It had a small bit of English but most was Spanish, and it was a rap. They had large flags stationed in the sand. I think they were talking about different countries (Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, etc.) of beautiful women, and they would list them off.
ROME – Rome marked the opening of its first "Gay Street" Friday with flags, banners and protests amid a row over a homosexual couple who claimed they were detained by police for kissing in front of the nearby Colosseum..
The two men were detained briefly last week for what the police said were lewd acts in public — a crime that can carry a sentence of up to two years in jail.
Campaigners welcomed a 300-meter (328-yard) zone in the center of the city — filled with shops and bars — as an area where gays can "feel at ease," after days of heated debate in predominantly Roman Catholic Italy over the kissing incident.
Thoughts?
when do they usually take place??
Im an incoming freshmen and i would like to know when tryouts usually take place.
For sports like the DRILL/DANCE TEAM && THE FLAGS/BANNERS GROUP.
is it in the summer or in the beginning
of the year??
thx all answers appreciated.=]]
Looking for ideas for the homecoming!! I also was wondering what all goes on when they land. Will we be able to see him right away or will it be awhile. Also Any ideas on stuff like banners, flags, And shirts for the baby??
?Red Flags? Rule: Medical Compliance
The August 1, 2009 deadline for complying with the FTC’s (Federal Trade Commission) “Red Flags” Rule is here. While the American Medical Association (AMA) continues to strive to convince the FTC that physicians are not creditors and should not be subject to the Red Flags Rule; in the meantime, they are encouraging physicians and practices to implement an identity theft and protection program.
In this article, you will find the basic information you need to know about the “Red Flags” Rule and resources that will help you efficiently implement an appropriate compliance plan.
The Basics
According to the FTC’s publication, “Fighting Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A How-To Guide for Business,” the “Red Flags” Rule, in effect since January 2008, “requires many businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs – or “red flags” – of identity theft in their day-to-day operations, take steps to prevent crime, and mitigate the damage it inflicts. By identifying red flags in advance, they will be better equipped to spot suspicious patterns when they arise and take steps to prevent a red flag from escalating into a costly episode of identity theft.”
From a healthcare perspective, medical identity theft happens when a person seeks health care using someone else’s name or insurance information. According to the FTC, almost 5 percent of identity theft victims have experienced some sort of medical identity theft resulting in significant costs to both the patient and the providers.
Are you a “Creditor?”
The “Red Flags” Rule only applies to you if you meet the criteria for being a creditor. According to Steven Toporoff, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, the law defines “creditor” as any entity that regularly defers payments for goods or services or arranges for the extension of credit. In a May article on the FTC website (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/articles/art11.shtm ) Toporoff states:
You are a creditor if you regularly bill patients after the completion of services including the remainder of medical fees not reimbursed by insurance; Health care providers who regularly allow patients to set up payment plans after services have been rendered are considered to be creditors; Healthcare providers are considered creditors if they help patients get credit from other sources (i.e. distribute and process applications for credit accounts tailored to the healthcare industry); Healthcare providers who require payment before or at the time of service are not creditors; If you accept only direct payment from Medicaid or similar programs where the patient has no responsibility for the fees, you are not considered to be a creditor.
Another term in addition to creditor that you must consider is “covered account.” The FTC defines a “covered account” as a consumer account that allows multiple payments or transactions or any other account with a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. With that definition in mind, the accounts you establish for your patients are generally considered to be “covered accounts.”
Therefore, if you meet the criteria for a “creditor” and your patients have what are considered to be “covered accounts,” you must develop a written Identity Theft Prevention Program.
Fortunately, the AMA and several other healthcare organizations have done most of the work for you by creating template-based compliance guidelines/programs. Here are some links to these resources. Use them to efficiently, effectively and easily comply with the “Red Flags” Rule.
Go to the Resource page on the Efficiency in Practice website for:
AMA Red Flags Rule Guidance Document:
AMA: Sample Policy
(Note: AMA member’s can access the Word version of the Sample Policy (Word) and adapt it to their individual practice.)
The MGMA has many “Red Flags” resources available (some only to MGMA members including a 30-minute Red Flags Rule Webinar).
Additionally, if you have a specific question about the “Red Flags” Rule, you can email redflags@ftc.gov.
© 2009 Efficiency in Practice
Sue Kay, Senior Consultant at InHealth, is the editor of Efficiency in Practice, the free eNewsletter for medical practice managers who want to save time, money and reduce risk. For more information and to access your FREE report, The 8 Things You MUST Know About CMS’ RAC Program, visit www.efficiencyinpractice.com or check out our blog at www.efficiencyinpractice.blogspot.com
This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.
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Chiropractic Marketing Consultant Red Flags
In the fast expanding world of chiropractic marketing and consulting, chiropractors looking for a results-driven coach should definitely do their due diligence before jumping the gun. It’s unfortunate, but many get locked into long-term commitments that only benefit the chiropractic marketing consultant. This, in my opinion has to stop! Here are some important things to look for when selecting a practice management coach online or offline in 2009.
First, find a chiropractic marketing consultant whose ego doesn’t need to be stroked constantly. This can be easier said than done, trust me. However, if you look deep enough, you’ll be able to filter through the BS down to who’s the real deal and who’s just inflating social proof. When I was on my quest originally, I found many “gurus” talked a big game, were super pretentious, and consistently released marketing material that only spoke about how great they were. This, in turn, translated into a lack of transparency and more hype for the average chiropractor searching for a legit company.
Next, find a chiropractic marketing consultant that has a track record of working together with other leaders in the profession. Typically, the consultants with the largest egos are usually the most competitive and operate from a scarcity mentality, meaning these guys think they’re too great to collaborate with other marketing groups. This mindset appears to be prevalent in the chiropractic profession unlike many other industries.
For example, if you study internet marketing, you’ll notice that the guys with the big lists at the top of the food chain are always helping each other with joint ventures. This is true even though they have similar products and by many standards are “competing” for the same pool of customers.
Third, go with a chiropractic consulting group that’s looking out for YOUR best interest. Don’t rush into any decision and don’t feel like you have to choose today. It’s ok to take a few days to weeks to do your homework before investing several hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Talk to friends, as word travels fast if a doctor is making killer returns from the guidance of a coaching group.
Ask yourself, “Is the management firm you’re considering pressuring you for a payment or are they legitimately concerned about taking your chiropractic practice to the next level?” A word of advice…. The minute you sense that your best interest is not at the forefront of their game-plan, run!
Last, make sure to go with a chiropractic marketing consultant or group that is technically savvy and that stays abreast of new trends in the world today. Communication is changing rapidly and many are finding their models of doing business and marketing are outdated. It’s funny, I will do specific internet searches and heavy online analytics for some practice management groups and their web presence is usually poor with little branding even being done online. I spoke to a consultant one time that said he could barely turn on a computer and sounded proud of this for some odd reason.
Contrary to what some believe, the internet is not a fad. It’s the most spectacular medium in world to gather information and marketing your chiropractic office. We live in an information and technological based world and those that resist updating will not be around in a few years for sure.
As touched on before, get involved with a group that let their results do the talking more-so than their mouth. Speak with satisfied and unsatisfied clients. It doesn’t matter how good your product or service is, you will always have unsatisfied clients so it’s important to get their points of view, too.
Tired of the same ineffective and outdated marketing strategies that your chiropractic marketing consultant shoved down your throat? Visit http://DCincome.com today to discover the secrets most chiropractors will never know about getting New Patients without spending any money on advertising.
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Choosing a Contractor: 4 red flags
As a contractor for quite a few years, and constantly meeting with customers ,giving bids, proposals, and contracting various home improvement projects, I am amazed at how many people have gotten themselves involved with unscrupulous individuals operating with a truck and a business card. To a legitimate contractor, these people are very irritating. They give our profession a reputation that is undeserved and they leave customers with unneeded frustration and expenses. There are some very simple steps a homeowner can take to protect themselves. A little caution and questioning can, in most cases, assure you of a hassle free , professionally completed project.
1)Make sure your contractor is Licensed: Most states require the person doing the work to pull permits. They are also required to carry proper Workers compensation insurance, general liability, and in some cases to carry a bond. Reputable contractors will probably volunteer this information , if the customer fails to ask ! It is in your best interest to make sure your contractor has up to date insurance, otherwise an injury or accident that occurs on your property, may fall on you.
2)Make sure your contractor uses a Contract to outline work to be preformed: Contracts are not only to protect the Contractor but also to protect the customer. My preference is to detail as much information as possible in the contract. The more information in the contract on the front end, the less likely any misunderstandings will happen on the back end. Demand some kind of written detail , something in writing is your only documentation in the event legal action is required. Most reputable contractors will prefer to do business this way.
3)Make sure your Contractor is financially stable. Agree on a fair payment schedule and stick to it .Payment schedules should be one of the things that is outlined in the contract. If your contractor needs a 50% draw so he can order materials ,RUN RUN RUN.! This is where I have seen homeowners left holding the bag ,more than once. Most contractors work with many different suppliers and have accounts with their suppliers, and if in good standing ,will have no problem supplying materials until a portion of the work has been completed. On small jobs, 00.00 or less, we require a 10% deposit. On larger jobs, we do as many as 4 draws based on pre-determined, in writing, amounts.
4)Make sure your Contractor has a good reputation. Ask for references ,a couple of phone calls to past customers will tell you if their experience was a good one or not .Check with the state licensing board to see if they have a clean record. The BBB is a fast and reputable source for information on companies. If a contractor has had problems in the past you should proceed with caution.
The responsibility of the homeowner is to protect himself. The points discussed above are a good place to start. A good contractor, while not always the cheapest, may be in the long run, rather than dealing with un- licensed, un-insured, and un- funded builders. Reputable contractors cannot compete with Billy Bob and his other brother Bob that a friend of a friend told you about .Our company pays approximately ,000.00 per year in licenses, insurance, and other costs of doing business ,before we ever break ground on the first job. Framers alone, according to insurance cost per profession classification, cost us about .00/0.00 of payroll .for workers compensation and general liability. You can see that the cost of doing business RIGHT, is expensive. Do not gamble with your home. Search out and hire reputable contractors.
Mike Mathis
Owner Affordable Building Concepts
Residential contractor serving Middle TN. for 15 yrs.
visit our web site www.affordable-buildings.com
All About Mailbox Flags
A mailbox flag is a flag that is used to let your mail carrier know whether or not there is mail to go out. If your flag is up it means that there is mail in the box to go out. This helps the mail carrier know if he needs to visit your box even if he does not have mail for you. It can also be used to tell if the mail has come or not, but most people do not use it for that purpose. The reason for that is that many times one will not have mail and it will force the mail carrier to come to your box even when he does not have to in order to change the flag status.
You could find a mailbox flag just about anywhere. In fact, the best way to look for these flags is by going online. All you need to do is search for the flags and hit click. You will be able to see the many different flags that available. If you do not have access to the internet you can find these flags at your local department stores. They will most likely be next to the mailboxes. These flags are relatively cheap and serve a great purpose. You will no longer have to run after the mailman to get take your outgoing mail. You will also not have to worry about the mailman not picking up your mail because he had nothing to drop off.
These flags come in a large variety that is fit for just about anyone. You will be able to find a wide assortment of flags that could easily be installed onto your mailbox. You could find many different shapes and themes for these flags. You could get a flag that represents your favorite football team or a flag that is the same shape as your favorite bird. You could even get a plain red flag that is simply and serves its purpose. Your personality and style will help you choose the flag that is best for you.
These flags not only serve an important purpose, but they add a little bit of personality to your mailbox. If you are looking for a way to make your mailbox stand out and you do not want to keep worrying if your mail will be sent out or not, investing in a mailbox flag is surely a great idea.
Interested in learning more? Read more detailed writings about <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.mailboxflag.org/”>Mailbox Flag</a> right now. Visit our site for lots of great <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.mailboxflag.org/”>Mailbox Flag</a> Information.
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Garden Flags – Use It To Decorate Your Home And Garden
There are so many uses of the flags like parties decoration welcome signs etc. The Garden flags give a very special look to the exteriors of the home and the garden as well as used by a lot of people. One can place them very conveniently on the ground or can be hung outside ones home. When one is looking at the option of hanging them outside their home then is done so with the help of plastic sleeves by then inserting the flag into it. You can find Garden flags in different designs and color pictures; usually bright enough to stand out.
If one wishes these flags can be used in the interiors of their homes also. When these are being used in the interiors of the home a lot of people use them as wall adornments. These flags are usually found in places like near a mailbox, lawns, porches, patios, and on decks. Most of the people that make use of these flags during any sports make sure to place them back from where it was taken as mentioned above. The National flags of states or countries can be seen by us in places such as parking lots, schools, banks and other business buildings. All flags are colorful and there are so many varieties of colors and sizes that available. There are small flags that are available to be used in ones garden yard apart from the possibility of being used on vehicle and home windows. In order to keep the ones that are stuck on the windows from peeling off they are provided with suction cups.
Sometimes a garden flag will be used for announcements for a special occasion or other public events such as weddings, town picnics, new baby announcements, etc. No matter what the weather is like or what time of the year it is, you can have garden yard or event have your flags up in your yard. They are made of sturdy materials to keep them in great shape, and for water resistance. The first thing that one must do to get a garden flag that is perfect is to take the measurement of the garden where it needs to be placed. You also want to make sure that you are not placing a flag somewhere that it might burn such as over a fire place or near a barbecue pit.
The most beautiful design that a garden flag can have is a sick screening design. This process involves a heat sublimation of whatever design the artist draws. In the normal flag one makes use of the inks of the design to be imprinted on the flag cloth to give a very beautiful and native look whereas when one wants the design on both the sides of the flag then they need to make use of the appliqu work. To make the picture visible from both the sides one has to stitch up the design on to the flag. It is up to you want design you choose, and there are plenty to choose from.
Find more information on Garden flags and Summer flags.
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