But the truth is that, as the European Cup kicks off again next weekend for its final two pool rounds, Ulster are almost certainly out of contention, while Leinster and Munster face tricky challenges to qualify in this revamped competition.

Munster are behind both Clermont Auvergne and Saracens in Pool One and play Saracens at Allianz Park next weekend before finishing with Sale at home. Ian Keatleys last-minute penalty did earn them a vital losing bonus point in the last round at Clermont, but defeat at Saracens would surely rule them out of even one of the three runners-up spots available.

Leinster have the most realistic chance of qualification. They stand equal top of Pool Two with Harlequins, and should win with a bonus point at home against uninterested Castres next weekend. But they then have to travel to Wasps on the last weekend.

Even if Leinster do scrape through, you could not see them having a home draw (Clermont, Toulon, Toulouse and Northampton look the best bets) and certainly not challenging for the title. As former Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan says: Munster and Leinster arent at that level this season. The standard has increased so much that its left them behind.

How things have altered. This time last year Munster, Leinster and Ulster were all top of their pools and it stayed that way as they progressed into the knockout stages. Now money really is beginning to talk, as Saracens recent gripe, having lost last seasons final to Toulon, about the salary cap demonstrates.

To compete in both European and domestic competitions you need top-class cover in all positions, something Bath, who have not targeted Europe this season, have been addressing, most recently with their signing of Rhys Priestland to complement George Ford.

In Ireland matters are different because players are centrally contracted, even if private investors are now being used to ensure players such as Jonathan Sexton, who returns to Leinster next season, do not move abroad.

But still the lack of big names to give Toulon-like depth has made hackles rise. As another former Ireland flanker, Stephen Ferris, says: There is talk of Toulon bringing in Richie McCaw after the World Cup, while we [his former province, Ulster] are bringing in Clive Ross. No disrespect to Clive Ross, but hes been playing for Lansdowne for the last couple of seasons and is trying to make the big step up.

It is a delicate balance between home-grown player development and potential triumphs offered by hired foreign hands.

The sands are undoubtedly shifting in the general club-international power stakes, but surely Irish supporters would be happy to see Six Nations and World Cup success at the expense of reduced European achievements? I really hope so.

See original here:
Money starts to talk in Europe where French clubs' depth of talent is dominant

Comments(0)

RESIDENTS have continued to express their disgust at plans to build up to eight houses in a village.

Les Stephan Planning Ltd has submitted proposals to build the homes on land near Stone Road by the Slaters Country House Hotel in Hill Chorlton.

Nearly 50 villagers met at Maer Village Hall this week to discuss the plans.

Judith Oppenheimer, of Baldwins Gate, is also awaiting a decision on whether 113 houses will be built in her village.

Mrs Oppenheimer, of the Baldwins Gate Action Group, said: While I live in Baldwins Gate, my long-term home is in Hill Chorlton and the development would spoil a beautiful landscape.

If the Baldwins Gate development is permitted, the countryside around it will be up for grabs by greedy developers and land owners.

View original post here:
Villagers continue to express disgust at plans to build up to eight houses in Hill Chorlton

land clearing pic movie 76C9A958 3DF2 43F7 BE53 7181B7617258

By: kendall and welch construction

More:
land clearing pic movie 76C9A958 3DF2 43F7 BE53 7181B7617258 - Video

Horseshoe Baltimore Oriole Palace and Ruby 8 by T. Murao Design, Inc.
Interior Design, Art Coordination, Pre-production, Construction management: T. Murao Design, inc Kitchen Consultant: Kathy Melehan of Jem Associates, Inc. Interior Designer: Taki H. Murao...

By: T. Murao Design, Inc

Go here to see the original:
Horseshoe Baltimore Oriole Palace and Ruby 8 by T. Murao Design, Inc. - Video

Bengaluru, Jan 10, 2015, DHNS:

They had demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakh for his release

Seven people, who had allegedly kidnapped an interior designer and demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakh, have been arrested.

According to the Ramamurthy Nagar police, the gang had kidnapped Sunil, 22, an interior designer and a resident of OMBR Layout near Ramamurthy Nagar, on January 4. He works with his father Ashok at their interior design office at Banaswadi.

On January 4, around 1.45 pm, Sunil was returning home for lunch when a speeding car overtook him and stopped in front of his bike at OMBR Layout.

Two people got down from the car and started abusing Sunil saying that he brushed and damaged their car. Sunil denied the charge and tried to leave the place but the two did not let him go.

They took him near the car on the pretext of showing him the damages. As Sunil neared the car, some persons sitting inside it opened the door, pulled him in and sped away. Around 5 pm, they called Ashok using Sunils mobile phone and threatened to kill his son if he did not pay Rs 50 lakh. Initially, Ashok thought it was a prank played by his son and cut the call.

The abductors called again and made Sunil to talk to his father. That is when Ashok realised that his son was kidnapped. He approached the police and lodged a complaint. The police formed a team and directed Ashok to act as per their direction. They tracked down the number and found that the kidnappers were in the City.

When Ashok got another call for ransom, he told them that he would arrange Rs 10 lakh for now and pay the remaining amount later.

As the abductors agreed to the deal, Ashok took a hand bag and stuffed it with clothes to make it look like it contained cash. He was asked to come with the cash near Seva Nagar flyover. Policemen in plain clothes followed him. When Ashok reached the flyover, he got another call asking him to go to the middle of the flyover and drop the bag from there.

The rest is here:
Seven arrested for kidnapping interior designer

$327,900 - 988 Tiffany Way, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
http://988tiffanyway5.agentmarketing.com?rs=youtube For more info and pics, Text "6831852" to 79564 Site Built Single Family, 1 Story,Ranch,Contempora Complete info: http://988tiffanyway.

By: Agent Marketing videos

Here is the original post:
$327,900 - 988 Tiffany Way, Chino Valley, AZ 86323 - Video

At Americas Preferred Home Warranty, Inc., we are a home warranty company dedicated to helping families lessen the burden of unexpected residential repair. A home warranty can protect you in case of a major failure within your home; such as with kitchen appliances, plumbing, furnace, air conditioning, septic, roof, water heater, trash compactor, water well pump, attic and exhaust fans, electrical systems and more. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping a house functioning, but occasionally a malfunction can occur that requires major repairs or replacement to restore the situation. Your Americas Preferred Home Warranty, Inc. home warranty agreement will assist with the cost of large, unexpected repairs required when covered systems fail due to normal wear and tear.

Our home warranty agreement covers a range of property types including new construction, multi-family units, and condos. We are the only home warranty company, among the nations leading home warranty companies, that allows you to choose your own contractor for covered repair work.

Americas Preferred Home Warranty, Inc. is here to provide quality home warranty coverage to properties across the country. Gain the peace of mind of knowing that you are protected against the unexpected failure of major systems within your home. Real estate professionals understand the importance of protecting your assets for the future. If you are interested in one of our comprehensive plans, please contact us. We provide coverage in the following states:

More here:
America's Preferred Home Warranty, Inc. - One of America's ...

David M. Brown, Special to the Republic 2:57 p.m. MST January 9, 2015

Home warranties are a way for home sellers to set themselves apart from others in the market.(Photo: ListerAssister)

Sure, the West Valley is building new homes, existing-home values are rising and credit is easing even with stricter federal lending guidelines.The standard mortgage rate is still historically low.

But properties are still not selling as briskly as many had hoped, the market has flattened, and sellers and buyers of West Valley real estate are searching to make a deal at their best advantage.

Some suggest that one way to distance your for-sale home from others on the market, or to better hedge your new investment, is to acquire a home warranty.

Available from a variety of companies, these home protection plans cover the costs of repair or replacement for many components and appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, dish washers, heating, air conditioning and plumbing, electrical, water heaters, garage door openers, pool motors and other items.

"Our research already shows that homes with an American Home Shield home warranty sell faster and at a higher price point than those without a home warranty," said Nicole Ritchie, senior director of communications, for American Home Shield, a Memphis, Tenn.-based company founded in 1971 which offers these home-protection plans.

The company says homes with warranties have an average of 11 fewer days on the market and sell for $2,300 more than those without.

A business unit of ServiceMaster GlobalHoldings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), American Home Shield serves 1.5 million-plus customers in 50 states.

Sellers and buyers both can benefit from the "peace of mind" of a home warranty at a high-stress time when little items can become big concerns. Calling a reputable warranty company, after all, can be easier than finding tradespeople yourself.

More here:
How home warranties can help sell a home

E Fun takes a step into home security and automation
http://www.cnet.com/ces/videos/ E Fun #39;s new $299 Nexturn Gold security and automation kit is ready to tackle your connected home.

By: CNET

View post:
E Fun takes a step into home security and automation - Video

home security commercial
We offer a compelling one minute whiteboard animation commercial that has increased sales by as much as 64% by our Home Security Clients. They play it on their web site, post it on their Facebook...

By: Robert Marceau

Read the original post:
home security commercial - Video