its intentions. It is not, however, always able to be  sustained. Some attempts may only prove momentary or untested.</p>
<p>Sustainable Energy: ensuring that the foundations of the safer  philosophies are upheld, sustainable energy seeks to use only those  environment friendly alternatives that can last for the years to come.  Nuclear fission, turbines and water generators are utilized; each with  the intention of remaining constant. And, while this is often confused  with green energy, it is not the same &#8211; it is instead proven. It is less  experimental and does not include the merely renewable components.</p>
<p>The distinction is small but vital; the purposes are linked but not  without difference; and the environment relies on both of these methods  to endure.</p>
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		<title>Hydroelectricity: The Worries of Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/hydroelectricity-the-worries-of-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/hydroelectricity-the-worries-of-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:27:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Ecosystem]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Hydroelectricity]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Water turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=199</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It is assumed to be the easiest of ideas: the value of hydroelectricity is known, understood as a sustainable force. Water can generate the needed power, allowing currents to spark where they must. And the reduction of carbon dioxide has marked the process a worthy ally to the environment and its causes. [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stwlan.dam.jpg"><img title="The upper reservoir (Llyn Stwlan) and dam of t..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Stwlan.dam.jpg/300px-Stwlan.dam.jpg" alt="The upper reservoir (Llyn Stwlan) and dam of t..." width="300" height="193" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stwlan.dam.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It is assumed to be the easiest of ideas: the value of hydroelectricity  is known, understood as a sustainable force. Water can generate the  needed power, allowing currents to spark where they must. And the  reduction of carbon dioxide has marked the process a worthy ally to the  environment and its causes. There can be no obvious complaints. There  can be no true concerns. Countries across the world have favored this  method for decades and it seems only right that you should follow. It  is, after all, progress; and that is never to be denied.</p>
<p>It is, however, to be cautioned.</p>
<p>While none can refute the advantages of hydroelectricity (its  elimination of fuel, its reservoir&#8217;s multi-functions, its ease of  maintenance), none can also refute the difficulty in choosing the  appropriate location for it. This is more than a simple need for land.  This is instead a long process of selection and consideration. This  alternative cannot simply be placed where you wish. It must adhere to  strict conditions &#8211; and these can sometimes put it at odds with the  environment it&#8217;s seeking to protect.</p>
<p>Hydroelectricity requires reservoirs, which of course requires the use  of lakes and fertile miles; but this forces constant building and loss  of acres. During (and after) construction the surrounding ecosystems  will be lost &#8211; replaced to stone and generators. Flooding is common;  stripped land is expected; and often creatures will even find themselves  caught within the turbines. The introduction of this supposedly green  method takes a heavy toll on all aquatic life.</p>
<p>And it is because of this that hydroelectricity has become a concern for  all. While its long-term effects are to be noted as impressive, its  immediacies are dangerous. It harms the environment long before it can  save it. And this has created much controversy.</p>
<p>The land needed to form a hydro-turbine is often the most fragile. It is  this that must be understood before any building is considered.</p>
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		<title>What is a Land-Grant College?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:24:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=175</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia In colonial United States, higher education was only available at a few notable institutions like Yale, William and Mary and Harvard and these schools were privately run. The end of the Revolutionary War saw a shift in how education was perceived and individual states began ushering in publicly controlled universities. By the [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ClareCollegeAndKingsChapel.jpg"><img title="The University of Cambridge is a prestigious i..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/ClareCollegeAndKingsChapel.jpg/300px-ClareCollegeAndKingsChapel.jpg" alt="The University of Cambridge is a prestigious i..." width="300" height="198" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ClareCollegeAndKingsChapel.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>In colonial United States, higher education was only available at a few  notable institutions like Yale, William and Mary and Harvard and these  schools were privately run. The end of the Revolutionary War saw a shift  in how education was perceived and individual states began ushering in  publicly controlled universities.</p>
<p>By the early 1800s both  private and publicly controlled higher education institutions emerged.  These schools were greatly influenced by European schools and mostly  offered a classical education. By the middle of the 19th century the  demand for technical and agricultural education had become widespread.</p>
<p>Justin Smith Morrill, a Vermont Representative, spoke up for the need  for more easily accessible colleges and universities that would teach  beyond the classics and offer agricultural study as well as  technological courses. There was nothing like the <a href="http://www.moneysavingguide.com/">moneysavingguide.com</a> at the time and hefty grants from the government were the only way these colleges would be built.</p>
<p>In 1862 the Morrill Act was finally passed and signed by President  Lincoln. The Morrill Act is the foundation of the land-grant process  that basically gives land free of charge to those who show that the land  will be used to build a college or university. Certain criteria had to  be met before the government would hand over land but despite this many  states jumped at the chance to be given huge tracts of land on which to  build these schools to address the growing need for a more practical  education.</p>
<p>Today the government continues to make grants of  land to organizations that show that they’re going to build a higher  education facility upon that land. Many such land-grant colleges exist  and continue to be built even though the application process is intense.  Even though they’re called land-grant colleges, many of them are now  known as universities and many of the state universities of today  originated as a result of the Morrill Act.</p>
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		<title>Geothermal Impact: Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/geothermal-impact-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/geothermal-impact-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Carbon Cycle]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Geothermal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Geothermal power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=194</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia It is an undeniable truth that no cause is without its concerns; just as no cause is without its triumphs. Necessity is both tragic and craved, with its demands always leaving someone wanting more. And the search of green energy has been faced with the same complications &#8211; to ensure the future [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NesjavellirPowerPlant_edit2.jpg"><img title="The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant in Þing..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/NesjavellirPowerPlant_edit2.jpg/300px-NesjavellirPowerPlant_edit2.jpg" alt="The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant in Þing..." width="300" height="200" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NesjavellirPowerPlant_edit2.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>It is an undeniable truth that no cause is without its concerns; just as  no cause is without its triumphs. Necessity is both tragic and craved,  with its demands always leaving someone wanting more. And the search of  green energy has been faced with the same complications &#8211; to ensure the  future of the environment sacrifices must be made in the present; and  these have led to constant debates and compromises. The only agreement  to be found is the lack of one, and every method proposed is scrutinized  for its potential harms and comforts.</p>
<p>Geothermal energy is one such method and it has been studied carefully  within the decades. Its potentials are immense but its worries are  problematic. And deciphering whether it is worthy of the environment has  been a source of great discussion. The impact must be decided and its  effects must be understood. There is more to this than simply siphoning  heat from the earth, choosing the proper locations. There is instead a  series of the good, the bad and the unsure.</p>
<p>Geothermal Advantages: unlike many green methods, this choice does not  require massive amounts of land or water. It is not dependent on  destroying acres for the sake of saving them in the future. It can  instead be kept to a small section, unobtrusive. Also its generators (if  properly maintained) are capable of absorbing pollutants, leading it to  reduce the amount of carbon within the air. It draws its power from the  center of the earth and does not require much from the surface.</p>
<p>Geothermal Disadvantages: while the heat that is found beneath the soil  is able to generate power, it can also be the cause of poison emission.  Gases will rise and enter the air, allowing elements like arsenic and  mercury to appear. Excessive drilling can also cause tremors and minor  earthquakes, leading to unstable ecosystems and potential dangers.</p>
<p>The environment is to be spared the common uses of coal and carbon.  Geothermal energy, however, must be considered in its totality to decide  whether it can best do that.</p>
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		<title>Explaining Solar Power: The Environmental Truth</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/explaining-solar-power-the-environmental-truth.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/explaining-solar-power-the-environmental-truth.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:25:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by martnpro via Flickr It&#8217;s a common confusion, forced from too little understanding and too many wandering thoughts. The sun is considered to be without fault &#8211; constant and sure. And, since the notion of conquering solar flares appeared, individuals have believed that it will soon replace all methods of power. Light will generate [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38372230@N00/3389944110"><img title="Saudi Arabia and Solar Energy" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3389944110_ae1124c5e8_m.jpg" alt="Saudi Arabia and Solar Energy" width="240" height="187" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38372230@N00/3389944110">martnpro</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>It&#8217;s a common confusion, forced from too little understanding and too  many wandering thoughts. The sun is considered to be without fault &#8211;  constant and sure. And, since the notion of conquering solar flares  appeared, individuals have believed that it will soon replace all  methods of power. Light will generate electricity, allowing it to be  used without the rising costs and careful consideration. It will, all  are sure, offer a steady stream of free currents, enabling an  environmental relief and a brighter future. This is progress; this is  change; this is necessary.</p>
<p>It is also limiting.</p>
<p>Solar power is an ingenuity. This cannot be denied. Its utilization of  such an abundant natural resource has marked it a green technology that  none should refuse. It is not, however, without fault &#8211; and individuals  must understand this to fully realize the steps they must take when  choosing this method.</p>
<p>Wishing to lessen your burden on the environment is admirable; but  assuming this can be done purely with solar panels is incorrect. To  explain: this alternative works through the act of photovoltaics. This  allows the sunâ€™s rays to be captured by specialized glass and then  filtered into water; where they then boil and generate power. It is an  easy and immediate method that has proven itself again and again.</p>
<p>But few realize that the sun is not a permanent source. It is not always  in the sky and is instead replaced to evening. Because of this, power  must be stored or compensated with other methods (such as turbines or  even traditional electricity). This must be recognized by individuals  wishing to promote an environmental philosophy on their land. The sun  will not be enough. It must instead by aided &#8211; and such aid is  expensive. While solar panels are becoming more frequent, they do still  demand high costs and installation fees. They are energy efficient but  not always budget efficient.</p>
<p>Understand the truth of solar energy to better utilize it and create a method tailored for your land.</p>
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		<title>The Advantage of Wind: Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-advantage-of-wind-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-advantage-of-wind-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Wind turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=185</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by nualabugeye via Flickr It&#8217;s a peculiar sight, unexpected among the hills and graze of livestock: turbines rise from the ground, spinning languidly; offering endless aisles of power and new relief. There is no curl of smoke, no coal-infused scent. The air surrounding them is instead clean, circling the propellers and letting them turn [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8815481@N03/753268371"><img title="Wind Turbines" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/753268371_64f9a28772_m.jpg" alt="Wind Turbines" width="180" height="240" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8815481@N03/753268371">nualabugeye</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>It&#8217;s a peculiar sight, unexpected among the hills and graze of  livestock: turbines rise from the ground, spinning languidly; offering  endless aisles of power and new relief. There is no curl of smoke, no  coal-infused scent. The air surrounding them is instead clean, circling  the propellers and letting them turn easily. This was once an improbable  scenario, delayed by concerns of aesthetics. Too many believed wind to  be the ugliest of generators, with no visual appeal or purpose. But  times have changed, the decades proving that there are far greater  concerns than appearances; and wind turbines have become the best  response to the question of power and its impact on the environment.</p>
<p>Simply explained: wind turbines are connected through intricate networks  that allow the motions of the propellers to generate energy through  transformers. This is then made into electricity and can be dispensed  throughout all buildings on the network. And this becomes the safest  alternative to coal and carbon.</p>
<p>Wind turbines provide many obvious advantages:</p>
<p>1. No emissions. Due to their designs, these generators are without  pollution. They require no fuel and therefore release none. Beyond the  initial transportation to their sites (which is quickly countered by  their abilities), they are without emission.</p>
<p>2. Little land loss. There has always been a concern of the construction  of turbines and the space they would require. Trees, it was worried,  would have to be cut down. And, while this has been proven true, the  land left is still fertile and able to be used for grazing and farming.  The compensation comes from the new multiple uses.</p>
<p>3. Off-shore possibilities. Fields are not always required for turbines.  They can instead be crafted within the water (utilizing flotation  principles or fixed bottom constructs). This allows for broader  applications and no demand of miles. The effects are minimal.</p>
<p>The environment requires more than simple good intentions. It instead  requires gestures. And wind turbines have become the most efficient ones  to give.</p>
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		<title>Green Building: Environmental Needs</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/green-building-environmental-needs.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/green-building-environmental-needs.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:22:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Building Types]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Construction and Maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=179</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by BikePortland.org via Flickr Money is an impermanent creature, forever receding; the dollars never lasting, the coins all disappearing. Budgets arrive and act as prisons, trapping all days to uncertainties. And so the notion of taking land and shaping it to a green philosophy seems impossible. Energy efficiency is, after all, never content with [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59878729@N00/2667693689"><img title="Fossil Fuel Free lawn care business-8.jpg" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2667693689_d6264f8491_m.jpg" alt="Fossil Fuel Free lawn care business-8.jpg" width="240" height="161" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59878729@N00/2667693689">BikePortland.org</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>Money is an impermanent creature, forever receding; the dollars never  lasting, the coins all disappearing. Budgets arrive and act as prisons,  trapping all days to uncertainties. And so the notion of taking land and  shaping it to a green philosophy seems impossible. Energy efficiency  is, after all, never content with low costs. It&#8217;s instead an  experimental concept that demands time, effort and profits; and each of  those is enough to make you ignore the environment and its many  pleadings.</p>
<p>But green building is not a mere pastime, offered by those with no  concerns for fiscal matters. It&#8217;s instead a necessity that will provide  fewer worries for the future (in both earnings and the environment).</p>
<p>Explained simply: green building is the process of creating facilities  that are conscious of the earth and energy. From their conception to  their eventual end, they must utilize all available methods of  efficiency. Pollutants must be countered; power must be generated  without the standard fossil fuels; and all surrounding acres should be  used only as they must, without wasting precious trees.</p>
<p>This is not, as you would assume, a simple process. It requires vigorous  planning, with all details understood. And such a cycle of hard work  can seem too much to consider. But the value of green building is in its  eventuality. The impact is discovered in the years that follow:</p>
<p>1. Renewable resources. Modern designs seek to eliminate the reliance of  fossil fuels and their emissions. Instead solar energy, wind turbines  and more are used to generate power.</p>
<p>2. Sustainable design. The materials and building techniques for these  structures are chosen for more than their appearance. They&#8217;re instead  meant to intrude upon minimal acres, ensuring that the environment is  maintained as much as possible.</p>
<p>3. Water reductions. The waste of water is a common problem; but green  buildings seek to use every drop with grey-water techniques, rain  collection and conservation fixtures, minimizing the amount used for  ordinary activities and saving costs.</p>
<p>Green building is expensive. This can&#8217;t be denied. But it&#8217;s also a necessity that will aid the environment and the future.</p>
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		<title>What is a Land-Grant College?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college-2.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-is-a-land-grant-college-2.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=256</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In colonial United States, higher education was only available at a few notable institutions like Yale, William and Mary and Harvard and these schools were privately run. The end of the Revolutionary War saw a shift in how education was perceived and individual states began ushering in publicly controlled universities. By the early 1800s both [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In colonial United States, higher education was only available at a few  notable institutions like Yale, William and Mary and Harvard and these  schools were privately run. The end of the Revolutionary War saw a shift  in how education was perceived and individual states began ushering in  publicly controlled universities.</p>
<p>By the early 1800s both  private and publicly controlled higher education institutions emerged.  These schools were greatly influenced by European schools and mostly  offered a classical education. By the middle of the 19th century the  demand for technical and agricultural education had become widespread.</p>
<p>Justin Smith Morrill, a Vermont Representative, spoke up for the need  for more easily accessible colleges and universities that would teach  beyond the classics and offer agricultural study as well as  technological courses. There was nothing like the <a href="http://www.moneysavingguide.com/">moneysavingguide.com</a> at the time and hefty grants from the government were the only way these colleges would be built.</p>
<p>In 1862 the Morrill Act was finally passed and signed by President  Lincoln. The Morrill Act is the foundation of the land-grant process  that basically gives land free of charge to those who show that the land  will be used to build a college or university. Certain criteria had to  be met before the government would hand over land but despite this many  states jumped at the chance to be given huge tracts of land on which to  build these schools to address the growing need for a more practical  education.</p>
<p>Today the government continues to make grants of  land to organizations that show that they’re going to build a higher  education facility upon that land. Many such land-grant colleges exist  and continue to be built even though the application process is intense.  Even though they’re called land-grant colleges, many of them are now  known as universities and many of the state universities of today  originated as a result of the Morrill Act.</p>
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		<title>Is Measuring Scope 3 Emissions Really Worth It?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/is-measuring-scope-3-emissions-really-worth-it.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/is-measuring-scope-3-emissions-really-worth-it.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:24:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carbon Cycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greenhouse gas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=146</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by melancholic optimist via Flickr Perhaps you&#8217;ve heard that a few environmental groups are looking beyond the &#8220;direct emissions&#8221; level of your business&#8217;s total carbon footprint. The direct emissions of your operation and the level of emissions necessary to produce the power you use can be very substantial indeed. But they are not the [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68991109@N00/257985396"><img title="Warmth for Helsinki, Warmth for the planet" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/257985396_ede01a46e6_m.jpg" alt="Warmth for Helsinki, Warmth for the planet" width="240" height="161" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68991109@N00/257985396">melancholic optimist</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>Perhaps you&#8217;ve heard that a few environmental groups are looking beyond  the &#8220;direct emissions&#8221; level of your business&#8217;s total carbon footprint.   The direct emissions of your operation and the level of emissions  necessary to produce the power you use can be very substantial indeed.   But they are not the be all end all of how many greenhouse gases your  business produces.  Since nearly all businesses perform similar, often  parallel operations within an industry (and many that form a daisy chain  of unrelated but interconnected industries), the results of greenhouse  gas emissions tests can reveal a lot about how efficiently your company  is run, in relation to its peers.  And since we all share a biosphere  that is under potential threat from these gases, it behooves everyone to  consider their actions and their consequences.</p>
<p>Direct consumption of fossil fuels is known as Scope 1 emissions &#8211; those  are obvious.  How many fossil fuels do you put into your various tanks,  in order to make your business run.  And Scope 2 emissions are also  fairly obvious &#8211; the power you use that is produced by fossil fuels, and  how many emissions you cause via gas heating and whatnot.  But a new  concept has gained ground.  Known as Scope 3 emissions, these measure  every possible connection between your business and the use of fossil  fuels.  While this may in fact account for 75% of more of the greenhouse  gases emitted in all business operations, the fact is that a lot of  businesses are taking a &#8220;wait and see&#8221; approach to this new potential  standard.</p>
<p>After all, is a company really responsible for how many greenhouse gases  its suppliers use, in producing the raw materials that it might need?   And is a company actually accountable for the greenhouse gases that its  employees use in their daily commute to and from work?  How about from  when those same employees go out of town on business trips?  What level  of accountability should a company have for the ultimate direction its  products physically take?  Eventually a product requires greenhouse  gases to dispose of it, after all.</p>
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		<title>22 Colleges In 9 States to Receive Tribal College Grant Program</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/22-colleges-in-9-states-to-receive-tribal-college-grant-program.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/22-colleges-in-9-states-to-receive-tribal-college-grant-program.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:10:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Native Americans in the United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=243</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently it was announced that some 22 tribal colleges in nine states would be selected to receive a significant land grant. In fact, those colleges will receive some $4.1 million in grants that come from the USDA Rural Development Tribal College Initiative Grant program. The announcement came from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Under the grant [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recently it was announced that some 22 tribal colleges in nine states  would be selected to receive a significant land grant. In fact, those  colleges will receive some $4.1 million in grants that come from the  USDA Rural Development Tribal College Initiative Grant program. The  announcement came from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.</p>
<p>Under  the grant program, those tribal institutions can purchase equipment  needed, finance infrastructure and develop additional facilities as  needed for American Indian communities to develop and be sustainable. It  falls under the Equity in Educational Land Grant.</p>
<p>The Tribal  College Grant Program has been funded every year since 2000. However,  $196,000 is the average amount that each institution can receive. Each  university must then reapply each year for the funding. In most cases,  the funds are then used to purchase facilities for education or to  purchase equipment for classrooms, technical facilities, or even  computers.</p>
<p>There are other applications that are occasionally  approved as well. For example, the program provided $300,000 in funds to  Northwest Indian College in Whatcom County, Washington to help build a  child care facility. In doing so, the facility was able to accommodate  a clientel of more than 60 percent female while 85 percent of them were  single mothers. The facility helped mothers get their education while  caring for their children.</p>
<p>Each of the tribes have different  economic needs and the goal of the funding is to help these facilities  achieve the best possible results for their particular needs. USDA Rural  Development, the organization that manages the program, states that the  Tribal College Grant Program is just one of numerous ways that the  organization helps American Indian communities. In 2010 the USDA Rural  Development has invested in some $460 million in various projects aimed  at helping these communities. Stay up to date on land grants and <a href="http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/press/">consolidated credit news</a> to learn more about what is going on in your world.</p>
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		<title>How Responsible are you for Your Employee&#8217;s Commutes?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-responsible-are-you-for-your-employees-commutes.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-responsible-are-you-for-your-employees-commutes.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:04:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Telecommuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fossil fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=128</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by nolanbrown via Flickr Everybody knows that a business is legally responsible for the amount of greenhouse gases it emits as a direct result of its operations. If you have a factory, a retail store or a distribution center, that center most likely uses some degree of fossil fuels to do what it needs [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/82777396@N00/1430045836"><img title="Timbuk2 Commute" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/1430045836_99f8f23f7d_m.jpg" alt="Timbuk2 Commute" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/82777396@N00/1430045836">nolanbrown</a> via Flickr</dd>
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<p>Everybody knows that a business is legally responsible for the amount of  greenhouse gases it emits as a direct result of its operations.  If you  have a factory, a retail store or a distribution center, that center  most likely uses some degree of fossil fuels to do what it needs to do.   And by extension, it uses electricity (which often comes from fossil  fuels) and heat (which is even more likely to be fossil fuel based).   These emissions are difficult to control, and will be even more  difficult to get rid of entirely, when the law inevitably declares that  fossil fuels may never be used again.  Of course, by that point, a  gallon of gasoline will probably be over $1,000 due to a rather acute  level of scarcity on the supply side.</p>
<p>But beyond the obvious sources of greenhouse gases, there is another.   It is known as Scope 3 (as opposed to the other two Scopes), and it  concerns all satellite aspects of a company.  If your suppliers produce  greenhouse gases because they work with you, you are essentially  producing these gases by proxy.  And if your employees have to commute  to and from work (as most employees do), you may eventually be held  accountable for the greenhouse gases which they produce in the process.   As your employees commute back and forth to and from work, they may be  emitting massive amounts of greenhouse gases; and it&#8217;s all because of  your business, after all.</p>
<p>How accountable are you for your employees?  Is it their responsibility  to seek out low emission or zero emission methods of commuting, such as  using public transportation or zero emission electric vehicles?  Or is  it your responsibility to provide them with some sort of additional  compensation, in reward for their putting in such a level of effort  toward the emission reduction goals of your organization?  When you  begin to take responsibility for the activities of your employees, you  begin to realize that their actions are major contributors to your  business&#8217;s carbon footprint.  In the modern world of capitalism, the  owners of businesses need to take responsibilities.</p>
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		<title>The Mortgage Refinance Maryland Offers for Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/the-mortgage-refinance-maryland-offers-for-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/the-mortgage-refinance-maryland-offers-for-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:39:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian Pacific Railway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some customs and traditions change over time. Some continue in one part of the world but have stopped in another. Some customs do not fit in with life and those same customs make complete sense to others. This is the way of the world when it comes to a land grant. A land grant is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some customs and traditions change over time. Some continue in one part  of the world but have stopped in another. Some customs do not fit in  with life and those same customs make complete sense to others. This is  the way of the world when it comes to a land grant. A land grant is when  a government or authority that can give out land, gives out that land  or the privileges of that land as a gift to someone. In most cases a  land grant is given because of military service. Then it is up to the  individual to manage that property for as long as he has it. This means  he might even need to do a <a href="http://www.homemortgage.com/refinance/maryland">mortgage refinance Maryland</a> offers.</p>
<p>This time honored tradition started in Ancient Rome as the soldiers  were rewarded at the end of their military obligation and were given  land and or cash. In Australia, back in the 1700’s, the British  government gave the released convicts land in what they called the New  South Wales colony. This only lasted for 20 years or so as the Rum  Rebellion made way for cancelling all land grants.</p>
<p>Canada was  founded in the beginning by a land grant from Charles II of England. The  land he gave them for the territory was greater than one third the area  of Canada today. People also used land grants as an incentive for the  construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.</p>
<p>In America, land  grants were given in the early days for the purpose of establishing  settlements. The countries that were granting land included Spain,  Portugal, and Britain.  Land however, is not granted as much today as  there is less and less government land that isn’t being used for one  purpose or another. Land grants are becoming less and less common all  over the world.</p>
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		<title>How to Telecommute</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-telecommute.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-to-telecommute.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:47:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecommuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=70</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Are you an employee who is tired of having to drag your life all around town, just to get to a job you could pretty much do at (or at least from) home? While you might think that this is the impossible dream, that might not be giving your [...]]]></description>
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<p>Are you an employee who is tired of having to drag your life all around  town, just to get to a job you could pretty much do at (or at least  from) home?  While you might think that this is the impossible dream,  that might not be giving your employer enough credit.  After all, there  are a few different benefits your employer can receive from having you  telecommute, at least part of the time.  For one thing, they do not need  to supply you with an office, they can save utility costs for your  power usage, and they can get a nice little public relations boost from  your telecommuting efforts.  But of course, there are some disadvantages  you will need to counteract in your sales pitch.</p>
<p>The name of the game when you&#8217;re trying to sell an idea of this nature  is to focus on how your telecommuting benefits them.  If you tell them,  &#8220;I&#8217;ll save $2,000 per year on gas,&#8221; they will probably say, &#8220;that&#8217;s  great.  But what&#8217;s in it for me?&#8221;  You can tell them that they can save x  amount on your office space, and x amount on how much power you use in  an average year.  Every office wants to keep its costs as low as  possible, and if you do your research and come up with hard numbers,  those numbers will say something.  Seriously, how much power do you use  at the copy machine?  How much power do the lights in your office use?   And your computer?</p>
<p>Consider that the average desktop pc uses approximately 105 watts per  hour.  At 40 hours per week, that is 4,200 watts.  At 50 weeks per year,  that is 210,000 watts&#8230; just for your computer to sit there on, while  you make copies, review files, or go out to lunch.  And that is a figure  you could put together in five minutes.  Imagine what you could do if  you thought about this for an entire afternoon.  Put it into a nice,  clean couple of pages, and lay it on your boss&#8217;s desk for his or her  review.  Who knows?</p>
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		<title>Maryland Refinance Rates and the Lordly List</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/maryland-refinance-rates-and-the-lordly-list.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/maryland-refinance-rates-and-the-lordly-list.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:23:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maryland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=169</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The modern age has seen a lot of changes to the way the United States has been divided up. Back in 1632, King Charles the First granted full ownership of the entire state of Maryland to Cecil Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. For the first Lord Baltimore and his five descendants, the territory that was [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The modern age has seen a lot of changes to the way the United States  has been divided up.  Back in 1632, King Charles the First granted full  ownership of the entire state of Maryland to Cecil Calvert, the first  Lord Baltimore.  For the first Lord Baltimore and his five descendants,  the territory that was Maryland was a domain that could be granted,  sold, and revoked almost at their personal whims.  Having the ability to  do something like that at any time must have been a pretty amazing  feeling for these people.  The ability to grant land must have  completely dwarfed today&#8217;s method of dividing up the land.</p>
<p>While <a href="http://www.homemortgage.com/refinance/maryland">Maryland refinance rates</a> from banks might seem to be more of a fair way to allow people to own  land, there was once a very generous offer attached to people who  decided to come to the province.  For a time, a person could gain the  ownership of 50 or more acres, just for coming to live in Maryland.  And  if that were not generous enough, the same individual could gain just  as many additional acres per person they brought in beneath themselves  (such as their spouse, children and indentured servants).  It was one of  the more kindly giveaways of the time, and definitely sweetened the pot  in influencing people to come live in the burgeoning province.</p>
<p>In 1680 (around the time this extreme generosity ceased to be  practiced), the 3rd Lord Baltimore established a Land Office.  The  granting of land was still happening; but it was becoming a good deal  more systematic than it had previously been.  First, a potential land  owner would gain a warrant.  Then the surveyor would survey a section of  land, to determine exactly how large it was (essentially dividing up a  large pie, and ensuring they only got so much).  Finally, the claim  became official through a patent of the land.</p>
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		<title>Power Doesn&#8217;t Need Fossil Fuels</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/power-doesnt-need-fossil-fuels.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/power-doesnt-need-fossil-fuels.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:38:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electricity generation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fossil fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural gas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=117</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Do you use electricity? Unless you run a very old fashioned business that does everything by hand, and probably operates in a third world country, you most likely use electricity on a regular basis. Matter of fact, that was a silly question, considering the fact that you&#8217;re able to read this right [...]]]></description>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coal.jpg"><img title="Coal, one of the fossil fuels." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Coal.jpg/300px-Coal.jpg" alt="Coal, one of the fossil fuels." width="300" height="311" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coal.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>Do you use electricity?  Unless you run a very old fashioned business  that does everything by hand, and probably operates in a third world  country, you most likely use electricity on a regular basis.  Matter of  fact, that was a silly question, considering the fact that you&#8217;re able  to read this right now.  The point is, electricity is everything, and  impacts just about everything we do in the modern world.  What most  people don&#8217;t think about, however, is the fact that most of the  electricity generated in this world comes out of some kind of fossil  fuel burning plant.  Either through coal, natural gas or oil, fossil  fuels drive most of the world&#8217;s power production facilities.</p>
<p>The interesting thing is, a lot of power companies are doing much better  nowadays.  For one thing, there are a host of different initiatives  being endlessly debated on Capitol Hill, regarding providing government  funding to start-up business ventures that produce clean energy.  While  this is mostly just politicians talking because they love the sound of  their own voices, some of it will make it past the &#8220;we should do this&#8221;  phase of things, and into actual production.  Sooner or later, the world  is going to catch on to the fact that one need not burn a non-renewable  resource, in order to extract energy from it.</p>
<p>There are a host of different power companies which offer services such  as the Green Power Program.  With this program, a household can elect to  receive a portion of their electricity (denoted in preset increments,  all the way up to 100%) from renewable resources such as methane out of  garbage landfills and wind power out of parts of the country where it  can be easily harvested and turned into power.  Overall, these kinds of  electricity are the salt of the Earth, because they allow you (and your  business) to use the same amount of power, with an essentially zero  Scope 2 carbon footprint to be concerned (and additionally taxed) over.   Since the option to employ this is so readily available, it only makes  sense that people should use it.</p>
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		<title>Make Improvements to Your Land With a Prepaid Credit Card</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/make-improvements-to-your-land-with-a-prepaid-credit-card.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/make-improvements-to-your-land-with-a-prepaid-credit-card.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:30:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=59</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants are pieces of land given by the government. They&#8217;re usually given to schools, railways, and other public organizations, but they can also be given to groups and individuals. In the past, they were sometimes given as a reward or recognition for military service. If you&#8217;ve been fortunate enough to be the recipient of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants are pieces of land given by the government. They&#8217;re usually  given to schools, railways, and other public organizations, but they can  also be given to groups and individuals. In the past, they were  sometimes given as a reward or recognition for military service. If  you&#8217;ve been fortunate enough to be the recipient of a land grant, you  have to decide what you&#8217;re going to do with the land. If it&#8217;s  unimproved, you may want to improve it over time and eventually build a  home on it. When you&#8217;re living within a tight budget that might seem  impossible, but it&#8217;s not. You just have to take small steps.</p>
<p>You may want to consider slow improvement of the land, in financial  chunks that feel manageable to you. You can do this through a savings  account or a <a href="http://www.elastic.com/" target="_blank">prepaid credit card</a>,  where you can only spend so much money at a time. Then you can spend  more once you&#8217;ve paid back what you borrowed or took from savings.  That&#8217;s a great way to improve a piece of property from a land grant  without going far into debt to do so. A lot of people get a land grant  and then they just start getting loans to improve and build on it.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s nothing really wrong with that, but it can put them quite far  into debt. It&#8217;s often financially easier in the long run to have a  little less debt and not have to worry so much about how you&#8217;re going to  pay your bills. Just because you have land doesn&#8217;t mean you have the  money to do much with it. Just hang onto your land grant and think  carefully about what you&#8217;d like to use it for. Once you&#8217;ve made up your  mind, proceed with caution in a volatile economy. If you move slowly  you&#8217;ll get what you want without a lot of debt.</p>
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		<title>Creating A Presentation For A Land Grant</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/creating-a-presentation-for-a-land-grant.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/creating-a-presentation-for-a-land-grant.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 11:10:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://174.120.136.194/~causn/lgta.org/creating-a-presentation-for-a-land-grant.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Creating a presentation for a land grant can be a stressful experience, but when you have help, you can be more confident. Get Help NOW If you want to get a land grant, you need to get help now. And no, this doesn’t mean your mom is going to be called up for advice. You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Creating a presentation for a land grant can be a stressful experience, but when you have help, you can be more confident.</p>
<h2>Get Help NOW</h2>
<p>If you want to get a land grant, you need to get help now. And no, this doesn’t mean your mom is going to be called up for advice.</p>
<p>You need help from people who have already done land grants before or who are <a href="how-to-get-a-land-grant.htm">grant writers</a> who have helped to prepare grant proposals for other people. This way, you will know what you need to include in your grant, and you might even pay someone else to write the grant for you. There’s nothing wrong with this, just so you know. You don’t have to do the actual writing yourself, but you will need to sign off on whatever you have on the form.</p>
<p><strong>You might want to call in help like:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A grant writer</li>
<li>A lawyer who specializes in land matters</li>
<li>Your project manager</li>
<li>A priest (just kidding)</li>
</ul>
<p>You want to call in anyone who can make sure that your land grant proposal is going to be clear, effective, and pertinent to the person who is reading it.</p>
<h2>Take Your Time to Prepare</h2>
<p>Filling out your grant proposal two days before it’s due is not the best way to present yourself. You want to take your time working on this proposal as it will allow you to be certain you’ve included all that you need to include. When the deadlines rotate throughout the year, you will have to wait another year to apply if you’re not on time.</p>
<p>Start early and make sure you’re not the one rushing your application at the last minute.</p>
<h2>Know What’s Expected</h2>
<p>Before you even get started, it never hurts to look into <a href="land-grants-online-lessons.htm">online lessons</a> to help you learn more about grant writing and what a land grant might require. In doing so, you will not waste any time in getting together a presentation which will help you to have a higher chance of getting the land grant you desire for that new eco-preserve, statue to Elvis, etc.</p>
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		<title>Who Needs Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/who-needs-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/who-needs-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 11:08:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://174.120.136.194/~causn/lgta.org/who-needs-land-grants.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who needs land grants? In this tough economy, it seems that everyone wants something for nothing. Free Land for You? Let’s face it – the idea of getting something for nothing sounds like a Nigerian scam. (Yes, those are scams.) So when you first hear about the idea of free land grants, it seems like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Who needs land grants? In this tough economy, it seems that everyone wants something for nothing.</p>
<h2>Free Land for You?</h2>
<p>Let’s face it – the idea of getting something for nothing sounds like a Nigerian scam. (Yes, those are scams.) So when you first hear about the idea of <a href="what-are-land-grants.htm">free land grants</a>, it seems like you’re missing something. You must have to give up your first born or some other important part of your life in order to get the land. Nope, that’s not how a land grant works. True, these days, you don’t have to fight for a king and rescue the princess from a dragon in order to get a piece of land, but you will want to fall into one of these groups:</p>
<ul>
<li>Farmer</li>
<li>Someone who wants to reclaim mining land</li>
<li>Someone who wants to protect a natural habitat</li>
<li>Someone who wants to preserve natural resources</li>
</ul>
<p>While you might fall slightly outside of these groups, all that matters is that the government says okay.</p>
<h2>Finding Government Land Grants</h2>
<p>You can look for a number of different land grants by heading online to see if you qualify. This will help you to better understand also what will be expected of you. Read: lots of paperwork and red tape. Land grants might be available for a number of circumstances, but you will need to explain in great detail why you are going to need this land, how you are going to use it, etc.</p>
<p>You might want to take some <a href="land-grants-online-lessons.htm">land grant online lessons</a> which can help you to better understand how to best fill out the forms, where to find the forms, and how to bite your nails until the answer comes back to you.</p>
<p>In the end, the government or the landholder is the only group that can answer the question of who needs land grants. So, you need to simply do what you’re told and hope for the best in the end.</p>
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		<title>What Are Land Grants</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/what-are-land-grants.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/what-are-land-grants.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 11:08:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://174.120.136.194/~causn/lgta.org/what-are-land-grants.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What are land grants? For those who are unfamiliar, land grants can be just the thing you need to begin a new life chapter. Giving Land Away? In the olden days, all you needed to do to get some land would be to sit on the land and call it yours. As time went on, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What are land grants? For those who are unfamiliar, land grants can be just the thing you need to begin a new life chapter.</p>
<h2>Giving Land Away?</h2>
<p>In the olden days, all you needed to do to get some land would be to sit on the land and call it yours. As time went on, the same rule applied, though you needed to have a gun in order to give others an incentive to find their own dang piece of land. Today, all you need to do is to ask the government or the land owner for a piece. Now, that doesn’t mean that you will get the land or that you won’t have to pay for it, but you can still get land…for a price.</p>
<p>With <a href="who-needs-land-grants.htm">land grants</a>, you will be able to get the land that you might want or need for free. However, you will need to prove that you’re going to be using this land for a good reason. The government doesn’t part with land that easily. If you can prove that you’re going to use the unused land for something valuable, you’re going to have a much easier time getting that land deed signed over to you.</p>
<h2>Getting the Land You Need</h2>
<p>The government does offer some programs in which you can get a land grant, which means you don’t need to pay for the land at all. All you need to do is to prove you’re going to use it. With some land simply going to waste, it seems that these free pieces of land are an opportunity for you to leave your mark on the world. In your state, you might want to talk to your local government to see if there are any land grants available. You might have to choose from the pieces of land that are available instead of choosing the land that you want to buy.</p>
<p>Free land? Sure. Easy? Heck no. But you can <a href="how-to-get-a-land-grant.htm">get land grants</a>, with a little leg work, well, computer work.</p>
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		<title>Land Grants: Colleges and Universities Foster Agricultural Needs</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-colleges-and-universities-foster-agricultural-needs.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/land-grants-colleges-and-universities-foster-agricultural-needs.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:28:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Association of Public and Land-grant Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land-grant university]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=62</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land grants, as set forth by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, originally allowed colleges and universities across the country to teach students about agriculture, military strategies and maneuvers, studies of the arts and studies of the classics. Every state in the United States has at least one land-grant college to serve these needs. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Land grants, as set forth by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890,  originally allowed colleges and universities across the country to teach  students about agriculture, military strategies and maneuvers, studies  of the arts and studies of the classics. Every state in the United  States has at least one land-grant college to serve these needs. At the  time the act was passed, the demand for agricultural knowledge was  enormous. The land grants allowed these colleges to educate students on  these topics by providing the funding the institutions needed to  operate.</p>
<p>As is the case, there seems to be an association for  any profession, cause or industry you can think of. The same holds true  for land grants. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities  (APLU) comprises members which include colleges and universities across  the nation. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is a  non-profit organization with a board of directors and a 200-member list  of colleges and universities. The purpose of the organization is to  establish policies and procedures for the land-grant colleges and  universities to plan for educational curriculum and to serve the needs  of the public in general.</p>
<p>Land grants for universities and colleges are not something you can punch up on special offer websites such as <a href="http://www.offers.com/" target="_blank">Offers.com</a>.  Land grants come from federally subsidized money. Distribution is on  the state level, which is why every state, and even the District of  Columbia, has a minimum of one land-grant college or university within  its borders.</p>
<p>APLU continues to acts as a liaison between its  members and the federal government to make sure to grant money keeps  flowing to these educational institutions to fulfill the agricultural  needs of America. The association board of directors and members remain  in constant contact with state and federal government officials to keep  the lines of communication open and effective.</p>
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		<title>How a Land Grant Benefits You</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/how-a-land-grant-benefits-you.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/how-a-land-grant-benefits-you.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:53:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Land Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A land grant gives you the opportunity to own land without paying for it. That&#8217;s right; with a land grant, you get the land for free. Of course, there are strings attached. You have to contact the government to apply for the land grant, and you do have to prove that you are going to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A land grant gives you the opportunity to own land without paying for  it. That&#8217;s right; with a land grant, you get the land for free. Of  course, there are strings attached. You have to contact the government  to apply for the land grant, and you do have to prove that you are going  to put the land to good use. You also may have to choose from spaces  the government has set aside specifically for land grants, so don&#8217;t  expect to get a prime piece of land for free.</p>
<p>For some the paperwork, probably more than you have to handle with your <a href="http://auto-loans.wellsfargo.com/auto-loan-refinance.html" target="_blank">refinance car loan</a>,  isn&#8217;t worth the hassle. However, if you&#8217;re willing to make sure you dot  all your “i&#8217;s” and cross all your “t&#8217;s,” then you could in fact walk  away with a good-sized piece of land for free.</p>
<p>The good news  about the application process is that you can actually apply online. The  website for government land grants walks you through the entire  process. Not only does this mean less time filling out forms by hand,  but you also receive your answer faster. The Internet has streamlined  the entire process, so instead of waiting months only to hear you missed  a section of the form, the website makes sure you&#8217;ve filled everything  out correctly. Once you have the form completed, the system delivers it  to the appropriate person and you wait for your response.</p>
<p>Determining  whether or not you&#8217;ll receive a land grant is entirely dependent on how  you&#8217;re going to use the land. Keep in mind that your application needs  to explain your intentions in detail because it&#8217;s likely you&#8217;ll be  competing against other people who need the land as well. It&#8217;s not  likely you&#8217;ll get free land to build a house, but if you want a nature  preserve, then go for it!</p>
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		<title>Can you buy Your way out of the Environment?</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/can-you-buy-your-way-out-of-the-environment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/can-you-buy-your-way-out-of-the-environment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:08:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia There has always been a major issue with a lot of people, when it comes to the environment we all have to share. Some people think that if they move far enough away from the smoke and filth of cities (especially industrial centers), the problems of &#8220;those people&#8221; will not be able [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div>
<dl class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 121px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Environment_Barnstar_1.png"><img title="Environment Barnstar 1" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Environment_Barnstar_1.png" alt="Environment Barnstar 1" width="111" height="107" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Environment_Barnstar_1.png">Wikipedia</a></dd>
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<p>There has always been a major issue with a lot of people, when it comes  to the environment we all have to share.  Some people think that if they  move far enough away from the smoke and filth of cities (especially  industrial centers), the problems of &#8220;those people&#8221; will not be able to  harm them.  Simply put, a lot of people continue to have the belief that  they can buy a better life style, if they want.  As long as this  concept stays prevalent, there is going to be a massive gulf between  what people talk about, when it comes to environmental efforts, and what  we all participate in actually doing.</p>
<p>When the politicians talk to each other, every day ad nauseum about  things that may or may not happen, it is important to remember that they  are all wealthy.  If one country were to experience a serious issue,  they could simply flee from it, to somewhere that was not affected.  If  something bad happens, the wealthy still have the option to escape.  If  the ozone layer issues in Los Angeles become too severe, you can just  flee to San Francisco.  Or you can just hop over the Pacific Ocean and  go hang out in Tokyo, instead.  Most people are a bit more grounded in  their current area, though.  Which is probably why the entire idea of  climate problems has any debate to it whatsoever.</p>
<p>Imagine what would happen if every person were able to simply hop around  at their leisure, whenever a problem came about.  There really wouldn&#8217;t  be much of a discussion to have, as far as the environment goes.  At  one point, people would be hop-scotching around at their leisure, and  having a great time.  But then, at some random point in the future,  people would simply stop having a place to hide from the  irresponsibility such carelessness would breed in them.  So the problem  would creep up steadily, easily ignored for a long time &#8211; and then  everybody would die.  Sooner or later, nobody will be able to outrun the  climate issues we are creating here.</p>
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		<title>Telecommuting is Great for the World</title>
		<link>http://www.lgta.org/telecommuting-is-great-for-the-world.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.lgta.org/telecommuting-is-great-for-the-world.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:48:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Telecommuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colleges and Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commuting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lgta.org/?p=78</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you get up in the morning, do you have to throw on fancy clothes, drive across town (or even to an entirely different city), then work for a set number of hours so that your employer knows that &#8220;somebody is there?&#8221; If you are an employee and work that kind of life, you most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you get up in the morning, do you have to throw on fancy clothes, drive across town (or even to an entirely different city), <img class="alignleft" src="http://smallbiztechnology.com/media/telecommuter.jpg" alt="" width="386" height="309" />then work for a set number of hours so that your employer knows that &#8220;somebody is there?&#8221; If you are an employee and work that kind of life, you most likely get irritated with it on a frequent basis. If you are a business owner, you have a lot of different considerations as to why that way is becoming something of an antique. It goes back to the days before we had all of these extremely sophisticated ways to keep in touch with one another, and before we could do just about everything from home.</p>
<p>But in this day and age, we have a huge amount of connectivity at our collective disposal. A person can do fully 9 out of 10 things from home that they used to have to go to an office building to do. And keep in mind that the 10th thing involves scoring face time with clients, which is something you can always do at a coffee shop or a meeting hall of some kind. You could even talk to clients while you take a short trip to Florida. The world of telecommuting today has great advantges because you can get a <a href="http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Florida.htm ">Florida vacation rental</a> today and still be able to complete your work.   This is the essence of telecommuting; what used to be done at an office can now be done right from home. You can just roll out of bed, brush your teeth and get to work. And if it happens to be noon when you wake up, that really makes very little difference one way or the next.</p>
<p>But this is more than just a get out of jail free card for workers who would rather lounge around than actually get anything done. Telecommuting is a natural extension of a growing trend which is starting to gain momentum, called Results Only Work Environment. If you want to be cutesy about it, you can call your workers ROWErs &#8211; but joking aside, results are what you want, and a commute wastes precious time. If you have employees who are not in regular contact with the public, and they work better at night, let them. It also saves gas.</p>
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