Different Varieties Of Garden Statues And Sculptures

Decorating a garden should be considered as an important part of home improvement. Apart from growing grass beds and different varieties of flowers, you can think of additional decors in the form of garden statues and sculptures. These wonderful garden decoration items have been in use for centuries and are capable of adding a distinct character to the garden area.

The varieties in which garden statues and sculptures are available make them even more exciting for enhancing the personality of the outdoor area. Designed in various parts of the world, these garden decors can be found at stores that import them. Have a look at some of the most important aspects that add to the unlimited varieties of garden area decors.

Popular Garden Statues

Fairies, goblins and various other mythical and mystical characters are popular as garden statues. Gnome statues that people consider as garden guardians are other preferred choices. Going further, you can choose among spiritual and religious figures that add divinity to the outdoor space. Statues of Buddha and Jesus are quite relevant in this regard.

Statues of children, women and couples can add liveliness to the garden area. One of the popular choices is that of ‘four seasons’ garden statues. Animal statues and figurines add to the garden’s natural appeal.

Charming Garden Sculptures

In addition to garden statues, homeowners add other forms of garden sculptures and get them customized according to their tastes. Birdbaths are among the most common sculptures that are capable of inviting little birds to be playful and add to the garden’s glory. Fountains and variety of other waterworks are the popular sculptures for those who wish to have extended natural environment in their gardens. Oversize mushrooms are among the distinguished garden sculptures. In addition, there are many structures like mini pagodas and huts that are simply irresistible.

Variety of Materials

Garden statues and sculptures are made from different materials that add to their varieties. Since ancient times, marble statues have been one of the most popular choices for the makers as well as buyers. In the recent times, statues and sculptures made of wrought iron have gained utmost popularity because of their rustic appeal. Ceramic and concrete are other materials for these decors that are durable enough to withstand the changing weather elements.

You can also find beautiful artworks carved in natural stones that include sandstone and granite. The unusual textures of stone made garden statues are simply pleasant to the eyes. Copper and lead are other choices that are suitable for garden decor installations. Another material that has been increasingly used for outdoor area sculptures is terracotta. These designs add warm and fancy looks to the garden areas. Finally, a huge variety of glass made garden area sculptures can be found available at the stores. The sparkling and glittering qualities of these decors are truly rewarding for a home garden owner.

Garden statues and sculptures can be found in all possible sizes and colors. Customers usually consider their garden themes and budgets while shopping for these wonderful garden additions.

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Georgia Driving Laws and Teen Drivers Education

TADRA

The Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) was established in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers. TADRA involves an intense, three-step education process that allows the young driver to gain more experience behind the wheel. Additionally, it also requires that prior to the issuance of a Class D license you must have completed a cumulative total of at least forty (40) hours of other supervised driving experience, including at least six (6) hours at night.

Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16 year olds applying for a Class D driver’s license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn verification that these requirements have been met. Any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for a Class D driver’s license and he or she must have completed a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 6 hours at night. The same verification in writing by a parent or guardian is required. This manual is designed to help you achieve the required driving experience to qualify for a Class D driver’s license.

Cars do not crash; people crash them. In 2005, 136 Young Drivers (Ages 15-20) were killed and an additional 193 others killed as a result of a crash involving a driver (Ages 15-20) in Georgia. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of 15 to 20-year olds (based on 2003 figures, which are the latest mortality data currently available from the National Center for Health Statistics). In 2005, 3,467 15- to 20-year old drivers were killed and additional 281,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes nationally.

The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) was enacted on July 1st, 1997. TADRA established a graduated driver’s license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18 in Georgia. This act directly addresses the leading killer of our young people – traffic crashes. The law significantly changes the way young motorist earn and maintain the privilege of driving by providing a controlled means for new drivers to gain experience, and by reducing high-risk driving situations. While the law does focus on young drivers, it also contains important provisions that affect drivers over 21, particularly in the area of DUI prevention and enforcement.

Step One – Instructional Permit (Class CP)

 

  • You must be at least 15 years of age in order to apply.
  • An original birth certificate, certified copy of the birth certificate (with embossed state seal), certificate of birth registration, certified copy of court records (adoption, name changes), certified naturalization records, immigration card or a Valid Passport needs to be presented at the time of application.
  • You must know your social security number. The number is required to issue the permit.You will be required to pass an eye and knowledge test. A parent or legal guardian with a Georgia License or ID Card will have to go with you to the Customer Service Center in order to sign for you to be tested. The legal guardian must have a certified guardianship paper from the court or adoption paper with embossed court seal.
  • A Georgia DDS Certificate of Attendance form must be signed and notarized from your School. It is valid for 30 days. All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from your local Board of Education if you are enrolled in an approved home school program.
  • Any Out of State Learner’s permit or ID Card must be surrendered to issue a Georgia Permit.
  • When driving, there must be a licensed driver at least 21-years-old in the front seat with you at all times.
  • The permit is valid for 24 months

Step Two – Provisional License (Class D)

In order to apply for a Provisional License (Class D) all applicants must meet the following requirements:

 

  1. A valid learner’s permit must be held for one year and one day from its issuance.
  2. Appointments for on-the-road test are mandatory and should be made up to 90 days in advance. Reservation numbers are: (678) 413-8500 select option 3 or Toll-Free (866) 754-3687 when dialing from an area code outside of the Metro-Atlanta area.
  3. You must know your Social Security number.
  4. A parent, legal guardian, or authorized driving instructor must go to the Customer Service Center with you in order for you to be tested. The legal guardian must have a certified guardianship paper from the court or adoption papers with an embossed court seal. The driving instructor must have a notarized document, signed by the parent or legal guardian, authorizing that individual to act as their agent in the application process.
  5. A Georgia DDS Certificate of Attendance form must be signed and notarized from your School. It is valid for 30 days. All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from you local Board of Education if you are enrolled in an approved home school program.
  6. A parent, legal guardian, or authorized driving instructor must sign an affidavit at the time of examination that the applicant has at least 40 hours of on-the-road driver training either privately or 20 hours of on-the-road training in conjunction with a driver’s education class. After January 1, 2007, the 20 hours in conjunction with a driver’s education program is no longer applicable.
  7. You must have taken and present the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) certificate. If you have not taken the ADAP class Add-On Classes are offered monthly throughout the state.
  8. You must pass an eye and driving test.
  9. Effective January 1st, 2007 all those 16 years-of-age must be in compliance with Joshua’s Law in order to apply for a Class D driver’s license. You must show proof that you comply with Joshua’s Law by having completed one of the following methods of Driver Education. a. Public/Private School (30 hours) classroom (virtual or instructor) and (6 hours) private behind the wheel training (students also need and additional 40 hours of supervised driving experience). b. Public/Private School (30 hours) classroom (virtual or instructor) and parent taught behind the wheel (Completing this booklet will meet this requirement). c. Virtual (30 hours) classroom and (6 hours) private behind the wheel training (students will also need an additional 40 hours of supervised driving experience). d. Virtual (30 hours) classroom and (40 hour) parent taught behind the wheel (Completing this booklet will meet this requirement). e. All students must have 6 hours of supervised driving at night.
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Social Networking – A Brief Overview

When and How Did it Start?Early social networking websites started in the form of generalized online communities such as Geocities and Tripod (1995). These early communities focused on users interacting with each other through chat rooms, and sharing information and ideas around any topics via personal homepage publishing tools which was a precursor to the modern day blog.One of the first social networking Web sites that started what would become the most common format of the Social Network launched in 1997, that was SixDegrees.com. On this site user profiles could be created, messages sent to users held on a “friends list” and other members could be sought out who had similar interests to yours in their profiles.Why Did It Start?Social Networks were created by those who wanted to form an online community that shared interests and/or activities and were looking for a way to share that interest with others at large. Most social network services are web-based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as email and IM services. In general, social networking allows the individual to create a profile for themselves in the form of a personal page, and can be broken down into two categories: internal and external social networking sites. An Internal Networking Site is one that is closed-circuit including only those of a particular workplace, educational institution or organization, allowing users to connect and share information for a very specific purpose. An External Networking Site is one that is open to the public at large and allows users to post and connect with a large audience on a variety of subjects.Who Started It?Although Six Degrees would come to be known as the first main stream social networking site, it was largely ahead of its time. It was early in the new millennium when the major players of the Social Networking scene began to surface. 2004 saw the launch of Friendster, followed quickly by MySpace and Bebo. By early 2005 MySpace had already established itself as the powerhouse of the Social Networking field and was reportedly receiving more hits per day than Google. 2006 saw the then almost unknown site Facebook open itself to the population at large. Up to that time Facebook had been a limited network only available to US College Students. With its already core base of loyal users and the ability for user-generated add-on content it quickly became the fastest growing site in the world. According to comScore Media Metrix, the top three social networking sites MySpace, Facebook and Bebo had logged a total of 184.4 million visitors in June 2007 alone. Also in 2007 the online world saw the emergence of Twitter, the site that allowed users to “tweet” short updates about themselves giving all of their “followers” a real-time look at their world and quickly became a favorite for mobile on-line users. With this power trio of sites, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, social networking went from a passing trend to a mainstream staple.What is the Media Saying?According to an article written by CNN reporter Lisa Respers France “In an era when even the president of the United States has a Facebook page and spectators texted and tweeted about Inauguration Day, the power of online and digital social networking is clear.” For the majority of media outlets, the phenomena of social networking is touted as allowing the whole world to become part of the same conversation.ProsThe upside for the users of the various social networking sites is fairly straight-forward. It allows them to connect, locate, rediscover and otherwise enjoy friends and topics regardless of geographical location. It seems that online there is a place for everyone. Businesses especially can gain a boon from the social networking revolution. They are able to reach out to a much larger audience via the emergence of custom social networking websites and this allows them to stay on top or current trends and events and allows them to better understand their customers and tailor their approaches accordingly.ConsWhile it is a positive way to connect with the online world, social networking also has its down side. The availability of information makes identity theft a risk, as well as unscrupulous users that leverage the sites to spread malware and viruses. For those choosing to avoid those pitfalls by avoiding the sites altogether, also run the risk of falling behind events in their social circle and appearing unfriendly or stand-offish. For corporations the greatest damage that a social network can do is to it’s reputation. One bad experience by a customer or client can spread like wildfire through the networks leaving the business scrambling to do damage control which carries with it both social and monetary penalties.Where is it Going?Michael Rogers, columnist for MSNBC, wrote “The Internet world is relentlessly enthusiastic in its embrace of the latest and greatest, and this year’s new flavor has been social networking. Between MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Bebo and scores of lesser start-ups, social networking seems poised to take over the Internet. Indeed, some digerati have suggested that Facebook, by allowing developers to write mini-applications called widgets, might become the new Internet.”

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