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warc | 201704 | If you've been ignoring the ongoing controversy around document-disclosing website Wikileaks, you might be making a big mistake. More and more companies now find themselves exposed in Wikileaks' revelations of behind-the-scenes dirty dealings, and the results aren't pretty.
Shareholders invested in honest, ethical companies have little to fear from Wikileaks' push toward true transparency. Everybody else had better watch their portfolios.
Tracking mudFor all the outrage voiced by folks in positions of power over the releases of classified U.S. diplomatic cables, there's a very good argument that in other respects, Wikileaks is picking up where old-fashioned investigative journalism left off.
Aside from the political content of many of Wikileaks' disclosures, they're increasingly revealing nasty tidbits about well-connected corporations as well. In fact, Wikileaks head honcho Julian Assange has announced that a big business will be his next target for exposure.
The following unpleasant revelations have already hit the wires, courtesy of Wikileaks:
Bank of America has embarked on serious Wikileaks damage control after Assange threatened to expose (NYSE: BAC) somethingabout a major U.S. bank, which Assange said revealed an "ecosystem of corruption." U.S. diplomats have acted as a "sales force" for Boeing , offering perks and goodies to foreign leaders who chose Boeing's products over competitor Airbus. (NYSE: BA) A U.S. ambassador suggested the Bush administration wage a retaliatory trade war with the European Union in 2007 over genetically modified crops. U.S. pressure applied to Europe, which is notoriously reluctant to accept GM crops, would most certainly have helped companies like Monsanto . (NYSE: MON) The corporate jerk taxIn a rare interview in November, conducted by Forbes, Assange claimed that he has damning data on companies in the pharmaceutical, finance, and energy sectors. A lot of investors had best hope that their companies are beyond reproach.
Wikileaks may have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but there are definite virtues in its actions. Freedom of speech doesn't simply apply to speech you (or people in power) want to hear. And a true free market has corporations competing with one another on a fair and ethical playing field, vying to make the best products customers will want to buy. Corruption isn't supposed to be part of the equation, and the competitive advantages it can bestow don't strengthen our economy or better serve consumers.
A good brand reputation is a major asset for many corporations; a bad reputation can be a liability. "In the struggle between open and honest companies and dishonest and closed companies, we're creating a tremendous reputational tax on the unethical companies," Assange told
Forbes.
Those of us who are searching for good, ethical businesses to invest in would call that a pretty smart "tax." In a world of greater transparency, only the corporate jerks have something to fear.
Dirty profits under pressureWikileaks could be good for American business -- not to mention American consumers -- in a new age of openness and responsibility.
Conscious companies -- not unethical corporations that seize unfair advantages -- make the best, most defensive stocks for true long-term shareholders. How do you think your stocks will stack up to sunshiny scrutiny? A Wikiworld of transparency will likely separate the high-quality companies from the dirty ones.
Check back at Fool.com every Wednesday and Friday for Alyce Lomax's columns on corporate governance. | 3,576 | 1,823 | 0.000552 |
warc | 201704 | Sometimes in energy investing, the companies focused on services can be overlooked by investors, but they can be some of the most crucial components in the space. In the following video, Motley Fool energy analyst Joel South tells us about
Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB), a company that focuses on testing and analyzing reservoirs for the major oil and natural gas players. As drilling methods become more advanced with the current push toward horizontal drilling, the cost of drilling is shooting up, and companies like Core Laboratories, and the analyses they provide, are essential for increasing hydrocarbon yields in the new age of drilling.
Joel South owns shares of Schlumberger. Taylor Muckerman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. | 1,027 | 580 | 0.001731 |
warc | 201704 | 今天的花草市场上，一支“永远的奥古斯都”品种的郁金香可以卖到2500美元。这名贵的花种最初来自土耳其苏丹的花园，可以变幻数种颜色……
Why were tulips so costly? Because Holland, at the time (around 1634) was in the throes of Tulipmania.
Tulips originally came to Europe from the gardens of the Turkish sultans. The name, in fact is derived from the Turkish word for "turban" because that is what people thought the tulip flowers resembled.
They commanded a high price right from the start because of this, and soon became a status symbol. In Holland, wealthy Dutch burghers competed to have the most and the best of this new garden favorite. And then something seemingly wondrous happened. Tulips began to appear in not just solid colors but all manners of stripes and mottling.
The Dutch loved this and the demand rose even higher. Since these new and exciting tulips could not be duplicated from seed, and so had to be increased by simply waiting for the bulb itself to reproduce, the costs for especially beautiful colored tulips went right through the ceiling.
Legend has it that families were willing to accept a single special tulip bulb as a suitable bride's dowry. One bulb, a variety named "Semper Augustus" sold for what would be $2500 in today's market. One single tulip bulb!
重点词汇
throe n. 剧痛，阵痛
tulipomania n. （对种植或获取郁金香的）狂热
Turkish a. 土耳其人的
turban n. 穆斯林的头巾
burgher n. 市民
sultan n. 苏丹（伊斯兰国家最高统治者）
mottling n. 斑纹
dowry n. 嫁妆 | 1,970 | 1,089 | 0.00132 |
warc | 201704 | Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
If the secret to real estate is “location, location, location,” then the secret to business success is “communicate, communicate, communicate.” Poor communication is so prevalent in business that these sins of omission top my list of business irritations. Why? Because poor communicators are not only ineffectual, they are just plain rude.
For example, I recently checked in with a friend suffering from breast cancer. While her prognosis is favorable, she may have to undergo a very painful and debilitating regimen of chemotherapy. The results of tests to determine whether she will have to undergo chemo were due back to her doctor by a specific date. But the date came and went without any news from her doctor. Assuming the worst, she finally broke down and called her doctor; only to find out that the tests had still not arrived back from the lab. In this case a simple “pre-emptive” phone call would have spared another human being what seemed like an eternity of anguish. In the end the “content” of the information exchanged was the same – no lab results. But the absence of a good communication “process” has seriously damaged the relationship between this doctor and his client. Always remember that success is not just a matter of
what you do but how you do it as well.
I have worked in a dozen corporations and started a couple, and the one trait great leaders share with great followers is being a powerful communicator. And here are the 9 ways they do it.
1)
I will be meeting soon with a new coaching client – a top executive in the financial services industry. Several days ago I received a Great Communicators Set Expectations. hand writtenletter thanking me for my time, reiterating why my recent book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks, inspired him to reach out to me, and concisely describing what he hopes to get out of the engagement. Enclosed was a check for our first session up front. I feel like paying him for the pleasure of working with such a courteous, thoughtful, and above all, professional human being. Again, the content remains the same, but the process –our relationship- is starting out on a footing weighted heavily in his favor.
2)
The advent of email and social media has ushered in many business benefits, but at the cost of a dramatic decline in what used to be called “professionalism.” Pros are habitually on time, return phone calls, provide agendas for meetings, follow through on commitments, provide summaries, anticipate obligations, and always say “thank you” – in writing with a copy to the recipient’s boss. The most powerful form of communication is Great Communicators are Professionals. behavior, and a deep understanding of this fact is critical to success.
3)
No one, even the consummate professional, can be on time for every appointment or keep every promise. But there is no excuse for not providing a “heads up” when we are in danger of letting others down. Showing up twenty minutes late may be unavoidable, but showing up twenty minutes late without a heads up is inexcusable. Great Communicators Never Leave People Hanging.
4)
It is axiomatic in business that “the man with the plan wins the argument.” Great communicators never go into a meeting, an appointment, or sales call unprepared. In fact, like my client above, they usually communicate their objectives well before the meeting takes place. In business I won many arguments before they even started because I was the only person in the room with a Great Communicators Seize the Initiative. writtenplan. Conversely, always remember that it is very difficult to object to another person’s plan when you do not have one of your own. Nothing is more embarrassing than having your objections answered with: “OK, you don’t like my plan. Let’s have a look at yours.”
5)
In a previous article, Great Communicators Never Make People Ask. The 11 Leadership Lessons You Never Heard Of,I wrote, “If your boss everhas to ask you for a status report you are failing as a follower.” Great communicators consistently anticipate their obligations by delivering critical information without being asked. You may do great work, but if I have to hound you for status reports throughout the project, by the time you deliver this “great work” I am more likely to receive it with angry relief than accolades. Nothing is more irritating and anxiety producing than having someone “go dark” with a project. It is human nature to assume the worst. On the other hand, nothing is more reassuring and confidence building than getting a status report before one is expected. Besides, information proffered is always treated far more credibly than information demanded. When you make people ask you are always on the defensive.
6)
All five of my prior points share a proactive bias. For example my new client’s one page, hand written letter has put me in the position of reacting to him rather than the other way around: A position I am only too happy to be in. People who proactively communicate well and often inevitably find themselves in the “power position:” They set agendas, present plans, and end up with the most precious commodity any job can provide: Great Communicators Are Proactive. autonomy. Poor communicators, by contrast, inevitably find themselves reactively “out maneuvered.” I wish I had the proverbial nickel for every time I’ve squirmed through a meeting watching some poor communicator defensively trying to “explain” his position with words that inevitably sound like “excuses” merely because he forced his boss to ask.
7)
Throughout my career the first thing I did upon leaving a meeting, an appointment, or sales call was to provide all the participants with a Great Communicators Abhor Ambiguity. writtensummary of our mutual agreements. I did this regardless of whether it was “my job” to do it or not. Nothing causes more acrimony in business than ambiguity over who has promised what, to whom, by when. When things go wrong finger pointing accompanied by biased memories are the only recourse.
8)
Relying on verbal agreements, plans, and reports is a prescription for disaster. If you don’t write frequently and well learn how. And Great Communicators Like to Write. fast.
9)
Every time something crosses my desk I reflexively ask, “Who else needs or could benefit from this information?” Sometimes is it is as trivial as making sure that good news is spread and that people are thanked, and at others it is just making sure that someone is not going to blindsided by a decision. Aristotle said that excellence is not a choice but a habit, and the same goes for becoming a great communicator. Great Communicators Share.
None of this is any more esoteric than Jesus urging us to treat others the way we would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. I am certain that my friend’s doctor above would have liked to be informed if it had been
his test results, and we have all waited anxiously and angrily for a plumber running late who doesn’t bother to call.
I’ve argued many times in this column that every business is a people business, and the core competency of the great communicator is an understanding of human nature and the discipline to consistently act on this knowledge until it becomes hard wired. And this is little more than something that my mother used drill into our heads: Something she called, “common courtesy.”
For more great leadership strategies read my book:
(Columbia Business School Publishing; July 2013). Follow me on Twitter Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: One CEO’s Quest for Meaning and Authenticity @augustturak , http://facebook.com/aturak , or check out my website http://www.augustturak.com/ {{article.article.page + 1}}/ {{article.article.pages.length}}Continue | 8,154 | 3,752 | 0.000277 |
warc | 201704 | Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
A study of analyst recommendations at the major brokerages shows that CoreLogic Inc. (NYSE: CLGX) is the #87 broker analyst pick among those stocks screened by The Online Investor for strong stock buyback activity. To make that list, a stock must have repurchased at least 5% of its outstanding shares over the trailing twelve month period. In forming the rank, the analyst opinions from the major brokerage houses were tallied, and averaged; then, the list of stocks with strong buyback activity was ranked according to those averages.
Investors are often keenly interested in knowing which companies are buying back their own stock, because companies often will only make such a move if they feel their stock is undervalued. CoreLogic Inc. is a company with strong buyback activity that is also considered a compelling buy by analysts; a bullish investor could take this to mean that sharp analyst minds came to the same bullish conclusion as the company itself that the stock is a good value, and therefore the stock should do well in the future. Click here to find out the Top Analyst Picks With Strong Stock Buyback Activity »
Analysts studying companies buying back their own stock will also factor into their analysis that future earnings will now be spread over a smaller share count, thereby increasing the per-share earnings the remaining shares will enjoy, versus what that same number would have been absent the stock buyback activity.
CLGX makes up 1.54% of the Dynamic Technology Sector Portfolio ETF (PTF)
CLGX operates in the Business Services & Equipment sector, among companies like Visa Inc (V) which is up about 0.3% today, and MasterCard Inc (MA) trading lower by about 0.7%. Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of CLGX, versus V and MA.
CLGX is currently trading down about 0.5% midday Wednesday.
{{article.article.page + 1}}/ {{article.article.pages.length}}Continue | 2,051 | 1,076 | 0.000939 |
warc | 201704 | Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
In this series, we look through the most recent Dividend Channel
''DividendRank'' report, and then we cherry pick only those companies that have experienced insider buying within the past six months. The officers and directors of a company tend to have a unique insider's view of the business, and presumably the only reason an insider would choose to take their hard-earned cash and use it to buy stock in the open market, is that they expect to make money — maybe they find the stock very undervalued, or maybe they see exciting progress within the company, or maybe both. So when stocks turn up that see insider buying, and are also top ranked, investors are wise to take notice. One such company is Hatteras Financial Corp (NYSE: HTS), which saw buying by COO Benjamin M. Hough.
Back on November 14, Hough invested $248,660.00 into 10,000 shares of HTS, for a cost per share of $24.87. In trading on Monday, shares were changing hands as low as $26.06 per share, which is 4.8% above Hough's purchase price. Hatteras Financial Corp shares are currently trading +1.27% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of HTS shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, HTS's low point in its 52 week range is $23.85 per share, with $29.68 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $26.38. By comparison, below is a table showing the prices at which insider buying was recorded over the last six months:
Purchased Insider Title Shares Price/Share Value 11/14/2012 Benjamin M. Hough President and COO 10,000 $24.87 $248,660.00 11/14/2012 Kenneth A. Steele CFO, Treasurer and Secretary 2,000 $24.40 $48,798.00 11/14/2012 Michael R. Hough Chief Executive Officer 10,000 $24.84 $248,440.00 11/15/2012 Ira G. Kawaller Director 250 $24.14 $6,035.00
The DividendRank report noted that among the coverage universe, HTS shares displayed both attractive valuation metrics and strong profitability metrics. For example, the recent HTS share price of $26.07 represents a price-to-book ratio of 0.9 and an annual dividend yield of 12.28% — by comparison, the average company in Dividend Channel's coverage universe yields 4.1% and trades at a price-to-book ratio of 1.7. The report also cited the strong quarterly dividend history at Hatteras Financial Corp, and favorable long-term multi-year growth rates in key fundamental data points.
The report stated, ''
Dividend investors approaching investing from a value standpoint are generally most interested in researching the strongest most profitable companies, that also happen to be trading at an attractive valuation. That's what we aim to find using our proprietary DividendRank formula, which ranks the coverage universe based upon our various criteria for both profitability and valuation, to generate a list of the top most 'interesting' stocks, meant for investors as a source of ideas that merit further research.''
The annualized dividend paid by Hatteras Financial Corp is $3.20/share, currently paid in quarterly installments, and its most recent dividend ex-date was on 09/26/2012. Below is a long-term dividend history chart for HTS, which the report stressed as being of key importance. Indeed, studying a company's past dividend history can be of good help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue.
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warc | 201704 | This is a rush transcript from "The Five," January 29, 2013. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.
GREG GUTFELD, CO-HOST: So, with the high cost of caring for the sick shoulders by us all -- thank you, Obamacare -- experts say society must now wrestle with whether to let the sick live or die.
A recent A.P. story interviews bioethicists about how to treat fat people. "Your freedom is likely to be someone else's harm," said one expert. I wonder if he'd say the same thing about free love or mountain climbing.
Anyway, now, it's time to start shaming obese since they cost us billions in medical care. Where is this headed? Well, government pays for their healthcare, then they could decide who lives or dies based on what behavior they dislike.
If you cannot be penalized to lose weight, then to quote the piece, "Why not just let the health sinners die? Annual healthcare costs are roughly $96 billion for smokers and $147 billion for the obese, the government says." And that's the big point -- the government says.
When everyone else pays for your care, withholding care is their call.
Your death improves the bottom line.
But maybe one way we can conserve our health care resources is to eliminate bioethicist. Now, I never met a bioethicist and I'd like to keep that it way. I'm sure you feel the same.
So, let's invite them all to Camp David. I'm sure the president could use a few running targets. We'll just tell them it's the FOX News company picnic.
Dana, if you look at rationing of care in the U.K., it's inevitable that someone is going to determine who gets a new hip and who doesn't.
DANA PERINO, CO-HOST: Where did you get that line?
GUTFELD: From you. You said, hey, could you ask me this question?
(LAUGHTER)
PERINO: Also, like -- I didn't say ask me that question, I said you should add it to your monologue because it was such a brilliant point.
But that's true. I mean, the older -- somebody -- there is a limited amount of resources. They can tax everybody however much they want, there will become a point when the government, the panels are going to have to decide -- OK, well, then we should get a hip for this person, not for this person.
And what I wish they had done is put more -- allowed more competition into the system, because then we could all decide for ourselves whether or not we want to pay for a hip or not. Rather than let the government decide for us.
GUTFELD: There should be hips "r" us. I'll take that. No, try this hip, take it for a spin.
ERIC BOLLING, CO-HOST: Buy two get one free.
GUTFELD: Exactly. Or buy three get four free. And then you have hips all over the place.
BOB BECKEL, CO-HOST: You know what they don't say? First of all, this argument is going on before Obamacare. So, I wouldn't bring Obamacare in this necessarily. But those of us who smoke and are fat, if we're going to die earlier, we're going to save you a lot money, OK? Because you keep people who stay healthy, these runners, these marathoners, they're going to get old and they're going to have Alzheimer's.
BOLLING: No, no, no.
BECKEL: And they cost a lot of money.
BOLLING: They cost us a lot of money in the five years before you die in healthcare. It's, obviously -- obviously proven people who smoke use up a lot of healthcare.
GUTFELD: Not really.
(CROSSTALK)
BOLLING: Really?
GUTFELD: Not really.
BECKEL: If I drop dead tomorrow, then that means someone who lives old --
BOLLING: If that's the case, then why wouldn't health insurance premiums be lower for smokers? Not life insurance. Health insurance premiums? They would be lower.
ANDREA TANTAROS, CO-HOST: Yes.
GUTFELD: Maybe -- you know why? They are consistently probably sicker or more sick, maybe they get more flus, I don't know, whatever.
PERINO: Sinus infections.
GUTFELD: Yes, because that's what I get. Although I'm quitting.
Andrea, should --
BOLLING: When?
GUTFELD: I technically quit on Sunday.
BOLLING: Promise?
BECKEL: Don't push it over the edge, will you?
GUTFELD: I never say I'll quit smoking because I know around Friday I'm smoking again.
BECKEL: Have you know that there are reports out, one says if you are slightly obese, you live longer.
GUTFELD: Yes.
BECKEL: And number two, I think if you smoke, you actually live longer.
GUTFELD: Yes. Or else, it just seems like it's more fun.
BECKEL: Yes. I mean, why be so bummed out to give up something you like? I don't understand that.
GUTFELD: Good point.
I hate the fact that Andrea -- it's not about the health, that it's your health, they are implying that you are hurting other people's health -- like smoking outside affects people.
TANTAROS: I actually this is beyond the smokers. I mean, the point is real. President Obama came out and he said there's going to have to be a difficult conversation that takes place which means cut and reimbursement to doctors and hospitals. Maybe smokers but also cancer patients, disabled. They are the most expensive.
Smokers are expensive. Long-term care for in these cancer drugs for lung cancer are extremely expensive. Dana points out, you already see that happening in England. But this is the biggest issue, the cost containment.
And even President Obama said maybe my grandmother, maybe she didn't need the hip. He said that about his own grandmother. So, it's a very real -- it's a real concern.
GUTFELD: She was the first under the bus.
BECKEL: That's for sure.
BOLLING: Over the cliff, right?
GUTFELD: Over the cliff, or under the bus.
Content and Programming Copyright 2013 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2013 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. | 5,946 | 2,888 | 0.00035 |
warc | 201704 | On October 4th 2010, the wall of the waste reservoir of the MAL aluminium plant in western Hungary gave way. A million cubic metres of red sludge poured out over a number of settlements, with the town of Devecser and the village of Kolontar the worst hit. Nine people died, and whole districts had to be written off.
Today, new houses have been built for those who lost their homes. But those whose houses survived say they still don't know what the real health risks are from the toxic mud and the red dust still blowing off the reservoir site. They also say they don't know exactly what happened to the millions of euros donated by Hungarians and foreigners to help them get back on their feet. With Hungary's government currently undergoing a barrage of criticism over its respect for democracy and its handling of the economic crisis, we take a closer look at how it has handled this other national crisis.
Viktor Orban's government actually won plaudits for its handling of the red sludge disaster. It reacted swiftly in initiating a clean-up operation, made plenty of cash available for the reconstruction effort, and built nice new houses for those whose homes had been destroyed. Even Benedek Jávor, parliamentary group leader of the smaller, newer opposition force, the Politics Can Be Different party (LMP), concedes that "they didn't do a bad job".
Tendencies to cronyism Yet closer examination reveals that Fidesz, the ruling party, displayed in this operation many of the tendencies that have been worrying the European Union the most about Hungary lately: tendencies to cronyism, suppression of information, and economic control-freakery.
Firstly, most of the contracts for reconstruction work went to companies owned by government loyalists, notably former Fidesz financial chief Lajos Simicska. The LMP has been fighting to obtain disclosure on how these contracts were awarded, Jávor tells me, saying there were no competitive tenders. Moreover, rumour has it that Simicska may also be about to take a stake in MAL itself: the aluminium company faces a fine of half a billion euros, a sum it cannot possibly hope to pay. Though Fidesz denies it, suspicion is rife that this fine is deliberately designed to put a strategic industrial asset into government or government-crony hands. It would be in keeping with a policy of nationalisation which, according to Jávor, is partly ideology, partly clientelism: "Fidesz sees these big firms as cash cows".
Fear of harassment
What angers local people more, though, is the lack of information about health risks in the area. Dust from the sludge, which was highly alkaline and deemed toxic, continues to pollute the air. But studies that might have helped to show the real effects of that pollution on the human body, such as blood tests of the whole population, have not been done. Most alarmingly, one doctor I met in Devecser said he had test results that showed the dust was particularly harmful to infants, but he did not want to be named or discuss them on camera. He had already had his clinic demolished for reasons he believed spurious, and said he feared further harassment if he spoke out.
In a European Union democracy and at the scene of a major national crisis, that sort of fear seems out of place. But it is widespread in Hungary. Even at a recent demonstration in defence of independent talk radio Klub-radio, which is threatened with closure, I found participants who refused to speak into my microphone, for fear of losing their jobs.
Nevertheless, says Jávor, "Hungary is a democracy". Restrictions on freedom of speech are certainly bad for democracy, as are asset grabs and other new policies that have seen Viktor Orban's government targeted by EU legal proceedings. But despite all these worrying tendencies, Jávor does not think that the Prime Minister wants to be the "Viktator" some of his opponents have called him. He feels confident that in 2014, when the next elections are due, it will be possible to unseat Orban at the polls. | 4,061 | 2,048 | 0.000494 |
warc | 201704 | A chemical called fluoride is found in around 10% of the water in the UK.
In some areas, it’s a naturally occurring mineral while, in others, it’s put there by scientists – , but is it a good thing?
Fluoride has been shown to improve dental health. For decades, people in areas with fluoride in the water have had less fillings than those in areas without. It strengthens the enamel – that’s the tough coating on your teeth.
So perhaps putting it in all the water is a good way of making sure no one is left out and helps everyone have great smiles?
However, some scientists argue that the evidence, whilst there, just isn’t good enough for adding fluoride. They also point out that toothpastes and dental health are just better in many places.
Some people also think that essential things like water shouldn’t be changed on purpose unless there really isn’t an alternative to prevent serious harm.
We are talking about one part of fluoride per million million parts of water – so it’s not very much – but fluoride can be harmful in larger doses and so having scientists checking and monitoring the supplies is a vital part of the process.
It’s a brain-busting body bamboozler for sure!Add a comment | 1,268 | 679 | 0.001558 |
warc | 201704 | Sometimes superficial things like having a good hair day or a great outfit can make people feel more hopeful.
For people battling cancer with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, hair loss and skin changes can make an already difficult situation more stressful.
To help people with cancer feel better about their appearance, the American Cancer Society and The Longstreet Clinic trained licensed beauty professionals about dealing with the patients through the Look Good Feel Better program. Six cosmetologists from the region attended the training session Monday at The Longstreet Clinic in Gainesville.
“Cancer takes everything out of you,” said Kay Kendrick, area trainer for Look Good Feel Better. “If you can keep some part of normal life, then whatever we can control is good.”
The free program for women undergoing cancer treatment teaches beauty techniques focusing on caring for sensitive skin and maintaining a positive self-image. The program has been offered in Gainesville for the past five years and is a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association.
Cindy Simmons, owner of TLC Salon in Cumming, said she decided to get involved in the program because she knows how much better a positive self-image can make a person feel. Simmons has previously volunteered her services to give haircuts to victims of domestic violence.
“I always like to use my services to help people (for) a good cause,” Simmons said.
After working as a regional makeup artist in Atlanta for a number of years, Laura Martin of Gainesville got involved because it allowed her the opportunity to use her skills to help people. Martin works as a client service supervisor at Spherion Staffing in Gainesville.
“Through this, I’ll still be able to help make people feel beautiful and stay close to home and still do my job,” Martin said. “I want to help make women feel more educated, beautiful and inspired. I want to make them feel more confident.”
Volunteers learned the program’s 12 steps to makeup application, which stress the importance of sterilization of tools to prevent infection since treatments leave immune systems weak. Volunteers also learned how to address specific concerns that cancer patients often face, such as changes in skin color, condition, hair and weight loss.
Tips include learning how to properly apply makeup to changing skin, how to fit a wig and even how to make a turban out of an old T-shirt.
The program aims to personalize the techniques all patients can use to make them feel more like themselves.
“Anything you can do to help them feel comfortable getting through this time is important,” Kendrick said.
Kendrick explained to the group the importance of protecting sensitive skin from the sun as treatments leave skin more susceptible to burns. Simple tricks like wearing an SPF foundation over the ears and covering the back of the neck with a scarf can prevent sunburns.
Some of the more popular lessons in the classes include how to draw eyebrows and eyelashes after hair loss, Kendrick said. To create the illusion of eyebrows or lashes, cosmetologists were instructed to use short “feathery” strokes along lash lines.
Kendrick encouraged the volunteers to seek out new ways of styling wigs, makeup or scarves and to stay up-to-date on trends so patients leave the program feeling better about their appearance than when they arrived.
While the makeup tips and tricks women learn in the program are helpful, patients stand to gain more through attendance.
“Women who participate in the class receive tremendous physical and emotional support,” said Jennifer Roberts, American Cancer Society patient resource navigator at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. “It’s a great way for cancer patients to take a break from treatment and build new friendships. Some women have found themselves laughing for the first time in weeks and walking away feeling refreshed and renewed not only about their appearance, but also about their outlook on life.”
Patients interested in attending a program should preregister by calling 770-297-1176 or 800-227-2345. Preregistered patients will receive a gift bag filled with donated makeup selected for their skin tone. Patients do not need a medical referral to participate in the class. | 4,452 | 2,100 | 0.00049 |
warc | 201704 | It is important though to use common sense when implementing Domination Theory. Once you start to add in level geometry, you are adding another layer of complexity to your designs that will call for revising some of your rules.
Figure 16
In this example, Figure 16, I have used the spawn exclusion system to spread spawn locations in an asymmetric environment. One thing to note is that spawn point 3 has been intentionally moved further away from spawns 1 and 2.
The reason for this is due to the fact that spawns 1 and 2 have fewer approach vectors -- i.e. the player can see any oncoming enemy in their view frustum upon spawn. Spawn point 3, on the other hand, has a wide arc of approach vectors which the player cannot possibly cover within the same view frustum, hence the need to compensate by moving it further away from the other spawn points.
You can apply this same spawn exclusion system to other pickups -- the more powerful the pickup, the larger the spawn exclusion should be. As mentioned earlier though, level geometry and other factors such as pickups and the player's ability to move within the game space will necessitate the use of more sophisticated analytical tools -- namely Spanning Trees and Steiner Points.
All game levels provide some type of spatial problem-solving puzzle. These puzzles take a number of forms, but one type of puzzle which can be improved via the application of graphing theory are puzzles relating to optimum movement strategies seen in all well-designed deathmatch style maps.
Players thrive on choice; however, too much choice can be just as bad as too little choice. Further to this, players take great pride in achieving victories via the execution of "good" strategic choices. So far we have used graphing theory to examine the construction of play spaces; however, graphing theory is especially useful when we examine our level designs with human cunning and strategy as our primary concern. The principles of Steiner trees, spanning trees, and maximum and minimum cutting are integral to understanding these human factors.
Figure 17
Figure 17 is an example of a hypothetical level. Each node, designated A-H, represents a different type of play space, and each edge represents how many different ways a player can move from space to space. Note that each edge does not represent a corridor, but rather the player's options. The length of the edge is short or long based on how complex that particular route is -- i.e., the longer an edge, the more time it should take to use that option. In the case of Figure 17, each space (node) has between three to five different options for the player to consider when exploring the space. The graph also communicates how the player needs to move through spaces in order to traverse the map.
Figure 18
Spanning trees can be used to define the most optimal connection of nodes in a graph. This tool can also be useful when we are trying to understand player behavior in a map and look for aspects of the design that may be unfair or unbalanced. We can use spanning trees such as those seen in Figure 18 to help disperse item pickups, define spawn points, and place level geometry to help counteract any significantly overpowered (OP) movement strategies that might emerge in a PvP map.
Although mapping out specific permutations of the optimal movement strategy for a level is a good way to start defining your play spaces, it is essential that we give further consideration for players' desire to exercise cunning and emergence. A good example of this point is considering the pride that people (not just players) take in identifying shortcuts. A shortcut is a set of strategic choices that sit outside of the norm. Players will look for opportunities like this in any game environment and their discovery
and exploitation of this can be very satisfying on an emotional level. A great way of planning for an understanding this behavior comes from the theory of Steiner trees.
A Steiner tree is a type of spatial problem that looks for the shortest interconnection between a number of nodes. The example that Raph Koster gives in his "Games are Math" presentation is a good way to understand the application of Steiner trees in games. In his presentation, Koster states "If you have three nodes and you need to create the shortest possible route between them, what is the shortest amount of edges required?" Koster states that most people will answer something similar to Figure 19.
Figure 19
The answer to this problem is slightly more devious, as it requires adding another node in the puzzle -- a Steiner point. Via introducing the Steiner
Figure 20
A Steiner Point
is a shortcut. It is that element of a level's design that players will seek out in order to exploit. The secret for level designers is to make the Steiner points in your map seem less obvious than the spanning tree routes. Borderlands is a good example of this. Within the maps, spanning tree paths are clearly defined and for the most part, appear as clearly defined paths and gantries.
Steiner points exist within the game in the form of height elements which allow the player to skip large sections of the spanning trees by jumping down to certain parts of the map, therefore avoiding large path traversal. Krom's Canyon in
Borderlands is just one example where the player can jump down from raised platforms to quickly move to another point in the map, therefore creating a Steiner point (see Figure 21). Figure 21
Figure 22 (taken from Krom's Canyon above) is an example of how spanning trees and Steiner points work from a level design perspective. In this example, in order for the player to get from node A to node F, they must enact a spanning tree solution. This relationship is represented in the level design by a set of gradually ascending platforms which are interconnected via bridges. A number of bonus items are implemented in this section of the map via Steiner points.
Figure 22
In Figure 23, two Steiner points have been added. Although there are actually several other Steiner points in this spatial molecule, these nodes are pickups placed on high platforms, only accessible from the nodes above them. As such, not only are these considered to be Steiner points as they offer the player a shortcut, but they are important points of interest for the player that allow them to explore the environment as a spatial puzzle.
Figure 23
Figure 24 expands this particular section of play into an even more defined molecule and adds two other major Steiner nodes that show how the player can traverse the space when they are either ascending or descending.
Figure 24
Now that we have taken a look at how Steiner points operate from a spatial puzzle perspective, lets revisit our spanning tree molecule originally introduced in Figure 17. If we applied Steiner points to link nodes in close proximity, then we would have something similar to what is seen in Figure 25.
Figure 25
These Steiner nodes could take many forms. They could be teleporters, actual level geometry, or even height elements that allow for faster path traversal. Figure 25 shows how many Steiner points we could possibly have in this spatial design. According to Koster, too many Steiner points are bad for human players, because you have provided so much opportunity; there really isn't much scope to exercise what I like to call "skillful strategy." Basically, there is no pleasure to be derived from creating shortcuts in this environment because there are so many of them.
Figure 26 | 7,572 | 3,223 | 0.000312 |
warc | 201704 | USDA Reorganization: Progress Mixed in Modernizing the Delivery of Services RCED-00-43: Published: Feb 3, 2000. Publicly Released: Feb 15, 2000. Additional Materials: Full Report: Contact:
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts to modernize and reorganize its county-based agencies, focusing on: (1) identifying USDA's major reorganization and modernization initiatives for these agencies; (2) examining the progress USDA has made in completing these initiatives; and (3) identifying major issues impeding progress toward completing the initiatives.
GAO noted that: (1) since 1995, USDA has been engaged in a reorganization and modernization effort targeted at achieving greater economy and efficiency and better customer service by the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the agencies in the Rural Development mission area; (2) USDA's effort consists of five interrelated initiatives: (a) collocation; (b) administrative convergence; (c) business process reengineering; (d) information technology modernization; and (e) cultural changes; (3) USDA has spent over $380 million on these initiatives and estimates it will need to invest another $544 million through fiscal year 2004 to complete them; (4) USDA closed over 1,000 of its 3,726 county office locations and established collocated service centers throughout the nation; (5) it also deployed personal computers and a modern telecommunications network to most of its service centers; (6) despite the agencies' collocation, little has changed in how the three agencies serve their customers, and many modernization and reengineering projects have encountered delays; (7) USDA officials attribute the delays to: (a) program demands and funding constraints that have limited the agencies' ability to direct resources to the modernization effort; (b) limited cooperation among the agencies; and (c) some employees' resistance to change; (8) in addition, Congress stopped USDA from implementing the administrative convergence initiative; (9) however, USDA remains committed to obtaining approval for merging the agencies' administrative organizations; (10) three major issues have impeded USDA's progress toward completing its five initiatives: (a) a lack of a comprehensive plan to guide the modernization effort; (b) the lack of a management structure with the accountability and authority to resolve differences among the agencies; and (c) the need for a change in the existing culture; (11) in November 1999, USDA issued its final Service Center Modernization Plan, which lays out USDA's vision and goals for the service centers and the phases for implementation, and describes its management strategy and processes; (12) USDA plans to announce a new management structure for the initiatives by February 2000; (13) while USDA has recognized the importance of changing the existing culture by making it the focus of the five initiatives, it has not succeeded in overcoming resistance from the affected agencies and employees; and (14) without this support, progress on each of the initiatives is at risk. | 3,168 | 1,488 | 0.000673 |
warc | 201704 | Overview
Avocados are native to Central and South America and are grown commercially in the United States, mostly in California. They prefer tropical or semi-tropical climates and don't tolerate cold winters. Avocados are affected by several diseases, most prominently in humid, wet climates. Good cultural practices, such as planting avocados in well-drained soil and providing adequate space between trees for good air circulation will minimize the chance of disease.
Tip Burn and Marginal Necrosis
Tip burn and marginal necrosis are signs of water and salinity stress. Alkaline soils in Texas and Arizona have high levels of sodium, which can lead to salt burn in trees. Signs include dry, burnt leaf tips and black spots. Water avocado trees uniformly and deeply to help eliminate this problem.
Root Rot
Root rot is a problem in wet humid areas and is caused by the soil fungus "Phytophthora cinnamonomi." Young roots turn black and brittle and dark brown cankers form on the trunks, close to ground level. Cankers may exude white sap. Cut out cankers and spray the tree with a fungicide.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a common disease of avocado trees. Brown spots appear on the leaves, followed by small brown and black spots on the fruit. The fruit falls to the ground and is inedible. Treat anthracnose by spraying with a fungicide after the tree has flowered. Harvest avocados only when they are mature so they ripen quickly.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is carried by plants such as tomatoes and potatoes. Avoid growing avocados in soil previously planted with these crops. Affected avocado trees have one or more branches with wilting leaves. Cut out the affected branches. Most trees recover on their own.
Soft Rot
Soft rot is caused by a fungus and treated as you would treat anthracnose. Affected fruit has a dark, metallic skin. The fruit inside is brown and soft and has a rancid odor.
Sooty Blotch
Sooty blotch is a fungus spread by airborne spores. Black fungus grows on the fruit, leaves and branches of the trees. The fruit is still edible, but aesthetically unappealing. Treat sooty blotch as you would anthracnose. | 2,157 | 1,070 | 0.000942 |
warc | 201704 | R&D Sponsored by
According to the announcement, the FDA rejected a petition submitted in 1998 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest requesting the labeling of cochineal extract and carmine be of "animal (insect) origin" because the cochineal dye is made from the dried and ground female bodies of beetles (Coccus cacti). The FDA concluded the proposed labeling requirement would provide sensitized consumers sufficient information to avoid products containing these color additives. FEMA will submit comments to the FDA in support of its position. Members are encouraged to read the proposed rule and share any thoughts or concerns with FEMA. | 658 | 420 | 0.002399 |
warc | 201704 | Download video: Premature Ejaculation Treatment | Simple Natural 4 Step Strategy to Boost Your Sexual Stamina
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• Step #1 - Determine the underlying factors of YOUR premature ejaculation
There are several causes for PE, and these affect every guy differently. Among these are stress and anxiety (including 'performance anxiety'), as well as bad masturbation habits that were picked up from teenage years. Some guys are also unable to control their ejaculation due to problems relating to erectile dysfunction - they rush through sex due to fear of being unable to maintain their erections.
• Step #2 - Determine how long you want to last
This is key. Without setting a target of how long you want to last, it is difficult, almost impossible, to eradicate your premature ejaculation because you have no specific end goal in sight. Incrementally increase your target once you reach each milestone. But be realistic. If you are unable to last more than 30 seconds now (seriously, some guys have it this bad!), setting a target of reaching 20 minutes of 'staying power' within a week is a surefire way to set yourself up for failure and disappointment.
• Step #3 - Maintain a positive attitude and outlook
Like all things that are worth doing, you have to be upbeat about what you are going to achieve. You have to believe you CAN totally and permanently cure your premature ejaculation problem, just like many guys before you who believe they can. Maintain a positive image of what you can do with that extra sexual endurance, and how much more enjoyment you can give to your female partner (and yourself too!).
• Step #4 - Stay the course until you achieve your desired outcome!
Learn the proper techniques to improve your time to ejaculation. There are many natural conditioning and training methods, such as arousal control, breathing control, pelvic floor exercises and the correct masturbation techniques that will help increase your sexual stamina. The key is to take consistent action. Your body needs time to adjust to the training and conditioning. By focusing on what you need to do and staying the course, you will dramatically improve how long you will last in bed. Remember, practice makes perfect. Every single time.
And here is what I talked to you about in the beginning. If you want more tips on your premature ejaculation and also claim a completely FREE Ebook with tips on how to last longer in bed visit http://ReversePrematureEjaculation.info | 2,742 | 1,359 | 0.000746 |
warc | 201704 | There’s something ever so lovely about walking down the street and seeing a Christmas tree twinkling in someone’s front room, or a wreath glittering with frost on a front door.
Decorations are one of the most exciting parts of Christmas, with sequinned reindeers galloping over tree branches and frosty snowmen smiling cheerfully from mantelpieces.
But while Christmas departments are popping up in shops around the country, offering thousands of baubles, candy canes and festive adornments, more and more people are opting to make their own festive treats. A quick tap of ‘home-made Christmas’ into Google gets 51,400,000 hits, with everything from foodie gifts in jam jars to hand-sewn Christmas stockings.
“Making your own things for Christmas is such a nice thing to do and there’s this home-made movement at the moment,” says Katherine Jones, visual merchandiser at John Lewis in Broad Street. “It’s quite popular and it’s great to have a go at doing decorations yourself.”
Katherine has been busy making home-made wreaths over the last few weeks and was on hand at John Lewis to offer free tips to crafty shoppers last Saturday and Sunday.
“I think it’s good to make your decorations because it’s your own style and you can make exactly what you want,” she says, as she shows me the traditional wreath she is working on.
Using elastic beading thread (a bit like thin wire), Katherine is busy tying mini red and white toadstools to the edge of her wreath.
At the bottom sits a wooden owl and bird house, and Katherine explains that she is going for a nature theme for this wreath.
“Most people work out their decorations on a colour basis, but you can do a theme as well,” she says.
Propped next to her table are some ready-made wreaths. They come in at around £40 but it is possible to make your own for much less.
Shopping around for your wreath is a good start, with garden centres and supermarkets stocking real and artificial garlands.
Katherine also says buying decorations in packets and splitting them up can help to save money.
“If you bulk buy a packet of decorations or ribbons you can use any extras for wrapping presents. Similarly, if you have too many baubles you can put the extras on your Christmas tree,” she says.
“It can get expensive because you can run away with it, but if you stick to a budget it’s possible to make something for a reasonable cost.”
Attaching decorations to your wreath using wire, as described in our how-to guides to the right, also means you can swap decorations each year without having to buy a new wreath every time.
It also pays to get in the Christmas spirit and team up with friends or family members to work on wreaths together.
“It’s a really good thing to do with your children,” says Katherine. “You can imagine everyone gathered around the table having a go.
“It would also be a great Christmas party activity. If a couple of mothers got together they could have a making party and split the cost of materials.”
And even those who have little or no crafty experience can join in with the fun.
“If you’re a bit hesitant to start from scratch you can get a simple ready-made wreath and just add a few extra decorations of your choice,” says Katherine, looping a final red ribbon around the top of her festive wreath ready to hang on her front door for Christmas.
Traditional wreath
First collect the items that you think you are going to use. You will need a wreath as a base and then items to decorate, like baubles, ribbon and festive decorations. Set out all your items on a table so you can see what you have to work with. When choosing items, select a colour scheme or theme to base the wreath around.
Once you have chosen your wreath you will need to prepare it. If it is an artificial wreath, fluff out the edges so the stems are all facing the right angle and it’s not all bunched up.
If you have a real wreath, make sure all the edges are neat, and trim away any excess bits if needed.
Start with a focal point at the bottom. You can select any decoration you wish, such as a festive animal or a bauble. Using elasticated beading thread, tie on your centre piece by wrapping the thread around the decoration and the wreath. Wrap round a couple of times to secure the decoration.
You can also glue the decoration on, although this will mean you cannot adapt the wreath for another year. Katherine used an owl and a bird house to create a nature-themed wreath.
Gradually build your wreath up from the focal point. You can use packets of Christmas decorations, pot pourri, leaves and flowers to decorate.
Make little groups of decorations by tying them together and then attach to the main wreath using the thread.
When you are satisfied with your decorations, take a piece of ribbon and make a loop at the top of the wreath. Tie securely as this will be used to hang the wreath. If you wish, you can use extra ribbon to make a bow under the loop. | 5,106 | 2,291 | 0.000454 |
warc | 201704 | If you're an especially active Instagram user who loves a good selfie, you may want to take it down a notch for the sake of your love life. A new study has discovered that frequently posting photos of yourself can put a strain on your relationship.
Florida State University researchers asked 420 Instagram users between the ages of 18 and 62 about their selfie habits, body image, and relationship satisfaction. As one might expect, people happy with their bodies were more well-versed in the art of the selfie. However, these photographers' relationships suffered. Selfie-takers experienced more breakups, divorces, and infidelity—and were less satisfied with their partnerships.
One possible reason behind this correlation is that Instagram activity can make their significant others jealous, with public likes and comments coming in from friends, family, coworkers and more. "Body image satisfaction is sequentially associated with increased Instagram selfie posting and Instagram-related conflict, which is related to increased negative romantic relationship outcomes," the authors concluded.
So, if you've been posting a lot of selfies lately, you could be making your significant other jealous—especially if your photos are getting a good reception. And if your partner is an avid Instagram user...you may want to keep your eyes off their feed to avoid future conflict.
More from Smitten: | 1,412 | 759 | 0.001335 |
warc | 201704 | Haleform Hailu of INSA Ethiopia discusses Ethiopia’s efforts to counter cybercrime. Click here to read the full report.
The advent of ICTs in general and the internet in particular is transforming the global economy’s focus from one centered on industry to one based upon knowledge and information. These transformations have dramatically changed the way people live and do business, and have paved the way for the emergence of the information society.
While these technological advancements have brought about numerous opportunities, they have also opened the door for unprecedented criminal activities. Cybercrime is an increasingly important concern for policy makers, businesses, and citizens alike. Due to ICT growth, citizens, business, and governments are exposed to new and sophisticated risks. No country is safe from the threat of cybercrime; therefore, combating cybercrime is a key strategic objective for governments.
Ethiopia has embraced ICTs as a key enabler of social and economic development. As a result, Ethiopia is seeing a growth in ICTs and internet-enabled infrastructures. Though not yet fully integrated into all aspects of life, the use of ICT and ICT-supported services are embraced by individuals, the government, and businesses in throughout the country. Various efforts are currently underway to significantly increase internet connectivity speeds and access. Huge investments by the Ethiopian government into ICTs and a potentially huge user base (Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous country) have placed the country in a position to become an African ICT hub.
Greater bandwidth will not only mean faster and better internet access but also more opportunities for criminals to launch cyberattacks and to exploit naïve users. The pervasiveness of mobile phones throughout the country, the introduction of new services, including mobile money and ATMs, will also provide new opportunities for cybercriminals.
Ethiopia is not immune to the threat of cybercrime, however, there is no consolidated report that shows the exact prevalence and impact of cybercrime in the country and to what extent the Ethiopian information society is vulnerable. A key reason for this lack of information is that companies and individual users do not report cybercrime incidents, do not keep organized records, and are often unaware that they have been targeted by cybercriminals.
As with any other type of crime, every country undertakes its own measures and strategies to address the evolving challenges posed by cybercrime. Some countries, however, lack adequate resources with which to fight cybercrime. How has Ethiopia prepared itself to address cybercrime?
This report explores Ethiopian efforts and initiatives to counter cybercrime from three cyberspace governance perspectives: cyber security-related policies and strategies, legislative frameworks, and institutional arrangements. The report also provides recommendations on how appropriate plans and measures can be implemented to ensure a safer and more secure Ethiopia.
Click here to read the full report.
Halefom Hailu is a cyber law and policy researcher at Information Network Security Agency (INSA) Ethiopia. He has LLB in law (Mekelle University, Ethiopia) and LLM in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law (University of Southampton, UK). | 3,365 | 1,615 | 0.000625 |
warc | 201704 | Make your Car Like New with Fiberglass Repairs in Redding
There are several reasons why a vehicle may need some type of body work done. All things deteriorate over time, even vehicles that are maintained and driven. There are also vehicles that have been in accidents, and some vehicles are messed up because of vandalism. It doesn’t matter why you need body work on your vehicle; the important part is you have it done by a professional who will make your car like new again. The right body shop can do painting, they can repair dents, and they also can do all types of Fiberglass Repair in Redding.
Body work is something that can wait to be repaired. Many people will put it off for a long time. It is okay to wait a little while, but if you wait too long then rust will form and the job can become much more involved. The best way to save money on body repairs is to find the right mechanic, who is fair and who will do the work right away. Venture Body and Paint is a great body shop, that can handle any type of body repairs, including
Fiberglass Repair in Redding, and they also do top quality painting jobs.
There are auto body repair jobs that require just a simple dent to be fixed, and some of them are very involved where they need welding, sanding, and entire paint job. Most people take pride in the vehicles they drive, so they want them to run impeccable and to look great as well. A good repair shop can handle any type of body repairs you have, and they’re even willing to work with your insurance company. When you take your car to body shop, make sure they are experienced, professional, and they can handle any job you bring them.
When you have damage to your car, it can affect how people around you perceive you. A well-maintained vehicle says something about the owner. If you need any type of body work done on your vehicle, then take it to a shop you can trust. A good body shop can restore an older vehicle, or they can bring your car back to its original form. Talk to professional who can take care of any Fiberglass Repair in Redding, and they can do whatever it takes to make your car like new again.
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warc | 201704 | Why You Should Consult an Expert for Roofing Repair in Lexington KY
The roof is the part of a building that is most exposed to harsh weather elements. This makes it wear and tear faster than other parts of the structure. Regular expansion and contraction can cause cracking of the roof. Acidic rain corrodes the metallic roofs resulting into perforation. These perforations start as small leaks and can become really worse if not fixed as soon as they are detected. A professional firm that specializes in roofing repair in Lexington KY can save you the hassles associated with fixing roof yourself. Here are some of the reasons you should consider hiring an expert:
Professionalism
Ultra-violet rays, snow, ice caps and strong wind can reduce the life span of the roof. Where shingles are used, they will curl, crack and even fall off due to the effect of these factors. Accumulation of broken pieces of shingles, dust and tree leaves, can cause runoff or backup under the eaves causing it to rot. Their expertise and equipment avails place them in a better place to fix these problems.
Easy troubleshooting
Roof problems are not easy to identify and can go unnoticed for a long period especially if there is a soft board ceiling. When the effects start becoming visible, it means that the problem is already a menace. Rotting roofing materials encourage the growth the growth of molds, and this is a health hazard. Professionals will establish long-term solutions for this.
It is risky
The chimneys, vents and skylights, may become loose with time and allow dripping in of raindrops. Solar panels and dish antennas usually require drilling of holes to firmly secure them to the roof. These holes can cause problems if the sealant becomes loose and allow water to leak. Trying to repair these parts can be a risky affair as it requires expertise. You don’t want to risk falling from the rooftop while trying to service the roof or even the ceiling.
For extra services
Affordable Exteriors is committed to providing not only quality services but also pocket friendly ones. They also provide consultation services to ensure that you go for the right materials and choose the best solution. However, it is good to inquire on services provided by the firm before contracting to ensure you get quality services worth the money you pay. If you need reliable Roofing repair in Lexington KY visit
Affordableexterior.com. | 2,430 | 1,240 | 0.000812 |
warc | 201704 | By JIMMY SIERRA In the metal detecting industry, there is a term which has recently been misused a great deal. This term is:“discrimination.”
Some have said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and I am sure that on occasions this has truly been the case. Throughout the ages, man has used words to explain, convince and cajole his fellows about one thing or another. Advertising executives are no exception to the rule; and in their deft hands, a word can become downright dangerous or at least costly to some of us. I am, of course, speaking about the use of the language without explaining the meaning of the terms used.
Every special interest has built into it numerous buzz words. Golfers, tennis fans and fishermen all have special terms familiar to the insider, and metal detector users are no exception. We all get to know these terms as we read articles and talk with the cadre of users. However, there is one term which had been used correctly for a long time, but which has more-recently been misused a great deal. This term is
“discrimination.”
Discrimination was originally conceived by metal detector engineers as a means of operating a detector in junky areas; and, by some electronic magic, eliminate or alter the sound of a target which consists of unwanted material and thus increase the amount of good targets for the treasure hunter. This whole experiment was intended to benefit the coin hunters, who were in fact the majority of treasure hunters. When I first started detecting, metal detectors had no such ability and we dug everything. We found a lot of good items, of course; but spent a lot of time doing it. Then along came ground-cancelling, which is a form of discrimination; and our detectors starting detecting deeper and deeper. Along with the added depth came the attraction of these new GEB or VLF units for nails. Not to be outsmarted, the electronic engineers came out with a discriminator for iron trash, then one for other junk items such as pull tabs and foil.
All of these so-called discriminators worked in the same way, by eliminating or altering the sound of an undesirable target. All had the same weakness: The more mineralized the ground, the less they were able to penetrate compared to the
al- metal or non-discriminate mode of the detector. Even with the so-called motion discriminator, this still holds true. A GEB or VLF discriminator goes deeper than the old TR discriminators, but not as deep as the all-metal mode when there is increased mineralization in the ground that you are searching.
But with the advent of meter identification on many detectors, the user was no-longer locked into searching in a discriminate mode with limited depth. He or she could finally search in an all-metal mode if desired and check the meter for probability of target identification. This is where the definition of terms is becoming important and what I have been leading up to. I have recently heard it said that this or that detector is better for prospecting because it doesn’t discriminate, and many a treasure hunter has set aside his or her perfectly good multipurpose unit and bought another unit just for prospecting. I am not suggesting that these new units are not worthy of the task; but in many instances, it was costly and unnecessary to buy two units. First of all, the original unit should be able to cancel the ground effectively; and secondly, the owner must learn the skills necessary to operate it in a prospecting environment. Every company makes such units, and all are capable of finding the elusive gold nugget. The meter should work independently of the all-metal audio signal. That is, you should be able to operate the detector in the all-metal mode and hear every target that the loop passes over. The meter should respond to these targets in some sort of predictable fashion.
Thus the meter really ceases to be a
discriminator, but functions in reality as a target analyzer. This is the term I feel is more appropriate. Even though this is visual discrimination, nothing is being eliminated as is the inference when the term “discriminate” is used. Of course, there are limitations to this ability, namely the extent of the mineralization in the ground. The meter is, of course, still working in the discriminate circuit of the detector and has depth capability depending upon the amount of ground mineralization. But it is there when you can use it, and it is a valuable tool indeed.
On a recent trip into the El Paso mountains in southern California with my White’s Eagle, I spent the better part of three days fighting the intense heat and struggling with the enormous amount of metal trash in an old mining area. The two fellows prospecting with me were digging all targets and collected between them enough nails to build a small shed. In about the same period of time and number of targets later, I had accumulated only a hand full of nails, but enough lead and brass for a small arsenal. My point is, there are only so many targets a day a human body can dig. The more probable gold nuggets there are (lead, copper and brass are all probable nuggets), the more gold will be dug. The more nails and iron trash you must dig up, the less the odds of digging a nugget. It is an odds-game from the start. I ended up with a single 2.7 pennyweight. nugget on the third day, not from skill, but from better odds and some luck.
One of my good friends has used a Whites 6000Di/pro during the past two years, gleaning gold nuggets from the tailings and gullies of north-central California. The area he works was heavily populated with miners, and the iron trash is extensive. He works with a smaller loop to get in-between the trash, and has told me he never digs a target unless his meter indicates the possibility of a desirable target.
On the other hand, you must always consider that tiny nuggets can drop into the iron range (meter reading), and thus I do recommend digging any dubious signal. When in doubt…DIG.
Just so you don’t think all is peaches and cream, there is a minus side to every method. Because of the extreme mineralization in some locations, there will be times when you will not be able to rely upon your meter or display screen. You will know this because your meter will respond to the ground with readings or numbers whether or not a target is there at all. At these times, you will have to
dig all targets just as if you didn’t have a target analyzer meter at all.
I learned this the hard way a while back on a trip into the Pinto Mountains near 29 Palms. A group of us with an assortment of units started out early one morning and headed about two hours into the desert for a dry-wash known to produce nuggets. I headed down the wash with my trusty Eagle in tow which had just come from a successful trip to the Sierra’s where my meter ID worked beautifully. In fact, a ¼-grain nugget had registered with a positive dig signal on the eighth or ninth pass. I was a bit cocky, and I broke my cardinal rule: Put down a nugget or two of varying sizes and cover them with some of the local terra firma. Check the sound and the meter to see the response. In other words, know what you are getting into. My friend of the El Pasos came down the gully behind me. I stopped at a number of signals, checked the meter and walked on. A few moments later, my friend beckoned me back.
“Check this one,” he said. I did, and it sounded good. But the meter said iron. It was a small nugget of a few grains. I checked my sample nuggets and got the same response. In fact, I had to progress to a half-pennyweight nugget before the reading would not be overridden by the heavy ground mineralization! The gully was full, as should be expected, with much black sand; and it was overriding the nugget response on the meter. The sound was loud and clear, but the meter reading was unreliable. This was one of those instances where you dig everything if you want small targets, or you just settle for the less-frequent larger nugget.
The incessant hot rock can also be easily identified with a meter and not be the bother that some make of it. All this takes skill and practice. Learn to use your detector, whichever one you buy.
Remember, you have to be standing over a nugget to find it! | 8,352 | 3,745 | 0.00027 |
warc | 201704 | Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of the many refuges along the Eastern Flyway that supports migratory birds in their annual journeys north and south.
Great Meadows is located just 20 miles west of Boston. The refuge was established in 1947 to provide nesting, resting, and feeding habitat for migratory birds. Roughly 85 percent of the refuge's 3,600 acres is comprised of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. Well known for its birdwatching opportunities, the public can also enjoy a variety of other wildlife-dependent recreational activities while visiting the refuge.
The Concord Unit is over 250 acres of land abutting the Concord River. It consists of two large pools of water surrounded be woodlands. This combination makes it an attractive stopping place for many different types of migratory birds and summer residents. These pools are usually called impoundments because the water level is adjusted throughout the year by refuge managers to create conditions favorable for diverse wildlife.
The draining of each pool is variably timed to benefit different groups of migrating birds. One pool is drained earlier in the season to encourage the growth of native forage plants that benefit fall-migrating waterfowl. The other pool is drained later in the summer to expose the invertebrate-rich mud flats that provide food for wading birds such as herons and egrets. Both pools are flooded in the fall and remain inundated until the following spring and summer.
The Concord Unit It is located on Monsen Road, off of Route 62, in Concord, Massachusetts, and is open from sunrise to sunset. | 1,671 | 891 | 0.001126 |
warc | 201704 | Articles tagged with ‘Motivation’
What should Chinese students do on the winter vacation? Apart from recharging batteries, there are a number of things you should consider if you want optimal long-term results.Read →
This is the 7th part of the story of how I learnt Chinese, bringing us up to date and probably a few years into the future as well. Topics covered include: motivation, distributed learning and teaching as a learning method.Read →
In this sixth part of the story of how I learnt Chinese, I talk about my two years in a master’s program for teaching Chinese as a second language in Taiwan. I share three main insight about motivation, extra-curricular activities and advanced learning.Read →
This is the first part in a series of articles about how I learnt Chinese. It covers the very beginning, why I became interested in learning Chinese and how that transformed into an opportunity to actually learn.Read →
Learning to read in Chinese requires time and motivation, and this is what this article is about. How do you make yourself read more? How do you stay motivated when learning? Don’t forget to share your own experiences in the comments!Read →
Learning without goals might seem like a reasonable choice at first, but after a closer look, it isn’t such a good idea. First, it’s hard to imagine not having any goal at all, so setting goals is more about making your implicit goals explicit. Second, focusing only on having fun will lead to some very unusual learning strategies.Read →
Children learn languages neither quickly nor effortlessly, but there’s still a lot we can learn from them. You might be too lazy, but you’re definitely not too old to learn Chinese.Read →
Studying isn’t always easy and some tasks require you to be much more productive than others. The solution isn’t to stop studying when you don’t feel like it, but rather to find something else to study that matches your current state of mind. In this article, I discuss the importance of adjusting your studying to how you currently feel and I also offer some actual examples.Read →
I won’t join the group of language bloggers who claim that classroom learning is meaningless, but I do believe there are good reasons to create links to the real world. Not only is this a motivational booster, it’s also an excellent way of identifying problems you might have with your Chinese.Read →
Everybody has different reasons for studying Chinese, but whatever the final goal is, it is important to make the journey interesting as well. Enjoying studying isn’t simply a cliché, it’s quite necessary if you want to invest the time needed to master a language. This article discusses the journey, the destination and the relationship between them. To put it briefly: don’t forget to look at the view.Read → | 2,935 | 1,398 | 0.000753 |
warc | 201704 | MEDIA RELEASE
Bob Marx, Democratic Candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, calls for an end to outsourcing Hawaii’s prisoners to private, mainland prisons.
Currently, the state houses 1,738 convicted prisoners in mainland, privately operated prisons in Arizona — not counting the more than 200 female prisoners who were removed from a privately-run Kentucky prison. These women were removed to protect them from physical and sexual assault.
The state has recently unveiled a plan to return all prisoners from out of state private prisons to facilities in Hawaii. The initial cost of housing an inmate in Hawaii is greater: $128 per day versus $76.18 per day.
The cost savings was initially thought to be worthwhile. However, when taking into account the detrimental effects of being separated from family and cultural support, the increased recidivism rates near 90 percent.
Marx, speaking with a group of Puna Democrats said, “Bringing back Hawaii’s prisoners will initially cost more due to construction costs of new facilities on Maui and the Big Island, and re-opening of the closed facility at Kulani. In addition, we need to expand the Wahiawa Correctional facility on Oahu.”
The long-term savings are estimated at $9.8 Million for fiscal 2013, $19.5 million in 2014 and $26.5 million in 2015.
“The cost savings does not take into account the value added effect of Hawaii tax dollars being spent in the local economy for staffing and operating the facilities. The short-term job creation for the construction phase of the new facilities will create an immediate economic boost,” Marx said.
“I will support efforts to bring federal matching funds to Hawai‘i. Then we can build the required facilities, and ensure matching federal educational funding of programs for prisoners. With an education they are more likely to get a job and less likely to return to prison. The best public dollar spent is invested in education,” he said.
Marx is a Democratic Candidate for Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District.
— Find out more:
bobmarxforcongress.com | 2,142 | 1,082 | 0.000961 |
warc | 201704 | In last Tuesday’s debate Mitt Romney suggested that, under Obamacare, health insurance premiums have spiraled by $2,500 per family. Not true. (Hat tip to
Healthcarefinancenews.com.)
First let’s get the number right: According to an annual survey of employer plans by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010, the average annual premium for family coverage has risen by $1,975 not $2500. $1975 is a hefty sum, but 20% less than Romney claimed.
More importantly, $1,975 represents the combined increase in contributions made by employers and employees– with employers picking up the lion’s share of the hike . “In reality, premiums paid by employees haven’t changed that much.” Factcheck observes. In fact, when you look at the rise in how much employees contributed, “the federal health care law was responsible for a 1 percent to 3 percent increase because of more generous coverage requirements.” In other words, employees were paying a little more, but getting value for their dollars.
After telling a whopper about how much employee’s health care premiums have risen in the past, Romney went on to assert that if Obamacare is “implemented fully, it’ll be another $2,500 on top” of that. His evidence? None.
The Media Spreads the Myths
Yet the media continues to swallow the notion that under “Obamacare” health care spending will levitate. A few days ago, the
Washington Post’s Robert J. Samuelson wrote: “Almost every expert agrees that controlling health costs is the crux of curing chronic budget deficits. Health-care spending already exceeds a quarter of federal outlays. With Obamacare’s coverage of the uninsured starting in 2014 and retiring baby boomers flooding into Medicare, the share is headed toward a third.”
As evidence, Samuelson links to a report from the Office of Management and Budget. (OMB) But if you take a close look at the chart on p. 353 of the OMB report that he cites,, you will find that, when Obamacare kicks in, federal outlays for health care, as a percentage of GDP, are projected to rise only slightly from 6.4% of GDP in 2011 to 6.7% in 2014 and 2015. And this is just a guesstimate: recent trends suggest that Medicare spending already has begun to slow–and reform has not yet been implemented.
Moreover, under Obamacare, the only significant jump in federal spending on health comes in the form of Medicaid spending. theAffordable Care Act expands the program to cover the millions of adults who, in most states, don’t qualify for Medicaid, no matter how poor they are, simply because they don’t have children. Beginning in 2014, they will have access to free preventive care that, in the long run, is likely to make them healthier, reducing the long-term cost of their care.
As for retirees “flooding” into Medicare, as I have explained in the past, we really don’t have to worry about a wave of greedy geezers suddenly clamoring for more care than we can afford. The boomers will not grow old all at once;; they will age, just as they were born—over a period of many years. (Hat-tip to Princeton economist Uwe Reinhardt)
Though, as Reinhardt pointed out to the audience at a “World Health Care Conference” that I attended in Berlin in 2008: “If you want to be a popular speaker you need to feed the paranoia of your audience . . . A speaker who wants to grab his
audience’s attention may well scale a chart so that the demographic change looks like a tsunami that could wipe us out.” The truth is much less sensational. (Nevertheless, the myth that the Pepsi Generation is about to overwhelm Medicare is useful to Republicans who want to pretend that we must turn it into a voucher program.) Medicare Spending and Overall National Healthcare Spending—Both Are Slowing
Earlier this week, former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Peter Orszag laid out the facts about trends in healthcare spending in a Bloomberg column headlined: “Slower Growth in Health Costs Saves U.S. Billions.”
“The U.S. continues to experience a very marked slowdown in the growth of health-care costs,” Orszag writes, “despite some widely misinterpreted new reports. And a growing body of evidence suggests the deceleration is driven by more than a temporarily weak economy — which is good news for the federal budget and for workers.”
Both Orszag and I have been writing about the slow-down in Medicare spending since August of 2011. Now Orsag points out that total “National health expenditures rose just 3.8 percent from August 2011 to August 2012, according to an Oct. 11 report from the Altarum Institute.”
Moreover since health reform legislation passed in 2010 year-over-year growth in medical spending has been sliding. (For example, in August 2012, spending grew by signfiicantly less than 4%–down from more than 4% in August 2011. )
Meanwhile, “ Medicare spending increased by only 3.2 percent in the fiscal year ending in September 2012, according to the Congressional Budget Office. . “These are remarkably low growth rates,” Orszag remarks. “Consider that over the past four decades Medicare spending increased by more than 10 percent a year.”
As I have argued in the past, health care bills are leveling off in part because providers are becoming more cost-conscious. They know that, when reform is fully implemented in 2014, we will be moving away from fee-for-service payment. This means that they will be rewarded for value—providing better care for less..Already, many are beginning to focus on squeezing the waste out of their systems.
“Nevertheless” Orszag observes, the fear-mongers continue to insist that health care reform is having no effect on health care outlays. “Last month, many commentators falsely declared the end of the slowdown — largely exaggerating the findings of a report issued by the Health Care Cost Institute.
That report showed expenses for those with employer-sponsored insurance rose 3.8 percent in 2010 and 4.6 percent in 2011. This modest change was initially described as a “surge.” Orszag notes, “yet by historical standards even 4.6 percent growth is very low– and one shouldn’t make too much of a 0.8 percentage-point change from one year to the next. What’s more, employer- sponsored insurance is only one component of total health spending.
“The Altarum figures. . . also showed a modest acceleration in 2011,” Orszag points out, but then the pace slowed again. “Our data indicate that the 2011 acceleration was not sustained,” the report notes. “Spending growth declined in the latter half of 2011 and dropped even further in the most recent months.”
Looking ahead, he suggests that “There is good reason to think that lower growth will persist even after the economy turns around. For instance, costs have decelerated more for Medicare than for employer-sponsored insurance, suggesting that the shift isn’t entirely caused by the slow economy.”
Recently the Health Management Academy of industry leaders conducted a survey asked chief executives of health- care systems two key questions: What share of your revenue in 2020 will be derived from payment schemes other than fee-for- service? And what share of clinical decisions made in 2020 will be supported by software programs? “The average responses were 62 percent and 95 percent, respectively,” Orszag observes. “In other words, health-system leaders are anticipating two significant shifts over the next eight years: away from fee-for- service payments and toward clinical-decision support. Both of these changes promise to improve value and slow cost growth.
He also points to calculations from two Harvard University economics professors, David M. Cutler and Jeffrey B. Liebman who examined changes in the national health-care spending projections published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“In January 2009, the centers projected that expenditures would reach 19.8 percent of gross domestic product in 2017. This year, the projection for 2017 is down to 18.4 percent of GDP. That difference amounts to a whopping $280 billion. In other words, relative to the projections issued three years earlier, today’s forecasts suggest health savings of $3,500 per family of four by 2017.”
These are only estimates; they could be optimistic. But one thing is certain: medical spending trends are headed in the right direction. At last, we seem to be breaking the back of healthcare inflation. | 8,816 | 4,076 | 0.000257 |
warc | 201704 | Addiction Issues
Care for Alcohol and Drug Dependence By Sep 17, 2013 - 4:33:39 PM
Chronic care management (CCM) is a way of delivering care that has been shown to be effective for chronic medical and mental health conditions. "Chronic care management is multidisciplinary patient-centered proactive care, a way to organize services that provides coordination and expertise, and has been effective for depression, medical illnesses, and tobacco dependence (a substance use disorder)," the authors write. Trials of integrated medical and addiction care suggest that CCM may be effective for treating addiction, particularly since care elements long known to be effective for addiction overlap with CCM approaches.
Richard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H., of Boston Medical Center, and colleagues conducted a study to examine whether CCM for alcohol and other drug dependence improves substance use outcomes compared with usual primary care. Participants (n = 563) were recruited between September 2006 to September 2008 from a freestanding residential detoxification unit, and from referrals to an urban teaching hospital and from advertisements; 95 percent completed 12-month follow-up. Participants were randomized to receive CCM (n=282) or no CCM (n=281).
The chronic care management group received longitudinal care coordinated with a primary care clinician; motivational enhancement therapy; relapse prevention counseling; and on-site medical, addiction, and psychiatric treatment, social work assistance, and referrals (to specialty addiction treatment mutual help). The primary care group received a timely appointment and a list of addiction treatment resources including a telephone number to arrange counseling.
The researchers found no difference in abstinence from stimulants, opioids, and heavy drinking between the CCM intervention and control group (44 percent vs. 42 percent, respectively, at 12 months). In a subgroup of patients with alcohol dependence, there were fewer alcohol problems among those who received the intervention.
The authors did not detect differences in secondary outcomes of addiction severity, health-related quality of life, or drug problems.
The authors write that current health care reforms in the United States include a focus on CCM in patient-centered medical homes to reduce chronic disease burden and to reduce costs (both of which are among the highest for those with addiction), in part because numerous studies have found such benefits for medical and mental health conditions. "Even though CCM is effective for a number of chronic conditions, it may be premature to assume that CCM will be the solution to improve the quality of care for and reduce costs of patients with addiction," the authors write. Further research is warranted to determine whether more intensive or longer-duration CCM, or CCM designed differently, might do so."
(doi:10.l001/jama.2013.277609)
Editor's Note: This study was funded by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Dr. Cheng reports having served on data monitoring committees for Johnson & Johnson and Janssen. No other disclosures were reported.
Editorial: Managing Substance Dependence as a Chronic Disease - Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?
"How should clinicians, clinical leaders, researchers, and policy makers interpret the results of this negative study?" asks Patrick G. O'Connor, M.D., M.P.H., of the Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., in an accompanying editorial.
"... The findings may suggest that the glass is half full rather than half empty. This study places the evaluation of CCM for the treatment of substance use disorders firmly on the agenda for future research in this area. The CCM concept is sound, at least for some chronic illnesses, and highly relevant to today's evolving health care system. More research on CCM of addiction is clearly warranted to identify specific CCM approaches that may be useful for specific substance-using populations. Clinicians and health care organizations should move forward cautiously in this area pending convincing evidence that specific CCM models are effective for the treatment of substance use disorders in selected patient populations. Comprehensive, integrated management of addiction can only benefit patients-it remains to be seen how best to deliver substance abuse treatment effectively in an evidence-based manner."
(doi:10.l001/jama.2013.277610)
Editor's Note: The author has completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.
# # #
For advertising and promotion on HealthNewsDigest.com, call Mike McCurdy: 877-634-9180 or [email protected] We have over 7,000 journalists as subscribers. | 4,923 | 2,313 | 0.000435 |
warc | 201704 | When you research night sweats in men, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the wide range of possible causes. Today I hope to help you isolate and identify the possible causes of night sweats in men over 50 that may be affecting you. Keep in mind, this isn’t meant to collect all possible causes of excessive perspiration or sweating at night. Instead, I’m hoping to give you a more focused and useful understanding of night sweats as they occur in middle-aged men and older men.
Andropause and Low Testosterone
While some debate remains about the existence of such a thing as andropause, more and more research appears to be supporting the phenomenon.
This is the most important condition to consider if you are specifically researching night sweats in men over 50.
Andropause, often referred to casually as
male menopause, involves the reduced production of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone by the male body. Unlike menopause, however, andropause doesn’t necessarily involve the cessation of reproductive function. In menopause, cessation of the reproductive function of the ovaries occurs. Men are often reproductively capable well past their experience of the phenomenon described as andropause. This is why there is still debate regarding the use of the term andropause as it is not completely analogous with menopause.
Yet because men often experience a significant decrease in testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, they may experience several consequences during this period of aging:
Anxiety Depression Impotence Loss of Libido Night Sweats
One of the distinct characteristics of andropause and low testosterone in general is the counter-intuitive combination of fatigue and insomnia. Even though you feel tired and weary all day, you still struggle to fall asleep when you finally get to go to bed at the end of the day.
As you might guess from the title
Night Sweats In Men Over 50, the most common symptoms of andropause are excessive perspiration and night sweating. Hormonal fluctuations — especially hormone drops — tend to confuse your hypothalamus, which is the part of your brain that acts as your body’s thermostat. So a drop in hormones can cause your hypothalamus to misread normal body signals, creating sudden and sharp rising and falling body temperatures.
The broadest age range during which the andropause state may occur is from 35 to 65, though most men will experience andropause between the ages of 45 to 55. Additionally, men with diabetes have a much greater chance of suffering from low testosterone.
Men who experience low testosterone at ages younger than this will often be diagnosed with an
andropause disorder rather than an andropause state (see night sweats in men under 30 for more on that matter).
Just as it has become common for women to treat menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy, some doctors are beginning to treat low testosterone and andropause with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Intermittent Night Sweats In Men
Often night sweats only occur occasionally. These tend to be due to less concerning triggers. Less serious but common triggers include the following relatively benign causes of night sweats in men:
Sleep Environment and Bedsheets
Humans prefer a cool sleeping environment with a little bit of movement in the air. Most people don’t realize this and thus it isn’t difficult to find yourself in a room that is uncomfortably warm with still air. Often this can be addressed by simply creating a light cross-draft, cracking a window or reducing the temperature on the thermostat.
Along the same lines, using sheets and blankets made with heavy synthetic fabric may cause you to over-heat while you sleep. Try using light cotton or linen sheets, or sheets specifically designed to help with night sweats. The same could be said about your sleepwear or pajamas. Read more at night sweats sleepwear.
OTC Medications With Antipyretic Properties
Antipyretics are drugs or herbs that reduce your core temperature (a fever reducer, for example). These common over-the-counter medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin (Bayer). This is a normal function of these medications and night sweating occurs as a result of hypothalamus doing what it can to help your body cool.
Diet
High fat foods and spicy foods may increase perspiration, so eating too many of these types of foods, especially eating these foods within a few hours of bedtime, may trigger sweating. Also, eating high glycemic foods may cause your blood sugar to spike, triggering hypoglycemia, which in turn often causes sweating while sleeping._____________________________________
_____________________________________
When Medications Cause Night Sweats
A common side-effect of both OTC and prescription medications is excessive sweating. The most common types of prescription drugs to cause night sweats in men over 50 include:
Antipyretics (Celebrex, for example) Anxiety (Anxiolytic medications: Xanax, for example) Diabetes Depression Erectile dysfunction (Cialis or Viagra) Nitrates (most commonly for chest pain)
If your antidepressant is causing you to experience this uncomfortable symptom, first stick with your doctor’s prescribed regiment for more than a week, as many of the side-effects will subside over time. If they don’t subside, discuss the matter with your doctor as you may need to adjust your dosage.
When medications for diabetes cause this symptom, it is often not the drug itself but rather the hypoglycemia triggered by a combination of medication and diet. You may need to discuss an adjustment to the dose or the timing of your dosage, or you may need to make adjustments to what you eat and when you eat around your medication dosage and when you go to bed. Learn more with my article on night sweats and diabetes.
Other Common Causes of Night Sweats In Men Over 50
Beyond andropause and simple environmental variables, these are the most common causes of night sweats as they occur in middle-aged and older gentlemen:
Alcoholism (read about the night sweats and alcohol) Excess or erratic cortisol production Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Hypoglycemia Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis (see Sleep Hyperhidrosis) Neurological Disorders (sometimes as a result of head or spine injuries) Stress (read more about night sweats and stress)
While these are the most common causes of night sweats in men over the age of 50, you might still review both my night sweats in men guide and the post on what causes night sweats for more possibilities.
Serious Causes of Night Sweats In Men Over 50
In most cases, the causes of sweating at night are not serious. However, if this condition persists or if it is sudden and severe, you may need to consider the possibility of a more serious underlying condition. Here are the serious causes of night sweats. Please discuss these matters with your doctor and don’t rely on the Internet to diagnose or treat yourself.
Cancer – especially Lymphoma and Leukemia HIV Heart Conditions – High Cholesterol, Heart Disease or Endocarditis
Because conditions like cancer, type II diabetes and heart conditions are more common as we grow older, these causes of night sweats in men become more likely when you are over 50.
Sweating At Night Treatments
If you are seeking ways to address your night sweating, I recommend you consider the following treatment and therapy resources on my site:
I hope you find a reasonable way to address your problem somewhere among these night sweats treatment resources. If you know of any highly effective night sweats treatments I haven’t included, please let me know with my contact form.
I sincerely hope this guide helped you isolate, identify and treat night sweats in men over 50, whether you’re trying to help someone you love or find relief for yourself._____________________________________
_____________________________________ | 8,028 | 3,418 | 0.000297 |
warc | 201704 | An estimated $500 billion (approximately Rs 24.5 lakh crore) of illegal money belonging to Indians is deposited in tax havens abroad, according to CBI director Amar Pratap Singh.
Singh made this revelation while inaugurating the Interpol's first global programme on Anti Corruption and Assets Recovery at the agency headquarters on Monday. Meanwhile, an agency source told HT the CBI's probe into the 2G spectrum scam has established that around $52 million dollars (approximately R260 crore) worth illegal proceeds from it has been stashed away in global tax havens by accused persons and firms.
Singh added that Indians constituted the largest depositors in Swiss banks. "In some of the recent important cases being investigated by CBI…we find that money is taken to Dubai, Singapore, Mauritius from where it goes to British Virgin Islands, Cayman islands and other such tax havens."
"We need to relentlessly pursue asset recovery strategies to make such illegal acquisitions a no-profit high-risk proposition."
Singh pointed out that 53% of countries said to be least corrupt by the Transparency International Index were in effect offshore tax havens, and spoke of the "lack of political will" of these countries to part with information required to trace such assets. He added, "..they are aware of the extent to which their economies have become geared to this flow of illegal capitals from the poorer countries."
The CBI Director also hinted at the need for "ethics in governance". He said, "I am prompted to recall a famous verse from the ancient Indian scriptures which says 'yatha raja tatha praja', in other words if the king is immoral so would be his subjects." | 1,697 | 950 | 0.001068 |
warc | 201704 | Before you get the wrong impression from the title, just know that insurance companies are not settling claims by charging it on plastic. Nor should you be doing such a thing. Instead, some companies are testing out the feasibility of giving homeowners debit cards to use when settling their property damage claims. The normal claim process can be quite lengthy and tedious and homeowners with damaged homes are often anxious to get started with repairs. Therefore, the idea of providing policyholders with debit cards to speed up the claims payment process has started to get some real traction in the industry.
In a traditional insurance claim, homeowners with damaged property need to wait for the insurance company to mail them a check. Unfortunately, these checks can take several days to arrive and mail can be spotty. For example, if you were in an area damaged by a natural disaster, it’s possible that your whole neighborhood was destroyed and inaccessible. Even the most intrepid mail carrier would have difficulty delivering a check to a disaster area. Compound that complexity with the fact that you might not want to visit a disaster area on a daily basis just to wait for a check that might not arrive.
The use of a debit card can help eliminate some of the problems associated with waiting for a check. Instead of sending multiple checks throughout the lifetime of a claim, the insurance company can just reload your debit card with additional funds as they are approved. This can be very helpful to homeowners who also need alternate living arrangements and can use the debit card to pay a hotel directly. Otherwise, the homeowner would have to deposit a check (which sometimes might have a bank hold placed on it) and then wait for the funds to clear, all while hoping to be able to find a hotel or apartment on limited resources.
According to Property Casualty 360, a company has just been awarded a patent for a special type of debit card to use for insurance claims. So far, this type of card has been used to pay over $100 million in insurance claims. While this might seem like news in the property and casualty insurance world, you might already be familiar with the debit card process in health insurance. That industry has already been using similar cards to help their insureds pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as prescriptions and co-pays that might be covered by flexible spending accounts.
As you can see, the insurance industry is also making strides to improve their technology in a way that is responsive to their customers. The use of manual checks to settle claims or make advances on property damage is really an antiquated way of reimbursing policyholders. In the aftermath of a disaster, getting much-needed funds to affected homeowners should be a top priority. The use of debit cards is definitely a step in the right direction. | 2,881 | 1,375 | 0.00073 |
warc | 201704 | Is a Mt. Washington Real Estate Agent’s Commission Negotiable?
By:
Tracy King Realty
10/15/2015
Keywords:
Apartments, apartment operator
When buying or selling real estate in Mt. Washington, you’ll need to form a relationship with an experienced Mt. Washington realtor who possesses a record of proven success. Homes in Mt. Washington, CA are always in high demand and whether one is buying a home or selling a home, large sums of money are going to be switching hands.
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apartment operator
Real estate business structure is pliable because it is constructed by negotiations and compromises set on the intent of satisfying all associated parties. Agreeing on a commission rate is essential to any real estate relationship. The average commission rate is 6%, but it’s vitally important to remember that this sum will trickle down through other people before your agent receives it.
There is nothing wrong with asking your agent to lower his or her fee. The worst answer you may get is “no”. In fact, approximately fifty percent of sellers ask for a lower commission rate. It is uncommon for buyers to inquire about lower commission because it does not affect them. Some agents may have less flexibility to modify their commission because their brokerages enforce a minimum percentage. The commission percentage is typically split between the buying and listing agent and some agents may work for companies who take a large percentage of their commission.
There are specific circumstances in which an agent may lower his or her fees by a half or whole percentage. If the agent is working on becoming known in Mt. Washington, if they are selling a high-end house or selling in a “hot” neighborhood like Mount Washington, they may accept a lower commission. If a seller has multiple properties to sell at once, the realtor may produce a “group deal” and lower their rate. If you waive somemarketing services, like open houses or social media advertising they may drop their commission rate to compensate the time they will be saving. Lastly, if a seller takes an item that was supposed to come with the house, like the washer and dryer, the realtor may drop his or her commission by the price of a washer and dryer for the sake of the buyer.
To make the most out of your relationship with your Mt. Washington realtor, keep these tips fresh in your consciousness. Do not allow their share of the commission to drop below three percent. They need incentive and desire to put their energy into selling your home. If your real estate agent is working for a lower commission, be cognizant of standard prices to ensure that you wont get marked up for extra fees. If you are working with an experienced agent, appreciate their value and the years of experience they will utilize to sell your home for the highest price. An experienced agent with higher commission could get you a significantly higher price than a lower commissioned agent with less experience.
Before you select a realtor you should committo intensive research to ensure they are the right person to sell your home in Mt. Washington. Ask around your friends and neighbors and see what positive experiences they had with past realtors. Another useful source is the Internet. Any website such a Yelp that has reviews can provide “backend” insight to a potential realtor’s past work. Once you select a realtor, here are some questions to ask to see if they are right for you.
o On average, how long do your listings stay on the market?
o What is your usual commission rate?
o Do you have much experience selling homes in this area?
o What will be your strategy to selling my home?
Once you select a realtor and agree on a commission percentage, sit back, relax and let your Mt. Washington home be sold!
, Apartments | 3,857 | 1,753 | 0.000583 |
warc | 201704 | Learn about the connection between insomnia and frequent nighttime urination from sleep specialist Priyanka Yadav, D.O. in this Howcast video.
Nocturia or better known as frequent urination at night is a common cause of insomnia. There are medical disorders that can be causing this which include benign prostatic type hyperplasia or diabetes. Taking better control of these health problems can help improve frequent urination at night.
There are medications that can also contribute to frequent urination at night, such as Lasix, which is just a medication commonly used to treat hypertension. Another frequent cause of nighttime urination does include, drinking right before bedtime. This includes substances like alcohol which will wake you up in the middle of the night after fragmented sleep after you’ve metabolized the alcohol, or even water or other liquids can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
So if that is a problem for you, it is important to avoid any liquids starting two or three hours before bedtime so you are not waking up in the middle of the night having to use the bathroom. | 1,141 | 573 | 0.001761 |
warc | 201704 | China is very, very "business-friendly." Corporate conservatives lecture us that
we should be more "business-friendly," in order to "compete" with China. They say we need to cut wages and benefits, work longer hours, get rid of overtime and sick pay -- even lunch breaks. They say we should shed unions, get rid of environmental and safety regulations, gut government services and especially, especially, especially we should cut taxes. But America can never be "business-friendly" enough to compete with China, and here is why. Workers in Dormitories, 15 to a Room, Rousted at Midnight
China is very, very "business friendly." Recent stories about Apple's manufacturing contractors have started to reveal just how "business-friendly" China is. Recently the
NY Times' Charles Duhigg and Keith Bradsher exposed the conditions of workers at Apple's Chinese suppliers, in "How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work." They describe how China's massive government subsidies and exploitation of workers mean, as Steve Jobs told President Obama, "Those jobs aren't coming back."
One former executive described how the company relied upon a Chinese factory to revamp iPhone manufacturing just weeks before the device was due on shelves... New screens began arriving at the plant near midnight.
A foreman immediately roused 8,000 workers inside the company's dormitories, according to the executive. Each employee was given a biscuit and a cup of tea, guided to a workstation and within half an hour started a 12-hour shift fitting glass screens into beveled frames. Within 96 hours, the plant was producing over 10,000 iPhones a day.
"The speed and flexibility is breathtaking," the executive said. "There's no American plant that can match that."
Right. No American plant can roust workers out of nearby dorms at midnight to force them onto a 12-hour shift. And the corporate conservatives criticize
America for this, not China, saying we are not "business-friendly" enough to compete. This is because we are a place where We, the People still have at least some say in how things are done. (Don't we?) Later in the story,
The first truckloads of cut glass arrived at Foxconn City in the dead of night, according to the former Apple executive. That's when managers woke thousands of workers, who crawled into their uniforms -- white and black shirts for men, red for women -- and quickly lined up to assemble, by hand, the phones.
"Business-friendly" = living 15 to a room in dorms, rousted out of bed at midnight for 12-hour shifts, working in a plant paid for by the government, using a neurotoxin cleaner that harms people but enables more production for companies like Apple.
Forced Labor Is the Real "Business-Friendly"
Arun Gupta at AlterNet, in "iEmpire: Apple's Sordid Business Practices Are Even Worse Than You Think," writes,
Researchers with the Hong Kong-based Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) say that legions of vocational and university students, some as young as 16, are forced to take months'-long "internships" in Foxconn's mainland China factories assembling Apple products. The details of the internship program paint a far more disturbing picture than the
Times does of how Foxconn, "the Chinese hell factory," treats its workers, relying on public humiliation, military discipline, forced labor and physical abuse as management tools to hold down costs and extract maximum profits for Apple.
... Foxconn and Apple depend on tax breaks, repression of labor, subsidies and Chinese government aid, including housing, infrastructure, transportation and recruitment, to fatten their corporate treasuries. As the students function as seasonal employees to meet increased demand for new product rollouts, Apple is directly dependent on forced labor.
... The use of hundreds of thousands of students is one way in which China's state regulates labor in the interests of Foxconn and Apple. Other measures include banning independent unions and enforcing a household registration system that denies migrants social services and many political rights once they leave their home region, ensuring they can be easily exploited. In Shenzhen about 85 percent of the 14 million residents are migrants. Migrants work on average 286 hours a month and earn less than 60 percent of what urban workers make. Half of migrants are owed back wages and only one in 10 has health insurance. They are socially marginalized, live in extremely crowded and unsanitary conditions, perform the most dangerous and deadly jobs, and are more vulnerable to crime.
Please read the entire AlerNet piece, "iEmpire: Apple's Sordid Business Practices Are Even Worse Than You Think."
These things are not "costs" that we can compete with by lowering our wages, these things are something else. Not JUST Low Taxes -- Massive Government Subsidies
These stories also describe how the Chinese government massively subsidizes these operations, assists their low-wage labor-recruitment schemes, and looks the other way at violations of labor and trade policies. The Chinese government is very "business-friendly." They hand money to businesses so they are much more able to "compete." They are so friendly to business that they even own many businesses.
Trade Secret Theft
Another area where China has very "business-friendly" policies is when their own businesses steal from non-Chinese businesses. This
NY Times story, "U.S. to Share Cautionary Tale of Trade Secret Theft With Chinese Official" details just one case of the "unbelievably endemic" problem of Chinese theft of "intellectual property" -- the trade secrets that keep businesses competitive. In this case China's Sinovel stole the software that ran an American company's products, and immediately cancelled their orders for those products because they could now make them in China:
Last March, China's Sinovel, the world's second largest wind turbine manufacturer, abruptly refused shipments of American Superconductor's wind turbine electrical systems and control software. The blow was devastating; Sinovel provided more than 70 percent of the firm's revenues.
... Last summer, evidence emerged that Sinovel had promised $1.5 million to Dejan Karabasevic, a Serbian employee of American Superconductor in Austria.
If you steal the ideas, processes, techniques, expertise, plans, designs, software and the other things that give companies a competitive edge, then you don't have to pay them and you can just make the things yourself. When you get in bed with a very "business-friendly" country, you might find that they are more friendly
to their own businesses. Because they consider themselves to be a country with a national strategy, not a self-balancing, self-regulating "market." Trade Deficit Drains Our Economy
As a result of our ideological blindness, refusing to understand China's game, we have a massive trade deficit with them. This means hundreds of billions of dollars are drained from our economy, year after year. And to make up for this we borrow from them in order to keep buying from them. But this does not cause their currency to strengthen in the "markets" because China loves this game the way it is going, and intervenes against the markets to keep their currency low. And so it continues, year after year. We believe in "markets," they believe in rigging markets so they come out ahead...
Markets Can't "Compete" With This
Corporate conservatives tell us we need to be more "business-friendly" to "compete" with China. But at the same time Steve Jobs was being a realist when he said "the jobs are never coming back" because he understood that the current political climate, controlled by a wealthy few who benefit from China's "business-friendly" policies will not let us fight this. Why
should these companies bring jobs back here, when over there they can roust thousands from dorms at midnight and make them use toxic chemicals for 12 hours a day for very low pay to make iPhone screens that he can sell at fantastically high prices? Why should they, unless We, the People tell them they can't do that to people, and that we won't let them profit from it?
As long as we continue to think that this is about "markets" competing, we will lose. China sees itself as a nation, and they have a national strategy to continue to be so "business-friendly" that our businesses
can't compete. Our leaders and corporations may have "moved on" past this quaint nation thing but China has not. We, The People Need to Act to Fix This
As long as we continue to send our companies out there alone against national economic strategies that engage entire national systems utilizing the resources of nations, our companies will lose. But the executives at those companies are currently getting very rich now from these schemes, so what happens in the future is not their problem. Maybe the companies they manage won't be around later,
but that is not their problem. Others are concerned, but are forced to play the game because no one can compete with national systems like China's.
When everyone is in a position where something isn't
their problem, or where they can't do anything about it on their own, it means this is a larger problem, and this is where government -- We, the People -- needs to get involved. It is our problem but we have been convinced that we -- government -- shouldn't interfere, or "protect" our industries, because "the markets" don't like "government" -- We, the People -- butting in. This is a very convenient viewpoint for few who are geting very, very wealthy at the expense of the rest of us. We Need a Plan
We shouldn't fear China's citizens. But we should be worried about the actions of its authoritarian -- and, yes, still communist -- regime that tightly controls the People's Republic. And we should be downright terrified by some of our own leaders' attitudes toward China.
... China is not merely the key U.S. supplier of cheap toys, clothing and electronics: Its government is also one of our foreign financiers. China achieved this status by defying the free market and its international obligations toward more open trade and investment.
[. . .] History didn't do in the Soviet Union. A sustained and aggressive strategy did. China engaged our business and political elites -- and seduced them into believing these policies were no longer necessary.
... There has been no strategy, no effort to prevail economically.
... No one is suggesting that China is an enemy and we should just update our Cold War strategies. No one can accurately define what China's intentions are in terms of foreign policy or defense. But on the economic front, the lessons of the past are instructive: We need a plan.
We need a plan. We need to understand that China is not competing with us in "markets' they are competing with us as
a nation. We need a national economic/industrial strategy that understands the urgent need to fight as a country to win the industries of the future.
It's not just price, it is things a democracy cannot allow. We can't ever be "business-friendly" ENOUGH. We have to do something else. We have to understand that We, the People -- the 99% -- are in a real fight here to keep our democracy, or we will lose what is left of it.
Democracy Is the Best Economics
When people have a say they demand good wages, benefits, reasonable working conditions, a clean environment, workplace safety and dignity on the job. We need more of that, not less of that. We must demand that goods made in places where people who do not have a say do not have a competitive advantage over goods made in places where people do have a say. And we must demand that those places give their people a say.
As long as we let democracy be a competitive disadvantage, We, the People will lose.
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warc | 201704 | In the days following this year's general election, the constant in almost all of the post-election analysis has been the Latino vote and how strongly Latinos turned out for Democrats and President Obama. The other side of that analysis has been that Republicans need to connect with Latinos quickly or they risk losing the Latino vote forever.
The reality is starting to set in with conservative pundits that Republicans have to finally get serious about comprehensive immigration reform. While taking an active role in immigration reform may help Republicans bridge the Latino gap, Charles Krauthammer takes it a step further in his column "The Way Forward." Mr. Krauthammer suggests that reversing this Latino voting trend shouldn't be that difficult because Latinos "should be a natural Republican constituency."
Huh?
I would be curious to know what data Mr. Krauthammer is using to come to the conclusion that Latinos "should be a natural Republican constituency." If the assumption is that Latinos vote for Democrats only because of the issue of illegal immigration, one would be hard-pressed to find facts to support that.
The better question is, when did a majority of this "natural constituency" vote for Republicans in recent history? In 2000 and 2004, the GOP had a presidential nominee who was in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. Both times, George W. Bush lost the Latino vote. In 2000, Vice President Al Gore won 62 percent of the Latino vote. The Republican high water mark came in 2004, when Senator John Kerry won Latino support by 9 percent over President Bush. Signs of life, but by no means a "natural Republican constituency."
Immigration reform and the Republicans' hostile "self-deportation" policy surely helped President Obama win 71 percent of the Latino vote. However, President Clinton received a higher percentage of the Latino vote in a Presidential election -- 72 percent in 1996.
Many Republicans, like Mr. Krauthammer, might believe that President Obama and Democrats win this high a percentage of Latino support because of their policies on immigration. This would be ignoring the fact that, while immigration reform is important to Latinos, it's not the only issue for us. Latinos are concerned about the same pocketbook issues that matter to most middle class Americans -- creating good-paying jobs in this country, making sure our children get a quality education and ensuring that our families have access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Don't take my word for it. Polls taken right before Tuesday's election prove it. On deficit reduction, a plurality of Latinos (42 percent) believe in a balanced approach that includes tax increases and spending cuts , with another 35 percent of Latinos supporting raising revenue by asking the wealthiest in our country to pay more in taxes. On healthcare, 61 percent of Latinos say the Affordable Care Act should remain the law of the land, because they believe that the federal government has a role to play in guaranteeing that people have health care.
As a Latina, and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, comprehensive immigration reform is important to me. As a nation, we are long overdue for a rational discussion with regards to our immigration policies. I think most Americans would agree that we need sensible solutions that fix our immigration system and deal humanely with aspiring citizens currently in our country. At the same time, these solutions must increase the security of our borders.
I commend Mr. Krauthammer for addressing the need for comprehensive immigration reform. However, if Mr. Krauthammer believes that all it will take for Republicans to win the Latino vote is to fix the GOP's offensive rhetoric on immigration, he truly doesn't understand that Latinos are not one-issue voters. "The Way Forward" might take a lot longer for Republicans to navigate if they operate under the same assumption.
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warc | 201704 | The media has fragmented from relatively few outlets to a plethora of voices, particularly on the Internet. How will increasingly customized appeals to voters exacerbate the ability of elected officials to compromise on legislation? Have you ever read an article online that was shared by a friend or relative, completely agreed with it, then reshared it on Facebook or Twitter saying, “If only our politicians thought like this?” Similarly, have you ever read a message broadcast by a friend of yours regarding an article that you could not disagree more strongly with, so much so that you contemplated de-friending that person? Eventually, your newsfeed will be full of perspectives you agree with, and absent that crazy relative’s posts that make your eyes roll. Welcome to the new media landscape. In an effort to attract and retain an audience, media companies large and small are devoting more and more resources to opinion-heavy content because many of us seek sources we agree with. Conservatives are more likely to watch Bill O’Reilly, read Drudge Report and listen to conservative talk radio. Progressives are more likely to watch Rachel Maddow, read The Huffington Post and listen to NPR. Social media enables us to share the stories we agree with. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but such self-selection has consequences in our politics that are compounded by other, more sinister dynamics that have been around for some time, namely how politicians draw the lines for their own districts.
Gerrymandering exacerbates the impact of our self-selection.
Districts are drawn to ensure an advantage to the incumbent party in the general election. Accordingly, a member of Congress needs to worry more about a challenge from within his or her party in a primary than from the opposing party. (See the 2010, 2012 Tea Party primary challenges. The same dynamic is true for Democrats, but has been less noticeable in the recent past, in part because many lines were redrawn by Republicans in 2010.) So when someone like congresswoman Michelle Bachmann says, “Obamacare kills people” and I roll my eyes in disbelief, I also know she isn’t talking to me. She is talking to her fellow partisans—and her campaign backers will work hard to ensure like-minded supporters back home receive the message in their newsfeeds. Ever more sophisticated technology allows political marketers to identify voters and deliver targeted messages those voters are more likely to find interesting. To be sure, politicians still have to persuade undecided voters, but motivating and driving up turnout among supporters remains central to winning elections. This is especially true in districts drawn to benefit one side: Political survival depends more on avoiding a challenge from within the party. In an environment where pleasing one’s base is increasingly important toward re-election and that base is more likely to see media they agree with, there is often a political incentive to avoid cooperating with the other party. Politicians want to get re-elected, media outlets want to retain an audience, and people seek comfort in the familiar. Simply being willing to roll your eyes every now and then at an opposing viewpoint probably isn’t enough to overcome these compounding factors, especially when politicians get to write the rules for their own game.• __________ Voss is a Democratic pollster for Lake Research Partners in Washington, D.C. Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com. | 3,540 | 1,750 | 0.000582 |
warc | 201704 | When I talk to companies about what we do at smashLAB, I often use a simple analogy. I note that for as good as I am at helping my wife find flattering clothing, I struggle with what to wear almost every day. It seems that no matter how strong our judgment may be, it becomes less clear when looking at ourselves.
Most designers know exactly what I’m talking about. In helping groups find suitable ways to present themselves, they’re often stymied by moments of discomfort from the person who will ultimately “wear” the thing. So, you’d think we’d be better when it came to ourselves; unfortunately, this is hardly the case. For as many design companies as there are, you’ll find an equal amount of bewilderment regarding marketing, sales and positioning. Some months (perhaps years) ago, Blair Enns’ email newsletters started appearing in my inbox. Initially, I found myself daunted by their length and left them unread. On the suggestion of Karo’s Chris Bedford, however, I took a closer look. What I found was some of the most lucid and insightful writing on the topic of selling design services. Most surprisingly, it was coming from a guy in Kaslo, B.C. (population 1,072). What Blair does Eric: As succinctly as possible, tell us what you do. Blair: I’m a sales consultant to marketing communication firms. I teach design firms and ad agencies how to win without pitching – how to get new clients without first parting with their thinking for free. Eric: Tell me a bit about what led you down this path. Also, how long have you been doing it for? Blair: Twelve years into my agency career I realized that marketers can’t sell. I suddenly saw that the free pitching problem was an agency problem and not a client problem or an industry problem. From there I spent a lot of time thinking about the problem, experimenting, first with my own efforts then those of my early clients, and leaning heavily on guidance from outside the agency bubble – people who didn’t have the preconceived notions of the rules of pitching. I’ve been at it eight years now. Eric: What does the consulting aspect of your process look like? Do you visit the organization or work remotely? What length of time do they engage you for? Are there standard deliverables that you work towards providing? Blair: I begin with a business development audit where I look at how the firm goes about getting new business now. I’ve learned that there are four key variables to business development success and in the audit I drill into each of them. I do that remotely over two to three weeks. Then I’m onsite doing training for two days (it’s more like de-programming), and finally I do remote consulting support for 8 – 12 weeks. I’m sometimes re-engaged for up to 12 weeks at a time on a coaching basis afterwards but I’m a better consultant than I am a coach. Eric: Can you provide some specific examples of how you’ve helped companies–perhaps by sharing where they were at both before and after your engagement? Blair: There are the financial successes where firms have added X dollars to the top line, but I think as a consultant you have to have a lot of hubris to claim “I did that.” Success has as many variables as it does fathers. My clients’ successes that I’m most proudest of and most comfortable claiming some ownership in are the stories of personal transformation where, beyond winning new business, the owner of the firm finally feels like he is being treated with the respect he deserves. One of my earliest clients was a guy who had run his own firm for 25 years. He called me one day and said, “Something happened today that has never happened before. The prospect said to me, ‘You’re the expert here – what should we do?’ In 25 years, no client has ever called me the expert.” I remember that moment in my own career when I first tasted the power that comes from being seen as the expert. After that I never, ever wanted to go back to the old ways of trying to earn the business through service or gimmick-laden pitches. The whole Win Without Pitching approach can be summed up as, get the respect and the money will follow. Eric: And you do this from Kaslo, which… ummm… isn’t exactly the global hub of design. Why did you choose to work there, and how does this work for clients? Blair: My wife and I fell in love with the place when we tripped over it 14 years ago and we were determined to live here. When we finally made the move five years later I was forming the idea of this consulting practice but if it didn’t fly I would have pumped gas to live here. I was dealing from this incredible position of strength in that I was willing to be poor to be happy. I needed to live here. In the beginning I kept my location a secret. “I’m just outside of Vancouver.” (nine hours outside) Then I realized that my location was irrelevant. My clients are in the US and overseas. Less than 2% of my business comes from Canada. I’ve never worked with a client within 300 miles of Kaslo. If my clients are everywhere then it doesn’t matter where I am, so why wouldn’t I live where I want? Travel from here can be difficult but I see it as a small price to pay to raise my family here. Plus I don’t travel in July or August when my kids are out of school. The problem with creative companies Eric: In your estimation, what percentage of design firms have effective sales/marketing strategies? Blair: I’m not sure how many firms are effective at business development but I do know that very few are efficient. The cost of sale that firms are willing to accept is ridiculous. It perpetuates this harmful cycle of needing to drive more business, which leads to compromising on principles and margin to accept that business, which sets up the wrong type of business, which means we need more business, etc. The pitch-based approach is dysfunctional, and even the best practices within it are still, largely, bad practices. The most lucrative firms have a smaller client base and very selectively add a small number of high quality new clients in a year. There’s less frantic activity and more measured evaluation of the opportunities at hand. They say no a lot more. Eric: The percentage that doesn’t fare quite as well–what is it that encumbers them most? Blair: Lack of power. In the typical client-agency relationship it’s the client that has the power, not the agency. The client’s power comes from the availability of substitutes. There are too many undifferentiated design firms competing for too broad a spectrum of clients. This plethora of choice in sellers shifts all the power to the buyer. It’s Economics 101. Eric: So, how do they fix this? Blair: The only real way for a firm to shift the power is to eliminate as many substitutes to hiring their firm as possible. They do this by building a deep expertise. The easiest way to build deep expertise is to narrow the focus of the firm. But this is where the conflict starts. Creative people, by their very nature, have broad interests and tend to resist focus. Eric: Every industry has its clichés. Tell me about the blunders that most creative companies unwittingly make that limit them. Blair: Thinking that they can fake deep expertise across an impractically wide area. Thinking that they are in the service business. Thinking that they cannot let an opportunity pass them by. Thinking that they can win business by compromising their principles then somehow fixing it later. Thinking that their firm is somehow exempt from the laws of supply and demand economics. Thinking that they’re not really in it for the money. Eric: Are there any marketing catch-phrases and terms used by designers that you’d like to see bombed to Oblivion? Blair: I hate the word ‘branding’ as a claim of expertise. An expert is someone who has a deeper knowledge of the subject than others trading in the area. I wonder if there’s even such thing as a branding expert. There are just too many people in it and very, very few that have meaningful knowledge that others do not. A designer claiming expertise in branding is like a fish claiming expertise in swimming. It’s not expertise; it’s the price of entry. Eric: On the other hand–what, in your opinion, are the characteristics that the most successful creative companies embody? Blair: The first one is focus. Focus is the foundation of business development success, of business success, and of pretty much any kind of success in life. You can argue this point but you might as well argue against gravity. After that it’s the ability to say no, the ability to get things done, and the willingness to push oneself beyond one’s comfort zone. For eighty percent of creative firms the quality of the creative product is not a significant factor in their business success. Eric: I don’t know if you get this close to these organizations, but do you have an approximation for the kind of difference this typically makes in terms of profit? What kind of expectations can folks have by concentrating on these things more? Blair: First, your cost of sale should drop to almost zero. Second, you should expect to win while charging more. Price elasticity, or the ability to command a price premium, is a function of the availability of substitutes. Again, Economics 101. The more alternatives the client sees to hiring your firm, the less ability you have to charge more. Your ability to control or impact the buying process also diminishes as the number of alternatives rises. Margin problems and buying process problems (specifically, the inability to control or affect the buying process) are really differentiation problems. I look for my clients to bill over $150k in fees per full-time equivalent employee, with almost zero cost of sale. At $200k/head they are on their way to being Win Without Pitching Jedi Masters. You can extrapolate profit from there, but like other forms of success, other variables need to be considered. The achievable ideal to me is an 8-person firm doing $2 million in fees from a slowly-rotating base of 8-10 clients with the principal earning around $1 million. It’s rare but it happens and it’s beautiful. No generalist can pull that off. Power, positioning, opportunity Eric: In a recent email newsletter (which readers can subscribe to here ) you discuss power and how to maintain it. Some might feel this to be controlling, but you present it quite sensibly. Can you share why you believe this to be so important for design companies? Blair: Imagine that I hire you for a design project. I then put a gun to your head and say, “Alright, Eric. If I don’t get your absolute best work on this project, you are going to die. Now, tell me, Eric, what do you need from me to be able to guarantee that you will produce your highest quality product?” In that situation you would probably say you need control. You need to know that you will be allowed to approach the engagement the way you see fit. You need to know that I will make all the decision makers available to you whenever you need them, and you need to know that I will not hold back, nor will I try to impose on you my idea of how this engagement should work. So, if that’s what you need to do your best work, why would you be so willing to give it up and do the work without it? Eric: What about those who will say that customers should have more say in the design direction? Are you perhaps crafting these sorts of notions to pander to your audience? Blair: Controlling the engagement does not mean excluding the client, or being a hard-ass for the sake of power games. It’s as simple as saying, “I do this all the time, and here’s how it works. Follow me…” The best professionals control the engagement while letting the client or patient have their say. But in those engagements there is never any doubt about who is driving. Eric: What positions do you think design firms could better occupy to differentiate themselves from their peers? Blair: The only meaningful differentiator is depth of expertise. Pick an area, any area, just go deep. Consider going so deep that you transcend what you perceive to be the boundaries of the discipline of design. Eric: Are there opportunities that you foresee on the horizon that designers should be taking note of? (If so, how should they go about doing so?) Blair: Social media as a specialization has a short lifespan. Not because it’s going away, but because it’s rapidly becoming mainstream. Also, increasingly it’s better to be a mediocre designer who writes well than a good designer who doesn’t write. Eric: If you could suggest only one thing that firms could do today to improve their operations, what would it be? Blair: Narrow your focus, then start writing about it. Eric: Should someone wish to enlist your services, how might they do so; and, what kind of budgets are associated with this work? Blair: A full engagement starts at $15k for single-office firms of fewer than 30 people. But I also have online resources at winwithoutpitching.com for smaller firms that maybe cannot afford to hire me. The online platform is changing and expanding with a major site overhaul that goes live in September. I’m pretty excited about it. I also do seminars for organizations like the APDF and ReCourses in the US and the DBA in the UK. I’m planning to invade Australia soon and do more seminar work in continental Europe as well. Eric: Every time I read one of your posts, I feel as though you’re saying things I know already, but sometimes fail to do. Perhaps like (I somewhat dread saying it) a “business coach” of sorts–but in a good way. Thanks for sharing your insights and for joining us here today! Blair: My pleasure, Eric. There’s always room for you on the Gin & Tonic Deck at Win Without Pitching World HQ if you care to make the short nine-hour drive. | 14,198 | 6,311 | 0.000163 |
warc | 201704 | "Payments for environmental services (PES) are increasingly discussed as appropriate mechanisms for matching the demand for environmental services with the incentives of land users whose actions modify the supply of those environmental services. While there has been considerable discussion of the institutional mechanisms for PES, relatively little attention has been given to the inter-relationships between PES institutions and other rural institutions. This paper presents and builds upon the proposition that both the function and welfare effects of PES institutions depend crucially on the co-institutions of collective action (CA) and property rights (PR)... This paper presents a conceptual framework that clarifies the inter-linkages between property rights, collective action, payment for environmental services, and the welfare of smallholder land users. The framework is centered on concerns of function and welfare effects of PES. The functional perspective clarifies the effects of collective action and property rights institutions on the supply of environmental services. The welfare perspective considers smallholders as one of several potential sources of supply,sometimes directly competing against large landowners and public sector providers. -- from Author's Abstract | 1,292 | 595 | 0.001685 |
warc | 201704 | Implementing Web-scale discovery at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Criss Library presented some unexpected challenges. The UNO library selected Encore Synergy from Innovative Interfaces, Vendor homogeneity between Innovative Interfaces’ Integrated Library System (ILS), and the discovery tool did not prevent problems regarding ILS module interoperability. This chapter describes the solutions found. Web-scale discovery via Encore also did not include all of the library’s electronic resources, but only a few aggregator databases. A representative sample of approximately thirty resources, however, was accessible via pass-through search from Encore to Innovative’s federated search tool, Research Pro. An initial examination of database usage indicates a decline in the use of databases not directly searchable in Encore.
Top Introduction
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) currently has a population of approximately 14,000 total undergraduate and graduate students and has experienced exponential growth during the past several years. Part of this growth can be attributed to UNO’s new classification as a doctoral/research university according to the Carnegie Foundation. Several years prior to this designation, the Library had lagged behind its peer institutions in offering search technologies that provide seamless delivery of full-text resources. Specifically, the Library lacked an OpenURL link resolution system and a federated search product. However, in 2007, under new leadership, the Library added OpenURL link resolving (Serial Solutions®
2 Article Linker) as well as federated searching (Serial Solutions® 360 Search). Although not formally surveyed, many students and faculty expressed concern with 360 Search’s speed and retrieval of relevant results. Librarians at UNO were also not satisfied with 360 Search and eschewed including it in bibliographic instruction. The Library worked with Serials Solutions® to troubleshoot the product’s slowness in yielding search results. Serials Solutions® recommended the Library reduce some of the database clusters because many of them had more than twenty databases per subject category. After the Library streamlined the number of databases per category to no more than ten, 360 Search’s speed did improve, but the retrieved results were still problematic. General dissatisfaction with 360 Search led to its discontinuation prior to the end of the three-year contract, but no alternative federated search product was considered. Despite overt criticism of 360 Search, the discontinuation of federated search altogether generated many inquiries from faculty and students. Many of them suggested that the Library offer something akin to 360 Search. As expected, neither faculty nor students offered any federated search product examples that they may have encountered at other libraries.
The feedback from faculty and students convinced the Library it was important to offer a searching experience reminiscent of Google that would allow users to search the local catalog and a selection of full-text sources from a single interface. The Library determined that discovery tools eclipsed federated search utilities in meeting the objective of searching the library’s local and electronic collections, and decided to implement Innovative Interfaces’ Encore Synergy™. Interestingly, the Library also implemented another federated search product, Innovative Interfaces’ Research Pro because it integrates with Encore.
While other institutions are able to incorporate digital collections, locally developed collections, and institutional repositories, these collections are still in their infancy at the Library. Because of these limitations, the Library’s search tool is not quite the “the foundation for portal development” that may currently exist at other institutions (Allison, 2010, p. 13). However, the tool for ensuing portal development, Encore Synergy™, is now present in the Library. While many accounts of discovery tool implementation discuss the inclusion of digital collections and localized search interface customizations, this account focuses on some fundamental issues encountered while implementing the Web-scale discovery tool, Encore Synergy™. In addition, Web-scale discovery’s impact on the use of library resources which indicates that Encore Synergy™ is well-positioned to serve as a portal will be explored. | 4,532 | 2,005 | 0.000513 |
warc | 201704 | SUBSCRIBE
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Bloggings on Immigration Law
It has become almost obligatory among editorial writers and other pundits dealing with this subject to end every comment about the deplorable and dangerous rush among state legislatures, especially but not exclusively in what used to be the old, racially segregated South, to outdo themselves in passing draconian anti-immigrant laws, by repeating the pius wish that Congress, or policy makers in Washington, would "step up to the plate" and pass a comprehensive reform bill to provide central direction over immigration.
The only problem with this line of thinking is that Congressional action, or any coordinated action by policy makers in Washington, is a virtual impossibility in the current political climate. Congress is not an abstract body, independent from the bitter political dispute that is now dividing America over the future ethnic makeup of this country, which is the alpha and omega of the entire immigration issue. Very much to the contrary, Congress reflects, and is torn by, the same kinds of ideological divisions over immigration that are preventing, at least for the moment, any kind of action to deal with America's budget issue.
Just as the budget dispute is, at bottom, one over which section of society (or "class", to use an unpopular word) will bear the burden of putting America's fiscal house back in order, the immigration dispute is one over whether America will continue along its bumpy, but inevitable road to becoming a more racially and religiously diverse and tolerant nation, or whether it will turn back in the direction of shutting its gates against unpopular minorities, as was done in the 1924 immigration act which many anti-immigration advocates openly wish to bring back in one version or another.
The minorities whom immigration opponents want to keep out, or kick out, of America, are in some respects different ones from the targets of anti-immigrant prejudice in the 1920's. Few American politicians in either party have a problem now with Italian, Jewish or Eastern European immigrants, as was the case in the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th. But prejudice against immigrants from outside Europe still persists and is the main obstacle to any meaningful immigration reform in Washington or any attempt to limit the excesses of anti-immigrant laws at the state level.
The only way to understand what is going on with immigration policy in many state legislatures today is to look at the issue as a continuation of the battle against racial segregation in the 1960's. This struggle is only on the surface about federalism, whether states or the federal government should control immigration policy, just as the civil rights struggle was only superficially about "states rights" as opposed to federal power. At bottom, the struggle for immigrant rights, in common with the struggle to end racial segregation half a century ago, is a battle against hate.
Unless and until this battle is won, look for even more racially inspired anti-immigrant bigotry from the states, and even less action from Washington to counteract prejudice.
A recent study conducted by the Mexican Migration Project at Princeton University and the University of Guadalajara noted that interest in immigration to the United States from Mexico has fallen to its lowest levels since the 1950s. The study further noted that net traffic of Mexicans immigrating to the United States legally or illegally has fallen to zero as Mexicans living in the United States are now starting to return home. This in turn led to a sharp and unexpected increase of 4 million people in Mexicoís latest census. These numbers have been supported by a study from the Pew Research Center, which noted that last year there were approximately 100,000 illegal crossings from Mexico to the United States. This was down dramatically from 525,000 annually from 10 years ago.
Policymakers however should necessarily not look at this as a victory for increased security measures at the border and new state enforcement laws such as Arizonaís HB 1070. Rather, this change is mainly a reflection of internal changes in Mexico. As Mexican society changes and its economy improves, there is a lessening of financial and demographic pressures upon Mexican families. With the wide acceptance of new birth control measures, Mexican families have gotten smaller with the average woman now giving birth to less than 2 children instead of the average of 6.8 children in the 1970s. In turn, the size of new workers added to the Mexican labor force has fallen to 800,000 per year from previous years of over 1 million. If this trend continues, Mexico will add 300,000 individuals to its labor force per year by 2030. Additionally, Mexicoís economy grew at a rate of 5.5% last year with its GDP per capita also seeing an increase.
As an off and on recession has plagued the United States, Mexico has in many ways weathered the storm and Mexican laborers in the United States are finding that it isnít as profitable as it once was to work in this country. The Mexican government has been successfully improving general infrastructure in areas where they were previously lacking, with water and sanitation services being available now throughout most of the country. The number of high schools in certain parts of the country have doubled in the past decade. College enrollment is also up as the number of students enrolled in the university system of Jalisco, an area prone to immigration to the United States, has seen a 100% increase in the past decade.
There has also been new visa authorization policies used by US consulates in Mexico that have had a positive change on the process. The number of Mexicans who have entered as an immediate relative of a US citizen has increased by 64%. This is a direct reflection of the new policy of the US Consular Officials in Mexico who are trying to reward those that are trying to cross the Rio Grande legally. Policies that have been instituted include a relaxing of the $100 visa issuance fee to Mexican employees that was supposed to be paid by their American employers, but often paid by the Mexican employees.
While these trends are genuinely seen as good, there are still some unresolved issues in US-Mexico immigration. The H-2a visa program which provides a vital source of agricultural workers to the United States remains confusing. Additionally, an increasing number of residents of northern Mexico are fleeing the drug cartel war. This has led to an over 500% increase of Mexicans attempting to enter the United States to seek asylum and has been coupled with an over 50% increase of Mexicans already in the United States to seek asylum. For individuals such as exiled Mexican Journalist Emilio Gutierrez and former police chief of Ciudad Juarez Marisol Valles this fear is a very real objective reality.
As Mexico continues to progress economically, socially, and politically, its successes may signify a new way to handle immigration problems in the United States. The U.S. has acknowledged its role in the increase of dangerous drug cartels and has strengthened its support of Mexico as a key ally. Migration from Mexico has largely declined because of better conditions in Mexico. In 2008, USAID gave Mexico slightly over $50 million for economic development programs. Policymakers should try to use development programs like USAID as a catalyst to better country conditions, which in turn will insure a better way of life for its residents and stem the tide of illegal immigration to the United States.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ILW.COM. | 7,749 | 3,531 | 0.000285 |
warc | 201704 | Factory output dropped 0.3 per cent in March as sugar production fell from an unusually high February level. This followed rises of 1.3 and 1.4 per cent in the preceding two months, both of which were revised up from earlier estimates. Factory output has jumped decisively since the new year, having been flat through 1992.
Growing evidence of recovery has produced a dramatic surge in consumer confidence in the past month, according to the latest survey by Gallup for the European Commission.
Consumers expect the economy to improve in the coming year by a majority of almost two-to-one, the highest for a year. Consumers are much less worried about unemployment, following two successive monthly falls in the jobless total. But fear of redundancy is an important deterrent to high pay settlements, suggesting more good news on jobs could push settlements and inflation up again.
City economists had expected factory output to continue rising in March, but said the small fall did not mean the recovery was stalling. 'But it does add a note of caution to expectations of the pace of recovery,' said John Marsland, of the stockbrokers UBS.
Manufacturing output rose 2 per cent in the first three months of the year, to the highest level since the end of 1990. This was higher than the Central Statistical Office assumed when it estimated that non-oil national output rose 0.6 per cent over the last three months of 1992. This suggests the first-quarter gross domestic product figure may be revised upwards.
Factory output rose in all sectors in the first quarter, which the Treasury hailed as evidence that 'the economy is growing across a broad front'. The fastest growth was in metals, minerals and building materials. Engineering also grew strongly, helped by output of computers for export. Car production rose sharply in March.
Output of consumer goods was up 0.8 per cent in the first quarter. Investment goods output rose 3.7 per cent, the sharpest rise for more than four years. Chris Dillow, of Nomura Research, said: 'Investment and exports are leading the recovery, which is how we want it.'
Oil and gas extraction was 6.1 per cent down in the first quarter, but is likely to rebound, as maintenance work on the Forties field in the North Sea ended early this month.
The pound slipped slightly following the data, but ended 0.2 points up at 80.2 per cent of its 1985 value against a basket of currencies. The Danish krone rose from Dkr3.475 to the mark to just under Dkr3.84 on expectation of a 'yes' vote in the Maastricht referendum, but remained bottom of the exchange rate mechanism grid.Reuse content | 2,627 | 1,351 | 0.000743 |
warc | 201704 | Investors have seen gains of less than 1 per cent on more than £36bn of new companies floating in London so far this year following recent market turbulence.
Figures from the London Stock Exchange compiled for The Independent covering the performance of 114 floats on London’s main market and junior Aim market, show the newly listed companies worth £36.15bn on admission.
But after a period of stock market turbulence brought about by factors including worries over slowing global growth, the total value of these companies had risen by just £222m to £36.37bn last week, the LSE figures show – a gain of just 0.6 per cent, excluding dividends.
The flood of firms coming to market has recently slowed to a virtual trickle as the likes of Virgin Money, the challenger bank Aldermore and the webuyanycar owner British Car Auctions shelve float plans in gloomier conditions.
The figures show mixed fortunes for some of the highest-profile floats which hit the stock market this year. The AA motoring organisation’s £1.75bn valuation is 26 per cent ahead of its value on admission, but the over-50s insurer and holidays firm Saga’s value has dropped by more than £300m since its £2.1bn float.
A host of retailers, including AO World, Pets at Home and B&M Value Retail (chaired by former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy) have also disappointed, down 42 per cent, 21 per cent and 8 per cent on their listing prices respectively.
Some retailers have managed to impress, with Poundland up 5 per cent on listing and Game Digital up 56 per cent.
The LSE’s data show 57 per cent of initial public offerings ahead of their initial market value on admission, 41.2 per cent below the float price and 1.8 per cent treading water.
Richard Hunter, head of equities at the stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “New offerings may be showing modest gains but the key here is relative outperformance. The wider FTSE 100 is down 5 per cent this year and it’s a completely different story to the situation earlier this year when we were getting close to all-time highs. Sentiment has shifted.”
The best performer on Aim so far is the biotech company 4D Pharma, whose shares have more than trebled and market value has swollen to £171m. The worst performer was Bagir, which makes own-label suits for the likes of Marks & Spencer. Shares in the company were torpedoed by a disastrous profit warning just weeks after the float.Reuse content | 2,513 | 1,300 | 0.000798 |
warc | 201704 | The law of attraction has been around since, well, the beginning of time. But its due to the great marketing efforts of movies and books like The Secret that has catapulted it into the mainstream spotlight. In a nutshell, you attract what you think about, or more accurately – what you feel about.
The universe around you is made up of energy; this includes everything – the environment, your possessions, your body, your thoughts, everything. Since like energy attracts like energy, if you align your thoughts and feelings with what it is you would like to attract, you attract the physical manifestation of what it is you are thinking about. You speak the language of the universe, and the universe answers in kind. As mentioned above, feeling is what it's all about – since the universe speaks in the universal language of feeling. When you think of the new love that you want in your life, a simple rehash of thoughts and a few affirmations such as "I am now in a loving, committed, awesome relationship" on their own isn't enough – the positive feelings that these thoughts and affirmations bring about is the most important part. You do what you have to do to feel great about what you want – to feel as if you have it. To generate that feeling that you already have it. It's the energy behind these positive feelings that attract what you're looking for – and it's the thoughts, affirmations and actions that you associate with these feelings that help you to summon them as often as possible.
One method is to close your eyes, breathe deeply and picture yourself in the situation that you would like to be in. If it's a new promotion that you're looking for – then picture yourself in your new office, look around and see the walls, the desk, your reflection in the mirror – dressed in your best as the new managing (or whatever your goal is). Feel how you would, answer the phone as the new manager – believe that you can achieve this – that you have achieved it.
This type of visualization is a great way to practice the law of attraction – but some people struggle to think in pictures, and find their mind wondering to places other than their dreams. This can be a distraction from generating those feel good feelings. One solution to this is to make use of pictures – not just pictures that you cut out and paste in a prayer book or board (which is still a wonderful thing to do), but pictures that are unique to you, ones that you draw yourself.
Get a book full of clear, unlined pages, or an artist sketchbook – and use it as your prayer or affirmation book. Give yourself time to sit down and draw a picture of what it is you want. Draw yourself behind the wheel of your new car, draw the people waving at you and complementing you, draw yourself with a big smile on your face – anything that you associate with the feelings that the situation will bring about. A great tip is to include keywords all over the picture that remind you of all the feelings and associations of the scene. The point is not to worry about how the drawing looks, you're not making a drawing for an art gallery (unless you really want to!) – you're making something unique to you, it can be entirely abstract, black and white, color, filled with stickmen, done with just a pen – anything. The point is to give yourself over to the task – really put your feelings into the drawing and feel as you would, completely express your happy emotions through the pictures and keywords that you put on the page. This method is great for focusing your mind on the task at hand and keeps you in a state of visualization as you draw. Not only that, once your picture is completed, you just need to page to that spot in your visualization book and look at the picture the next time you do your visualizations. As you look at the drawing and read the keywords, you should find that it's easier to bring yourself back into that "space" and experience those same emotions.
This is very useful for before a meditation – instead of closing your eyes and bringing up the scene and the accompanying feelings, you stare at the picture you have drawn for a few minutes. Once you are generating the right feeling, you've gone over your keywords and you have the image on your mind – you can close your eyes and continue with a meditation that already has a solid direction. It also helps to stare at your pictures before going to bed at night, as this can imprint them on your sub conscious mind and offer you an end to the day that includes the feeling that you've obtained your biggest dreams and desires. And its these feelings that will contribute to you going to bed knowing that you can remove the picture from your prayer book as the scene has become a reality.
Practicing the law of attraction through drawings is one of the many ways that each individual can make use of this wonderful gift. Everyone thinks and experienced things in a different way, so by drawing your own pictures (and thereby taking what's in your mind and heart and putting it into paper) you are creating something that is entirely unique to you and will help you to generate images and feelings such a way that is more personal than other pictures may be able to achieve.
We each have the power and means to create every circumstance and achieve every dream that we set out to, be they big or small – and the power of attraction is one of the tools that gives us this power. Not in a standardized way that requires guides and rulebooks, but in a way that suites who each one of us are. So take the time to figure out what you choose for yourself, to meditate, to draw, to visualize the best life that you can live – just take action, and do this in the way that works best for you. | 6,101 | 2,539 | 0.000416 |
warc | 201704 | vol. 15 no. 3, September, 2010
A user conducting an information search using an Internet search engine, an online public access catalogue, or some other information retrievalsystem is often faced with a long and confusing results list, which may cause information overload in the user. We specifically define the case where the results list leads to information overload in the body of this article. As we will show, the information overload problem is especially acute for a user who does not know the answer s/he is expecting to find, a type of search called a topic, subject or exploratory information search (Meadow
et al. 2007). The user conducting an exploratory information search does not have a frame of reference for recognizing the target answer in the results list.
In contrast to the exploratory search is a search where users know exactly what they are looking for, which we label as
known item or known answer search. We start from the assumption that a user conducting a known item or known answer-type search, which can be '
uniquely specified by attribute values', has a strong answer framework in mind at the start of the search and can therefore more easily process the results list than a user who is exploring a subject or topic area and does not know what type of answer s/he is looking for (Meadow et al. 2007: 273). The difference in user mindset between the exploratory and known item or answer search, we will show, is important enough to be considered a qualitative difference (i.e., fundamentally different) not simply a quantitative difference (i.e., a question of the user's degree of knowledge about the sought for answer).
In an exploratory search, the user is conducting what has been termed an ill-structured problem search, which '
typically require[s] additional knowledge from external sources in order to better understand the starting state...' (Pirolli 2007: 20). For this type of search, a more holistic perspective is required than for a known item or known-answer information search.
For an exploratory search, humans '
berrypick' pieces of information a bit at a time (Bates, 1989), going back and forth between a more informal type of searching, where they engage in any number of information-loaded activities (including thinking), and a more concentrated, formal type of searching where they actively utilize an information retrieval system. In this way, the information need that starts and motivates this user's information behaviour gradually
and in an iterative fashion takes shape in the user's mind.
In this back and forth movement through the physical space, the user's mind is bombarded with a jumble of thoughts, some of which associate themselves with the user's gradually evolving perspective on the information problem. The mind may throw these solutions or thoughts aside, but they are still half there in memory, associated with some idea or experience. (The notion that we try on '...different solutions to see if they fit' before a solution becomes 'articulate in [our] consciousness', has made it to the op-ed pages of the New York Times (Brooks 2009: A25).)
In the larger scheme of things, apart from information retrieval problems, these synchronous thought associations
we hold in memory when we are thinking about a problem serve the purpose of
'combin[ing] simultaneous ideas into more complex ideas' (Anderson and Bower 1973: 22). Popper (1975) has called these new ideas about the problem ' tentative theories'. But this is true of information retrieval as well. With a more solid conception of what it is he/she is looking for, something the user can put his or her finger on because the user now knows what s/he is looking for, the user can go back to the system to gather supporting evidence for the tentative theory. This is the way our minds are built; the way we naturally become informed and acquire new knowledge; it is, broadly speaking, the way we may think.
In an influential article entitled
As We May Think, Vannevar Bush (1945) conceptualized an
information retrieval machine, called the memex machine, designed to facilitate how humans naturally think when they interact with their information-rich environment, which he referred to as thinking by association. A stimulus in the environment, on the printed page, stimulates a thought that we for some reason associate with the stimulus. And it is this associated reaction that directs our next impulse to seek information. Bush's memex machine was designed to catch this associated reaction, allowing the memex user to instantaneously retrieve support information for this associated reaction, and the next one, and the next one, and so on, creating a trail through the information store that duplicated and supported the user's natural way of thinking about a topic.
Because Bush's machine was designed to facilitate the user's associative thinking by providing instantaneous informational support for it, the memex machine has been acknowledged as a model for the hypertext information environment of the Internet (Houston and Harmon 2007; Nelson 1991; Nyce and Kahn 1989); the Internet supplies instantaneous information for a hyperlinked concept that is embedded in the text the user is reading (Nelson 1991). (For the memex machine's influence on information science, see Cronin 2007; Smith 1991.)
Researchers have commented on the difficulty of creating an index scheme for the hypertext information search environment of the Internet, because this search environment is structured by the individual user (Hert, Jacob and Dawson 2000; Jacob 2004: 531; cf. also, Tebbutt 1999). Hert
et al. (2000: 981) believe that such an index would involve an intermediate structure of some kind. By intermediate, we conjecture the structure would be between the user's cognition, the information retrieval system and the information store (see also Ingwersen and Järvelin 2005). But what form would such an indexing structure take?
The general problem of this paper is to model an intermediate index structure for the hypertext information search environment on the Internet, with a specific focus on the results list. The model, called the Associative Index Model, is based on:
The
associative index model collocates (i.e., brings together) the user's reactive thinking when perusing the results list, then facilitates the user's selection of the thought that best represents his/her information need at that particular moment. In this way, the model facilitates the user selecting the next item s/he will search for by either clicking on a citation hyperlink in the current results list or by formulating a new query.
In the final part of the article, we illustrate and evaluate in a case study the practicality of the model by having the study participant compare it to AquaBrowser's word cloud , a popular online catalogue results list visualization technology.
It is difficult now for us to understand the impact of Bush's (1945) conceptualization of his information storage and retrieval memex machine when he first described it in
The Atlantic Monthly. It was only later, in a version of the article that appeared in Life Magazine, that drawings of the memex were added. The memex was represented as a microfilm reader-cum-computer, sitting on what looked like an office desk, underneath which was, stored on microfilm, all of human knowledge. A document text from the microfilm database appeared on a screen in front of the user. Any thought the user associated with the text being read on the screen could be instantly supported by the user clicking on the appropriate concept button at the bottom of the screen, which accessed information about the concept from the microfilm database of world knowledge under the desk; and so on and so on as the user followed his or her thought associations. (One can see the similarities to today's hypertext search environment on the Internet.) The domain expert user thus created information trails through the information store which others could subsequently follow.
Bush saw the information trail created by the domain expert memex user as an index system, a 'mem(ory-)ex'-based index system conceived in opposition to traditional hierarchical-based index systems (Buckland 1992). Bush's view of how the human memory system naturally directed human information seeking was therefore at the heart of the memex. However, his conception of an expert-created trail index system has been criticized (Buckland 1992). But his second suggestion, which he called 'associative indexing', appears to have greater potential as a model for indexing the Internet results list. Unfortunately, Bush said very little about this second indexing system, requiring us to extrapolate what it is from his description of his basic concepts of selection and associative thinking.
In the 1930s and 1940s when Bush was conceptualizing the memex, the dominant paradigm for human thinking and reasoning research was associationism (other paradigms were Gestaltism, behaviourism, structuralism and functionalism) (Houston and Harmon 2007). Associationism has a long history in western philosophy, starting from Aristotle's essay
On Memory and Reminiscence (Anderson and Bower 1973: 16) and it remains an influential theory today, for example in neural network research (Cao et al. 2004), in information science (Houston and Harmon 2007) and computer science (e.g., Google's wonder wheel and AquaBrowser's word cloud). The two principal constructs of associationism are that human memory is composed of ideas and that these ideas are connected in the human memory system in an associative network (Plotkin 2004). This results in the pivotal associationism notion that ' one idea will elicit another' in the associative network that constitutes human memory (Anderson and Bower 1973: 24).
We illustrate the mechanisms of associationism using Anderson and Bower's (1973) phase-approach associative memory theory. In the first phase, an environmental probe sets in motion a
matching process between the probe and memory, which establishes a 'correspondence between the current input or probe and some piece of the associative structure in memory' (Anderson and Bower 1973: 238). The matching process consists of a ' cue-dependent probabilistic search' of the '
For his associative indexing concept, Bush incorporated the associationism concepts described above. He envisaged a new form of indexing; a more human, natural way. '[The human mind]
operates by association', he wrote. ' With one item in its grasp, it snaps instantly to the next that is suggested by the association of thoughts ...' (Bush 1945: 106). The central concept of the memex's associative indexing system and ' the essential feature of the memex', is the concept of selection: [The memex] affords an immediate step, however, to associative indexing, the basic idea of which is the provision whereby any item may be caused at will to selectimmediately and automatically another. This is the essential feature of the memex (Bush 1945: 107) (emphasis added).
Bush operationalizes his concept of selection when he describes the procedure of selection for a fingerprint matching machine:
This process is simple selection: it proceeds by examining in turn every one of a large set of itemsand by picking outthose which have certain specified characteristics (Bush 1945: 106) (emphasis added).
Bush's term '
picking out' can mean three different things according to the Oxford Dictionary of Current English (1985: 554): With these dictionary definitions, we can refine Bush's two step process (from his above quote), giving us the following, elaborated definition of his concept of selection:
We examine part two of this elaborated definition of Bush's concept of selection in more detail in the next section.
We further specify the identification concept in part two of our definition (from the previous section) by briefly situating Bush's memex machine in the context of the overall development of an information retrieval machine which culminated in the memex, called the rapid selector machine. The rapid selector machine was first conceptualized in Germany in 1927 by Emanuel Goldberg before development shifted to the US in the 1938-40 pre-war period with a team led by Bush (Buckland 1992). The rapid selector was in response to the explosion of data of all kinds and the inability of traditional, hierarchically-based cataloguing and indexing systems to handle these new, information retrieval tasks (Burke 1992). Bush, for example, proposed building the rapid selector for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to facilitate fingerprint matching (Burke and Buckland 1994).
The rapid selector machine worked on the principle of a quick and accurate information retrieval of a required microfilm document through a coding system, referred to as '
the associations', each of which represented an important element of the document. The associations were punched into a stationary card in prescribed positions. When the user inserted the stationary coded card into the selector machine, it was then matched to all documents in the database through the coded associations. ' A perfect match between the codes on [the microfilm document abstract frame] and the codes on [the stationary] card triggered the selection circuit' (Burke 1992: 150-151). Buckland (1992: 286) refers to the matching as ' the coincidence of a pattern on the microfilm matching the pattern on the search card'. Because this was a perfect match retrieval system, each of the association codes took on enormous importance. In effect, each '[important or elemental] datum had its own identity' (Otlet 1934, quoted in Buckland 1992: 290). The key point that each association code in the rapid selector's matching process had its own identity allows us to further specify our development of Bush's selection concept, to the following form:
At this point, we frame the discussion of Bush's selection concept, with its associated concepts of set, identifying or recognizing and distinguishing, inside traditional indexing's usage of these terms.
We further define Bush's concept of selection by referring to how this term and its associated terms of the set and identification or recognition and distinguishing are used in traditional indexing and cataloguing as they were seminally articulated in Cutter's (1904: 12) three objectives for a dictionary catalogue:
The Cutter objectives have been commonly interpreted as, respectively:
In the following analysis, we interpret the intention of the three objectives as being very different. The first objective is for a known item search (Baker and Lancaster 1991: 200), while the second and third objectives are for subject and topic searching respectively. This is a subject of debate when we attempt to operationalize the three objectives in terms of their effect on information search, because in a conceptual sense they are aimed at catalogue performance. This means that the objectives are concerned with facilitating or supporting user information search as a second order goal, their first order goal being the creation of an effective catalogue, or catalogue performance only (for a discussion of this point, see Lee
et al. 2006). There is also another area of disagreement concerning the interpretation of Cutter's famous objectives.
The second disagreement concerning the interpretation of Cutter's objectives is how they operate together for certain kinds of searches, but for others less so or not at all. We are able to do this because we interpret the first objective narrowly, as a finding objective for an item that is known to the user. From this point of view, the first (finding) objective appears to be straightforward. The user has information about a particular item and wants to see if the item exists in the collection and, if so, from where, through the location code, it can be obtained. Most users search for a known item by title because a search for a known item by the subject is less efficient (Baker and Lancaster 1991: 274); it is inefficient to search for an item that is known to the user through the subject of the book because it is like a keyword search (i.e., leading to many citations in the result list the user has to go through to find the known item) (Lee
et al. 2006). Nevertheless, subject known item searching is done and we make the assumption that this is the concern of Cutter's first objective. The advantage of this narrow interpretation of the first (finding) objective is that, for operationalizing it in terms of information search, it avoids overlap with the second (identifying) objective when the item is known by the user. A wide interpretation where the first objective is interpreted to include known subject searches (as opposed to known item searches) brings the first objective, from an operational point of view at least, within the purview of the second objective (i.e., showing the user what the catalogue has on the target subject so that the user can identify the sought after item).
The second (identification) and third (selection) objectives, on the other hand, are dealing with greater user uncertainty and involve deeper cognitive operations on the part of the user. For example, the second identification objective, when it is implemented in a catalogue, is intended to bring like-items together in one place to facilitate the user finding the needed item, but it requires the user to make comparisons not only between records for items that are quite similar, so s/he can pick out just the element that makes one item better than the others, but it also requires the user to manage and supervise this matching process through a detailed mental image of the needed item in working memory.
We divide searching into known item and unknown item searching; the latter includes subject/topic and exploratory browsing searching (University of California Libraries... 2005; Wildemuth and O'Neill 1995). Other terms frequently used are purposive, semi-purposive and undirected searching (Bawden 1986). The dichotomous term for known item search, 'unknown item search', is rarely used in today's search-type taxonomies (Lee
et al. 2006), even when known item search is included in the taxonomy (e.g., Meadow et al. 2007: 278). Here, unknown item searching is useful because it allows us to include all types of searches on a continuum. There are no hard and fast categories in information search. In place of the usual discrete search categories in analysing the functions of Cutter's finding, identifying and selecting objectives, the known-unknown item search continuum allows us to use the sliding concepts of uncertainty and identification (see below ).
Searching for a known item and searching for an unknown item are two entirely different activities, involving different user cognitive processes, but it is necessary to nuance this statement, which is the purpose of this section. Broadly speaking, in a known item search by author or title, the user knows the item before the search commences, at least approximately and wants this specific item and no other. (There are variations of a known item search, ranging from a user who knows exactly what edition of the known item s/he wants, to a user who not only does not know the edition but does not even know the known item has more than one edition, or has forgotten important accessing information about the known item. See below for a discussion of these points.) In an unknown item, subject or topic search, on the other hand, users are less interested in the physical or virtual item in which the subject or topic information appears than if the information found there satisfies their information need.
In Figure 1, we diagram all types of information searches in the above statement on a known to unknown item continuum, starting from a known item search where the user has complete and accurate information about the known item, located at the far left-hand side of the figure, and ending with an unknown item, full-on exploratory search, located at the far right-hand side of the figure. The continuum, in turn, is made up of two sub-continuums, one each for known item searching and for unknown item searching. While the discussion that follows focuses on four distinct points on the continuum, the continuum is meant to include all types of searches, including those we do not discuss. For example, a user wishing to see what the library has by the author Margaret Atwood is conducting a search that is in-between
and known item search 2
In
, the user has complete and accurate information about the known item, giving this user maximum certainty going into the search of the index or catalogue. For this search, the primary purpose of the index or catalogue is to show the user whether or not the library owns the known item and, if so, where, by the classification code, the item can be physically located; either in the library where the user is at that moment (Lancaster and Joncich 1977: 19), or in some other location by inter-library loan (Svenonius 2000). By typing in all the attributes of the known item in the query, the system, in theory, produces a one-item long results list, from which the user can immediately write down the item location code. If the item is not in the database the results list will be empty. (We make the assumption that the index or cataloguing record contains no mistakes and that the retrieval system does not provide to the user approximate citations in the results list.) For this search, therefore, Cutter's finding first objective is 100% operative while the second and third objectives are, in theory, not needed. This search can be termed a known item search 1
In
, the user has a state of mind based on the knowledge or belief that the sought for item exists (Lee known item search 2
In
, the user knows how to describe what s/he is looking for, therefore enabling this user to formulate a precise and efficient query; the traditional start state for utilizing the index or catalogue. An example of this type of search is: Who is the governor of Alaska? There is a precise answer for this type of search, the general parameters of which the user has in mind before the search. (It has even been argued that this type of subject or topic search is in fact a form of known item search. According to Bates (1998: 1186), ' unknown item search 1
In
and contrary to the previous three search-types, users only know ' unknown item search 2
In this section, for the purpose of further defining the concepts for our developing model, we compare perfect match search, represented by
, with best match search, represented by known item search 1
Based on the search definitions in the previous section, we make the following statements comparing the perfect match
with the best match known item search 1
We illustrate these two statements in Figure 2, where Cutter's identification second objective is shown as a sliding scale between Cutter's finding first objective and Cutter's selection third objective. The identifying scale exerts more power for best match
and much less power the closer the search is to the theoretical notion of a perfect match known item search 2
In Figure 3, we translate Figure 2 into a phase or process diagram. On the left-hand side of the diagram, we represent the perfect match process of
, while on the right-hand side of the diagram, we represent the best match process of known item search 1
Figure 3 introduces the concept of the second set created by the user. In our previous expanded definition of Bush's selection concept, when '
the user first examines a set of items', it is now clear that the set is the results list, which is the collocation set brought together by the information retrieval system in response to the user's query and that when the user '
We now further develop our model by illustrating
with the example of a user who has incomplete or inaccurate information about the item searching for the first edition of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. The user is surprised to see there are two items in the results list, one of which is a reference to Oliver Twist published in serial form in the journal Bentley's Miscellany in 1837. The second citation is for the first edition of the book published in 1838. With the appearance of asymmetry or noise between the user's mental image of the known item and the actual record of it in the index or catalogue, the situation shifts from a perfect match search to the imperfect world where the user will have to settle for a best match, i.e., the match that will most probably fulfill his or her information need. known item search 2
Traditional, system-oriented information retrieval design assumes this user is adequately served by the results list and, based on a static conception of information need, that s/he will select the book first edition of Oliver Twist published in 1838. But for these users, for whom Bush designed the memex machine, their associative thinking has moved on, complicating matters by forming another, second collocation set. This second collocation set is formed in the user's own mind and is not controlled by the retrieval system. Let us hypothesize that the second collocation set can be put into question form, producing the following four questions in the user's mind:
These four item-questions constitute the four members of a new, second collocation set, created from the user's associative thinking. The user will either select questions 1, 2 or 3 and engage in new information seeking behaviour to find answers to the selected question, or s/he will select question number 4 and revert back to the index or catalogue-created first collocation set to obtain the location code for the book first edition.
The role of the associative index is to facilitate the user assembling the second collocation set, then identifying, recognizing and distinguishing the needed item from the other members of the set. The user can now make the selection of the new information need from the set.
The conceptualization of the associative index just described is fundamentally different from AquaBrowser's word cloud technology, which represents, in visual form, the concept terms the AquaBrowser system associates, by co-occurrence analysis of terms in the bibliographic citations, with the user's query. The concepts shown the user by AquaBrowser, therefore, are associated with the user's original information need.
Our associative index, on the other hand, conceives of the results list as a trigger of new associative thoughts in the user, which, according to associationism theory, are linked together in the user's memory in an associative network. These triggered thoughts constitute a second collocation set, from which the user will select a new information need. The new information need supersedes the original information need. We illustrate this fundamental difference in Figure 4.
Figure 4 is divided into two halves, labelled A and B. A, the upper half of the figure, represents our associative index conception of what is going on with the results list, while B, the lower half of the figure, represents AquaBrowser's view of what is going on with the user when s/he is reading the results list. In A, the results list triggers associative thoughts in the user's associative network; the user identifies the associative thoughts which constitutes the second set, from which the user selects a new, second information need. The second information need may be entirely different from the initiating information need in the user's query.
In B, AquaBrowser has the initiating information need,
information need 1 in Figure 4, still controlling the user's interaction with the results list. Associative thoughts of the user triggered by the results list that are not directly associated with the initiating information need are considered noise. For and known item search 1 and 2
Remember that
is an entry level (or easiest example) for best match search, which includes the far more complicated known item search 2
In our Oliver Twist example, the results list of two items constituted the information retrieval system-determined first collocation set. For our model, however, we have to transition to another type of index, forcibly one that is dependent on the user's own associative thinking, which in the Oliver Twist case consisted of the user's own thought associations triggered when the user examined the two records in the first system-created collocation set. This transition step in indexing, we believe, is at the heart of the difference between traditional cataloguing and indexing schemes and Bush's innovative, forward looking conceptualization of an associative indexing approach for the memex machine.
The
associative index model shown in Figure 5 starts with the user's initial query to the information retrieval system (e.g., the online catalogue or an Internet information search engine). The system collocates the system response set in the results list, producing the first collocation set.
In the
identification phase, users examine the first collocation set, matching items in the results list to their mental image of the item being sought. In our model, the user has incomplete or inaccurate information about the sought for item, creating a results list that is more than one item long. The rise in user uncertainty produces the mental operations that follow.
The
first matching-identification: The user must consider all items in the results list as possible contenders for the sought for item, matching a mental image of the needed item with the results list. The user utilizes certain specified characteristics to distinguish good from bad members of the set. These specified characteristics constitute the user's initiating information need, but looking at the results list also triggers associated thoughts.
The
second collocation set is at the heart of the model. The user's consideration of the first collocation set (the results list) triggers associative thinking. These are the user's thoughts from the user's associative memory network. They may or may not be related to the user's original or initiating information need as expressed in the initial query to the system. The associated thoughts constitute the second collocation set.
The
second matching-identification: The retrieval system asks users to give identity to the associative thoughts or associations by listing all their thoughts associated with the act of viewing the results list. The case study in the next section illustrates the listing. The identified associated thoughts constitute the specified characteristics of the user's information need.
In the
selection phase, the user must decide which association is the most important of all the associations in the second collocation set. An association is a characteristic of the user's information need at that moment (when looking at the results list). The system can facilitate this user task by asking the user to assign probabilities to each member of the second collocation set (see the case study that follows for how this can be done). Then the highest probability member is the item that is selected. It forms the revised query to the system. In this way, as Bush originally defined associative indexing, ' one item—[i.e., the most important associated thought triggered by the item] selects another [the next item]'.
In the
finding phase, the user physically obtains the selected item by inputting a new query based on the highest probability member of the second collocation set or, if the highest probability member of this set is a hyperlink in the results list, the user clicks on the selected hyperlink to the actual item in the electronic database.
The case study presented here is intended to illustrate and test the functioning of the model shown in Figure 5, by comparing it with the online public access computer of the Queens University Library (New York) . This was the geographically closest catalogue equipped with the popular word association and visualization information retrieval technology called the AquaBrowser, which is used by over 700 libraries worldwide. In addition to the usual catalogue results list, the AquaBrowser shows the user word clouds, a visualization of words AquaBrowser's algorithm associates with the user's query. Users may click on the hyperlink of a concept term in the word cloud to refine their query.
On May 15, 2008, a Master's programme student in the Faculty of Education at McGill University was asked about an information need for a term paper for a course he was taking at the time of the interview. The subject was taken to the Queens University Library catalogue and asked to think about an information need he had concerning his term paper, to formulate the need into a one, two or three word query and to type the query into the online catalogue search box.
The student typed the words '
dropout rates' into the search box, which produced a results list of seven items. We labelled this results list 'Results List 1'. On the left-hand side of the screen was AquaBrowser's visualization of a network of words its algorithms associated with the subject's query, called a word cloud. The subject was directed to select a word association from the word cloud that interested him. The subject selected the word 'cause' and clicked on it which produced a results list of 5,000 items. We labelled the first page of this results list, containing ten citations, 'Results List 2'.
Results Lists 1 and 2 were printed and shown to the subject, who was asked to look at the citations carefully from both lists. He was then asked to write down four information questions that came to mind as he looked over the citations, four questions he wanted information from the catalogue to answer. His four questions were:
The subject was asked to rate the probability for each of the four questions that it would be in the final version of his term paper, or its importance to his term paper. He rated the questions as shown in Table 1.
Question Subject's rating
(in percent probability)
1 3% 2 20% 3 65% 4 12%
The subject was then asked to focus on his highest rated question, Question 3 and to formulate a one, two or three word query from this question. With Results List 2 still on the screen, the subject tried and rejected several queries without pushing enter, then the subject typed the new query 'education statistics method'. He said the words in the visualization for Results List 2 had been helpful in coming up with these new search terms. The query 'education statistics method' produced thirty-seven citations. The first page of ten citations was printed out and labelled 'Results List 3'.
The three results lists produced during the interview were then put in front of the subject in shuffled order and he was asked to rank each according to a five point Likert Scale, with 1 = bad and/or not interesting and 5 = good and/or interesting. He ranked Results List 1 with a 4, 'Results List 2' with a 1 and 'Results List 3' with a 5, as shown in Table 2.
Results List
(three shown to subject)
Subject's rating
(on Likert Scale)
1 4 2 1 3 5
The researcher asked the subject why he had rated the results lists as he did. For Results List 1, the subject said it had:
...some [citations] related to research, but primarily American so generic search terms would produce the American context mostly. Few of the citations [from this list, however] are generic enough to use. Perhaps some could be used as a comparison study [with his Canadian information on the topic] in a small part of my paper.
For Results List 2' for the query 'cause', the subject said:
None of these entries are relevant to research or the paper. I am surprised to see that 'cause' produced a citation list none of which had anything remotely to do with original search [query he had typed in search box].
For Results List 3, the subject said there are:
..several texts which I will consult [here]. They have a very specific focus on statistics, which is 'major' part of paper. Several books on statistics and methodology equal 'exactly' what my paper is concerned with. Even if they are U. S. books, they are theoretical so I can use them.
When asked to mark the citations he would later consult from Results List 3, the subject marked four of the ten citations and was given a copy of these results so that he could, if he wished, find them via their call numbers.
The case study was designed to illustrate the model shown in Figure 5 and to indicate, in a preliminary way, the efficacy of the model in indexing the student's associative thinking while the student is engaged in matching his mental image of the sought for item with the system-produced first collocation set in the results list. As in all indexing schemes, the ultimate purpose of the
associative index is to facilitate the student's formulation of the query to the information retrieval system, which most accurately reflects the student's real information need.
The case study illustrated how the model may work by taking the subject through the collocation/identification, selection and finding phases of the model. The model succeeded in collocating the subject's associative thinking into a second collocation set. The subject easily assigned probability values to each member of the second collocation set, then selected the highest probability question as the associative thought. This question represented the subject's most important associated thought when looking at Results Lists 1 and 2 and this thought then selected the next item, put into query form as: 'education statistics method'; the query that caused the system to produce Results List 3.
Evidence from the case study of the efficacy of the
associative index model is anecdotal. However, the response of the subject provides some indication that it may have facilitated the student getting at his information need at that moment. Evidence for this is:
The query that produced Results List 2 was the hypertext term 'cause' which the subject clicked on from AquaBrowser's word cloud. The subject's negative reactions to Results List 2, whilst at the same time expressing a positive view of the word associations in the word cloud, indicates it is possible the case study subject had in mind a completely different interpretation of the term 'cause' than the system's matching algorithm.
The problem of indexing the results list in the hypertext Internet search environment is crucial to making information search easier and more natural for today's users. In this paper, the
associative index model is an attempt to build on the principles and concepts of indexing/cataloguing in use over the last 135 years to produce a new, evolved index for searching and finding needed information the way humans naturally think.
We took as a starting point Vannevar Bush's article As We May Think, where he describes his conceptualization of an information storage and retrieval machine called the memex that he designed to give informational support to the associative thinking of the user while that user is reading a text on the memex screen. The user, according to Bush, selects the next information item s/he will need to look at based on the associated thoughts that come into the user's head, triggered by what is seen on the screen. The
associated index model indexes the user's associative thinking at this crucial moment when s/he is about to select the next item.
Bush's memex machine is based on associationism theory. Current applications of associationism such as Google's Wonder Wheel and Aquabrowser's Word Cloud suggest system-selected associations to the user's initial query, but this, we believe, misses the point of associationism. The user's associative thinking is
ad hoc and user specific and will not necessarily be facilitated by system-generated associations at the moment when the user is perusing the results list. This assertion, however, requires further testing.
We believe the difficulty users have with system-generated concept/word associations is not so much the trouble users have relating to the concept terms (especially domain novice users unfamiliar with a domain's conceptual and structural framework), but rather the way the human mind naturally works at a given moment when confronted with environmental stimuli. While the user may be amenable to using an index or catalogue/classification scheme before starting the search, when s/he is in a learning mode, the user is in a different mindset after the search starts and the results list appears. The results list stimulates a whole host of associative thinking in the user which, we contend, is a positive step in getting users closer to their real, underlying information need. It is not useful, except from a system point of view, to pull the user back to the original, initiating query. We have tried in this paper to disassociate these two very distinct index perspectives, particularly in the case study.
The case study illustrated and tested the
associative index model, showing that it can be easily and practically applied in a real information search situation for a user who has a real information need. The eventual goal of our research programme is to expand the scope of our evaluation, to test the model in a defined user population in a naturalistic setting by randomly assigning members of a target population to either a control group, which receives a standard, AquaBrowser-type interface when viewing the results list, or the model group, which receives the intervention similar to the one shown in the case study. The most effective dependent variable in this case, where the information retrieval task is for a real-life student task, is the mark given to the student assignment by the course instructor. The idea of the associative index model will only be taken up by mainstream information search engine developers if it is shown to be effective through gold standard research design which demonstrates dramatically improved performance for real users in the real world.
The authors wish to acknowledge the financial contribution to the research of the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada, File No. 410-2002-1394.
Charles Cole is a researcher, affiliated member at the School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal. He is also an information design consultant (Colemining Inc.). He received his Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of Sheffield, UK, his MLIS from McGill University and his B.A. in history-geography from McGill University. His current research interests include the information seeking of school children He has published extensively in JASIST, IPM and other journals. He can be contacted at charles.cole@mcgill.ca
Charles-Antoine Julien is completing his PhD in information studies from McGill University. His current main interests are links between information organization, information retrieval and information visualization. He completing an applied sciences Masters in educative technologies (Polytecnique, Montreal) and an engineering undergraduate (Polytecnique, Montreal). He can be contacted at charles.julien@mail.mcgill.ca
John E. Leide is past Associate Professor at the School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal. He received his PhD in Library Service from Rutgers University, his MS (Library Science) from the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and his BS (mathematics-humanities) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research interests include library and information organization, cataloguing and classification. He can be contacted at john.leide@mcgill.ca
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Last updated: 20 August, 2010 | 44,071 | 15,671 | 0.000064 |
warc | 201704 | By Kevin Komiega
—Israeli start-up Continuity Software has set up shop in the United States and, for the first time, is making its disaster-recovery management product available to North American customers.
The product, dubbed RecoverGuard, offers end users visibility into remote recovery operations by detecting infrastructure gaps and configuration vulnerabilities between primary data centers and disaster-recovery sites. The main aim of RecoverGuard is to validate disaster-recovery implementations which, according to industry experts, fail at an alarming rate.
"Disaster recovery doesn't work," says Gil Hecht, Continuity Software's founder and CEO. "Every time a change is made in the production environment it must be implemented in a similar way in the disaster-recovery environment. There are hundreds and thousands of changes being made without users having the ability to test them. The chances of it working are slim."
That, says Hecht, is where Continuity Software can help customers. "RecoverGuard can identify more than 1,000 different problems or gaps between production and disaster-recovery environments. When something gets out of sync, our product immediately notifies the user," he says.
The RecoverGuard software monitors and detects configuration errors, infrastructure changes, and vulnerabilities in real time in order to eliminate the risk of data loss or corruption in the event of a disaster. RecoverGuard ensures all production configuration changes are successfully applied to the remote hot site.
Continuity offers RecoverGuard in a number of different ways, including a No-Risk Assessment, which offers customers the opportunity to deploy RecoverGuard on up to 30 servers, for 48 hours. At the end of the 48 hours, the customer receives a report that details the complete topology of the data center and disaster-recovery environment, a thorough description of the risks and threats to the production and disaster-recovery environments, a list of ways to optimize certain aspects of the environments, and an SLA analysis.
The 48-hour assessment costs $15,000 for up to 30 servers, while the software is also available as an annual license of $2,000 per server.
RecoverGuard is agent-less and supports EMC Symmetrix, Clariion, SRDF, and TimeFinder, and NetApp Data OnTap storage environments. The software also supports all major database and cluster environments, as well as Windows, HP-UX, Solaris, Linux, and AIX operating systems.
Bob Laliberte, an analyst with the Enterprise Strategy Group, says a very high percentage of disaster-recovery implementations have some kind of problem during every test. "Take a disaster-recovery environment that is put in place today and tested. Typically it will work. Now fast forward three months: How many moves, additions, and changes have been made in that production environment over three months?" he says. "Clearly companies don't have time to do a disaster-recovery regression test after each change; it's just not feasible."
Laliberte says most companies will test their disaster-recovery systems every 6 to 12 months, while other companies will test more frequently. "In most cases they fail, again; at least some part of them fails. The company corrects those failures only to have different ones affect them six months later," he says.
Laliberte believes there is a definite need for DR testing systems. "Why wouldn't you invest in a system to monitor your multi-million dollar disaster-recovery environment that your business depends on? At least that way when you come in to work and see the light on, you can fix the problem immediately, instead of waiting for the next disaster-recovery test," he says.
The Enterprise Strategy Group estimates that remote recovery operations currently fail at a rate of 40% to 60%. | 3,836 | 1,775 | 0.000568 |
warc | 201704 | Using an Internet Comanagement Module to Improve the Quality of Chronic Disease Care
Abstract: Background:Web-based applications have the potential to support the ongoing care needs of patients with chronic disease. At the University of Washington, a diabetes care module was developed, and the feasibility of allowing patients with type 2 diabetes to comanage their disease from home was pilot tested. Methods:The disease management module consisted of five Web sites that enabled patients to access their electronic medical records; upload blood glucose readings; enter medication, nutrition, and exercise data into an online diary; communicate with providers by using clinical e-mail; and browse an education site with endorsed content. All data could be viewed by patients and providers in online trended displays that a nurse practitioner case manager used to review cases weekly. Results:"Proof-of-concept" was demonstrated by the three pilot participants who were the module's most active users. For example, one newly diagnosed patient was started on an oral hypoglycemic, underwent two upward dose adjustments, and achieved control (glycohemoglobin [HbA1c] from 8.0% to 6.1%). His treatment was conducted by exchanging 14 e-mails based on the 231 glucose-meter readings sent from home without requiring in-person follow-up visits. Conclusions:The Internet offers the opportunity to involve patients and providers in collaborative management of chronic diseases between office visits. Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 2003-09-01
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The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety will be published by Elsevier beginning in 2017! For readers who receive access to the journal through their institutions, the journal can now be found on ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/15537250). For librarians looking to subscribe to the journal for their institutions please contact your Elsevier Account Manager or visit www.myelsevier.com for more information. All other readers, please visit http://www.jointcommissionjournal.com/ to subscribe to the journal or to claim your access for an existing subscription. Editorial Board Information for Authors Subscribe to this Title Information for Advertisers Reprints and Permissions Index Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites | 2,408 | 1,279 | 0.000784 |
warc | 201704 | After already slashing R&D funding, the Sequester is about to deliver another kick in the teeth to American competitiveness: it’s going to sharply reduce our ability to measure it. This one comes courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which announced last month that the sequestration has forced it to eliminate its International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program, a neat little database that adjusts foreign data to a common framework, allowing you to compare the traded sector health and competiveness of the United States against that of other countries.
This may not sound like much, but in the nerdy world of competitive analysis economics, it’s huge. No one else provides this data to the same extent as ILC. The OECD does a bit,
[i] but their data are rife with warnings about the perils of cross-country comparison among their indicators. Moreover, the OECD has little-to-no data on the big boys such as China and India, which renders its data useless for any “big picture” comparisons of our competitive health. Other organizations, such as the UN Industrial Development Organization, provide limited competitiveness data that is vastly incomplete.
In contrast, the ILC program gives us complete and comparable time series for extremely useful indicators including manufacturing output, hours, compensation and productivity, as well as labor force, employment, price and industry statistics. Their studies of output, compensation and productivity in China and India are second-to-none. On top of this, they provide a handy little dashboard that you download to your computer and which provides you with competitiveness statistics on demand.
ILC is not a set of abstract, pie-in-the-sky statistics. Rather, these statistics are crucial to current economic policy decision-making in a world of globalized trade. These are the day-to-day statistics that everyday people wish they had on those rare occasions when anything from the lack of jobs to the decline of manufacturing to free trade comes up at the dinner table. Try it. Have a couple wines and go argue trade policy with a neighbor. Inevitably, China will come up, and more specifically, labor costs in China will come up. If you really get into it, maybe even Chinese productivity will come up. Who’s right? Where is this information? I’ll tell you where it is: the BLS ILC program. If these are relevant statistics to dinner table discussions around America, then these are relevant statistics to economic policymakers in Washington.
But, wait, there’s more! And it goes a bit deeper. In the bubble of Washington, where economic thought is endlessly dominated by neoclassical ideology, it is exceedingly difficult to penetrate the bubble with policy ideas that don’t already fit into the neoclassicists’ theories of how the American economy works in a globalized world. This applies to our statistical system too: since neoclassicists dominate Washington, they also tend to be the ones managing our economic statistics, deciding what to measure, how often to measure it, etc. Not surprisingly, they tend to favor statistics which measure parameters that are already incorporated into their neoclassical models. Those that do not fit are dismissed. Economic policy in Washington then becomes a self-sustaining cycle of epistemic closure: neoclassical thought supports neoclassical statistics, and neoclassical statistics support neoclassical thought. But more on that later. For now, the tragedy of the ILC program is that it was one of the very few bastions we had in the Washington bubble that housed traded sector statistics deemed unimportant by neoclassical theory. ILC has helped us, and others, to confidently suggest that there might be something other than productivity, redistribution or a financial crisis causing our endless economic malaise. And now it’s gone.
For now, if there’s a chance to save or restore ILC (and that’s a big “if”), you can sign a petition here. And, of course, you can write to your congressman.
[i] For example, see their STAN database, which is pretty useful, although very limited in scope. | 4,176 | 1,986 | 0.000513 |
warc | 201704 | "The current 'Great Recession' in Europe and America has had particularly severe consequences for young workers," said University of Minnesota sociology professor Jeylan Mortimer. "They suffer high unemployment rates with lasting consequences for their careers."
The study identifies three psychological orientations and behaviors that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood: educational aspirations, career goal certainty, and job search activities.
"Although structural factors like industry, region, etc. are undoubtedly important, these three characteristics are found to be particularly significant career transition resources," said Mike Vuolo, an assistant professor of sociology at Purdue University.
Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals from age 18 to 30 were more likely to be employed between 2007 and 2009 (when they were 33-36 years old) and also to have higher wages in 2009. Young workers who manifested greater indecision in their career goals were less successful in weathering the economic turmoil in the Great Recession. These trends persisted even when educational attainments were controlled.
"The factors identified in this study are interrelated amongst themselves and also influence longer-term successes and vulnerabilities during difficult economic times," said Mortimer.
This study relies on data from the Youth Development Study, an ongoing longitudinal study, which began tracking a group of 9th graders from St. Paul, Minn. public schools in 1988. The original sample included 1,010 adolescents. The participants have been surveyed annually since, and now are approximately 37-38 years old. The analysis for the Mortimer/Vuolo study spans the years from when the participants were 18 to 36 years old.
About the American Sociological Association
The American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org), founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science and profession, and promoting the contributions to and use of sociology by society.
The paper, "Weathering the Great Recession: Psychological and Behavioral Trajectories in the Transition from School to Work," will be presented on Monday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 a.m. PDT in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, at the American Sociological Association's 106th Annual Meeting.
To obtain a copy of the paper; for more information on other ASA presentations; or for assistance reaching the study's authors, members of the media can contact Daniel Fowler at pubinfo@asanet.org or (202) 527-7885. During the Annual Meeting (Aug. 20-23), ASA's Public Information Office staff can be reached in the press room, located in the Sorrento Room of Caesars Palace, at (702) 866-1916 or (914) 450-4557 (cell).
For more information about the study, members of the media can also contact Tessa Eagan, University of Minnesota, at teagan@umn.edu or (612) 625-3781.
Daniel Fowler | EurekAlert!
Further information: http://www.asanet.org
The Great Unknown: Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescents
19.01.2017 | Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung
A sudden drop in outdoor temperature increases the risk of respiratory infections
11.01.2017 | University of Gothenburg
An important step towards a completely new experimental access to quantum physics has been made at University of Konstanz. The team of scientists headed by...
Yersiniae cause severe intestinal infections. Studies using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a model organism aim to elucidate the infection mechanisms of these...
Researchers from the University of Hamburg in Germany, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, have synthesized a new superconducting material by growing a few layers of an antiferromagnetic transition-metal chalcogenide on a bismuth-based topological insulator, both being non-superconducting materials.
While superconductivity and magnetism are generally believed to be mutually exclusive, surprisingly, in this new material, superconducting correlations...
Laser-driving of semimetals allows creating novel quasiparticle states within condensed matter systems and switching between different states on ultrafast time scales
Studying properties of fundamental particles in condensed matter systems is a promising approach to quantum field theory. Quasiparticles offer the opportunity...
Among the general public, solar thermal energy is currently associated with dark blue, rectangular collectors on building roofs. Technologies are needed for aesthetically high quality architecture which offer the architect more room for manoeuvre when it comes to low- and plus-energy buildings. With the “ArKol” project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with partners are currently developing two façade collectors for solar thermal energy generation, which permit a high degree of design flexibility: a strip collector for opaque façade sections and a solar thermal blind for transparent sections. The current state of the two developments will be presented at the BAU 2017 trade fair.
As part of the “ArKol – development of architecturally highly integrated façade collectors with heat pipes” project, Fraunhofer ISE together with its partners...
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warc | 201704 | The University, which is the UK's leading business facing university, has built strong links with Secomak, the industry leader in air movement technologies and one of the outcomes of this collaboration is a total drying solution. (See KTP Blog www.totaldrying.com).
The solution is the result of a government funded KTP to which University of Hertfordshire graduate in Aerospace Systems, David Palmer has brought his skills in Computational Fluid Dynamics, project management and project planning to deliver a drying process which is modelled on the energy expenditure of a hybrid car and can realise up to 50 percent energy savings.
At the moment, the total drying solution is used primarily to dry bottles or cans, and the system can be customised to dry any container and also has potential to dry sheet metal or plastic extrusions.
'The big advantage of this system is that the machine is equipped with sensors which sense when product needs to be dried, rather than the dryer working all the time,' said David. 'This works in a similar way to energy saving systems in hybrid vehicles and means that the energy consumption of our machine is directly proportional to the throughput of the product.'
Secomak currently has three other University connected staff. David Dell, who works part-time as a Senior Lecturer at the University's School of AADE and the rest of the time at Secomak as a Product Development Manager; Kim Whiteford, a third year University student in Human Resources who is on a twelve month placement in Human Resources at Secomak and James Reed, a third year University student in Marketing who is on a twelve month placement in Marketing with the company.
A big nano boost for solar cells
18.01.2017 | Kyoto University and Osaka Gas effort doubles current efficiencies
Multiregional brain on a chip
16.01.2017 | Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
An important step towards a completely new experimental access to quantum physics has been made at University of Konstanz. The team of scientists headed by...
Yersiniae cause severe intestinal infections. Studies using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a model organism aim to elucidate the infection mechanisms of these...
Researchers from the University of Hamburg in Germany, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, have synthesized a new superconducting material by growing a few layers of an antiferromagnetic transition-metal chalcogenide on a bismuth-based topological insulator, both being non-superconducting materials.
While superconductivity and magnetism are generally believed to be mutually exclusive, surprisingly, in this new material, superconducting correlations...
Laser-driving of semimetals allows creating novel quasiparticle states within condensed matter systems and switching between different states on ultrafast time scales
Studying properties of fundamental particles in condensed matter systems is a promising approach to quantum field theory. Quasiparticles offer the opportunity...
Among the general public, solar thermal energy is currently associated with dark blue, rectangular collectors on building roofs. Technologies are needed for aesthetically high quality architecture which offer the architect more room for manoeuvre when it comes to low- and plus-energy buildings. With the “ArKol” project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with partners are currently developing two façade collectors for solar thermal energy generation, which permit a high degree of design flexibility: a strip collector for opaque façade sections and a solar thermal blind for transparent sections. The current state of the two developments will be presented at the BAU 2017 trade fair.
As part of the “ArKol – development of architecturally highly integrated façade collectors with heat pipes” project, Fraunhofer ISE together with its partners...
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warc | 201704 | The Pacific oyster has proved to be tolerant of low temperatures. Large populations of the oyster remained after the harsh winter of 2009/2010.
In 18 locations studied along the Bohuslän coast, the mortality rate ranged between 32% and 100%, and averaged 84%. The survival rate for the oysters increased with increasing depth. Some oyster sites consequently still have large populations of living oysters.
“Pacific oysters that were exposed to low air temperatures by low water levels or were frozen in ice died during the first winter (this could refer to the winter 2007, change to the first of the two latest winters, or something similar?), while those that were beneath the ice coped well,” says the researcher Åsa Strand of the Department of Marine Ecology at the University of Gothenburg.
This year’s winter (December to February) was warmer than last year, and the water level was generally higher. No major mortality can therefore be expected this winter, as those oysters that would be in the risk zone already died last winter. However, Pacific oysters born in 2010 are at great risk of dying during the winter if they have settled in shallow water. Strand and her colleagues will therefore study morality after this year’s winter at the end of May and beginning of June. The fact that the Pacific oyster survived the winter of 2009/2010 means that it is, in all probability, here to stay.For further information please contact: Åsa Strand
Helena Aaberg | idw
Further information: http://www.gu.se/
Ion treatments for cardiac arrhythmia — Non-invasive alternative to catheter-based surgery
20.01.2017 | GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Seeking structure with metagenome sequences
20.01.2017 | DOE/Joint Genome Institute
An important step towards a completely new experimental access to quantum physics has been made at University of Konstanz. The team of scientists headed by...
Yersiniae cause severe intestinal infections. Studies using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a model organism aim to elucidate the infection mechanisms of these...
Researchers from the University of Hamburg in Germany, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, have synthesized a new superconducting material by growing a few layers of an antiferromagnetic transition-metal chalcogenide on a bismuth-based topological insulator, both being non-superconducting materials.
While superconductivity and magnetism are generally believed to be mutually exclusive, surprisingly, in this new material, superconducting correlations...
Laser-driving of semimetals allows creating novel quasiparticle states within condensed matter systems and switching between different states on ultrafast time scales
Studying properties of fundamental particles in condensed matter systems is a promising approach to quantum field theory. Quasiparticles offer the opportunity...
Among the general public, solar thermal energy is currently associated with dark blue, rectangular collectors on building roofs. Technologies are needed for aesthetically high quality architecture which offer the architect more room for manoeuvre when it comes to low- and plus-energy buildings. With the “ArKol” project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with partners are currently developing two façade collectors for solar thermal energy generation, which permit a high degree of design flexibility: a strip collector for opaque façade sections and a solar thermal blind for transparent sections. The current state of the two developments will be presented at the BAU 2017 trade fair.
As part of the “ArKol – development of architecturally highly integrated façade collectors with heat pipes” project, Fraunhofer ISE together with its partners...
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warc | 201704 | A Los Alamos National Laboratory researcher and her colleagues have found that people with less common types of proteins on their white blood cells seem to mount a better immune response against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the virus that causes AIDS - and tend to fight progression of the disease better than people with common white blood cell proteins. The research, presented in the July issue of Nature Medicine, eventually might help researchers better understand and exploit potential weaknesses in HIV. The researchers studied a large group of homosexual men who were enrolled in the Chicago component of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study - an ongoing study of the natural and treated history of thousands of men infected with HIV - headed by Dr. Steven Wolinsky. The confidentiality of all individual study participants was preserved and the study itself was conducted in accordance with the highest recognized and accepted ethical standards.
James R. Rickman | EurekAlert!
Further information: http://www.lanl.gov
Team discovers how bacteria exploit a chink in the body's armor
20.01.2017 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Rabies viruses reveal wiring in transparent brains
19.01.2017 | Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
An important step towards a completely new experimental access to quantum physics has been made at University of Konstanz. The team of scientists headed by...
Yersiniae cause severe intestinal infections. Studies using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a model organism aim to elucidate the infection mechanisms of these...
Researchers from the University of Hamburg in Germany, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, have synthesized a new superconducting material by growing a few layers of an antiferromagnetic transition-metal chalcogenide on a bismuth-based topological insulator, both being non-superconducting materials.
While superconductivity and magnetism are generally believed to be mutually exclusive, surprisingly, in this new material, superconducting correlations...
Laser-driving of semimetals allows creating novel quasiparticle states within condensed matter systems and switching between different states on ultrafast time scales
Studying properties of fundamental particles in condensed matter systems is a promising approach to quantum field theory. Quasiparticles offer the opportunity...
Among the general public, solar thermal energy is currently associated with dark blue, rectangular collectors on building roofs. Technologies are needed for aesthetically high quality architecture which offer the architect more room for manoeuvre when it comes to low- and plus-energy buildings. With the “ArKol” project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with partners are currently developing two façade collectors for solar thermal energy generation, which permit a high degree of design flexibility: a strip collector for opaque façade sections and a solar thermal blind for transparent sections. The current state of the two developments will be presented at the BAU 2017 trade fair.
As part of the “ArKol – development of architecturally highly integrated façade collectors with heat pipes” project, Fraunhofer ISE together with its partners...
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warc | 201704 | If there are two things for which Morocco is known to those who have never been, its awesome food and a great big desert. The African country is located at the northwestern corner of the Sahara, and good for them, their doing something great with all that sunshine. The Noor I power plant is a project designed to bring renewable energy to the homes of over a million Moroccans. Not only does it bring green energy to many people, but it also makes Morocco a more autonomous country in terms of energy resources.
NPR reports that Noor I is capable of generating 160 megawatts of a power while covering thousands of sun-baked acres. This makes it the worlds largest solar power plants. And if you’re wondering how necessary this was for Morocco, just look at the fact that they have been relying on imported resources for over 97 percent of their energy consumption. Carbon emissions are expected to be reduced 760,000 tons per year. While it may not eliminate the country’s dependence immediately or even entirely, attaining this kind of independence from foreign imports will have huge economic value.
— UN Climate Action (@UNFCCC) February 3, 2016
King Muhammed VI paid a visit to the town of Ouarzazate, near the location of Noor I, to inaugurate the plant on Thursday, reports
Morocco World News. Many praise the construction of the solar plant for what it represents economically for Morocco. But for the international community, it is a symbol of the power of renewable energy.
But the plant isn’t finished yet. Construction began in 2013 and is expected to continue until 2018 when it will produce 500 megawatts of energy.
Minister Delegate in Charge of Environment, Hakima El Haiti, explained the impressive abilities of the plant in a statement about how the panels use “mirrors to focus the sun’s light and heat up a liquid, which is mixed with water and reaches a temperature close to 400 degrees Celsius… This produces steam, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electrical power.”
The plant is capable of storing this energy for days at a time. That way, if the weather is cloudy for a long period of time, the energy stored should be more than enough power to last. This shouldn’t be a problem considering the fact that Morocco only receives about 346 millimeters of precipitation per year according to the World Bank. Any notion that people will be reading by candlelight should there be a rainy day will be short-lived.
The Noor I power plant can even be seen from space. As NASA’s Kathryn Hansen puts it,
“The system at Ouarzazate uses 12-meter-tall [39-foot-tall] parabolic mirrors to focus energy onto a fluid-filled pipeline. The pipeline’s hot fluid — 393 degrees Celsius (739 degrees Fahrenheit) — is the heat source used to warm the water and make steam. The plant doesn’t stop delivering energy at nighttime or when clouds obscure the sun; heat from the fluid can be stored in a tank of molten salts.”
The Noor I power plant seen from space pic.twitter.com/WmN52rSkBU
— Karim (@K_ar_im) February 4, 2016
The project received grants from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which operates in 72 countries worldwide to see that renewable, environmentally friendly energy methods are realized in developing counties. For nations such as Morocco, the first step towards growing infrastructure may be the most progressive step. Many countries with access to these funds are leading the world in renewable energy and climate resilience.
Perhaps the best step toward a better infrastructure is to start with limited to very poor infrastructure.
The power plant, already visible from space, is only going to get bigger. Noor II and Noor III are already in the works and will certainly leave their mark upon the world.
[Photo by Abdeljalil Bounhar/AP Images] | 3,881 | 1,966 | 0.000522 |
warc | 201704 | Zacks Investment Research just upgraded electric generating company
NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE)
The reason is simple: NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE) is on track to be bought out by Warren Buffett’s
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A), with a target closing date in the first quarter of 2014. That buyout has been public knowledge since May, and NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE)’s stock has already leaped to take out most of the expected value from the acquisition. Strong buy = 3% returns? Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A)’s acquisition price for NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE) is $23.75 per share, paid in cash. NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE) closed on Monday at $23.59 per share, and it currently pays a $0.19-per-share per quarter dividend. Assuming it keeps its dividend steady until the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A) takeover, shareholders can expect somewhere between $0.28 and $0.57 in total dividends.
Adding those dividends to the target purchase price gives a total value of $24.32 to be realized over the next eight or so months. With a starting price of $23.59, that works out to a total return of around 3.1%. That’s before taxes, and the capital gains (if any are to be had after commissions) will be short-term for anyone buying now, if the acquisition closes on time.
From the looks of Zacks’ upgrade, it’s probably using an entirely automated rating system that doesn’t know how to factor in acquisitions. It’s true that investors following Zacks “Strong Buy” recommendation could get a return that pays better than an eight-month CD at the moment. Still, that 3.1% is about the maximum likely upside potential on the investment, and it depends both on the acquisition closing as expected and the company keeping its dividend until the acquisition closes.
Perhaps even worse, if the acquisition doesn’t close for some reason, there’s plenty of downside potential in NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE)’s stock. The stock closed at $19.28 just prior to the acquisition announcement. If, for some reason, the acquisition falls through, there’s a very real chance that the stock could fall back to around that level. Starting from Monday’s close of $23.59, that’s a worse than 18% drop! While chances are good that the acquisition will close as expected, that’s a substantial downside risk for what at this point is a pretty small gain.
Note that the downside risk is there because Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A) offered to pay a 20%-plus premium over the market price for NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NVE) prior to the announcement. That much of a premium may seem out of character for the value-focused Buffett, but in reality, it makes sense to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A). | 2,777 | 1,284 | 0.000806 |
warc | 201704 | Everybody wants to own their own home, but at times you can’t do it because you don’t have enough money for the down-payment of your home, so you rent an apartment. Renting an apartment is viewed by many as the time you need to get your finances in order. In fact this is the right way to plan your financial future.
Apartments have fixed housing costs and no major repair costs as those associated with owning your own property. The trick is to master the balance of paying your rent and saving money at the same time. Follow some easy tips and save money to own your dream home.
Renting directly from the landlord is beneficial; you can get an apartment at a lower rent.
Rent an apartment near your place of work, so you can save money as well as time on commuting.
Saving on property damage cost. See that the repair costs are paid by the landlord.
Negotiate on the rental deposit, so you don’t block your funds.
Know how many bills you have to pay.
Create a simple budget, beginning with your income. Add all your sources of income and find your take home amount. This can help you in creating your monthly household budget and you can know where to cut corners and how much to save.
See what your expenses are how much is your rent and other average yearly expenses, so you can try to see if you can increase your savings.
Have an emergency fund, so you can use it for an unexpected problem without touching your savings.
Pick the best saving account, where you know your money is safe and will multiply.
Invest your money wisely so you can gain some profits and this will be added income for your new home.
All it takes some determination and reorganization to get your plan off the ground and start your saving campaign for a new home.
Read More About………Buying Vs Renting: What should you go for? | 1,848 | 927 | 0.001106 |
warc | 201704 | Johannesburg - The reality of the implementation of the R10 billion contract to distribute social grants nationally in South Africa was very different to the proposal offered by winning bidder Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), Absa AllPay argued in the Constitutional Court yesterday.
CPS, a subsidiary of listed Net1 UEPS Technologies, had not implemented the requisite biometric verification technology in any significant way at all, yet the lack of biometric capability was the reason other bidders such as AllPay were excluded during the bidding process, Absa AllPay senior counsel Gilbert Marcus argued.
“Now we’re told there will be a phased-in implementation process. This was done [at the beginning of] February on a three-days notice to beneficiaries,” Marcus said.
This was one of several arguments AllPay gave during the morning session to boost its argument for the court to suspend the contract for the social grant distribution and order a new tender process to appoint a new contractor.
The court is weighing arguments to help it determine a just and equitable remedy after it found last November that the award of the contract to CPS in 2012 was unlawful.
Marcus also told the court that deductions were being made from grants by CPS in excess of the 10 percent that was allowed by law. He said raw statistics disclosed by CPS revealed that only 44 percent of the more than 10 million beneficiaries received 100 percent of their grant. “What the statistics don’t reveal is the impact of these deductions on grants that are already meagre,” he added.
David Unterhalter, also for AllPay, argued that CPS reaped a rate of return of 144 percent on the five-year contract compared with the market average of a 13.5 percent rate of return.
“This contract goes beyond a considerable rate of return,” Unterhalter said.
The legal battle started two years ago after AllPay launched an objection to the award in the North Gauteng High Court. It said the tender process was flawed, including the composition of the bid committee. It also alleged that CPS failed to submit separate provincial bids and that the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) failed to assess the capability of CPS’s empowerment partners to implement the tender. Sassa and CPS challenged the allegations.
Arguing in its defence yesterday, CPS said “Sassa’s decision was a rational and fair decision. AllPay’s attempts to isolate five grounds of review, none of which overcomes the fact that the decision under challenge was rationally and fairly taken, are contrived.”
While the high court did not set aside the contract, it determined that the process was invalid. The Supreme Court of Appeal overruled this but last November the ConCourt found that the tender was constitutionally unlawful because the bidders’ notice was vague.
Sassa and CPS, which has maintained innocence, have asked the court to allow the contract to run to completion to avoid any impact on the beneficiaries.
Corruption Watch, an independent watchdog of public funds, has requested Sassa to explain whether it investigated certain irregularities that were raised in previous submissions to the court. The Centre for Child Law has also approached the court to protect the interests of beneficiaries.
Judgment was reserved. - Business Report | 3,368 | 1,649 | 0.000622 |
warc | 201704 | FCA Data Reveals Fall In Consumer Complaints Drop Of 500,000 Seen In Reported Issues Related To Financial Services 24.10.2013 David Shirt, Press Officer | 0161 838 3094 New figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have revealed that the number of consumer complaints reported by financial services firms fell by 500,000 in the first half of 2013. Data from the regulator found 2.9 million complaints were made in the first six months of the year, compared to 3.4 million which were reported in the previous six months. It was also found that 51 per cent of the complaints were upheld, with £2.55 billion of redress paid to consumers. The research also revealed that most complained about financial products included payment protection insurance, general insurance issues, current accounts, credit cards and savings. Martin Wheatley, chief executive of the FCA, said that complaints data is “a powerful tool that helps encourage competition between firms, to improve their service to customers; and help consumers assess their relationships with banks and other providers”. The release of the data has come after the FCA confirmed it was launching an investigation into the foreign exchange market. Expert Opinion The publication of this data highlights the huge number of issues which consumers and businesses continue to face, as well as the key trends which can be pulled from such information. “Any reduction is complaints is obviously welcome but it is clear that more is needed to be done to further cut the number of issues which consumers are facing during interaction with the financial services industry. “Financial organisations have a duty to comply with strict regulations and ensure that the needs of their consumers come first. The regular publication of this research will hopefully prove to be an incentive for improvements to be made in general service.” Sarah Wallace, Partner Key contact Sarah Wallace Partner +44 (0)780 889 9657 Email Sarah Press contact David Shirt BLS PR Manager 0161 838 3094 Email David Tags SME Sarah Wallace London Related articles 17.01.2017Theresa May Sets Out Government’s Plan For UK To Leave The EU 16.01.2017Manchester's Economy Set For £634m Growth 16.01.2017Leeds' Economy Expected To Grow By £184m In 2017 16.01.2017UK Powerhouse Report Predicts Growth For Birmingham's Economy 13.01.2017UK Cities Set For £12bn Economic Growth In 2017 Despite Strengthening Brexit Uncertainty | 2,490 | 1,270 | 0.000804 |
warc | 201704 | The Crime of Compelling Prostitution in New York has received some publicity recently as a result of a March indictment brought in Queens County. That prosecution alleges that Gary Council, of Ozone Park, led a gang who held a 15-year-old Long Island girl captive and forced her into acting as a prostitute for their benefit.
The indictment alleges that the group repeatedly raped the girl and gave her Ecstasy pills while pimping her out.
Under New York Penal Law Section 230.33 , “a person is guilty of compelling prostitution when, being twenty-one years of age or older, he or she knowingly advances prostitution by compelling a person less than sixteen years old, by force or intimidation, to engage in prostitution.”
Compelling prostitution is a class B felony.
In New York, it is not a defense to this crime to assert that the actor did not know the child was less than sixteen years old.
Currently, New York law classifies the crime of “Compelling Prostitution” as a non violent felony. However, legislation will soon be brought in the State Senate and Assembly to have this crime and other serious prostitution related offenses re-classified as violent felonies.
If this legislation passes, the minimum jail terms for these crimes will be increased significantly.
This article is written for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as legal advice. Furthermore, laws change frequently, so the statutes cited above should not be considered accurate or current at the time you may read this article.
If you require assistance with your own legal problem or situation, seek the advice of an attorney of your own choosing. | 1,700 | 888 | 0.001146 |
warc | 201704 | Real estate sales and construction are picking up on Hilton Head Island and so is the money raised through town fees, according to town financial statements.
A staff report presented to Town Council on Tuesday indicates more revenue was collected from real estate transfer fees and construction permits between July 1 to Jan. 31 than during the same time span a year ago. The combined increase was 22 percent.
Revenue from real estate fees was $1,223,205, an increase of 17 percent.
Revenue from construction permits totaled $745,060, a 31 percent increase, according to town data.
These increases are "all positive signs of progress and improvements" in the local economy, town manager Steve Riley said, adding that he expects the growth to continue through the rest of the year.
"To me, this shows that the real estate market is slowly but surely improving -- and that's a good thing," said Mayor Drew Laughlin, who also mentioned that his law practice has been helping more people close home sales lately.
As property changes hands and is developed, "you're going to see a positive rebound for many other businesses, as well as the town," said Jean Beck, executive vice president of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.
The town's financial report indicates properties aren't just being purchased -- they are being improved as well.
Redevelopment construction -- including additions, renovations, pool installation and other types of projects -- accounted for more than two thirds of the construction-permit revenue received so far this fiscal year, which began July 1. The town issued 2,440 construction permits for redevelopment projects between the beginning of this fiscal year and Jan. 31.
Last calendar year marked the first time in three or four years that there were more construction permits issued than in the year before, said Ashley Feaster, executive officer of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association.
"We're seeing a year that seems to be even more successful and positive than last year," Feaster said, adding, "this is looking like a very good time for our local economy."
The increase in construction is due to low selling prices on homes that buyers are interested in renovating, reduced prices of construction materials like lumber and steel, and more competition among construction firms, Feaster said.
Related content | 2,382 | 1,171 | 0.000863 |
warc | 201704 | North Dakota secretary of state sees huge jump in contractor licensing
DICKINSON, N.D. — Mark Amann has had his contractor’s license for 25 years.
The delay, he was told, was due to a backlog created by the huge amount of work North Dakota is seeing because of the oil boom. The backlog is especially long now as contractors lined up to apply for renewal by the statewide deadline of March 1.
“We’re dealing with numbers that we’ve never had before,” Secretary of State Al Jaeger said.
As of Wednesday, the office was handling renewals received Feb. 14 and brand-new applications received Feb. 18.
Active contractors in the state jumped from 7,366 in June 2009 to 12,873 as of February — a 75 percent increase.
The rise in licenses means a lot of money for the state. It costs between $50 and $300 to apply for various contract license classes, which are based on the value of a job.
The office has seen total revenue grow from about $7.5 million in 2009 to nearly $12 million last year.
“Our office generates a lot more revenue than we receive in appropriations,” Jaeger said. “In a sense, we’re a profit center for the state.”
Pre-boom, the office could turn around an application within about two weeks. Amann said his company, Dickinson-based Onsite Improvements, would usually get its applications back after a week.
“Right now it’s not an overnight-type situation,” Jaeger said.
Amann said he got his license March 1, a little more than three weeks after submitting the application.
It wasn’t a huge delay, but an unexpected one. It had Amann calling Stark County Road Superintendent Al Heiser to let him know why his bid application might not have the license, as generally required by a county.
Heiser brought up the backlog at the Stark County Commission meeting Tuesday when commissioners took up bid applications.
“It’s just something else that’s going on” because of the boom, he said later.
Not all contractors are affected. Some reached by phone said they had no issues renewing this year.
“I just did mine for this year, and it took about three days,” said Billie Winn, co-owner of Winn Construction in Dickinson.
Winn said sometimes delays might come from other factors, like the applicant not turning in all the records required for an application.
Jaeger described his office as “step one” for business in the state, and that means a lot of work coming through the door.
“Whether it’s in the Bakken or the Red River Valley,” he said, “business is booming all across the state.”
The staff at the Secretary of State’s Office has grown some, but not at the rate of license applications.
“The fact is is that, you know, we only have so many people,” Jaeger said. “They’re doing everything that they possibly can to get it taken care of.”
The North Dakota Legislature can authorize new positions at the office. It approved three last session. To fill the gap, Jaeger turns to temporary employees, but those aren’t always easy to find.
“We don’t have very many takers,” he said. “We don’t have very many people that are lining up for temporary help.”
While applications are surging, out-of-compliance workers aren’t — a silver lining for the secretary of state.
The office conducts compliance task forces, and the last one found fewer unlicensed workers than the one before that, Jaeger said.
“When they’re just running off the cuff,” Amann said, “it’s not good for customers, it’s not good for them.” | 3,696 | 1,740 | 0.000622 |
warc | 201704 | April 19, 2014
Image by CoCreatr Some Rights Reserved.
The Union of Kansai Governments, which consists of seven prefectural governments (Kyoto, Osaka, Shiga, Hyogo, Wakayama, Tottori, and Tokushima) and four government-ordinance-designated city governments (Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, and Kobe) in the Kansai region, released the Kansai Energy Plan in March 2014. In this plan, the Union aims to triple the output of solar energy and other renewable energies to 6 million kilowatts in 2020.
The electricity generated by renewable energies in the area is now 2.01 million kilowatts, 0.75 million kilowatts of which are generated by photovoltaic power. The Union's goal for 2020 is an electricity generating capacity of photovoltaic power of 4.5 million kilowatts, which is equivalent to the annual amount of power consumed by 1.3 million households.
To promote photovoltaic power generation, it will broadly publicize information for matching electricity companies and public/private facilities and sites, in cooperation with prefectures and cities. It will also encourage Kansai Electric Power Co. to carry out joint power generation projects as well as to work on research and development to expand the use of renewable energies.
Also, the Union plans to work on research and development, inter-company cooperation, and development of energy-related technologies in cooperation with the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry. It will appeal to the national government to clearly set a target to introduce renewable energies and to provide support to new technological development such as offshore wind power generation and wave-power generation.
Kazuko Kojima
If you find this article useful, please consider a donation to JFS.
Your support is essential to our ability to keep you informed from Japan independently. For other ways you can support JFS, click here. | 1,875 | 919 | 0.001094 |
warc | 201704 | If you have decided to get in to a more environmentally friendly way of life in your home then you will want to take a look at the
EM Compost Container. This container will help you to get rid of your waste in your home by providing you with a container which will help you recycle that waste into a compost soil conditioner. This can be beneficial to anyone that likes to garden because you will save yourself money by making your own compost soil conditioner. You will be able to watch your garden bloom and know that you did it all yourself.
Not only will you be able to use this compost soil conditioner for your outside garden, but you will also be able to use it for the house plants that you have around your home. You will be glad to know that when you use the EM Compost Container you will be able to recycle that waste without any odors. This is a nice feature of this product and makes it the perfect choice for your household. The process is easy and practically takes care of itself.
Some great features of the EM Compost Container are that it is a large capacity container which can hold as much as 5 gallons of food waste, it comes with a secure fitting and air tight lid, it also comes with a plastic strainer and spigot, and has its own multi-use cap. When you are new to the world of recycling, you want to make sure that you get yourself the EM Compost Container. This container makes it very easy fro everyone to recycle their kitchen waste hassle free. You will find that it is really a lot more interesting and useful than you would have ever imagined. You will also be doing your part to help the environment.
Order the EM Compost Container from www.arbico-organics.com | 1,704 | 788 | 0.001277 |
warc | 201704 | Published:March 4th, 2012
Since this is the week before Purim, there is a special
maftir from Deuteronomy, one that is highly relevant to our situation today: “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.” – Deut. 25, 17-19
Amalek appears throughout the Tanach, always the bitterest enemy of the Jewish people. Amalek fought against Moses, Saul and David, often apparently destroyed, but always coming back to fight again. Haman was said to be a descendent of Amalek, and more recently so have Hitler and Ahmadinejad.
Historically there may have been Amalekites, but it’s not clear that the various biblical references relate to a single people. Probably not. But the concept of an Enemy is a natural one, an antithesis to the concept of a People.
Perhaps you can’t really define a people without also defining its enemies. Certainly many believe that if the Jews could get rid of the idea of peoplehood, then they wouldn’t have enemies. Shimon Peres likes to refer approvingly to “world citizenship,” as though it is an antidote to endless war with Amalek. In his 1993 book “The New Middle East,” he wrote that “In Western Europe, particularist nationalism is fading and the idea of ‘citizen of the world’ is taking hold,” and “The entire idea of the small national state – the Jewish state included – has collapsed …”
The experience of the 19
th century assimilationists and post-Oslo Israel tells us that this strategy doesn’t work in the real world. Even if we refuse to remember Amalek, he remembers us. And if we don’t have the support of self-conscious peoplehood (and its concrete representation, the Jewish state), how can we fight him?
The Book of Commandments (ספר המצוות) lists three commandments related to Amalek:
To remember Amalek (a positive commandment) Not to forget Amalek (a negative one) To destroy Amalek completely (the commandment Saul violated when he allowed Agag to live)
There are various explanations for the difference between 1 and 2 above. I like this one: 1 says that we must remember that we have enemies today who wish to destroy us. And 2 tells us not to drop our guard tomorrow – this situation is not going to change. As the quotation from Deuteronomy indicates, we must not forget Amalek, even when the Jewish people are sovereign in the land of Israel (this seems to be the part Shimon Peres doesn’t get).
What does it mean that we are required to “blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven?” It cannot mean that we are required, like Saul, to exterminate a tribe. Even if there was at some time a distinct tribe of Amalek, it has long since disappeared as a distinct population. For this reason the rabbis warned us not to take this commandment literally.
I think – and it is appropriate that we are reading this
parsha during Israel Apartheid Week – that what we are required to “blot out” are the false narratives of our enemies: the stories that they tell about the ‘crimes‘ of the Jewish people and Israel, including but not limited to Deicide Causing the Plague Making matza from human blood Controlling international finance and media Dispossessing Arabs and stealing their land Killing Mohammad Dura Committing war crimes in Gaza Imposing an apartheid regime
Our enemies today attack the Jewish people violently when they can, but they are not strong enough by themselves to damage us severely. Today’s Amalekite strategy is to bit by bit assassinate the truth about us, to create an image of an evil people in illegitimate possession of the land, in order to create a coalition that at best will stand by when we are assaulted and at worst actively prevent us from defending ourselves.
To summarize, here is how I would interpret the commandments relating to Amalek today:
Always be vigilant and prepared Don’t be fooled by visions of peace through surrender Tell our story loudly and fight the false narratives
Originally published at http://fresnozionism.org/Vic Rosenthal
About the Author: Vic Rosenthal created FresnoZionism.org to provide a forum for publishing and discussing issues about Israel and the Mideast conflict, especially where there is a local connection. Rosenthal believes that America’s interests are best served by supporting the democratic state of Israel, the front line in the struggle between Western civilization and radical Islam. The viewpoint is not intended to be liberal or conservative — just pro-Israel.
If you don't see your comment after publishing it, refresh the page. Our comments section is intended for meaningful responses and debates in a civilized manner. We ask that you respect the fact that we are a religious Jewish website and avoid inappropriate language at all cost. If you promote any foreign religions, gods or messiahs, lies about Israel, anti-Semitism, or advocate violence (except against terrorists), your permission to comment may be revoked. | 5,513 | 2,647 | 0.000395 |
warc | 201704 | In the course of the year, plenty of things can happen to change the overall market. Not only do economic circumstances change, but technology advances by leaps and bounds to provide better solutions to help those looking for CRM to find brand new ways to expand their companies and grow onward and upward.
An online resource for sales management software has once again has once again taken a tally of the buyers that use their services and have updated their Buyer View for 2014. There are a bunch of great insights here as to what people are looking for in terms of CRM and sales automation; we’ll look at a few of those here.
A few interesting things about buyers this year Cloud is BOOMING. Just look at this chart:
I mean, that isn’t even a Pac-Man, that’s a Pac-Man that’s so full he can’t even open his mouth. Cloud-based solutions are 9 to 1 preferred over on-premise installations, showing amazing progress in both cloud-based software and education about the cloud.
We’re huge proponents of the cloud here at JobNimbus. It’s the only way to get business done efficiently these days and in our current economic climate. The tools are here; it would be a shame for us to not use them.
67% of buyers were looking for the first time
It’s no secret that there are plenty of companies that still haven’t jumped on the CRM bandwagon. For those in the CRM industry or who have felt the real world benefits of the software, it’s downright shocking.
And when you look at where these CRM hunters are coming from, you almost feel bad for them. 46% of searchers are coming from just about nothing at all (because, really, spreadsheets are no replacement for the value of CRM).
That just goes to show that there’s still a long ways to go before CRM becomes a household name and is able to advance towards being able to help more businesses get more done, please more customers, and earn more back.
Buyers are looking for better organization, a better way
The top sought-after feature of CRM is a general improvement in efficiency and organization, and this goes for both small and mid-large sized businesses.
But there’s also a number of searchers who simply aren’t happy with their current system and need better features than what they have now.
Many larger companies are also looking for simpler, more up-to-date software which they believe will meet their needs better than the older or more established names out there.
And, in general, they’re right.
There’s been a reigniting of the CRM industry as of the last 5 or so years that has brought a flurry of new technology and tools, as well as a whole new perspective on usability, that were never before realized.
All in all, the findings show that there’s still a long way to go in both the refinement of CRM as a whole and the education of CRM in terms of the what and why.
But, as the industry progresses, so too will the companies using CRM and the customers enjoying better sales and support. | 3,047 | 1,463 | 0.000706 |
warc | 201704 | NEW YORK (Nov. 26)
The first public report of research dealing with the effects of color on the equilibrium of human beings was made public today by Dr. Karona J. Mann, director-general of the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel, in an address before the executive committee of Hadassah here.
Dr. Mann, who arrived in the United States recently to confer with Hadassah leader is also a member of the Committee of Specialists of the World Health Organization and of the National Health Council of Israel. In a special statement on the effects of color on equilibrium, Dr. Mann declared:
“One of our research projects of great significance deals with the effects of color on the equilibrium of human beings. Professor Louis Halpern, head of the Neurologic Department of the Hadassah-University Hospital in Jerusalem, has discovered that a certain number of patients suffered from disturbances of balance as a result of certain pathological conditions in the brain. These disturbances of balance, Dr. Halpern determined, could be ameliorated or aggravated by applying certain sensory stimult. For example, the application of red glasses to the patients’ visual fields resulted in the gross aggravation of imbalance. On the other hand, the application of blue glasses corrected the imbalance and the involuntary movements associated with it.
“The significance of this research lies in the interrelationship of motor and sensory influences affecting the voluntary and involuntary systems of the body, specifically there basic organs of life, such as the heart, lungs, etc. This field of research is a competency virgin one and opens up new frontiers for neurology, physiology and psychiatry.” | 1,717 | 883 | 0.00115 |
warc | 201704 | Noteworthy Student Engagement Workshop
Posted on November 14, 2013
Those who are teachers and those studying to become teachers know that it can be difficult to get and keep the attention of their pupils. That’s because there are so many outside influences vying for students’ attention: the internet, television, movies and cell phones. So, each and every day, teachers must find ways to engage their students. To effectively do that, teachers must build a “teacher toolbox” of engagement strategies and techniques, so that when one method runs dry, another one is available.
By Any Means Necessary: Student Engagement and Classroom Management is a workshop, led by Adam Dovico from the Ron Clark Academy, that will give educators practical, easy-to-implement engagement ideas that they can take back to their classrooms immediately.
Wednesday, November 20
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. John Tyler Community College Midlothian Campus Hamel Hall, Room 109
This workshop is free and open to all JTCC faculty, students interested in teaching careers, and educators in our community.
For more information, contact Mattie Coll at mcoll@jtcc.edu or 804-594-1499. The workshop is sponsored by the Student Virginia Education Association.
Follow Us Get More Information: College Relations
Holly Walker, Public Relations Manager | 1,342 | 780 | 0.001317 |
warc | 201704 | A few days ago, I wrote about how the our leaders in primary care were out of touch with what drives medical students’ career choices:
That’s all well and good, but perhaps primary care needs to appeal more to the bottom-line. It has been shown that a better lifestyle is a priority in today’s medical students, which is evident by more and more taking the R.O.A.D. to happiness. In comparison, primary care offers the pressure of seeing more patients in the setting of declining reimbursements. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why interest in primary care is declining: doing more work for less pay isn’t the best way to sell the profession.
This brought out some frank talk:
Let the researchers puzzle over this: why would anyone want to go into a field where every indication is that the annoying stressors become ever more burdensome while the costs of operating a practice rise relentlessly and reimbursement is nearly flat . . . If I had $200,000 in school loans and was also trying to play catchup in life to buy a house, save for retirement and do all those things that everyone else outside of medicine needs to do, I would certainly want to give great thought as to whether my field of choice was going to be compensated properly, without being sweatshopped.
I wrote to Dr. Steven Weinberger, senior vice president for medical knowledge and education at the ACP, who was quoted in the original article, directing him to these opinions. He responds:
Dear Dr. Pho,
Thanks very much for your note and for directing me to your website. Indeed, a key to solving the problem is fixing the dysfunctional reimbursement system. The ACP (through its Washington office) is very much involved with trying to do just that. However, fixing the reimbursement system is not the easiest task in the world. Interestingly, a small step in the right direction is something like payment for e-mail communications between doctors and patients, for which there are some pilots, as was described recently in the New York Times.
Small steps indeed, but we still have a long ways to go. It is encouraging that the ACP is listening, and our continued vigilance in providing real-life feedback to our leaders will be essential in primary care’s future. | 2,280 | 1,201 | 0.000847 |
warc | 201704 | Are you one of those people who simply cannot concentrate for long enough? Do you find that no sooner than you start doing something, that your attention is scattered all over the place? Do you find that you log onto your computer and within minutes are surfing every possible tangential site that you find?
Your problem may not be a problem with your attention. In fact, it may be that the primary problem resides elsewhere in your brain.
Your brain attends to things due to circuits that connect your frontal and parietal lobes. Your frontal lobe, an important part of the “thinking brain” helps to focus attention and keep your mind on what it is supposed to be on. However this frontal lobe is also connected to other parts of the brain besides other attentional areas. If we look at the connections closely, we can see that it is very connected to your emotional brain as well, and the amygdala, an important part of the emotional brain can send “shock waves” through to your attentional center without your even knowing this.
Fear and anxiety may be conscious or unconscious. Unconscious fear has been proven to exist. When people lie in an MRI scanner, there are certain conditions under which they will have no awareness of seeing something threatening but the amygdala-part of the unconscious brain registers this and sends impulses that act as “shock waves” or a “brain earthquake” to your brain’s attentional center. This can all happen under the radar-without your being aware of it.
Unconscious anxiety sounds so unlikely. After all, if you are anxious, shouldn’t you feel it? Not really. In fact, unconscious anxiety may even impact the amygdala more than conscious anxiety-without your being aware of anything to do with this. The brain effectively has a “silencer” on but the bullets of anxiety reach your attentional center.
When you treat the “ADD” as if it is a primary problem with attention, you are not really addressing the cause. The anxiety is always there, hitting up against the wall of your medicated ADD. Steadying your attention can decrease your anxiety, because the reverse effect occurs as if the frontal lobe is putting “reins” on the amygdala, but if the anxiety resurges, the reins will fail.
What then can you do about this? From meditation to attentional exercises and psychological insights, there are many things that you can do. To start with, the following may be helpful:
1. Ask yourself: If anxiety were the culprit, what would the reason be?
2. Have you tucked away any fears that you don’t know how to deal with? 3. Do you avoid situations to avoid anxiety? 4. Are you “tolerating” anything in your life, and if so, what? 5. What are your greatest unfulfilled desires and how could your dissatisfaction about this be impacting you?
If you write down brief answers to these questions, you will be well on your way to understanding the possible unconscious anxiety in your brain. If you work with a professional, ask them about his, and check to see if treating the anxiety restores your attention. Exploring this possibility in the longer term is usually what helps people find a way to deal with the anxiety. Remember, anxiety is really just “electrical energy” gone haywire in your brain. The best way to deal with random electrical energy is to make sure you are “grounded” and to make sure that there is an appropriate channel through which it can flow.
It may well be that your attention deficit disorder is actually an anxiety excess disorder. Consider this carefully before deciding on your strategy. Taking a little extra time to explore this may be worth the wait.
Srini Pillay is a psychiatrist and author of Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons to Overcome Fear . He blogs at Debunking Myths of the Mind . Submit a guest post and be heard on social media’s leading physician voice. | 3,972 | 1,858 | 0.000557 |
warc | 201704 | Marketing Workplace Chronic Disease Prevention
Employers have the incentive and the means to play a key role in chronic disease prevention. The incentive - employers need to control the costly and growing burden of chronic diseases among their employees. The means - employers purchase 94% of private health insurance, and employees spend one third of their lives in the workplace, where they often eat, move, socialize, and smoke. Over the past 5 years, the CDC and the Task Force on Community Preventive Services have recommended a number of chronic disease prevention practices. Among these, we have identified 17 practices that employers should adopt. These practices include health insurance benefits, workplace policies, and workplace programs, and aim at increasing employees' disease screening, healthy eating, influenza immunization, physical activity and tobacco cessation. Unfortunately, employer surveys reveal low adoption of these practices. Working with the American Cancer Society, our research team from the University of Washington has developed and pilot-tested an innovative consulting intervention to increase adoption of these practices. Our two-stage intervention is comprehensive yet tailored by employer feedback. The intervention: - markets the "business case" that employers can help control health-care costs and productivity losses through adoption of these practices - enables implementation by providing tools for each practice. In this proposal, our primary aim is to test this intervention in a randomized, controlled trial among 48 medium-sized employers with a high proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged employees in the Puget Sound area. Our primary outcome is change in employer practices as measured by survey and validated by audit and contract and policy review. Our secondary aims include: - development and pilot-testing of an employee-level health risk behavior survey - cost analysis and assessment of feasibility of our intervention - assessment of employees' preference for different message sources and message appeals. Our multidisciplinary research team includes business, communication, and public health faculty and has more than 10 years of experience in both chronic disease prevention and working with business. If successful, our team's approach has broad applicability to other public health problems.
Interventional
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Prevention
Change in employer practices in health benefits, policies and programs
15 month follow-up survey
No
Jeffrey R Harris, MD, MPH, MBA
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
United States: Institutional Review Board
06-4829-E/G 01
NCT00452816
April 2007
September 2009
Name Location University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 | 2,893 | 1,419 | 0.000709 |
warc | 201704 | New 3D map of massive galaxies and black holes offers clues to dark matter, dark energy August 9, 2012
Astronomers have constructed the largest-ever three-dimensional map of massive galaxies and distant black holes, which will help the investigation of the mysterious “dark matter” and “dark energy” that make up 96 percent of the universe.
The map was produced by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III).
Early last year, the SDSS-III released the largest-ever image of the sky, which covered one-third of the night sky. The new data, “Data Release 9” (DR9), which publically releases the data from the first two years of this six-year project, begins expansion of this earlier image into a full three-dimensional map.
DR9 is the latest in a series of data releases stretching back to 2001. This release includes new data from the ongoing SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS), which will eventually measure the positions of 1.5 million massive galaxies over the past seven billion years of cosmic time, as well as 160,000 quasars — giant black holes actively feeding on stars and gas — from as long ago as 12 billion years in the past.
BOSS is targeting these big, bright galaxies because they live in the same places as other galaxies and they’re easy to spot, even far away in the universe. Mapping these big galaxies thus provides an effective way to make a map of the rest of the galaxies in the universe.
Retracing the history of the universe
With such a map, scientists can retrace the history of the universe over the last seven billion years. With that history, they can get better estimates for how much of the universe is made up of “dark matter” — matter that we can’t directly see because it doesn’t emit or absorb light — and “dark energy,” the even more mysterious force that drives the accelerating expansion of the universe.
The DR9 release includes images of 200 million galaxies and spectra of 1.35 million galaxies, including new spectra of 540,000 galaxies from when the universe was half its present age. Spectra show how much light a galaxy gives off at different wavelengths. Because this light is shifted to longer redder wavelengths as the universe expands, spectra allow scientists to figure out how much the universe has expanded since the light left each galaxy. The galaxy images, plus these measurements of expansion, are combined by SDSS-III scientists to create the three-dimensional map released with DR9.
Distant “quasars” provide another way to measure the distribution of matter in the universe. Quasars are the brightest objects in the distant universe and their spectra show intricate patterns imprinted by the large-scale clumping of intergalactic gas and underlying dark matter that lies between each quasar and the Earth.
These new data are not only helping us understand the distant universe, but also our own cosmic backyard, the Milky Way galaxy. DR9 includes better estimates for the temperatures and chemical compositions of more than half a million stars in our own galaxy.
All these new images and spectra contain the promise of new discoveries about our universe, but the SDSS-III is only in the middle of its six-year survey.
Funding for SDSS-III has been provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Participating Institutions, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. | 3,500 | 1,586 | 0.000651 |
warc | 201704 | TEXOMA -- National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell recently instated new sanctions for NFL players and staff who engage in domestic violence. Area crisis centers say the new policies serve as a reminder that domestic violence and sexual assault are serious and widespread issues.
Goodell announced that all NFL employees who violate the policy will receive a six-week ban without pay. Repeat offenders will be banned from the league for life, with an opportunity to apply for reinstatement after one year.
"It's not just an NFL problem, it's a national problem, and we have to address it nationally," Anna Marcy, an advocate at the Crisis Control Center, Inc. in Durant, Okla.
Statistics from Safe Horizon suggest that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. And each year, 3 million children will witness domestic violence happen in their home.
And Texoma is no exception to that.
The center in Durant serves 400 women and children each year, according to Marcy.
Further south in Grayson County, the Crisis Center sees between 600 and 800 victims each year.
And that only accounts for the victims that come forward.
Marcy said the NFL's new policy on players and staff involved in domestic violence sets a good example.
"I think increasing offender accountability in any form or fashion is the appropriate step forward," she said.
At the Crisis Center in Grayson County, "I really stand behind the n-fl taking this stand," Executive director Rachel Morgan said.
Morgan said the NFL policy reflects the crisis center's approach, because in addition to the sanctions, rookie and seasoned staff will go through educational programs on domestic violence.
"I really applaud them for looking at the bigger picture, not just talking punitive," Morgan said.
The Crisis Center in Grayson County offers a Batterers Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPP), which are typically court ordered after a conviction.
In Texas and Oklahoma, domestic violence crimes are usually classified as misdemeanors, but can be classified as a felony depending on the circumstances.
If you'd like to reach out to the either crisis center for help or to volunteer, here's how to get in touch:
Crisis Center (Sherman, Grayson County): 903.893.3909
Crisis Control Center, Inc. (Durant, Bryan County): 580.924.3030 | 2,353 | 1,195 | 0.000847 |
warc | 201704 | Our overarching objective is to undertake economic and legal research that addresses real problems and directly feeds into policy. This is translated into active participation in international and national research projects and publications in scholarly journals and policy documents. In addition, our staff are involved in teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Within EEP, the Rural Business Unit (RBU) carries out a program of research in applied and institutional economic analysis of agriculture, the rural environment and rural development. Its work is funded primarily by government departments such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency. In addition the Cambridge Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research (4CMR) carries out research to foresee strategies, policies and processes to mitigate human-induced climate change which are effective, efficient and equitable, including understanding and modelling transitions to low-carbon energy-environment-economy systems.
Contact information:
Members of EEP are also involved in the work of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. | 1,161 | 638 | 0.001574 |
warc | 201704 | Launch in the News
As a serial entrepreneur, Brandt Page, knows what it’s like to experience the thrill and the frustration of statrup life. He is currently on his third successful venture, Launch Leads, a business-to-business appointment setting company that generates targeted lead lists, qualifies each lead and schedules sales opportunities on behalf of its clients. Due to his experience and subsequent success Page was recently featured in the Utah Business Magazine.Check out the article here.
The College of Hard KnocksChoosing Between College and Real-world Experience
Written by: Rebecca Palmer
With entrepreneurial superstars such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg finding success with little or no college education, the debate is raging about whether young people with a bent for business should skip higher education altogether.
One Utah entrepreneur has a novel idea: Why not go to college and start a business at the same time, asks Brandt Page, founder and CEO of Launch Leads. His business-to-business lead generation company opened in 2009 and has grown 250 percent in just the last year. Before the Salt Lake City startup took off, Page successfully started two other ventures.
“Probably the best thing I did as an entrepreneur…was run a company while I was in college,” Page says. “I was able to stay on as a full-time student, or part-time in some cases, and utilize the many resources that being a college student gives you. You have free access to libraries, free access to mentors, to professors, to business competitions, to really being recognized and mentored and helped by a lot of people that you would pay thousands and thousands of dollars to when you’re out of school as a consultant.”
In the years between 1997 and 2006, just over half of businesses survived into their fifth year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only a quarter of businesses launched in 2001 have survived their first decade. These staggering failure rates, combined with a turbulent economy, have Utah business owners looking for every advantage.
Serial entrepreneur Alex Lawrence heads the Weber State University Innovation Center and teaches internet marketing at the college. He got the most out of higher education while leading his own business and simultaneously earning his MBA at WSU.
“I did it for what I think are the right reasons, because I wanted to learn,” he says. “I didn’t go to find friends and contacts but realized that was one of the benefits.”
A Full Plate
Page and Lawrence are highly motivated men with all the dedication and creativity necessary for startup success. But not everyone can handle running a business and taking classes, they point out. Both endeavors require a major time commitment, and neither is right for every personality.
The downsides to graduating from college before starting a business are many, including the high cost of tuition and the requirements to take irrelevant classes. Increasing job volatility and a higher-than-ever percentage of workers with bachelor’s degrees means that a college education is no longer a guarantee of success.
Joe Salisbury, a partner at Candlelight Homes in South Jordan, believes that going to college can put you at a disadvantage in some ways. Nevertheless, he says that becoming educated is vital to entrepreneurial success. Salisbury got his bachelor’s degree in Russian from Brigham Young University.
He went on to launch several businesses and plans to start a consulting and seminar business with Jared Westhoff, who got his education by way of real-world business experience, books and networking after dropping out of high school and college. Westhoff is the owner of Eugene Gordon, Inc., a real estate firm in the greater Sale Lake area.
“Regardless of how you get there, you need education,” Salisbury says. “Either way, it’s just so funny to see how our society gauges college as success.”
Michelle McCullough agrees with Salisbury. As Doodads founder and business development director at Startup Princess, she reads two or three nonfiction books per month and uses books on tape to turn her car into a classroom. She started, but never finished, a degree in public relations at BYU.
“The degree doesn’t matter as much as the determination,” she says. “The key for anyone is continuing education. It never ends, because technology changes so quickly.”
Not all entrepreneurs need a university degree, but most young people should go to college and then get a job, Lawrence says, especially if they aren’t cut out for the rigors of entrepreneurial life.
“It’s everything about personality fit,” he says. “If I knew someone [who] knew that it wasn’t just all glory and front pages of magazines, and knew that there was a downside—if I knew that they had the skills and were going to drop out of school to pursue it, I don’t think I would discourage them.” | 5,055 | 2,448 | 0.000424 |
warc | 201704 | Carpal Tunnel Release Lawsuits Locate a Local Employment Lawyer What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?
Carpal tunnel release refers to a medical surgery for persons with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with pain or weakness in the wrist due to a compressed or damaged median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel release aims to free the compressed nerve and relieve the patient of paint or numbness in the wrist.
The procedure is a very technical and delicate one, and can often take a long time to heal from. Rehabilitation is usually needed in order to strengthen the wrist after the release surgery.
Issues Associated with Carpal Tunnel Release Surgeries
Carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most common medical procedures, as CTS is the most common work-related injury. It can be associated with various issues, including:
Medical malpractice Damage to soft tissue or other complications Workers comp and insurance disputes Surgical failure Long recovery times Recurrences over time
Lastly, some employers may seek to terminate an employer who has been diagnosed with CTS. This is due to the fact that many employees with carpal tunnel syndrome never recover well enough in order to return to work. Thus, wrongful termination can sometimes be an issue with carpal tunnel syndrome cases.
What Is Workers Compensation Fraud?
Workers compensation fraud or disability fraud is when a person abuses the workers comp system solely in order to make financial gains. The most common situation here is where a person fakes a carpal tunnel injury in order to claim disability. This can sometimes involve misrepresentations by other parties, such as a faked or doctored surgical report, or fake prescriptions. This type of fraud can cost the employee their job and may result in civil lawsuits and possible criminal charges.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a complex procedure and can often require extended periods of time away from work. You may need to hire a lawyer if you need help with any type of legal or insurance claim. Your attorney can provide you with legal advice on your claim, and can also represent you in court if you’re going to file a lawsuit.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 04-15-2014 03:08 PM PDT Link to this page | 2,312 | 1,114 | 0.000905 |
warc | 201704 | “Smart contract” is a buzzword phrase which could mean anything and be used to justify everything, from the realisation of the value of blockchain (another buzzword) to the end of lawyers (that can’t be right). To many, the recent “attack” on the most visible large smart contract in the world (the ominously named Distributed Autonomous Organisation or DAO) has been a reality check for the dreams of replacing laws with computer code. Was this the warning of the “Skynet” moment for this nascent technology, a prescient alert to the dangers in delegating too much to the machines? Well, yes and no: but there is a way of combining the best of both human judgment and computer efficiency in the world of financial market contracts.
In this alert, we strip away the hype and decode the buzzwords. We tell you what these “smart contracts” really are and why people care. Also, we explain (in non-tech speak) what the “DAO attack” was and the fears it created for smart contracts. We then propose a solution, a new “DnA” (Digital and Analogue) architecture for smart contracts, a blend of human and machine. We provide a link to our work on this for you to review, test and improve. All open-source.
Are smart contracts actually … well, not that smart?
A smart contract is simply any agreement which can execute part of its functions itself. An example is a contract which automatically calculates the amount of the payments which have to be paid
and then arranges for them to be made. The self-executing part is achieved through a software program that gives effect to what the parties have agreed and the agreement is recorded on a system which allows that software to take effect. That’s all it is. Other than this, nothing else is needed for it to be a “smart contract”. So it doesn’t really have to be that smart. There are a whole range of possibilities and a smart contract could automate its entire life-cycle or just a single process. We think that in between is the best approach, but more on that later.
If you want more on smart contracts, take a look at
10 points on financial market smart contracts. Why does anyone care about smart contracts?
Smart contracts can make life easier. Automating the processes required to be performed under a contract – such as calculations, payment flows and settlements – can occur much faster and with less risk of error. This is because those processes don’t need a human to perform them. On these sorts of tasks, humans can make errors and are not as fast as computers.
The upside of smart contracts increases when another buzzword is added - blockchain. When smart contracts are designed to interlock on a blockchain (or other distributed ledger technology) then certainty and resilience is added. If the contract is going to be making its own payments and deliveries on behalf of the parties then it is a good thing that the terms have been verified as having been agreed by other disinterested parties and are protected from attack by being held on multiple systems. This is what blockchain can do (see
10 points on blockchain in financial markets). Putting smart contracts together with blockchain can significantly transform the way in which contracting parties deal with each other. So what was that problem with the “DAO”?
The DAO (Distributed Autonomous Organisation) is an application on a particular blockchain (one that is run by the Ethereum Foundation). This blockchain is a platform for running smart contracts. It was created to offer “a new kind of law”, which uses a digital currency and a programming language to define and enforce “unbreakable” agreements between parties. According to this line of thinking, the software code acts as if it were the law, the sole determinant of the rights and obligations of the parties. What the code says is what gets done. The smart contracts on this platform are described as "applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud or third party interference."
The DAO application used this smart contract platform to operate a collective investment facility without needing an entity to play a coordinating or administrative role, to “run” it. Participants contribute amounts of digital currency (called “ether”) which becomes subject to the software code and then those participants vote through the software code to determine how the digital currency is invested and used. It was amazingly popular. By the end of its funding period it had raised US$150 million from more than 11,000 members. This was all held on the terms of the software code only.
Earlier this month, things took an unexpected turn. An “attacker” took advantage of a loophole in the software code of the DAO (not the Ethereum platform). This appears to have been something called a “recursive call bug” which allowed the attacker to keep making withdrawals of digital currency before the previous withdrawals took effect. By the time that the attack became apparent a substantial portion of the total amount of digital currency held on the DAO (worth around US$50 million) had been moved to a separate account, out of the control of the DAO’s members. The infographic below explains this:
Click here to view the image.
This caused lots of problems. The fundamental issue is that the “attack” was technically permitted under the terms of the DAO’s code. It was not a “hack” of that code. If the “code is law” then the result should stand – the members contributed on the basis of the DAO’s code and should remain subject to it, even if it produced this unexpected result. The alternative approach is to orchestrate a “fork” (which is what happens when a blockchain is itself changed) in the Ethereum blockchain to remedy the attack. This would contradict the “code is law” thinking but would arguably be more in line with what would happen in a collective investment arrangement which was not solely governed by software. It is not clear what will happen next, the complexity is increased by there being no centralised resolution framework – this was designed to be a
decentralised structure. Whatever does happen next, it is a blow for confidence in smart contracts which are designed for full automation. Trusting the machine to do everything did not work out so well.
But it does not have to end this way. If the framework allowed for human intervention when needed then the incident could have been easily fixed. There should be a smart contract solution which takes the best of computational code and human discretion. We believe that a “Digital” strand has to be blended with an “Analogue” strand – computer with human, to produce a single “truly smart” contract which has the best of both worlds. We refer to this architecture which combines these two strands as “DnA”.
Please read on if you would like to know more about this.
What is DnA smart contract architecture?
One thing which the last two decades has taught financial market participants is that there is such complexity in the marketplace that it is impossible to predict what will happen after something unpredictable happens. Human judgement is needed when dealing with financial market contracts, to assess an extraordinary range of possibilities and to take into account facts and circumstances which are far beyond the terms of any contract.
Take the concept of good faith for example. Trying to explain this to a group of transistors so that it can be computationally executed is currently science fiction (without the use of an enormous amount of code or computing power). Another example is default. Although the loss which is caused by someone’s default might be calculable without using human judgment in some cases, the choice to exercise rights against a defaulter is not. It is based on many factors including other relationships, other assets and other transactions. Quite often the decision whether to enforce against someone in default is a highly nuanced decision, an “art” rather than a “science”. An attempt to codify that decision would only deprive the parties of a valuable right to choose what to do, as well as potentially drain an enormous amount of computer resources. It is just not efficient to try to turn a whole contract into computer code, unless it is truly very simple. And financial markets contracts are not very simple. So if a financial markets contract wants to be “truly smart” then it needs human judgment as well as computer automation.
There are two types of terms in a contract which wants to become “truly smart”: “
Digital Terms” that can be efficiently automated through a software program and “ Analogue Terms” that cannot. The automation of the Digital Terms takes a lot of manual work out of the performance of the contract. For instance, whenever a calculation needs to be made, a routine payment authorised, or any other computation required, a (properly coded) software program can be used to flawlessly, consistently and efficiently carry out those tasks. The Analogue Terms are the remaining discretionary elements that are impossible, uneconomical or undesirable to automate. These form the rule-book for when humans need to exercise judgment or make decisions.
During the ordinary life-cycle of the contract, when nothing unpredictable is happening, most of the performance should be automated without the need for human intervention. The provisions governing “business-as-usual” are likely to just involve the Digital Terms. Most contracts are likely to stay in that life-cycle for their whole life. When a human has to make a judgement in order for the contract to work (such as because a particular interest rate was not published) then the Analogue Terms come into play. Once this is done, the Digital Terms could return into effect – for any further automated processes or calculations.
Of course, it is absolutely critical that the Digital Terms and Analogue Terms fit together seamlessly and do not give rise to gaps or inconsistencies. The Digital Terms and Analogue Terms need to comprise the one single “truly smart” contract, the “
DnA Contract”.
If you would like to see more on how this works, please read on.
Nice theory, but can that actually work?
To show how it works we tested it on a simple interest rate swap. These types of contracts already contain a high degree of standardisation and are well suited to a level of automation. Also, their existing document structure distinguishes between most of the ordinary life-cycle from most of the “out of the ordinary” events. So to test the theory, we prepared Digital Terms to focus only on the calculations and processes in the ordinary life-cycle document, and we found that a significant increase in efficiency was achieved.
The efficiency is depicted in the comparison of the two “swim lane” diagrams below. Each lane represents the involvement of a person, or a computer, in the contract and shows what they need to do to make the contract work. The first shows a traditional interest rate swap. From this it can be seen that the calculation agent has to do a lot of work to make it work. The second shows a DnA contract form of the same interest rate swap. It shows that most of the work is done instead by the computer functions, and the humans are involved only when the judgment is beyond what the computer can efficiently perform. From the difference between the two, it can be seen that under the DNA contract humans need to be involved much less, but without sacrificing important human judgments and discretions when needed.
Diagram 1: Human input under the “business as usual” model
Click here to view the image.
The interest rate swap documented under a traditional contract. The top and bottom "swim lanes" represent the actions of the parties, the middle "swim lane" represents the actions of the calculation agent. Diagram 2: Human input under the DnA Contract
Click here to view the image.
The DnA Interest Rate Swap. Here there is a new line, representing the Digital Terms. Note that almost every action that was taken by the calculation agent in the “business as usual” model is now automated.
For more on these diagrams, refer to our DnA Contract BPMN processes paper.
Where can you find the open source materials?
Our proposed DnA architecture is available in open source now. We welcome your contributions to it. We have produced discussion drafts of the three elements that are needed for the DnA Interest Rate Swap:
Digital Termsthat demonstrates the computations and inputs that make up those automated aspects of the DnA Contract. These are in a pseudocode, ready to be translated into a functional computing language once a suitable platform is chosen Smart contract confirmationthat incorporates Analogue Terms from the IRS_Definitions and provides for the DnA Contract to form part of and be subject to a master agreement IRS_Definitionsthat contain a sample of relevant definitions which could be automated and integrated in the Digital and Analogue Terms. This document only seeks to demonstrate the methodology we have applied to convert the required definitions into code and does not comprise a complete or finalised piece.
These are prototypes prepared for testing and discussion only and should not be used for real transactions. All of our documents mentioned in this alert (including the three listed above) are available in open source on our Github repository. This is also where you can access more technical detail on what we have summarised in this alert. We welcome and look forward to your contributions to this project. | 14,061 | 5,806 | 0.000178 |
warc | 201704 | In
Failing Law Schools, Brian Tamanaha, a law professor and legal theorist at Washington University at St. Louis School of Law, has written a timely, thoughtful, and provocative book about the state of legal education. Given the central importance of the rule of law to preservation of a society of free and responsible individuals, the future of legal education ought to be of interest to more than law professors, law students, and prospective law students. Tamanaha also writes extraordinarily clearly and precisely, and the book is a pleasure to read. The book is ultimately disappointing, however, because, despite a bold claim that talking honestly about the economics of the legal academy will “affront” his colleagues, Tamanaha ultimately pulls his punches both in describing the problems and suggesting solutions. Failing Law Schools provides considerable insight into the operation of the legal academy, built around the central point that “law schools are run for law professors.” Tamanaha illustrates this point with the story of his brief tenure as interim dean at St. John’s law school in New York, following the ouster of an unpopular dean. A key point in his story is that the St. John’s faculty were not working hard enough. After adding up all the demands on a professor’s time, he concludes that there are 10-15 hours in the work week free for scholarship, “yet virtually every faculty (except at brand-new law schools) has professors who don’t write much.” Deans cannot do much about this problem because they have only “small sticks for prodding – twigs, really” and thus are forced to “resort to passing out goodies to get more out of people.”
This anecdote illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of
Failing Law Schools. Tamanaha has identified an important issue – the institutional problems that go along with faculty dominance of the academy. He brings considerable insight to diagnosing the problem, from his own experience and from a wide range of sources. Unfortunately he also misses much of the forest by focusing relentlessly on a few trees, some of which turn out to be unimportant bushes.
Let’s begin with the book’s strengths. A central theme of the book is the need for students to make an economic decision about attending law school. Tamanaha devotes significant time in this comparatively brief book to giving clear examples of the costs and benefits of legal education and he provides a framework for prospective law students to use to assess whether or not attending law school in general and any law school in particular is economically wise. He also does a terrific job explaining why law schools are headed off a fiscal cliff. Any one considering going to law school and every current or prospective law faculty member ought to read this book carefully.
The book’s most important contribution is its identification of the unsustainability of the current model of financing legal education. We have reached the end of the road for the model which has students borrow $30,000 and more per year to pay rapidly rising tuition, hoping to get a $160,000/year job after graduation so that they can repay their loans. Tamanaha’s discussion of the level of debt that a student can afford based on future salary is something every prospective law student should read. As an industry, law schools have passed the point at which one might debate the financial problems they face. Over the next few years, multiple law schools are going to close because the finances don’t add up, and Tamanaha explains why that is going to happen. A key audience for this book ought to be university presidents and boards of trustees, who are going to face the wrenching question of whether or not to pull the plug on their law schools. For at least some, the financially responsible answer is going to be “yes,” and
Failing Law Schools will help them decide if their law school’s finances are sustainable or not. For this alone, Tamanaha deserves – but is not likely to receive – praise from across the legal academy.
Nonetheless, the book falls short of its ambitious goals in several ways. First, law schools are far from unique in being captured by the professors. Faculties have captured universities and colleges generally. The dynamics of law schools are not that different from business schools, Spanish departments, or history departments. Law faculties have reaped greater rewards from their capture of their departments than English professors have from theirs, but even the tenured English faculty have done well. They have outsourced the boring bits of teaching grammar and composition to an army of contingent workers, just as law schools have shifted teaching writing off the shoulders of the tenure track “substantive” faculty and onto specialized, lower paid “legal writing” faculties. Courses offered in English departments follow faculty interests, just as law faculties have shifted teaching packages away from “bar” courses to focus on professors’ research interests. There is a considerable literature on these larger trends in academia, but Tamanaha discusses almost none of it. Are law schools different in kind or merely in the size of the economic rents their faculties are able to extract? Given how widespread the discussion is now about a “higher education bubble”, it is important to know the extent to which law schools’ failures are unique to them or merely part of an overall problem in American higher education. (Ryan Amacher and Roger E. Meiners’
Faulty Towers: Tenure and the Structure of Higher Education (Independent Institute 2004) provides an excellent survey of the overall problem of university structure and Glenn Reynolds’ The Higher Education Bubble (Encounter Broadside No. 29) (Encounter Books 2012) explains the sustainability problems of the broader university).
Second, Tamanaha identifies only part of the issues surrounding the
U.S. News & World Report law school rankings. He correctly identifies a number of significant impacts the rankings have had, but then falls short in his analysis. For example, he states that “The rankings have law schools by the throat. No question.” Not so. Law schools differ from the rest of academia in that there is but one ranking; in virtually every other part of the academic world there are multiple rankings using different criteria. Why is there only one law school ranking while there are multiple credible business school and undergraduate program rankings? One important reason is the resistance of law schools individually and collectively to transparent dissemination of data. U.S. News has influence among students because it is the only easy means of comparing law schools. If law schools or the ABA published data allowing easy comparisons, students would be less dependent on U.S. News.
Moreover, the key is that
law professors care about U.S. News rankings and since Tamanaha posits that the professors are the ones ultimately in control of legal education, it would have been instructive if he had asked why law professors care so much about their schools’ rankings in a system they regularly claim to loathe. This is one of the bigger disappointments in the book, as Tamanaha resorts to the easy excuse that “law schools are helpless” to do anything but compete for U.S. News’ rankings because of pressure from applicants, students, and alumni. Incredibly, he asserts that “No law school administrator likes posting misleading employment numbers or putting out scholarship offers that trap unwary students, but once a few less scrupulous schools used these techniques to advance their position in the ranking, other schools inevitably followed.” This is nonsense. “The rankings made us do it” for unethical behavior is as poor an excuse by those purporting to be educating future leaders of a self-regulating profession as “all my friends are snorting coke” is for a high school student caught by his parents with a backpack full of drugs.
Moreover, the penalty for not playing the rankings game would have been relatively small for many law schools. During the fat years of legal education, no law school would have closed its doors if it had failed to rise or maintain its
U.S. News rank. Student quality as measured by LSAT and undergraduate GPA might have dipped, resources would have had to be diverted from other uses to reducing effective tuition (either by discounting or by lowering tuition), and faculty would have endured condescending expressions of sympathy from their friends at other schools. For many law schools, this would have been a trivial change. For example, at the top, Yale would have lost its number one spot to Harvard had it declined to participate in U.S. News’ ranking (since the values U.S. News estimates for schools that do not submit data appear to be worse than the values the school would submit), but Yale would remain one of the most highly regarded law schools regardless of its U.S. News ranking. Moreover, if a dozen or so highly ranked law schools and state flagship university law schools defected from U.S. News, they could have made the entire ranking irrelevant. If law professors control the academy as Tamanaha suggests, they bear responsibility for their schools’ unethical or silly efforts to worship at the altar of U.S. News. Acting like mature adults whose self-worth was not determined by a magazine’s arbitrary ranking would have been sufficient to eliminate the excesses Tamanaha and others have documented.
Third,
Failing Law Schools fails to address the full consequences of the capture. Tamanaha does a tremendous job illustrating how law professors have come to dominate the ABA’s Section on Legal Education. In particular, he gives a clear explanation of how the accreditation process has increased law professors’ salaries and improved their working conditions. But again, Tamanaha pulls his punches. Emory law professor George Shepherd has thoroughly documented how the ABA standards are not simply a means of feathering the nests of faculties but also are responsible for creating the problem of access to justice for the poor. In his 2003 article, No African-American Lawyers Allowed: The Inefficient Racism of the ABA’s Accreditation of Law Schools, 53 J. Legal Edu. 103, Prof. Shepherd documents the origins of the ABA accreditation system as a racist effort to keep blacks and other minorities from becoming lawyers. As Prof. Shepherd notes:
It is no accident that accreditation harms black law schools and black students. During the 1920s and 1930s the bar, the courts, and state governments imposed the accreditation system as an intentional means to exclude blacks and other minorities from the profession to reduce competition for existing white lawyers. Those who presently operate the system do not harbor personal racist beliefs; they merely believe that admitting more lawyers into the profession, many of whom would be black, would harm consumers and the profession. However, these well-intentioned people tenaciously enforce a deeply discriminatory system with roots in a racist past. It is the system, not those who currently operate it, that is racist. It is the system’s discriminatory impacts, openly intended by those who originally established the system, that make it so.
It is no doubt uncomfortable for today’s law professors, largely a politically left-leaning group, to acknowledge that their high salaries and light work loads are merely the side effect of a system designed to exclude blacks. But focusing on the ABA Section on Legal Education as an economic cartel misses an important dimension to the harm that cartel has caused. That dimension suggests that curing the problem is going to require much more than diversifying the race of people teaching in law schools – it is going to require addressing the problem of access to the legal profession that our current model of legal education has created. Tamanaha gives an excellent analysis of problems of the economic model of legal education but he never looks past the numbers to ask how that model became dominant.
Fourth, Tamanaha is far too circumspect on the failings of legal scholarship. Although he notes that much legal scholarship is never cited, that law schools today do not value doctrinal analysis as much as they did in the past, and that many lawyers and judges do not find legal scholarship to be particularly useful, his conclusion is merely that “We must inquire whether it is appropriate that law students are forced to pay for the production of scholarship at current levels and to the same extent at law schools across the board. Not all law schools and not all law professors must be oriented toward research.” This is a weak conclusion that avoids the hard questions.
Again, a comparative perspective would have been enlightening. Law professors are not the only members of the academy who write work that outsiders suspect is of limited utility. Business, engineering, dental, veterinary, and medical professors also balance writing for the academy and their respective professions. Are law professors better or worse at striking a balance than their peers in the academy? Moreover, as Tamanaha notes, as law schools hire more J.D./Ph.D. or just Ph.D. faculty, much of the scholarship done in law schools has become indistinguishable from scholarship done elsewhere in the university. How does the work produced by law professors in other disciplines compare with that produced by philosophers, political scientists, or economists? Prof. Tamanaha might object that he set out to write a book about law schools, not universities. And, to be fair, reviewers must take care not to criticize authors for failing to write the book the reviewer would have written. But
Failing Law Schools would not have needed to be a different book to have provided a broader context. Omitting that context weakens the analysis because the discussion of the problems of legal education is taking place within a broader discussion of the problems of higher education.
To see the value of a comparative perspective, let’s look at one example of how scholarship is handled elsewhere in the academy. I have long admired the scholarship of an acquaintance who teaches history, including legal history, at a mid-tier, state school. He has the professional degrees (including M.A., Ph.D., and J.D.) from an excellent school and these are sufficient to qualify him to teach in many law schools. His productivity is extraordinary. Not only does my acquaintance regularly teach a much heavier load than most law professors, but he is a prolific scholar in a difficult field. His webpage lists seven regular courses. In addition, he has duties as an advisor to graduate students. Despite a diverse, heavy teaching load, this professor has written 18 books, 39 articles (including quite a few law review articles), 16 book chapters and encyclopedia entries, and numerous book reviews; has an active scholarly agenda including 5 books under contract; is active in his profession through leadership positions in honor societies and professional organizations, helped found an important regional historical society, and has served as a member of the editorial board of multiple scholarly journals.
Should law professors be producing more scholarship? Tamanaha’s opening anecdote from his time as interim dean suggests they should – one of his key points was that every professor had 10-15 hours of work time per week in which he or she could be writing. As Tamanaha notes, opinions are sharply divided on legal scholarship’s value. But dividing the world into elite schools where professors write more and non-elite schools where they write less – effectively what Tamanaha advocates at the end of the book – does not answer this question. He makes a compelling case that the price of reducing teaching loads to “buy” scholarship using tuition revenues is high for students. But, as my example suggests, there is no reason why law professors could not write considerably more than they do now even while teaching much more as well.
The issues surrounding scholarship go deeper and it would have been useful for Tamanaha to go beyond the obligatory quotes from lawyers and judges on legal scholarship’s failings from the point of view of the bar to ask some difficult questions. Why has legal scholarship changed so dramatically over the past 50 years? Why have subjects like commercial law vanished from top law journals? (See Larry Garvin’s excellent
The Strange Death of Academic Commercial Law, 68 Oh. St. L. J. 403 (2007).) Why have law journals proliferated, so that there are now hundreds more student-edited journals than there were just a few decades ago? If the faculty are in charge, these developments are the result of law professors’ decisions and ought to be explained. Tamanaha concludes the book by saying he “resolved that this book could be written only if [he] protected no one, including myself” yet there is no discussion of whether his students’ tuition dollars were wisely spent on funding his own considerable scholarly output. More importantly, Tamanaha offers no metric by which deans, university boards, or the legal community can choose how much or what kinds of legal scholarship is worth the cost. This is a fundamental question for the future of the legal academy, yet all Tamanaha provides is the obvious point that some legal scholarship is not worth the cost without offering a means by which to identify that which is worthwhile and that which is not. This was a major missed opportunity to start a dialogue on a critical point. Failing Law Schools is an important book, one that raises more questions than it answers. Its greatest virtue is the concise, clear statement of the economic problem of legal education. Its greatest flaw is its failure to probe below the surface of the problem. Prof. Tamanaha is a worthy contributor to the debate over the future of legal education; and I hope he will continue to make contributions as the debate progresses. | 18,448 | 7,586 | 0.000135 |
warc | 201704 | STAFF RESOURCES
[Approved December 15, 2004]
1. J. Cassel called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
2. The Agenda was adopted by consensus.
3. The Minutes of the Previous Planning and Coordinating were approved.
4. Report of the Faculty Coordinator: There was no report. J. Cassel noted that the new chair of the Personnel Policy and Affirmative Action Committee is Eileen Stec, and the new chair of the Committee of Review is Pat Piermatti.
5. Unfinished Business.
a. Guidelines for Faculty Research Salons. S. Harrington distributed a revised document. A brief discussion ensued, where a few minor changes were suggested. It was decided to add language indicating that staff could also participate in the research salons, and to distribute the document to RUL_EVERYONE and mount it on the Library Faculty web site.
b. Open Faculty Lines: M. Gaunt distributed a document showing changes in the number of faculty lines since 1977-1978. During this period, the number of lines has fallen from 103 to 86.4, primarily due to budget reductions (9.4) and conversions to staff lines (7.4). As of January 1, RUL has 12 potential faculty lines available, some of which do not have sufficient funding to recruit a tenure- track librarian. RUL has funds to hire five tenure track librarians, and a possibility of hiring two additional positions contingent on budget. Many of these positions are currently being filled by Librarian Vs or voucher employees. M. Gaunt noted that it was extremely unlikely that RUL will receive additional funding for faculty positions from the university in the near future. She also noted that historically lines have not been moved from one unit to another within RUL. On a related point, the University Senate has recently received a request to consider increasing the number of Clinical Faculty, a term currently used in the School of Pharmacy for non-tenure track faculty members, who have all the benefits of faculty without tenure. Mason Gross School of the Arts, the Graduate School of Social Work, and the School of Nursing are interested in using this designation, probably under another name. Of course this possibility has overall implications for the tenure system and the AAUP will undoubtedly be involved in the discussion.
M. Gaunt recommended that the Planning and Coordinating Committee look at the existing open positions in light of the upcoming strategic plan, evaluating them in the context of Rutgers University's priorities. Discussion arose over how the Libraries can support the university's recently identified priorities, such as transportation studies, while maintaining excellence in established areas of strength. M. Gaunt noted that transportation as a focus reflects research that is being done in many areas of the university, rather than a new specialty. Several selectors are currently purchasing transportation materials. Discussion ensued as to the challenges the increasingly inter-disciplinary nature of the academy poses for collection development, particularly in terms of funding. It was generally agreed that there was a need for the Libraries to work more closely with the University in the development of new academic programs. Areas like South Asian Studies will require language expertise not currently available in the Libraries, although there may be potential for cooperation with other institutions in the state.
J. Cassel summarized the discussion of open faculty lines. Plans for filling five open faculty lines are currently going forward. The two remaining lines will be reconsidered once the new strategic plan is in place.
c. Unedited Data Summary from Sheila Creth. J. Cassel introduced the discussion. M. Gaunt noted that the consultant had been asked to provide a process by which the Libraries could address challenges it sees for the future, rather than making specific recommendations on structure. The raw data represents comments made by participants in the process, not group consensus on recommendations. It is our role to help identify commonalities, as well as potential changes to address structural, cultural, policy and practice barriers to advancement. Discussion ensued. R. Tipton questioned whether law students were included in statistics that showed high use of the Dana Library by graduate students. Others noted that many of the comments reflected in the data were concrete, and could lead to immediate action if warranted. Discussion ensued. M. Gaunt suggested going through each person's summary and identifying issues related to policy, process, structure, and culture on which action could possibly be taken. It was also noted that some issues, particularly regarding communication, could be resolved through providing clarification rather than necessitating a change.
T. Glynn inaugurated the discussion by reporting on governance. He identified three major issues. As regards policy, staff generally expressed a desire for more of a voice in decision-making. Secondly, in regard to culture, he identified a need to address misunderstandings between campuses. As regards structure, he identified confusion between the roles of councils, campus directors, and RUL. Discussion ensued over ways to improve cultural understanding among campuses such as, for example, holding meetings on different campuses. It was noted that successful informal cooperation exists in cross-campus teams like Ask-a-Librarian. There was discussion on the possibility of volunteering at different reference desks, but it was generally felt that logistical issues would make this difficult. J. Gardner mentioned that similar issues concerning culture, policy, and structure came out of her summary, and there was general agreement that everyone had found these issues to be critical. Several people commented on redundancies among the councils, the structure of which was created many years ago. The fixed monthly schedule of council meetings sometimes causes delays. Furthermore, the size of New Brunswick Libraries creates an additional committee structure, leading to further redundancies. Possibly smaller, less highly-structured, cross-campus groups like the Instructional Services Committee, or task-oriented working groups, would be more effective. R. Tipton mentioned that the Business Selectors have worked across campuses successfully for years. J. Cassel suggested that everyone identify key cultural, structural, and policy issues from their reports and distribute them electronically before the next Planning and Coordinating Committee meeting. Recommendations can be made via bullet points, which will then lead to further discussion.
6. Continuing Business: In the interest of time, the discussion of mentoring was tabled for the next meeting.
7. New Business: None.
8. Report of the University Librarian. In the interest of time, no report was given. M. Gaunt announced that R. Becker, Head, Special Collections and University Archives, has been appointed to head the Strategic Plan Steering Committee.
9. Concluding Outcomes, Tasks, and Accomplishments: J. Cassel summarized the meeting.
10. Future Agenda Items: Further discussion of the Sheila Creth report and faculty mentoring will be on the Agenda for the next meeting.
11. J. Cassel adjourned the meeting at 12:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Fernanda Perrone Faculty Secretary | 7,350 | 3,303 | 0.000304 |
warc | 201704 | Emotions can make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster sometimes. In the course of one day you can experience a range of emotions – happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, nervousness, confusion, anxiety – you name it, you can feel it. The negative emotions are undoubtedly the hardest to deal with, but they are just as much a part of life as the positive ones. So, we must learn to take the bad with the good, and cope with it all so we can be our happiest selves.
If you’re experiencing a negative emotion right now, here are 8 steps you can take to handle it:
1. Recognize and name the emotion.
The first step to handling an emotion is recognizing it. Everybody has their own unique ability to express their emotions, but this step is not about expressing it to anyone, it is just about recognition. Name the emotion in your own head.
I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m really happy right now. Be a dispassionate observer, looking at yourself from outside the situation and making an assessment. 2. Notice how the emotion is affecting your behavior.
Stop to notice how the emotion is affecting your behavior. For example, if you’re angry, you might be talking loudly, quickly, or using profanities. You may stand with your arms or legs crossed. If you’re feeling sad, you may be listening to sad music, crying, or lying in bed. It’s the same with positive emotions. If you’re feeling excited, you may be singing or dancing, talking loudly, or smiling. Recognizing how your emotion is affecting your behavior is super important.
3. Tell yourself the emotion won’t last forever.
Emotions don’t typically stick around. (Of course, if you are experiencing an extended period of sadness, you may want to talk to a professional.) That’s why it can feel like we are on emotional roller coasters sometimes. We’re good, we’re bad, we’re good again, we’re bad again. If you’re feeling something negative, make sure to keep in mind that it won’t last forever, just like physical pain. Eventually, a broken bone will heal, and the same goes for emotions. Maybe you’re feeling unsettled today. Tomorrow, you’ll likely feel different. Unfortunately, this step is also true for positive emotions. You don’t need to remind yourself of that every day, but it’s probably helpful to keep in the back of your mind.
4. Figure out what is causing the emotion.
Once you’ve recognized and named the emotion, noticed how it’s affecting your behavior, and told yourself it won’t last forever, the next step is to determine where the emotion came from. Don’t blame yourself or anyone for the emotion; just try to identify its root. Maybe you got a nasty email from your ex-boyfriend. Maybe your supervisor said something snarky about your work. Maybe it’s something more subtle, like spilling coffee on your new coat. Or maybe it’s something huge, like the death of a friend or family member. Whatever it is, try to identify it. If it is more than one thing, that’s okay. Find all the potential causes of the emotion.
5. Accept the emotion.
What’s this step? Acceptance. This emotion is what you feel right now. It just is – like it, love it, or hate it. This is what you’ve got. You can’t change it. You have to live with it, so you may as well accept it. It doesn’t define you and it’s going away soon anyway, but, for the moment, just accept it for what it is. Tell yourself that you are feeling whatever you are supposed to be feeling. Even if it’s not the best feeling. That will definitely help.
6. Remind yourself that the emotion will pass.
After accepting the emotion, remind yourself one more time that it will pass. Don’t ever forget this step! In fact, slip this step in between the other steps as many times as you need. This is key. If you’re feeling unhappy right this second, it does
not mean you are going to feel unhappy for the rest of your life! 7 . Snap back into the present moment.
Now that you’ve recognized and named the emotion, noticed how it’s affecting your behavior, told yourself it won’t last forever, figured out what is causing the emotion, accepted it, and reminded yourself one more time that it will pass, it’s time to get back to whatever you were doing. If you need a quick break first, take it – go for a walk; do some pushups or jumping jacks; call a friend or a family member if you have the time. Do whatever you need to do to bring yourself back to the present moment. Your emotion is just a feeling. It does not define who you are. Bring yourself back to your present moment, to your
here and now. 8. Learn from the emotion.
If the emotion you experienced was negative, there might be a reason for it. It could be a red flag for something that is causing uneasiness within you. Of course, the opposite is also true. It might just have been a completely normal and healthy negative emotion. Take the steps you need to take to handle the emotion and move on, but don’t just ignore it. File it away in your brain so that you can retrieve any useful information about it for your future self.
There! Now you can handle any negative emotion that comes at you – sadness, anger, frustration, anxiety.
You are a superhero. You can do anything. You have power. You have control of your life. You make decisions for yourself. You determine what you need. You are your best friend. Tell your emotions to settle down. You’re the one who drives this car: 6 Ways To Raise Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Featured photo credit: Mag Nimous via flickr.com
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warc | 201704 | Paper 2657 Variable Degrees of Constituency: Frequency Effects in the Alternation of pa vs. para in Spoken Discourse
Manuel Díaz-Campos, Stephen Fafulas, and Michael Gradoville
75-87 (complete paper
or proceedings contents
)
Abstract
This study examines how repetition in discourse determines variable degrees of constituency between the preposition
para 'to, for' and surrounding words, thus predicting greater reduction of para in cases where the degree of constituency is tightest. Our study contributes to the overall understanding of the role of usage in explaining reductive phonetic processes in contemporary Spanish. The findings of this corpus-based study of Caracas Spanish reveal that the frequency of the collocation is a key factor in predicting reduction of the form para. Further, frequency of use is a better explanation for the reduction of para than more traditional variables such as phonetic context. This result provides evidence to support the hypothesis that frequent combinations are accessed as autonomous units, due to their tighter degree of constituency, as in the case of I don't know in American English (Bybee and Scheibman 1999). Published in Selected Proceedings of the 14th Hispanic Linguistics Symposium
edited by Kimberly Geeslin and Manuel Díaz-Campos Table of contents | 1,326 | 739 | 0.001374 |
warc | 201704 | When you are cooking within the guidelines of a diabetic meal plan, it can be hard to find a way to include classic favorites. A diabetic diet needs to be well balanced with proteins, fruits and vegetables. Include whole grain, low-glycemic carbohydrates with each meal to keep your blood sugar balanced, accounting for every carbohydrate choice according to your doctor's recommendation. Grits are a Southern classic, and can be integrated into a diabetic diet in proper moderation.
Breakfast Planning
When you create a breakfast menu for a diabetes meal plan, focus on adding protein and vegetables first. Egg whites or egg substitutes, low-fat meats or other protein and non-fibrous vegetables should be the focus of your breakfast. A whole grain carbohydrate choice such as multi-grain toast can round out the plate. According to the American Diabetes Association, vegetables should comprise half of the plate, with protein and carbohydrates split evenly across the other half. This guideline helps ensure a well-balanced plate.
Yellow Corn Grits
Yellow corn grits provide the lowest carbohydrate impact and no fat, though they also offer the lowest nutritional benefit. A half-cup serving of yellow corn grits packs 15 g of carbohydrates with negligible dietary fiber and 2 g of protein. The standard serving size offers 4 percent of your daily requirement for iron, but does not contribute to any other nutritional requirements. Top yellow grits with a small amount of shredded, low-fat cheese for extra calcium.
White Corn Grits
White corn grits have a much higher carbohydrate impact than the yellow corn variety. Along with the higher carbohydrate concentration comes an increase in added nutrients. The white corn variety contains 32 g of carbohydrates to a 1/4-cup serving. The single serving contains a 1/2 g of fat and provides 4 g of protein and 10 percent of the FDA daily iron recommendation.
Putting It All Together
Start with the vegetables and proteins, possibly creating an omelet with low-fat cheese and a variety of colorful vegetables. Select many different colors of vegetables throughout the day to give your body a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins. Add extra protein with a side of low-fat turkey sausage or a serving of cottage cheese. Finish off the plate with a serving of your choice of grits, remaining within your dietary recommendations for carbohydrate choices per meal. | 2,420 | 1,125 | 0.000893 |
warc | 201704 | Biodiversity Bringing Your Garden to Life
To attract wildlife to your backyard you need to have features that specific species would require and look for in natural bushland environments such as opportunities for foraging, shelter, protection and for breeding and raising young.
If you want wildlife to live in your backyard or become regular visitors then you will also need to ensure your garden has a permanent source of water and sufficient food resources to sustain them.
For all animals, including humans, a reliable source of water and food is essential for continued survival and habitat of an area.
By incorporating a combination of these resources you can significantly increase the habitat opportunities and value of your backyard for local native wildlife species.
More to Read in this Section Activity Centre
challenges, tools and games.
Useful Tips and Facts Create urban wildlife corridors and stepping stones to larger local bushland or parkland areas. In nature there is no such thing as waste everything is linked and contributes to the cycle. As a plant reaches the end of its life cycle it is not discarded by nature, instead it provides habitat for animals and food for micro-organisms as it lies on the ground, the waste from the micro-organisms, bacteria and fungi feeding on it replace nutrients and organic material to the soil for new plants to grow. Plant local native species The best way to attract native wildlife to your backyard is to provide a variety of healthy natural foods in the form of seeds, leaves, flowers, nectar, pollen, fruits and nuts throughout the year. The use of pesticides and herbicides can damage your soils and kill non target species. The poisoning of insects with chemicals can also cause larger species relying on those insects as a food source to become sick or even die from eating poisoned insects. To create habitat for smaller native birds you can grow shrubs close together to create dense corners or pockets in your garden which will provide protection and refuge from larger aggressive birds such as noisy miners Wattles (Acacias). While most wattles only live between 6 - 10 years, they are an important pioneer species which colonise disturbed areas, where other plants find it hard to grow. They improve soil conditions enough to allow other species to germinate and thrive by fixing nitrogen into the soil through their roots and adding high levels of organic leaf litter. | 2,450 | 1,221 | 0.000822 |
warc | 201704 | After 15 years of plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing and helping numerous women through the process of breast reconstruction, I was still looking for a way that would help women through this emotional and stressful time. Establishing a support group for women undergoing breast reconstruction and taking a very personal interest in each women’s treatment never seemed like quite enough and I could not help but think that there must be something more that I could do or an other way to reach out to these women who were struggling so.
I still have memories of my first encounters with many of these women and can remember the devastation and fear that was apparent on their faces. They had different backgrounds, various lifestyles, personalities, and financial means but they all shared the same look of confusion
and fear. They were confused about the possibility of disfigurement and how it could affect their life and their relationships. There was confusion about what could be done, where and when to begin, and how would it be paid for. Fear of the unknown was the most terrifying for all.
With all the progress that has been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, there are still too many unknowns about treatment, terminology, and reconstruction. I began to think that there must be a way to help all women become more informed about breast cancer and
breast reconstruction before diagnosis. Simple facts and terminology logically complied together and available to all women, to be read and reread if ever needed or to be shared with a friend or a loved one. A source of basic information and a listing of resources for additional information about breast cancer, breast reconstruction ,and legislation allowing women to become more informed and familiar with breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction options.
In hopes of eliminating some of the fears and unknowns about breast cancer and breast reconstruction I would like to share the following listing of basic information that I have personally collected.
Joanne Gladfelter, RN, CPSN
More articles
Breast Cancer Survivor – Dr Rogers
Breast Cancer Survivor – Ginger Breast Cancer Survivor – Nancy Breast Cancer Basics Breast Self Exam Terminology Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Recommended Reading List Surviving and Thriving – Breast Cancer | 2,380 | 1,121 | 0.000906 |
warc | 201704 | Home Calendar City News Crime Digital Editions High School Sports Local Deals Update: Growing Number of Leaders Join Berkeley Boycott Campaign to Urge Insourcing of UC contract workers Oakland: The California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) has issued its second Unfair Labor Practice Complaint against the University of California this year, alleging multiple violations of the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act over its use and treatment of subcontracted workers.
In January,
PERB issued its first Complaint, alleging UC engaged in unlawful retaliation against employees of UCSF Contractor IMPEC Group, which provided custodial services at UCSF from 2011 to 2015. Most of the more than twenty impacted workers, mostly Chinese immigrants, had been working at UCSF on a full time basis for years. At UCSF’s request, IMPEC Group slashed the workers’ wages by nearly 50%, prompting them to organize and seek direct employment with the University. UCSF responded by having the workers blacklisted when their employment was transitioned to a new contractor tasked with delivering the same services at UCSF, and then made sure that almost a dozen of them were fired. PERB issued a second Complaint this week, alleging that UC violated its collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3299 by entering into at least five distinct contracts at multiple campuses private firms that pay their workers rock bottom wages for full time permanent staffing needs that are traditionally met by directly employed UC workers.
Two of the contractors named in the second PERB complaint—Performance First Building Services and ABM Services Inc.—are already facing mounting legal scrutiny. The LA Times reported last year that Performance First is under federal investigation by the Department of Labor for allegations of wage theft and payroll fraud involving its UC-assigned custodial workers.[i] The State Labor Commissioners Office has adjudicated 140 claims of wage theft against ABM since 2010[ii], and the company is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault against female employees, highlighted in the recent PBS documentary, “Rape on the Night Shift.”[iii] ABM and Performance First workers are also overwhelmingly immigrants and people of color.
The University of California’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 3299, filed the charges that resulted in both Complaints. Local 3299 represents UC custodial workers, parking attendants, landscapers and other job classifications that are frequently contracted out to low wage firms.
“In issuing these Complaints, PERB has acknowledged that the University of California is engaged in an illegal, system-wide race to the bottom to meet its full-time, permanent staffing needs,” said Local 3299 President Kathryn Lybarger. “In doing so, UC is helping some of our state’s most notorious employers profit by condemning hundreds—if not thousands—of full-time UC workers and their families to a life of poverty and exploitation. This illegal conduct would be unacceptable in any circumstance, but it is especially troubling to see it happening at California’s third largest employer and the pre-eminent public university system in America.”
UPDATE: Speaker’s Boycott in Support of Subcontracted Workers Gaining Steam at UC Berkeley:
In support of the aspirations for better wages and conditions for nearly 100 subcontracted workers employed by ABM, Performance First and Laz Parking at UC Berkeley, Local 3299 recently launched a spring-semester speaker’s boycott at the campus until each of these workers is brought in-house.[iv]
In doing so, Local 3299 reached out to state and federal lawmakers, as well as other civic leaders (including President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, who are scheduled to host an event at UC Berkeley on April 1st-3rd[v]) with scheduled speaking engagements at Berkeley to ask them to honor the boycott. Among those who have already done so by cancelling/postponing existing events or committing to refuse any speaking invitations until the ongoing labor dispute is settled are:
“We are deeply grateful to the many leaders here in California and across the country who are standing up for the aspirations of UC’s permanent subcontracted workforce,” Lybarger added. “No one who works full time should be treated as second class, or forced to live in abject poverty. And we renew our call to all scheduled Berkeley speakers, as well as leaders and lawmakers everywhere, to join us in the fight against UC’s lawless exploitation of mostly immigrant workers by honoring the Berkeley Boycott.”
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warc | 201704 | Within a mere decade, hospital pharmacies throughout the Tibetan areas of the People's Republic of China have been converted into pharmaceutical companies. Confronted with the logic of capital and profit, these companies now produce commodities for a nationwide market. While these developments are depicted as a big success in China, they have also been met with harsh criticism in Tibet. At stake is a fundamental (re-)manufacturing of Tibetan medicine as a system of knowledge and practice. Being important both to the agenda of the Party State's policies on Tibet and to Tibetan self-understanding, the Tibetan medicine industry has become an arena in which different visions of Tibet's future clash.
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warc | 201704 | The other day Dolores phoned a hospital billing office to see if we could arrange a payment plan for a bill we had received regarding a visit we had had with a surgeon.
She reached a voice mail, which forwarded her to another voice mail, which forwarded her to another voice mail, which sent her to yet another voice mail none of which answered her question.
Now these weren't actually "mails." They were answering machines. These electronic machines respond to your phone call, when the person you're trying to reach isn't there. In the case of employees, they usually aren't there.
But a short time later Dolores received a call from the hospital. She actually talked to a live person -- which tempted her to drop the phone and jump up and down for glee. The caller told her they didn't have a plan.
"Pay what you can, deah, " was the payment plan the caller suggested.
Sounds like a good plan. We will.
The bill Dolores was reading stated that we owed $270 for a total bill of $573, the remainder of which Medicare had paid. This was for a conversation with the surgeon, not for the actual operation.
During that meeting with the surgeon, he had explained what he called the "procedure."
I have a problem with the word "procedure." A procedure, in my opinion, is something you're trying to do. In the most recent case about a procedure I remember, it was about the procedure I would need to use to sew a button back onto my pants.
I grabbed a needle and thread and the pants, and figured out the procedure as I went. The only part I wouldn't consider part of the procedure is when I stuck my finger with the needle. No word such as "procedure" can describe what came out of my mouth. I just know it wasn't a procedure.
But this is about hospital billings, not sewing that darned button back on those darned pants....which, by the way, I finally did.
During an earlier visit with a different surgeon about a different medical procedure, I asked that surgeon what he would charge for the operation.
He said he didn't know. He just did the procedure.
He didn't add that he hoped it would be enough for a payment on his boat, probably a yacht. (We, who would be paying the bill for that procedure, are the proud owners of a well-used 14-foot canoe.)
Years ago, a caller from an out-of-state hospital phoned us at suppertime to ask about a bill for $5,000. (When I later looked at the bill, I learned it had been for "other." Great, $5,000 for "other.") The caller wanted me to look at the bill.
I explained to the caller that we were eating supper, and we didn't keep bills in front of us while we were eating supper. But she insisted.
Not being happy with that phone call, I called the hospital and reached a guy who was in charge of a guy who was in charge of the guy who was the caller's boss.
This hospital official was helpful. He said that the hospital was going to drop the bill for $5,000 and that I shouldn't worry about the caller who had demanded that we keep hospital bills in front of us while we ate supper.
That was helpful.
I believe it was the only time anyone told us they were going to drop a bill.
He could have said instead that we could pay what we could.
We would have paid what we could, deah.
Milt Gross can be reached for corrections, harassment, or other purposes at lesstraveledway@roadrunner.com.
Milton M. Gross Copyright 2013 | 3,394 | 1,536 | 0.000659 |
warc | 201704 | Last week the people of Newmarket, New Hampshire voted on whether or not to build a new junior / senior high school. The building is now 89 years old and because of fire and safety issues a new school is mandated. The school now houses grades 6 through 12. The State of New Hampshire decided years ago to eliminate any aid to their towns in order to replace old schools. They did this because budgets would not allow any more deficit spending. In other words, the state like many other states decided it was more important to save money today in order to not allow their children to have to pick up the debt in their future. The vote lost by a small margin but wasn't near the necessary 60% in order to pass the bond that would allow the school to be built.
This concept mirrors many that are now plaguing the future of our society. Many in both state and federal governments feel it is important to stop any spending that would inflate the already inflated state and national debts. They want to balance their budgets today in order to not have deficits tomorrow. The question I have is what will be left for our children in a tomorrow that hasn't taken care of its present?
For example our vast highway system that was built during the Eisenhower Administration after World War II is eroding to a point it will soon not be able to handle the traffic it was never meant to handle. By the way, a large deficit was created because of this construction but our past leaders knew it was important to employ the young men and women who returned from a war that saved all of our freedoms. Our bridges are no longer hinting they are ready to collapse because they are now collapsing killing innocent neighbors. In 2012, the I-35 Bridge in Minnesota did just that. Every time I drive over the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge between Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, Maine I say a little prayer as I view its deeply rusted and pitted structure.
Our gas mains are also feeling the effect of age. A few weeks ago in Harlem, New York at least six people were killed when an old water line collapsed into a gas line literally blowing up two buildings. It is said that most of the gas lines have been replaced in NYC but my primary question concerns the concept of "most"? Also how old are the water lines. Are we now in the midst of saving money for our present by hurting and even killing the people who no longer have a future? Sewer lines are another present problem that should be replaced. Why do our government officials insist we are not able to accomplish this because we don't want to have our children carry the expenses of their parents? What will our children do if they have no means of discarding their own waste?
One of the greatest problems we have in our present world is our electrical and computer grid. If we continue to put off necessary updates to an integral part of our society that creates our life style how can we expect our children to have the same quality of life in their future? If the rest of the world continues to invest in their future while we continue to state we can't afford the necessary expense it is obvious we are going to be left behind.
Now lets get back to the issue of education. For as long as I can remember my society always lead the world in innovation and technology. I was glued to my television with all of my peers with mouths opened watching as the heroes of our time circled the planet, went to the moon, and had visions of capturing the stars. Today our programs are being cut because our politicians state we can't afford it. We can't afford to pay for the future of our children' dreams. In education we spend millions of dollars attempting to increase the motivation of our students. How the hell can one do that when they tell our children they can't afford their future because of attempting to pay the debts of our today? I, and many ask, without our future why would we bother to care about our present?
Last week the people of Newmarket, New Hampshire voted on whether or not to build a new junior / senior high school. The vote failed, which means we all failed. I just pray we never stop trying to succeed.
Jim Fabiano is a teacher and writer living in York, Maine | 4,221 | 1,981 | 0.000506 |
warc | 201704 | Liberal - New Democratic Party Coalition: Structure and Policies
The agreement between the Liberal and New Democratic parties to form a proposed coalition government has raised a number of key questions from a practical day-by-day perspective, such as how such a coalition might operate in practice. This article provides an overview of the structure and policies of a possible coalition government, focusing on the two accords signed by the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois on December 1, 2008.
What is a Coalition Government?
The agreements signed by the Liberal and New Democratic parties outline the basic framework for a coalition government. Before examining the details of this agreement, it is useful to first discuss the general concept of a coalition government. Under Canada’s parliamentary system, coalitions may be contrasted with more common types of government, such as majority and minority governments.
Majority governments refer to cases in which one political party forms government with a clear majority of elected representatives in the legislature. This means the governing party has more representatives than all of the opposition political parties combined. The leader of the political party that wins a majority government usually assumes the role of prime minister, and is able to hold the confidence of the legislature using party discipline (a practice in which the leadership of the party uses certain tactics, such as the threat of demotion or expulsion from the party, to ensure caucus members “toe the party line”). In Canada, majority governments tend to be the norm; a recent example is an era of successive Liberal majority governments helmed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from 1993 to 2003.
Minority governments, by contrast, occur when one political party forms government, but without a clear majority of elected representatives in the legislature. Under such a circumstance the political parties that make up the opposition have, combined, more elected representatives than the governing political party. In this case, the governing party cannot hold the confidence of the legislature through party discipline alone, but must seek out the support of opposition parties. In Canada, minority governments have become the norm in the early years of the 21st century, though most tend to be short-lived. Recent federal examples include the minority government of
Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin (2004-06) and Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper (2006, 2008). Coalition government represents a third type of government in Canada’s parliamentary system, a concept that involves two or more political parties entering into a formal agreement to govern together. As such, coalitions differ from both majority and minority governments in that a single political party does not form government. Instead, members from at least two political parties form the government and take positions in the cabinet. Coalition governments are very rare in Canada; since Confederation, there has only been one coalition government at the federal level — the Union Government (1917-20). In European parliamentary systems, however, coalition governments are much more commonplace.
For more information on Coalition Government:
Structure of the Liberal-New Democratic Coalition
Many of the details regarding a possible Liberal-NDP coalition government will be decided when and if the parties take office. Nevertheless, the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Québécois outlined the coalition government’s basic framework in two agreements:
An Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis, which was signed by members of the Liberal and New Democratic parties, and A Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis, a document signed by all three parties.
In regard to the coalition’s makeup, the agreements clearly assert that only the Liberal and New Democratic parties will form government; under such an arrangement, the Bloc Québécois would remain an opposition party within the House of Commons. That said, the Bloc did agree to neither move nor support any motions of non-confidence against the coalition government until June 30, 2010. Moreover, the Liberals and the NDP agreed to put into place a permanent mechanism to consult with the Bloc on matters. Should the coalition become reality, such arrangements would be critical, as the Liberals and NDP together do not have a majority in the House. Accordingly, they would have to work with, and rely upon, the Bloc’s support to remain in power.
The Liberal-NDP
Accord on Cooperative Government goes on to establish a number of basic rules for a possible Liberal-NDP coalition government. Regarding the office of the Prime Minister, the Accord stipulates that nothing in the agreement is “intended to diminish or alter the power and prerogatives of the Prime Minister.” In other words, the Prime Minister of such a coalition government would exercise the same role and authority as in any other government, and the powers of the office would in no way be limited or shared, despite the fact that two parties would be governing Canada under such an arrangement.
The Accord goes on to assert that a coalition cabinet would consist of 24 ministers plus the Prime Minister. Under the agreement, the designated Prime Minister would be the leader of the Liberal Party, while the
Minister of Finance would also be appointed from the Liberal caucus. This is significant in that these two positions are the most powerful in the federal cabinet. In total, the Liberal Party would receive 18 of the 24 cabinet positions, while the NDP would receive six cabinet posts. Aside from the roles of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the agreement is silent on which specific cabinet positions would be allocated to which political party, except to say that such appointments would be made by the Liberal Prime Minister in appropriate consultation with the leader of the NDP.
On the matter of other federal government appointments, such as in the
public service and other federal bodies, the Accord stipulates that both the Liberals and NDP are committed to “restoring the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the appointment process.” The Accord goes on to assert that the Prime Minister would consult the leader of the NDP as appropriate on such appointments.
The Accord further establishes a
standing managing committee, which would meet regularly to ensure the good order of the Accord; deal with key issues that may arise over the course of the coalition’s life; consult on key appointments; and resolve any disputes that may arise. This standing committee would include the Prime Minister, the leader of the NDP, and any other persons as deemed appropriate by the leaders.
Another issue addressed by the Accord is the relationship between the Liberal and NDP
caucuses. Under the agreement, both caucuses would continue to meet as distinct and separate groups; the two, however, could meet jointly to address issues of concern to both parties. Under the Accord, both parties would be entitled to offer advice to the government, and the two caucuses would sit next to one another on the government benches in the House of Commons.
Finally, the two accords provide for an
expiration date for the coalition government, with both parties (the Liberals and the NDP) agreeing to respect the accords until June 30, 2011, while the Bloc Québécois would respect the agreements until June 30, 2010. Principles and Policies of the Coalition Government
The
Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis, signed by all three parties, outlines the basic principles and policies of the possible coalition government. Overall, the Accord’s primary policy focus is the “ present economic crisis,” which refers to the economic slowdown that began in earnest in September 2008, and a recession projected for 2009. That said, the three parties also agreed to other policies not directly related to the economy (see below).
Regarding specific policy, the Accord provides for initiatives agreed to by all three parties, and which address the following:
Fiscal responsibility: The parties agreed the government should provide active stimulus for the economy in 2009 and 2010, with a shared commitment to return to government surpluses within four years (by 2012). Economic stimulus package: The top priority of a Liberal-NDP coalition government would be the provision of an economic stimulus package. This initiative would involve increased government spending in key areas, such as (but not limited to) new infrastructure investments (at the municipal, inter-provincial and First Nations levels), housing construction and retrofitting; and strategic economic sectors, such as manufacturing, forestry and automotive (which may include an aid component). Rapid support for those affected by the economic crisis: The coalition government would be committed to ensuring appropriate programs for those most affected by the economic crisis. This includes facilitating skills training to help ensure employment success in a rapidly changing economy; reforming the Employment Insurance program; lowering the minimum required Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawal for 2008 by 50 percent; reforming bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensions; and implementing an income support program for older workers who have lost their jobs. Global financial reform: The coalition government would be committed to working with the international community, particularly with G-20 partners, in pursuit of an effective new global financial architecture.
Outside of these strictly economy-focused policies, a Liberal-NDP coalition government would also:
increase support for culture, which would include canceling budget cuts announced in this area already announced by the Conservative government; provide support for the Wheat Board and supply management; take steps to reform Canada’s immigration system; reinstate regional developmentagency funding to non-profit economic development organizations; move forward with improved child benefits and an early learning and childcareprogram in partnership with the provinces, as finances would permit; and, work with North American partners to pursue a continental cap-and-trade market with absolute greenhouse gas emissiontargets, using 1990 as the base year. | 10,562 | 4,163 | 0.000244 |
warc | 201704 | Join over 1.2 million students every month Accelerate your learning by 29% Unlimited access from just £6.99 per month How has health changed over the years?
Extracts from this document...
Introduction
How Health has changed over the Years Ideas about health have changed in two main ways: firstly, the accessibility of services and their funding; and secondly, the methods of providing healthcare. Between the years of 1945 and 1951, a labour government established an extensive health and welfare system. After passing the National Health Service Act in 1946, the healthcare system went into affect in 1948. The Act said that all inhabitants had the right to access free healthcare. Before this change most people were unable to access healthcare because they couldn't afford it. However, the new system became too expensive for the government, so to resolve this they brought in charges for things like prescriptions, dentures and glasses. ...read more.
Middle
To introduce this idea they allowed other hospitals to become trusts, this means they have control over the finance given by the government instead of local authorities. Local authorities (responsible for providing health care) 'buy' health care for their patients from these trusts. Methods of providing health care have changed in many ways. One example is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics used to be used to cure everything, even the slightest cough or cold. Antibiotics only take affect against bacteria; they don't work on viruses (colds etc). Because of the constant use of the antibiotics, bacteria became 'antibiotic resistant', this means they have adapted and found ways to survive the affects of antibiotics. ...read more.
Conclusion
therefore antibiotics are more likely to work. Also they had to explain that antibiotics don't cure viruses. Another example of how methods have changed is in baby care. Mothers used to be told to lay their babies on their stomachs in the cot; this was to avoid the babies from choking on sick in their sleep. But, research has shown that 60% more babies who lay on their stomachs than backs, died from cot death. This is probably because of the heat they create from having their faces on the mattress. Mothers are now advised to lay their babies on their backs for more positive results. ?? ?? ?? ?? ...read more.
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Health and Social Care section.
Found what you're looking for? Start learning 29% faster today 150,000+ documents available Just £6.99 a month Here's what a teacher thought of this essay
A good piece of work looking at the various changes over the years regarding healthcare. The points made are valid and on the whole, supported with evidence. I would suggest that the writer makes it clear which part of the UK s/he is referring to in the title. I would also suggest that the writer give a timeframe relating to the term ?over the years?. Is the writer referring to 2000-2010 for instance? Consider changes regarding staffing in the NHS, eg. changes in nurse training.
The writing style is good. Try to give an introduction outlining what you will cover in the rest of the piece. 4/5
Marked by teacher Diane Apeah-Kubi 09/08/2013
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warc | 201704 | Politics / US Politics Feb 08, 2010 - 04:54 PM GMT U.S. Congress More Spending is Always the Answer
Last week, the House approved another increase in the national debt ceiling. This means the government can borrow $1.9 trillion more to stay afloat and avoid default. It has been little more than a year since the last debt limit increase, and graphs showing the debt limit over time show a steep, almost vertical trend. It is not likely to be very long before this new ceiling is met and the government is back on the brink between default and borrowing us further into oblivion.
Congressional leaders and the administration acknowledge that the debt limit will need to be increased again next year. They are crossing their fingers that the forecasts are correct and they will not need another increase sooner, even before the 2010 midterm elections.
Continually increasing the debt is one of the logical outcomes of Keynesianism, since more government spending is always their answer. It is claimed that government must not stop spending when the economy is so fragile. Government must act. Yet, when times are good, government also increases in size and scope, because we can afford it, it is claimed. There is never a good time to rein in government spending according to Keynesian economists and the proponents of big government.
Free market Austrian economists on the other hand know that times are bad because of the size and scope of government. The economy is fragile because of the overwhelming stranglehold of bureaucracy and taxation of Washington. Any jobs Washington might create through these endless spending programs are paid for through more taxation and debt put on the productive sectors of the economy. Just as insidious is the hidden tax of inflation caused by the Fed and its ever-expanding credit bubble. When the Fed steps in with its solutions, it only devalues the dollars in everyone's pocket while encouraging more reckless waste on Wall Street. All of this leads to a worsening economy, not an improved one.
And so the downward spiral continues. The worse things get, the more politicians want to spend. The more they spend, the heavier the debt load becomes and the more we have to spend just to maintain our interest payments. As our debt load becomes unsustainable, the alarm of our creditors increases. It is becoming so serious that our credit rating, as a nation, could be downgraded. If this happens, interest on the national debt will increase even more, leading to even higher taxes on Americans and inevitably, price inflation.
Still, Washington is full of talk of more regulation, more taxation and more spending. The Senate is still struggling to pass a massive regulatory increase on the financial sector, even as the stock market suffers more shockwaves. Pay-as-you-go rules give the appearance of fiscal responsibility, but in truth these rules are only used as a justification to raise taxes. Spending programs like healthcare reform, increased military spending, and a recent doubling of destructive foreign aid are viewed by Washington as necessary and reasonable, instead of foolishness we absolutely cannot afford.
The people understand this, which is why there is so much anger directed at politicians. Washington needs to change its thinking and adopt some common sense priorities. The Constitution gives some excellent limitations that would get us back on the right path if we would simply abide by them. The framers of the Constitution understood that only the ingenuity of the American people, free from government interference, could get us through hard times, yet Washington seems bent only on prolonging the agony.
Dr. Ron Paul
Project Freedom
Congressman Ron Paul of Texas enjoys a national reputation as the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the "one exception to the Gang of 535" on Capitol Hill.
Dr. Ron Paul Archive
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warc | 201704 | Is He Hot?
That depends...on what your friends say? Here’s why your pal’s opinions might lead you astray and derail your search for Mr. Right.
ou see someone across a crowded room... and your heart flutters. Sure, to a certain extent, it’s because you like what you see. But while we might think we have a mind of our own when judging how attractive someone is, a new study reveals that women are heavily influenced by the opinions of others.
To study this phenomenon, researchers at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland
had female participants choose the more handsome out of pairs of male faces (the photos had been previously rated as being of equal attractiveness). Then, participants were shown a picture sequence in which each face was being looked at by another woman who was either smiling or appearing bored. When the initial test was repeated, the participants were more attracted to the faces that had been smiled at by others. This is called “mate choice copying” and is seen in many animal species such as guppies and finches.
A new study reveals that women find guys attractive when other women do, too.
The moral of the story: Ladies, the next time you go out on the town and your friend says, “Ooh, he’s cute!” or “I don’t know what you see in that guy,” take your pal’s opinion with a grain of salt and try to tune into your own instincts. Otherwise, you might end up pursuing — or missing — a match who’s right for you.
And here’s an interesting note for you: When the same test was performed using male study participants, the opposite occurred. When men looked at male faces, those that got the smiles were rated more negatively. Lead researcher Ben Jones believes this is because men are thinking about the competition factor. Men don’t have a lot of positive feelings towards other guys who are receiving appreciative female glances.
Laura Schaefer is the author of Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor: The Best and Worst Personal Ads of All Time. | 2,069 | 1,069 | 0.00098 |
warc | 201704 | How Do You Prevent Home Selling Issues?
Selling a home is something that takes a lot of preparation. There are many things that could potentially stop you from closing a sale, and these are not issues that you want to find yourself working out at the last minute.
An experienced real estate agent will be able to advise you on any potential items that could possibly prevent you from closing your sale, but there are also a few things that are commonly experienced by prospective home sellers. Preparing ahead of time so you don’t encounter these issues can take an incredible amount of stress out of your life during a Real Estate transaction.
Did You Get All of Your Permits?
One of the most common hitches in a sale is a lack of permits for modifications to your homes structure. You may think that you can get these permits later, or even that these permits don’t matter, but they can hold up a sale or even cause it to be canceled entirely. Permits are extremely important because without the proper permits you may not even be aware that your home isn’t currently up to code.
There may be serious modifications that you need to make before the home can be sold, such as moving a fence in a few feet. Not only can these modifications cost time and money, but they can also cost you a sale as it can significantly change the property in a way that the prospective buyer doesn’t like.
One of the more common issues I see while selling homes in the Metrowest Real Estate market is home owners who do not take out permits for finishing their basement. A savvy buyer’s agent will often times ask whether you have pulled permits or not.
If the answer comes back as “NO” you can expect the buyer to ask for you to get the area permitted as a condition of sale. Without a permit there is a pretty good chance that if there were ever a fire in that area your home insurance would not cover it. Obviously that is not something you even want to think about.
If you are considering selling your home and never pulled permits, most of the time the local building inspector is just going to slap you on the wrist. Chances are he will require the appropriate inspectors to come in and take a look at what has been done. You can expect the electrical, plumbing and building inspector all to look things over and then ultimately issue you a permit if everything was done properly. If not you will be asked to make modifications.
Recently while in the middle of a Real Estate transaction, this exact scenario arose while selling Hopkinton Real Estate. The seller had mentioned to me that they never pulled permits when they installed a new kitchen. I mentioned that there was a strong possibility this could come up during the sale.
Sure enough the buyer’s attorney was very astute and inserted language into the purchase contract that said if the owner had made modifications to the home that required a permit, it would be a requirement to get one as a condition of the sale. The seller ended up scrambling to get this done at the last minute creating a headache that could have been avoided.
Did You Properly Inspect Your Home?
Savvy home buyers will always have a property inspection before purchasing their home. There are times where you should, too. There could be potential issues with your home that you aren’t aware of, such as a leaking roof or foundational damage. These items will come up through the buyer’s inspection and the buyer may feel as though you concealed these flaws or that they home is no longer up to par. You should always make the necessary repairs before selling a home or be upfront about the home’s need for repairs.
Many home buyers aren’t dissuaded by a need for repairs as long as they know exactly what these repairs are and feel like they have been appropriately educated about the home. Take a look at some of the most common home inspection issues that come up so you can get a jump on these before you even put your home up for sale.
Another important inspection issue in Massachusetts centers around what is known is Title V septic inspection. Title V is essentially a law that was put in place for those who have private septic systems that requires them to have an inspection prior to closing. The Title V inspection has caused many home owners a very big ticket item they have to deal with in order to sell their home. This is not something you want to go through during the middle of your transaction especially if you are planning on a certain amount of funds coming from your sale. It is always best to get your Title V septic inspection done and out of the way before you sell.
Other common inspection issues include radon and mold. Radon is a gas that is known to cause health issues. Every home has radon it is just a question of how much. EPA regulations peg the acceptable limit to be under 4.0 pCi/L in the air. Radon is easy to mitigate and not that expensive to fix however, some buyers freak out when they find out they have a radon issue. Often times this is because they have not done their home work on how easy it is to remedy.
Mold on the other hand can be quite costly to fix if you have a lot of it. Some of the more common places to find mold are where there is moisture present. In my experience there areas of the home where it can usually be found is either the attic or the basement. In the attic it is usually caused by bath vents dumping into the attic creating moisture problems. The mold in the basement can occur from seepage over time especially when a dehumidifier is not in use.
Is Your Home Properly Appraised?
Most home buyers, especially if they are using a conventional mortgage, will need to get the property appraised properly before they can purchase it. The bank will require that the mortgage not exceed a certain amount of the property’s appraised value. If you haven’t gotten a current appraisal or comparative market analysis, you absolutely should before pricing your home and putting it on the market. This is a very common problem with for sale by owner homes when a Real Estate agent has not been consulted on the value.
The last thing you want is to be surprised when your home sells, only to have the deal canceled because you weren’t aware of how high your home’s price was compared to its value. Instead, you should be aware of your home’s appraised value and consider this strongly when putting it up for sale. Massachusetts has extremely variable home pricing, depending on where you are which makes this very important.
Is Your Financial Status Sorted?
Sometimes you need to sell your home because your financial status has changed. There’s nothing wrong with that; in fact, holding equity in an asset is one of the reasons many people have a home to begin with. However, you should always check to make sure that there aren’t any liens on your property. If you have high amounts of debt and if you have judgments against you, it’s very possible that this could occur. While this doesn’t have to stop a sale, it could delay a sale if you don’t find out before the paperwork goes through. You may also want to check with a title company to ensure that the title is clear, especially if it a properly that you just inherited or if you went through a legal action such as a divorce.
Have You Consulted Your Bank?
Surprisingly, your bank could actually pose a barrier to your home sale under some circumstances. One of the more common types of transactions in recent years is what’s known as a short sale. A short sale is when you get permission from your lender to sell the home for less than you owe on the mortgage. Often times lenders will allow you to do this under certain circumstances which include paying back all or part of the debt you owe.
You should check with your bank before you sell your home just to ensure that you’re aware of the total price you need to pay on your existing mortgage and that there aren’t any liens barring the sale. This is especially true if you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments or created some form of loan modification in the past. Your bank will usually be more than willing to work with you on these issues, but you need to work them out first rather than surprising your bank with a deal.
Have You Thought About Their Bank?
While selling a home, you may also want to do at least the most necessary repairs. Not only does this get you more interested buyers, but it may actually be required. Some mortgage lenders will not provide a mortgage loan for a home that is lacking essential repairs. Usually, these are repairs that could potentially damage the home further, such as leaking pipes. The home lender does not want to write a mortgage for a property that is already actively going down in value due to plumbing issues.
You don’t always have to complete all your repairs, but it’s important to at least complete the critical ones lest you see your sale go down the drain. One thing to be aware of is that FHA and VA mortgage loans require certain minimum standards of condition to be met. For example when getting and FHA mortgage they do not allow the property to have any peeling paint. This must be remedied prior to closing. The roof also must have some life left in it or the mortgage will likely not go through either.
It goes without saying you will also want to make sure the buyer purchasing your home is financially qualified to do so. Make sure you get a pre-approval letter in writing from a reputable lender before accepting an offer!
What About Your Neighbors?
One thing many home sellers neglect to realize is that their neighbors can play a significant role on how successful they are in selling a home. Loud neighbors or messy neighbors will make a home buyer feel as though the neighborhood, and therefore the property, has less value. If you have bad neighbors, there are a few things you can do to mitigate this including volunteering to make some small changes, such as mow the neighbor’s grass, as long as you can frame it in an inoffensive fashion. There are not many things that can make your property harder to sell than a neighbor’s who’s property looks like a disaster.
What About Your Market?
Your real estate professional will be able to advise you on the common home prices in your market. While your home may feel as though it has more value than your neighbor’s homes, the market is often the deciding factor on a home price regardless of what you think. Homes that are priced too far out of the market almost always sit and languish. An improper home price is across the board the number one reason why homes do not sell. Keep this in mind when you price your home or when your Realtor is giving you advice that it is time for a price change.
If your home is currently already at the higher end of the market, you actually want to avoid making too many improvements to your home.Your return on investment will not be as great because your value will continue to be deflated by your surrounding properties. Instead, you should just focus on repairing essential items, maintaining your home and selling it. Large renovations are usually only valuable when your home is priced around the bottom or middle of the market.
Though there are many things that could stop a potential home sale, a great Realtor will be able to advise you on all of these items before they become problematic and can even aid you with resolving some of the major issues. It’s very important for you to consult with a Real Estate professional and take their advice before trying to sell your home. It can be very frustrating to find the perfect buyer only to get the deal canceled at the last minute because of something that you didn’t foresee, and you could potentially lose out on the offer of a lifetime. Most of the issues that could potentially hold up a sale can be dealt with before the property is even listed, and should be.
About the author: The above Real Estate information on what could stop me from selling a Massachusetts home was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of many Metrowest towns for the last 26+ Years.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton and Uxbridge MA. | 12,876 | 5,397 | 0.000188 |
warc | 201704 | London is set to lose 13 fire engines after Mayor Boris Johnson overruled the capital’s fire authority and ordered the adoption of budget proposals drawn up by the Fire Commissioner.
The engines were withdrawn from day-to-day service in August 2013 to ensure private contractors could provide emergency cover during strikes by firefighters.
With funding for fire services set to fall, Commissioner Ron Dobson recommended their axing on the basis that their permanent absence could not adversely impact current response times.
In addition to axing the 13 appliances, Mr Dobson’s budget allocates £1m for community safety schemes and will see a one-off payment of £3.5m into the London Fire Brigade’s pension provision.
Despite the Commissioner’s views, a majority of members on the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) backed an alternative budget which would retain the engines but move to single crewing at stations which operate specialist appliances such as aerial ladder platforms alongside a fire engine.
This would mean that either the engine or the specialist appliance could be deployed but not both at once.
Although a majority of those taking part in a public consultation favoured the alternative budget, Mr Dobson last month asked authority members to adopt his original proposal.
When a majority voted in favour of the rival plan, Mayor Johnson’s office said he was “minded” to use his powers to overrule members and order them to adopt Dobson’s budget.
Mr Johnson has now written to authority chairman Gareth Bacon directing members to implement the Commissioner’s proposals in full, including axing the appliances.
LFEPA and Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Stephen Knight said: “It is extremely frustrating that the Mayor has once again not listened to the elected members of LFEPA who offered up alternative savings to the permanent cut of 13 London fire engines.
“Despite what the Mayor would have us believe, the London Fire Brigade’s response times have deteriorated whilst these engines have temporarily been out of service and they should now be returned to the run as originally intended.
“When London’s population is growing rapidly and everyone is aware of the security risks facing the capital it is reckless to unnecessarily reduce London’s firefighting capability as the Mayor now intends.” | 2,444 | 1,211 | 0.000862 |
warc | 201704 | Employee Engagement In Indian Manufacturing Sector
Posted in Human Resources Articles, Total Reads: 1749, Published on 10 January 2014
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Today we cheer success of some companies like Google and look with suspicion on some of the work practices followed by some other companies. What is that thing which makes Google so different from other companies? One thing we will clearly notice is the nature of work .But does that mean it is impossible to harness great levels of productivity from your employees if you are working on shop floor of a manufacturing company?
To say no to this question would be too idealistic but neither the answer is yes. It is difficult and many manufacturing companies are working in this area from long. Richard Branson in his book take the concept of respect from his Japanese counterparts and explain it beautifully .our inner character or real self is more prevalent when we are talking to people lower than us in some respect .This concept is what really needs to be applied by HR of a manufacturing company at shop floor to realize what they are trying for. During my sting with two of the manufacturing companies in three years of my career I have seen teams which work exceptionally well without even a single phone call from their in charge, and I have seen team leader getting smashed in meetings in spite of being excessively busy in their conduct of the team. Where is the catch?
Image Courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net, scottchan
Catch is present in the conduct of a leader. Conduct of a leader defines the employee engagement levels of the shop floor .But million dollar question is how would you define that your employees are engaged when your targets keep on escalating month after month ,how will you keep up the motivation of employee when they know “more work done now ,means more work for coming months “.This is a typical dilemma I faced in my conduct .Employees have their pre-defined targets in mind ,which a leader is sometimes not aware of .Thus employee engagement can be defined in a way a self feel responsible for the company ,how much he is able to relate to the company as his own company .I have seen employees destructing the processes of their own company at the end of their shift. Now this is crazy ,don’t they have little wisdom to understand that they are making their own work tougher by doing such things .They have ,but the level of disengaged in them have reached such heights that they got pleasure by doing so .
In a study by Gallup research, it turns out that only 30-40 % of employees are currently engaged, and if you consider subset of shop-floor employees this figure is going to drop further .There is a lot of unharnessed productivity out there. We calculate ROA, and call our people biggest asset but irony is we don’t include our people in asset that defines ROA.
A national representative sample of 1,500 employees was surveyed, which revealed that although there are many factors that impact employee engagement, there are three key drivers:
• Relationship with immediate supervisor
• Belief in senior leadership
• Pride in working for the company
Employees said that it is the personal relationship with their immediate supervisor that is the key. This puts an utmost responsibility on front line managers of India to ensure they are getting the best ROP i. e return on people. Off lately many companies have started with employee engagement but either the full enthusiasm is missing or they are implementing in parts. Any improvement requires 3 must steps
I. Assess and Gauge
II. Decide and Do
III. Measure and Motivate.
For me third part is the most important as it define the course of actions to follow and also motivate the management to put more thrust on such programs. We don’t do that that is the reason why most companies lose their way after coming half way, and leave a legacy of failure for others to see no hope.
Customizing employee engagement
Creating an environment of employee engagement is by far the toughest challenge I can imagine in management .How would you make somebody feel like the owner of a firm when in actual he is not .Sure there are some ways-stock option is popular .But can you do them at each level ,specially at shop floor level .Answer is no .Then how would you do that .One way to view this is to see each employee as an important part of tour value chain ,giving him the respect of being there for your company and hanging there when required .Respect pays more wonders than stocks can ,I personally has experienced that in my tenure .Second is the inclusion,-inclusion of each employee in vision and mission of company .Any small variation from the mission he should be able to feel the pain and reflect upon it .It is the responsibility of management and front line soldiers to create such a system that a bit of information trickle down to bottom of the ship. Third is recognition, recognize as soon as possible,ideal would be to reward on the spot .This is a way you make the culture contagious .In my experience I have seen people waiting for their Employee of the month certificate ,for the reason even they don’t remember and when it deliver to department employee is on leave .So speed up your system of rewarding ,and reward with a clear reason ,make it known to every other employee.
This article has been authored by Chandan Khanduja from Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai
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warc | 201704 | Cancers 2011, 3(1), 1285-1310; doi:10.3390/cancers3011285 Glutathione in Cancer Cell Death 1 2 * AbstractGlutathione (L- γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) in cancer cells is particularly relevant in the regulation of carcinogenic mechanisms; sensitivity against cytotoxic drugs, ionizing radiations, and some cytokines; DNA synthesis; and cell proliferation and death. The intracellular thiol redox state (controlled by GSH) is one of the endogenous effectors involved in regulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex and, in consequence, thiol oxidation can be a causal factor in the mitochondrion-based mechanism that leads to cell death. Nevertheless GSH depletion is a common feature not only of apoptosis but also of other types of cell death. Indeed rates of GSH synthesis and fluxes regulate its levels in cellular compartments, and potentially influence switches among different mechanisms of death. How changes in gene expression, post-translational modifications of proteins, and signaling cascades are implicated will be discussed. Furthermore, this review will finally analyze whether GSH depletion may facilitate cancer cell death under in vivoconditions, and how this can be applied to cancer therapy. View Full-Text Scifeed alert for new publications Never miss any articlesmatching your research from any publisher Get alerts for new papers matching your research Find out the new papers from selected authors Updated daily for 49'000+ journals and 6000+ publishers Define your Scifeed now MDPI and ACS Style
Ortega, A.L.; Mena, S.; Estrela, J.M. Glutathione in Cancer Cell Death.
Cancers 2011, 3, 1285-1310. AMA Style
Ortega AL, Mena S, Estrela JM. Glutathione in Cancer Cell Death.
Cancers. 2011; 3(1):1285-1310. Chicago/Turabian Style
Ortega, Angel L.; Mena, Salvador; Estrela, Jose M. 2011. "Glutathione in Cancer Cell Death."
Cancers 3, no. 1: 1285-1310. Find Other Styles | 1,931 | 1,015 | 0.000993 |
warc | 201704 | If water is sprayed into a chamber where a low pressure is maintained, a part of the water will evaporate. The enthalpy of evaporation will cool the remaining water to its saturation temperature at the pressure in the chamber. Obviously lower temperature will require lower pressure. Water freezes at 0 deg.C hence temperature lower than 4 C cannot be obtained with water. In this system, high velocity steam is used to entrain the evaporating water vapour. High-pressure motive steam passes through either convergent or convergent divergent nozzle where it acquires either sonic or supersonic velocity and low pressure of the
order of 0.009 kPa corresponding to an evaporator temperature of 4 deg C. The high momentum of motive steam entrains or carries along with it the water vapour evaporating from the flash chamber. Because of its high velocity it moves the vapours against the pressure gradient up to the condenser where the pressure is 5.6-7.4 kPa corresponding to condenser temperature of 35-45 deg.The motive vapour and the evaporated vapour both are condensed and recycled. This system is known as steam jet refrigeration system. Figure shows a schematic of the system. It can be seen that this system requires a good vacuum to be maintained. Sometimes, booster ejector is used for this purpose. This system is driven by low- grade energy that is
process steam in chemical plants or a boiler.
Fig. Steam Jet Refrigeration System
In 1838, the Frenchman Pelletan was granted a patent for the compression of steam by means of a jet of motive steam. Around 1900, the Englishman Charles Parsons studied the possibility of reduction of pressure by an entrainment effect from a steam jet. However, the credit for constructing the steam jet refrigeration system goes to the French engineer, Maurice Leblanc who developed the system in 1907-08. In this system, ejectors were used to produce a high velocity steam jet (≈ 1200 m/s). Based on Leblanc’s design the first commercial system was made by Westinghouse in 1909 in Paris. Even though the efficiency of the steam
jet refrigeration system was low, it was still attractive as water is harmless and the system can run using exhaust steam from a steam engine. From 1910 onwards, stem jet refrigeration systems were used mainly in breweries, chemical factories, warships etc. In 1926, the French engineer Follain improved the machine by introducing multiple stages of vaporization and condensation of the suction steam. Between 1928-1930, there was much interest in this type of systems in USA. In USA they were mainly used for air conditioning of factories, cinema theatres, ships and even railway wagons. Several companies such as Westinghouse, Ingersoll Rand and Carrier started commercial production of these systems from 1930. However, gradually these systems were replaced by more efficient vapour absorption systems using LiBr-water. Still, some east European countries such as Czechoslovakia and Russia manufactured these systems as late as 1960s. The ejector principle can also be used to provide refrigeration using fluids other than water, i.e., refrigerants such as CFC-11, CFC-21,CFC-22, CFC-113, CFC-114 etc. The credit for first developing these closed vapour jet refrigeration systems goes to the Russian engineer, I.S. Badylkes around 1955. Using refrigerants other than water, it is possible to achieve temperatures as low as –100C with a single stage of compression.
The advantages cited for this type of systems are simplicity and robustness, while difficult design and economics are its chief disadvantages. | 3,603 | 1,694 | 0.000594 |
warc | 201704 | The creation of IVF babies with DNA from three parents to be allowed by Britain on Tuesday in a move that has divided the campaigners and religious leaders. Britain could become the first country in the world to allow this.
Advertisement
Lawmakers in parliament are set to vote on mitochondrial DNA donation techniques aimed at preventing serious inherited diseases.
AdvertisementMitochondrial DNA (mDNA) is passed on through the mother. Mitochondria supply the energy inside cells.
Hereditary mitochondrial diseases affect major organs and cause symptoms ranging from poor vision to diabetes and muscle wasting.
Under the proposed change to the laws on in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), as well as receiving normal "nuclear" DNA from its mother and father, the embryo would also include a small amount of healthy mDNA from a woman donor.
The vote has split opinion between experts supporting the idea and opponents who fear it would be the first step on the road to "designer" babies.
Members of Parliament are to hold a 90-minute debate on whether the laws on IVF should be amended to allow babies to be conceived with genetic material from three individuals.
At the end of the debate, MPs have a free vote on the issue, meaning they can vote according to their conscience and are not forced to vote along party lines.
Experts believe that the use of mDNA from a second woman could potentially help around 2,500 women in Britain at risk of passing on harmful mDNA mutations.
IVF pioneer Lord Robert Winston told The Daily Telegraph newspaper that the procedure was no more sinister than a blood transfusion.
International charities have written an open letter to MPs urging them to back a change in the law, saying it "offers families the first glimmer of hope that they might be able to have a baby that will live without pain and suffering".
Meanwhile Doctor David King, director of the watchdog group Human Genetics Alert, said: "Advocates say we shouldn't worry about 'slippery slopes'. Yet in my experience, they are the very same people who, a few years later, push us to take the next step and the one after that."
"If we want to avoid the nightmare designer baby future we must draw the line here."
Source: AFP
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warc | 201704 | Enhancing mosquito control. Encouraging safe sex. Advising people to minimize travel to infected areas.
As public health officials hustle to implement strategies like these to undermine the threat of the Zika virus, one such tactic could exacerbate a different health concern: maintaining the nation's supply of donated blood.
The FDA is encouraging blood banks -- which already often struggle to meet demand -- to turn away potential donors who might be at risk. Specifically, people who have traveled to a country where the disease is being spread, or had sex with someone else who did, should not donate for 4 weeks. The protocol is being followed by clinics across the country.
"We need to protect the blood supply," said Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University and faculty director of its O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. "It would be a major scandal if there were cases of Zika transmitted -- particularly if it affected women of childbearing age."
To date, there are more than 800 confirmed cases of the virus reported in the continental United States, almost all of which were connected to travelling abroad. But, though none of those cases was caused by local mosquitoes, experts warn it's only a matter of time.
Though evidence is limited, there's a possibility Zika, which can cause birth defects when contracted by pregnant women and is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites, could also be spread through blood transfusions. That connection, while drawing less attention than links to sex or childbirth, is raising the stakes for what could happen if the virus spreads unchecked in the United States.
And therein lies the issue.
Even in locations where Zika isn't likely to pose as great a threat, blood banks are worried that the impact of the FDA's advisory -- because of the sheer number of people traveling to areas where the virus is active and growing case count -- could undercut their supplies.
Experts say the advisory makes sense. There is no widely available, government-approved blood test to screen donations, though one is being used on an experimental basis for blood collected in Puerto Rico and Houston.
"With blood supply, you can't even tolerate a low risk," Gostin said. "You would undermine confidence in the blood supply system in the United States, and that's something we've sought to avoid at any and all cost."
Even though the risk of infection is small, caution is still warranted, Gostin and others assert. Especially for people with serious injuries, blood transfusions can be key to recovery. Unsafe blood has spread a number of dangerous viruses, such as HIV. And the consequences of getting Zika -- especially for women in the early stages of pregnancy -- can be severe, including birth defects for children or miscarriage.
But that caution can still have consequences. Many banks report they are already feeling the squeeze.
"We've absolutely seen a reduction," said Jayne Giroux, director of community development at SunCoast Blood Bank in Florida. Along with Texas, Florida is expected to be among the hardest hit by the virus.
The limitation matters, especially since blood banks typically face difficulties in maintaining adequate reserves, Giroux said. And not just in Florida. "It's a concern everywhere."
The American Red Cross, which is responsible for about 40% of the health system's donated blood, estimates that, so far, only one-tenth of 1% of its donors were turned away because of Zika exposure. But, a spokeswoman noted, that doesn't account for people who otherwise would have donated but never came. United Blood Services, which operates banks in 17 states, estimates its donations are down by 3% this year -- there are several potential causes, and Zika is likely among them, said Barbara Kain, a spokeswoman.
But even if some facilities experience only a mild supply pinch, the downturn could compound other difficulties. Summer is already a tough time for blood banks to collect with people travelling more and colleges -- robust collection sites -- on break.
The donor drop-off is probably greater in Southern states, where people more frequently travel to affected areas like Mexico, parts of the Caribbean and South America, said Louis Katz, chief medical officer of America's Blood Centers, another national blood bank network. Though Zika has had an impact, he emphasized that it's only one among many challenges blood banks are grappling with. Banks are trying to stock up in anticipation of any shortages, Giroux said. Blood plasma can be collected and frozen for years, but other components have shorter shelf lives.
There's another option: Federal officials hope to expand the blood testing technology that's being used for Puerto Rico and Texas, so banks can collect blood from donors, screen it, and then discard whatever comes up positive for Zika. The FDA has given two tests the go-ahead to be used in clinical trials, which means blood centers can become testing sites and use the technology. One test was developed by Roche. The other, which gained that conditional FDA approval in June, is manufactured by Hologic. If the Zika threat grows, more blood banks will try to get in on using those, said Steven Kleinman, chief medical advisor at the American Association of Blood Banks.
There is "tremendous interest" from blood banks and testing sites to use new screenings, said Tony Hardiman, Roche's vice president for blood screening. But it could take until the end of summer before most Southern states have easy access to testing.
Federal officials are also pushing ahead on blood technology.
The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded about $50 million in grants to two companies that are trying to improve "pathogen reduction technology," which takes infected blood and removes the virus, making it safe for use. That would mitigate some blood shortage concerns around transfusions, noted Gary Disbrow, acting director of the division of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear countermeasures at HHS' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
Such technology already exists for treating viruses such as Zika in platelets and plasma. Researchers are working to improve it and develop a similar "cleanser" for red blood cells, the most commonly transfused part of blood. But, experts noted, that could take years.
The uncertainty, meanwhile, comes in a field where planning is already difficult, Giroux said, and where not having enough supplies on hand can have major consequences.
"You never know, from day to day, what the needs are going to be. You can't predict a ruptured aorta. You can't predict a motor vehicle accident," she said. "Any time a virus or anything new pops up that we don't yet have a screening test for, people should be concerned."
This article, which first appeared July 6, 2016, also ran in the Miami Herald. It was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News , an editorially independent news service, is a program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan health policy research and communication organization not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. | 7,268 | 3,453 | 0.000292 |
warc | 201704 | 25 years ago, Paul M. Romer's oft-cited article: "Endogenous Technological Change" (pdf) was published in
The Journal of Political Economy. In it, he tried to explain how technological progress and knowledge creation affected the dynamics of growth. Romer’s model (pdf) became the "primary engine that fueled a decade-long re-examination of long-term growth in economics." This past October, Dr. Romer posted 7 follow-up blog entries to his historic paper, in order to 'revisit the basics,' starting with: Nonrival Goods After 25 Years. [more inside]
10 things to know about progress in international development (.pdf)
Lots of problems remain of course. And you can still be very poor and not be below the $1.25 (in $2005) line. But a big deal.
Around the world, amazing progress is being made. More than 1 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1990, with major gains made in health and education and in other areas that contribute to human well-being.
Lots of problems remain of course. And you can still be very poor and not be below the $1.25 (in $2005) line. But a big deal.
Rewrite the rules to benefit everyone, not just the wealthy - "If there's one thing Joseph Stiglitz wants to say about inequality, it's that it has been a choice, not an unexpected, unfortunate economic outcome. That's unnerving, but it also means that citizens and politicians have the opportunity to fix the problem before it gets worse." (via) [more inside]
Joe Stiglitz on Inequality, Wealth, and Growth: Why Capitalism is Failing (video; if you don't have 30m, skip to 20m for discussion of political inequality, wealth, credit and monetary policy) - "If the very rich can use their position to get higher returns, more investment information, more extraction of rents, and if the very rich have equal or higher savings rates, then wealth will become more concentrated... economic inequality inevitably gets translated into political inequality, and political inequality gets translated into more economic inequality. The basic and really important idea here is that markets don't exist in a vacuum, that market economies operate according to certain rules, certain regulations that specify how they work. And those effect the efficiency of those markets, but they also effect how the fruits of the benefits of those markets are distributed and the result of that is there are large numbers of aspects of our basic economic framework that in recent years have worked to increase the inequality of wealth and income in our society... leading to a society which can be better described, increasingly, as an inherited plutocracy." [more inside]
The top 25 hedge fund managers earn more than all kindergarten teachers in U.S. combined. "'Last year turned out to be the worst one for this elite group of investors since the stock market meltdown of 2008,' Institutional Investors' Stephen Taub writes, adding, 'How bad was it?' apparently without irony." [more inside]
The connection between education and occupation is now so firmly ingrained as to seem almost a fact of nature. To get a good job, you get a diploma: at once time a high school diploma stuffed, and then a B.A., but now you're better off with a J.D. or an M.B.A...Yet this familiar system, far from evolving “naturally” or “unconsciously,” is the product of distinct cultural changes in American history. The process that left it in our landscape is less like the slow raising of a mountain range or the growth of oxbows on the Mississippi, and more like the construction of a dam. Three changes, which took place in the past hundred years, produced the system that is now producing M.B.A.s. They were the conversion of jobs into “professions,” the scientific measurement of intelligence, and the use of government power to “channel” people toward certain occupations.James Fallows explains in a 1985 article in The Atlantic. (See also William James 80 years prior on The Ph.D. Octopus).
A short history of gaming in Brazil: "To understand the history of gaming in Brazil dear reader, you must know a little bit about our political and economic history ... In 1991, a small publisher by the name of GSA published a roleplaying game called Tagmar [translation], often lauded as the first Brazilian RPG. ... They also released Desafio dos Bandeirantes, a game set in 17th century colonial Brazil using regional folklore instead of European myths, and a sci-fi game, Millenia [translation] ... In February 1994, the Brazilian authorities set in motion a major economic plan that invigorated the Brazilian economy for the first time since 1973. By March, the currency stabilized enough to assure the population (and companies) that their money would be worth the same by the end of the week ... The happy result for gamers was that companies started buying game licenses right and left." Via. See also History of Brazilian RPGs, History of Brazilian RPG magazines, Role-playing games in education in Brazil: how we do it [PDF], and President Cardoso reflects on Brazil and sociology.
LEMONADE WAR: a short film starring Patton Oswalt, Taylor Buck, Mo Collins and Werner Herzog. View more films here from We The Economy: 20 Short Films You Can’t Afford to Miss.
What is a work of art in the age of $120,000 art degrees? A new report (PDF) by activist collective BFAMFAPhD laments the shrinking job prospects and growing debt burden for art school graduates. [more inside]
Millennials Don't Stand A Chance. A terrific
debatefrom Intelligence Squared: "...spotlight is shown on millennials and their use of revolutionary technology while growing up in a time of recession. Some think they are coddled, narcissistic and lazy. Have we let conventional wisdom blind us to the millennial's openness to change, innovation, and optimism in the face of uncertainty, which, in any generation, are qualities to be admired?"(running time ~50:00) [more inside]
What was the average American college graduate's college-related debt in 2013? What state has the highest rate of poverty in the United States? Answer these and other depressing questions (or submit your own) at How Wrong You Are.
UN Climate Report: We Must Focus On 'Decarbonization', and It Won't Wreck the Economy - "The basic message is simple: We share a planet. Let's start acting like it." [more inside]
American Promise is a PBS documentary (live streaming through March 6) that follows two middle class African-American boys, Idris and Seun, who enter The Dalton School as young children, and follows them for 13 years. [more inside]
On Graduate School and 'Love' is yet another commentary on the economics of academic work. A younger student chimes in on the role of education in life: "much of education is oriented, for better or worse, toward making a living, rather than making a life." [more inside]
Has the Higher Education Bubble Popped? According to the CSM, the boom in demand for bankers, barristers, and bureaucrats is over.
Over the past three weeks, Israel has experienced what may perhaps be the largest, spontaneous / grass roots social protest of the secular middle class that it has witnessed in decades. Thousands of demonstrators in cities and towns throughout the country have been protesting cuts in government funding to health care and education, and massive, exorbitant rises in taxes and housing costs -- and demanding change. Tent cities have sprung up in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and in public gardens and parks throughout the country. And they may not be going anywhere: polls indicate Israeli support is "exceptionally high". [more inside]
The Economics of Seinfeld strives to illustrate basic economic concepts using scenes from the famous sitcom.
"Seinfeld ran for nine seasons on NBC and became famous as a “show about nothing". It is the simplicity of Seinfeld that makes it so appropriate for use in economics courses."[more inside]
"Does Professor Quality Matter? Evidence from Random Assignment of Students to Professors" by Scott Carrell and James West is the title of an interesting new study in this month's
Journal of Political Economy, a leading journal in economics. (For a summary of the paper, see this review. An ungated version, too). The authors are interested in determining the role of "professor quality" in student learning. They do this by exploiting an unusual institutional feature of the Air Force Academy whereby all undergraduates are randomly assigned their professors, and all professors use the same syllabus. The authors also have the professor's student evaluations, as well each student's subsequent performance in the follow-up classes. To keep it simple, they focus only on Calculus I and the follow-up courses in Calculus (which are mandatory), though they note that an earlier study that looked at Chemistry and Physics found similar things. [more inside]
Rebuilding Something Better by Barack Obama: "this week, I'll be talking about how we give our workers the skills they need to compete... Part of this goal will be met by helping Americans better afford a college education. But part of it will also be strengthening our network of community colleges..." [more inside]
Search for an Rx -
We asked Johns Hopkins administrators, physicians, and researchers about the health of a system Americans rely on to keep them healthy.Afterall, an ounce of prevention... [more inside]
Andy Grove on Our Electric Future - "Energy independence [viz.] is the wrong goal. Here is a plan Americans can stick to." Perhaps some infrastructure spending
1,2is in order? [etc., &c., cf.] [more inside]
The Scholar Ship, an international floating university stewarded by top universities in Morocco, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Mexico, USA, and Ghana, have temporarily suspended all voyages due to lack of funds - mainly caused by the withdrawal of main sponsor and initiator Royal Caribbean International. The program ran two voyages in 2007 and 2008 before shutdown. Alumni and prospective students on Facebook and Ning are busily sourcing options to revive the organization, while Semester at Sea is offering spaces to students who were accepted for the now-cancelled voyages. [more inside]
Econ 101. A collection of links to videos about economics for those who want to learn more about the dismal science.
Math + test = trouble for US economy For a nation committed to preparing students for 21st century jobs, the results of the first-of-its-kind study of how well teenagers can apply math skills to real-life problems is sobering. American 15-year-olds rank well below those in most other industrialized countries in mathematics literacy and problem solving, according to a survey released Monday
Assistance offered to teachers in Santa Clara, the county with the highest median house price in the US [from fark] See attached flame inside>>>
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warc | 201704 | Who has an entire day to devote to the Earth? Heck, who even has an hour? Earth Day is coming up next week, but many people will be hard pressed to find 24 entire hours to dedicate to saving the world we live in. In the day and age of Twitter and text messages, we need an environmental awareness campaign designed to fit in our on-the-go lifestyle.
So I'm proud to announce
Earth Minute -- the eco-event anyone can easily participate in.
On May 20 at 4:17 p.m., billions of people around the world will hold their collective breath for a full sixty seconds, preventing tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. After Earth Minute is up, they will all go back to their normal lives polluting and impacting the environment, at least until Earth Minute comes back around next year (or until someone comes up with Earth Second).
It's quick, it's easy, and it will do absolutely nothing to save the world. Just like Earth Day!
(My tongue is firmly planted in cheek. Everyday should be Earth Day , we're not going to get out of this eco-mess we've backed ourselves into if we reserve caring about the planet to one day out of three hundred and sixty five.) Are you on Twitter ? Follow me (@sheagunther) there , I give good tweets. And if you really like my writing, you can join my Facebook page. | 1,308 | 754 | 0.001333 |
warc | 201704 | This weekend is as good a time as any to pay a complete stranger to rub the stress out of your gross, naked body. Massages can be both enjoyable and therapeutic, but there are lots of different kinds — so you need to know what you’re looking for. What would be best for working out the tense knots in your upper back caused by the stress you’re under may not be best for simply relaxing for an hour to get away from that stress. Also, you may want to get a nice tug! So here’s a rundown of several different kinds of massage.
SWEDISH MASSAGE is the most common type of massage therapy in the U.S. Message therapists gently knead your muscles in long, circular motions, making this ideal for relaxing and/or beginning a porn, but probably not ideal if you have sore muscles you need to heal. AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE is supposed to be great if you’re stressed out and could use a few minutes of quiet to smell some redolent oils and listen to the sounds of the Costa Rican rain forest waft out of a wood-grained stereo. SHIATSU sounds like some intense martial art that masseuses practice on people’s backs, but it’s actually rather pleasant. This form of Japanese bodywork uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence along acupuncture meridians. Each ‘pressure point’ is held for eight seconds, supposedly helping the body improve its energy flow. Basically, it’s like getting a rubdown from Mr. Miyagi. | 1,462 | 826 | 0.001256 |
warc | 201704 | Popular Videos Recent Videos
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These tips about tips can save you not only money, they might even save you a trip in the back of a police car.
Like most people, I have very strong opinions when it comes to tipping rates for various services that expect them. For example, I staunchly believe that 15 percent is an acceptable tip for good restaurant service.
It used to be that tipping was meant to reward and encourage your server for exemplary service. Unfortunately, with the advent of socialistic tipping pools and mandatory gratuities, now that seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
Indeed, one of my biggest pet peeves with respect to tipping is the “mandatory gratuity” (talk about an oxymoron) of usually 18 percent that most establishments now tack onto any bill for large parties.
Maybe it’s a sign of the depressed economic climate, but in 2009, one restaurant in Bethlehem, Penn., had two people arrested for refusing to pay a mandatory 18-percent gratuity.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the customers “had to find their own napkins and cutlery while their waitress caught a smoke, had to ask the bar for soda refills, and had to wait over an hour for salad and wings.”
That sounds like poor service to me – and if I were them, I would’ve simply walked out 30 minutes after ordering.
It’s hard to believe that these dubious scofflaws had criminal theft charges filed against them for failing to pay a mandatory $16.35 gratuity for lousy service – but they did. That doesn’t mean they didn’t have options available to them. They just chose the wrong one.
Customers have
a lot of leverage – especially with respect to the highly competitive restaurant industry. Here are several suggestions you can use to help you avoid paying a mandatory gratuity for diabolical service… 1. Request the mandatory gratuity be waived
As a preemptive move, you can ask the restaurant if they’ll waive the mandatory gratuity. Why might they do that? Because you have a large party, and they might not be willing to risk losing your business, that’s why.
Here’s another reason: Some restaurants may jump at the chance to see their servers earn an even bigger payday. Suggest to the manager that, in lieu of waiving the mandatory gratuity, your party will tip more than 18 percent for excellent service.
2. Break up your party into separate tables
Breaking up your party into two or three smaller adjacent tables is another preemptive move that has the added benefit of offering the possibility of better service.
Think about it. When you are with a large party, a table for eight has to wait longer than a table for four because there are more meals that have to be prepared. A table of 16 requires an even longer wait.
And let’s face it: If you
are in a party with 16 people, are you really able to converse with Aunt Edna who’s stuck at the far end of a chain of four tables? The reality is, most people are only socializing with the people who are sitting adjacent and across from them anyway. 3. Talk to your server
OK, enough for the preemptive suggestions. Let’s assume you’ve already sat down with your large party and your server is off to a bad start. Tell them about it! Of course, do it tactfully and with a smile. In my experience, this step is usually enough to nip any problems in the bud before they get too bad and you are forced to pay good money for bad service.
4. Inform the manager you’d like a different server
So you’ve talked to your server but you’re still not getting results? Then talk to the manager about the poor service and request another server.
Although it’s doubtful the manager will comply with your request, the odds are you’ll get him to help ensure the rest of your time at the restaurant goes as smoothly as possible. Oftentimes, a talk with the manager will result in some sort of compensation for your troubles, such as one or two comped appetizers or meals – which offsets a portion of the mandatory gratuity.
5. Dispute the tip with your credit card company
Let’s assume the manager has been unsympathetic to your plight, your meals were delivered cold, you never got those drink refills, and the server had an attitude. Now you’re looking at an 18-percent mandatory gratuity for the, um, fine service.
Calmly pay for the entire bill, including the mandatory gratuity, using your favorite credit card. Don’t pay for the bill in cash! Then, when you get home, immediately send a polite letter to the offending restaurant complaining of the poor service you received and requesting your tip money back. After that’s done, call your credit card company and dispute the mandatory gratuity.
The customers in Philadelphia aren’t the first people ever arrested for failing to pay a “mandatory gratuity.” In fact, a similar event occurred several years ago in Lake George, N.Y., but charges were dropped when the district attorney said the man could not be forced to pay a gratuity even though the restaurant said tips of 18 percent were mandatory for parties of six or more.
Just remember, whenever
you’re faced with having to reward incompetent servers with an 18-percent gratuity for pitiful service, you don’t have to make yourself a martyr and expose yourself to a potential criminal conviction or a costly civil trial over a little chump change.
There are plenty of other options available to you – and they’re more effective too.
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warc | 201704 | Even if you’re wearing fully-perforated or mesh riding gear, you’re going to get hot while riding in summer heat. The minimized airflow inside of less-than-fully-vented leather or textile jackets and pants only exacerbates the problem. However, no matter what protective gear you have on, your body will sweat during higher temperatures. The trick is getting air to flow over the sweat and cool your body through evaporation.
Rev’It’s Oxygen Shirt and Pants aim to move moisture away from the rider’s body for a cooler, more pleasant ride.
The Oxygen Shirt and Pants are base layers meant to be worn against the skin. For optimal effect, they should be snug but not overly tight. While moisture wicking clothing is nothing new, the stitching techniques and variable weaves used in the Oxygen’s construction do assist in the evaporation of moisture. For example, the chest features a “3D airvent zone” which is woven in such a way as to allow perspiration to evaporate quickly. Being in a prime location for ventilation via a zipper or jacket perforations makes it fairly obvious when air hits moisture at speed. For those who say they get the same effect with a cotton t-shirt, the difference is that the Oxygen’s 93% polyaramide content allows the shirt/pants to dry much quicker than cotton, maximizing the effect without leaving you wet for extended periods.
Rev’It uses a variety of weaves to increase the surface area of the Oxygen garments, thus promoting evaporation. As with the chest, the shirt’s back receives what the manufacturer dubs a “climate control unit.” To my eye, it simply looks like a different weaving pattern, roughly the size of a back protector, that creates more space for air movement. Various patterns are also found on the underarms and the backs of the knees where moisture tends to collect when in a riding position. While I’m certain the names for the different sections are marketing speak, I recognize that different areas will benefit from evaporative assistance since airflow is limited in the underarms and on the back beneath armor. Finally, Rev’it states that special ribs on the elbows, shoulders, and knees also help to keep those areas warmer in cold weather by providing an insulating layer of air – a claim that I was unable to check during SoCal spring and summer riding.
Those who read my review of the
Rev’It Replica Jacket and GT-R Pants may remember that I had a problem with the pants abrading my knees on a long day in the saddle. The Oxygen Pants prevented this from happening by allowing the fabrics to rub against each other instead of the GT-R’s lining irritating my skin. Additionally, the slipperiness of the Oxygen gear made it easier to don and doff my leathers when I was sweaty.
Speaking of sweat, our recent rides to and from the L.A. Basin to Laguna Seca illustrated how much a good base layer can improve my comfort on long, hot days. Yes, at a stop, I still felt my temperature rise and the perspiration flow, but at the end of the day, my shirt was considerably drier than a cotton t-shirt would’ve been. Similarly, in the almost completely closed environment of my crotch, the Oxygen Pants made a huge difference. Anyone who’s ever ridden with cotton boxer briefs under leathers for an entire summer day can attest to how the cotton will be literally dripping with sweat at the end. The wicking capability of the Oxygen Pants left my nether regions drier than with regular underwear and prevented the indignity of butt rash. (TMI, I know.) I’m sure my companions were grateful for the antibacterial finish on the Oxygens. After two full days of desert riding, the clothes had minimal body odor – a win for anyone who sat near me at meals.
My only complaint about the Oxygen Shirt and Pants is that they run a little large. Perhaps I should’ve noticed the “normal fit” listing on the Rev’It website. Since the size 54 Rev’It Replica Jacket I tested has a “race fit” and is quite snug in the arms, I ordered an XL in the Oxygen gear. The fit was a little looser than I would’ve liked. So, if your size is on the bottom limit of the scale (XL is for Euro sizes 54-56), you may want to go down a size with the Oxygens. The Rev’It Oxygen Shirt retails for $70 in sizes M (46-48), L (50-52), XL (54-56), XXL (58-62) and the Rev’It Oxygen Pants for $55, both of which are prices comparable to wicking activewear I own and other motorcycle-specific wicking base layers I’ve researched online. | 4,626 | 2,248 | 0.000462 |
warc | 201704 | This market research study analyzes the automotive transmission market on a global level and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2015 to 2021. It gives a comprehensive overview of the automotive transmission market from all the important strategic perspectives. It recognizes the drivers and restraints affecting the industry and analyzes their impact over the forecast period. Moreover, it identifies the significant opportunities in the coming years. Geographically, the automotive transmission market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world (RoW). The current market size and forecast till 2021 is provided in the report.
An automotive transmission system (also referred to as the gearbox) provide a controlled application of the power which is generated from the engine of the vehicle. The transmission system uses gear trains and gears to provide torque and speed conversions from a rotating power source to another device. Transmission systems used in vehicles are hydraulic transmissions. This type of transmission uses a kind of fluid coupling instead of friction clutch, and changes gears by locking and unlocking a system of planetary gears. Broadly, the automotive transmission system can be segmented into two types: manual and automatic transmission. By fuel type, automotive transmission market can be segmented into gasoline, diesel, and others. The automotive transmission system by vehicle type has been segmented into passenger cars, LCV’s, ICV’s, HCV’s, off road vehicles, construction equipment vehicles, defense vehicles and farm tractors.
Latest automotive transmission system enhances the driving experience in terms of improved acceleration, gear shifting and improves fuel efficiency over conventional manual transmission systems. Growing demand for lower carbon emissions is driving the automotive transmission system market. Low penetration of advanced transmission system in regional markets like India, Brazil, and Mexico is restraining the automotive transmission system market. End users in India and Pakistan still prefer manual transmission over automatic transmissions. Moreover, variants with automatic transmission are costlier than manual transmissions and this is restraining the automotive transmission market. Growing demand for advanced transmission systems in the entry level vehicle segment is expected to drive the market.
By vehicle type, passenger cars segment accounted for the largest market share in the global automotive transmission market. Light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicle followed passenger cars in this segment. Innovation of latest transmission technology in passenger cars from simpler four speed automatic transmissions to 8-speed and 9-speed transmission is enhancing the driving experience, comfort and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Asia Pacific led the global automotive transmission market. Macro factors like low cost labor, favorable government policies towards the automotive industry are factors driving the automotive transmission market in the region. Asia Pacific is both the largest producer and the biggest transmission market in terms of value due to presence of countries like China, India, South Korea and Japan. Most of the automotive OEMs have their established manufacturing facilities in China due to low cost of labor and to cater to the high demand from automotive sector in this region. Asia Pacific is followed by Europe in the global automotive transmission market. Automotive transmission market in Europe is dominated by manual transmission. Increase in demand for comfort, fuel efficiency and stringent emission norms are expected to drive the automotive transmission market.
This report provides strategic analysis of automotive transmission market and the growth forecast for the period from 2015 to 2021. The report covers competitive analysis of various market segments based on transmission type, fuel type and by vehicle type. In depth cross segmentation based on the transmission type, fuel type and by vehicle type across different geographic segments is also provided in this report.
The market share of various key industry players in the automotive transmission market along with their company overview, market presence (by segment and geography), financial overview, business strategies and recent developments are also included in the report. The key players operating in the automotive transmission market are Magna International Inc. (Canada), Eaton Corporation (Ireland), Continental AG (Germany), ZF Friedrichshafen (Germany), Allison Transmission (U.S.A), BorgWarner Inc. (U.S), Aisin SEIKI Co. Ltd. (Japan), and GKN PLC (U.K) among others.
The automotive transmission market has been segmented as follows:
Automotive Transmission Market: By Transmission Type Automotive Transmission Market: By Fuel Type Automotive Transmission Market: By Industry Application Automotive Transmission Market: By Geography
MRRSE offers custom market research services that help clients to get information on their business scenario required where syndicated solutions are not enough.Get A Free Custom Research Quote | 5,215 | 2,053 | 0.00049 |
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