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Recent News & Accomplishments Eugenia Brin, a Russian immigrant and retired NASA scientist who, with her family of accomplished Terps, became an important benefactor of the University of Maryland, died on Dec. 3, 2024. She was 76 years old. Eugenia and her husband, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Michael Brin, supported projects that reflected their personal journeys and professional passions, donating nearly $57 million to UMD programs in mathematics, computer science, and climate science, Russian studies and the performing arts and the Campus Pantry. "The generosity of Eugenia Brin and her husband, Michael, has manifested itself in every corner of our campus, from scholarships to program funding to support for research," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "She was a beloved member of a storied family of Terps, and we mourn... read more $1.3M available for interdisciplinary work focused on responsible, ethical AI development. The University of Maryland announced on Friday a new seed award program designed to support the development of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary artificial intelligence-related research projects and courses. The $1.3 million in grants will be administered by the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), a collaborative hub launched last spring to conduct research, offer innovative and experiential learning opportunities for students and focus on responsible and ethical AI technology to advance the public good. UMD and its philanthropic and industry partners plan to... read more Debanjan Saha ’95 discusses how nontraditional paths can lead to leadership in tech-driven industries. There is a constant desire to find the companies of tomorrow. For the last seven years, Fortune has highlighted the companies that despite increasing competition and global volatility, are set down a path for long-term growth. The Future 50 list focuses on those likely to adapt, thrive, and grow—and serves in part as a guide for those seeking partners and role models. But for those looking to one day lead a company that may be the next big thing, the educational background of the Future 50 CEOs may surprise you. No, they did not all attend an Ivy League institution or go to business school... read more Sreyan Ghosh received the award for his research that aims to improve audio reasoning in AI systems. Imagine an AI system that doesn’t just transcribe speech but can truly understand, reason and respond like an expert. This vision is at the heart of University of Maryland Ph.D. student Sreyan Ghosh ’s research, which seeks to revolutionize audio processing in artificial intelligence. His work, which addresses limitations in data efficiency and representation learning, has earned him the highly competitive NVIDIA 2025-2026 Graduate Fellowship , positioning him to advance what AI systems can achieve with sound. Ghosh is among ten recipients selected from nearly 600 applications worldwide. The... read more The institute led by Adam Porter welcomed dozens of leaders to its headquarters in North Bethesda for a ribbon cutting and announced new partnerships with industry and the federal government. Uncovering bias in AI models used in medical diagnosis. Identifying patients with potentially life-threatening antibiotic-resistant infections. Predicting the spread of disease with advanced computing. These are just a few of the advances in medical care in the works at the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC), which uses high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to benefit public health in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. The institute welcomed dozens of leaders from Montgomery County, state government, life science companies and federal agencies... read more Ph.D. student Phillip Pope merges quantum chemistry and machine learning to combat climate change and improve energy efficiency. At the crossroads of quantum chemistry and machine learning, researchers are advancing novel discoveries in materials science to improve energy efficiency—new knowledge that could revolutionize how we tackle global challenges like sustainability and energy production. Phillip Pope, a sixth-year doctoral student in computer science at the University of Maryland, is active in this area, combining his skills in machine learning with a strong commitment to combating the climate crisis. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Pope has seen firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change. “My... read more Starting Spring 2025, the Grant Family Outstanding Achievement Undergraduate Student Award will recognize graduating seniors excelling in both fields. The University of Maryland will launch the Grant Family Outstanding Achievement Undergraduate Student Award in Computer Science and Mathematics in Spring 2025 to honor exceptional graduating seniors excelling in both fields. Established by computer science Adjunct Professor John Grant , the award recognizes undergraduate students pursuing double majors in these interconnected disciplines. Grant has been a faculty member in both mathematics and computer science departments for over 50 years. All majors conferred by the Department of Computer Science are eligible for the award, which will be... read more Furong Huang discusses the impact of AI during The New York Academy of Sciences’ 2025 Machine Learning Symposium. The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) hosted the 15th Annual Machine Learning Symposium. This year’s event, sponsored by Google Research and Cubist Systematic Strategies, included keynote addresses from leading experts, spotlight talks from graduate students and tech entrepreneurs, and opportunities for networking. Exploring and Mitigating Safety Risks in Large Language Models and Generative AI Pin-Yu Chen, PhD, a principal research scientist at IBM Research, opened the symposium with a keynote lecture about his work examining adversarial machine learning of neural networks for... read more Team found the mnemonics we prefer may not match those that actually help. What is melancholy, really? Consider a hardworking collie after a day of herding sheep. She’ll be hungry, but all she has to eat is a melon. The pup will be sad—melancholy, even. Whether it’s memorizing vocabulary for a test or learning new foreign language phrases, we’ve all used such “keyword mnemonics,” which help us to learn and remember new terms or phrases by associating them with something that’s easy to recall. But crafting mnemonics can be almost as hard as memorization. What if there was a way to make using this classic technique easier? Enter SMART—an AI-driven keyword mnemonic... read more Nakul Garg and Aritrik Ghosh’s ultra-low-power tracking system, LiTEfoot, earns acclaim for its innovation in supply chain localization. University of Maryland Department of Computer Science graduate students Nakul Garg and Aritrik Ghosh presented their research at the 22nd ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems (SenSys) held from November 4-7, 2024, in Hangzhou, China. Their work received the Best Poster Runner-Up Award, highlighting innovations in networked sensing and actuation systems. Garg and Ghosh, advised by computer science Assistant Professor Nirupam Roy, developed LiTEfoot, a low-power localization system designed for the long-term tracking of small assets across global supply chains. By leveraging... read more	0.942607	1,467
11/28/2016 Straight out of Queens, Sho-Tyme knows Hip-Hop. Yes, his credits are impressive (Aaliyah, P.Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, Shakira, J Lo, and way more...) but to us, the ultimate gem here is that Sho-Tyme grew up when Hip-Hop was being being formed into a culture. In Episode 28 of DanceSpeak, we get into Sho-Tyme's journey starting from dancing all over the city to the opportunity that introduced him to dancing as a career. Sho-Tyme shares on the history of Hip-Hop, giving access to understanding the depths of dances that we know today. I get to ask him about differences from the 90's and today with professional dancers. Then we dive into where hip-hop is today and get food for thought on what is required of dancers and even what might call the darker side of the industry. With stories from working with P.Diddy, Gwen Stefani, and Busta Rhymes, to Sho-Tyme's many examples of standing for something, this episode is going to deepen your knowledge of Hip-Hop and give an honest no-holds barred perspective on the dance industry. Instagram: instagram.com/shotyme_stylzplay Twitter: twitter.com/nyshotyme Facebook: facebook.com/sho.tyme.313 YouTube: youtube.com/shotymenyc GoToTalent: gototalentagency.com/sho-tyme Episode 27 of DanceSpeak introduces you to our youngest guest yet: Taylor Jade, a professional dancer and mogul-in-the-making. What caught my eye about Taylor, in addition to her maturity and poise, is that she has managed to build her own on-line platform where she teaches dance classes and is connecting students in different locations to what she can specifically offer as a professional dancer and teacher in L.A. All the while, going to auditions, dancing in various shows, and creating her own pieces for industry showcases around Los Angeles. Taylor shares on her year-long experience as personal assistant to Willdabeast, thoughts on creating passive income as a dancer (this is gold to me), how she balances going to auditions and maintaining her business, what the current audition scene is like, her thoughts on social media and filming in class, and what has driven her to create so much at her age. I can attest to the high level of knowledge that Taylor so eloquently communicates and know that there is a lot we can all learn out of this episode of DanceSpeak! Website: tayloredgin.com JTJ: justtaylorjade.com OnlineClass: redgin.clickfunnels.com/class-purchase Instagram: instagram.com/tayloredgin Twitter: twitter.com/TaylorEdgin YouTube: youtube.com/JustTaylorJade Facebook: facebook.com/JustTaylorJade 11/14/2016 Episode 26 of DanceSpeak proudly presents an interview with the highly respected, Chuck Maldonado. Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a professional in the dance industry, Chuck has a completely unexpected story, that will for sure inspire. Carrying a resume of over 28 feature films and work on hundreds of television shows, Chuck is clearly someone we can learn a lot from. One of the first jaw-dropping facts I learned in my interview with Chuck, is that he began his career as a professional dancer at 29. With a strong sense of purpose, and unbeatable work ethic, Chuck shares what it took to train himself to the level of his peers and make his dreams tangible. Some of the highlights of this episode include: what has changed in Los Angeles' dance industry in the last 15 years, tips on networking, how Chuck chooses his assistants, a choreographer's perspective on hiring friends, thoughts on having a back-up plan, advice for choreographers and dancers booking work in the industry, recommendations on how a dancer should prepare before moving to L.A. for dance, tips on head shots, Chuck's new dance convention, and more. Enjoy this episode, and I recommend taking notes! Instagram: instagram.com/chuckmaldonado Twitter: twitter.com/ChuckMaldonado YouTube: youtube.com/chuckmaldonado DebbieReynolds: drdancestudio.com/chuck-maldonado BroadwayDanceCenter: broadwaydancecenter.com/maldonado_chuck IMDb: imdb.com/chuck_maldonado We have made it to DanceSpeak's 25th episode, and I am proud to have Michael Silas as our guest for this milestone. Known for his 5 years dancing with Lady Gaga, Michael was born in Germany and moved to Texas in his earlier years, where he began his career in dance. In his teen years, he discovered his inner dancer in the most unexpected way, and from there, it was clear that destiny had something great in store for him. In this week's episode we go through the steps that it took for Michael to build his career, challenges he faced, and what it was like being on the road pursuing his dreams. Find out what Michael does to consistently work as a dancer, what he learned from his background in sports, and the recommendations that this seasoned dancer, choreographer, and teacher has for up and coming dancers. This episode will be sure to motivate, inspire, and shed light on the elusive career of a successful performer. Instagram: instagram.com/msilas23 Twitter; twitter.com/msilas23 Facebook: facebook.com/michaelsilas \| Galit FriedlanderAfter 15 years of experience in the dance world, Galit has worked as Assistant Choreographer for Prince, danced in numerous music videos, including Pharrell Williams' "Happy", has been featured in two dance publications, and currently works as a dance instructor and conditioning specialist in Los Angeles and around the country. Archives	0.962928	1,271
BROTHER TN340 Black Toner Cartridge - Sale price - List price - You save - $35 (16%) Pickup available at Deals499 Warehouse (AU) Usually ready in 24 hours PREMIUM QULAITY OF BROTHER GENUINE BLACK TONER CARTRIDGES YIELDING 2,500 PAGES. COMPATIBLE PRINTERS (IF ANY): BROTHER DCP 9055CDN,BROTHER HL 4150CDN,BROTHER HL 4570CDW,BROTHER MFC 9460CDN,BROTHER MFC 9970CDW Our on-line store is open 24/7 and we ship Monday through Friday, excluding some holidays. Orders received for products without shipping restrictions on its product page will ship the same business day when received before 12:00 p.m. PST. Orders in high demand will have an estimated production time listed on its product page and will ship according to the date listed. Shipping & Delivery times We can ship to virtually any addresses in the world. However, there are some restrictions applies on some products to be shipped to international destinations. Orders within Australia are sent by Standard Post, Express Post, Registered Post or via Couriers. Orders within United States are sent by USPS, Fedex Express Post, or via Local Couriers. Overseas orders mainly sent by Fedex, DHL or Australia Post. However we are reviewing the policy on regular basis and changes applied without notice. When you place an order, we will estimate lowest shipping rates for you based on the availability of your items and then depending shipping selection options you choose. Free Shipping for orders above value of $99 (USD) applies to Australia and United States domestic orders only with combination of stock locations. For example, if the stock is at Australian Warehouse and order placed with US Address then shipping charges will apply and vice-a-versa. The stock location is mentioned on each product page. The shipping charges will apply regardless of the order value if the orders been placed from different country stock facilities then the order been placed. For example, if the order been placed to United States address and stock been filled from Australian Stock facilities then shipping charges will be applied based on product dimension regardless of the order value. All other countries shipping charges is applicable. Typically, we choose standard delivery shipping methods from US Post and/or Australia Post for all free shipping offerings which delivers within 4-5 business days excluding public holidays and weekends. However we may ship directly from our supplier to avoid further delay on orders. Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound or kgs. We classify the item as "heavy" weight any products above 10kg (22 pounds). The heavy items does apply the additional charges if product sent to cross countries unless prior arrangement has been made. All in-stock orders placed before 12:00pm (QLD/NSW AEST Time zone) and for US NY Time 9:30 am Monday through Friday dispatch the same day, orders placed after 12:00pm (AU) 9:30 am (US) and orders on weekends or public holidays, will dispatch on the next business day. Some products may filled from our partnered supplier's warehouses locally and/or overseas where the shipping time will be more than normal time. All in-stock orders will be dispatched within 2 days (QLD/NSW, AEST, New York Timezone) between business days (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5pm). Any out of stock items will be notified to customers. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are using Australia Post Express or Standard Service to all orders to USA shipping from Australia. Please review the delivery time before placing an order. Click Frenzy Deals Programme (Applicable to Australia only) - Orders will be allocated as first serve first basis. - Any out of stock items will be turn into Pre-order where customers has option to buy with a view to be deliver as per advertised date. - The stock availability may change without notice due to current COVID situations are impacting incoming shipment arrival and their accuracy of dates to be available. - Deals499 standard Return policy applies for CF programme as well and available below for the reference. - No change of mind policy applies to CF Programme assuming customer has strong intention to buy the product(s). Christmas Trading Days Business as usual until 15th of Dec for all products each year. Between 16th Dec to 26th Jan, orders will be dispatched within 7 working days from orders received date. Warehouse will be closed between 22nd Dec to 5th Jan each year. (YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE BUT WILL NOT DISPATCH IN THIS PERIOD.) We understand that this is the lengthy delay on dispatch of orders but this will ensure us to enhance our tools and processes to serve you better. Please note all other products are not part of this program and will be sent as per normal shipping mode and timings. Majority of our offered products are in stock. However, there may be times when an item you ordered is on back order. If your order does contain a back-ordered item, we will not ship your order until all items are in stock or partially ship depending on scenario of the time. Unless notified separately, most back-ordered items are expected in stock within 15-20 business days. We sync inventory from our valued vendors, suppliers, partners and our own stock location on twice a week base. There will be a situation where product display as in stock with a number but in fact stock may not be available due to many unforeseen scenarios. In those circumstances, we always communicate as early possible to our customers so that they can make a decision on those orders. We always look after you. Sometimes things does not went as we expected and hence we accept the returns as per strict policy as below. Incorrect orders / Unwanted Orders If we have sent incorrect stock different to what you order then you don't have to worry about. We will bare the cost of return shipping. All we need is items unopened and in same form as we shipped within 30 days of delivery. Any tampering of retail packaging may found, refund may cancel. For any faulty product(s), please contact us immediately. We will perform assessment on case basis and will provide the information. If customer has ordered wrong products (human error) then we accept returns only if you replace with the corrected orders. We are not accepting returns if it is "change of mind" at default but assessing the issues case by case. The items must be unopened and sent back to us within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, the return shipping costs will be bared by customer. If the item has ordered which turns out not usable (non-faulty or damage) which was intended at the time of purchase then 20% re-stocking fees applies as well as the cost of shipping back to our stock locations if the shipping charges paid by us. All fees and shipping charges will be deducted from the refund amount before it processes. The product return address always be at Australian HO regardless the countries that it sent from. NOTE: We may not accept return of the order if it is simple change of mind. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper. However, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order. For International orders it may take upto 10-15 working days to process the refunds. Custom Duties & Charges It has assumed that customer must take full responsibility on custom charges, duties and any additional fees that may applies. Deals499 and their parent company is not liable for any further charges. Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org before placing order(s) for any further information. The clearance of products from the custom departments is also not in our control as an individual countries has their own government rules and regulations. Any clearance that may held up by authorities, requires receiver to contact their custom authorities and provide information as may required to clear the shipments. Deals499 take no responsibility in this matter and order value or portion of the order value will not be refunded. Our business model is wholesale which gives our customer very competitive prices without compromising the quality and services. In summary you can say that our products are "best in the market". However to run our business financially sound and efficient, we revised our pricing each year based on Australian consumer inflation index. All offers and pricing are subject to change without any prior notice on website or company owned marketplaces. We are trying our best to offer the prices for the products but there are many variables that may impact the price changes. Tanishq Consulting Pty Ltd and their subsidiaries holds all rights and can cancel the orders at any time without any prior notices that been raised for all company owned e-commerce stores and marketplaces. Use of Goods The term "Goods" refers to all consumable and hardware goods that we sell online including it's component form. We take all our products quality measures very seriously. Specially, the use of electronics goods in recent cutting technology time is very important. We strongly recommend to practice and use the electronics goods as per the manufacturer recommended direction. The warranty/guarantee voids immediately if the product not been used as per their recommended directions. However in unforeseen events, if product found faulty then please contact us immediately to resolve the issues at it best satisfactory level. As per our company policy, if the customer experiences the faulty product then customer entitles to get either full refund of the product that been purchased or replace by similar or appropriate products. Deals499 and/or it's parent company will not be responsible for any lose or damage of the property if they may occur. Promotions : Aussie Web Users - Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday, Christmas promotion are run at the good intention to provide genuine deals to our consumers. - In all these promotion limited stock has been planned to manage the inventory. - In all these promotion, bulk buyers are not included. - In all these promotion, product needs to buy online from www.deals499.com to get the discount. - Free Shipping available Australia wide only. - Can be used one per customer only. - Management reserves the rights to cancel/amend at any time without prior notice. - Out of stock or back orders, items will be informed and delivered when the stock available.	0.944579	2,297
FR Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt- Fire Resistant Pullover Hoodie $81.00 Buy Now - Rasco FR Hooded Zip-Up Sweatshirt – 3 Colors – FR Zip Up Hoodie $74.00 Buy Now PURCHASE YOUR SAFETY APPAREL AND TRAFFIC CONTROL PRODUCTS D.E. Gemmill Inc. is your source online for safety apparel and traffic control products. Our online safety store is here to equip your team for the job. Since 1986, safety has been our main priority. We understand the need for high-quality equipment that is priced to fit your budget and clothing that’s tough enough for demanding jobs. Safety Apparel and High-Visibility Clothing Safety apparel is a broad category of products that includes flame-resistant clothing, protective eyewear, hard hats, protective footwear and more. In a busy work environment where hazards are present, safety apparel is critical to preventing injury. Without it, a minor incident can quickly turn serious and lead to accidents with far-reaching consequences for both workers and employers. D.E. Gemmill carries: If you’re unsure what construction safety clothing and gear to buy in our store online, consider: - Safety standards. If your jobsite requires specialized apparel because there are moving vehicles or other heavy equipment, safety apparel can help your workers stay aware of one another. - Fit. Ensure your workers dress appropriately by supplying them with safety apparel that fits properly. - Color requirements. Neon colors help those on and off your jobsite be aware of your workers, whether on the highway or in a construction zone. Bright colors save lives. If your business needs to order bulk quantities of safety apparel or you need to outfit your workers with more than one piece of clothing, get in touch with us. We can customize and deliver your safety apparel in the sizes and styles you need. And if you’re within 150 miles of our York, PA retail location, we can come to you with our Mobile Safety on Site (S.O.S.) truck. The Mobile S.O.S. truck makes it possible for your workers to choose their own safety apparel. Talk to us ahead of time, and we can quickly stock the S.O.S. with all of the sizes, styles and colors your workers need to stay safe on the job. Traffic Control Products Traffic control products for sale at D.E. Gemmill Inc. include light bars, flares, wands, warning lights, temporary traffic control signs, sign stands and more. These and related products help roadwork crews do their jobs safely and efficiently. Investing in reliable equipment not only helps avoid accidents. It also improves employee morale and productivity while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. Search our online store for products such as: - Bollard covers - Lightbars and personal safety lights - “Stop” and “Slow” paddles - Traffic control cone signs - Traffic control flags - Traffic control flares - Traffic control signs - Traffic wands - She’s in Construction women’s apparel D.E. Gemmill has experts ready to help you choose the right products. As experienced contractors, we don’t just sell safety equipment — we use it ourselves every day. So, if you’re not sure what to order, just ask! We can review your job requirements and help you choose the traffic gear that’s right for you. Fall Protection Equipment Ensure your jobsite and workers comply with OSHA regulations and prevent unnecessary injury with our fall systems, designed to keep your workplace as safe as possible. If you work in roofing, construction, utilities or another industry that requires working at heights, it’s in your best interest to use the fall protection gear that will protect you, your workers and your business. At D.E. Gemmill, we carry: - Full-body harnesses - Snap hooks - Prevention barriers and other OSHA-compliant fall protection equipment If you don’t see the work zone traffic control products you need at our online store, stop by our York, PA retail location. We’re conveniently located for customers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Virginia. You or your workers can come in, view our selection and try on the equipment that will make your jobsite safer and OSHA compliant. Follow the links on the left to browse the main sections of our online catalog. You can also contact our office directly for assistance. Alternately, if you’re in the Central PA area, visit our safety store retail showroom in York for a more hands-on experience. WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SAFETY APPAREL AND TRAFFIC CONTROL PRODUCTS There are several considerations that will impact your choice of safety apparel and traffic control products. The first is the condition of your job site. Will workers be exposed to heat, flames or electricity? Will they be working outside or among moving vehicles? Will they be required to go into confined spaces or areas where visibility is poor? What about corrosive liquids and chemical fumes? Ultimately, you know your business better than anyone and can determine which products are necessary to ensure a safe working environment. At D.E. Gemmill, our safety apparel is rated Class 2 or Class 3, so you can be sure to get the clothing that’s appropriate for your job site’s specific hazards. When buying traffic control products or safety apparel, you also need to know you’re getting the best value for your money. Choosing a durable product that will deliver on its promises requires doing your research ahead of time and working with an experienced supplier. D.E. Gemmill Inc. carries items by leading brands such as Rasco FR, ML Kishigo, Ariat, GSS, Aervoe and others — manufacturers whose products we know and trust. Get in touch with a representative for help choosing the best items for your needs. PURCHASE YOUR SAFETY APPAREL & TRAFFIC CONTROL PRODUCTS FROM D.E. GEMMILL INC. For over 34 years, D.E. Gemmill has built a reputation for providing outstanding products and services to businesses in the construction and paving industry. We’re contractors, too, so we understand the products you need to get your job done safely. Expert advice is only one part of what sets D.E. Gemmill Inc. apart from other traffic control and safety apparel suppliers. We also offer fast, reliable shipping to customers across the country as well as an exclusive return policy that guarantees your satisfaction. We carefully select all items on our online store to ensure they meet the high demands of our clientele. As a result, it’s easy to shop online with confidence. If we don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, our team can either recommend an alternative or source it from one of our partners. For years, we have specialized in helping businesses with unique safety requirements find the apparel and other solutions they require. At D.E. Gemmill, your safety is our business. For more information about our products or to purchase online, contact us today. If you are in the Central PA area you can visit our safety apparel store near you today!	0.928252	1,536
This blog was written by Chhandomay Mandal, Solutions Marketing Director for XtremIO How many devices do you use for work today? And how many of those are your own personal gadgets? I am sure you will not be surprised to know that 43% of us use at least three, and a significant portion of these are “Bring Your Own Device” or “BYOD,” even if that’s not the official policy. It is not about the devices though. It is about being empowered to choose when, where and how work gets done, having a new level of freedom, flexibility and choice. The days of the 9-5 job are long gone. As the reality of the new “24 hour work day” takes hold, IT must support this mobile work style to make us work better, be more productive, collaborative and creative. Desktop virtualization – also known as VDI – is the technology that separates the desktop environment and associated application software from the physical client device that is used to access it. VDI gives IT the opportunity to centralize, virtualize and deliver apps, desktops and data with greater control, security, and efficiency, and ultimately lower costs. Storage has been the Achilles’ heel for VDI. When you are centralizing all of your desktops in a data center giving your end users device-independent, on-the-go anywhere access, you are also moving them from consumer-grade storage to enterprise-grade storage, which costs an order of magnitude higher. Citrix is a clear leader in the desktop virtualization market. IDC puts Citrix at the top right corner in the leader category for the client virtualization software market. Citrix XenDesktop, with its suite of desktop virtualization products, gives employees the freedom to work from anywhere while cutting IT costs. With industry-leading XenApp built-in, XenDesktop can deliver full desktops or just apps to any device, allowing you to choose the right delivery model for the right user at the right time. On the storage side, XtremIO has taken the market by storm. We achieved $1B revenue run rate within one year of the first product shipment. We have more than 1,700 unique customers with nearly 2/3rds of Fortune 100 companies running XtremIO in production today. According to Gartner, we have the highest market share (31.1%) in solid state arrays, with the second placed vendor more than eleven share points behind. For VDI specifically, it is totally amazing with XtremIO! Whether you are rolling out 100 or 100,000 desktops – non-persistent or persistent, whether your users are call-center employees or sophisticated CAD designers, whether you are an 8 to 6 organization or you follow the sun with 24×7 operations, XtremIO delivers an incredibly cost effective, agile VDI storage platform with an amazingly consistent user experience. XtremIO’s architectural advantages translate into very significant savings for our desktop virtualization customers. Today we have millions of desktops running on XtremIO, and our customers typically see 10:1 or more data reduction ratios for persistent desktops with 50% less cost per desktop than traditional storage. A single X-Brick, which is the basic building block of XtremIO cluster with two storage controllers and a Disk Array Enclosure or DAE that can have up to 25 SSDs can host up to 2,500 persistent desktops and up to 3,500 non-persistent desktops. Beyond storage, XtremIO helps in reducing server infrastructure footprint as well for VDI. As an example, we have had customers who could reduce the RAM allocation from 2 GB/desktop to 1.5 GB/desktop, that’s a 25% reduction in RAM, and XtremIO handled the resulting increased IOPS due to more swapping by the OS with the same latency for the same number of hosted desktops on the array. So, Citrix & XtremIO together provides a great solution for your desktop virtualization. Here you have the market leader of desktop virtualization software joining forces with the market leader of flash-based arrays. Together, we can scale from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of desktops, delivering uncompromising end-user experience – at scale, all the time, for all user types. With XtremIO, your admins have a radically simple storage management experience where they can provision desktops really fast, on demand, as you scale. The net result for you is very low $/desktop, and better than physical desktops for performance, user experience and most importantly, economics. Citrix & XtremIO just did a joint webinar – complete with many demonstrations – to illustrate the specifics of how we are better together. The recording is below, and you can find the presentation here. In the webinar (as well as here), you will find a demo by our Field CTO Itzik Reich where simultaneously booting 2,500 desktops in the Citrix MCS VDI deployment creates nearly 200K IOPS requirements. As we saw, XtremIO easily handles this very high load while maintaining low, sub-millisecond latency. In fact, all these 2,500 desktops are available in approximately 10 minutes with an average boot time of 0.3 second (and that’s not a typo 🙂)! There is another demonstration on Citrix PVS with RAM Cache Overflow to disk. Citrix introduced this new technology starting XenDesktop 7.1, and this is the least IOPS requirement use case for XenDesktop. However, even this option still needs the high performance with consistently low latency of XtremIO. As we see in the webinar (and here), the IOPS requirement went over 30K during the login storm. Of course, XtremIO handled the load with flying colors under sub-ms latency! The final piece of “better together” story is the unique integration XtremIO offers for XenDesktop. Beyond MCS and PVS, the last piece of desktop image management is where you have static builds for VMs. These are the dedicated desktops with full clones, essentially taking whatever you have – OS, applications, user settings – in your physical desktop today and making it a VM. XtremIO handles this use case very well with its performance and inline data reduction capabilities, as we don’t consume any extra capacity unless the data is globally unique. The clones and snapshots with XtremIO are fully based on in-memory metadata and deliver the same performance and data services like the parent volume. We have many customers (including some big global banks with tens of thousands desktops deployed) who are doing dedicated, full clone desktops with XenDesktop. We have built a unique XenDesktop plug-in with automated workflows to support this. No other vendor offers this. Let’s take a look at how this plug-in works for deploying 2,500 dedicated, full-clone desktops. All the steps I mention below are fully automated. - First it source a master VM to a datastore leveraging XtremIO’s unique copy data management technology. The clones do not consume any extra capacity. - Then it takes a snapshot of the parent datastore, again not consuming any extra capacity. It then Syspreps all the VMs in the snapshotted datastore. - It repeats these two steps till the total VMs created reach the desired numbers, in this case 2500 desktops. So 25 datastores with 100 VMs in each of them here in this example. - Then it populates the XenDesktop Delivery Group with these desktop VMs. Note, you just created 2500 full clone dedicated desktops with the actual capacity utilization of the unique data that was there in the original master VM. That will be well less than 40GB that a typical source image has for the 2,500 dedicated, full clone desktops! XtremIO gives you tremendous capacity savings with very fast desktop creation in an automated workflow! The joint webinar presentation here has a nice, step-by-step animation and actual screenshots of the wizard showing how easy it is to set up this large environment. Now, we have literally hundreds of VDI customers. In the webinar, I picked Georgia Tech as they bring out the true value of Citrix and XtremIO together. One area we didn’t cover in the webinar is GPU virtualization or vGPU, which solves the most challenging part of VDI where you are delivering graphics intensive applications to your users. XenServer as the hypervisor has been the true leader in supporting vGPU use case. At Citrix Synergy this past May, Didier Contis from Georgia Tech recounted how XtremIO has been a game changer for his VDI infrastructure supporting performance-intensive engineering applications like MATLAB, AutoCAD, and CATIA. A quote from him from that Synergy session (# SYN249): “Before XtremIO, it took several minutes for his graphics applications to launch. With XtremIO, it came down to 20-30 seconds.” To conclude, the XtremIO value proposition has been proven again and again in millions of desktops already deployed. XtremIO delivers an unparalleled user experience (think similar to MacBook Air performance and speed) for ALL user and desktop types at enterprise scale all the time. The deployment model is very cost effective—a lower cost than having physical desktops (while having an amazing end-user experience) and a quick deployment time – leading to a successful VDI project (from pilot to full scale).	0.933326	2,026
This review contains spoilers. The television landscape has changed a lot since Red Dwarf made its debut back in 1988. One of the more interesting developments of the 21st century has been that, thanks in no small part to shows like Lost, non-linear storytelling is now as much a part of the language of television as the cliff-hanger or the third-act twist. In a series that has, with rare exceptions, always featured at least one of its regulars in any given scene, Samsara breaks with Red Dwarf convention in a major way. The EPG description for Samsara will tell you that it’s a story in which the crew find an escape pod which leads them to a crashed space ship (the titular Samsara), and the Cat and Lister are forced to spend some time together. But that’s only half of the story; running parallel to this is the tale of two doomed lovers aboard the Samsara 3 million years previous, which is unveiled piece by piece as the ‘present day’ Dwarfers make their way around the downed vessel. It’s a bold move, and it goes a large way towards justifying Red Dwarf XI’s existence, demonstrating that writer Doug Naylor is still keen to try new things with the show. The lovers in question are played by Maggie Service, who has made a couple of brief appearances in the Doctor Who universe, and Dan Tetsell, a comedy actor and long-time Richard Herring collaborator who is probably best known for his role as False Vicar in Hotel Trubble. Though neither character is particularly likeable – Tetsell’s Green in particular comes across as a bit greasy and loathsome – they are a strangely sympathetic pair, and whilst the performances across these scenes aren’t the strongest guest turns Red Dwarf has ever known, they manage the formidable task of keeping the viewers hooked even though the regulars aren’t on screen. In fact, Green and Barker’s affair is probably the more interesting aspect of the episode. Anyone who found themselves disoriented by the plot-heavy Twentica will be relieved to find that the adventure had by the Dwarfers themselves in Samsara is quite slight: the crew explore the Samsara, Lister and Cat get trapped for a bit, and Kryten manages to get them out of there safely. Fortunately, this involves a very funny series of character scenes – the best being at the top of the episode, as Rimmer and Lister play their statistically unlikely game of Mine-Opoly. I noted during Series X how the characters’ relationship had softened over the years, and that’s evident again here; they still wind one another up, but there’s no sense of hatred there as there might have been at various points in the past; just a mutual disrespect. Chris Barrie and Craig Charles are both on good form here, with Rimmer’s mounting incredulity at his improbable dice rolls getting the episode off to a very strong start. The pre-publicity for this one suggested it was going to focus on Lister and Cat – an interesting notion, since Cat is still the character about whom we know the least. In the show’s first 62 episodes, he’s had precisely one focus episode: Waiting For God, back in 1988 (Though it seems that may change by the end of this year). Cat is fantastic for throwing in barbs and stealing scenes – as witnessed here in his reaction to the skeleton orgy – but eleven series in, it’s still hard to get a sense of how the other characters really feel about him, or vice versa. As it stands, we only get a taste of the Lister/Cat relationship here, but it’s an interesting one; Lister certainly has more time for Cat than he does Rimmer, and there’s a hint of a teacher/student dynamic which the show has never really explored. Perhaps it never will, as the scene is over all too quickly. The same could be said for the episode as a whole, really; Samsara has a fantastic science-fiction idea at its heart, and one that harks back to ‘classic’ Dwarf. But the idea of the karma drive is realised all too late for the Dwarfers, and it feels like there’s as much comedic mileage in the crew trying to get the karma drive to let them escape the ship as there is in the drive’s earlier effects. It’s a minor quibble, and it’s certainly not enough to spoil the episode, but for the second week in a row there’s a sense of mild anti-climax. Samsara is a solid episode of Red Dwarf. It may not quite be the sum of its parts, but some of those parts are outstanding. And more than perhaps any other episode in the show’s history, it benefits massively from a second viewing – the more random happenings of the episode play a lot more satisfyingly once you have the explanation. And getting a second chance to analyse some of the positions those skeletons were found in doesn’t hurt, either. Read Pete’s review of the previous episode, Twentica, here.	0.974235	1,094
A TV show introducing some fresh faces is nothing new. Casting turnover is one of the ways that the medium is able to stay fresh, year after year. Still, there are normal casting tweaks and then there is what The Umbrella Academy is set to do in season 3. Fans of the series will recall that, at the end of season 2, the Hargreeves children’s time-meddling came back to bite them once again – this time in a particularly spectacular fashion. When Luther, Diego, Allison, and company arrived back to the “present” from their journey in 1963 Dallas, they discovered that a whole new team crime-fighting team was occupying The Umbrella Academy mansion. Their former father Reginald Hargreeves announced this new team as the Sparrow Academy, and it featured five human silhouettes, one ominous looking cube, and the resurrection of the Umbrellas’ own dearly-departed brother Ben. Suffice it to say, the Sparrow Academy will play a huge role in The Umbrella Academy season 3. They aren’t the only new characters the show is introducing though. Here is what you need to know about the new cast for The Umbrella Academy season 3. Justin Cornwell as Marcus Hargreeves (Number One) Marcus Hargreeves is to the Sparrows what Luther is to the Umbrellas…albeit a touch more respected. Here is Netflix’s description of the character: “A charming, chiseled, colossus. Honest, virtuous, and demanding, Marcus keeps the family together. Graceful but lethal, calculated but compassionate, he is as smart as he is strong. Marcus is disciplined, rational and in control. He oozes confidence and leadership without ever having to raise his voice.” Raised in Cleveland, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky (where he attended the University of Louisville), Justin Cornwell is an actor best known for playing young Jeronicus Jangle in Netflix film Jingle Jangle. He also had a major role in the CBS crime drama Training Day, which was cut short after the untimely death of his co-star Bill Paxton. Justin H. Min as Ben Hargreeves (Number Two) Yes, Justin H. Min and his character Ben have been a part of The Umbrella Academy since the very beginning. This Ben, however, is different enough to constitute an entirely new character. Here is what Netflix has to say about him: “This is not the sweet Ben we know and love.This Ben is a Machiavellian tactician, wrapped up in a pretty boy body with a rumbling inner-squid. Vicious, pragmatic, and hyper-vigilant— Ben is determined to gain his status as the leader at all costs.” Britne Oldford as Fei Hargreeves (Number Three) Adorned with a pair of enigmatic glasses, Fei has an affinity for ravens. Per Netflix: “Fei sees the world in a special way. She comes across as a misanthrope who would rather be alone than spend even a second with you. But truth be told, Fei wishes she had a friend. Most of the time, Fei is the smartest person in the room and willing to work things out. But if you cross her there’s no looking back because Fei won’t stop until the job is done.” Britne Oldford is a Canadian actress who has some TV roles of note under her belt including: Cadie Campbell on Skins (U.S.), Alma Walker on American Horror Story: Asylum, and Regan on Hunters. Jake Epstein as Alphonso Hargreeves (Number Four) Due to the “I am rubber, you are glue” nature of his power, poor Alphonso looks like he has seen better days. The character’s official description reads: “Years of crime fighting have left his face and body with countless visual reminders of his battles. To compensate, Alphonso is armed with a caustic and biting sense of humor. The only thing he likes better than verbally battering anyone foolish enough to get in his face, is a good pizza and a six-pack of beer.” Like Britne Oldford, Jake Epstein is another Canadian find for The Umbrella Academy, which films in Toronto. The actor is best known to TV audience’s for playing Craig Manning in Degrassi: The Next Generation. He also appeared in Designated Survivor and Suits. But Epstein’s a real powerhouse in the theater world, originating the role of Gerry Goffin in the Broadway production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and touring as Will for the first North American tour of American Idiot. Genesis Rodriguez as Sloane Hargreeves (Number Five) Number Five’s counterpart on the Sparrow Academy could not be more different. Are we sure Reginald is numbering these kids correctly? Sloane’s description reads: “A romantic and a dreamer who feels a higher cosmic calling leaving her eager to see the world and experience a life beyond her upbringing. But obligations to her family keep Sloane tethered to the Academy, as does her fear of crossing the family line. But Sloane has plans… and one day she might just be brave enough to act on them.” Born in Miami to a Cuban model and Venezuelan actor, Genesis Rodriguez has enjoyed a fruitful career as a bilingual actor. Her first substantial role was as Will Ferrell’s love interest in Spanish-language comedy Casa de Mi Padre in 2012. She has also provided her voice to animated projects like Big Hero 6 and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Cazzie David as Jayme Hargreeves (Number Six) The Sparrows’ Number Six appears to have more in common with The Umbrellas’ Number Four, Klaus than their Number Six, Ben. Netflix’s breakdown of Jayme Hargreeves reads: “Jayme is a loner hidden under a hoodie. She doesn’t say much because she doesn’t have to. Jayme has a fear-inducing snarl. Catch a glimpse of it, and you’ll run across the street to avoid what follows. Smart and sharp as a knife, she spends most of her time hanging with Alphonso, her only friend.” Cazzie David co-created and co-starred in the 2017 web series Eight-Sixed. She later released a book of essays called No One Asked for This in 2020. She is best known in the public sphere for being the eldest daughter of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David. Together the pair is the subject of one of the most “Father-Daughter aesthetic” Instagram posts of all time. Sometimes nepotism is good maybe. Existential Dread-Inducing Psykronium Cube as Christopher Hargreeves (Number Seven) Last but not least of the Sparrows is exciting newcomer “Existential Dread-Inducing Psykronium Cube” as Christopher. As his name implies, Cubey is not an actor but a CGI creation. It’s unknown if Christopher has any lines or need of a voice actor. Netflix’s description of him reads: “Christopher is a telekinetic cube of unknown origin. He can turn the room freezing cold and induce paralyzing fear. He acts as the Sparrows’ consulted oracle who hands out incredible advice and serves as the family mediator. Trustworthy, loyal, and is treated by the Sparrows like any other sibling, Christopher is a force to be reckoned with.” Javon “Wanna” Walton as Stan There are not any details available for this new character other than that his name is Stan. The young actor chosen to play Stan, however, has had quite a busy start to his career. Javon “Wanna” Walton is both an actor and a boxer who is best known for his portrayal of Ashtray on Euphoria. Walton also had a major role in Prime Video’s Utopia and voiced Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family 2. Callum Keith Rennie as Lester Pocket Like Stan, not much is known about Lester Pocket. Playing the new character though is a very recognizable TV veteran. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve likely seen Canadian actor Callum Keith Rennie in…well, something. Best known for playing villains, Rennie has popped up in everything from Battlestar Galactica to 24 to Jessica Jones (from which the photo above is taken). All 10 episodes of The Umbrella Academy season 3 premiere Wednesday, July 22 on Netflix.	0.963638	1,847
The Rise of Web App Development With Progressive Web Applications Just having a normal website for a business is not enough these days. With the advancement of technology, businesses need to upgrade their normal websites to web apps. People are more inclined towards their smartphones, henceforth opt for web apps over the websites. The web and mobile apps came like a Tsunami with an increase in the use of smartphones. All in all, a web app for your business will enhance the user experience, and increase the ROI of your business. Just imagine you have a brilliant web app idea, but you are not satisfied with the development of your web app. Will it give you fruitful results for your business? Of course, not! But, thanks to the progressive web apps! They have brought a huge revolution in the way web apps are built and, even helps to enhance the user experience. So, you will be curious to know how progressive web apps will bring a rise in the use of web apps. In this write-up, we will go through some of the important aspects of progressive web apps, and how it will revolutionize the future. But before getting deep into the importance of Progressive Web Apps, we will first give a short brief on PWAs. Glimpse on Progressive Web Apps To put it short, progressive web apps combine the properties of websites and native apps, to build an extraordinary web app. To put it short, web apps are accessed by entering the URL in the respective devices. A progressive web app takes advantage of trending technologies to combine web and mobile to a single app. The best part is you have no need to go to the App Store or Play Store for using the web app. Just enter the URL in the website and the shortcut will be added on your home screen. With the help of the Progressive Web Apps, you will save a lot of storage space in comparison to the native apps. Why Progressive Web Apps The Future of Web Apps? Native App Flexibility With a progressive web app, the users will get an experience of a native app. To the fact, PWAs are able to manage online ordering, loyalty programs, customer information and much more. To put it short, you will get all functionalities of a native app in the web app including the push notification. Security & Speed These are the core two things which every business needs in their online platform. New standards in web apps are encouraging developers to build the most secured web app. The best part is PWAs are faster than normal websites, and it ultimately enhances the user experience and ROI. These web apps are speedier as they can seamlessly cache the information from the app and browser. A simple search on Google will pull you to the web app and give ultimate user experience. Operating the online business with a web app will let you reach a larger audience base. As just with a few SEO efforts you can make your web app rank on the search engines like Google. An Ideal Choice For Business As a matter of fact, the companies who have implemented PWAs and observed tremendous growth are as mentioned below, - MakeMyTrip.com observed growth of more than 160% after shifting to a progressive web app. - Twitter saw a reduction in the bounce rate by 20%, and 75% increase in the tweets. - Alibaba.com said that they got a 76% increase in mobile users after shifting to PWA. Now you know the importance of web apps in your online business. Above all, one thing that is for sure is the web app for your business will definitely impress the user and force them to visit your web app for the second time. As I told you before, the web app uses a cache to fetch APIs for quickly loading your content. This means that web apps even function in offline mode from the home screen. To conclude, your progressive web app will be able to send the push notification and background updates to the user. That's amazing, right? What Makes Progressive Web Apps Attractive? A few points which make progressive web apps alluring for your business are following. - The great increase in mobile web traffic - Offline availability of the content (a key advantage) - A great performance of the web app whether it is for mobile or desktop - Gives a progressive and increased support Why Should You Build A Progressive Web App For Your Business? If you’re planning for an online business, then just having a web app idea will never be enough. Proper execution of your web app plan is crucial to achieving your desired goals. After deep research and analysis, we have come to the conclusion that a progressive web app will help you gain your targeted aim easily. You will face lesser hurdles when building your online business with a progressive web app. Progressive web apps will definitely give you results in one way or another. Adding to it, progressive web apps are still in the developing stage, but in the near future, you will see great functionality. And this will enhance your business in every possible way. The Parting Thoughts Before thinking about how your web app should be, it is essential to have a look at the customer requirements. What does your customer need? Is it about offline availability, a seamless buying experience, or a multi-channel experience? Check every sort of detail and choose the one which will suit best for your customers. At last, the thing which matters most is the user experience. Progressive web apps definitely have a bright future. Many popular companies have already implemented progressive web apps in their online platform. Henceforth, now it’s your turn to achieve your dreams with progressive web apps. Wishing you all luck for your progressive web app!	0.923852	1,170
5 Marketing Lessons Everyone Can Learn From Beer 2. Tribal experiences matter. So if demographics matters less than it used to in marketing beer, what really matters is how involved they are with beer, how much they spend thinking about beer. And, says Scott Taylor, “When it comes to a product like beer, we often find that people who have high involvement have similar characteristics: They hang out with people like themselves. “They watch the same shows, or participate in the same sports or fitness activities. For example, there’s an association between drinking Bud Light and [watching] Game of Thrones,” he says. (This insight is new enough that nobody knows yet exactly why.) “Beer brands are succeeding by not just relying on age, sex, or income, but on things that bring people together,” he says. So, for example, a data-driven marketer might realize that people who go to dog shows or particular dog parks like their beer brand. A well-timed invitation to a local pub—to existing customers and to people who have a data profile similar to those existing beer fans—could help to cement brand loyalty by creating memorable experiences associated with a given beer. Teasing out such important insights—and encouraging people to have such experiences through advertising, events and carefully personalized offers—can often involve billions or trillions of data points, with everything from social media interactions, to which web pages customers click on, to weather data. (In the Beer Conversion Wars, there’s nothing like a hot day and an accurately timed suggestion that a cold beer might be good right about now, and is just around the corner at a pub you’re about to pass.) To process these huge datasets—and apply the kind of sophisticated machine learning and AI algorithms to the data—many marketers are turning to high-tech platforms, dubbed “customer data platforms,” or CDPs. A good CDP can handle huge quantities of data in near real time and craft highly individualized profiles of each customer, allowing for much more targeted and segmented marketing. These profiles typically include everything from CRM data to social media information and can be used to look at existing customers, tease out their characteristics, and automatically look for new customers, a process called “lookalike matching.” 3. Data-driven personalization works. Some beer brands are already experimenting with targeted personalization on a grand scale—and they’re getting results. “The significance of personalized marketing was clearly confirmed by data,” says Naoki Nakajima, a digital marketer at Kirin, which pioneered an effort to consolidate vast amounts of Kirin’s customer data into a customer data platform. Kirin then modeled customer behavior based on that data and used that data to personalize offers and customer journeys using that data. It was clear from the data that personalized customer journeys and tailored promotions work. “All customers purchased Kirin products, but those exposed to the personalized engagement were more likely to become loyal customers than those just exposed to standard campaigns,” says Nakajima. 4. Location matters, and location-based apps help you understand how. If I perceive a beer as culturally relevant to the food I’m consuming—even if it’s not truly an authentic one—I’m more likely to consume it in the restaurant, as misguided as that might be. Marketers can play on that. It might be inaccurate in some cases, but it makes money. For example, Taylor points to the craft brewing industry’s PintPass app, which is free to consumers. Users get points by checking in at a location, and with enough points, it can turn into something like a virtual debit card, says Taylor. The GPS checks you in and you say what you’re drinking and post something to social media. Brewers can get important behavioral data, including where and under what circumstances any particular user drinks beer—a real treasure data chest of information for marketers who can harness it. 5. Discovery experiences work, so craft stories and customer experiences of discovery. Everyone—but especially the Millennial generation—wants to feel they’ve “discovered” a new brand or experience. “Discovery counts, and it hasn’t really been used as much,” says Scott Taylor. “Not only are people discovering beer, but they’re discovering a community, and locality is connected to the community. More companies should try that; we’re not using that enough.” Practical discovery-based marketing strategies include partnering with tourism boards. Developing apps for the brand also works, not just to get you near-real-time data, but to drive in-the-moment engagement with brands over the long term and to collect more data for new campaigns and strategies. “If you’re not doing that, you’re losing money,” he says. Tom Treanor is global head of marketing at Arm Treasure Data, a leading enterprise customer data platform (CDP) provider. He writes on topics related to marketing, Martech, and customer data. Get news and updates from Tom on Twitter. Buyer's Guide Companies Mentioned	0.950754	1,097
Identifying your target client base and understanding how to attract them to your business effectively is only half the battle for better search engine optimization. Thus, what about your competitors’ actions? We are constantly astounded by how few prospects and organizations undertake extensive competitor analysis. It not only provides insights into where your competitors are excelling. But it may also provide you with fresh digital marketing ideas to include in your plan to improve traffic and conversions with the help of google analytics tools. What is Competitor Analysis? A competitive analysis is a study of how your rivals differentiate. Their brand by evaluating their product mix, marketing tactics, brand voice, customer reputation, and other factors. A thorough competition study swiftly converts into a business and marketing plan that positions. Your company to generate new competitive advantages and brand strategies. Benefits of Conducting Competitive Analysis in Digital Marketing A detailed competition study can assist you in fine-tuning your target market and segmentation. It not only helps you better understand the current status of your industry, but it also offers you an action plan for your company’s present and future, among other advantages. Understand Your Target Customer For startups, it gives you a better grasp of your market. By examining why your target clients visit specific firms, you may identify where your company fits in and how to market yourself properly. Your target market may wind up desiring a completely different product or experience,. Or you may decide to pick an altogether new target market based on your findings. As a result, digital competition analysis enables more precise and accurate market predictions. Understand Your Competition The competitor analysis, as the name indicates, gives a complete insight into your competitors. It’s critical to keep an eye on what they’re doing in terms of product offers, customer experience, and general web presence so you can outperform them while addressing your own company’s shortcomings. Competitive analysis may offer your team a framework for analyzing rivals over time and monitoring their market share and the debut of new players in the industry. Expand Your SEO Strategy Because SEO is such an essential part of digital competition analysis, it may help you build more effective keyword research and content planning methods. Your competitors may be more in tune with what your target audience wants to read, but you can figure out how to attract visitors with the proper keywords and conversion-oriented content. It also teaches you which keywords to track for changes in volume, ranking, and ranking difficulty. Better Projections and Budget Forecasting Finally, one of the underappreciated advantages of a competitor analysis is that it enables more accurate budget predictions. Analyzing the competition will help you identify which marketing areas need to be beefed up and which can withstand budget cuts. You’ll have a better idea of how much you can anticipate spending shortly if you have a good SEO plan and market position analysis based on your competition study. How to Do Competitive Analysis in Digital Marketing Have a Clearly-Defined Marketing Goal Finally, what is the goal of your marketing campaigns? Higher revenues and lower operational expenses are nearly always the ultimate aim for every business owner, but numerous measures must be performed first. There are many social media tools for marketing that also follow the social media algorithms. Discuss with your teams your long-term business goals and how digital marketing fits into those strategies. How does evaluating your competition’s online presence assist you in achieving these objectives? If you want to increase your sales, look at what’s working and what’s not, as well as what your competitors are doing with lead magnets. Hiring more social media managers and specialists, as well as advertising on these platforms, may be necessary to increase your social media presence. It all starts with determining a marketing objective. Have a Clearly-Defined Target Customer A target audience may differ from a target client, so you must learn more about the latter and have well-researched and refined buyer personas to advertise to them more successfully. What types of websites does your ideal customer visit? And their interests, values, and preferences. And about there their ages, where do they reside, and what other types of demographics are they likely to fall into? Your former customers can help here, but so can your competitors’ customers. Also there are different marketing strategies for twitter to understand the algorithm. Determine what kind of branding images and material are most likely to connect with them and entice them to engage with you. As well as the channels they are more likely to utilize, such as email marketing or social media. Know Which Digital Marketing Channels You Want to Focus On It may take some trial and error to determine which digital marketing channels to prioritize. But you can start with a list of sites you believe your potential customer is most likely to visit. Paid search advertisements for a food delivery service. For example, that run around dinnertime, are more likely to generate sales than a social media post that may get lost in their feed or not be viewed at all. Make a priority list of channels, such as social media, email, display advertisements, YouTube advertising, and content. Find out which ones get the most and most minor traction and why. This will aid in the refinement of your entire marketing approach. Identify Key Competitors to Focus On Now is the moment to hone in on the rivals you want to examine based on the type of client you’re targeting and the digital marketing channels to emphasize. Preferably, you should have one contestant from each of the previously mentioned groups. However, depending on your product mix and field, you may not have much competition; however, you should still strive to study three to five firms. Analyze Competitor Marketing Positions Differentiating your brand in the market is what positioning is all about. Many brands sell the same goods. But there is a reason why they have the reputation and following that they have. So, how are your competitors differentiating themselves, and how are you differentiating yourself? For example, you may use identical branding marks, font faces, or iconography as your rivals yet have an entirely distinct color palette. A humorous and casual brand voice may work well for a young apparel business, but will it work for a worldwide law firm. If your competitors seem studious and severe in their communications? Determine how you can distinguish yourself from them since this will make your brand more recognizable. There are different marketing strategy for applications also. Make scorecards for different branding materials, communication styles, customer experience, and social media presence. Use these scorecards for additional branding and differentiation initiatives, like content development and thought leadership (e.g. podcast appearances, magazine interviews). To summarise, competition marketing is critical for your marketing plan, therefore conduct thorough research. After all, marketing research about your rivals will be beneficial to you. Competitors aren’t always monolithic. They aren’t always firms that provide the same products and services as you, yet they are a sort of competitor. However, in a digital marketing setting, a digital competitor study is critical. Since people use the internet to discover more about constantly changing businesses. DIGILEAP MARKETING SERVICES.	0.949564	1,483
One of the services Digital Wake offers is social media marketing management. Business owners quickly discover that managing a social media campaign takes a lot of effort! Here are some of the items we discuss with our clients when creating a social media marketing effort. Set Social Media Goals Your social media goals should align with your overall marketing strategy. Also, your goals should be S.M.A.R.T. — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely. It’s not enough to say you want to increase brand awareness and sell more widgets if you don’t have a way to measure it and you don’t make widgets! Tracking metrics associated with your goals is crucial to determine the success of your social media campaign. Once you identify your goals, take the time to identify what to track and how to track it. There’s a lot to consider with social media metrics and you might find this article helpful. Know Your Audience This may seem obvious, but it is also an area that businesses struggle with sometimes. Do not assume you know who your customers are and what they like. For example, if you’re trying to reach Gen X consumers and think they aren’t on apps like Instagram or TikTok, your message may not be widely seen. Thus, it makes sense to do your research. Here’s a chart published by the Pew Research Center that shows what social media sites are used most. You can also read the article from the Pew Research Center. It’s a good first step in conducting relevant research. Additionally, take some time to create a customer persona to target your social media marketing. For this activity, you want to write down attributes of current customers as well as potential customers that you may be able to identify from your current analytics. Review your available data points to collect age, zip code, income, past buying behavior, etc. If you don’t have this information in a customer database, consider developing an email or online survey. Know Your Competition If you intend to convert casual visitors to loyal customers, you need to know who your competition is, what social media platforms they are using, and how well they are doing on those sites. Look at their posts, but also look at the activity with each post. You might find a tactic you can use or find a weakness in their approach that you can use to your advantage. While analyzing your competition on social media sites, you should also review what customers are saying in response to any posts. For example, let’s say you operate a print shop. You do pretty well with repeat business on signs and banners, however, you’ve struggled to get your t-shirt printing profitable. As you’re checking out your competition’s social media messages, you see several customer comments about design quality and shirt shrinkage when washed. This is information you can use to develop a potential social media campaign about your t-shirt printing service. Review Current Social Media Messaging Now that you have a clearer idea of your social media goals, who your customers are, and what your competitors are doing, it’s time to look at what you’re doing and decide what can stay and what needs to get fixed. Based on your research, are you using the same social media platforms that your customers are? If so, are you using that platform to its optimal use? If not, you may find it helpful to have a mission statement based on how you plan to use that platform. For example, Our Facebook ads will promote our current inventory and special events to increase sales. Or, Our Twitter account will encourage customer feedback and mitigate any sale or delivery issues. Once you know which sites are best for your business and identify how best to use them, it’s time to either set up an account or update your current profile settings. Specifically, make sure to fill in all profile fields, capture relevant keywords that might be used to search for your products, service, or business, and include images that are correctly sized for each site. Create Engaging Content Here comes the fun part of having a social media campaign… showing off your product/services and engaging with customers! When creating content, you want to capture your audience’s attention as well as ensure your brand/business appears trustworthy. Also, when deciding what content to include on your different social media sites, make sure you take advantage of each platform’s strengths. When posting to Twitter, for example, the text in your posts must fit within the character limit. Using popular/trending hashtags also helps your content show up in the right social media channels. When posting to Instagram or Pinterest, your content should include sharp images with strong caption writing. Facebook content can use a variety of text, images, and videos. The goal with social media content is to find a way to connect with the audience using the social platforms they interact with most, in the most effective way possible. You are essentially making your company look less like a business and more like a person with a specific identity. Set Up a Content Calendar In addition to determining what content to include in your social media posts, you need to also consider when to post (there is actual research that suggests the best times to post on certain sites!) You may find it helpful to craft a content calendar. This calendar should list the dates and times you’ll post types of content on each social media platform. It’s a great way to plan all your social media activities as well as ensure you’re using the sites according to your S.M.A.R.T goals and mission statements you created earlier. You should also consider tying your posts to special holidays. Digital Wake uses its social media platforms to promote our services, highlight a new blog post, and share news and updates. However, our social media expert also creates posts that align with certain holidays like World Password Day (May 7) or Get to Know Your Customers Day (July 16). You can find a list of these type of holidays here. However, as our social media expert emphasizes, it’s not all about posting news and trying to drum up sales. Sometimes it’s just good to promote and support your community. She says, “I like to just look around on all platforms to see if there are any trends I can hop on to stay relevant and check to see what’s going on in the local community to try and connect with our local audience.” Assess and Re-Assess The last part of managing a social media campaign is to perform continual assessment. It’s tempting to just hit Enter and then go on to your next task. But you’ve worked hard to create an effective campaign, you need to make sure the Return on Investment is there. Also, the social media world evolves daily. What was a trending hashtag on Twitter yesterday has been forgotten this week. Just because the picture you shared last week was a hit with customers, they may not want to see it three weeks in a row. Your audience likes variety and one of the reasons they may follow your social media site is to see what’s new. Make sure you are assessing what is being liked, commented on, and shared, and then find new ways to capitalize on that. As you can tell, managing an effective social media campaign is time intensive. Many large businesses have at least one full time person dedicated to social media marketing while others handle print and television marketing. The benefits of being on social media are obvious, but there is also potential for error. Hopefully this information provides you with a foundation from which you can consider your social media efforts. As always, Digital Wake is here to help you make the best use of your digital presence.	0.94548	1,610
The key that opens your mind and heart to better job performance, an enriching career and life is your attitude. All of us want success; we want good results in all walks of life, in our homes, in work and in all our relations. The most important single factor that guarantees positive results is the Positive Mental Attitude! A positive mental attitude helps you: – Consider your neglected and misunderstood fact – Summary: Job as a part of the larger pattern of your organisation – Utilise your potential when dealing with other employees and customers – Understand how your own attitude affects other people’s attitudes and performance The noted American trainer and motivator, Zig Ziglar, remarks: Positive attitude is the result of new thinking …… believing in yourself, focussing on successes, learning from failures and surrounding yourself with people who share your values, principles and thinking. Positive attitude won’t let you do anything but it will let you do everything better than negative thinking. It will let you use your abilities and capabilities. Attitude is defined as ‘the position or bearing as indicating action, feeling or mood’. And it is our actions, feelings or moods that determine the actions, feelings or moods of others. Our attitude is the way we communicate our mood, and tells the world what we expect in return. If we are optimistic and anticipate success, we will transmit a positive attitude and people and customers usually respond favourably to our attitude. But when we are pessimistic and expect the worst, our attitude is often negative and people tend to avoid us. Inside our head, where it all starts, attitude is a mind-set; it’s the way we look at things mentally. Attitude is not simply a state of mind; it is also a reflection of what you value. Your attitude is more than just saying ‘ I Can ’; it is believing ‘ I Can Do ’. It requires believing before seeing, because seeing is based on situations; believing is based on faith and your unwavering conviction. As a human creature, all of us have been given the godlike power to create our own lives. Every day, we utilise actions and ideas that will determine the nature of our tomorrows. Those ideas and actions lead some people to extra-ordinary achievements; some to a kind of average life; for some, those actions and ideas bring repeated frustration and problems. We tend to live up to our expectations; and others give to us what we expect. Our attitude is something we can control, and the people will reflect back to us the attitude we present to them. It is, then, our attitude towards life that determines life’s attitude toward us. Law of Cause and Effect. Your attitude is the disposition you transmit to others. It is also the way you see things mentally from the inside. The more you can focus on the positive aspects of your environment and life, the easier it will be to feel and remain positive. Positivity can be maintained through conscious efforts. When something negative diverts your mental focus, you can bounce back and make the adjustments by following these time-tested techniques : • Think cheerfully; you become what you think about all the day long. There is always a silver lining in the dark clouds; so, look for the light and this will enlighten your mind and thoughts process. • Clarify your objectives; a person with a crystal-clear goal is more apt to have a positive attitude than someone without an aim. A well-defined objective in life provides you direction, helps you achieve better focus, and removes doubts and fears. • Sense of humour; the more you develop it, the more positive you become. Find out the funny aspects in every so-called problem and you can turn it into an opportunity. • Mix up with winners when an odd situation confronts you. Negative losers can very easily aggravate the situation. Avoid these ‘turkeys and fly with the eagles’ who radiate enthusiasm, hope and optimism. • Visualise success; you get what you expect. Positive expectations pave the way for harmonious and positive times. Your imagination is the laboratory where you can rehearse and preview the successful events. • Pep talk, often called self-talk or monologue; it is your thinking aloud. When you assure yourself over and again of good, your subconscious mind accepts and believes so, and your actions radiate the same thought process. Rick Wilkins, an American management consultant, concluded after exhaustive research that you have the full control over your thinking pattern; you have the total ownership of your attitudes. No one else on this planet has the power or authority to change your attitude without your permission. Your attitude allows you to become more empowering than money, to rise above your failures and accept others for who they are and what they say. Your attitude is the forerunner of all skills needed for happiness and success; it can be used to build you up or pull you down … the choice is yours. It also gives you the wisdom to know that we cannot change events of the past. I am totally convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond to it. And it is with this state of mind that I remain in charge of my attitude. Your Attitude and the Work Environment Nowhere is your positive attitude more required and appreciated by others than your workplace. There are sound reasons for this: about 30% of an employee’s waking hours are spent at the workplace. Without some positive people around, this time could become troublesome. Supervisors/managers reply on the positive attitudes of employees to establish a team spirit. Positive attitudes among a few employees make others’ job easy. Besides, positive employees devote their time and concentrate on solutions, and radiate enthusiasm that is contagious. This creates a very pleasant work atmosphere where negative thinkers don’t find much room to pollute the environment Both positive and negative employees’ attitudes travel quickly in the workplace. Working around positive persons is a delightful and exciting experience. He/she can make you feel more motivated. Likewise, working near a negative person is very likely to cause you to turn negative. A positive work environment speaks its merits for itself. It is obvious from noticing the productivity and efficiency of workers who not produce at a high level but also makes it easier for others on the team to stay positive and produce more. In the same manner, negative workers can turn others negative. The more positive the workplace, the higher the departmental productivity. There will be more output, higher productivity, better quality, fewer mistakes and less complaints. When employees feel easy and relaxed, they concentrate better reach their potential. Besides, employees are more tolerant of each others and work is viewed as an enjoyable challenge than as a boring task. All of us are responsible for our lives. We produce causes all day long, and the environment can return to us only a corresponding effect. Consequently, we determine the quality of our own life. Here is a way to evaluate the quality of your attitude in the past: Would you say that people and customers tend to react to you in a smiling, positive manner, giving you friendly greetings when you appear? Your honest answer to this question will tell you the rest. Attitude is never static. It is an ongoing, dynamic and perpeptual process. Unless you are vigilant, negative factors will have a negative influence on your attitude. This will cause you to focus your mind on problems rather than on solutions. If negative factors occupy your mind long enough, they will be reflected in your actions. The positivity is still there, but it has been over shadowed by negativity. Undoubtedly, none of us can remain positive all the time. Excessive optimism is not realistic. Some people and situations will always be there to steal your positive attitude and challenge your ability to bounce back. But winners are those who can regain their positive attitude quickly. People, who are unable to bounce back and constantly think of difficulties instead of opportunities, miss out of what life has to offer. As soon as you begin to change your attitude, your surrounding will start changing, and it works like this: positive attitude, positive results; negative attitude, negative results. Dr. William James of the Harvard University, after exhaustive research, concluded: The biggest discovery of the 20th century is that people can change their lives by changing their attitudes of mind. So, we shape our own life and the texture and quality of our lives is determined by our habitual attitude. It sounds simple, but it is not so simple and easy. For most of us, learning this new habit takes time. But once it becomes a regular habit, your life will start changing dramatically. There are countless human beings who live depressed and frustrated lives simply because they take a defensive and doubtful attitude toward themselves and life in general. People with a poor attitude become a magnet for unpleasant situations. When these situations occur, they further reinforce their poor attitude, thereby bringing more problems and so on. Such persons become a living example of the self-generating, problem-inviting prophecy. We get what we expect. Our outlook on life is a paintbrush with which we paint our environment. It can be bright and filled with hope and satisfaction, or it can be dark, depressing and gloomy Sometimes, it is hard to convince people that the situations they experience is the result of their attitude. They take the attitude that only if people or customers will be nice to them, they would be nice in return. They are like the person standing in front of a tree waiting for the fruit. Until they nurture it, there will not be any fruit. It is up to them to act first. It has to start somewhere. Let us begin with us. Attitude is the reflection of the person inside. Whenever you find people doing an excellent job and getting outstanding results, you will find people with a positive, winning attitude. These people take the attitude that they can accomplish what they intend to achieve. These people follow ‘I Can and I Will’ attitude. They have the positive expectation; they take the attitude of becoming as successful and competent as anyone else. They have a positive mental attitude towards themselves and, consequently, towards life. Due to their healthy attitude, they achieve some outstanding goals. Other people may call them lucky, in-born achievers, gifted etc., but they are not at all genius or talented. The only brilliance they have is their right mental attitude. Failures don’t know, and sometimes don’t want to know, that what they are getting is the outcome of their own attitude. Nothing will ever change in the outer world until we change our inner world. When our attitudes change, our life will start changing. Positive Attitude: Positive Results; Negative Attitude: Negative Results …… so simple, so basic and so easy but often • Positive Mental Attitude is the Right Mental Attitude; it is the outward manifestation of a mind that primarily thinks of positive matters. It is that state of mind that which can be maintained only through conscious efforts. • Your attitude towards others and customers determines their attitude towards you. Outer world is simply the reflection of our inner world. • Act towards others the same way that you want them to act toward you. Treat others and your customers as the very important persons. You will immediately start feeling a change in your personal and professional life. • It is your attitude and not aptitude that determines your altitude in life. Besides, it is your attitude that, more than any other skill, brings about success in your career. • Positive attitude triggers enthusiasm; it enhances creativity; causes good things to happen and build your self-esteem	0.955132	2,416
I have been to Pandora and returned with a mini-review for you. Short Version: Visually stunning, game-changing sensory experience that is weighed down by a thin, predictable story that wouldn't have taken much work to make it far more substantial. Long version: First off, all the people who have been bashing this as looking like the CGI is crap need to strangle themselves NOW! Looking at compressed YouTube clips doesn't do it justice. Going in wanting to hate it makes you a moron. I've been looking at the HD clips online and while they give a taste of what's coming, spending over 2-1/2 hours looking at it on the big screen really, REALLY sells it. If you don't sit there like a killjoy telling yourself "there's no such thing as blue cat people" so that you ruin the illusion, Avatar definitely transports you to the world portrayed. Somehow I've managed to never see a modern 3D movie (the kind with polarized lenses instead of the old red/blue ones) until the Avatar Day preview last August and that didn't blow me away even though it was at the local LieMAX theater. Tonight's presentation sold me, but it needs a good director to make it work properly. (They had previews for Piranha 3D and it looked terrible, while Shrek Forever After looks great.) The effect looks better in pure FX shots and a little ghostly in the live-action stuff. If I closed my right eye, which is a little nearsighted, it looked really clear, so good eyesight or glasses help. Anyhoo, rest assured that the movie looks stunning and you won't believe that what you're seeing is made from the same ones and zeroes that Tron and The Last Starfighter were made with. The characters are so detailed and emotive that Robert Zemeckis should hang his head in shame that after the horrid, stiff, doll-eyed monstrosities that were The Polar Express and Beowulf, he is no closer to doing this stuff right than I am to three-waying Angelina Jolie and Gina Gershon and frankly, I've got better odds in the long run of pulling that off than he does. (Retire, Bob. Better yet, go back to real people on real sets.) The Academy should just engrave Weta Workshop's name on the Visual Effects Oscar and send it over now because just as with Benjamin Button last year, there is simple no equal no matter how realistic Optimus Prime or the Enterprise looked. Period. Now, why am I not raving that this is Teh. Gratest. Moovee. Evah!!!?!?! Because the story is as bad as I'd suspected. Now, some reviews - Big Hollywood's in particular - are targeting the "green" hippie, anti-capitalistic, Bush-bashing, Vietnam, Dance With Wolves, noble savage/Evil White Devil aspects, but that's not really as bad as it's been sold by some of the more strident Hollyweird haters. Anyone familiar with my politics knows what I think of the ManBearPig whackjobs and I've got the same reaction to Avatar as I had for those who suddenly liked George Lucas when they thought they saw some Bush-bashing in Revenge of the Sith: The liberals are imagining things and the conservatives need to focus on real things to complain about. Yes, the Smurfs are noble savages (which is kinda condescending when you think about it - where are the aliens who are assholes who need some killing?) and the Evil Corporation and their Mercenary Army (read: Blackwater) are evil corporate warmongers, but Cameron really missed a chance to at least contextualize their actions. In 2154, the Earth is apparently ruined and we need resources so badly we have to travel 6 years to a star system to mine McGuffinium. (Question: How did they get all those massive mining machines to the site?) Since it's obviously really important, couldn't they have spared a minute of the 160 min run time to discuss the moral quandary this presents? Couldn't someone have said, "Yes, it's a damn shame we've got to run these Smurfs out of their Keebler Tree, but our planet is dying and if we don't gank this planet, we're screwed."? Make the Giovanni Ribisi character a corporate puppet just doing his job, lest he get replaced; and make the military badass a little more philosophical about the nature of war-making (come on, hasn't Cameron seen Patton?) than this two-dimensional caveman running around in this 3D technological wonderland. There's only one soldier troubled by what's happening? (I know liberals need simple, two-syllable-or-less concepts spoon-fed to them lest they get confused and stop breathing, but those with firing neurons don't like being bored with tripe.) OK, so Cameron flunked Nuance 101, but everything else about Avatar shows that he hasn't lost a step on delivering The Epic Action Spectacle. Michael Bay, Roland Emmerich, Stephen Sommers and a whole bunch of shaky-camera action hacks need to sit their hyperactive asses down in a few dozen screenings and have their stupid heads SCHOOLED on how to make big stuff happen without losing the audience in the sound and fury. I was chatting with a friend and wondered how much they spend Photoshopping out the wheelbarrow Cameron must need to cart his dick around and the last act is exactly why I wonder. He is the undisputed King of the Universe now as far as action. The performances are uniformly good as far as the story allows the actors to go. Sam Worthington is the next Russell Crowe; Stephen Lang is absolutely badass; Zoe Saldana is a hot blue cat girl; and Sigourney Weaver is a hoot and even hotter as a Smurf. Michelle Rodriguez provides a genuine Latina to play the Vasquez part from Aliens, but is otherwise the same as she always is. Unlike the angry Intarwebz nerds who have been hating on this movie every chance they get, I went in pretty much open to be wowed and Avatar got me most of the way there. I wish Cameron had someone like William Wisher (who co-wrote Terminator 2) buff up the script to give it depth and trimmed back a little of the sightseeing aspects, but the movie flies by quickly and does a great job of doing what movies are supposed to do: Take you to places you've never been and show you things you've never seen. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon delivered that experience and so does Avatar, albeit with less kung fu and more flying dinosaur riding. The Bottom Line: I give it a 8.5/10 score and recommend you see it in 3D at the theater because even the Blu-ray won't give you the visual overload the movie deserves. Visually sumptuous, but intellectually disappointing, Avatar is mandatory viewing if not thinking.	0.968065	1,458
It’s an evening in August 2017. The space is warm, the light is dim, and matrasses are positioned in a circle and form a star, within the middle, a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. The smell of the lavender fills the room, where Lynn invites me and the others to lay down and surrender to the beautiful music… My body relaxes, and I feel the excitement. I don’t know yet that my experience tonight will forever change my life… Leaving him in the closet As a child, I used to be a very sensitive boy. Cute, freckles, playful, and absolutely loving my life. I could feel the joy in everything it gave me. Being outside, I would see the colors of the world. I always enjoyed the elements, the cold rain, the warmth of the glowing sun, or the breeze gently touching my skin. I recognized the smells of everything in my vicinity, the sweetness of the roses in our front garden or the freshly baked bread in the corner bakery. I was the most curious boy; if I was with people, I could flawlessly feel what they needed… I had everything I desired; two parents, clothes, toys, a beautiful home, three holidays a year, and a good school. Despite that, I felt something was missing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. What I never realized was that my parents were unhappy. However, when I was ten years old, the constant tension in the house caused me to hide a lot in my safe space at the end of the little storage in the attic. I made that my secret home within our home. Pillows, a light, some books, and even a little painting on the wall of a landscape far away. This was the place where I felt happy and safe, where I could be myself, where I felt love and abundance, at least, I thought so. I sometimes felt so lonely, but I did not know any different... Slowly, I learned how to disconnect from my body when I found myself outside that closet. The boy felt panicked and overwhelmed being outside like he was on a fairground full of strange people, loud music, and lights from every corner. He did not want to play outside anymore. We separated; I stopped playing when I was 12. Basically, I left the little boy in the closet, and over time I forgot all about him… That night I felt like playing Going back to that night in 2017. I find myself with others on a mattress listening to soft but intensely serene music. The slow electronic music takes my body, and I feel like floating on a cloud. The mysterious tune of the cello makes every cell of my body vibrate. Lynn’s voice sounds calm from the speaker close to me. Her invitation to surrender comes as a gift and takes my body to a state of pure silence. Slowly, I seem to slide away into another realm. So welcoming, so quiet… The tempo of the music increases slowly. The movements we make causes the energy in my body to build up. I start to feel more and more alive. With my eyes closed, I imagine myself walking on a meadow, my hands touching the tops of the wildflowers around me. I enjoy the tickling in the palms of my hands while listening to the soft buzzing of the bees. I remember. This is what I did when I was a boy. I start to connect to my inner child. It is like he opens the closet door and takes a peak outside. He is alert but curious. He recognizes the joy and aliveness he once felt. He wants to come out and play but is still cautious. Time becomes irrelevant. My inner boy and I must have breathed for an hour like this when Lynn invited us to slow down. This seemed to move the energy from my lower tummy to other parts of my body. My body trembles and I feel a comforting buzz in my legs and arms. I never felt so alive, free, and loving towards myself. The moment I open my eyes, the number of details I perceive is slightly overwhelming. This must be why people take drugs. But I didn’t. I just breathed like I did millions of times before… I get up and leave the room. Outside in the summer night, I only want one thing. I want to play with little Dirk! I want to show him what the world is like outside the closet. How fresh the grass smells, and how it feels to walk and dance barefoot. I am so blown away by how breathing and moving brought me back to my inner boy. How something so simple gently encouraged my little boy out of the closet after 37 years. How it set him free! How it set me free to feel and play! I then realize that this is what I want other men to experience so that they can feel what they need and express those feelings. So that they can play! For the first time in my life, I was able to sleep soundly that night. Marry the masculine and feminine Two weeks later, I started the professional training course in Core Energetics. I am really enjoying the first day. This is right for me. My body feels like being in that meadow, completely at ease. This will help me in my work. I want to marry the masculine and the feminine qualities in people. I want people to embrace both sides so that marriage can give birth to heartfelt leadership, personally, politically, or in business. I want to give people (especially men) the experience I had. To help them connect to their inner boy in the closet, drop their fears, and come out and play.	0.974153	1,178
Natural Way is the Path to Health Dirt Doctor Organic News #13 Organic gardening is important, but organic living is even more important. Each year I put a version of this information in the DIRT Magazine for members. In case you aren’t a member yet, here is the latest version of the: The Natural Way is the Path to Health. Without good health, little else matters. Genetics are important but environment and nutrition are at least as and probably much more important. Good health affects weight, skin quality, teeth, hearing, eyesight, reproductive abilities, how many flu and colds you have, and the enjoyment of life. It also affects your energy, controls your allergy sensitivities and helps prevent the degenerative diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS and cancer. Here is an update on the lifestyle I recommend. No hard and fast rules, just some guidelines that should help. Here is a book I recommend on nutrition: Dirt Doctor Recommendations for Nutrition and Health: • Water - Drink, shower and bathe in clean water. If you don’t know the source of the water, assume it is contaminated. Drink filtered water when possible. Distilled water is no good – it has no trace minerals. Drink water from glass or stainless steel rather than water from plastic bottles. Plastic, especially the soft plastic bottles, outgases contaminants that accumulate in the body and negatively affect your health. • Foods to eat – Eat food that was grown or raised naturally and prepared with little or no processing or toxic chemicals. Eating food that is still in its natural form is ideal. Fruits, nuts, fresh fish and shrimp, fresh vegetables, grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, lamb, goat, etc. taste good and are good for you. Eat un-pasteurized organic milk and cheese (if you can find it), natural whole foods, foods sweetened with honey and molasses, whole grain rice, whole wheat and other whole grain breads and organic soy. Eating a wide variety of foods is also important. Drink organic teas, coffee and juices. • Foods to avoid – Avoid or at least limit eating and drinking artificial foods like colas and sodas, unfiltered water, pasteurized (regular) cow’s milk and cheese, processed foods, high-sugar foods, white bread, white sugar, white rice, candy and regular soy and tofu products. Also avoid foods that have been treated in ways (overcooking, microwaving and irradiation) that destroy vitamins and enzymes. Avoid processed fast foods such as chips, candy bars, instant foods and artificial drinks – especially the diet drinks. They actually cause weight gain while contaminating your body. Read the labels. Try to avoid all products that contain corn syrup. That’s not easy. • Good fats/bad fats – Low fat diets aren’t necessarily good for you. Quality fats and oils are healthy and add taste. Fats that hurt your health and should be avoided include margarine, highly processed (hydrogenated) vegetable oils and other artificially processed oils. Fats that not only taste good but are also good for your skin and general health include organic butter, lard, other grass-fed animal fats and extra virgin olive oil. Most food restaurants do not use the good fats but that may be changing. Quality restaurants tend to use the healthy fats and oils. • Labels – Read the labels. Avoid foods that lists artificial flavors, natural flavor (can be MSG), preservative, BHA, BHT, or MSG. Try hard to avoid hot dogs, bologna, luncheon meats, instant foods, etc. These products are loaded with toxic chemicals and the bad fats. • Stop Smoking – Ireland, Scotland and England have done it (which is amazing). Stop smoking is the single most important change you can make for your health. • Don’t do drugs - and don’t overtake medicines. There are too many hypochondriacs. • Drink alcohol in moderation only. Beer and wine are better than the distilled products – although I do love good tequila. • Give blood regularly - it's good for the people who need it and good to cause your body to manufacture new blood. • Exercise regularly - Movement is the key. Stay active. Don’t be sedentary. Walk or do more vigorous exercise on a regular basis. Walk the dog, whether you have a dog or not. Park farther from the store entrance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Work out with a partner or join a yoga, fitness or martial arts class. Swim, jump rope, do your own gardening, etc. By the way, I’m not that big of a fan of running. I like walking better. Running is okay, but done to excess on hard surfaces can cause foot, ankle, knee and hip problems. Just use common sense. • Don’t use aluminum cookware. • Don’t use Teflon or any other coated cookware. • Don’t store food in plastic bags or containers. • Don’t heat food in plastic containers. • Don’t use microwave ovens. • Avoid perfumes, chemical air fresheners and aluminum deodorants. • Avoid styrofoam containers. • Avoid all chemically treated wood. • Avoid chlorine and other pool chemicals. • Don’t use products containing fluoride. • Don't use clorox or chlorine cleaners. NOTE: Most food charts or pyramids show bread, cereal, rice and pasta making up the largest percentage of the recommended diet. Unfortunately that’s what most people eat and why so many folks are overweight. Avoiding corn products (chips, etc.) is one of the easiest ways to improve the diet. I realize that it’s virtually impossible to completely stop eating all the bad foods. Try to make it the rare exception rather than the rule. Use the following Quick Reference Chart as a basic guideline for what to avoid and include in your diet. QUICK CHECK REFERENCE CHART Anything with corn syrup Bagels (unless whole grain) Chemically preserved foods Cinnamon rolls (sorry) Colas and sodas Cool Whip type toppings Food in soft plastic containers Most vegetable oils Normal sandwich meats Normal soy products Refined sugar foods Salt (sodium chloride) Sugar free & most “lite” foods All foods containing artificial sweeteners Chemically preserved food Diet soft drinks and foods Beer and wine Cookies, cakes, etc. made with natural sweeteners Night shades if you are arthritic Non-grass fed meats Non-organic fruits and veggies Non-organic milk, cheese and egg products Organic soy products Eggs from free range chickens Extra virgin olive oil Organic herb teas and coffee Organic seeds and nuts Real lard from un-pasteurized animals Real whipped cream Un-pasteurized milk and cheese Un-preserved sandwich meats Whole grain breads, pastas, etc. Whole grain rice The Dirt Doctor Dirt Doctor, Inc. P.O. Box 140650 Dallas, TX 75214 www.DirtDoctor.com Copyright © 2007 If you no longer wish to receive the Dirt Doctor Organic News, please click Reply and put Unsubscribe in the Subject line.	0.9003	1,570
Rational Decision Making: 7 Steps to Making Logical Decisions By Marco Franzoni • January 23, 2024 Introduction: Unveiling Rational Decision Making Understanding Rational Decision Making Imagine navigating a maze with countless paths, each leading to different outcomes. This is akin to the daily decisions we face, where choosing the right path can be daunting. Enter the world of rational decision making – a beacon in the labyrinth of choices. This process isn’t just about making decisions; it's an art and science of aligning choices with our goals and values. In this exploration, we will demystify the rational decision making model. It's more than a theoretical concept; it's a practical toolkit for anyone from a seasoned rational decision maker to those just embarking on their decision-making journey. We'll explain and discover the nuances of this model, equipping you with the skills to tackle decisions confidently. This journey isn’t just about learning a process; it's about transforming how we think, evaluate, and ultimately, decide. Ready to turn decision-making into a strategic advantage? Let’s dive in. Step 1: What Is Rational Behavior? Defining Rationality in Decision Making Rational behavior, in the context of decision making, is a methodical approach grounded in logic and devoid of emotional biases. It's the hallmark of a rational decisionmaker who leverages the rational decision making model to weigh options logically. This process involves analyzing data and potential outcomes based on a set of clear, objective criteria. In essence, rational behavior intertwines psychology and logic, fostering a rational approach to problem-solving. It's not just about the decisions made but how and why they are made. Understanding this concept is the first step in mastering rational decision making and embedding it into your decision-making arsenal. Step 2: People Face Trade-offs Identifying and Balancing Trade-offs In every decision, there lies the inherent concept of trade-offs, a fundamental aspect of rational decision making. Understanding trade-offs involves grasping the principles of marginal benefit and marginal cost. For instance, if a company decides to increase production, the marginal cost might be the additional labor and materials, while the marginal benefit is the potential increase in sales. This is where opportunity cost comes into play – the cost of what is foregone to pursue a certain path. By evaluating these trade-offs, decision-makers can make more informed choices, considering not just the immediate effects but also the marginal changes that their decisions entail. This process exemplifies rational thinking, where every choice is scrutinized for its broader impact. Step 3: Establish Decision Criteria Setting Clear and Measurable Criteria Pros and Cons of Various Criteria Establishing decision criteria is a pivotal step in the rational decision making process. This involves setting clear, measurable parameters that guide the evaluation of options. These criteria can range from cost-effectiveness to time efficiency, and they must align with the specific goals of the decision at hand. It's crucial that these criteria are not just relevant, but also quantifiable, allowing for an objective assessment of each option. However, every set of criteria has its advantages and disadvantages. While some criteria might offer a comprehensive evaluation for one scenario, they may not be as effective in another. For instance, cost might be a primary factor for a specific problem, but for long-term strategic decisions, factors like sustainability and impact on the future might be equally important. It's also vital to consider the potential for failure and how each criterion can mitigate this risk. In rational decision making, weighing these pros and cons helps ensure that the chosen criteria are robust and tailored to the decision-making context. Step 4: Research and Generate Alternatives Exploring Different Solutions Assessing the Feasibility of Each Alternative An integral part of rational decision making is the generation and exploration of various alternatives. This stage goes beyond the immediate, obvious choices, urging decision-makers to research and explore a wider range of potential solutions. It involves thinking outside the box and considering options that might initially seem unconventional. This creative process is essential in uncovering all possible solutions that could address the issue at hand. Once a set of alternatives is generated, the next crucial step is to assess their feasibility. This involves evaluating each option against the established criteria, measuring their pros and cons, and determining their viability in the context of the problem. It’s a thorough examination that looks into aspects such as resources required, potential risks, and the level of uncertainty involved. Through this meticulous assessment, decision-makers can conclude which alternatives are most suitable to proceed with, ensuring a comprehensive and reasoned approach to decision making. Step 5: Set Standards of Success and Failure Defining Success in Decision Making Anticipating Potential Failures In the journey of rational decision making, setting clear standards for success and failure is a crucial step. Defining success involves pinpointing what a successful outcome looks like. This could be achieving a certain profit margin, hitting a production target, or any other measurable result. It's important that these standards are realistic and aligned with the initial goals set during the decision-making process. By having clear benchmarks, decision-makers can stay focused and expect tangible results. Equally important is anticipating potential failures. This doesn't mean expecting the worst, but being prepared for it. It involves identifying scenarios where things might not go as planned and understanding the reasons behind these potential setbacks. This foresight enables decision-makers to develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies. By considering both the obvious and the unexpected, they can ensure a comprehensive approach that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. Step 6: Choose the Best Solution and Test It Selecting the Most Suitable Option Implementing a Test Phase After thorough research and evaluation, the next pivotal step in rational decision making is to choose the best solution. This stage requires decisiveness to determine which option best aligns with the established criteria and the overall goals. It's not just about picking a solution but ensuring that it resonates with the core interests and values of the decision-maker or the organization. The chosen option should be the one that suggests the greatest benefit, backed by logical reasoning and data. Once the selection is made, the next crucial phase is testing. Implementing a test phase allows decision-makers to observe the solution in action, albeit on a smaller scale or in a controlled environment. This step is vital to identify any unforeseen challenges or adjustments needed before full-scale implementation. Testing serves as a practical application of the theory, providing real-world insights and an opportunity to fine-tune the solution. It’s a phase where theoretical decisions meet reality, and one must be ready to adapt and pay attention to the outcomes. Step 7: Track and Analyze the Results Learning from the Decision-Making Process The final step in rational decision making is to track and analyze the results of the implemented solution. Monitoring outcomes is crucial as it provides tangible evidence of whether the action taken meets, exceeds, or falls short of the expected goals. It's a stage where assumptions are tested against real-world results, offering invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the decision. This phase isn't just about measuring success or failure; it's an opportunity to learn from the entire decision making process. Analyzing the results helps understand what worked well and what didn’t, which can be instrumental for future decisions. Whether it's a business strategy or something as significant as a college education plan, this reflective process reinforces the value of a rational approach. It's about gaining knowledge and support for continuous improvement in decision making. This cycle of action, review, and learning is essential for honing decision-making skills and achieving better outcomes in the future. Rational Decision Making in Contrast In rational decision making, decisions are made logically, but contrasting theories reveal different dimensions. Prospect Theory, a key concept in behavioral economics, illustrates how people value gains and losses differently, influencing their decision-making in ways that might deviate from purely rational choices. It hinges on the idea that the pain of losing is psychologically more powerful than the pleasure of gaining, affecting a person's willingness to take risks. Bounded Rationality suggests that while individuals aim for rationality, their decision-making is constrained by cognitive limitations and the availability of information. This concept is particularly relevant in project management where decisions must often be made swiftly with limited data. Heuristics, or mental shortcuts, are employed in complex decision-making scenarios. While efficient, they can lead to biases, representing a departure from the rational choice theory. Lastly, robust decisions prioritize solutions that withstand future uncertainties, factoring in the expected value and potential variations in outcomes. This approach often contrasts with traditional rational methods, emphasizing resilience over precision. These varied perspectives enrich our understanding of how decision makers operate, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human decision-making beyond the scope of rational decision making. Conclusion: Embracing Rational Decision Making The Impact of Rational Decision Making in Business In conclusion, rational decision making is not just a concept but a transformative practice in business and personal life. It empowers decision makers to navigate complexities with clarity and purpose. By embracing this approach, businesses can make more informed, logical decisions that align with their goals and values. This methodical process, from identifying rational behavior to tracking outcomes, ensures decisions are not just reactions to immediate needs but are strategic and well-considered. As we conclude, it's clear that rational decision making is an indispensable tool for any rational decisionmaker looking to make impactful, positive changes in their organization. It stands as a beacon of logic and efficiency in a world brimming with uncertainty and complexity. What Is a Retention Specialist? Duties, Skills And Why It Matters Discover the crucial role of a Retention Specialist in business growth, focusing on duties, skills, and their impact on customer loyalty. 100+ Inspirational Quotes For Work to Get You Motivated Explore 100+ motivational and inspirational quotes for work to boost your drive and success. 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Tesla Hiring Process: Interview Process Questions & Insider Tips Discover insider tips and detailed guidance on navigating the Tesla hiring process, from application to interview success. Achieve your dream job at Tesla! Best Agile Project Management Methodology Guide Explore the best Agile project management methodologies and their impact across industries in our comprehensive guide. Form UI Design: A UX/UI Guide To Designing User-Friendly Forms Explore essential tips and future trends in form UI design to create user-friendly forms that enhance user experience and boost completion rates. What Jobs Are In Product Marketing? - 10 Best Product Marketing Jobs Discover the top 10 product marketing jobs and explore how to advance your career in this dynamic field. Learn key tips for selecting and succeeding in your next job. 3 Steps to Achieving a Strategic Fit Explore the key steps to achieving strategic fit for sustainable success and competitive advantage in changing markets. E-Commerce API: Benefits & Top Picks for 2024 Discover the top benefits and picks for ecommerce APIs in 2024. Explore how they transform online businesses, enhance customer experience, and drive growth.	0.918402	2,678
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results. Ok, the wight already went, I brought back in the characters and monsters that I blacked out, and they will be taking their turns. Ghoul 3 attacks Malon with a claw attack: Attack: 11 Damage: 9 piercing. Zombie1 attempts to flee, giving Owen an AoO, which he took above and missed. Zombie2 attacks Vaelen with a slam attack: Attack: 19 Damage: 2 Vaelen is up. Imgur isn't working still, so I'm using dropbox files to share the battle map. BATTLEMAP (Don't know why I bothered with the spoilers, since the turns are all one line long this time, but I don't feel like removing them.) Vaelen sidesteps the zombie’s clumsy swing, the creature’s rotting hand slicing only air. With eyes still fixed on the wounded Wight, Vaelen raises one hand, fingers bending in a subtle pattern of arcane gestures. A distant, heavy bell note resonates, low and foreboding. “Find your rest,” he intones softly, pointing toward the Wight. The air around him seems to thicken with an otherworldly hush, anticipating whether the energy will gnaw at the Wight or dissipate harmlessly. Vaelen remains composed, focused, prepared for either outcome. The Wight needs to make a DC 15 Wisdom Saving Throw or take 7 Necrotic damage on a fail. Vaelen watches the Wight's movements closely, the creature reeling from the combined onslaught of magic and arrows. As it turns, intent on fleeing, Vaelen's stance shifts, ready to strike with his staff. His expression remains calm despite the urgency of the moment. Still, his gaze holds a certain focus as he moves to intercept. He aims a clean blow, hoping to end the threat and free the creatures bound to its will. "Rest, or never rise again," he murmurs under his breath, raising his staff like a judge’s gavel. However, the Wight, driven by desperation, shifts at the last instant. Vaelen’s staff whistles past, missing its mark. “The path before us still calls,” he says, his voice a low murmur, not one of frustration, but determination. His resolve remains unshaken. It would appear the battle was won by persistence rather than any single blow. A quiet frustration flickers in his eyes, but he remains poised, resolve undimmed. 12 to hit Attack of Opportunity with his staff; 7 Bludgeoning damage "I have never seen undead flee without being turned by magic before,"Kaelen observes as the creatures either fall or escape, calm but clearly perplexed as he sheathes his blades and stares into the darkness. "They should have no fear...Do they run to alert their master of us, perhaps?" Vaelen lowers his staff, keeping his gaze on the retreating figures. He speaks softly, in a thoughtful tone, “It is strange indeed for the dead to turn away from a fight. Perhaps they are driven by another will—one that values knowledge of our presence over their immediate victory.” He exhales slowly, shifting his attention to Kaelen and the others. “We should be wary. This might be a summons to their master, or a warning. Either way, the path ahead grows more dangerous.” Traeth stumbles ahead, shaken by the events which had just taken place. Hesitantly, eyes downcast, he begins to speak. "I-I haven't... I apologize. I should have been of more use there, not... cowering in the corner like some scared rat or worm. It's just that I've never seen those horrible creatures... they were undead, you say? It's just their skin, their sunken eyes... Thank you all." Obviously shaken, Traeth moves towards the back of the procession, fingering his amulet and moving his lips in some silent prayer. Kaelen regards Traeth with a calm, unreadable expression, his voice steady and matter-of-fact as he responds. "Undead are a corruption of the balance—a mockery of life and death. It makes sense to be disturbed by them; they are unnatural." Without lingering on the moment, he adjusts his gear and turns toward the path ahead. "I'll take the lead. The darkness is where I am at home, and I'll scout ahead to ensure the way is clear." Without waiting for a reply, he slips forward into the shadows, moving with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the weight of his purpose. ((In darkness he is invisible to creatures that rely on darkvision, so he'll go far enough ahead to get out of the lantern light.)) Perception (though maybe not needed with weapon of warning): 11 Vaelen steps forward quietly, offering Traeth a faint nod of understanding. His voice is measured but kind, “Fear is natural when faced with the twisted echo of death—be assured there is no shame in it. In time, we all learn to stand against what causes us fear.” He glances in the direction Kaelen has gone, gathering his cloak closer. “Though necromancy shapes my craft, creatures like these stand outside the proper order of life. Though, rest assured, I have no wish to see them roam. He pauses, "Come; we move on together." With that, Vaelen settles his staff at his side and readies himself for the path ahead, making sure Traeth feels the quiet reassurance in his presence. During the next few hours of traveling, the only thing that happens is Traeth spotting some edible Prickleberries, which are small red berries that you have to peal like a pistachio to remove the thorny skin like shell. (Or would it be shell like skin? not sure.) Shortly after that, through the trees ahead you see the faint light of torches, slowly moving back and forth as if patrolling the area. Judging by how far you've come, it's safe to assume they are guarding the ruins, though for what reason is unknown. Upon hearing Kaelen's words, Vaelen lowers himself to a meditative pose, quietly setting aside his staff. From within his pack, he produces a small brass bowl engraved with faint, arcane symbols. With measured care, he places a pinch of powdered incense into the bowl and lights it, letting a thin ribbon of fragrant smoke curl skyward. Soft words fall from his lips in hushed repetition, each syllable carefully woven into a gentle chant. After a moment, the smoke grows denser, coiling in on itself until it takes the shape of a sleek Raven. The bird caws once, stretching phantom wings before solidifying into an inky black, living form. Vaelen looks up at the raven, voice quiet but sure. “Watch the lights ahead, and learn their nature. If there are words to be heard, gather them.” With a deliberate nod, he sends the raven aloft. The bird flutters into the canopy, gliding from branch to branch, moving closer to the distant torches. Vaelen remains, eyes half-closed, ready to see and hear through the familiar should danger lurk within those dancing lights. Vaelen will ritually cast Find Familiar to perceive through its senses and scout the figures ahead. (I haven't made this clear, but it's more of faint rough path following the river, not really a road.) The raven flys toward the ruins, and sees that there are three distinct sections despite all the overgrowth, and the amount of stone littering the ground. (no way to tell how tall anything was when the tower was still standing) First is the outer wall. It spans a large area around the tower, and is littered with groups of men sitting and sleeping around small fires. Next is what would seem to be a courtyard, though all that's left is a giant brick patio. Again there are men here, however this time the fires are larger, and almost all of them are alseep. There are also a number a white tents scattered around. Next, in the middle and closer to the back of the walls, is the tower itself. The first floor walls are entirely intact and shaped as a 7 point start. The second floor has most of it's walls, and is a typical circle shape. The third floor is missing most of the walls but has most of the floor intact, giving floor 2 a sound roof. All throughout the ruins are large chunks of stone, remnants of when the spire was destroyed. It is also seemingly crawling with pairs of men with torches, patrolling the area. The trees grown as close as 40 feet away from the ruins, with dense growth closing the gap. Vaelen closes his eyes, drawing a measured breath as he dismisses the raven’s sight. “There is a ring of men scattered around small fires in the outer walls, with more inside what seems to be a courtyard—white tents and larger fires, most of them asleep. The tower at the center stands in partial ruin: its lower walls intact, the second floor nearly complete, and a broken third floor open to the sky. Patrols carrying torches pace among fallen stones.” He glances around at his companions, voice down to a hushed whisper. “They are many, and the distance between the trees and the ruins is about forty feet. If we approach in haste, we risk alerting them all at once. We should use the cover of these woods, decide on a path through the broken walls, and move carefully. Whatever purpose they serve here, their numbers are not to be taken lightly.”	0.972187	2,060
Welcome back to another edition of Tuesdays With Lazerbeak! The P.O.S Chill, dummy Tour marches on. Stef, Ander, and Tony just finished up Leg 1 and are back home recharging their batteries before heading out on the West Coast portion next week. Here’s a few pics from the road, including a very peculiar shot of what appears to be Tony being sprayed with a perfume bottle of whisky on top of the bar. Very strange indeed. Leg 2 of the Chill, dummy Tour starts in California next week and this time around Stef will have DJ Fundo and our good friend Sean Anonymous along for the ride. Check out all the dates from Leg 2 below and grab your tickets HERE. Oh and speaking of P.O.S (SEGUE STREAK), he just recently added a guest verse to a new song by rapper Infidelix. Check out “Six Days Six Nights” below. Infidelix ft. P.O.S – “Six Days Six Nights” UPDATE: In other P.O.S news, he will doing a special Reddit Ask Me Anything tomorrow (Wed 9/27) at 5pm EST. Go right HERE to ask questions and get scoop directly from the source. In other show news, I’m super pumped to announce that Mixed Blood Majority, my side project with Crescent Moon of Kill The Vultures and Joe Horton of No Bird Sing, has a new date lined up on the books. We’ll be making a rare appearance at the first annual Brew-N-Stew festival in South Minneapolis on October 14th. Great local lineup, tons of great local food and beer, and admission is 100% FREE.99. What more could you possibly want? Check out the details below and learn more right HERE. I’ve been in the studio with Dessa quite a bit lately as she’s putting the finishing touches on the tracking of her next album. Lots of progress has been made in the last few months and we’re rapidly approaching the mixing stage in a few weeks. I am the absolute worst at grabbing good studio shots, but here’s a pic of Andy Thompson’s basement studio that the three of us have been putting in some long hours at. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as we get closer to sharing some music. In the meantime you can catch Dessa and her new touring outfit on a run of East Coast shows this November. She’ll be hitting Manhattan (SOLD OUT), Philly, DC, Brooklyn, Boston, Ann Arbor, and Chicago this time around. Check out the full list of dates below and grab your tickets HERE. Once that run winds down Dessa will be headed home for the big full-crew Doomtree show at The Palace in St. Paul, MN on November 22nd. This is the first hometown crew show that we’ve played in over 16 months and it is guaranteed to be a doozy. Tickets have been flying this past week, so I’d recommend snatching yours up now before it’s too late right HERE. Now for a special celebration of the nine-year anniversary of Hand Over Fist, the debut collaborative album from Mike Mictlan and myself that Doomtree released way back in 2008 following the releases of the self-titled Doomtree album and Cecil Otter’s Rebel Yellow. Hard to believe this thing is nearing the decade mark already. I have some of the fondest memories from the process of creating and releasing this album. It was the very first project that I produced entirely and oversaw executive production on, and I learned a TON. A lot of these songs were the product of me mailing beat cassettes from Minneapolis to Los Angeles (I still didn’t have a CD burner or Pro Tools and the internet hadn’t caught up yet – man I sound old) before Mike eventually moved up here. Crazy times. I’ll forever have a very special place in my heart for this one. If you came on board after this was released or just haven’t revisited in forever like myself, here’s a few links below to check it out, including an amazing promo video shot in the backyard hot tub at my old house. Nice work, Isaac. Enjoy. Mike Mictlan + Lazerbeak – Hand Over Fist Mike Mictlan + Lazerbeak – Hand Over Fist Hot Tub Party Mike Mictlan + Lazerbeak – “Prizefight” And if you really want to go deep, you can also check out the instrumentals from the album right HERE. These beats were basically what led me to coin the phrase “LAVA BANGERS” in the first place. The more you know. Man, crazy trip down memory lane. On that note, let’s get into some recent Bonus Jams that I’ve been super feeling as of late. My favorite band of all time and what I truly believe is the Greatest American Rock Band Of This Century just released their fifth studio album last Friday. I love The Killers so much and I think it will probably be hard for me to ever not like one of their records, but I gotta say that on first listen I wasn’t very impressed with this one. It often takes me a few spins through an album to fully warm up to it though, so by the second listen in the car I was fully on board. Here’s a current standout. The Killers – “Rut” NAO just dropped an awesome loosie single and announced she’s back in the studio working on her next album. Her most recent was one of my favs from last year and I can’t wait to hear what she’s up to next. This “Nostalgia” track does not disappoint in the slightest. NAO – “Nostalgia” Young Thug dropped a short EP with producer Carnage that I’m really into. Check out “Don’t Call Me” below. Young Thug & Carnage – “Don’t Call Me” ft. Shakka If you haven’t checked out that new Velvet Negroni album yet you are absolutely slipping. So good. Check out the new vizualz for “Spiceworld” below and grab the record right HERE. Velvet Negroni – “Spiceworld” This new Hiss Golden Messenger album totally took me by surprise yesterday and I can’t stop listening. This is some really incredible, masterful stuff right here. The production and musicianship is next level. I became an instant fan and can’t recommend this enough. Hiss Golden Messenger – “Domino (Time Will Tell)” I finally checked out that Twin Peaks band too (I’m very late, I know). Definitely feeling a lot of the tracks on Down In Heaven and excited to see where they take the sound next. Check out “Wanted You” below. Twin Peaks – “Wanted You” That new Randy Newman album continues to amaze. And not just the totally over-the-top circus music of the first half of it either. There are some really touching songs towards the end that are bound to leave you a little teary eyed. Check out “She Chose Me” below. Randy Newman – “She Chose Me” Very pumped to hear two new tunes from Minneapolis band Louis. They’ve been slowly releasing new joints all year and these are the best ones yet. Check out “Timing” and “Carry On” below and get stoked for the upcoming album. Louis – “Timing / Carry On” BAM! That’s it for Bonus Jams this week. I’ll leave you with a few Bonus Baby Pics before heading back to the studio. Our little Party of Five had quite the long weekend getaway to Chicago for my brother-in-law’s wedding. Young Nelpz was the flower girl for the second time in a year and she totally crushed it once again. Here she is showing off her fancy duds. Here she is the night before in the hotel room posted up with her Naked Barbie Girl Squad. And here she is imitating her father while pretending to drive the car. She’s got jokes. I don’t know if I was just being naive or hopeful, but I definitely underestimated the amount of work it was going to be to haul three kids five and under around on a big roadtrip like this. Definitely a test, but in the end everyone survived and there was no blood spilled. This five minutes of zen was easily the most peaceful part of the five days. We got home Sunday night and Lou immediately started his ECSE school the next morning. I am so insanely proud of this guy for getting on the bus like a champ and knocking it out. Penny learned and grew so much in the two years she was a part of this program and I can’t wait to watch Lou blossom as well. Exciting times. Shouts to my mom for the pictures and the bus cake that she’s been making ever since I started kindergarten. So great. Way to go, Lou! Alright, that’s a wrap for this post! I hope you all have an awesome week and I’ll see you back here next Tuesday for another round of TWL.	0.946831	2,017
Last year the global climate change community convened in the heart of Poland’s Silesian coal region. While those working in the coal industry are often overlooked in efforts to address climate change, the Polish government, as host of COP24, drew attention to the need to drive change for both together. With the Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration, Poland advanced a strong call for a transition towards a resilient, low-carbon world with a central focus on social aspects and the need for decent work for those whose jobs might disappear as fossil fuel consumption winds down. This need to reconcile demands for climate action and social justice is playing out around the world. Not far away, France experienced a more intense clash as the Yellow Vests Movement made their own statement demanding social justice in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This effort has driven a nationwide debate and led to the establishment of a High-Level Climate Council to monitor social impacts of the low-carbon transition. In recent weeks, in the U.S., legislation for a Green New Deal was announced, aimed at mobilising an equitable transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas future. Social movements have recognised the interrelationship of economic and climate justice for years. Now, the Paris Agreement has recognised the role of a ‘just transition’ as integral to climate transformation. And, guided partly by the International Labor Organization’s guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all, governments are beginning to consider the human element of climate policy and prepare for negative social impacts of some climate policies. What is a just transition? Countries around the world are shifting towards a climate‐resilient and low‐carbon economy. This shift will bring profound changes in how people live and work. Economies that rely on the production and consumption of fossil fuels will be transformed. The skills necessary to keep the economic engine running may look very different than they do now. How can countries plan a thriving low-carbon economy for all people, including those whose livelihoods are closely tied to a high-carbon economy? How can they stave off growing income inequality, and design an equitable low-carbon transition that does not disporportionately impact low-income households and provides the kind of employement needed in the 21st-century economy? A “just transition” is one that checks these boxes—and it’s something all countries must grapple with as they put together their long-term national climate strategies. How can countries plan a thriving low-carbon economy for all people, including those whose livelihoods are closely tied to a high-carbon economy? Without this kind of planning, drastic changes in single-industry communities can be devastating. In the 1990s, power plants in Australia’s Latrobe Valley were privatised , devastating the region for decades, and ultimately over one-third of jobs in power generation disappeared. The region was hit once again in 2016 when a French corporation, Engie, gave only five months notice that it would close its Hazelwood coal plant. There were no existing plans or programs to manage the transition, and only after the Engie announcement did the federal government and Victoria State government mobilize measures for immediate assistance to the workforce to mitigate the impact. Forward-looking, people-centred climate strategies The central question for governments today is whether they will build social equity into climate solutions. Some countries are already developing promising approaches. Costa Rica included this cross-cutting issue directly in their recently launched decarbonisation plan to be sure no workers are left behind when moving toward net-zero emissions by 2050. To support Germany’s long-term strategy, a special German commission spent the past eight months developing a phase-out plan for coal by 2038. While the recently unveiled plan satisfied neither environmental groups (who saw it as too slow in its emissions reductions) nor the German utility and labor unions (too fast), it’s often said the sign of a successful negotiation is when each party leaves equally dissatisfied. It is important that conversations like these are happening. To prepare for the planned transition, German states affected by the coal transition are to be offered federal assistance of more than $45 billion for restructuring, retraining and job creation. In Canada, the government set up a Task Force on Just Transition for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities to provide advice on how to make the transition away from coal a fair one for workers and communities. In Spain, while working on an ambitious draft climate change law to cut emissions by 90 percent by 2050, the government agreed to a €250 million ($286 million) just transition plan to support mining regions where nearly all coal mines will be shut down over the next decade. And in South Africa, the National Planning Commission has been leading a public dialogue to develop a consensus on what a “just transition” to a low-carbon society means as it determines the long-term role of coalin its energy future. This comes as the country is experiencing some of the worst blackouts in its history, in part as a consequence of complications with two new coal plants (development of which put its sole energy utility, Eskom, deep in debt). The country is also facing the prospect of major job losses due to the restructuring of Eskom—heightening the urgency of developing a just transition plan. Anticipate, protect and support the workforce of the future As noted above, several countries are already considering the impact of climate policy on the workforce. Long-term strategies provide an ideal venue for doing so. The Paris Agreement invites countries to prepare long-term, low emissions development strategies in addition to the national climate commitments they pledge every five years starting in 2020. These strategies—which take a far-sighted approach to climate and development—should guide countries on a path to limit warming to 1.5°-2°C by the end of the century. Long term strategies can do more than reduce emissions. They should also help governments prepare for workforce impacts before they hit. They offer an opportunity to analyze options, weigh trade-offs, and develop plans to transition to a low-carbon future while minimizing the burden on the workforce and maximising the benefits of the transformation for workers. Policies to secure a just transition could include measures such as pension schemes and retraining fossil-fuel workers for employment in a new sector. Long-term strategies should incorporate policies, actions and resources that anticipate the impacts of climate policies on employment. They should protect and ideally improve workers’ livelihoods with better health, new skills and labor rights. And they should be grounded in and support the needs of communities. By facilitating socially fair outcomes, long-term climate and development strategies can facilitiate broader political support for the transition to a zero-emission economy. In short, they provide an indispensible roadmap toward overcoming the climate challenge. Cynthia Elliott is an associate for the Global Climate Program at World Resources Institute. This article was originally published on WRI blog.	0.949566	1,437
Linking Policy and Endorsement This site may include useful hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by others. We provide these links and pointers solely for your information and convenience. When you select a link to an outside website, remember that you’re leaving this website and are subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of the outside website. When you leave this website, remember that the U.S. Army does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on a linked website does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked websites. Those who provide comments are responsible for the copyright of any content they provide is not responsible for transmissions users receive from linked websites does not guarantee that outside websites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act Use of Third-Party Websites and Applications Third-party websites and applications that are not owned, operated, or controlled by the Defense Department, are integral to internet-based operations across DoD and used to augment official communication. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, networking services, media sharing services, wikis and data mashups. A list of DoD's authorized pages and uses of these services is available at https://dod.defense.gov/About/Military-Departments/DoD-Websites/. These sites may collect personally identifiable information and may make it available to the DoD and other users; however, the information is not collected on behalf of, nor is it provided specifically for DoD. DoD does not harvest and additionally collect, maintain, share or otherwise use such personally identifiable information for any purpose other than that for which it is made available to all users. This is an official United States Army website, and is provided as a public service by the Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM), G9 Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Information presented on this website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise specified. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. If you choose to provide us with personal information -- like filling out a Contact Us form with your email -- we only use that information to respond to your message or request. We will only share the information you give us with another government agency if your inquiry relates to that agency, or as otherwise required by law. We never create individual profiles or give it to any private organizations. Family and MWR websites never collect information for commercial marketing. While you must provide an email address for a response, other than those generated automatically, in response to questions or comments that you may submit, we recommend that you NOT include any other personal information, especially Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration offers additional guidance on sharing your Social Security number. We maintain a variety of physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your personal information. 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It is particularly important for parents to guide their children when children are asked to provide personal information online. Family and MWR will request no personal information from children. If you have any questions or comments about the information presented here, please forward them to us using our Contact Us page. Use of Measurement and Customization Technology: This website uses measurement and customization technology known as "cookies." Cookies are used to remember a user's online interactions with a website or online application to conduct measurement and analysis of usage or to customize the user's experience. Two kinds of cookies are used on this website. A single-session cookie (Tier 1) is a line of text that is stored temporarily on a user's computer and deleted as soon as the browser is closed. A persistent or multisession cookie (Tier 2) is saved to a file on a user's hard drive and is called up the next time that user visits a website. 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This information is used to assess what content is of most and least interest, determine technical design specifications, and identify system performance or problem areas. The software records a variety of data, including IP addresses (the locations of computers or networks on the internet), unique visits, page views, hits, referring websites and what hyperlinks have been clicked. Tier 2 cookies are used to distinguish between summary statistics for users who have been to the site before and those that are visiting the site the for the first time. The Defense Department does not gather, request, record, require, collect or track any internet users' personally identifiable information through these processes. Privacy Act Statement AUTHORITY: Army Regulation 215-1, Morale, Welfare and Recreation PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(s): To allow Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff members to contact patrons regarding Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation services, products and activities. ROUTINE USE: The information collected will be used by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff to respond to patron messages requesting information. DISCLOSURE: Voluntary. Your personal information security is highly important to us and is treated as such, with confidentiality following Army regulations and procedures. You may refuse to provide the data, or you may withdraw your consent to provide any data, for any reason, without consequences. Please note that providing this information is completely voluntary. Keeping your identity safe We care about you – and want to help you keep your personal information safe. The more crooks know about you, the easier they can crack into your accounts, take out credit cards in your name, or cause other problems. These tips will help protect you from internet scams and keep your personal information from people who want to misuse it. Look for the s. If the website name in your browser starts with https, that’s a good sign. The s in https means the site has an SSL certificate, and sensitive information won’t be vulnerable as it travels from site to server. There may still be problems with an https site, but they’re generally more reliable than the simple http ones. Look out for the obvious signs. Beware popups or ads that make crazy claims, lead with celebrity scandals, or contain spelling or grammar errors. A professional look doesn’t guarantee a site’s safety, but definitely stay away from one that raises doubts. Keep your antivirus program up to date. If you’re connecting to the internet, you should have at least the basic level of protection of a free antivirus defense. Check out a site before you click. Several sites can tell you if another site has hosted malware recently. Type the URL into a site like hpHosts, Norton Safe Web, or Unmask Parasites – and if the results show danger, don’t go further. Google Safe Browsing allows you to type http://google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site= and then the website address into the browser window to get immediate results. Never click on popups or links to get to sensitive accounts. Scammers may try to scare you with a popup that says your bank account is frozen, or that there are fraudulent charges on your credit card – and then request your username, password, or other important information to start fixing the problem. Of course, they can cause havoc once they have your info. Instead, always type the URL directly into the address field to access financial accounts, shopping sites, or other places you’ll be giving personal info. Think before acting when someone you don’t know cries “Emergency!” Cyber criminals routinely make their pitches sound especially urgent, so their victims don’t have time to think about them. If a financial institution, utility, business, or government agency claims you need to handle an urgent matter online – and wants your personal information to do it – don’t fall for it. Instead, pause for a moment. Then call them directly, or log into your account by typing in the URL yourself. Use trusted networks. Don’t pass sensitive information over open Wi-Fi networks, like those at stores or coffeeshops. Save your shopping, bill paying, and checking on investments till you get to a trusted private network. If you have to take care of those tasks while you’re out, disconnect from the risky public network and set up a private hotspot with your phone. Keep software updated. When your computer or phone notifies you of software updates, perform them as soon as you can. Many people delay them, then forget…which can leave vulnerabilities for malware to exploit. Share carefully on social media. Social media can be great for staying in touch with friends and loved ones, but criminals also use it – to learn about you. Adjust your privacy settings so you don’t display your address, phone number, birthday, and other data. Be careful what you post, too. Every time you mention your pet, high school, or first car, you may be giving away the answer to a security question. And your vacation news? Post it after you get back – so you don’t tip off burglars that your home is empty while you’re away. While you’re making sure you surf the web safely – take a minute to look at some of the other scams out there. From fake charities to made-up family member hospitalizations to phony credit alerts and more, crooks are working overtime to dream up ways to learn your information. Stay informed – and keep your information secure.	0.923684	2,311
Put in the time and resources out of systemizing, onboarding, and training. Trainual Subscription … Im going to be talking a bit about a few of the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing the platform in addition to whether or not we believe that it deserves the effort of using So let’s Dive In so to give you a bit of an introduction of what does it basically helps you with onboarding new employees as well as training workers on different products that you might need them to to learn it aids with Sops and all those kind of good ideas so this is type of among those all-in-one platforms that helps you to you know accelerate the training procedure so before we delve into the pros and cons let’s simply tell you straight off the bat that when you have a group that you understand has reached an enough size with your business utilizing is absolutely worth the time expenditure and the energy to train your employees on on it I imply it’s got a load of features and even a great deal of training for you to understand how to use the platform so train you will can really become a terrific property in training and onboarding you’re new in existing employees so definitely a thumbs up from us all right so to begin with the pros um it actually has train your truly has an easy intuitive dashboard that actually makes producing and managing this whole process so that it doesn’t you know feel overwhelming which it can when you think about you understand training brand-new staff members and existing ones on different Sops it can sort of sort of feel overwhelming however given how fantastic s control panel is and um their whole technique to the procedure it really does sort of you know mitigate a few of that overwhelmed feeling so provides you in fact some truly fantastic training on how to use the platform itself which is another big feature you understand as soon as you enter into the control panel there are built-in walkthroughs and user guides that are incredibly easy to follow and duplicate you know I understand it’s actually simple to seem like you require a manual on how to type of you understand make a handbook however train you will truly bypasses that totally and makes it extremely easy for you alright so when you have you know sort of browsed in trainul and you’re all set to go um they really have a great deal of terrific design templates to work with to get you began so you don’t have to fret about developing things from scratch unless you understand your paperwork is incredibly particular to your market and if that’s the case then the content production UI is incredibly simple to begin with so um do not stress whether you just desire to utilize a template or you require to have something that’s more intricate and more Training brand-new and existing employees is time-consuming (and expensive). Studies reveal it costs services an average of $1,252 per worker to onboard them properly – not including the expense of lost performance while they’re discovering the ropes. Enter– the world’s leading Basic Operating Treatments (SOP) software. It’s like a playbook for your business and gives brand-new workers the understanding to hit the ground running. In this Trainual review, I’ll be taking a close look at the software’s functions, advantages, testimonials, and use cases. By the end, you’ll be able to see if it’s right for your organization. Let’s dive in! If you’re short on time, the TL; DR is that Trainual is an effective SOP and procedure documents tool. I provide it my full stamp of approval. Get their complimentary trial today if you’re all set to take the plunge. tailored than train you will actually considers both requires so type of accompanying that and learning how to utilize their Advanced learning tools are incredible so there’s a lot of Frequently asked questions forums webinars how-to guides and even podcasts that train you leverages to be able to assist you get one of the most bang out of your book all right now let me speak about assistance because we had a billing problem where our card was charged for the yearly Costs rather of a month-to-month bill and that was more of like you know user error not always An error but they gave a complete refund and after that switch the account to the regular monthly within like two hours of the problem so I indicate and that’s in spite of their support team being offline so yeah consumer assistance is excellent all best and they also have um as soon as you get in to the fundamentals of you understand working on developing your uh your training modules um they really have some excellent modification alternatives so you can do things like you understand modification the default names of like topics topics or curriculum all those kind of things um which is truly valuable for industry specific documents this is um it feels like software application that was truly developed for you um it’s not like you’re trying to MacGyver something and versus its original function it feels really fluid and sort of going along with that is um is your ability to type of designate particular material for specific roles or teams which is truly terrific for you understand keeping users concentrated on you understand what they require to know rather of you know much like providing a whole bunch of things that’s not always necessary for for their function or in your company so yeah that’s excellent likewise um reporting and average time to finish metrics are also super handy for assessing the most significant time sinks during the knowing procedure so if you have a module where folks are just sort of getting stuck or um that kind of thing then these kind of metrics are incredibly valuable for finding those problems another great function is kind of their integrated Online forum this truly enables for your employee to ask concerns in like a main area um they can ask questions to their managers which is excellent um you don’t have to like go out send an e-mail about a. concern on the training you can actually simply do it directly there in trainuals integrated Forum which is incredibly useful all right last but not least is the dark mode can I simply say that my eyes get incredibly tired from staring at a screen all the time so when uh dealing with it was really great to get some relief which they in fact considered that so that was that was an extremely fantastic touch all right so let’s begin talking about a few of the cons all right so let’s begin with user limit all right um both the professional and the premium plans cap out at 25. and it really seems like I ought to be permitted to have more users if I’m paying more and they also type of conceal the cost of increasing overall users past 25 which is a bit worrying so if you are utilized to using various terms for Material then you. likewise provides design templates, so you don’t need to construct out every procedure from scratch. It’s a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) system. It reminds me of WordPress’ ease of use– you can drag and drop, and the material editor feels similar to a file. There’s also no coding required! The policies area is an indispensable resource for both HR departments and workers alike! It’s basically a central repository for all your guidelines, standards, instructions, and worker handbook information. For example, you could put your office policies, work-from-home guidelines and expectations, vacation, and other need-to-knows in this location. Individuals are a vital part of any organization. ‘s Individuals area permits organizations to:. Quickly invite and handle their group. Picture an interactive org chart. Record all roles and obligations in one place. rainual works as a central platform for arranging, documenting, and automating the onboarding process. Here’s how it works:. Material Creation: With, administrators can create tailored training content customized to their company’s needs. This material might consist of company policies, treatments, role-specific tasks, training modules, and more. Organization and Structure: The software application enables for the categorization and company of training materials into easily navigable modules. This guarantees that staff members can access appropriate information efficiently. Project and Tracking: Administrators can assign particular training modules to individual employees or groups. Trainual tracks progress, offering insights into conclusion rates and identifying any locations that might require additional attention. Is it a LMS? Trainual Subscription Automation and Combination: Trainual deals automation features, such as arranged reminders and quizzes, to keep employees engaged and responsible throughout the onboarding process. In addition, it integrates effortlessly with other tools typically utilized in company environments, such as Slack, Google Work Space, and Microsoft Teams. Constant Knowing: Beyond onboarding, supports constant learning initiatives by supplying a platform for continuous training and development. Staff members can access resources and revitalize their understanding whenever required. Evaluation: Pros and Cons. Centralized Platform: provides a single, centralized area for all onboarding and training products, removing the requirement for disparate files and systems. Customization: The software provides extensive personalization alternatives, permitting companies to tailor the onboarding experience to their special requirements and branding. Trainual Subscription Automation: Automated features simplify administrative tasks, such as reminders and development tracking, conserving time and guaranteeing consistency in the onboarding procedure. Scalability: scales with the organization, accommodating the requirements of both small organizations and large business. User-Friendly User interface: The instinctive user interface makes navigation simple for both administrators and workers, reducing the discovering curve associated with adopting new software application. Cost: While offers value for money, some companies may discover the pricing structure expensive, particularly for smaller businesses with restricted spending plans. Initial Setup Time: Setting up and producing personalized material can be time-consuming initially, needing a considerable financial investment of resources. Dependence on Internet Connectivity: As a cloud-based option, Trainual depends on internet connection, which might position challenges in environments with undependable or restricted internet access. Limited Advanced Characteristics: While Trainual covers the basics of staff member onboarding, some users might discover its function set doing not have in more advanced performances compared to other enterprise finding out management systems. Combination Intricacy: While Trainual integrates with popular company tools, establishing integrations may require technical expertise and additional configuration.	0.947139	2,171
As the MP for Hull West and Hessle, I and my constituency staff correspond with constituents to answer policy enquiries, take up casework, and ask for views on local and national issues. This document explains how I collect and use personal data arising from this correspondence, the legal basis for doing so, and explains your rights in relation to your personal data. As the holder of that data, I am the Data Controller. By virtue of my work as a Labour MP, my office staff will also have access to limited data to ensure the smooth running of my office. This policy will therefore reference “we”, to include me as MP, as well as my office staff. Data collection and use Policy enquiries and casework (where a constituent seeks my support on a matter that affects them personally) bring with them personal data provided by or on behalf of the constituent. This personal data may include, but is not limited to: name, address, email address, telephone number. It may also include ‘Special Category’ data which is usually considered more private and sensitive. Special Category data relates to a person’s racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; religious or philosophical beliefs; trade union membership; genetic data; biometric data (where used for identification purposes); health; sex life; sexual orientation. We will only collect and use personal data for the specific purpose for which it has been provided. We will only use Special Category data where we have both a legal basis to do so, as well as an additional condition to process. We will not transfer your data beyond the EEA unless we have implemented appropriate safeguards, which are likely to be Standard Contractual Clauses, or where an “adequacy decision” has been granted by the appropriate authorities. Who do I share your personal information with? When processing your correspondence, we will only share your information with a third-party organisation where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Third-parties, include but are not limited to: government departments, local authorities, public bodies, health trusts, regulators, system providers (with appropriate agreements or contracts in place). We will only share as much information as is necessary to take your enquiry forward. We will never share or sell your personal data to other organisations for direct marketing purposes. Lawful basis for processing Personal data is processed for one or more of the following lawful bases: - where we have your consent to do so (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (a)), - where we have a contract to do so (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (b)), - where we have a legal obligation to do so (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (c)), - where we need to process personal data to protect someone’s vital interests (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (d)), - where we need to for the purposes of our public task and parliamentary functions (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (e)), - where the processing is in our legitimate interests and not overridden by your rights (UK GDPR Article 6 (1) (f)). Retention of personal data We will only retain your personal information for as long as it is necessary to fulfil the purposes described when your personal data was originally collected. However, to provide the best service and representation for constituents, it may be necessary to revisit closed casework and policy enquiries. Closed policy enquiries will be securely and permanently deleted at the end of the Parliamentary session in which they were made. We may retain information about closed casework to be able to give you full support, should you contact us again for help. For sensitive cases involving child services, sexual /physical abuse and social services, personal data will be kept up to 7 years. A comprehensive list of sensitive cases can be acquired from EMMA HARDY MP’s office. If you wish to exercise your rights to erasure, you are welcome to do so. Please see the ‘Your rights’ section for more information. Security of your Data We are committed to processing and retaining data within established technological and physical controls in a transparent manner, as well as promoting and safeguarding the information rights of data subjects. Our procedures ensure that technological and physical controls are in place that guarantee the privacy of data subjects, the security of data held on technological systems is processed according to an established lawful processing condition. Any such procedures will be reviewed as necessary and updated to ensure their effectiveness in line with advances in technology. Links to other websites Correspondence from my office may provide links to other websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites. You have the following rights in relation to your personal information. Should you wish to exercise these rights, please contact the Constituency Office (contact details below): - Where we are relying on your consent to use your personal data, you can withdraw that consent at any time – “right to object” - You can request access to the personal data we hold about you at any time – “right of access” - You can ask us to update your personal data if it changes. In certain circumstances, you can request we erase the personal data we hold, or ask us to stop or restrict processing if you have an objection – “right to rectification” - You can request deletion of the personal data we hold about you at any time – “right to erasure” - You can request we restrict processing of the personal data we hold about you at any time – “right to restrict processing” - If you wish to exercise your rights in respect of your personal data or have any questions about how your data is used, please contact: Emma Hardy MP’s Constituency Office. The octagon Centre, Walker Street, Hull HU3 2RA; email: firstname.lastname@example.org; telephone: 01482 219211 - Alternatively, you have the right to raise any issues or concerns directly with the Information Commissioner’s Office, at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or through www.ico.org.uk Website Specific Privacy Information To Unsubscribe for the sign-up form To unsubscribe from the Newsletter sign up form, you can do this using a contact form or clicking on the link at the bottom of https://www.emmahardy.org.uk/contact/ . What are cookies? Cookies are small text files that web servers give to browsers to store on users’ machines (computers, tablets or mobile devices). They enable the website to recognise requests as coming from the same browser. Cookies are designed to allow the website to recognise its users on subsequent visits, or to authorise other designated websites to recognise these users for a particular purpose. Cookies can be essential for the operation of an application or to improve the user experience. They can also be used to track user behaviour. Information collected by cookies is classed as personal data. For more information on cookies, their use and how to block them, you may want to visit www.aboutcookies.org. You can set your browser to not accept cookies, but this may limit your ability to use the Services. You can also opt out of receiving interest-based ads from certain ad networks here (or if located in the European Union, here). In your web browser (for example, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari), you can control which types of cookies you allow. Most browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can alter the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer. You can turn cookies on or off using your browser’s settings and you can also delete cookies and clear your browser’s cache (also known as your internet viewing history). Visit the ‘Options’ or ‘Preferences’ menu on your browser to change settings, and check the following links for more browser-specific information: - Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en - Microsoft Internet Explorer: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies - Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=Cookies - Apple Safari: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac The Information Commissioner has also provided guidance here: https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/online/cookies/ This website may contain links to other websites, or embedded content from other websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites.	0.919672	1,881
Products related to Privacy: Paul Hindemith: Mainzer Umzug Get ready to take a musical journey like no other with Paul Hindemith's Mainzer Umzug and Symphonic Metamorphosis. This album is a rollercoaster of emotions, a wild ride through Hindemith's brilliant mind. The Mainzer Umzug section is a cacophony of sounds and rhythms, like a chaotic parade marching through the streets of Mainz. Hindemith's composition skills are on full display here, as he weaves together a tapestry of musical motifs that keep you on the edge of your seat. But just when you think you've got a handle on things, the album takes a dramatic turn with Symphonic Metamorphosis. This piece is like being caught in a whirlwind of sound, with heart-pounding crescendos and jaw-dropping solos that will leave you speechless. Overall, Hindemith has crafted a masterpiece that defies genre and expectations. With its bold compositions and unpredictable twists, Mainzer Umzug and Symphonic Metamorphosis is a must-listen for any music lover looking for something truly unique. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Price: 16.99 £ \| Shipping: 0.00 £ - Campanile Muenchen Sendling Price: 35 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € - Isarblu Hotel Muenchen Price: 106 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € - Leonardo Hotel Muenchen City West Price: 50 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € What is privacy? Privacy is the ability of an individual to control the access to their personal information and activities. It involves the right to keep certain aspects of one's life confidential and to limit the intrusion of others into their personal space. Privacy is essential for maintaining autonomy, dignity, and security in both physical and digital environments. It is a fundamental human right that is protected by laws and regulations in many countries. How about privacy? Privacy is an important consideration when it comes to technology and AI. It's crucial for companies and developers to prioritize the protection of user data and ensure that privacy is respected. This can be achieved through implementing strong data security measures, obtaining user consent for data collection and usage, and being transparent about how data is being used. Additionally, regulations and laws such as GDPR can help to ensure that privacy rights are upheld in the digital space. Is there no privacy? Privacy is a complex and evolving concept in today's digital age. While technology has made it easier for our personal information to be accessed and shared, there are still ways to protect our privacy. By being mindful of what information we share online, using privacy settings on social media platforms, and being cautious about the websites we visit, we can take steps to safeguard our privacy. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices about how we share our personal information. Is that okay, privacy? Privacy is a fundamental human right that should be respected and protected. It is important for individuals to have control over their personal information and to be able to keep certain aspects of their lives private. Violating someone's privacy can lead to feelings of discomfort, mistrust, and even harm. Therefore, it is crucial to always consider and prioritize privacy in any situation. Similar search terms for Privacy: ibis budget Muenchen City Olympiapark Price: 53 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € - ibis budget Muenchen City Sued Price: 50 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € - ibis Styles Muenchen Perlach Price: 55 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € - Letomotel Muenchen City Ost Price: 48 € \| Shipping: 0.00 € How is privacy restricted? Privacy can be restricted in various ways, such as through surveillance by governments or corporations, data breaches, hacking, and the collection of personal information without consent. Additionally, the use of social media and online platforms can also compromise privacy, as users often share personal information that can be accessed by others. Furthermore, the lack of strong privacy laws and regulations can also contribute to the restriction of privacy, as individuals may not have control over how their personal information is collected and used. How is "privacy" pronounced? "Privacy" is pronounced as "PRY-vuh-see." The stress is on the first syllable, and the "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "i" sound. How is BTS's privacy? BTS's privacy is heavily guarded and protected by their management and security team. They have limited public appearances and their personal lives are kept private to a large extent. The members of BTS are known to be very private about their personal lives and they have expressed the importance of maintaining a balance between their public and private lives. Overall, BTS's privacy is well-maintained and respected by their fans and the public. Do I never have privacy? While it may feel like you never have privacy, it's important to remember that privacy is a fundamental human right. It's essential to set boundaries with others and communicate your need for privacy. Finding a balance between social interactions and alone time can help you create moments of privacy for yourself. Remember to prioritize self-care and carve out time for yourself to recharge and relax in a private space. * All prices are inclusive of VAT and, if applicable, plus shipping costs. The offer information is based on the details provided by the respective shop and is updated through automated processes. Real-time updates do not occur, so deviations can occur in individual cases.	0.943457	1,179
With more deskless employees than ever before, it’s important for employers to make sure you’re taking initiative to limit your company’s liability when you have drivers on the road. [.split-text-wrap][.text-wrap][.text-wrap-paragraph]Sadly, risk management is often a blindspot for many companies. In fact, in a survey of distributors, Everlance found that 93% of companies are missing opportunities to minimize risk.[.text-wrap-paragraph][.text-wrap-paragraph]One risk is if you have employees who drive for work, but you do not have a clear travel policy that is regularly enforced. You are unfortunately leaving the drivers, who may not have sufficient personal insurance, and your employer exposed when an accident happens on the job.[.text-wrap-paragraph][.text-wrap][.mixed-font-a][.is-green-bold]93%[.is-green-bold][.is-info]of distributors can do more to reduce liability risk[.is-info][.mixed-font-a][.split-text-wrap]The company is at risk because it potentially falls “within the scope of employment.” You could be liable for the cost of any damages that the driver’s insurance does not cover. Another sort of risk is if you are reimbursing your employees for work mileage without keeping detailed and accurate mileage logs. In the event of an audit by the IRS, you could be found out of compliance and fined. This article will help expose current liabilities in your vehicle program, and provide action steps you can take to limit your risk exposure. Most companies already have a policy, but when was the last time you or your employees reviewed it? It’s a good idea to re-evaluate your policy regularly to ensure it continues to protect you, the employer, as well as drivers, as business conditions change. [.blue-wrap][.list-head]Compliance Checklist[.list-head][.list-subheading]Use these questions to gauge any risk factors in your current policy or practices:[.list-subheading][.list-div][.list-div][.c-row-flex] [.is-1][.list-check][.list-check][.is-1]Are drivers required to maintain valid insurance that includes both bodily injury liability and property damage?[.c-row-flex][.c-row-flex][.is-1][.list-check][.list-check][.is-1]Are there vehicle requirements to ensure any vehicles driven for work are in safe working condition?[.c-row-flex][.c-row-flex][.is-1][.list-check][.list-check][.is-1]Are drivers required to keep a valid driver’s license and ensure it doesn’t expire?[.c-row-flex][.c-row-flex][.is-1][.list-check][.list-check][.is-1]How often do we monitor for compliance with policy requirements?[.c-row-flex][.c-row-flex][.is-1][.list-check][.list-check][.is-1]Are we conducting MVR (Motor Vehicle Record Checks) for new hires to ensure they have clean driving records? How about after they’re hired?[.c-row-flex][.c-row-flex][.is-1][.list-check][.list-check] [.is-1]Are there clear delineations in our policy for Personal vs. Company use of company owned vehicles?[.c-row-flex][.blue-wrap] Every company is different and you should customize your policy based on your needs, but this checklist is a good starting point. If you think you would like some expert guidance, Everlance can help. We’ve worked with many customers to strengthen their policies and mitigate risk. Once you’ve reviewed and updated your policy, refresh your employees on what those requirements are to help them stay in compliance. Your policy only protects you as well as it is enforced. Once you’ve outlined a clear policy, it’s important to also design a process for how employees will be held accountable to it. A few options to consider on your policy’s implementation/reinforcement: Whether you have a large team or even just a handful of mobile employees, the task of monitoring their compliance can quickly become a time-consuming administrative burden, not to mention tedious. Minimizing your company’s risk can get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, below other “more urgent” tasks. But if you have already outlined a clear policy as well as the process of enforcing it, the best thing you can do for yourself is make it easy to monitor. If you have a platform that houses driver’s documentation, that’s a good start. But make sure that you have a way of keeping track of when these documents expire, and gathering updated documents from the driver before they do so. [.866][.blue-line]Documents expire regularly, so simply conducting a manual check annually or even every 6 months will leave you exposed.[.blue-line][.866] For example, most insurance policies expire every six months. If a driver is compliant in January but their policy expires in February and you don’t do another check until June, you could be left exposed for over four months! You also want to minimize your exposure without having to spend a lot of time deciphering documents. Especially when it comes to insurance, policy documents vary so much from carrier to carrier that it can quickly become a headache trying to determine if a driver’s policy meets your requirements. Instead, find a tech-based solution that is easier for you, the policy owner, as well as the drivers who have to comply. At Everlance, we offer compliance verification as a part of our Fixed & Variable Rate program, as well as part of our Driver Checkup add-on. It automates the collection and verification of employee auto insurance and driver’s licenses to reduce the risk of costly liability damages when an employee gets in a car accident on the job. Now that you’ve done an exhaustive assessment of your policies, and developed a strategy for monitoring and enforcement that is easy to implement, there is another risk to consider: If you were audited by the IRS, do you have detailed mileage logs to justify the miles that your drivers are reimbursed for? Paper-based or spreadsheet logs will work, as long as they contain all the information required by the IRS. The problem is, they can be time-consuming for everyone involved, leading to employees not completing the logs and leaving you exposed, or time wasted chasing them down to complete records. A mileage tracking app like Everlance, can help minimize risk by automating the creation of mileage logs for employees. It records employees as they drive, and then they simply have to submit work trips to you for reimbursement and compliance. Plus, an automated system improves accuracy and accountability, and gives time back to your team. Automating the mileage tracking process is one more way to simplify your risk management process while also ensuring drivers are being paid fairly and accurately.	0.930972	1,553
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Since you you will predict, stars are just what pays, and you will bombs, in comparison, will be prevented. It’s got people the ability to bet pennies or tens away from thousands of dollars.	0.946987	1,311
The Journey to a More Efficient and Fair Home Valuation Process The method of establishing residential property values for mortgage lending hasn't evolved much for several decades. Obtaining a traditional appraisal is one of the most time-consuming and costly parts of getting a home loan, and, as recent studies have shown, vulnerable to bias risk. But that's changing, as the industry is on a journey of continuous improvement to make the process more efficient and fair. For decades there was just one way to confirm the property value for home purchase or refinance loans: an appraiser visited the property armed with a clipboard, tape measure, and camera, then performed an analysis and submitted a report. In recent years, the gear might have been upgraded to a tablet computer and laser measuring device, but the process was the same. As an alternative, Fannie Mae offers appraisal waivers on some mortgage loans sold to us when we have enough information to feel confident in the property value estimate. Over the years, we've enhanced waiver offerings based on improvements in data digitization, analytical techniques, and data sources. But it has been "all or nothing" – the full traditional approach or no appraisal – with no in-between options. This binary approach no longer fits the industry's needs and is not consistent with how other mortgage risks are managed. A far better approach is a spectrum of options to establish a property's market value, with the option matching the risk of the collateral and loan transaction. The spectrum balances traditional appraisals with appraisal alternatives. Options range from use of automated valuation models to validate the estimated property value, to collection of updated property data to confirm the model value, to alternative-scope approaches like desktop appraisals and hybrids, to a traditional appraisal. This valuation spectrum mitigates appraisal pain points including long wait times, rising fees due in part to a shrinking appraiser workforce, and risks of human bias. Click image above for larger view Our recent analysis of nearly 2 million appraisals found some divergence in values received by Black and white borrowers refinancing their homes. There are many possible reasons why an appraisal would be either overvalued or undervalued. To minimize the chance that the race of a borrower or homeowner is one of those reasons, Fannie Mae and our industry partners are taking concrete actions such as increasing the use of alternative-scope valuation approaches. New ways of working support fair and impartial appraisals The traditional appraisal process relies heavily on human observations that can be subject to conscious or unconscious bias. Alternative-scope appraisals involve significant reliance on objective data and a more arms-length process between the appraiser and the homeowner or buyer. Appraisers perform desktop appraisals using data from various parties, including real estate agents, homeowners, and builders, as well as appraiser files and secondary data sources such as public records, online satellite imagery, and multiple listing services. Hybrid appraisals use a neutral third party to visit the property and collect data that is transmitted to the appraiser for analysis. Both approaches have the benefit of reducing contact between borrowers and appraisers, thus lowering the likelihood of valuations being affected by personal or unconscious biases. Alternative-scope appraisals are made possible by better use of data, technology, and process design – powerful tools that are driving more factual, objective, accurate, and reproducible home valuations. For example, our appraisal modernization pilot using hybrid appraisals shows a meaningful reduction in confirmation bias versus traditional appraisals. (Confirmation bias refers to the appraisal confirming the purchase sale price or the refinance value estimate.) Appraisal waivers saved mortgage borrowers $2 billion in two years Fannie Mae estimates that appraisal waivers on loans sold to us saved mortgage borrowers nearly $2 billion in 2020-20211. When we offer an appraisal waiver through our automated underwriting system, it is because we are confident that the estimated property value submitted by the lender is consistent with expectations in the current market. Appraisal waivers are most often appropriate for home refinances, eliminating contact between an appraiser and the homeowner, and speeding up the refinance process. Waivers are also offered for some purchases, especially with a large down payment or a recent previous sale of the home. Continuous fine-tuning of our waiver methodology allows us to maintain and expand waiver offers in a safe and sound manner, reserving the limited appraiser capacity for where it is needed most. Modern appraisal methods save time Fannie Mae has been working with mortgage lenders, appraisers, and industry technology providers for several years to test digital innovation and alternative ways of conducting appraisals. In our test-and-learn activity with some of the most innovative mortgage lenders and vendors in the business, using property data collectors combined with analysis and valuation by professional appraisers is saving an average of five days versus traditional appraisals. Modern appraisal methods are helping to fill the appraiser gap The residential appraiser workforce is aging, and there is a shortage of appraisers in many places – especially rural areas – which increases wait times and costs for an appraisal. But appraisers can be more productive with desktop appraisals and hybrids because they don't have to schedule appointments or visit properties but can still access comprehensive property information to confidently fulfill the valuation request. Even with increased reliance on automated valuation models and use of property data collectors, appraisers remain essential to the mortgage origination process. That is why Fannie Mae and many others continue to invest in programs such as the Appraiser Diversity Initiative and appraiser educational resources to attract and train the next generation of appraisers. Improving the valuation process is changing the way appraisers work and empowering them with more career opportunities. Instead of spending much of their time scheduling appointments and driving to properties to collect information, appraisers can devote more time to doing what they are trained to do: analyze property data and form an expert opinion of value. They can potentially increase their earnings by completing more appraisal reports in less time. And increasingly, appraisers can choose to work from home, accessing multiple online data sources along with property information collected or facilitated by other parties using technology such as 3-D scans, virtual inspection technology, and purpose-built mobile applications. Trained appraisers will also continue to have career opportunities supporting appraisal technology, such as helping to build and maintain property data collection mobile apps. Envision the results Like with any continuous improvement journey, this will take time and have its pain points along the way. But the results will be worth it. This future state holds great promise to deliver more effective, efficient, and impartial home valuations for millions of homeowners across America. 1 Fannie Mae analysis based on loan delivery data from Jan. 2020 through Dec 2021.	0.946343	1,367
Steelers fans are spoiled, but not for the reasons others think I hear the phase “Steelers fans are spoiled” thrown around a lot. Perhaps we are, but it’s not because of playoff success or all the championships. If you don’t believe me, check out the last decade and acknowledge the fact that we are all still here. We are spoiled in that regardless of the result, past Steelers teams were going to be the toughest SOBs on the field. They played with intensity, would fight to the finish, and had each other’s back. Every opposing team knew a tub day was in order after a trip to Pittsburgh. The playoff game in Baltimore was not hard to watch because the Steelers lost the game. The Ravens have a better roster, an MVP candidate at QB, and a true identity as a team. The Steelers were underdogs for a reason. It was hard to watch because of the way that Pittsburgh lost. I didn’t expect them to win, but I expected them to play with pride and compete on every down. That did not happen. I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen that attitude from a Steelers team where the lack of effort and belief was that obvious. Add in the fact that it was a playoff game against their biggest rival, and it becomes almost unbelievable. We’ve gone from Joey Porter Sr beating on the bus wanting to fight the entire Ravens team in the parking lot to players jumping out of the way to avoid contact on the field. I had to watch some Greg Lloyd highlights to get the bad taste out of my mouth. I highly recommend it as a palate cleanser. It brought to mind some quotes from legendary players that never played a game at half speed. Joe Greene – We may not win the game, but I was going to win the fight. – When you think of me as a football player, I would like for people to think that I put it on the line every time. Good or bad, win or lose, I put it on the line. Greg Lloyd – I love playing the game and I love playing at the outside linebacker position, and I don’t accept complacency from anybody. – When you come through that tunnel, and you see “Avoid Lloyd” and “Just Plain Nasty” and it’s like all this is for me – this is all mine – and you got 50,000 people screaming your name and I mean – it’s a fire that comes on inside you. It’s like “Alright, they are here to see me. Let’s give them a show.” Then I think of the quote from George Pickens last year after he gave zero effort and did not block on a running play. George Pickens –I was just trying to prevent the Tank Dell situation, the same thing that happened to (him). I ain’t want to get an injury. When you stay on the block too low, you can get ran up on very easily. Because of that, I do want to call out the few players that stood out and played like Steelers Saturday night. Cam Heyward and Jaylen Warren played every down to the max, and Calvin Austin proved over and over that size has little to do with toughness. Even when others looked disinterested and ready to pack it in, they played hard every down. The people of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation around the world understand that no one wins all the time. It’s not really about winning. It’s how you carried yourself, and if you gave it your all. There is a difference, and it means everything. If this team has lost that fire, there’s not much left. They aren’t winning on game planning and strategy with this current coaching staff. They roll out the same basic designs and concepts game after game. After the midpoint of a season when there is enough tape to predict tendencies, if the player doesn’t beat the man in front of him with strength, speed, or skill, he isn’t going to win. Mike Tomlin placed much of the blame on the offense not possessing the ball in his post-game press conference, but the defense gave up 95 yards in 13 plays on their first series. That can’t be blamed on the offense. Perhaps it was that weird strategy they came up with to tackle the guy without the ball, lose outside contain, and allow Jackson scoot around the outside for huge gains over and over. Call me crazy, but after a few times of that, I’d tell my guys to focus on the dude with the ball in his hands. Major changes are needed, but they most likely will not be coming. With the NFC North and AFC East on the docket next year, another murderer’s row is on the way. It could be a rinse and repeat of this year…and the one before that…and the one before that. Actually, as the team is constructed right now, when I put pen to paper I have next year’s way too early prediction sitting at 7-10. Sometimes a strength is also a weakness. I love that this organization doesn’t fire people after one bad season, but they are so averse to change that it eventually becomes a detriment. Chuck Noll is the greatest coach in the history of the organization, but when you look at the team record from 1984 to 1991, it wasn’t doing any service to Noll or the Steelers: 1987: 8-7 (strike year) The game had advanced, and Coach Noll had not. That takes away nothing from what he built and achieved in the 70’s. It’s just a fact. In this new era of super-charged offense, relying on individual efforts from a few star players on defense will put the team exactly where they find themselves right now, stuck in purgatory. The game has advanced past Mike Tomlin’s approach of relying on an individual to make a defensive splash play to squeak out a close win after handcuffing an offense from being anything other than predictable. T.J. Watt has not shown up on the box score for a game since Christmas Day against the Chiefs. That is football malpractice. Lining him up way outside and having to hit the tackle, tight end, and running back on almost every play does nothing but wear down a great player. Tomlin and Austin effectively schemed Watt out of games by not scheming plays for him. Conversely, the Steelers have a terrible record when Watt misses a game, which speaks to his greatness, but also blatantly shows the weakness of the scheme. When Chris Jones missed the Christmas Day game, the defensive line still dominated, because they relied on scheme to assist the individual effort. People are who they are. George Pickens is not going to change. He will give you one good game for two bad ones, and that’s the way it will be. Mike Tomlin is not going to suddenly become an aggressive offensive innovator and score 30 points a game on a consistent basis. The standard is set, and right now it is stuck in neutral. Does anyone believe that this current staff can develop a young quarterback or game plan for a different style of play? Will it take something as drastic as empty seats in the stands or fans with paper bags over their heads? We already heard the booing of Renegade by the home crowd this year, and if that doesn’t get Art II’s attention, I’m not sure what will. SCN readers and listeners will not leave. We will play the podcasts, watch the youtube shows, and read the articles in the offseason. We will all be excited as the draft nears and new players don the Black and Gold, and we will all be waving our towels when the season kicks off again, because that’s what we do. We don’t change our colors, but it’s time for Art Rooney II and the organization to do an honest evaluation and make some changes to ensure that Steeler Nation does not.	0.975403	1,694
In the vast world of search engine optimisation (SEO) and online security, SSL certificates are like the knights in shining armour protecting your website from a plethora of potential online threats. And with the threat of cyber attacks and data breaches on the rise, Google has made changes to their algorithm to prioritise sites that have an SSL certificate in place in order to protect user security. But what is an SSL certificate and why are they crucial for your SEO efforts? Well in this blog, we explore SSL certificates in more detail, why they matter for your SEO performance, and how they can impact your online presence. What is an SSL certificate? A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website. It ensures data remains encrypted as it travels through the internet from a web server to a user’s browser. It safeguards sensitive data such as credit card details, customer email addresses, and passwords for example. A certificate authority (CA) issues an SSL certificate for a website and this can be requested by an entity – usually a person or an organisation, like Fifteen. When an SSL certificate is issued, it will authenticate the website’s identity and safeguard all sensitive records and data, assuring users that their information is safe from hackers. How important is SSL for SEO? When it comes to ranking factors, Google prioritises website security and so a stable website with an SSL certificate would have an advantage over other websites that are not as safe and encrypted — as long as other SEO factors remain constant. However with that being said, it can be challenging to determine the exact effect of an SSL credential on a site’s SEO rankings, especially when compared to another website in the same market, but with thousands of strong backlinks. In this particular case, the benefit of having over 1,000 additional strong backlinks may outweigh the downside of not having an SSL certificate. 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Browsers such as Google Chrome are raising much-needed consciousness about internet protection to users by deliberately shaming unencrypted websites. For example, if a user arrives on a website that does not have an SSL certificate, they will immediately be greeted with a warning stating the website is unsafe, to which the user will undoubtedly leave and look elsewhere. This instantly gives the user a negative perception of the brand in question as well as providing a bad user experience. With an SSL certificate, it shows your website is secure and allows your audience to freely and safely browse your site, thus providing a positive user experience. It also instils trust with users and provides them with encouragement to return to your site in the future. It can lead to higher rankings in SERPs As we’ve just mentioned, if your website doesn’t have an SSL certificate, your users will know about it. This means that they will leave your website before being able to find the information they’re looking for. This can have a negative effect on your rankings as Google will see users leaving your site quickly and often and as a result, derank you which means you’ll move further down the results page. But when you combine an SSL certificate with exceptional SEO efforts, you can avoid this. This is because an SSL certificate adds an extra layer of security to your site and tells search engines like Google that your site is safe to visit which builds trust and credibility, all factors that Google takes into account when ranking your website in SERPs. It can provide more traffic With higher rankings, comes more traffic to your site. When users are deciding what website to visit when looking for information, they will more often than not choose a site that is safe and secure. This is because they will see your site as a trustworthy source and click-through to your brand, resulting in more traffic. All of this comes full circle because the more popular your site is and the more people engage with your site, the higher you rank. Google sees people engaging with your site as a positive and will reward you with higher rankings. It can boost your conversions We’ve highlighted throughout this blog that the purpose of an SSL certificate is to encrypt data sent from a web server to a user’s browser, meaning that sensitive information is protected from potential threats. This makes users feel confident enough to provide you with personal information such as credit card details, home addresses, and email addresses to place an order with you, leading to a higher conversion rate. Similarly, the added security of an SSL certificate on your site will encourage users to fill out forms because they can have peace of mind that their sensitive information is protected. Speak to us for more advice It’s clear to see SSL certificates demonstrate to the rest of the world that your website is legitimate, safe, and secure. This leads to building trust and fostering loyalty with your audience. And combining both SSL and SEO together can provide a much welcomed boost to your efforts. We hope we’ve answered the common question of ‘what is an SSL certificate?’, but if you’d like to learn more, or you’d like to find out more about how an SSL certificate can improve your SEO efforts, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We know what it takes to make a website succeed so with all websites we design and develop, we use cutting-edge technology to ensure every security measure is added and this includes implementing an SSL certificate.	0.953609	1,305
Returning to shelves with exciting updates are the recently launched LT1 and highly popular Biom C4 among other favorites in both men’s and women’s options PHOTOS: ECCO GOLF AW24 Collection (BROOKLYN, NY) ECCO GOLF, leaders in golf footwear innovation, unveils its latest lineup for the fall and winter seasons featuring recently launched products as well as mainstays in a range of exciting and bold new colorways. Designed for every occasion, on and off the course, the AW24 collection is headlined by the ECCO GOLF LT1, which was released earlier this year and returns in all new color options for men – PAVEMENT and STEEL – and women – GRAVEL and NIGHT SKY. Available in both laced and BOA options, the LT1 has set the standard for comfort and performance in a golf shoe with ECCO’s revolutionary LYTR Foam technology, which creates a flexible, cloud-like sensation for the wearer when combined with ECCO's ultra-soft PHORENE material in the midsole. “We are always looking to push the boundaries between what is considered a golf shoe and a shoe that can be worn away from the course,” said Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF. “This collection represents the best of ECCO GOLF and was created for the golfer who prioritizes dynamic comfort and performance, but also requires a shoe with the right style to keep up with them both on and off the course.” One of ECCO’s all-time best-selling products, the BIOM® C4, is now available in the PAVEMENT colorway for men and the STEEL/LAVENDER MIST option for women. The BIOM® C4 offers unrivaled 360-degree breathability, and its innovative comfort properties ensure a finely tuned balance of cushioning, rebound, waterproofing and airflow. ECCO’s upcoming collection also includes: - The ECCO BIOM® TOUR features ECCO GOLF’s pioneering BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® technology with ECCO’s spiked sole design. The Pivix spikes incorporated into ECCO BIOM® TOUR are combined with additional grooves on the outsole, ensuring excellent traction and stability throughout the swing. Men’s sizes are available in both laced and BOA options and come in five colorways in addition to two colorways in laced options for women. - The new ECCO BIOM HYBRID BNY from the Brooklyn New York Collection offers an All-American design exclusively for U.S. golfers. Available in three colorways for both men and women, this spikeless product offers all the function, performance and ingenuity customers have come to expect from ECCO in a true hybrid that can be seamlessly worn on and off the course. - The AW24 collection includes the highly popular signature edition ECCO BIOM® H4 shoes designed in collaboration with player ambassadors Erik van Rooyen and Lydia Ko, who recently earned LPGA Hall of Fame status by winning Gold at the Paris Olympics Games and claimed her third career major championship at the British Open. - Offered in five different color options as well as laced and BOA for both men and women, the hugely successful ECCO S-THREE collection returns to the AW24 lineup. ECCO ZONAL FLUIDFORM™ Technology midsole with three different zones offers ground-breaking comfort, stability and flexibility is the hallmark of the S-THREE, and combined with E-DTS® traction system consisting of approximately 100 TPU traction bars boasting 800 traction angles creates unmatched performance. - The groundbreaking ECCO CLASSIC HYBRID model, first introduced in 2023, will be offered in two colorways – BLACK and WHITE – for the AW24 collection. The shoe is a timeless look with a modern twist and offers a premium upper fashioned from rich and embossed ECCO leather while featuring HYDROMAX™ water-repellent technology and the award-winning original E-DTS™ TWIST system, which has enlarged and rotated support bars that improve durability and multi-directional traction. All ECCO GOLF shoes are crafted at company-owned factories that utilize FLUIDFORM™ technology to bond the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe without the use of glue or stitching. Benefits include flexibility, durability and a lightweight construction. ECCO GOLF shoes are worn around the world by Lydia Ko, Alison Lee, Erik van Rooyen, Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjørn, Rick Shiels, Erik Anders Lang, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Freddy Schott and Xiyu Janet Lin, among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, please visit golf.ecco.com. ECCO is one of the world’s leading shoe brands combining style and comfort. ECCO’s success is built on products with a great fit and top-quality leathers. ECCO owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from tanneries and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 88 countries from over 2,000 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. ECCO is family-owned, founded in Denmark in 1963, and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. www.ecco.com	0.927367	1,175
The thrill of speed and the chase! Most of us would love to embrace it – but fully indulging in street racing can get you in serious trouble. Drag racing, highway racing, and street racing are illegal on the streets of Florida. You can expect criminal prosecution in most of these circumstances. Racing is also illegal in private parking lots or other areas not licensed or authorized for racing. If the authorities catch you street racing or drag racing, it’s likely you’ll be taken off to jail. The Florida Drag and Street Racing Scene Going fast is part of life in South Florida. Trying to go faster than another car or motorcycle on Florida’s public streets or roadways has always been illegal. Everyone expects to see revving engines and burning rubber at a licensed racetrack. But most don’t expect to see drag racing on Florida public streets. Bikers make up part of Florida’s street racing scene. The illegal practice is said to be a growing concern by the authorities. Orange County stated that its Sheriff’s Office has made a sizeable amount of arrests in relation to street racing. Deputies reportedly arrested 152 people in 2016 in connection with illegal drag racing. That number rose even further to 226 the next year. To help slow down this trend, the agency created an anti-street racing detail in March. By the close of 2018, Orange County had given out 988 citations. These were alongside 199 arrests in relation to illegal street races. Along US Highway 27, just north of I-595 in Broward County, there is a patch of concrete that boat owners use to pull off the highway. From here, they back their vehicles into a canal running into Lake Okeechobee. That area of pavement serves another purpose too, however. It is also a place for those with fast cars to gather. Here people can compare tires, engines, putting them up against each other. They do this, before turning back onto the US-27 to burn rubber. There is a strong culture around street racing. Racers use cameras with specialized microphones. This lets them take high-quality videos of themselves breaking the law. Addressing the Drag and Street Racing Problem in FL Lawmakers all across Florida are looking for solutions to these problems. They want to give additional power to law enforcement. In particular, the ability to arrest those involved with illegal street racing. The lawmakers behind the bill said dozens of people have complained about officers not being able to stop the racers. Now a new bill would mean that if someone else records that racing, that video can be used as evidence to arrest someone. Gangs of racers have been seen on cameras on roads in the Central Florida area. Lawmakers are giving more power to those with a badge to impose tougher sentences on illegal racing. A bill was passed by the Senate, after passing the House earlier this month. This bill will give an officer new powers to deal with drag racers. They will be able to arrest someone if they suspect probable cause that this person had been racing illegally. And the big catch? These powers are applicable even the officer didn’t witness the supposed racing themselves. This is currently required by the law. That means they can make an arrest based on evidence from witnesses. Florida Ticket Firm is experienced with drag racing cases. We specialize in drag racing defense. We can defend highway racing and drag racing, avoiding charges. There’s lots to worry about than getting taken away for drag racing or highway racing. You may have your vehicle taken away and impounded. Even worse, it could be up for forfeiture. Other Things To Think About And there’s more. If you were behind the wheel for the drag race and had a passenger they may also be keeping you company in jail. Driving in Florida isn’t just illegal and a crime in Florida to drive in a drag race. If you knowingly ride as a passenger in a drag race or street race, be prepared for the consequences. You might think you’ve seen all of the familiar faces for your drag racing reunion. In actuality, you’ll be surprised at how many people might join you. You, any passengers and your opponent could be joined by even more jailhouse company. If you had someone responsible for traffic control at your drag race or speed exhibition, then they could be held accountable too. It is, of course, illegal and a crime in Florida for anyone to divert, move or slow down traffic for a drag race. Anyone responsible for promoting, coordinating, collecting money, etc could be facing Florida criminal charges. On top of that, if you were a willing and knowing spectator, you could get penalized. You may be looking at a non-criminal moving violation. For this, you’ll receive a Florida Uniform Traffic Citation. Avoiding Ticket Charges In The Florida Area You should take care to develop safe habits on the road in order to avoid getting a ticket in the first place. But such is human nature. We aren’t all perfect. Many of us make mistakes. It’s not ideal having to face criminal (or spectator) charges for racing by yourself. Are you looking at Florida criminal charges related to street racing? Then get in touch with Florida Ticket Firm. We operate in the following areas – - Broward County - Miami-Dade County - Palm Beach County - Martin County - St. Lucie County We can offer a free consultation with experienced criminal traffic lawyers. We know what to do. And you should too. Florida Ticket Firm can help. Call us at 844.FLA.FIRM for more information. Alternatively, you can learn more about traffic laws and how to handle tickets on our website. The post As Illegal Street Racing Becomes a Growing Problem, Lawmakers End the Trend appeared first on Florida Ticket Firm.	0.962995	1,237
Raith Rovers’ decision to sign the rapist David Goodwillie, and their reaction when faced with criticism, is football’s misogyny incarnate. To call it a failure to read the room would be about the grossest possible understatement. The decision of Raith Rovers to sign David Goodwillie – a rapist if not a convicted rapist – is a shaming blight on a club with a long and proud history, which has lifted silverware and played European football, and which sits at the centre of the community in Kirkcaldy, the town it calls home. But this story is also turning into something else, because the reaction of the community surrounding the club has been such that it may just represent a sea-change in attitudes among supporters, sponsors and the wider public when football clubs act as though they have no responsibilities beyond the confines of a football pitch. Kirkcaldy is a town of 50,000 people. It’s not a big city, and they’re proud of their local football club. And they’ve proved it since this story broke. Goodwillie can be described as ‘a rapist if not a convicted rapist’ because this is, well, a correct legal definition. Goodwillie was accused of raping Denise Clair (who waived her right to anonymity in 2013 to proceed with the case) in August 2011 along with another player, David Robertson, but following an investigation, the police did not press charges because they considered there to be ‘insufficient evidence’ to proceed. Undeterred, Clair took the matter to a civil case where, under the lower burden of proof of a civil case, Lord Armstrong ruled in January 2017 that, because of her ‘excessive intake of alcohol and, because her cognitive functioning and decision-making processes were so impaired’ that she ‘was incapable of giving meaningful consent, and that they each raped her’ and ordered them to pay her £100,000 in damages. They lost an appeal against the verdict in November of the same year. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority also determined Ms Clair had been raped despite the failure to prosecute Goodwillie and awarded her £11,000. Of Goodwillie, Lord Armstrong said: “My general impression was that, particularly in relation to his assessment of the pursuer’s condition, his evidence was given with a view to his own interests rather than in accordance with the oath which he had taken. I did not find his evidence to be persuasive.” This wasn’t the first time that Goodwillie had found himself in court, either. He was convicted of assault twice, in 2008 and 2012, picking up a £250 fine, a 12-month probation order and 80 hours of unpaid work for his troubles. None of this or the accusations made against him in 2011 had affected the upward trajectory of his career in any way whatsoever, but Lord Armstrong’s ruling did. Goodwillie had started his playing career with Dundee United, before moving on to play for Blackburn Rovers and Aberdeen before signing for Plymouth Argyle in June 2016. He left by mutual consent in January of the following year, when the first verdict was announced. Goodwillie was offered a short-term contract to the end of the season by Clyde, just two months after leaving Plymouth, and although the matter caused anger at the time, he remained with the club until the end of this January transfer window. Coming the day after the accusations against the Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood and their accompanying very public evidence, Raith’s decision looks even more tin-eared than it might otherwise have done, all the more so when we consider that Raith’s shirts are sponsored by the feminist crime writer Val McDermid, who also has a stand named after her at their Starks Park ground. McDermid’s response to this decision was justifiably furious. ‘The thought of the rapist David Goodwillie running out on the pitch at Starks Park in a @RaithRovers shirt with my name on it makes me feel physically sick’, she wrote on Twitter, adding that she had ‘ended my lifelong support’ of the club over the signing, and that she had cancelled next season’s shirt sponsorship ‘over this disgusting and despicable move’. The signing ‘shatters any claim to be a community or family club’, and that Goodwillie’s presence was a ‘stain on the club’. ‘Goodwillie has never expressed a shred of remorse for the rape he committed’, she said, concluding that his signing was ‘a heartbreaker for me and many other fans’. She wasn’t the only person deeply offended by Raith’s decision. Tyler Rattray, the captain of their women’s team, also confirmed that she had quit in protest, tweeting that, ‘After 10 long years playing for Raith, it’s gutting I have given up now because they have signed someone like this and I want nothing to do with it!’ Others in the team have since followed. The matter has snowballed from there. Supporter liaison officer Margie Robertson, stadium announcer Johnny MacDonald, and Marie Penman, the employability project delivery officer with the club’s community foundation, have also left their positions, while it has also emerged that two directors, Bill Clark and Andy Mill, voted against the signing at a board meeting and resigned when they were outvoted by the other four. This hasn’t just been contained to those involved in the running of the club, either. Supporters, outraged by their club’s decision, piled into the replies on Raith’s Twitter post announcing the signing, making it absolutely clear where they stand on the matter, while a JustGiving page for Rape Crisis, set up by supporters, has raised more than £7,000 at the time of writing. Meanwhile, the story is making national news headlines both in Scotland and across the UK. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made a statement on the matter. With social media starting to groan under the weight of content about Raith Rovers, the club’s remaining directors eventually released a statement which seemed almost wilful in its ignorance of the offence the club has caused and which ended with a line of spectacular point-missing that their pig-headed decision to push the transfer through in the first place starts to make sense: ‘First and foremost, this was a football-related decision.’ It’s not exactly certain what they mean by this. Are they expecting applause for not signing him because he’s a rapist? Goodwillie was at Starks Park on the evening that it all blew up, watching Raith’s draw with Queen of the South, so the best guess is that all concerned are going to try to brazen it out. But this is a big mistake. A petition has already reached more than 2,000 signatures to have Goodwillie ‘removed from Raith Rovers’. The problem is, how to do this legally? Contract law is contract law, and while what action the club could legally take would ultimately be determined by its terms and conditions, it would be highly unusual for them to be able to cancel Goodwillie’s contract unilaterally. Their options, were they to change their minds, would be to try to sell him (good luck with that), pay his contract up in full, refuse to pay him, or sack him and say ‘see you in court’. While the last of these might be the most superficially appealing, legally speaking the club would be on extremely thin ice. Procedures have to be followed. Contracts have to be honoured, and if Raith lost such a case in court, legal fees would only increase. His wage is likely to be in the region of £1,000-£1,500 per week – this is a guestimate figure based on these figures, the veracity of which I can’t speak for but are in the region of what I’d expect in the SPFL Championship, the Scottish second tier – and he signed a two-and-a-half year contract. If he were on £1,000 per week, he’d be due £130,000. For a club whose attendances are usually between 1,500 and 2,000, that’s a lot of money. But all of this overlooks the truly fundamental point, which is that a horrendous action committed upon a human being is at the heart of this story. Raith Rovers’ beyond-disgraceful response to the damage they’ve caused to both their club and their community should be a permanent stain, not on the club, its supporters or its community, but on those who made the decision to hire a rapist and then, when it inevitably blew up in their faces, issued a public statement effectively saying, ‘yeah, but he’s really good at football’. When people talk about football’s issue with ‘toxic masculinity’, this right here is exactly what they mean. It isn’t just that men rape women, though that is heinous enough on its own. It’s also that we make obtaining justice difficult to impossible for them afterwards, that we dismiss their claims or become forensic detectives when we hear of them, trying to pick holes in them, and make jokes about it. We demean the women’s game at every turn, despite having banned it for half a century. It’s because we do things like signing rapist footballers in the full knowledge of what the reaction will be and then doubling-down and implying that what he did is irrelevant because of football. Whether we’re talking about allegations of rape, or domestic violence, or any of the other crimes that men commit against women, will the game have a day of reckoning over this culture which acts very much as though it hates women, and reach a tipping point at which it stops saying it’ll do better and actually start doing better? When will it have an open and honest conversation about the misogyny that runs through the game, and which has for as long as as it has existed? Well, it didn’t over Paul Gascoigne. It didn’t over Cristiano Ronaldo. It didn’t over Ryan Giggs. It didn’t over Reece Thompson. It didn’t over Jerome Boateng, Adam Johnson or Tyrell Robinson. And this is what happened to a woman who refused to pay tribute to Diego Maradona after he died. Perhaps it will, this time. In the meantime, Raith Rovers will have to count the cost of their stupid, thoughtless decision, and women will have to continue to count the cost of the violence that men perpetrate upon them.	0.980202	2,279
After decades of demand for a caste census, the central government announced its decision in August 2018 to collect data on OBCs during the Census 2021 (see The Times of India, 1 September 2018). A statement by the Home Ministry said the exercise would involve 25 lakh enumerators, and that “maps/geo-referencing at the time of house-listing is also under consideration”. The process of “house-listing” was scheduled to commence in 2020, and the headcount in February 2021. A trial run for Census 2021 has commenced on 12 August 2019 and is scheduled to continue till 30 September 2019. It was reported that, in a drastic departure, the Census 2021 data would be stored electronically. But then came the dampener. A senior government official told the The Hindu that the Census 2021 may skip caste count. According to the report, Census 2021 is unlikely to collect caste-wise data as a similar exercise conducted in 2011 by another ministry threw up about 40 lakh caste names that were difficult to tabulate. It is evident that the reference here is to the report of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011, which is yet to be released. Both the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance did make the caste data public. It is a typical example of how OBCs have been defrauded over the decades. According to the National Comission for Backward Classes (NCBC) records, there are 2479 entries in the Central list of OBCs. Complexity in the caste count, according to the government, arises mainly because of the absence of standardised caste names both within and across states – for example, a person belonging to the Yadav caste wrote Yadu, Yaduvanshi, etc. The same applies to Vishwakarma community, too, characterised by a number of sub-castes and “gotra”. It is not only the multiplicity of caste names, caste group names, but also the differences in the reservation quota for OBCs across states and union territories that has proved to be challenging for the enumerators. Debate on caste census The Mandal Commission had said that its recommendations should be reviewed 20 years after their implementation. Since reservation for OBCs in public employment was introduced in 1993 and then in higher educational institutions in 2008, at least reservation in public employment is up for review. Against this backdrop, though a Commission for Sub-Categorization of OBCs (CSO) was appointed in October 2017 (to propose measures to ensure equitable distribution of benefits of reservation), and the NCBC was granted a constitutional status in August 2018, the review proposed by the Mandal Commission has to get the government nod. Though the need to continue OBC reservation is beyond doubt, the new list of eligible classes, the percentage of OBCs in the population can only be reliably ascertained through a census that gathers data on socio-economic and educational condition with respect to castes. Before Census 2001 was held, caste count was debated seriously in 1998. In a pioneering article, Ambrose Pinto argued that caste should be included as an essential element of the Census 2001 (‘Should caste be included in the Census?’, EPW, Vol 33, No 31, 1998). The Sociology unit of the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, organzed a symposium on 17 July 1998 to debate the issue. An overview of the issues discussed by Satish Despande and Nandini Sundar (EPW, Vol 33, No 32, 1998), brought out the following views on caste enumeration (for, against and the practical difficulties involved). (A) Arguments for including caste in census - a) Caste is a very important variable in contemporary Indian society, hence there are social and scientific reasons why data on it are valuable for their own sake. - b) Caste data will help track long-term shifts in the morphology of the system and of individual castes. - c) Recent legislations mandating various types of reservation for the OBCs make caste data essential (for drawing up fresh lists of OBCs, admission/deletion of OBCs, identification/revision of creamy-layer criteria, fixing quotas within quotas, etc). These arguments have become more relevant given today’s context: an empowered NCBC, a committee looking into sub-categorization of OBCs, and the reservation for the economically weaker sections in society which has recently come to effect.) (B) Arguments against including caste in census - a) It will intensify divisive caste identities, conflict and violence. - b) Quality of data generated may be questionable. - c) The involvement of the State in the whole exercise is not advisable, since, many a time, caste data has been compromised by partisan politics. A “people’s census”, where communities would gather data on themselves, would be an alternative. (C) Practical difficulties in caste enumeration - a) Sheer variety of caste names and problems of aggregation, state-wise and at the national level. Around 86 per cent of caste groups can claim only local (state-level) presence. - b) Since tabulation of the huge caste data may take years, its availability/utility for research and action before it becomes obsolete/outdated is doubtful. - c) Possible constitutional-legal problems in enumeration cannot be ruled out. For example, Article 15.1 of the Constitution prohibiting the State from discriminating against citizens on the basis of “religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them” may be invoked. This was not possible during the 1931 Census, which was managed by the colonial British administration. SECC: a costly, fruitless and fraudulent exercise The SECC was conducted between 2011 and 2013 as part of the Ministry of Rural Development’s survey of socio-economic status of households, for which nearly Rs 4,900 crore was spent. In 2015, an expert committee was set up under the then vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, Arvind Panagaria, to decide on the classification of the SECC data. All data from SECC, barring caste numbers, was put in the public domain in 2016. In July 2017, the government told Parliament that the raw caste data from SECC had been given to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, which was to form the expert group for classification of data. One problem with the SECC data, cited by the experts, was that it had thrown up 46 lakh caste, sub-caste, clan names and so on, rendering their categorization a herculean task. To avoid this problem, enumerators in 2021 would have to be approach households with a pre-decided list of castes. This author proposes development of a master list of castes and exploring the scope of the blockchain technology in caste enumeration, data tabulation, classification, and aggregation. Towards a solution Without a caste count in the Census 2021, the government would not be able to substantiate its claim of “sabka vikas” or inclusive development. We should understand that counting caste numbers would serve no purpose in itself. What is important is crafting of proper policies and their sincere implementation bsed on the numbers, observes Prem Kumar Mani (https://www.forwardpress.in/2015/12/policies-matter-more-than-a-caste-census/ ). The OBCs don’t have a voice. They are not united. They themselves don’t know what social justice means, according to Justice Eshwaraiah, former chairman NCBC (https://www.forwardpress.in/2018/05/justice-v-eshwaraiah-is-for-a-caste-census-in-2021/). If the representation and empowerment of OBCs is to be achieved through reservation, data on their socio-economic and educational status is crucial. Recently, a parliamentary committee on OBCs found that a reduced allocation of funds over the period 2014-17 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has adversely affected the economic and educational progress of OBCs. The committee also proposed a separate department for OBCs under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; some states like Kerala already have separate OBC development departments. The problems that the government has faced in collecting and analyzing caste data could be tackled as follows: - Development of a structured national/master table of caste names (including those appearing in State and Central OBC lists) through a combined effort of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Anthropological Survey of India, and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya Bhopal. Such a list can be used simultaneously countrywide on the actual enumeration day. - “Blockchain” technology – involving a decentralized digital ledger which can be used to make entries across many computers – though still in an evolving stage, should be put to use in the development of a master table of castes in India, and also in the collection, classification and aggregation of caste data. The lame excuse given recently that multiplicity of caste and sub-caste names would make scientific collection of date impossible is not befitting a government that boasts of using world-class information and communications technology in governance and delivery of public services. Forward Press also publishes books on Bahujan issues. Forward Press Books sheds light on the widespread problems as well as the finer aspects of Bahujan (Dalit, OBC, Adivasi, Nomadic, Pasmanda) society, culture, literature and politics. Contact us for a list of FP Books’ titles and to order. Mobile: +917827427311, Email: email@example.com)	0.948692	2,070
NEW YORK - British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic. The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done. “Help is on its way,'' British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring. “We now have a vaccine. We're the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we've got to hold on, we've got to hold our resolve," he said. Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc. British regulators also are considering another shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,'' and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine. Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year. A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot. Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.” “We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement. While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses" by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine. One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world. Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says. “Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months," the company said in a statement. The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.” Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing. The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot. Get breaking news alerts in the FOX5NY News app. Download for FREE! “This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press. The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections. Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts. The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.	0.964833	1,116
When we recommend direct mail as a tactic to include in a client’s marketing campaign, we often get surprised reactions. However, the results we get from our direct mail campaigns quickly change their minds. If you’re one of the people who thinks direct mail is old fashioned, it’s time for you to think again. Year over year, direct mail has increased its effectiveness. In 2018, direct-mail response rates increased to 4.9 percent for prospect lists (contacts with whom the marketer had no existing direct relationship) and a whopping 9 percent for house lists (contacts with whom the marketer had an existing relationship), per the ANA/DMA Response Rate Report 2018. This makes direct mail one of the highest performing marketing tactics by response rate—a rate far higher than digital options, including e-mail, paid search and display advertising, and social media. Further, people who receive direct mail have an incredibly high rate of brand recall—which makes direct mail a must-do tactic for companies that have brand awareness as a marketing goal. Compared to digital-ad recipients, who remembered brands 44 percent of the time, people who received direct mail recalled the brand 75 percent of the time. When someone receives a piece of direct mail, she has far less distraction than she will have when seeing a digital ad on any platform. She’s more likely to see the brand and the message and read the text than she will for an ad delivered by phone or desktop computer. Therefore, she’ll focus on the offer in front of her in that moment, even if she decides it doesn’t suit her needs right then. If you’ve targeted your ads correctly, your offer will suit her needs in the future—and when the time comes, she’ll remember your brand. The level of focus direct mail receives over most other options means that direct mail has importance for your marketing plan when you want your target audience to truly absorb your key marketing messages—and especially if these messages take some attention to fully sink in. Also, the attention people pay to direct mail helps your message stand out from the clutter. If you’re in a crowded market and want your differentiated message to jump out of the mix, direct mail helps. Further, direct mail can make a personal, human appeal like few other media can. If your format your direct mail piece like a letter, a package (maybe even with a gift inside), or a greeting card, you can then craft a message for the format that makes an appeal that no digital ad on a web page ever can. Some target audiences will respond better to direct mail. In some cases, this is due to the personal-outreach characteristics of the direct-mail medium. As mentioned above, direct mail makes it possible to appeal to a person individually and speak to his life and world in a way no other medium can and with his attention captured like no other medium does. In other cases, this is because of the medium’s access to the target audience that other tactics don’t provide. On the business-to-business marketing side, small business owners who personally review all their mail and people who work in jobs that don’t have them sitting at desks daily will receive a direct-mail message when they might not otherwise. Also, these audiences may not have the time or budgets to attend many events and activities, where you might have other nondigital marketing activities planned. On the business-to-consumer marketing side, parents with children at home and people who have jobs that don’t allow them downtime at work to surf the internet or check their personal e-mail may not see digital messages as often as others. A direct mail item sent to their home addresses will reach them when few other things do. Direct mail, even when sent via bulk mail postal rates, has a hefty price tag—and that doesn’t count the cost of printing, stuffing, list building, and creative development. If you want to send something “lumpy,” like a gift in a puffy envelope, your costs only go up. Further, as with all other tactics, you can’t send just one piece of direct mail and expect the tactic to work. You need to do multiple direct mail drops as part of your campaign if you add direct mail to your tactical plan. Oh, and don’t forget your other tactics. As with all marketing tactics, you need to have other tactics in play to complement your direct mail efforts and create the marketing “surround sound” effects that get results. Your direct mail needs to run in coordination with other traditional marketing and digital marketing tactics, from advertising to events to e-mail. If running direct mail means you can only run direct mail, then you should forego it to spread your budget across a more complete suite of marketing tactics. However, if you have the budget to accommodate direct mail in addition to other marketing tactics, you should seriously consider doing it. The sheer cost of the tactic will scare off many of your competitors, meaning that direct mail will give you a rare opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Companies love digital marketing tactics because they seem so easily and directly trackable, especially if you know your way around Google Analytics. With direct mail, you need to be a little more intentional about setting up trackability from the campaign-planning phases, meaning that you must work harder to make it trackable and to actively monitor it after the campaign starts running. Is tracking direct mail possible? Absolutely. Is it easy? We think so. Yet you have no clear-cut way to fall back on assumptions around open rates, as you do with e-mails, or clicks, as you can with e-mails and digital advertisements. Contact FrogDog today for a free consultation! We do not spam. And you can unsubscribe when you want.	0.952283	1,227
Two days ago, Facebook’s popular Instant Messaging (IM) platform WhatsApp hit 1 billion monthly active users. As I join the rest of WhatsApp enthusiasts in celebrating this milestone, I would like to shift the focus a little bit to the relevance of such a phenomenon to the digital finance space in Kenya. Can this growing mammon of mobile-first chat platforms be harnessed to provide financial services and catalyse financial inclusion? Globally, there are a couple of providers that have successfully leveraged IM platforms or Chat – applications with real-time text transmission over the internet – in offering financial services. As a result, subscribers to these IM app based financial platforms are reaping from ensuing benefits such as: seamless on-boarding processes (primarily registration and KYC) and relevance (effortlessly integrated into users’ already digital lifestyles. Today, apps like Whatsapp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, Line, Snapchat, etc, have become a crucial arena for control of the world’s internet services market; powered largely by strong adoption of mobile technology as well as by the fact that IM apps are largely free or when paid for, inexpensive. They are also instant, easy to use, and ubiquitous. Globally, the possibilities are unprecedented; with the market’s rapid growth and a user base expected to expand from over 3.2 billion users in 2015 to over 3.8 billion by end of 2019. In Kenya, the potential market is significant and growing largely due to the surge of young adults that are grown up with smartphones and messaging apps. If you had asked anyone in Kenya about the possibility of sending texts for free just a couple of years ago, you would have been met with an emphatic “never!” response. Today, 26.1 million of the 44.35 million Kenyans are internet, making it the 21st most connected country in the world. Of those, 99.9% access the web via mobile. A recent study, “The Growth of the Smartphone Market in Kenya” employed by Jumia – an online e-commerce store – revealed that social media platforms and instant messaging apps were the most popular smartphone features among 78% of the 576 consumers interviewed. There’s a lot to be wowed about IM platforms’ different use cases. In some countries across Asia and in the US, these apps are already serving purposes beyond mobile messaging. They are an ecosystem offering a glut of additional services all built into the messaging platforms. From peer-to-peer payments, to e-commerce, to integration of mobile payments and online banking customer management portals, gifting features, and marketplaces; the possibilities are as unprecedented as the next user’s financial needs. Some high-profile cases are China’s WeChat and AliPay, Japan’s Line, Korea’s KakaoTalk, US’s SnapChat, just to name a few. Tencent’s WeChat payment tool, Tenpay Wallet, boasts 200 million users with an estimated 200,000 physical stores supporting the feature, including 25,000 supermarkets and 40,000 vending machines across China. Users in countries outside China may not fully appreciate it though as the Wallet is only available in China. Through the wallet, users can: add their bank credit card, send/receive payments, withdraw money to bank accounts, charge mobiles, deposit money to game accounts, make a doctor’s appointment, order a taxi, browse take-away food, or even apply for a mortgage and make investments. Yep! And much more without leaving the WeChat platform. Furthermore, through a recent collaboration with Western Union, WeChat users in the United States can now send money across 200 countries and territories via the company’s WU Connect platform. Another eminent case is SnapChat’s fledgling peer-to-peer payment system called Snapcash, powered by Square. The maximum amount a non-verified user can send per week is $250 while verified users can extend their weekly limits up to $2,500 in most states. Once a Snapchat user has linked their debit card in the app, they can send Snapcash to anyone in their contact list as long as they are at least 18 years old and have a Visa or Mastercard debit card. The recipient then gets a notification and must also link a debit card to their Snapcash account so as to receive the cash. Typically, once the recipient links his/her debit card, funds are directly deposited into their bank account within 1-2 business days. The only security feature that Snapchat has is the requirement to enter your card’s security code before each payment. A third over-the-top player that routs its IM counterparts is Alibaba’s Alipay Wallet. The wallet can be used for both e-commerce purchases and in physical stores and has more than 350 million registered users, more than 289 million of whom are monthly active users. Endeavoring for enhanced financial services Although the World Bank’s 2014 Global Findex study reported that 75 per cent, or, eight out of every 10 Kenyan adults have access to that system- either through a bank or mobile money; it also reported Kenya’s bank account dormancy rates is 21 per cent. Another study by InterMedia, a Washington-based research firm, put the dormancy rated even higher – at 25%. Both studies revealed that accounts remained dormant since users were ditching them for the convenience of mobile money services, the findings of two separate studies show. That’s the whole point of mobile accounts. They work differently than the old-fashioned bank account. People are already using mobile phones in their everyday lives. It therefore only makes sense for a financial services provider to meet users where they already are and find ways to be a part of their everyday lives; instead of struggling to take them someplace else. In other words, expand financial services beyond tech, and into lifestyle apps. This is easily done by very selectively incorporating additional functionalities that meet user needs. IM apps work in an almost similar manner. Only a notch higher. Starting with registration. You don’t have to go anywhere to register. You register it directly from your mobile phone and within a couple seconds, voila! You’re done. Second aspect is on identity management. Most of these IM platforms are not restricted by the ID and Password menace, making them able to reach users in ways that financial institutions never could. WhatsApp for instance, doesn’t call for any ID or password for registration. Snapchat’s only security requirement is the need to enter your card’s security code before each payment. Both Whatsapp and Snapchat have no login or password to remember (as long as you stay logged into the app) and no special software required to use the service. A third area is on the enhanced visibility that provides additional/alternative credit scoring methodologies. That someone doesn’t transact through a bank account doesn’t mean that they don’t transact at all. IM platforms offer alternative additional/alternative credit scoring options. Alibaba for instance, through its micro-finance arm, Alifinance, analyses data from Alipay and its Taobao trading platform to develop credit scoring algorithims used to lend unsecured loans to vendors with at least 3 months of platform trading activity. As at September 2014, Alifinance had provided loans to more than 230,000 vendors with a combined loan portfolio exceeding US$13 billion and an average loan size of US$3,500 to $5,000) on its marketplaces. Although like any other credit scoring tool it’s not 100% fault free, in addition to the usual financial indicators such as revenue growth and transaction data, Alibaba’s credit scoring model uses other non- conventional data sets. Some of these data include: user ratings and purchases, any experiences with poor behaviour and “punishment records” on TaoBao, number of users that rate the seller as a favourite, usage levels and repeat buyers, position/rating of the client in their own industry, changes in rating within industry, etc. How is this relevant for Kenya in terms of Financial Inclusion? If you talk to people in Kenya, they’ll probably tell you something on the lines of: We already have M-PESA… and Airtel Money, and Orange Money… why do we need another financial M-something? Or Kenyans have already signed up their lives to M-PESA so no other platform can make it. Or M-PESA has already taken a monopoly stance – everyone sends money and pays bills via M-PESA. Or we already save through Chamas; bank at KCB, or Coop bank, CBA, or Equity. Or the internet/social media finance model although cool, convenient, and all, will never work in Kenya. And I totally concur with the above sentiments. However, here’s what the naysayers will potentially miss out on: the market in Kenya that hasn’t already taken sides. Teenagers and young adults (niaje wasee!). Kenya’s median population is currently 19.4 years, with more than 60% of the population below the age of 24 (0-14 years: 41.56% (male 9,572,641/female 9,512,607); 15-24 years: 18.66% (male 4,280,499/female 4,289,960). This younger demographic in Kenya extricates itself as the most critical. They grew up with the Internet and mobile phones —or, in some extreme cases, have never known life without them. That makes a difference when it comes to how they relate with the world. Thus, they tend to consume services in a manner somewhat different to the traditional consumer. They tend to embrace lifestyles based on ephemeral trends. They have probably never used either the traditional banking facilities or mobile money services so haven’t yet taken concrete sides on the best bank, the best taxi hailing service, or the best mobile money service. Coupled with a predisposition towards using technology in every facet of life, this disloyalty towards traditional financial services makes them the single largest market for FinTech businesses and innovative start-ups who will care to reach, engage and convert this awfully significant market segment by challenging the incumbents from all angles. Back to the Original Question Can IM platforms be harnessed to provide financial services and catalyse financial inclusion? Yes. But what does this mean? It means a social, digital, and mobile-first approach to service provision; as well as recognizing the importance of building relationships and trust. It also means finding ways to incorporate “their say” in tailoring (and developing) marketing solutions that meet their needs. In December 2015, WeChat Africa announced plans to invest US$3,500,000 in a programme aimed at supporting tech-enabled businesses that have initial market validation and a feasible solution. This initiative will not only provides these business with access to WeChat’s technology platform but also to potential consumers. In other words, enhanced financial services through IM apps is not only a possibility, it also has a huge market opportunity that entrepreneurs with creative and innovative solutions can seize. While it is obvious that in a country such as Kenya with 75% financial access rate the financial inclusion rate has almost been met; it’s now time to shift focus on the quality of the service offerings. Therefore, today’s fintech giants can’t afford to sit on their laurels. That Kenya’s Tenpay or Alipay or Snapcash might come from somewhere other than Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road or Ngong Road is not news. Maybe it won’t even come from the Silicon Savanah at all. This pattern has played itself before. Should’ve won. Could’ve won. Didn’t win. Jack Ma, Alibaba’s founder couldn’t have said it better: “There are two big opportunities in the future financial industry. One is online banking, where all the financial institutions go online; the other is internet finance, which is purely led by outsiders. The financial industry needs spoilers to make a revolution.”	0.947537	2,559
The Fashion Club and the Fashion Design and Retailing Department presented the first annual Spring Fashion Show since 2019 on April 29. After collecting materials, putting together their pieces for the show, and finding the perfect models to wear their garments, it was finally time for students to display all the results of their hard work. Hallie Livengood, a senior fashion design and retailing major, was one of these student designers. Livengood presented a clothing line she called “Ageless,” inspired by children’s designs and patterns. She said her hope was to “to create mature and memorable looks that make people smile. “I believe that fashion should be ageless, and you should be able to wear what you want even if it looks like it's for children or made out of stuffed animals,” she added. One of the jackets was actually made out of stuffed animals. With such a vision, Livengood said her design ethos is centered around making people happy, and designing pieces people will see as “fun.” “Presenting my collection at the fashion show was such a rush, with all the hard work I had been putting in for my portfolio class as well as everything I did outside of class,” Livengood said. “It was just truly satisfying to see it all together on stage with my music. I was definitely nervous about it, but it all went extremely smoothly.” Livengood’s collection won the award for Most Creative for her portfolio class, which she exclaimed was “insane. “I really truly honestly didn't expect it, but it really affirmed that my work is good and that a lot of people see it like that,” she said. “I am beyond proud of myself for fighting through these five years of school despite all the things I've gone through.” Livengood said her models were “absolutely fantastic” and a big reason why her showing went so well. Among her models were Cas Barrett, Jade Kay, Emmerson Harris, Rodrienne Georges, Susanna Krantz, and her younger sister, Shelby Livengood. “They truly were amazing, and I wouldn't change them for the world!” she added. “When it came to selecting models through the model casting, I did it based almost entirely on who was smiling in the pictures even while wearing the masks. I'm glad I did it that way because these people are what made my collection work as well as it did!” The reason Livengood chose smiling models was because she needed them to be happy and comfortable in her garments for them to be represented well. Putting together her collection was a “fun” process, Livengood said. “Over the five years I have been in college, I have collected a lot of children's quilting fabric and other primary color materials. I really love to mix and match patterns and colors, so it was important to me that I would be able to balance these chaotic color mixes well.” Beverly Leino, a junior fashion design and retailing major and publicist of the Fashion Club, helped a lot behind the scenes with the fashion show. Some of her work included making the flyers and invitations. She said the Fashion Club started planning early in the year. She added there were several committees that planned the fashion show, including those who helped the models backstage. “I felt so proud of myself and the eBoard members and all the design students,” Leino said. “The thing I look forward to most about the fashion show is that even though it's a lot of work, it feels amazing to know you did all of that work, and so many people enjoy it. So many designers are proud of themselves.” Leino said the best aspect of the fashion program at FSU is that because it’s a small campus, it’s very easy to make connections and form friendships with professors and other fashion majors. Making connections helped her build her skillset. Odilia Mendez Barrondo, a junior fashion design and retailing major and treasurer of the Fashion Club, modeled for Tyler Williamson, a senior fashion design and retailing major. When a few models dropped out of the show, she stepped up to help Williamson model her garments. “Although we only had three days for her to create a garment from start to finish, the garment came out amazing!” Barrondo said. “It was so much fun and an honor working alongside a very talented designer. I was nervous at first walking the runway, but I enjoyed it and felt confident once I started walking down it.” As treasurer of the fashion club, Barrando helped co-host the show. “I was most excited to see the whole show come together and see everyone's hard work pay off and be shown,” Barrando added.	0.987777	1,038
In December 2019, cancer came out to be the second cause of death according to a major global study done by The Global Burden of Disease just after cardiovascular diseases. And still, there is no cure for it. There are ways of preventing it from spreading when caught in its early stages, otherwise, it’s irreversible. Cancer is usually treated with a combination of treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, for years many different diet strategies have been studied to use as an extra treatment for cancer to help improve the effects of the main treatment. None of them has shown to be particularly effective. Nevertheless, some early research suggests that a very low-carb diet, such as the ketogenic diet, may help reduce cancer spread. The ketogenic diet The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet. In this diet, the intake of carbs is significantly reduced and replaced with fat and protein. This change leads to a metabolic state called ketosis. Once your body is adjusted to this diet, its primary energy is fat instead of carbohydrates. This will cause a substantial increase in the levels of compounds called ketones in your blood. Cutting out carbs will force your body to burn the fat you’ve already stored. This process is called ketosis and usually begins 3 to 4 days after eliminating carbs from your diet. The usual ratio on a keto diet is: 70% of the total calories should be consumed in the form of fat, 20% of the total calories should be consumed in the form of protein, and only 10% of the total calories should be consumed in the form of carbs. Fasting and Intermittent fasting Another way to get to the ketosis state is by fasting. The ketogenic diet mimics the fasting state, wherein the body responds to the lack of glucose by producing ketones for energy. Actually, fasting has been used from remote times as an effective treatment for many medical ailments. Since fasting can produce ketosis, intermittent fasting may be a way to obtain the benefits of ketosis as well. Restricting calories to less than 1000 kcal per day intermittently has also shown some potential benefits for fighting cancer. However, this needs to be supervised by a dietitian specialized in oncology patients. Low-carb diet and cancer Following a low-carb diet such as the keto diet can be beneficial when fighting cancer. Why? Because the ketogenic diet lowers blood sugar, and almost all cancer cells share one common trait; they feed off carbs of blood sugar in order to grow and multiply. By following a ketogenic diet, some of the standard metabolic processes are altered, and your blood sugar levels go way down since the carb intake is quite low. So, basically, what this process does is to “starve” the cancer cells of fuel. In the long term, this “starvation effect” will make the cancer cells grow more slowly, decrease in size, or even die. Ketogenic diets starve tumors by providing the fat and protein that otherwise could not be used by glucose-dependent tumor cells. Another benefit of the ketogenic diet when battling cancer is lowered insulin. This hormone is anabolic, which means that it makes cells grow when it’s present, including cancerous cells. Therefore, if we have lower insulin levels, tumor growth may slow down. Also, increasing ketones helps since cancer cells can’t use them as fuel. Although more research is needed, combining a ketogenic diet with standard chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic options may improve tumor response. However, while there’s the potential that the keto diet could help some types of cancers, it can also harm others. Depending on your type of cancer or cancer treatment, your body may not be able to break down the proteins and fats, which can lead to other digestive problems. This is why it’s important when battling cancer, to talk to your doctor or a dietitian before doing any changes in your diet. Different diet plans work for different people and your doctor or dietitian can help you determine if a diet will help your reach your goals or not. What’s more, during each stage of the treatment and cancer, your nutrition goals should be adjusted. Your dietitian can help you manage your diet to minimize side effects, cope with any new food sensitivities and keep you feeling your best. It’s also important to keep in mind that the keto diet may be one of the options available to you however, it’s not, by any means, a replacement for traditional cancer therapy it’s just an extra. When it comes to a medical condition, we will always preach that you have to work hand in hand with your doctor. When fighting a disease like cancer, it’s best to change, adjust, or try new diets and lifestyle changes when your oncologist recommends it. Some changes may affect negatively your treatment while others can work perfectly well with it. Also, we want to point out that, adopting a ketogenic diet or a low-carb diet is not a substitute for your cancer treatment (whichever it is), it works as a complement to help the treatment and ultimately to help your body recover from the disease.	0.946676	1,093
Tony Hawk’s Purr Skater One summer evening I was sat scrolling online store fronts. Far too hot and bothered to actually decide what to play I found window shopping far more relaxing. On that very evening a trailer burnt on to my retina, that very trailer was ‘Gori Cuddly Carnage’. Neon washed, blood soaked cat on skateboard on unicorn action. Needless to say I was transported to a simpler time where crazy character action games ruled the roost. My other half looked over at me with a quizzical look on her face. “You are not buying this stoner game about cats are you?” Was shortly proposed to me. That short moment of excitement ended and was swiftly forgotten, relationships right? However the universe had greater plans by sending ‘Gori’ right into my lap. However did Gori purr like a nice lap cat or claw my face off? Self indulgent review introductions aside. ‘Gori Cuddly Carnage’ is a single player action adventure game developed by Angry Demon Studio. Released on all current major platforms. Lets get right into things claws first. You play as Gori an extremely cute and cuddly little cat. Riding on the fowl mouthed hoverboard F.R.A.N.K, luckily for younger audiences the ‘effin and jeffin’ is bleeped. They start a journey slicing and dicing through hordes of unicorns after a trip to earth to find a new spaceship to home their AI friend CHIP. During the opening interactions you will quickly know if this games humour is for you. It can be best summarised as a mix of cynicism and toilet humour with a dash of pop culture reference here and there; ever played “Borderlands”? I must admit for myself it totally missed the mark and other than a rogue reference to the 16 bit “Lion King” game I wasn’t laughing, more accurately eye rolling. Furthering the juvenile humour is an upgrade you can unlock very early in the game to unbleep the swearing, this made a lot of dialogue far less amusing. Bearing in mind I’m no prude to a curse word in fact I quite enjoy them. Despite the jokes falling totally flat for me the juxtaposition of adorable and brutal had me locked in from the first kill till the last. I’d be willing to put a bet on that this is the reason most want to play the game. ‘Gori’ hits the absolute money shot with this. The character models are infuriatingly cute or utterly disgusting. How the cute dispatch the disgusting is dripping in gore a giblets from the moment go. Gori doesn’t just look the part on what its going for. The action is extremely responsive, fluid and snappy. It feels incredibly satisfying hacking your way through the hordes that antagonise you. Gori’s main attacks come from F.R.A.N.K who can produce bladed, blunt and ballistic based punishment to your foes. The animations in particular of the hover board manipulating into weaponry so smoothly genuinely add a considerable amount to the great feel of the combat. With “Devil May Cry” system of style points during combos giving you that extra hit of dopamine for kicking some serious ass. F.R.A.N.K is multi use for Gori. Not only does F.R.A.N.K tear unicorns to piles of flesh, F.R.A.N.K also helps Gori traverse the world. The skating mechanics are very similar to “Jet Set Radio”. Using the joy stick to move without any kind of acceleration mechanics of other more sports focused skating games. The only real stunts you can pull off are basic grinds and wall rides. Both stunts are just for traversal or charging your special moves. Parts of Gori’s adventure do turn a bit platform-esqe. Despite the stunts are basic the game forces your to chain them together in fun albeit short sections. The environments Gori grinds and murders through left me feeling rather mixed. The factory and city levels felt a tad bland and uninspired, quite frankly a slog to get through. While on the opposite scale the arcade, carnival and nightmare levels were dripping with creativity and were an utter blast to fight through. It was a shame that most of those environments were in the late game and not more evenly paced through out the game. The progression system in place feels insultingly basic. Kill stuff, get coins, buy things. The upgrades on offer are your standard suite of level 1, 2, 3 of power increase on a particular weapon or ability giving a slight cosmetic change, with nothing more than that to it. Probably the best purchase the game has to offer is different fur for Gori. Now as a cat owner myself buying the black and white fur to make Gori more like my little ball of fluff and pain connected me with Gori more than anything else could. The plot of the game wasn’t really a strong suit. Luckily it wasn’t “Game Of Thrones” level of detail ,as the baffling decision to skip cut scenes if the joy stick was tilted slightly forward for more than a couple of seconds was implemented. The first few times this happened to me I thought the cutscenes were bugged. It was only towards the end of the game I noticed the skip logo appear in cutscenes if the joy stick was some much as budged. With that aside I feel like I could piece together what was actually going on. Without spoiling the game to those who want to experience it, its “Toy Story” but really edgy. Alas we are all here to slice unicorns as a cat riding a skateboard anyway.	0.961182	1,213
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures. As a registered dietitian who loves to stay busy, I’m a big fan of protein powder. Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or meet your nutrition needs, protein powder is where convenience meets necessity. But not all protein products are created equal. Myprotein has earned a prominent reputation in the world of dietary supplements through its quality products and customer service. Myprotein’s Impact Whey Isolate has been a popular protein product over the years, but The Whey may be equally as good. In this Myprotein The Whey review, we’ll share our team’s experience with the protein powder and highlight important product details so you can decide if you want to try it for yourself. We’ll talk about the amount of protein per serving, mixability, flavors, aftertaste, ingredients, and more. Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality. We’ve Got a One-Whey Ticket to an Honest Review Our team of testers is made up of certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, coaches, and athletes who all know the role that nutrition can play in an active lifestyle. The goal of our protein reviews is to help you find the best protein product for your needs. So it’s our mission to provide you with unbiased, evidence-based reviews. We’ve tried Myprotein’s The Whey, and our pros looked at the science behind its formula. You know your body better than anyone else could, so you’re the only one who can decide if The Whey is right for you. But we’re happy to share our experiences and give you the tools to make an informed decision. Myprotein The Whey Pros & Cons - Under $2 a serving - 25g of protein per scoop - 120 calories per scoop - Low in fat and carbohydrates - Reviewers reported strange aftertaste - Contains glutamine, which may cause digestive issues in some people - Contains artificial ingredients A Quick Look at Myprotein The Whey Protein Powder Myprotein is a leading sports nutrition company, offering customers a wide range of products, including protein powder, vitamins, high-protein foods and snacks, and even performance clothing. Founded in 2004 and based in New York City, Myprotein now operates in 70 different countries with the support of its dedicated staff, athletes, and brand ambassadors. Myprotein fuels people all over the world in pursuit of their fitness goals. They pride themselves in their broad selection of products at exceptional value, and they accommodate a range of dietary needs, such as vegan, dairy free, and gluten free. All products are produced in-house, helping cut third-party costs and pass along savings to their customers. Additionally, Myprotein holds a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact where possible. They aim to produce their products sustainably through their zero-to-landfill policy, which ensures that all of their waste ends up in either recycling facilities or refuse-derived fuel. And, of course, quality and safety are of high priority. Myprotein products are sent to Labdoor, a third-party lab, to ensure they meet quality and safety standards and are free from banned substances. Myprotein’s The Whey Protein is no exception. It’s a premium protein blend made with high-quality ingredients low in carbohydrates and fat. Before You Buy - Each serving provides 25 grams of protein; a serving is one scoop. - The whey protein powder is vegetarian-friendly. - Each serving contains just 2 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fat. - The protein powder contains Digezyme, an enzyme blend to aid in digestion. Is Myprotein The Whey Worth It? It’s tough to answer that question with a yes or no. We all need protein, but here are some groups that we think The Whey protein powder would be great for and some that may need to try an alternative: - Athletes who need to prioritize protein intake over other macros. - Athletes on a budget. - Those with weight loss goals. Not recommended for: - Those who follow a vegan diet. - Athletes who rely on protein shakes as their carbohydrate source. - Those sensitive to lactose. Myprotein The Whey Specs Price per serving \| $1.33-$1.83, depending on the size \| Serving size \| One scoop (32 g) \| Flavors \| Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, Coconut Caramel Fudge, Jelly Doughnut \| Calories \| 130 calories \| Protein \| 25 g \| Carbs \| 2 g \| Fats \| 1.5 g \| Third-party tested? \| Yep! \| Experience Using Myprotein The Whey Our testers examined every aspect of Myprotein’s The Whey. We looked at its formula, cost per serving, third-party testing, and potential side effects. Plus, we actually tried the protein powder, so we have some insight into its taste, solubility, and mixability. Price Per Serving This protein powder retails for $79.99 for the largest tub, which is 4.3 lbs. With approximately 60 servings in the container, the price per serving breaks down to $1.33—pretty fair for 25 grams of protein. However, if you go for the smaller tub with about half the servings, the price goes up to $1.83 per serving. There are also single-serve packets available for those who prefer ready-to-serve packs. But at $3.99 per packet, you’re paying a significant upcharge for the added convenience. The Whey is a premium protein blend, combining whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed protein content. It also features Digezyme, a natural enzyme blend specially created to aid digestion and break down protein into amino acids. Each serving of the protein supplement contains 25 grams of protein (with 6 grams BCAAs), 2 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of fat, and zero added sugar. It also has small amounts of vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Taste and Solubility GGR senior editor Nicole Davis, CPT and PN1-NC, gave The Whey a try. Here are her thoughts on taste and solubility: “I tried Chocolate Fudge, and the positive was the solubility—it dissolved completely and was very thin in consistency. I didn’t care for the flavor though—it has an artificial aftertaste that I didn’t enjoy. I could even detect this when I put the powder into a smoothie with other ingredients as well.” While Nicole didn’t think the chocolate fudge flavor was the best tasting protein powder, The Whey is available in many other flavors to try, including coconut caramel fudge, jelly doughnut, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, and vanilla ice cream. Regarding its aftertaste, all flavors are made with acesulfame potassium, a non-nutritive artificial sweetener that’s significantly sweeter than sucralose. Although sweet, it can also have a bitter aftertaste for some people. Whey protein is considered generally safe for most adults, although high doses may cause side effects, such as: - Increased bowel movements - Reduced appetite Myprotein uses high-quality ingredients from the most-trusted suppliers, and products are formulated according to the latest research. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Myprotein ensures they follow strict European and global standards by testing all its products in-house and through third-party lab testing. Myprotein uses detection techniques like advanced near-infrared testing to ensure their products meet all internal and external quality standards, including approval from the Vegetarian and Vegan Societies and the Soil Association. Products are then sent to Labdoor, an independent company that tests and grades sports nutrition products. Myprotein also works with Informed-Sport so customers can shop knowing that their products don’t contain any banned substances, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency. Unfortunately, it’s not clear what precisely the third-party lab tests are for, and the certificates of analysis aren’t available on the website. Comparison to Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Not completely sold on The Whey, but still interested in a low-carb protein blend for post-workout recovery? Optimum Nutrition may have your answer. Its Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder blends whey peptides, whey concentrate, and whey isolate proteins. It also has comparable nutrition stats to The Whey. Each serving of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey contains 24 grams of protein (with 5.5 grams BCAAs), 2 grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of fat. It also has small amounts of potassium and calcium. Additionally, the protein powder costs between $1.06 and $1.55, depending on the number of servings in the container, and is available in 18—yep, you read that right—18 flavors. Choose from flavors like chocolate mint, banana cream, rocky road, and more. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Pros & Cons - Contains research-backed amounts of protein per meal needed to build muscle - Plenty of flavor options - Low in carbs - Free shipping on orders over $75 - Some users say it's overly sweet - Contains artificial flavors - Most flavors contain sucralose If you order The Whey and change your mind, you have 14 days to initiate a return with Myprotein. Then, simply register your return and mail the product back at your expense. Once received, Myprotein will process your refund within 3-5 days. However, if you love the product so much that you want to recommend it to a friend, you can take advantage of Myprotein’s referral program. For every referral that results in a purchase, you get a $20 reward. Ordering Myprotein The Whey The Whey is currently only available through Myprotein. You can choose from three sizes: about 30 servings, about 60 servings, and single-serve packets. Of course, the larger container is the most cost-effective option. First-time customers automatically receive a 5% discount on their purchase, and orders over $60 ship free. And if you’re military personnel or a veteran, Myprotein offers a 45% discount with free shipping on all orders. Most of the reviews on the brand’s website are positive, with The Whey receiving 4.71 out of 5 stars, with 227 reviews at the time of this writing. Many reviewers love the taste and texture: “I love the way this protein tastes! Most have that Whey Protein taste but this just tastes like a chocolate shake. I love drinking protein but I love it, even more, when I enjoy it! I will buy this product again!” -Jesse, verified purchase review from Myprotein’s website. “I don’t usually like protein powder but I love this one. I haven’t been drinking it long so I can’t say much on its effectiveness yet but it’s very smooth (not thick and chalky, more like chocolate milk) after mixing and tastes great. I also use it to make protein baked oats and they’re so good. Just add it after whatever you’re mixing it with and shake well and let it dissolve for like 2 minutes at least so that it can mix.” – Madison, verified purchase review from Myprotein’s website. “Tastes good and mixes well with my protein oatmeal. I like the powdery texture and how it isn’t gritty like others I’ve tried.’“ -Carina, verified purchase review from Myprotein’s website. Final Verdict of Our Myprotein The Whey Review If you’re in the market for a low-carb whey protein powder, Myprotein’s The Whey may be a good choice. With minimal carbohydrate and fat content, The Whey prioritizes protein intake to help build muscle and maximize energy intake. Mix it with water or milk in a shaker bottle, or add it to your favorite smoothie recipe. However, it’s made with artificial sweeteners, so the taste may not be everyone’s cup of tea. - Each serving of The Whey provides 25 grams of protein, and a serving is one scoop. - Each serving provides just 2 grams of carbs. - The Whey is vegetarian-friendly. - It is made with acesulfame potassium, which may give it a bitter aftertaste. - Myprotein sends its products to third-party labs for testing. Myprotein The Whey Rating Myprotein The Whey Is this popular protein powder worth the hype? Find out with our Myprotein The Whey Review. Product Currency: USD Product In-Stock: InStock Myprotein The Whey FAQs Is Myprotein whey high-quality? Yes, Myprotein’s The Whey is a blend of high-quality whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed proteins. Is Myprotein protein powder good quality? Myprotein is known for its quality products. And while The Whey is one of its newer protein powders, customer reviews point to a highly satisfied customer base. What are the side effects of Myprotein whey? The potential side effects of Myprotein’s whey products are the same as any whey protein product. Many side effects revolve around digestion upset, such as increased bowel movements, nausea, bloating, and reduced appetite. However, other side effects can include thirst, acne, and headaches. What is the no. 1 whey protein? The best whey protein is one that meets your nutritional needs without causing GI distress or other unwanted side effects. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Like plenty of fitness enthusiasts, I’m all about training for life. I’m not a professional athlete (I know many of you are shocked by that revelation) and I’m not training for a marathon or Ironman. I want to train in a way that will be useful in real life applications (such as when I fell through my attic and caught myself in a dip).The GORUCK Sandbag hits the nail on the head for a product that makes me feel like I’m functionally training for life. Sandbags make a great addition to home gyms, and the GORUCK bags in particular are very durable and extremely high quality.In this GORUCK Sandbag review, I’ll let you know my thoughts on the ordering process, the aesthetics, and everything in between. At Garage Gym Reviews, I care about giving honest, in-depth reviews on products you want to learn more about. Read more Build god-tier quads when you perform the Sissy squat. The best quad exercise you're not doing, according to a certified personal trainer. Read more Curious about the differences between plant-based protein powder vs whey and whether one is better? We discuss what you need to know about these popular supplements! Read more	0.941782	3,356
Effortlessly manage visitor access and gain full control with extensive tracking and data capabilities. Invite visitors to self-check in, manage and review visitor logs, and track upcoming visits. Effortlessly export visitor data for record-keeping, analysis, or compliance purposes. Join the thousands of companies using Kisi’s cloud-based visitor and access management system Flexible visitor management for modern workplaces Send branded invitations to announced visitors, including access details, date, time, and personalized instructions. Support visitors self check-in, delay access sharing, and automatically remind hosts when access is shared. See all visitors at the door by integrating with your video surveillance. Reduce extensive front desk staffing by empowering clients, partners, vendors, delivery personnel, or potential new hires to self check-in directly through the Kisi platform. Automatically notify hosts when their guests arrive and allow them to send personalized emails with time-restricted QR codes to share temporary access without issuing badges. Streamline your front desk operations Streamline your visitor management process and reduce the need for extensive front desk staffing by automating the visitor check-in process. Gain full control with extensive tracking and data capabilities. Minimize security risks by tracking all visitors in real-time, overseeing lists of past and upcoming visitors, and setting specific access permissions to allow visitors entry only to designated areas during their scheduled visit. Track visitors to swiftly comply with legal and regulatory requirements regarding visitor management to avoid penalties, damage to the business, and loss of reputation. Enable visitors to swiftly check-in upon arrival and keep hosts in the loop with instant email alerts whenever a visitor checks in. Reduce theft by preventing visitors from unauthorized areas and times outside their visit. Easily follow up on security incidents involving visitors. Plan for busy times, allocate staff better, and keep track of resources with seamless visitor management. Reduce extra work while keeping the place safe and well-run. Reduce badge costs and automate and unman your spaces. Invest in a visitor management solution and save operational time and money. Eliminate the need for additional applications to streamline visitor experience. Send personalized, time-restricted QR codes to enable visitors access. Know exactly what to do when you arrive Feel at ease with seamless check-in, even in the places you visit for the first time. Check in directly through the Kisi platform without the need or stress of downloading additional applications. Receive personalized, time-restricted QR codes via email to access only the places you need. Enjoy a seamless visitor experience without having to endure lengthy check-in procedures or remember to return the issued badge. Check in directly through the Kisi platform in seconds whenever you arrive without having to download any additional applications. Unlock the doors you have temporary access to with a single tap on the access link or by scanning the QR code. Unplanned visit to the office? Ring the video intercom or fill in the check-in form so the admin can remotely unlock the door for you. Don’t worry about losing or forgetting to return the visitor badge. The QR code and access link are available via SMS or email. Even with unlimited storage, it's still a hassle to download another app. None are required for access via QR codes or Access links. Support the environment by using mobile access to reduce the unnecessary production of single-use plastic access passes. Maintain a secure environment by swiftly checking in and tracking all visitors in real-time. Review lists of past and upcoming visitors to ensure only authorized individuals are on-site. Minute to share visitor access Enable visitors to enter only the doors they need during specific times in less than a minute with Kisi’s visitor management. Send invitations that include access details, date, time, and instructions. Platform to manage them all From checking in and tracking visitors to granting temporary access privileges and monitoring entrance video footage, Kisi enables comprehensive visitor management from a single dashboard. Leveraging Kisi’s access control, Peachtree Corners pushes the smart city agenda. Discover how this local government manages access with Kisi. Before Kisi, I needed the person to WhatsApp me and let someone in. Badges got lost on a daily basis. I needed remote access that would work for multiple tenants and support 24/7 access - as well as provide clean record tracking for audit purposes. Explore how Doctors of BC, a healthcare non-profit, replaced Lenel with Kisi’s cloud-based access control to gain insightful space utilization data. I was already in the process of trying to get occupancy data aggregated from different sources, and then Kisi came along, and I realized it’s all already there. Read how Kisi and OfficeRnD support Gather in building a stronger, larger, and more dynamic community that increases membership revenue. There is reliability with Kisi, and our members are really excited about it. It accommodates different levels of comfort, and they can use multiple ways to unlock doors. The City of Le Sueur migrated to Kisi to easily manage access to all front doors, lobbies, and recreational areas, for seasonal employees and guests. All of our employees and members have access to Kisi and love it. We will be expanding Kisi across other government locations in the city in the near future due to the ease of adoption our users had. Explore insightful visitor management resources Discover everything you need to know about visitor management and the benefits of implementing a cloud-based system to improve front-desk operations and workplace compliance.	0.919119	1,149
Posted By Jessica Weisman-Pitts Posted on January 22, 2025 The accelerating shift towards renewable energy is a global imperative driven by the urgent need to address climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure sustainable energy for future generations. At the center of this transformation is solar energy, a technology whose potential is being unlocked through strategic government incentives. This in-depth analysis explores the integral role that such incentives play in driving research, development, and the deployment of solar energy innovations. The Landscape of Solar Energy and Government Support Global Growth and Expansion The solar energy sector has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, with global solar power capacity surpassing 760 gigawatts in 2021 (International Energy Agency - IEA). This surge is attributed not only to technological advancements and cost reductions—such as the 82% decline in solar PV electricity costs between 2010 and 2019—but also to the crucial role of supportive policy frameworks (IRENA Renewable Energy Costs). As governments worldwide turn their attention to clean energy solutions, direct incentives like the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in the United States have provided necessary financial backing to solar energy developers. Offering a 26% tax credit for solar installations, the ITC has significantly accelerated solar deployment since its introduction in 2006, growing capacity by over 10,000% (Solar Energy Industries Association - SEIA). Incentives Paving the Way for Innovation Beyond tax credits, governments employ a variety of incentive structures that drive solar innovation. Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are designed to promote longer-term market stability by guaranteeing prices for renewable energy production and requiring utilities to source a portion of their electricity from renewable sources. These policies underpin financial confidence, fostering a conducive environment for investment and encouraging the entry of new players into the market. Additionally, green bonds have emerged as a significant mechanism for attracting capital into large-scale solar projects, further facilitating their development and integration (Climate Bonds Initiative). Driving Technological Advancements and Innovation R&D Fueling Solar Breakthroughs Government incentives not only stimulate deployment but also catalyze research and development efforts. From quantum dot solar cells, which promise efficiency improvements by capturing a broader spectrum of solar energy, to bifacial solar panels that capture sunlight on both sides, government-backed R&D is crucial for technological breakthroughs. Perovskite solar cells, known for their cost-effectiveness and versatility, have been developed in part due to government funding, highlighting the pivotal role of public investment in advancing promising technologies (Nature Energy Journal). Moreover, innovations such as integrated solar solutions—where solar cells are incorporated into urban architecture—showcase the diversity of applications supported by these incentives (Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems). Enhancing Grid Integration and Storage The integration of solar energy into existing power grids is essential for maximizing its potential. Government incentives are critical in supporting smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions, addressing the intermittency challenge of solar power and facilitating its alignment with base-load demands. Advanced inverter technology funded through government programs enhances the efficiency of converting solar energy to consumable electricity, while AI-driven tools improve solar energy forecasting, ensuring better grid management and stability (Sandia National Laboratories). The Economic and Environmental Imperatives Job Creation and Economic Growth Solar energy incentives are not merely about technology—they are substantial economic drivers. In the United States, the solar industry employed over 250,000 workers in 2021, indicating the sector's role in job creation and economic vitality (The Solar Foundation - National Solar Jobs Census). By fostering a robust domestic solar supply chain, incentives enable regions to capitalize on renewable industries' growth, spurring local economies and reducing energy import dependency (International Energy Agency - IEA). The environmental benefits of solar power are manifold. Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar energy reduces carbon emissions, contributing significantly to fulfilling climate commitments like the Paris Agreement (United Nations Climate Change). Furthermore, by improving air quality and reducing reliance on coal and natural gas, solar power supports public health outcomes, lowering the incidence of pollution-related illnesses among populations (World Health Organization - WHO). Challenges and Opportunities in Policy Innovation Addressing Incentive Design and Implementation While government incentives are indispensable, the challenge remains to balance them with market forces. Ensuring policy stability and predictability sustains investor confidence and market integrity. Policymakers must focus on evolving incentives to reflect technological advances and cost trajectories without causing market distortions. Regulatory frameworks must also streamline permitting processes and make compliance measures more efficient. By reducing administrative barriers, incentives can effectively accelerate solar project implementation timelines and reduce associated costs (Solar Energy Industries Association - SEIA). Strategic Growth and Future Directions Spearheading Global Collaboration and Technology Transfer Global cooperation holds immense potential for accelerating solar innovation and deployment. Cross-border partnerships enable technology transfer, shared knowledge, and coordinated policy efforts, which are pivotal in scaling renewable energy adoption globally. Such collaboration is particularly beneficial for emerging markets seeking to harness solar power's transformative potential. Fostering Sustainable and Resilient Energy Systems To maximize solar energy's viability, investments in hybrid and distributed energy systems are crucial. Government incentives for initiatives that integrate solar with other renewable sources, such as wind and hydropower, can optimize resource utilization and build resilience. Encouraging microgrid deployment and energy storage capacity ensures continued power availability and robustness against natural and geopolitical disruptions. Promoting Public Awareness and Workforce Training Increased public engagement and workforce training are vital for sustaining solar sector growth. Education campaigns can inform consumers about the benefits of solar energy and available incentives, fostering adoption. Training programs aimed at equipping workers with the necessary skills to support solar industries can stimulate economic development and fill employment needs. As the world races to confront climate change and transition to sustainable energy paradigms, the power of government incentives is undeniable. Through strategic investment and policy frameworks, these incentives not only drive technological advances but also create far-reaching economic, environmental, and social benefits. By embracing future-oriented approaches and fostering global partnerships, the solar sector stands at the threshold of transformative growth, poised to lead the charge towards a cleaner, more resilient future. Guided by robust government incentives and forward-thinking policies, the future of solar energy glows brightly on the horizon. These incentives serve as powerful catalysts for innovation, driving breakthroughs that not only enhance efficiency and reduce costs but also integrate seamlessly into broader energy systems. As nations strive to meet ambitious climate goals, the strategic transformation of solar energy from a niche market to a mainstream powerhouse sets an example for sustainable growth and resilience. With ongoing collaboration between governments, industries, and communities, the journey towards a cleaner and more equitable energy landscape accelerates. By prioritizing solar innovation and extending its reach across the globe, we can secure a sustainable legacy for future generations and truly harness the immense potential of our most abundant resource—the sun.	0.902054	1,416
Goethe-Institut does not currently offer German language exams in Finland. The resumption of exam offerings is planned for 2026. However, if you would like to take a German exam at Goethe-Institut this year, please contact the nearest institute. Are you interested in attending a German exam and need more information? Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible. Our German Examinations Transparent, standardized, internationally recognized The German exams can be taken in Germany and worldwide at our Goethe-Institutes and exam partners. The exams are administered and evaluated according to uniform standards. - Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 (for children and young people, recommended ages 10 and above) - Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 (for adults, recommended ages 16 and above) By passing the A1 exam, candidates prove that they… - can interact in a simple way and introduce themselves, as well as answer basic questions about personal information and fall back on gestures; - can use known, mundane and commonly used phrases and simple sentences (e.g., information about themselves and their family, about shopping, work/school, their living situation): - understand short, basic conversations in everyday situations if the interlocutor/s speaks slowly and clearly. - Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch (for young people, recommended ages 12 and above) - Goethe-Zertifikat A2 (for adults, recommended ages 16 and above) By passing the A2 exam, candidates prove that they… - can use and understand commonly used expressions and phrases in everyday situations; - can participate in basic, routine communication if it is about familiar and common topics like their origin and education, the immediate environment and needs; - can extract the main information from short texts with frequent vocabulary (simple newspaper articles, advertisements or notice boards). The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 comprises listening, reading, writing and speaking modules, which can be taken individually or combined. The exam offers full flexibility thanks to its modular structure. By passing the B1 exam, candidates prove that they… - can understand the main information if clear standard language is spoken and the conversation is about everyday topics like work, school or leisure; - can express themselves in a simple, structured and addressee-specific way about known topics, personal interests and experiences, dreams and goals, as well as give reasons and explanations; - can understand uncomplicated non-fiction texts about their interests and their own field. The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 comprises listening, reading, writing and speaking modules, which can be taken individually or combined. The exam offers full flexibility thanks to its modular structure. By passing the B2 exam, candidates prove that they… - can understand the main information in complex texts about concrete and abstract topics and professional discussion in their field; - can communicate spontaneously and fluently so that regular interaction with another German speaker is possible without strain on either party; - can express themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, explain a position on a current question and specify the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities. The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 comprises listening, reading, writing and speaking modules, which can be taken individually or combined. The exam offers full flexibility thanks to its modular structure. By passing the C1 exam, candidates prove that they… - can use the German language flexibly and effectively in private, public, academic and professional contexts; - can understand challenging and long texts and their implicit meaning even if the topic is not familiar; - can communicate spontaneously and fluently and argue a position. The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 comprises listening, reading, writing and speaking modules, which can be taken individually or combined. The exam offers full flexibility thanks to its modular structure. In the second part of the writing module, candidates may choose a literature-related topic. These exercises are being created in collaboration with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. By passing the exam, candidates prove that they… - can summarize information from different written and oral sources and reproduce justifications and explanations coherently; - can communicate fluently, spontaneously and precisely and make differentiated meanings clearly; - can understand practically everything they read or hear in German without any effort. In Germany, the Federal States recognize the C2 exam as proof of language proficiency as part of the teaching qualification (“Lehramtsqualifikation”). Further information is given by the recognizing bodies in the respective federal state, such as the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, the Office for Teacher Training, the District Council or the Senate Committee. The Goethe-Test PRO can be implemented as a B2B product directly at a company on site. For further information, please reach out to email@example.com. The Goethe-Test PRO: German for Professionals has been conducted at the Goethe-Institut's examination centres and with corporate clients worldwide since April 2017. It is designed as an adaptive online test and assesses listening and reading competence in the workplace at levels A1-C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In this study, the psychometric quality of the Goethe-Test PRO was analysed with regard to various measures on the basis of test data from N = 5,636 test subjects from 17 countries. The Goethe-Test PRO delivers reliable test results with a reliability of > .9. The psychometric properties of the test are similar in different countries in which the Goethe-Test PRO is administered.	0.93197	1,214
Pension Policies: Addressing the reduction in Spousal – benefits upon the demise of a Pensioner: BPS AGM Resolutions No12 adopted by the 68th BPS AGM held at Delhi on 18.11.2023 BHARAT PENSIONERS’ SAMAJ (All India Federation of Pensioners’ Associations) (Registered Na. 2023 of 1962-63) Recognised by GOI-DOP&PW Associate NGO International Federation on Ageing. Tornto (Canada) 2/13-A- LGF Backside, Jangpura – ‘A’, New Delhi – 110014 Mobile : 09868488199 / 088604 12898 - The Secretary, GOI M/O Personnel, AR, PG & Pensions - The Secretary, GOI M/O Law and Justice-DLA - The Secretary, DOE-M/O Finance - The Secretary, M/O Railway-Railway Board Subject: Pension Policies: Addressing the reduction in Spousal – benefits upon the demise of a Pensioner. Resolutions No12 adopted by the 68th BPS AGM held at Delhi on 18.11.2023 On the death of a pensioner spouse’s family pension should not reduce:- Family pension is social security provided to the family of the deceased government servant which is linked to the pay/pension of the deceased employees/pensioner which, as per extant instructions, 1s payable at 30% of the notional pay of the deceased which means 40% cut in the family budget abruptly on the demise of the pensioner. This sudden and deep cut in income makes life miserable especially in the lower rung since there is some fixed cost of establishments such as housing, water, electricity, and LPG etc. On which expenses can’t be curtailed because the number of family members fell short by one. Considering the above hardship of the family of the deceased pensioner, the Vth CPC in para 134.14 of their report observed that “‘It is one of the fundamental tenets of a social security scheme that the beneficiary should have the assurance that in the event of his death, his widow and children would have the necessary where-with-all to live in reasonable comfort. The death of a pensioner often brings not just emotional turmoil but also financial instability, particularly when the family pension undergoes a substantial reduction. Currently, the family pension is structured to provide 30% of the notional pay of the deceased, translating into a significant 40% decrease in the family’s financial resources. This this reduction need for policy reform to better support the families of deceased pensioners, especially those from lower income brackets. Family pension serves as a critical social security measure for the dependents of deceased government employees and pensioners. However, the existing framework mandates a reduction to 30% of the pensioner’s notional pay after their demise. This abrupt financial cut deeply impacts the family’s budget and ability to maintain essential living standards. For families, particularly in the lower economic strata, the costs of basic necessities like housing, utilities etc, do not decrease proportionally with the reduction of the number of family members by one. The sudden loss of 40% of their income can, therefore, have a devastating effect, leaving them struggling to cover these fixed expenses. The Vth CPC, in para 134.14 of their report, highlighted a fundamental principle of social security: the assurance that in the event of a beneficiary’s death, the surviving dependents, particularly the widow and children, should have sufficient means to live in reasonable comfort. This observation underscores the need to revisit the existing pension policies to ensure they align with the principles of social security and financial stability for bereaved families. In light of these considerations, it becomes imperative to reevaluate the family pension scheme. One potential reform could be to maintain the pension at the pre-demise level, or at least significantly reduce the extent of the cut. This change would provide much-needed financial support to families, helping them to manage their expenses without drastic alterations to their standard of living. The current structure of the family pension, with its substantial reduction following the pensioner’s death, poses severe financial challenges for families. Aligning the family pension scheme more closely with the principles of social security, as articulated by the Vth CPC, is not just a matter of policy reform but also a step towards compassion and empathy for those left behind. Ensuring that families of deceased pensioners can maintain a reasonable standard of living is a responsibility that extends beyond mere financial considerations, reflecting the values of a caring and supportive society. This 68th AGM of Bharat Pensioners Samaj therefore urge the Government to take immediate action to set right the family pension policy in view of the narration in the foregoing Para. Secy Genl. Bharat Pensioners Samaj	0.94153	1,029
It takes 0.05 seconds for a potential customer to form an opinion about your website. Yup. Your website is subject to snap judgments that instantly influence the perception of credibility. And do you know what? Users don’t tolerate bad websites. In fact, 57 percent of users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website on mobile. Quite simply, you’re losing money if your website doesn’t measure up. On the flip side, you create an impressive website that generates leads and sales. The secret sauce? Allocate enough money to your website’s design. Well, according to stats, most small businesses cough $2,000 to 10,000 on average to build a website. These figures aren’t cast in stone, though. The average cost of a website primarily depends on the site’s features. The more the features, the more money you’ll end up spending. So, are you ready to know how much business owners pay to build their websites? Let’s get cracking. In this post, you’ll learn the following: What determines the cost of designing a website? Which is better — using a website builder or hiring a web design company like Growth Generators? What are the ongoing costs to keep your website up and running? For starters, a domain name is your website’s name. For example, GrowthGenerators’s domain name is growth-generators.com When looking for a domain name, it would be best to go with one that matches your business’ name as much as possible. You can also buy a domain name from a domain registrar like HostGator, GoDaddy, WPX, or Dreamhost. What happens when the domain name identical to your business is taken? You can decide to buy the name, but it’ll cost you more. Our advice is to look for an alternative to help you save some money. Of course, you can use the saved dime to hire a professional web designer. How about that! Website hosting ($24 – $120 / year) Hosting allows you to showcase your website to the world. A hosting service offers the infrastructure to create and maintain a website, making it accessible to your audience. There are several types of hosting — shared, cloud, dedicated, and virtual private server (VPS). The type of hosting plan you go with depends on your budget and needs. As a startup, you can opt for shared hosting, which costs $24 to $120 per year. As the name suggests, shared hosting involves sharing servers with other users. Of course, you can upgrade to a dedicated hosting plan as your business grows. Hosting costs for a dedicated plan are relatively high, but on the flip side, you don’t share server resources with other websites. SSL certificate ($0 – $1500 / year) SSL is an acronym for Secure Socket Layer (SSL). It protects your site and user’s data. All sites, from small to cooperate websites, require an SSL. First off, an SSL signals security. In essence, this means that a user can trust your website. Potential customers buy from websites they can trust. Some web hosting providers also give SSL certificates irrespective of your type of hosting. Still, you need to buy an SSL certificate, especially if you’re running large corporate websites with lots of traffic. The average cost of an SSL certificate is about $1,500 per year. Design ($2000 – $15,000) Design costs vary depending on several factors. Some business owners prefer a no-frills, simple website, while others opt for a custom design with premium features. Customized websites cost more. A site with additional features requires that you hire a professional web designer. You may also need a design template that allows the website to accommodate all the features you need. A custom design may require investing in premium tools to help you create a homepage optimized to offer a stellar user experience or a product page that drives sales. Hiring a freelance web designer can cost $2,000 to $15,000. Additionally, it is vital to ask your web designer about their charges. An experienced professional designer will tell you if your website needs extra features from the get-go or whether you can include them later. Number of pages ($1000 – $5000) All websites aren’t the same. Corporate websites or ecommerce sites may have many pages compared to a small, service-based startup. Of course, it takes more time to build such websites, even when the pages have the same design templates. While a premade template may make work easier, the designer needs to install a premium theme, get premium plugins, upload images and copy the pages. Your designer will also take time, which takes time and, by extension, increases the average cost. The cost is even higher if your website requires advanced features like payment gateways. Overall, a website with 1 to 50 pages can cost an average of $1,000 to 5,000. The cost is higher for a custom-built website with more pages. Functionality ($2000 – $25,000) A website’s functionality includes several essential features, like payment gateways. A payment gateway allows your site to receive payments. If you’re running an ecommerce website, for instance, you must provide a convenient way to allow customers to pay online. A website that requires advanced functionalities or security features can cost you $2,000 to 25,000. Also, if you’re running a small business, the functionality costs will fall on the lower end. Inversely, corporate websites that require robust payment systems cost more. If you’d like us to give you an estimate of the creation cost for your site, contact our professional web designer for a quick chat. CMS ($2000 – $25,000) A good CMS allows you to create, manage and update your site with custom code. On top of that, you can edit your website easily with a platform like WordPress. Price ranges for a good CMS platform fall between $2,000 and $25,000. Still, the amount of money you invest in a CMS depends on your preferred platform and the level of customization that you need. If your web designer needs to spend plenty of time getting your custom-build website up and running, you’ll want a CMS that allows as much customization as possible. Other factors that determine the cost of building a website include: The number of premium plugins on your site Whether you’re using a premium theme or a free one If your web designer is charging hourly rates or by project Maintenance costs — extra cost depends on whether your site requires regular maintenance	0.931932	1,430
Hey there, skincare aficionados! Today, let’s discuss the most trending powerhouse ingredient that does great things to your skin when used in the right way with the right ingredient. It’s none other than Salicylic Acid lotion! Acne and frequent breakouts are extremely relatable where the person tends to struggle with the same, obviously, that erupts at the wrong time in your life. Salicylic Acid lotion is one solid ingredient that our skin would quench, to fight tough skin problems like acne, breakouts, blemishes, etc. For those who are not familiar with this ingredient, the fact is Salicylic Acid barely fits into the job on its own; it plays brilliantly when combined with other skincare ingredients. It forms a dream team product for your everyday skincare routine. Let us dive into the miraculous benefits of combining Salicylic Acid lotion with other skincare ingredients to outstretch its horizons and versatility further. Best Skincare Ingredients to Combine With Salicylic Acid Lotion First, let’s talk about every girl’s favorite – Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid is best known to lift your skin’s life where it gets more plump, dewy, and oh-so-hydrated. By simply pairing this hydrating ingredient with Salicylic Acid lotion, you get the best of both worlds – hydrator and acne-fighter. For this, simply apply a pea-sized amount of your Hyaluronic Acid toner first to lock in moisture, then follow up with your Salicylic Acid lotion for clear skin, and radiant skin. Next on our list is Niacinamide, a.k.a Vitamin B3 Niacinamide acts like a Swiss army knife, it flawlessly does everything great on your skin right from reducing inflammation to minimizing pore appearance. When used in combination with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide helps soothe possible potential irritation while targeting those pesky breakouts. It’s truly like a match made in heaven of skincare! Now, let’s talk about something that everyone is talking about – Antioxidants Vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and resveratrol the some of the powerful antioxidant-based ingredients that help protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and UV damage. Antioxidants when combined with Salicylic Acid lotion, help boost its efficacy and add a layer of protection against free radicals. It’s no less than a win-win situation with this skincare combination! Let’s not forget about Exfoliation The salicylic Acid lotion is popular for its world-class exfoliating properties, but when paired with gentle ingredients like Aloe Vera, you can achieve smoother, moisturized, and more radiant skin without spoiling skin. Next would be Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Glycolic Acid (AHA) have opposite roles to play but together they can turn into a powerful combo. Salicylic Acid has the ability to penetrate deep into pores, unclogging them and banishing pesky blemishes while Glycolic Acid exfoliates to diffuse dead skin cells. Hence, together these ingredients penetrate through the sebum that clogs your pores to perfectly target and tackle both acne and surface imperfections. Buy Healing Pharma’s Acnetop S Facewash with Salicylic Acid 1% & Glycolic Acid 2% for superior results which is available online at FLAT 40% OFF. Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about Sunscreen Although Sunscreen is not an ingredient, there’s a reason why it’s there on our list. Salicylic Acid lotion can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Hence, it is crucial to wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re spending most of your time under the roof. Consider getting on board Healing Pharma’s Sunroof Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 and apply it as the last step in your everyday skincare routine. Now that you are wonderfully guided with the best combination of Salicylic Acid lotion and other skincare ingredients, it is totally up to you to decide, what results you are looking for! Whether you’re battling acne, looking to minimize pores, or just want to achieve that coveted dewy glow, incorporating Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Face wash into your skincare routine can work wonders Kick off your routine with the best Salicylic Acid range online from www.tafrepa.com! Right now, they’re offering a flat 40% off – a deal you don’t want to miss! So go ahead, treat yourself to some skincare goodness, and say hello to your healthiest, happiest skin yet.	0.901662	1,038
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery: Conservation-minded with earth-friendly practices but no certified organic wines When most people ask for a splash of red, they don’t expect it to wind up on the wall. Jim Wyse, founder and owner of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, remembers his early attempts to make wine at home for personal use: “We had sixteen bottles on a rack in the dining room. My wife and I heard a loud ‘Bang! Bang! Bang!’ The bottles were exploding.” Thankfully for B.C. wine-lovers, Wyse has honed his technique considerably since decades past, when anyone, he says, with “a kit and a paper-lined wastepaper basket” could make wine. And he’s added a lot more green, so to speak, to his commercial reds: his environmental initiatives range from solar heating and biodiesel fuel to mulching all organic waste and recycling grape skins and seeds as compost. Today, Wyse is the patriarch of a family-run winery in Oliver, BC, which produces 11 varieties of wines from vineyards in Osoyoos and Keremeos. He started growing grapes in the Okanagan 20 years ago as part of a mid-life career change. Since then, the former engineer and real-estate developer has maintained earth-friendly policies as core principles of the company, which currently employs 135 people. (Wyse now calls himself “the ambassador and odd-job guy”; for the past five years, son Chris has served as president.) Vineyard reflects eco-friendly practices The vineyard and farming practices most visibly reflect the company’s environmental awareness. An upgraded irrigation system, which converted all sprinklers to drip irrigation, includes fertilizer in the drip, which eliminates the use of tractors for this purpose, Wyse says. It also promotes water conservation and energy efficiency. The company’s six tractors run on biodiesel fuel, which burns more cleanly than fossil fuels. Solar-powered water probes, using wireless technology, test soil and report the vines’ watering needs, ensuring that water usage is provided only as needed. Burrowing Owl’s alternative pest-control systems use natural predators against harmful insects. For example, the company protects spider habitat by not regularly cutting cover crops between the vine rows. Barriers protect the ground nests of birds such as meadowlarks to avoid their inadvertent destruction by farm machinery or vineyard workers. Bluebird boxes and bat nursery boxes are used to attract these insect-eaters. Burrowing Owl’s website states that “environmentally safe, biodegradable fertilizers and chemicals” are used as sprays. When asked which ones they are, Wyse said he didn’t know. Burrowing Owl won’t go certified organic A company competitor, Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, was the first winery in British Columbia to make wine from certified B.C. organic grapes. Ezra Cipes, Summerhill’s CEO, has said he would like to see every winery in the Okanagan Valley convert to a certified organic operation. Will Burrowing Owl make the change? “It’s not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer,” Wyse says. “We certainly respect the goals and philosophy of the organic movement. We ascribe to, and do, a large percentage of the organic viticultural procedures and methods, but feel there are still some challenges in the vineyard that are best dealt with inorganically. But who knows? Maybe one day, if the resulting wines are at least the same or perhaps improved, we will make the change.” Burrowing Owl’s wines have won gold medals and best-of-class recognition in global competitions; most recently, their 2011 Syrah picked up a gold and best of class at the L.A. International Wine Competition. The company name reflects Wyse’s conservation concerns. For years, he has supported the endangered burrowing owl in British Columbia and the captive breeding program that has tried to re-establish these birds in the Okanagan. The birds, once bred, are now released in both the South Okanagan and the Nicola Valley. Yet, despite a volunteer effort to dig more burrows each year for these small birds, their growth has not remained sustainable, Wyse says. To help ensure the future of these birds, Wyse’s winery sends all monies, earned through its three-dollar tasting fee in the tasting room, to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of B.C. for its captive release program and to the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO). Every year, the wine shop alone raises almost $80,000 for these two organizations. Sustainable principles guide building and restaurant operation Burrowing Owl’s restaurant is a member of Ocean Wise, a conservation program run by the Vancouver Aquarium that promotes sustainable seafood. The chef uses custom-grown produce from organic growers in the winery’s immediate area, including five colours of tomatoes. “It’s fabulous,” Wyse says. Wyse’s eco-vision for Burrowing Owl started with the winery building, which sits on 78 hectares (192 acres) with a guest house and restaurant. Most of the production and storage facilities were built underground to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. (Wyse does not calculate the business’s carbon footprint as a whole.) The design incorporated a steeply sloping hillside, poorly suited for farming, to maximize the land for wine-related uses. This multi-level plan allows for gravity-flow winemaking, which avoids the use of pumps to move wine through its various stages. The wine is aged in barrels in underground cellars, which require no heating or cooling. Instead, they use ground temperature in the summer and natural warmth during the winter. “We’ve had people copy what we’re doing with underground barrels,” says Wyse. “We were one of the first to use barrels [for wine-making] in the Okanagan Valley.” Eco-friendly building features range from solar panels, low-flush toilets, and low-energy light bulbs to heat exchangers and a geothermal system. The guest house is said to meet or exceed LEED standards. Wyse’s wife Midge runs the guest house and tasting room while daughter Kerri handles product development. Burrowing Owl wines have expanded into Ontario, Wyse says, but there are no plans yet to import or plant any of the new Negroamara grapes he discovered while in southeastern Italy in May. “We are all constantly trying other varieties and investigating new techniques that might be applicable here in the Okanagan. That is a never-ending process in a relatively new industry and wine region.” Now 75, how long does Wyse plan to stay involved in the company? “Forever,” he says. “It’s fun.” September 27, 2014 at 9:25 am Comment (1)	0.958401	1,518
Hedgethink has had the chance to interview Hirander Misra, chairman and CEO of GMEX Group and other innovative projects such as MINDEX and FinComEco. In this two-part interview, we are going to navigate through Hirander Misra’s story, his vision of the world, specially highlighting those aspects regarding crypto and blockchain and how Hirander has applied that into his professional projects, including those trying to make a real impact in millions of people’s life. In the first part, we focused on his personal career and the opportunities and challenges that new disruptive technologies such as crypto and blockchain are facing. And how they are impacting the world right now. In this second one, we are going to try to disclose those projects that Hirander Misra is currently involved with, including GMEX Group, a suite of innovative solutions for the creation & operation of electronic exchanges and post trade infrastructure in securities, FX, derivatives, commodities, crypto & digital tokenised assets; MINDEX, the Mauritius based International Derivatives and Commodities Exchange, which is a full ecosystem for gold and other assets enabled by blockchain technology; and FinComEco, a pan-African agricultural exchange ecosystem. Likewise, we have asked Hirander to share some of his insights about the upcoming future of blockchain, crypto and its impact on the financial industry of tomorrow, with some interesting points at the end. About GMEX Group, MINDEX and FinComEco Question: What are exactly the innovative solutions for the creation & operation of electronic exchanges and post trade infrastructure in securities, FX, derivatives, commodities, crypto & digital tokenised assets that GMEX Group highlights? Answer: GMX group by way of its GMEX Fusion product suite delivers state-of-the-art, digitally enabled hybrid multi-asset trading and post trade solutions for exchanges, clearing-houses and central securities depositories (CSDs) taking advantage of the inherent positive characteristics of both centralised and distributed ledger technology. GMEX Group is well positioned in this area as it was recently deemed a top UK blockchain company in a recently published report by the UK Parliament APPG on Blockchain, together with the Big Innovation Centre, DAG Global and Deep Knowledge Ventures, which outlines the current state of blockchain investment in the UK as well as the considerable ecosystem that has emerged (with 225 blockchain companies across sectors). Institutional investors are increasingly investing in digital assets and require custodians who are able to deliver exchange custody, self-custody or third-party management of their digital asset accounts. The new cryptocurrency and digital asset exchanges are looking to expand liquidity and attract new participants and require custodian partners who are able to scale technology to meet the needs of the institutional market. Additionally, traditional custodians and CSDs need to extend their capabilities to provide custody of digital assets and to bring infrastructure and processes up-to-date and to introduce distributed ledger functionality integrated with existing technology and processes. GMEX Fusion, combining the established GMEX centralised technology with the latest Blockchain technology, is well placed to support either. Q: Could you tell us more about the project MINDEX? A: MINDEX is a full ecosystem domiciled in Mauritius with links to various African ethical gold producing countries, which will provide a regulated exchange, clearing house, refinery, office and digital tokenised gold enabled by: - Trading and clearing technology - Electronic Warehouse Receipts trading, traceability and tracking System (WRS) - Immutable tracing of Gold and other assets - Tamper-Proof records through client and asset blockchain registry In light of the surge associated with digital assets, MINDEX has also incorporated MINDEX Digital Custodian Limited and MINDEX Marketplace Limited to focus on digital assets harnessing blockchain. Having been in financial services for 24 years I can honestly say that the level of change and positive disruptive potential is more now than it has ever been Q: After GMEX and MINDEX, FinComEco describes itself as a fully integrated Financial & Commodities Ecosystem providing services to help improve the livelihoods of Sub Saharan African farmers using blockchain. Could you explain more detailed how the service work? And how do you expect it to improve the quality of life of farmers? A: The aim of FinComEco is to match exchange trading capability, including derivatives, to physical growers. Also to add value through enabling manufacturing, support services and delivery contributing to additional local employment. The initiative allows smallholder farmers to thrive, enabled by best of breed technology, standards and inputs (including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides). This is coupled with a unique Agri-finance business model to solve credit and financing issues underpinned by improvements in logistics and warehousing. FinComEco has already successfully proven this concept in Malawi at the Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa (ACE) through the GMEX Group. During 2016 substantial benefits were delivered to smallholder farmers with an average 31% increase in income from reducing intermediaries, the use of warehouse receipts and better price transparency with 47,000 registered to receive the latest market prices on their mobile phones. This is now being expanded out to multiple African jurisdictions. Present and future, blockchain and crypto reshaping the financial industry Q: Do you think nations and societies are prepared to exponential growth of disruption technologies and the advent of the fourth industrial revolution? A: Having been in financial services for 24 years I can honestly say that the level of change and positive disruptive potential is more now than it has ever been. There is the availability of new technology to enable this from Blockchain, to Big Data, IoT, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, biometric technologies/ cybersecurity solutions and Quantum computing, with a convergence between them. This has and will continue to facilitate new opportunities at an accelerated pace across sectors. As it stands, most nations and societies are not prepared, but some see the vision and are starting to prepare with good work done at government level that translates into policy and regulation, which in turn spurs practical adoption. Jurisdictions that are worth mentioning are Bahrain, Bermuda, Estonia, Gibraltar, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Singapore and UAE to name but a few. A minority subset of society realises the impact that this could have on the way that we live yet others are ambivalent and that is not a concern to me as early adopters will drive change for the masses much like during the internet era. You do not have to learn to build a car to drive one and benefit from it for example. The vision of a totally smart city with smart infrastructure is not too far away. Current smart city projects to a large degree are semi-smart but will become smarter as technology evolves so that the futuristic science fiction movie becomes a reality. Q: How do you think countries and societies are ready for disruptive technologies such as digital money and blockchain? A: Society is already comfortable with electronic payments by card and phone and is increasingly becoming cashless, which will only increase as smartphone usage continues to increase globally. As such digital money as a concept is understandable to many. Blockchain to the masses is still somewhat of a question mark and there is still a general view by many of “it does not matter to me as it has no bearing on my day to day life.” It is seen as some technological development that is far removed. That said, we use technology every day and yet are rarely concerned about the back end as long as it works and does what we need it to. With blockchain if we can make the process more efficient and the plumbing work, then users will adopt it because it enhances what they can do and how they can do it, Going back to the analogy of the car I used earlier, I can enjoy driving a car yet I am rarely concerned by or look at the engine. Q: How will it affect financial services worldwide? A: Blockchain is increasingly seen as a path towards delivering a new industrial revolution – dubbed the 4th Industrial Revolution – by providing a means of trusted communication and exchange that can be publicly verified. The logic behind blockchain is one that is likely to be “as revolutionary as the Internet”. Blockchain is a way of initiating and verifying transactions in a distributed environment. The decentralised record keeping and reporting functionalities promise opportunities in reducing cost, fraud and increasing speed of transactions. With initiatives such as R3CEV and IBM IBP 2.0/ Hyperledger 2.0, leading banks and market infrastructure providers are battling their way for developing blockchain applications, thereby enabling a change in the traditional financial systems. There is no doubt that blockchain will have a transformational impact on the financial services industry. A recent survey of executives and experts by the World Economic Forum predicted that 10% of Global GDP would be stored on blockchain technology by 2027. This based on 2018 amounts to around $USD8.5 trillion. Q: What do you see are the main driving innovation forces today? A: A major factor for innovation in this space is the emergence of permission-less platforms enabled by public blockchain e.g. bitcoin. However, global bankers are looking for more agile, cheaper and faster distributed consensus mechanisms enabled with requisite permissions. This has led to the emergence of a new type of blockchain namely the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Some of the areas where the use of DLT has been practised are trading of shares of private companies, solution for streamlining the process for loan syndication (digital assets holding) and more. Payments and financial inclusion have gained major market attention, while there is a strong case of investing in lending and security biometrics space of Fintech. Attention is also beginning to be placed on robo-advice and bank-in-a-box as new investment avenues. Blockchain is an emerging technology and has a potential for mass market implementation in future. Globally, financial institutions are collaborating with Fintech firms and setting up their own in-house labs for testing blockchain technology Blockchain is increasingly seen as a path towards delivering a new industrial revolution – dubbed the 4th Industrial Revolution Q: What sectors are more likely to be disrupted and changed, let’s say, within 5 years? A: Whilst in most the focus has been on Fintech with some exceptions, we are going to see increasing adoption across other verticals from Islamic finance, pharmaceuticals/ medtech, manufacturing/ robotics, shipping, foodtech, propertytech, agritech/ supply chain, e-commerce/ retail, tourism, digital media/ marketing and gaming. The challenge will be how government driven policy aligned with the private sector ensures a consistent and cohesive approach across such verticals. The likes of Monaco and Malaysia certainly see as an opportunity. Q: Innovation, leadership and being at the end of technology are crucial to success in today’s world. What advice would you give to professionals, startup entrepreneurs trying to break into theses competitive / disruptive markets across the world? A: Entrepreneurs rather than take a build it and they will come approach, should really think about real-world problems which need solving and how new technologies can facilitate this and at the same time give them a revenue stream. There is no point applying new technology to a use case where there is not an inherent problem for the sake of doing so. The business case and its potential to realise a return is important for commercially driven projects as that is what will ultimately drive the valuation and just solely the expectation value. There are too many loss making enterprises in this space, which are overvalued and many during the crypto downturn have been exposed. This has served to weed out the rubbish and the industry will be much better for it as a genuinely productive innovation mindset can be applied going forward. Of course a startup has a road to positive cash flows and in the early stages as well as ongoing, investment in R&D is crucial. Technology evolves fast and it is important to keep pace, however this cannot just be done standalone and organisations can succeed to a greater extent through partnerships and collaboration. In my mind this is the one plus one equals 11 and not 2 making sure we do more with less. On behalf of the editorial team of hedgethink, we would like to thank Hirander Misra for his time and for sharing his expertise and insights with us. Check out here the first part of the interview Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.	0.957475	2,781
Navigating the ins and outs of estate planning can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide aims to help you unravel the complexities of using a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois. Whether you're a beneficiary or an executor of an estate, understanding this legal tool will make your life a lot easier. Contact us by either using the online form or calling us directly at 414-253-8500 to learn more. - What is a Small Estate Affidavit? - Eligibility Criteria for Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois - Choosing Between a Small Estate Affidavit and Other Estate Planning Tools - Legal Implications and Responsibilities - Ancillary Tools and Documents - Illinois-Specific Rules and Variations - Contact an Experienced Small Estate Affidavit Attorney in Illinois - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) A Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document that speeds up the asset distribution process when an individual dies with a small estate. In Illinois, the term "small estate" usually refers to estates with assets totaling $100,000 or less and no real estate involved. This mechanism allows the estate to bypass probate court, which simplifies the procedure. Criteria for Using a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois Before you jump at the idea of using a Small Estate Affidavit, you must meet specific conditions outlined by Illinois state law. Here's a rundown of the key criteria: - Value of the Estate: The estate's total value must not exceed $100,000. - Nature of Assets: The assets should be personal property like bank accounts, stocks, or vehicles. - Timeframe: A minimum of 30 days must have passed since the deceased's death. - No Real Estate: The estate must not include real estate properties. - Wills & Trusts: If a will exists, it must explicitly state that probate is not necessary. Eligibility Factor \| Description \| Estate Value \| Total value must be less than $100,000 \| Type of Assets \| Primarily personal property like bank accounts, stocks, vehicles \| Resident of Illinois \| The deceased must have been a resident of Illinois \| Other Probate Proceedings \| No other probate proceedings should be ongoing \| Waiting Period \| 30-day waiting period after the date of death \| Debts and Liabilities \| Affiant is responsible for settling debts and liabilities \| Notary Public \| Affiant must sign the affidavit in front of a Notary Public \| The eligibility criteria for filing a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois are quite specific, covering aspects like the total value of the estate, types of assets involved, and the absence of other ongoing probate processes. Ensuring compliance with these criteria is crucial for the successful filing and execution of a Small Estate Affidavit. Benefits and Limitations - Speed: One of the most apparent advantages is the time saved by not going through probate. - Cost-Efficiency: Smaller estates generally mean fewer legal fees and associated costs. - Ease of Process: It's a less complex process compared to standard probate, making it more approachable for laypeople. - Limited Asset Value: Applicable only for estates under $100,000 in Illinois. - Personal Property Only: Excludes real estate and certain other types of assets. - State-Specific: Laws and limitations vary from state to state. How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois Filing a Small Estate Affidavit involves a systematic procedure. Below is an overarching view of how to file one in Illinois: - Evaluate the Estate: Ascertain that the estate's value falls under $100,000 and consists of personal property. - Gather Documentation: Collect death certificates, asset records, and any wills or trusts if available. - Complete the Affidavit: Fill in the Small Estate Affidavit form, ensuring all details are accurate. - Notarization: Get the form notarized by an authorized person. - File the Affidavit: Submit the completed and notarized form to the appropriate county court. - Distribute Assets: Once the affidavit is accepted, assets can be distributed as per the will or state law. Determining the best estate planning tool is contingent on a variety of factors. Let's look at how a Small Estate Affidavit stacks up against other instruments like wills and trusts. Small Estate Affidavit Vs. Wills While a will is a cornerstone document in estate planning, its execution often necessitates the time-consuming probate process. For more on crafting a robust will, check out our guide on wills. - Efficiency: Small Estate Affidavits are quicker to execute than wills. - Probate: Wills usually require probate, unlike Small Estate Affidavits. - Control: Wills provide more control over asset distribution. Small Estate Affidavit Vs. Trusts Trusts are highly customizable and can cater to specific needs. They can be revocable or irrevocable, depending on your requirements. - Probate Avoidance: Both tools allow for avoiding probate but trusts offer more flexibility. - Asset Control: Trusts offer more comprehensive control over asset distribution. - Legal Complexity: Trusts are more legally complex and may involve higher set-up costs. Navigating the legal terrain of Small Estate Affidavits is no trivial matter. It involves not just a solid grasp of legal procedures but also a keen awareness of your responsibilities. Legal Responsibilities of the Affiant The person who fills out and submits the Small Estate Affidavit—known as the Affiant—has several responsibilities: - Asset Inventory: Prepare a detailed list of all assets, valuations, and liabilities. - Verification: Validate that no other probate process is ongoing for the estate. - Diligence: Show utmost diligence in paying all debts and obligations of the deceased. - Distribution: Ensure that all beneficiaries receive their rightful share of the estate. Consequences of Misrepresentation Filing a Small Estate Affidavit is a legal declaration. Falsifying information or misrepresenting facts can result in: - Civil Liability: You could be held responsible for the value of the property transferred wrongly. - Legal Penalties: Fraudulent actions can lead to criminal charges. Fulfilling the legal responsibilities that come with filing a Small Estate Affidavit is paramount. Failure to adhere to these can lead to both civil liabilities and legal penalties. Therefore, understanding these obligations can save you from future legal entanglements. While the Small Estate Affidavit is a potent tool in specific circumstances, a comprehensive estate plan often employs a range of supplementary documents and tools. Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives Powers of Attorney enable you to appoint someone to act on your behalf in various matters, including finances and healthcare. Similarly, a healthcare directive outlines your medical preferences should you become incapacitated. A living will is another crucial document that specifies what types of medical treatment you'd prefer under certain circumstances. It works in conjunction with your healthcare directive. Business Succession Plans If you own a business, a well-structured succession plan ensures a seamless transition. These plans can be complex, requiring their own dedicated set of documents, like an operating agreement. Read more about business succession planning. Laws regarding Small Estate Affidavits are state-specific. In Illinois, the document is governed by the Illinois Compiled Statutes and subject to specific conditions and constraints. Notable Illinois-specific Requirements - Sworn Affidavit: The Affiant must sign the affidavit in front of a notary public. - Creditor Period: Illinois law specifies a mandatory period to notify creditors, which must be adhered to. - Multiple Affiants: It's possible for more than one person to act as the Affiant, but they must work in unison. Opting for a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois can be a strategic move to expedite the asset distribution process for estates below $100,000. However, it's crucial to remember that this document comes with its own set of limitations and legal responsibilities. Weigh your options and consult with experienced professionals to make informed decisions. For any queries or further legal advice, contact us by using the online form or calling us directly at 414-253-8500. 1. What Are the Basic Requirements for Filing a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois? The basic requirements for filing a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois are that the deceased person must have been a resident of Illinois, the total value of the estate must be less than $100,000, and no other probate proceedings should be taking place. 2. Can I File a Small Estate Affidavit for Real Estate Property in Illinois? No, a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois is generally not applicable for real estate property. It is designed to facilitate the transfer of smaller, personal assets such as bank accounts and vehicles. 3. What is the Time Limit for Filing a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois? There is usually a 30-day waiting period after the deceased's death before you can file a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois. This period allows time for creditors to make claims and for you to gather necessary documentation. 4. Can I Use a Small Estate Affidavit for an Estate with Debt? Yes, you can use a Small Estate Affidavit for an estate with debt. However, as the Affiant, you are responsible for ensuring that all debts and liabilities are paid off before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. 5. Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois? While it is not legally required to have a lawyer for filing a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois, consulting with an experienced attorney is highly recommended. The complexities and legal responsibilities involved make it advisable to seek professional guidance.	0.903185	2,078
Individual Under 65 As an individual, you’re most likely responsible not only for yourself, but also for the well being of your family. In order to keep yourself and those you care about most healthy and happy, you’ll want to ensure that you have the proper Health Insurance plan that can cover your every need and keep you protected financially. With the cost of healthcare on the rise, you can’t afford to take any chances. At Health Insurance Associates, Inc., we offer Individual and Family Health Insurance plans to those who do not receive health benefit packages from their current employer, or are either self-employed, unemployed, or a student. Since each insurance option differs in cost and benefits, it’s important to discuss your unique needs with an insurance expert who can keep you, your spouse, and your children covered under the right plan at a price you can afford. Learn more... If you’re like many Americans, you require either glasses or contact lenses to get you through the day. We offer vision plans that keep you and your family from paying large out-of-pocket expenses associated with common optical needs. Learn more... Typically, domestic health insurance does not provide coverage for overseas medical emergencies and international travelers are unable to obtain this type of protection after they are outside of their home country. Additionally, most traditional health insurance does not provide coverage for expenses for an emergency medical evacuation, medical reunion, return of mortal remains, trip interruption or loss of checked luggage. Short Term Medical Short term coverage is great for people between jobs, recent graduates, children aging off their parents plan, or people who want to pick up coverage mid year. These types of policies can be purchased in 30-360 day periods, and are typically much cheaper than traditional insurance. The drawback to short term medical is that it does require medical underwriting, which means you aren't guaranteed to be accepted. They also do not cover pre-existing conditions, mental health, maternity, or preventive benefits. They are meant to cover gaps in insurance, not to be permanent policies. They will cover what happens during the policy, to get you from point A to point B. Life insurance policies are unique and depend on your personal and financial needs. As your life changes, your life insurance should evolve. Getting married, having a baby, purchasing your first home, starting a business, or retiring all warrant a review of your life insurance policy. We will help you weigh your life insurance options. The choices can be overwhelming for the average person, and it's our goal to make the decision easier. We'll look at different insurance companies and coverage types and help you determine the best fit for your current situation. Learn more... When it comes to protecting your assets, one of the most important things you can insure isn’t a material object like your car or home – it’s your ability to work and earn a living. You depend on your income to pay bills, put food on the table, and provide for your family, but if you get sick or injured and can’t work, you’ll need to be protected in order to maintain your standard of living. With Disability Insurance you can continue to pay your bills and keep you and your family from going into serious debt. If you can’t work as a result of injury or other illness, a Disability Insurance policy will pay 50-70% of your income. Learn more... With Dental Coverage as one of the most desirable options for most Americans, finding the proper plan is critical. From routine cleanings and check ups to basic and major dental work, it’s important to utilize this coverage in order to maintain good oral hygiene and overall health. We’ll help you find a plan that meets your requirements in terms of feasible co-pays, a quality dental network, overall plan price, and much more. The death of a child can be one of the hardest things in life to imagine let alone go through. The last thing anyone wants to think about in this situation is how they are going to pay for final expenses. Dependent life policies can provide ease of mind in this type of a situation so you can focus on what's important. These policies can be purchased in several different amounts and terms. Whole life policies are also available for purchase on dependents which would continue indefinitely, as well as provide a cash out value as the policy matures. Long Term Care At least 70% of people over 65 will need long term care at some point in their lives. Long term care may help pay for the cost of care for those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, continence, and eating. It can include a broad range of services, provided in any setting outside of a hospital such as a home, assisted living facility, or nursing facility. Planning for these costs ahead of time brings you comfort since Medicare and health insurance don’t usually cover long term care expenses. Your life is unique to you and we know that. We will give you plenty of options and help you customize your coverage for your needs.	0.962335	1,064
There are a number of convenient ways to give back to our community, from annual partnerships and corporate giving to planned giving and endowments to shopping at retail partners like Kroger. No contribution is ever too small and we are grateful for each and every one of our incredible donors who support our efforts to provide extraordinary care to our patients. Grateful Patient Program The Shining Stars Grateful Patient Program allows individuals and/or their families the opportunity to formally recognize the exceptional care received at Hocking Valley Community Hospital. It’s a great way to say “thank you” and an opportunity to give back. This recognition lets your caregiver know that their dedication did not go unnoticed. Your message of appreciation also will be shared with your honoree’s supervisor, professional colleagues and peers, and possibly with the community through a donor newsletter or listing on the HVCH website. Should you choose to make a monetary gift, your generosity will enhance the care of future patients – by helping us purchase new technologies, modernize our facilities and introduce new programs while maintaining exceptional and personalized care close to home. Regardless of whether or not you are able to give financially at this time, we want to hear your story! To participate in the Grateful Patient Program, please complete the form. To make a donation to the Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation in recognition of your caregiver, visit the Grateful Patient Donation Page. For more information about the program, contact us at 740-380-8336. Make a donation just by shopping! All you need is a Kroger Rewards Card and select HVCH as your designated non-profit organization in your account online. Every time you shop at your local Kroger, they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation. Follow these simple steps to get started: - Log In to your Kroger account - Search for and select “Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation” - Click “Save Changes” to confirm your selection You can support the Hocking Valley Community Foundation at any time. There are two ways to send your gift: simply mail your check to the address below or stop in to our office – we would love the opportunity to personally thank you for your donation! Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation PO Box 966 601 SR 664 North Logan, Ohio 43138 For security purposes, we discourage sending cash gifts via a mailing service. We are a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Our tax ID# is 31-0984513. The fastest and easiest way to make a financial donation to the Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation, is through our online donation tool. Whether it’s a one-time or recurring contribution, we are always grateful for any and all support. Your gift enables us to continue serving the people of ours and surrounding communities. Become a supporting partner of the Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation and discover a wonderful way for your business to give back to your community. We offer a range of partnership opportunities to accommodate your individual or organization’s philanthropic level. Being a supporting partner positions your organization as a leader within our community and know that you are helping to support all of our patient’s who could quite possibly be a staff or family member close to you. Have your organization get in touch with us by calling (740) 380-8336 today. Are you an employee of a company that will “match” your contribution to Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation? If so, this is a great way to see your gift double its impact at HVCH. We encourage you to connect with your employer’s Human Resources department to see if they offer this program or would like more information on becoming a Supporting Partner. Call (740) 380-8336 today to get more information about setting started with matching gifts. You have the ability to leave a lasting legacy within your community even after ensuring yours and your family’s future are secure. Planned gifts are an excellent way for you to realize your charitable wishes and do not infringe upon your current lifestyle. HVCH can be named as a beneficiary to your life insurance policy, listed as a bequest and included in your will and trust. A simple and generous way to ensure HVCH will continue to provide extraordinary care close to home now and into the future. If you would like to talk about how you can leave a lasting legacy, please call (740) 380-8336 today. As we continue to grow and be innovative, to meet the ever changing needs of our patients, our facilities will need to change. Gifts and pledges made to HVCH can also be used to remember someone special and you can spread your pledge over several years. Depending on the level you give, various opportunities throughout the hospital are available for naming privileges. One example is our beautiful courtyard. Your support of our internal garden area provides continued opportunities for educational classes to the community, and a place for our patients, visitors and staff to find respite among butterflies and birds during some of their most difficult times. There are many opportunities within the hospital for you to memorialize a loved one or identify yourself, family or organization as a supporter of the ongoing mission of HVCH. To learn more, please call us today at (740) 380-8336. While all gifts to Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation contribute to the extraordinary care we provide, endowments offer a dependable and ongoing source of funding. With the creation of an endowment, your gift will enable HVCH to provide extraordinary care close to home now and into the future. For a minimum gift of $25,000, you can ensure that you or your loved one will be remembered for making a difference in the lives of our patients and in this community. For more information about setting up an endowment with HVCH, please call (740) 380-8336.	0.930875	1,229
Selling an Option Option selling involves preparation of options contracts wherein there is the collection of a premium from an options buyer. As sellers, we would have to deliver the goods should it be the choice of the buyer. Selling options can thus generate an income to whoever is selling them in the form of premiums one gets from the buyer. This is very risky since the potential losses depend on the movement of the underlying asset, which maybe greatly underestimated. Types of Option Selling :- Selling a Call Option: · Definition: Selling a call option means we are selling the right to the buyer to purchase the underlying asset from you at a pre-defined strike price before the expiration of the option. Selling a Put Option: · Definition: A seller of an option sells the right to a buyer to sell the underlie the asset to us at a predetermined strike price before the date of expiration of the option. Motivations for Selling Options: · Earn Premium Income: One of the most important motives for the selling of options is to generate premium income. It is the amount that the buyer pays to buy that option. It is an indication of the maximum profit that one could make with the sale of that option. · Market Outlook: The sellers anticipate the market to continue being neutral, or to make a move in the direction that will render the option they have sold worthless. Example: A trader sells a call option, expecting the price of the underlying asset to remain below the strike price. · Time Decay (Theta): The nearer an option gets to its expiration date, the less value contained in it due to time decay. This is good for the seller because with time, the option premium shrinks and diminishes the chances of the option being exercised. Risks of Selling Options: · Unlimited Potential for Loss: The writing of a call without taking an underlying position, or simply called a naked call. If the price of the asset rises substantially above the strike price, then our potential losses would be unlimited. Similarly, the sale of a naked put option results in substantial losses if the price of the asset falls significantly below the strike price. · Margin Requirements: Selling options involve keeping margin in your trading account. If the market moves adversely against our position, one is likely to face a margin call and find oneself needing to add more funds to keep up with our position. · Contractual obligation: Apart from the fact that buyers do have an option to exercise or not, in case the buyer does exercise it, a seller is obliged to perform the contract. This may be forced trades at unprofitable prices. Options Selling Strategies: · Definition: A classic example of a covered call would be selling of a call option when one possesses the underlying asset. This is way less riskier a strategy because we already own the asset, which can be delivered if the option gets exercised. · Example: Assume we have 100 shares of TCS presently valued at ₹ 3,500 stock. We have sold an option call that expires one month from the date of the sale, with a strike price of ₹ 3,600 at a premium of ₹ 50 a share. If TCS stays below ₹ 3,600, the option expires worthless, and we pocket the premium. If TCS crosses ₹ 3,600, we have to sell our shares at ₹ 3,600 but book profit by way of premium received and profit up to ₹ 3,600. · Definition: In this strategy, one underlying sells the put option and at the same time keeps enough cash in his account to buy the underlying asset in case the option is exercised. · Example: We reckon we've sold one put option of Reliance Industries with a strike price ₹2,400 and the current market price is ₹2,450; we get a premium of ₹30 per share. Now if in a downside movement, the price breaks below the level of ₹2,400, then we are obliged to buy the share at ₹2,400, but since we have already gotten the premium, our net buying price will be ₹ 2,370. Suppose, if the price stays above ₹2,400, the option expires as Waive off and the premium pocketed. Naked Call/Put Selling: · Definition: An option call or Put is sold without taking ownership of the respective underlying asset. This is otherwise referred to as naked selling of call or put, which is highly speculative and exposes one to colossal risks simply because we do not have the asset or reserved cash to cover the contract. · Example: Naked call of Infosys @ 1,700 Strike and stock shoots up to 1,800. We stand a chance of incurring heavy losses since you will have to buy the stock at the market price and sell at the lower strike price. Examples of Selling Options in India: Writing a Call Option - Example 1 Scenario: We think that the Nifty 50 index, which is at an 18,000 level, will not cross 18,200 in the coming month. Action: We sell the call option with a strike price of 18,200, which has one month expiry and gives us a premium of ₹100 per lot. Here, 1 lot = 75 units. Outcome 1: If Nifty stays below 18,200, this option will expire worthless, and we can keep ₹7,500 as profit through premium received. Outcome 2: In case Nifty rose above 18,200, say to 18,400, we are liable to pay a difference between the strike price and the market price times the lot size, reducing to a loss of ₹15,000® 200 × 75), which reduced by the premium we received of ₹7,500. Selling a Put Option: · Scenario: We believe HDFC Bank stock, which is ₹ 1,600 today, is not going to go below ₹ 1,550 over the coming month. · Action: Sell a one-month out-of-the-money put option with a strike price of ₹ 1,550 and earn a premium of ₹ 20 per share. Outcome 1: In this case, HDFC Bank stays above ₹1,550, option will expire worthless and we keep the ₹20 per share premium. Outcome 2: If the price of HDFC Bank breaks down below ₹1,500, we shall be obliged to buy it at ₹1,550 and incur a loss of ₹30 per share or ₹1,550 - ₹1,500. Deduct this ₹30 with the premium of ₹20 that we shall receive. That puts your net loss per share at ₹10. Regulatory Framework in India: SEBI Guidelines: Indian derivatives market is well developed on sound wickets, with regulations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India along with margin requirements, position limits, and other measures to control risks. As a matter of fact, the guidelines protect the speculative interest of an individual trader and at the same time protect the integrity of the market as a whole. - Exchange-Traded Options: Options traded in India are listed on efficient, well-regulated exchanges such as the NSE and BSE. Thus, the trading of options is very transparent and removes the counterparty risk of a transaction. - Tax Implications: Premiums collected from option sales represent business income. Thus, they fall within the ambit of taxation under the Indian income tax laws. Maintaining proper books and records related to this transaction are very crucial as regards their correct reporting in the tax matters. The option sell strategy, in the present market scenario of stable conditions, is one of the most efficient techniques to generate yield income in India. This is a highly risky proposition in which losses can be unlimited. Most traders take recourse to various strategies involved with regard to covered calls and cash-secured puts in order to offset the risks of option selling. To indulge in this practice, a person has to learn about the fine nuances of selling options along with the risks involved and the regulatory framework.	0.932916	1,719
Diseases of the Eye Our top priority is the care of your eyes. We want to keep your eyes healthy through regular eye health evaluations, communication, and education. This page lists a few of the most common eye diseases. Select from the following list of topics or scroll to learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for: Blepharitis \| Dry eye syndrome \| Cataract \| Glaucoma \| Conjunctivitis \| Macular degeneration \| Diabetic retinopathy \| Retinal detachment \| There are two types of blepharitis. Seborrheic blepharitis is often part of an overall skin condition called seborrhea, which may also affect the scalp, chest, back and the area behind the ears. The second form of blepharitis – staph blepharitis – is a more severe condition, caused by bacteria, that begins in childhood and may continue through adulthood. Hormones, nutrition, general physical condition, and even stress may contribute to seborrheic blepharitis. Build-ups of naturally occurring bacteria contribute to staph blepharitis. Blepharitis could be described as dandruff of the eyelids. Seborrheic blepharitis results in redness of the eyelids, flaking and scaling of eyelashes, and greasy, waxy scales caused by abnormal tear production. Staph blepharitis can cause small ulcers, loss of eyelashes, eyelid scarring, and even red eye. Careful cleaning of the eyelids can reduce seborrheic blepharitis. Application of hot packs to the eyes for 20 minutes a day can also help. Staph blepharitis may require antibiotic drops and ointments. A cataract is a cloudiness that occurs in the lens of the eye. The lens is made mostly of water and protein that is arranged to let light through. Sometimes the protein clumps, blocking light and making the lens appear cloudy. A person with cataracts may encounter faded colors, problems with light (such as halos, or headlights that seem too bright), poor night vision, double vision, or multiple vision. Your eye doctor can detect the presence of cataracts through a thorough eye exam, including a visual acuity test and dilation of the pupils. Treatment is available to prevent or reduce cataracts. Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is a redness of the eye. It is often accompanied by a discharge (clear, yellow, or white) and itching in the eye. Pink eye is most often a viral infection, but it may also be caused by bacteria or an allergic reaction. Viral pink eye is highly contagious. Prevention and Treatment To avoid spreading conjunctivitis, wash your hands often, do not touch the infected area with your hands, do not share wash cloths or towels, and avoid using makeup which may become contaminated. A child with pink eye should be kept from school for a few days. Sometimes an eye doctor will need to prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointments to clear up conjunctivitis. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition associated with diabetes. High levels of blood sugar may damage tiny blood vessels in your eye. New vessels may form to replace the damaged vessels. The new vessels can burst, resulting in blurred vision or even blindness. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include: - "Floaters” – small specks that pass across your field of vision, made up of cells floating in the transparent gel of your eyeball - Difficulty reading or seeing things close-up - Sudden loss of vision - Blurred or darkened vision Risk Factors and Treatment If you have diabetes, make sure you control your blood sugar level. This will reduce your risk of getting diabetic retinopathy. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, give us a call. If diagnosed properly, diabetic retinopathy can be treated with a laser procedure or a vitrectomy. If your eyes are constantly itchy or dry, you may have dry eye syndrome, which affects almost 10 million Americans. Dry eye syndrome is caused by a lack of, or poor quality of, tears. Tears lubricate the outer layer of the eye called the cornea. If the tears are not composed of a proper balance of mucous, water, and oil, the eye becomes irritated. Dry eye syndrome leads to a number of symptoms, including itchiness, irritation, burning, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision that improves with blinking, and discomfort after long periods of watching television, using a computer, or reading. There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye syndrome. These include dry, hot, or windy climates; high altitudes; air-conditioned rooms; and cigarette smoke. Contact lens wearers, people with abnormally dry skin, and the elderly are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome. You may also be more at risk if you take certain medications, have a thyroid condition, a vitamin-A deficiency, Parkinson’s or Sjorgen’s disease, or if you are a woman going through menopause. Glaucoma is a very common eye disorder affecting millions of Americans. It is caused by too much pressure on the inside of the eye. The fluid in your eyes helps to nourish and cleanse the inside of your eyes by constantly flowing in and out. When the fluid is prevented from flowing out, the intraocular pressure builds and damages the optic nerve. This causes a gradual loss in peripheral vision. Those suffering from open-angle glaucoma experience a type of tunnel vision, where their field of vision gradually decreases. It can eventually lead to blindness. Narrow-angle glaucoma, which is rare, carries symptoms of sharp pain in the eyes, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and even nausea or vomiting. It can cause blindness in a matter of days, and it requires immediate medical attention. Heredity seems to be a risk factor. Also, you may be at greater risk if you are over 45, of African descent, near-sighted, or diabetic. Finally, if you have used steroids or cortizone for a long period of time, or if you have suffered an eye injury in the past, you have a greater chance of developing glaucoma. Macular degeneration is a disease which affects a small area of the retina known as the macula. The macula is a specialized spot on the retina that allows us to see the fine detail of whatever is directly in front of us. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula begins to deteriorate. “Wet” vs. “Dry” Most often, macular degeneration is accompanied by formation of yellow deposits, called “drusen,” under the macula, which dry out or thin the macula. This is called “dry” macular degeneration. In rare cases, abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid. This is called “wet” macular degeneration. A number of uncontrollable factors contribute to macular degeneration, including age, sex, eye color, farsightedness, and race. Risk factors you can control include smoking, high blood pressure, exposure to harmful sunlight, and diet. It is difficult to detect dry macular degeneration in its early stages. The most common symptoms, when detected, include a spot of blurry vision, dark vision, or distorted vision. Wet macular degeneration progresses much faster than the dry variety. Both forms of macular degeneration can cause blindness. Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment is available to slow the effects. The part of the eye which collects light and transmits the light messages to the optic nerve and brain is the retina. It lines the inner back wall of the eye. When the retina separates from the back wall, it is known as retinal detachment. It is a serious condition which can cause permanent damage and vision loss if not treated quickly. A retinal detachment often causes sudden defects in your vision. It may just cause a blind spot too small to notice, or it may cause a noticeable shadow which obscures your vision. An increase in “floaters,” which look like small particles or fine threads, may also be noticed. Finally, flashes of light are associated with retinal detachment. Eye injuries, tumors, and cataract surgery can cause retinal detachment. Near-sighted individuals and the elderly are at greater risk for spontaneous detachment. Also, diabetic retinopathy, a condition associated with diabetes, can cause bleeding which leads to retinal detachment.	0.933863	1,831
Illinois Compiled Statutes Information maintained by the Legislative Updating the database of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) is an ongoing process. Recent laws may not yet be included in the ILCS database, but they are found on this site as Public Acts soon after they become law. For information concerning the relationship between statutes and Public Acts, refer to the Because the statute database is maintained primarily for legislative drafting purposes, statutory changes are sometimes included in the statute database before they take effect. If the source note at the end of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that has not yet taken effect, the version of the law that is currently in effect may have already been removed from the database and you should refer to that Public Act to see the changes made to the current law. 765 ILCS 77/70 (765 ILCS 77/70) Sec. 70. Predatory lending database program. (a) As used in this Article: "Adjustable rate mortgage" or "ARM" means a closed-end mortgage transaction that allows adjustments of the loan interest rate during the first 3 years of the loan term. "Borrower" means a person seeking a mortgage loan. "Broker" means a "broker" or "loan broker", as defined in subsection (p) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. "Closing agent" means an individual assigned by a title insurance company or a broker or originator to ensure that the execution of documents related to the closing of a real estate sale or the refinancing of a real estate loan and the disbursement of closing funds are in conformity with the instructions of the entity financing the transaction. "Counseling" means counseling provided by a counselor employed by a HUD-approved counseling agency to all borrowers. Counseling must be provided in the following manner: (i) in person; or (ii) by remote electronic or telephonic means, with \| \| the permission of all borrowers, where the session can be conducted in privacy, the counselor is able to verify the identity of each borrower, and the counseling is documented by the counselor, subject to any rules that may be enacted by the Department. "Counselor" means a counselor employed by a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. "Credit score" means a credit risk score as defined by the Fair Isaac Corporation, or its successor, and reported under such names as "BEACON", "EMPIRICA", and "FAIR ISAAC RISK SCORE" by one or more of the following credit reporting agencies or their successors: Equifax, Inc., Experian Information Solutions, Inc., and TransUnion LLC. If the borrower's credit report contains credit scores from 2 reporting agencies, then the broker or loan originator shall report the lower score. If the borrower's credit report contains credit scores from 3 reporting agencies, then the broker or loan originator shall report the middle score. "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. "Exempt person or entity" means that term as it is defined in subsection (d) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. "First-time homebuyer" means a borrower who has not held an ownership interest in residential property. "HUD-approved counseling" or "counseling" means counseling given to a borrower by a counselor employed by a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. "Interest only" means a closed-end loan that permits one or more payments of interest without any reduction of the principal balance of the loan, other than the first payment on the loan. "Lender" means that term as it is defined in subsection (g) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. "Licensee" means that term as it is defined in subsection (e) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. "Mortgage loan" means that term as it is defined in subsection (f) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. "Negative amortization" means an amortization method under which the outstanding balance may increase at any time over the course of the loan because the regular periodic payment does not cover the full amount of interest due. "Originator" means a "mortgage loan originator" as defined in subsection (jj) of Section 1-4 of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987, except an exempt person. "Points and fees" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 10 of the High Risk Home Loan Act. "Prepayment penalty" means a charge imposed by a lender under a mortgage note or rider when the loan is paid before the expiration of the term of the loan. "Refinancing" means a loan secured by the borrower's or borrowers' primary residence where the proceeds are not used as purchase money for the residence. "Title insurance company" means any domestic company organized under the laws of this State for the purpose of conducting the business of guaranteeing or insuring titles to real estate and any title insurance company organized under the laws of another State, the District of Columbia, or a foreign government and authorized to transact the business of guaranteeing or insuring titles to real estate in this State. (a-5) A predatory lending database program shall be established within Cook County. The program shall be administered in accordance with this Article. The inception date of the program shall be July 1, 2008. A predatory lending database program shall be expanded to include Kane, Peoria, and Will counties. The inception date of the expansion of the program as it applies to Kane, Peoria, and Will counties shall be July 1, 2010. Until the inception date, none of the duties, obligations, contingencies, or consequences of or from the program shall be imposed. The program shall apply to all mortgage applications that are governed by this Article and that are made or taken on or after the inception of the program. (b) The database created under this program shall be maintained and administered by the Department. The database shall be designed to allow brokers, originators, counselors, title insurance companies, and closing agents to submit information to the database online. The database shall not be designed to allow those entities to retrieve information from the database, except as otherwise provided in this Article. Information submitted by the broker or originator to the Department may be used to populate the online form submitted by a counselor, title insurance company, or closing agent. (c) Within 10 business days after taking a mortgage application, the broker or originator for any mortgage on residential property within the program area must submit to the predatory lending database all of the information required under Section 72 and any other information required by the Department by rule. Within 7 business days after receipt of the information, the Department shall compare that information to the housing counseling standards in Section 73 and issue to the borrower and the broker or originator a determination of whether counseling is recommended for the borrower. The borrower may not waive counseling. If at any time after submitting the information required under Section 72 the broker or originator (i) changes the terms of the loan or (ii) issues a new commitment to the borrower, then, within 5 business days thereafter, the broker or originator shall re-submit all of the information required under Section 72 and, within 4 business days after receipt of the information re-submitted by the broker or originator, the Department shall compare that information to the housing counseling standards in Section 73 and shall issue to the borrower and the broker or originator a new determination of whether re-counseling is recommended for the borrower based on the information re-submitted by the broker or originator. The Department shall require re-counseling if the loan terms have been modified to meet another counseling standard in Section 73, or if the broker has increased the interest rate by more than 200 basis points. (d) If the Department recommends counseling for the borrower under subsection (c), then the Department shall notify the borrower of all participating HUD-approved counseling agencies located within the State and, where applicable, nationally HUD-approved counseling agencies, and direct the borrower to interview with a counselor associated with one of those agencies. Within 10 business days after receipt of the notice of HUD-approved counseling agencies, it is the borrower's responsibility to select one of those agencies and shall engage in an interview with a counselor associated with that agency. The borrower must supply all necessary documents, as set forth by the counselor, at least 72 hours before the scheduled interview. The selection must take place and the appointment for the interview must be set within 10 business days, although the interview may take place beyond the 10 business day period. Within 7 business days after interviewing the borrower, the counselor must submit to the predatory lending database all of the information required under Section 74 and any other information required by the Department by rule. Reasonable and customary costs not to exceed $300 associated with counseling provided under the program shall be paid by the broker or originator and shall not be charged back to, or recovered from, the borrower. The Department shall annually calculate to the nearest dollar an adjusted rate for inflation. A counselor shall not recommend or suggest that a borrower contact any specific mortgage origination company, financial institution, or entity that deals in mortgage finance to obtain a loan, another quote, or for any other reason related to the specific mortgage transaction; however, a counselor may suggest that the borrower seek an opinion or a quote from another mortgage origination company, financial institution, or entity that deals in mortgage finance. A counselor or housing counseling agency that in good faith provides counseling shall not be liable to a broker or originator or borrower for civil damages, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the counselor in providing the counseling. (e) The broker or originator and the borrower may not take any legally binding action concerning the loan transaction until the later of the following: (1) the Department issues a determination not to \| recommend HUD-approved counseling for the borrower in accordance with subsection (c); or (2) the Department issues a determination that \| HUD-approved counseling is recommended for the borrower and the counselor submits all required information to the database in accordance with subsection (d). (f) Within 10 business days after closing, the title insurance company or closing agent must submit to the predatory lending database all of the information required under Section 76 and any other information required by the Department by rule. (g) The title insurance company or closing agent shall attach to the mortgage a certificate of compliance with the requirements of this Article, as generated by the database. If the transaction is exempt, the title insurance company or closing agent shall attach to the mortgage a certificate of exemption, as generated by the database. Each certificate of compliance or certificate of exemption must contain, at a minimum, one of the borrower's names on the mortgage loan and the property index number for the subject property. If the title insurance company or closing agent fails to attach the certificate of compliance or exemption, whichever is required, then the mortgage is not recordable. In addition, if any lis pendens for a residential mortgage foreclosure is recorded on the property within the program area, a certificate of service must be simultaneously recorded that affirms that a copy of the lis pendens was filed with the Department. A lis pendens filed after July 1, 2016 shall be filed with the Department electronically. If the certificate of service is not recorded, then the lis pendens pertaining to the residential mortgage foreclosure in question is not recordable and is of no force and effect. (h) All information provided to the predatory lending database under the program is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, except as otherwise provided in this Article. Information or documents obtained by employees of the Department in the course of maintaining and administering the predatory lending database are deemed confidential. Employees are prohibited from making disclosure of such confidential information or documents. Any request for production of information from the predatory lending database, whether by subpoena, notice, or any other source, shall be referred to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Any borrower may authorize in writing the release of database information. The Department may use the information in the database without the consent of the borrower: (i) for the purposes of administering and enforcing the program; (ii) to provide relevant information to a counselor providing counseling to a borrower under the program; or (iii) to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the applicable administrative agency if the database information demonstrates criminal, fraudulent, or otherwise illegal activity. (i) Nothing in this Article is intended to prevent a borrower from making his or her own decision as to whether to proceed with a transaction. (j) Any person who violates any provision of this Article commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. (j-1) A violation of any provision of this Article by a mortgage banking licensee or licensed mortgage loan originator shall constitute a violation of the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987. (j-2) A violation of any provision of this Article by a title insurance company, title agent, or escrow agent shall constitute a violation of the Title Insurance Act. (j-3) A violation of any provision of this Article by a housing counselor shall be referred to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (k) During the existence of the program, the Department shall submit semi-annual reports to the Governor and to the General Assembly by May 1 and November 1 of each year detailing its findings regarding the program. The report shall include, by county, at least the following information for each reporting period: (1) the number of loans registered with the program; (2) the number of borrowers receiving counseling; (3) the number of loans closed; (4) the number of loans requiring counseling for each \| of the standards set forth in Section 73; (5) the number of loans requiring counseling where \| the mortgage originator changed the loan terms subsequent to counseling; (6) the number of licensed mortgage brokers and loan \| originators entering information into the database; (7) the number of investigations based on information \| obtained from the database, including the number of licensees fined, the number of licenses suspended, and the number of licenses revoked; (8) a summary of the types of non-traditional \| mortgage products being offered; and (9) a summary of how the Department is actively \| utilizing the program to combat mortgage fraud. (Source: P.A. 103-1015, eff. 1-1-25 .)	0.934967	3,029
We know the pandemic has had a serious negative impact on the academic achievement of school-age children. But recent evidence shows we also need to worry about Covid-era babies and toddlers. Because of Covid-related disruptions, about a third of early elementary students in the United States will likely need intensive support to become proficient readers, according to one study. Now two additional studies suggest that many children born during the pandemic will also be at risk for academic failure. It seems that overburdened parents haven’t been able to engage babies and toddlers in the kind of “conversation” that is crucial for language development—and eventually, for reading. Both recent studies relied on an innovative piece of technology that enables researchers to determine how much verbal interaction young children experience. Developed by an American nonprofit called LENA, the talk pedometer is a device that sits in the pouch of a vest worn by a child. It records both the child’s own vocalizations—not just words, but also babbling, cooing, and the like—and the number of words spoken by any adult who is near the child. In addition, the device can calculate the number of “conversational turns”—brief episodes of back-and-forth dialogue—in which the child engages. Research has shown that the number of conversational turns affects brain development and is a key predictor of children’s school readiness, social-emotional development, and other life outcomes. Language development drives vocabulary, and vocabulary drives reading readiness, said Jill Gilkerson, Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at LENA, during a webinar sponsored by the organization. LENA itself conducted one of the studies, which analyzed recordings of over 600 babies aged zero to nine months. The study found that babies born during the pandemic are vocalizing less and experiencing fewer conversational turns. Independently, another study from Brown University’s Advanced Baby Imaging Lab found similar results. The lab has been tracking over 1700 families with young children since 2010. One year into the pandemic, researchers found that children’s average cognitive performance was the lowest it had been since the study began. A separate analysis of infants found a dramatic decline in verbal functioning in 2021, apparently because adults were initiating fewer conversational turns. The reasons for the decline in vocalizations and conversational turns aren’t entirely clear from the data, but the Brown study concluded that factors related to the pandemic had “by far the greatest impact on infant and toddler neurodevelopment.” It seems likely that a combination of stressed caregivers and social isolation is to blame. (Neither study addressed the question of whether masks might interfere with language development, since both were conducted in homes rather than daycare or preschool settings.) During the webinar, Sean Deoni, who led the Brown study, said the findings were worrisome. Children are resilient, but the first thousand days of their lives are crucial to their later development. And the older children get, the harder it is to compensate for the effects of early deficits, he said. But Deoni and Gilkerson emphasized that there is much that parents can do to address the situation. In addition to monitoring children’s verbal development, LENA provides classes for parents that teach strategies to increase interactive talk. A separate study found that the program boosted infant vocalizations by 8% and conversational turns by 30%. Still the children most at risk come from families who are often hard to reach and who lack time, higher education, and other resources. While the decline in verbal interaction has affected all socioeconomic groups, both studies show that the drop has been most dramatic among the bottom 25%. In the LENA study, children in that group went from the 45th percentile to the 25th in the number of their conversational turns. To compensate for the effects of the pandemic, those children will likely need help not just from their families but also from their schools. The researchers were loath to place another burden on schools that are “already stretched to the limit,” as Deoni put it during the webinar. And the most common prescription to address Covid-related learning loss has been tutoring. However, there are changes schools can make to curriculum and instruction that can actually alleviate the burdens on teachers, after a period of adjustment, and can reduce the need for tutoring by providing an entire class with the kind of instruction that works in the first instance. For children to become truly literate, they need exposure to a curriculum that systematically builds academic knowledge and vocabulary beginning in kindergarten, largely through listening to teacher read books aloud and discussing them. Conversational turns are important in early language development, but written language uses sophisticated vocabulary and syntax that are rarely found in conversation. To prepare young children to understand the kind of text they’ll encounter in later years, their conversational turns need to start including more elevated language. Unfortunately, the standard approach to reading instruction has long focused on comprehension skills and strategies, such as “finding the main idea” or “comparing and contrasting”, to be practiced on simple texts about random topics. The theory has been that children need to spend their elementary years acquiring those skills rather than any substantive knowledge, on the assumption that later they’ll be able to use those skills to glean knowledge from their reading. But, as cognitive scientists have long known, when it comes to comprehension, substantive knowledge is far more important than skills. If students lack knowledge of the topic or of academic vocabulary in general, no amount of practice in finding the main idea will enable them to understand complex text. Before the pandemic, a number of schools and districts in the US were making the switch to this new kind of knowledge-building literacy curriculum. There are now perhaps half a dozen such curricula, all of which are best implemented with training for teachers that is grounded in their specifics. Even during the challenges of remote learning, some educators were bold enough to undertake the shift. While it’s true that schools and teachers have been stretched thin as a result of the pandemic, it would be nothing less than a tragedy if their added burdens were used as a reason to stick with an approach to reading instruction that has been failing students for far too long. Especially in light of this new evidence that the negative impact of Covid is likely to be with us for years to come, we have no time to waste in adopting materials and methods that can work for all students, including the most vulnerable. This post draws on an article by the author that originally appeared on Forbes.com.	0.972888	1,361
What key items should you take for an aesthetic glamping picnic experience the next time you visit the campsite? If you love (or just started loving) the outdoors, glamping and picnicking are among the many options of activities you can take up for a good dose of fun while out there in the wild. Most outdoor enthusiasts find themselves wanting to combine the two, especially when adventuring with family, loved ones, or a romantic partner! However, your experience will only be as good as how well you prepare for your trip and the items you bring so we compiled a list of fantastic glamping picnic ideas that will add a bit of pizazz to your next campsite visit. Indeed there are lots of glamping picnic ideas but in our opinion, to make your experience extra posh, luxurious, and aesthetically appealing, these are the top ten crucial items you should bring to your next glamping and picnic escapade. 1. String lights for decoration Glamping almost always involves spending time outside until late into the night and it goes without saying that a sprinkling of decorative lights brings a certain magic to the occasion. It’s certainly worth putting the effort in to bring them along. String lights, in particular, can be grouped together to make a collage or added to themed areas within your campsite. You can string them on your tent or even the camp chairs to enjoy a full visual delight! It can get pretty boring sitting around in a camp chair not doing much or simply not seeing or smelling anything. Bring a few fresh flowers or bouquets to brighten the area and make your picnicking experience fun and well-rounded with a bit of a vintage twist. Don’t know which flowers to decorate your picnic or camping space with? You can go for roses or tulip flowers, sunflowers, or even daisies. You could even get them delivered directly to the campsite if you have a special occasion or want to surprise someone with something special. 3. Beautiful woven rugs No matter where you find yourself on the campgrounds, an area rug can be the perfect accent piece for your setup. Not only will it add some aesthetic beauty and value, but it will also absorb moisture from your feet, protect against the elements, and prevent potential slips and falls. We really love vintage rugs. 4. Vintage lanterns This is a simple, yet stunning decor piece to bring along with you for glamping and picnic excursions. It might not be one of those camping upgrades you need per se, but lanterns always come in handy when spending time in the dark wild. They help to provide illumination around the campsite or picnic area, making your nighttime experience all the better. Plus most of them are portable, so you can use one when navigating in the dark. 5. Tabletop dressing and accessories From tablecloths to napkins, glassware, and accessories, you’ll need to bring along a few pieces of these to your glamping and picnicking excursion. They go a long way in elevating the decor during mealtime. And if you’re on a trip with family or friends, a good set of utensils to use and prepare food is always essential. 6. A beautiful throw blanket Even if the night-time temperature is a bit chilly, you’ll want to keep yourself warm with a warm, soft throw blanket to keep you cosy. Get one that is beautifully woven and visually captivating for use when creating a picnic setup. 7. An aesthetic hammock A hammock is an important item in any glamping or picnic setup. The many benefits of hammocks speak for themselves. Not only will it make your experience more luxurious, but it will also help provide some pretty epic shade from the sun and offer entertainment during leisurely picnicking sessions. You might even consider bringing along some throw pillows to get the most out of your colourful hammock. 8. Comfy glamping/picnic chairs From simple folding chairs to more sophisticated-looking bamboo picnic tables with a seat, choosing some chairs that you can put together yourself can be a good way to make your glamping or picnic experience especially chic. They will also help with creating a rustic setting and texture for the picnic setup. 9. An aesthetically appealing cooler Whether you’re camping far away in the wild or glamping in your home garden, you might need a way to keep beverages such as water, wine, and beer cool. This means bringing a camping cooler, but it doesn’t have to have a boring design. Getting a cooler with a fun and expressive design can help improve your decor while out there in the great outdoors, improving your overall ex[perience in the long run. 10. Extra fancy wine glasses These are a must-have if you’re going to have wine with your camping meals. They can be used for drinking and also as decorations. The good part is that you can get fancy wine glasses from any local thrift store, or you can even modify the ones in your home to make them extra fancy. If you are about to head out on a camping trip or a picnic in a public space, make sure to take some of these items with you, so your enjoyment can be a cut above the rest. Don’t forget to think about items that will improve your safety, health, and convenience while you’re at it!	0.934265	1,136
We’ve all experienced it. You’re driving down the road when you notice a new light on the dashboard that wasn’t there a minute ago. It’s caught your attention, but one problem remains: You don’t know what that glowing icon means. How to Identify Dashboard Warning Lights The modern automobile is an amazingly complex machine – relying on dozens of systems that must work together every time you get behind the wheel. When one of those systems encounters a problem, your car’s internal computer is programmed to notify you with a corresponding error message. In general, the colors of these lights can help you identify the severity of the problem. Green or blue lights often let you know that a system is active – like your car’s headlights or a high-tech safety feature. Orange and yellow lights indicate a more significant problem, indicating your car may need to be serviced or repaired soon. And red lights often draw your attention to the most urgent errors. When a dashboard light appears, you can always find the meaning of the symbol in your car’s owner’s manual. But to help save you some time, here are 12 of the most important dashboard lights you should familiarize yourself with. What it looks like: An image of an old-fashioned oil can. What it means: This light comes on when your car detects low engine oil pressure. This low oil pressure can be caused by several factors. The best-case scenario is that your engine is low on oil, so start by pulling over and checking your car’s engine oil dipstick – if you have one. Many newer cars no longer come with a dipstick and instead have an internal “check oil” program. This usually involves parking your car in a level spot while the program checks your engine’s oil level. If your oil level is ok, then something more serious is wrong – like an oil leak or broken oil pump. When the oil light is on, you can assume that the internal parts of your car’s engine are not being properly lubricated. So avoid driving with this light on. Doing so can lead to significant engine damage and major repair bills. What it looks like: This symbol was designed to look like the cross-section of a tire, which looks like an exclamation point between two parentheses – (!). What it means: The tire pressure light is triggered by your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to let you know that a tire is low on air. Newer vehicles may tell you the exact pressure of each tire, but for older systems, you’ll need to check them the old-fashioned way using a tire pressure gauge. A warning light only goes off once the tire pressure reaches a certain threshold (typically about 25% below the recommended pressure). That means it could signify a flat tire or low tire pressure caused by cold weather. When you see this light, air up your tires as soon as possible. What it looks like: A thermometer dipped in water. What it means: This warning light appears if your car’s engine overheats. When your coolant temperature climbs too high, it often means something is wrong with one of the cooling system components. This can point to an issue with your fan, radiator, thermostat, water pumps, hoses and coolant. If you see this light, find a safe place to pull over. Driving your car when it’s overheating can cause serious – and sometimes permanent – damage to your engine, so it’s best to stop driving as soon as possible. If you need a tow, Emergency Roadside Service coverage1 from Erie Insurance can help get your vehicle to the nearest service garage. The service is available 24/7 and can be added to your auto insurance policy for about $5 per vehicle per year.2To learn more, contact us today. What it looks like: An outline of a car with two squiggly tire track lines behind it. What it means: If this light is solidly illuminated, it means your car’s traction or stability control is off. On most vehicles, you can press a button to turn this feature off yourself. But if the light comes on by itself, then some part of the system has failed. Visit your local mechanic to get it repaired ASAP. What it looks like: On most vehicles, this icon will look like the silhouette of a car engine. But some manufacturers may use the text “CHECK ENGINE” instead. What it means: A check engine light means that something is wrong with a component of your vehicle’s motor or emissions system. This could signify a major mechanical issue or something as minor as a loose gas cap. Modern engines include dozens of sensors designed to detect and help diagnose potential problems. Your check engine light means that an error has been detected, but the specific “trouble code” needs to be retrieved from your car’s computer using a special code reader. To keep your car running smoothly, get to a service garage as soon as possible. What it looks like: An image of a car battery that looks like a box containing a “+” and “-” sign. What it means: The battery light is a sign that there’s trouble with your car’s electrical system. In some instances, this could mean that the battery itself is defective and needs to be replaced. But more often than not, the battery light can signal that your vehicle’s alternator is no longer working – meaning the battery is not being recharged as you drive. If your battery light is illuminated, stop into a local mechanic or auto parts store as soon as possible to get a diagnosis of your problem. Ignore this light, and it will just be a matter of time until you find yourself stranded. What it looks like: An outline of a gas pump. What it means: When the low fuel light is on, it’s time to start looking for a gas station. For most vehicles, this means you only have two or three gallons of fuel left in the tank. In newer cars, this light may also be accompanied by a countdown of miles left until you reach empty. What it looks like: A side profile of a person seated in a car, with a large ball (depicting the airbag) in front of their head. What it means: This means your vehicle has detected a problem with its passenger safety system. An airbag light could signify that there’s a problem with an airbag or one of the sensors designed to deploy the airbags in the event of a crash. If you see this light on the dash, you’ll need the help of a mechanic to diagnose and repair the source of the problem. Keep in mind that ignoring this light means you may not be protected by your airbag system if you get into an accident. What it looks like: A windshield with a stream of water spraying upwards. What it means: This light means your windshield washer fluid reservoir is empty. To make sure you can see clearly, top off your washer fluid as soon as possible. You can buy a gallon of fluid at a nearby auto parts store, gas station, grocery store or home improvement store. What it looks like: A circle with what looks like parenthesis on either side. Some vehicles may opt for the word “BRAKE” instead. What it means: Something is wrong with your vehicle’s braking system. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could include low brake fluid, worn brake pads or an issue with your parking brake. The braking system is critical to the safety and performance of your vehicle, so do not drive with this light illuminated. Call a tow truck and get your car repaired as soon as possible. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) System What it looks like: An icon similar to the brake system, but with the letters ABS incorporated. What it means: Your car’s ABS light means that something is wrong with the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system – which is designed to prevent your wheels from locking up under a hard stop. Typically, this light means you’ll need to replace an ABS sensor. While your car’s brakes will still work without ABS, you should get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible to restore this important safety feature. What it looks like: A gear icon with an exclamation point or thermometer in the center. What it means: When this light pops up on your dash, it signals a problem with your vehicle’s automatic transmission. The exact cause of this light can vary for each automaker. For that reason, it could mean your transmission is overheating – or that a sensor has recorded a mechanical problem with the transmission itself. Whatever the cause, it’s never a good sign. So get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Also, don’t be surprised if your vehicle enters “limp” mode when a transmission warning occurs. This setting limits the top speed of your vehicle as a type of fail-safe to prevent you from causing further damage to your transmission. Get Back on the Road With ERIE When you experience an unlucky breakdown with your car, ERIE’s Emergency Roadside Service can save the day. It’s an optional coverage that’s easy to add to your auto insurance policy and doesn’t cost a lot. To learn how ERIE can help you get back on the road, contact us today. ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information. The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time. Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy. A better insurance experience starts with ERIE. Haven’t heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else. Though we’ve grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven’t lost the human touch. Contact Integrated Insurance Solutions today to experience the ERIE difference for yourself.	0.945034	2,371
But it doesn't have to end here! Sign up for the 7-day coding interview crash course and you'll get a free Interview Cake problem every week. Writing programming interview questions hasn't made me rich yet ... so I might give up and start trading Apple stocks all day instead. First, I wanna know how much money I could have made yesterday if I'd been trading Apple stocks all day. So I grabbed Apple's stock prices from yesterday and put them in an array called stockPrices, where: So if the stock cost $500 at 10:30am, that means stockPrices = 500. Write an efficient method that takes stockPrices and returns the best profit I could have made from one purchase and one sale of one share of Apple stock yesterday. No "shorting"—you need to buy before you can sell. Also, you can't buy and sell in the same time step—at least 1 minute has to pass. You can't just take the difference between the highest price and the lowest price, because the highest price might come before the lowest price. And you have to buy before you can sell. What if the price goes down all day? In that case, the best profit will be negative. You can do this in time and space! To start, try writing an example value for stockPrices and finding the maximum profit "by hand." What's your process for figuring out the maximum profit? The brute force approach would be to try every pair of times (treating the earlier time as the buy time and the later time as the sell time) and see which one is higher. But that will take time, since we have two nested loops—for every time, we're going through every other time. Also, it's not correct: we won't ever report a negative profit! Can we do better? Well, we’re doing a lot of extra work. We’re looking at every pair twice. We know we have to buy before we sell, so in our inner for loop we could just look at every price after the price in our outer for loop. That could look like this: What’s our runtime now? Well, our outer for loop goes through all the times and prices, but our inner for loop goes through one fewer price each time. So our total number of steps is the sum n + (n - 1) + (n - 2) ... + 2 + 1, which is still time. We can do better! If we're going to do better than , we're probably going to do it in either or . comes up in sorting and searching algorithms where we're recursively cutting the array in half. It's not obvious that we can save time by cutting the array in half here. Let's first see how well we can do by looping through the array only once. Since we're trying to loop through the array once, let's use a greedy approach, where we keep a running maxProfit until we reach the end. We'll start our maxProfit at $0. As we're iterating, how do we know if we've found a new maxProfit? At each iteration, our maxProfit is either: How do we know when we have case (2)? The max profit we can get by selling at the currentPrice is simply the difference between the currentPrice and the minPrice from earlier in the day. If this difference is greater than the current maxProfit, we have a new maxProfit. So for every price, we’ll need to: Here’s one possible solution: We’re finding the max profit with one pass and constant space! Are we done? Let’s think about some edge cases. What if the price stays the same? What if the price goes down all day? If the price doesn't change, the max possible profit is 0. Our method will correctly return that. So we're good. But if the value goes down all day, we’re in trouble. Our method would return 0, but there’s no way we could break even if the price always goes down. How can we handle this? Well, what are our options? Leaving our method as it is and just returning zero is not a reasonable option—we wouldn't know if our best profit was negative or actually zero, so we'd be losing information. Two reasonable options could be: In this case, it’s probably best to go with option (1). The advantages of returning a negative profit are: How can we adjust our method to return a negative profit if we can only lose money? Initializing maxProfit to 0 won’t work... Well, we started our minPrice at the first price, so let’s start our maxProfit at the first profit we could get—if we buy at the first time and sell at the second time. But we have the potential for an ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException here, if stockPrices has fewer than 2 prices. We do want to throw an exception in that case, since profit requires buying and selling, which we can't do with less than 2 prices. So, let's explicitly check for this case and handle it: Ok, does that work? No! maxProfit is still always 0. What’s happening? If the price always goes down, minPrice is always set to the currentPrice. So currentPrice - minPrice comes out to 0, which of course will always be greater than a negative profit. When we’re calculating the maxProfit, we need to make sure we never have a case where we try both buying and selling stocks at the currentPrice. To make sure we’re always buying at an earlier price, never the currentPrice, let’s switch the order around so we calculate maxProfit before we update minPrice. We'll also need to pay special attention to time 0. Make sure we don't try to buy and sell at time 0. We’ll greedily walk through the array to track the max profit and lowest price so far. For every price, we check if: To start, we initialize: We decided to return a negative profit if the price decreases all day and we can't make any money. We could have thrown an exception instead, but returning the negative profit is cleaner, makes our method less opinionated, and ensures we don't lose information. time and space. We only loop through the array once. This one's a good example of the greedy approach in action. Greedy approaches are great because they're fast (usually just one pass through the input). But they don't work for every problem. How do you know if a problem will lend itself to a greedy approach? Best bet is to try it out and see if it works. Trying out a greedy approach should be one of the first ways you try to break down a new question. To try it on a new problem, start by asking yourself: "Suppose we could come up with the answer in one pass through the input, by simply updating the 'best answer so far' as we went. What additional values would we need to keep updated as we looked at each item in our input, in order to be able to update the 'best answer so far' in constant time?" In this case: The "best answer so far" is, of course, the max profit that we can get based on the prices we've seen so far. The "additional value" is the minimum price we've seen so far. If we keep that updated, we can use it to calculate the new max profit so far in constant time. The max profit is the larger of: Try applying this greedy methodology to future questions. Powered by qualified.io	0.950612	1,652
Wait a second! More handpicked essays just for you. More handpicked essays just for you. Developing critical thinking Developing critical thinking Developing critical thinking eaasay Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs. Recommended: Developing critical thinking A: Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in (one or more) of the following: 1: Directly experiencing the traumatic event(S) 4: Experiencing repeated or exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(S) B: Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(S), beginning after the traumatic event(S) occurred: 1: Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s) 3: Dissociative reactions in which individuals feels or acts as if the traumatic events were recurring C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(S) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: 1: Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, 1. For Program Student Learning Outcomes what I demonstrated in my artifact is Develop leadership skills to provide and continuously improve the delivery of safe, patient-centered quality healthcare. Within in nursing we must develop leadership skills to better serve our patient. The reason why nurses should have leadership skills because it will help the nurse to be able to intervene, be able to implement tasks, create care plan, and evaluate. Also, with leadership it helps you to be more efficient in advocating for your patient, which will lead to patient-centered quality care. The students are actively involved in the learning process, which does not happen In this essay, I will argue about how technology is our most important literacy sponsor for our development of literacy. As a young child, my mother always used to forced books on me. Every other day was reading day and I would have to read a book to my mother. I would always look at her and cry because I hated sitting down and opening up a book that was longer than my instruction manual for my video games. Students worked in small groups collaborate to answer questions related to catheter insertion, extraction, and maintenance. The method that was used to evaluate the students is manually grading of the post-quiz to measure the students’ cognitive ability to retain the information. No apparatus or equipment used during the data collection. Miller and Metz (2014), investigates and compared the perception of the active learning process between students who were exposed to the active learning process in the classroom and members who relied on the lecture as their primary teaching strategy. The study concludes that 89% of students who engages in the active learning process through gaming in the classroom predicted favorable results in the students’ performances and motivated to learn the Additionally, the researcher reviewed the progress of the instructional strategies, as well as provided additional modeling when deemed necessary. Finally, the researcher compiled and analyzed all data points to determine if there was enough evidence to support the belief that employing elementary practices at the high school level had a positive impact of student engagement and achievement. It is important to the researcher that students are engaged and excelling academically on a daily basis. If the latter activities are occurring, teaching and learning are most assuredly taking place, and if teaching and learning are taking place, student success and achievement will be Also, new evidence shows that children with learning challenges require a break from academic learning, as well as other students in the classroom. Giving brain breaks and having the class focus on the task helps improve their standard ability to work (Ramsay & Rostain, 2003). When students are actively involved, they have a greater focus on other tasks throughout the I believe this helped facilitate students learning because it assured that each student was able to visually see how to solve the problem. Using the smart board and the anchor chart that list each strategy and how to use the strategy also provided an excellent visual and resource for students to refer back to during their partner work. The learning activity’s helped to support and facilitate student learning because students were able to work on a word problem with another student which offered feedback from their Critical thinking is analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and thinking logically like thinking something through before you do it. Reading and writing help with critical thinking, because it helps you navigate how to get to the solution of the problem you are having. In writing, you have to go through all these steps to get a good paper like brainstorming, rough draft, and proofreading so while you are doing all these steps your brain is putting everything together so in the end you come out with a great paper. In brainstorming, you are thinking of all these ideas and connecting them so you can come up with your two thesis statements, argument, introduction, hook and a conclusion. A rough drafted is taking your ideas and making them into a body paragraph and writing about your topic. In a learning environment, teachers want to help students engage with what they are doing to promote deeper understanding" (Kohn, 1997c). The student-directed learning theory implies that the teacher should share the 1. Philosophical analysis is an essential tool for the improvement of our critical thinking skills. The world have introduced to us different ideas about life, death and the existence of God, and thinking about these concepts could sometimes be really confusing. The only effective way to analyze these kinds of concepts is through critical thinking, breaking down the broad and big questions into smaller and more specific questions to understand them better. Discussion Forum Post Week 7 Univ. 1001 Job postings often state that the successful applicant must have "superior critical thinking and problem solving skills. " Employers tell college administrators that graduates, both from undergraduate and graduate programs, often lack these skills. 1. Having read this week's assigned materials, and having a clear understanding of what is meant by "critical thinking," why are employers making these comments? A good way I saw a teacher trying to keep her students engaged was giving them a time limit for how long they had to do the assignment before they had to present their results or move on to the next activity. I observed a kindergarten class and they are always changing activities to keep the students involved and entertained. I observed two classes that sang songs about the day, month, and year at the beginning of class. One of the classes I observed even used sign language as they sang the songs. I know that the students in my class learned what I need them to learn from my writing lesson. Furthermore, the students learned what was intended and stated in the objectives. I was able to measure the student’s understanding using a rubric, the quality of the student’s writing, and from my small group observations. 2.Were the students productively engaged?	0.968013	1,401
Hummingbird gift from a friend Everything holds a history, particularly delicious desserts. Take pie, for example, spelled “pye” in medieval England. Remember the nursery rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence”? Indeed, at one time in British culture, live birds flew from pies in surprise entertainment for children at suppertime. Not as wildly exciting, but wonderful nonetheless, I remember my mother standing before the kitchen counter forming perfect balls of dough with her hands. The synchronized sound of her rolling pin on the countertop often roused expectation of relatives for dinner. There was no such thing as one pie for dessert in Mom’s kitchen. Although famous for her flaky piecrusts, Mom also baked spice cakes and iced them in peaks of seafoam frosting. Her chocolate and banana-nut layer cakes with smooth, buttercream frosting also developed a palate for culinary excellence. Mom’s cookbooks I inherited also prove these favorites merely scratch the surface of the pastries she served her family, neighbors, and relatives. Considering this heritage, when my friend Marilyn gifted me a darling glass hummingbird last January, I hung the yellow-winged trinket below a kitchen cabinet for cheerful company. To my delight, on rare sunny days, the hummingbird’s yellow head and green beak cast sunbeams while I cook and clean. One recent day, while pondering what pastry to serve Marilyn and our fellow tea friend, Anne, for our February gathering, I recalled someone raving about the Hummingbird Cake. Yes! That’s the perfect dessert to serve, I decided, and consulted my “Better Homes and Gardens” cookbook, Mom’s “Pillsbury” cookbook, and Volume I and II of “The Gourmet Cookbook.” Not one Hummingbird Cake recipe. Surprisingly, my more modern Southern cookbooks do not include the recipe, either. Reluctantly, I visited the Web and found a plethora of Hummingbird Cake recipes with common ingredients. Furthermore, I learned this supposedly world-famous cake is a Jamaican dessert introduced in the 1960s by the Jamaican Tourist Board. This explains why Mom never baked a Hummingbird Cake, and why the recipe does not appear in cookbooks published in the 1960s. Known in Jamaica as their “Dr. Bird Cake”, so named after their national bird, the hummingbird, they use their local pineapple, bananas, and spices to stimulate their tourist industry. The pliable recipe settled into the U.S. South, the likes of “Southern Living” magazine and Paula Deen creating their version once they got hold of the Jamaican recipe. This explains the recent, rapid growth of the cake in contemporary accounts of American cooking, and then the world’s. Consuming generous amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, the dense, moist cake smothered in cream cheese frosting and heavily garnished with toasted pecans, we cleaned our plates. Dear Reader, although there is no such thing as one kind of cake or pie on my table, I’m certain the Hummingbird Cake is destined to return. Oh, and the sherry glass filled to the brim with dark chocolate ganache, with the pot of steamy Earl Gray tea, completed our culinary experience entirely. And the ladies took plenty cake home. Hummingbird Cake (350 degrees) 3 cups flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon each nutmeg and ginger ½ teaspoon salt 3 eggs 2 cups mashed very ripe bananas 8 oz. cup crushed pineapple ¾ cup vegetable, or olive, or coconut oil 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla 2 cups toasted pecans Frosting 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 3 tablespoons butter 2 cups powdered sugar 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla 1-2 tablespoons milk After our “Friends of Herbs” program Wednesday morning at Seven Ponds Nature Center, I drove south twenty-one miles to my favorite grocery store. I’ve learned the aisles in Fresh Thyme, where to find ginger root (more accurately a rhizome) in their produce section. Jeanette Farley, a co-chair of our group, had demonstrated making ginger juice, a tasty health boost she adds to beverages. “It’s a warming herb that improves heart health,” she said, and named other benefits. A believer in ginger’s medicinal properties, I’ve steeped fresh ginger and lemon slices together in hot tisanes (herbal tea) for years. And when my palate desires a delicious Scottish scone, I’ll add chopped crystalized ginger, lemon zest, and dried lavender buds for complimentary flavors. In the long, sunny drive to my destination, I wondered why chicken-ginger-garlic and vegetable-ginger-garlic stir-fry retired from my main dishes without proper notice. Thus, I said to self, “Add fresh ginger to your grocery list.” As Jeanette helped me plant my first garlic patch years ago with cloves from her soft and hard neck varieties, I grow my own garlic—and walked by Fresh Thyme’s garlic display with a smile. Two hours later in my kitchen, I emptied my grocery bags to discover I’d forgotten to write fresh ginger on my list. Hmm…some sources report ginger extract “helps improve cognitive performance and memory.” All the more reason to consume ginger juice. It’s not just for your heart and joints. Add it to your daily water intake. Needing to stretch my legs and raise my pulse, I laced up my hiking boots at 4 PM and opened the basement door to the robin’s song. No. Hundreds of robins perched in our evergreens engaged in a boisterous conference. One sweet bird after another chirped their little heart out as if giving a lecture on how to praise the Creator for the lovely, sunny day. Should I fetch my binoculars to find and observe their spokespersons? No again. I stood compelled by their music and the nourishing moment with my eyes lifted to receive the sun’s Vitamin D and C. Did those darling, red-breasted choristers, those hardy Michigan hangers-on, confuse this February thaw with spring? Regardless, I seized their joy and turned the corner of the house. Lo and behold! The birds flew from the trees and followed me to the front yard. What a sight to see! Droves of red bellies and black wings sweeping, dipping, soaring above me. Many found branches in the front yard, some dining on crabapple tree berries. Chirping. Chirping. Chirping. Thanking me for planting trees for them to build their nests and hide from predators. “My pleasure entirely,” I said. Dear Reader, robins sang in the hedgerows along the road as I walked by. They greeted me in the old oak beside our driveway. They feasted on crabapple berries from the tree planted in memory of our deceased daughter. Blessed life, singing a perennial love song our Earth offers to warm our souls. Good medicine, indeed. \|	0.928999	1,513
EAT decides that employee who took voluntary redundancy could claim unfair dismissal In White v HC-One Oval Ltd the EAT had to decide if an employee who had taken voluntary redundancy could pursue an unfair dismissal claim. Ms White worked part-time as a receptionist in one of the care homes owned by the respondent. She raised a grievance because she hadn't received an acting up allowance for providing additional admin support to cover staff illness. Shortly afterwards, the company announced that it wanted to reduce the number of employees carrying out reception and administrative work in a number of its care homes, including the one where Ms White worked. It started a redundancy process and Ms White was provisionally selected. At this point, she asked for voluntary redundancy (it's not clear why, but its possible that additional pay or other benefits were offered to volunteers). This was agreed and her employment was terminated. Her employers appear to have decided to dismiss her grievance without going through a proper process once she had agreed to leave the business. Ms White argued that her dismissal was unfair and issued a claim. She argued that the redundancy was a sham on the basis that the company had taken on a new full-time receptionist two months before it started the redundancy exercise who it retained to do both reception and admin work. Ms White alleged that she had been targeted because the company wanted to get rid of part-time staff and also because she had raised a grievance. Her employers argued that she had been dismissed because she asked to be made redundant and that her claim should be struck out because it had no chance of succeeding. The tribunal agreed that her claim was 'fundamentally flawed' and struck it out. Ms White appealed. Decision of EAT The EAT made it clear that someone who volunteers for redundancy is agreeing to be dismissed for redundancy: they are not resigning and can bring a claim for unfair dismissal. It made it clear that a tribunal should not strike out a claim where the central facts are disputed (as they were here). The company argued that it had offered Ms White the remaining role and that it was a genuine redundancy; Ms White disputed both assertions. Therefore the only way these issues could be resolved was by considering the evidence at a full merits hearing. Even if the tribunal was satisfied that the reason for her dismissal was redundancy, it still needed to consider whether the process had been fair. And, if that was also disputed, the tribunal would have to hear evidence. 'The fact that the claimant had requested voluntary redundancy did not mean that her complaints about the process that had led her to make that request were irrelevant; a claim of unfair dismissal in these circumstances cannot be assumed to be “fundamentally flawed”. All the more so, given the claimant was alleging that the employer deliberately manufactured the position, such as to suggest that the redundancy process at that particular workplace was a sham.' The EAT remitted the case back to the ET for a full hearing. Four tips for handling voluntary redundancies Many employers embarking on a redundancy process will try and persuade employees to volunteer for redundancy as a way of avoiding compulsory redundancies. They usually offer some sort of incentive, such as an enhanced redundancy payment. If handled well, this approach can help to minimise conflict and give employees some agency during the process. But there are number of issues to consider: 1. You aren't under any obligation to accept an application from someone who you want to retain. It's helpful to make this clear from the outset. 2. If you do accept an application for voluntary redundancy it will be a redundancy dismissal and, if the employee has two years' service, they will still be able to bring an unfair dismissal claim against you (unless you agree a settlement agreement - more on this below). 3. People volunteer for redundancy for many reasons and may harbour resentments about the way they have been treated or the process that you've followed. You need to be particularly vigilant before accepting applications from any member of staff with an outstanding grievance either about the redundancy process itself or another unrelated issue. In most cases, it's better to conclude that process first, including any appeal against your decision. 4. But if there are outstanding issues between your business and an employee volunteering for redundancy, it is sensible to require them to enter into a settlement agreement. They must receive independent advice on the terms of the agreement and may be advised to ask for additional compensation. You'll need to consider, in advance, how you will respond to such requests and may need to take legal advice to ascertain whether it's worth offering more to buy off realistic claims. Need more information? You can find answers to FAQ's on restructures and redundancies here. If you have a question we haven't answered, please contact our partner, Elaine Huttley who will provide you with pragmatic and commercial advice. We also have a fixed price employment law service. Please contact Gordon Rodham if you'd like to find out how we can support you with our fixed-fee annual retainer, or flexible discounted bank of hours service.	0.983511	1,035
The football season is rapidly approaching, meaning it's time to choose the perfect party spot, prepare the delicious delights, and, most importantly, pick some fun football party games. However, with so much fun already happening, it might be hard to create the most memorable and happening atmosphere — especially once you are done with the game day cocktails and snacks. If you are curious about how to level up the epic night, here is the list of the best football party games for all ages. We have covered everything from free printables to hilarious and football-themed party games. In addition, there are also games for small groups, big parties, and even indoors. The best part? Most of the gaming options do not require you to DIY anything or spend a lot of money. Why Football Party Games Matter? It may seem a little counterintuitive to look for games for a football party because you are already watching a game. But let's be honest — you'll find some people who don't care much about the game or aren't cheering for their team the whole time. That's where football party games come into the picture. Football parties are much more than gathering and watching the football game. These games are one of the best ways to keep guests entertained and laughing. While there's no doubt that the game can be exciting in itself, games provide an alternative entertainment during these times. The best part of football party games is that they are fun for both football lovers and those who don't have much football knowledge or fandom. Football Games for Your Party: A Starter List The famous football is the most anticipated game of the football season. Thankfully, there are various types of football games available out there. From free printables to hilarious and football-themed, there are a lot of football games for a party to check out. Pin the Football on the Goalpost: The game participants need to be blindfolded, spin around, and try to pin the football on the goalpost. Whoever pins the most footballs wins the game! Wing-Eating Contest: There isn't a more iconic football snack than chicken wings. It's a perfect football game for foodies, and whoever eats more wings will win! Celebrity Dress-Up Contest: If you're throwing the football party in celebrity style, ask all the attendees to come dressed as their favorite celebrity, and whoever gets the highest votes will be considered the winner. Football Toss: The football toss is another fun football party game for kids and adults alike. This football, see who can toss more footballs into the buckets to score points and then win prizes. Football Dice Game: Give the kids some candy, dice, and a free printable football dice game so they can be busy for hours. It's like kids have to roll their way to eat the candy. Free Printables Football Party Games The football party games printable is ideal if your guests are low-key and want to sit down and play games. They're great for playing while enjoying your favorite football party food. Here are a few football party games free printables that you can download and get started straight away! Football A-Z Game: This is one of the perfect games to play in this football game season. You can print and distribute this game card among the players and ask the guests to write down any football or football-related word. The person writing the most words wins! Football Pick ‘Em: This interactive game is perfect for a football watch party as it can be filled out before the football match starts. All you need to do is print the free football party game card and distribute it among all your guests. Game Day Bingo Cards: It's a great way to help kids learn about the game or even for adults who want to play bingo based on gameplay and not on commercials. Each of these cards is filled with things that players might do or typical football penalties. 10 Hilarious Football Party Games If you're looking for the best hilarious football party games, here are a few options that you've never played before. You can play these games during half-time or even before the activity starts! Check out the 10 hilarious football party games in the following section. Face Goal: For this, you'll need two players and mini-stuffed footballs. One player with a bucket of small footballs stands 10 yards from the other, who stands with upright hands. To play, the first player must hike footballs underneath their legs into the field goal — without hitting the other person in the face. Lineman: In this game, players stand at one table end and then slide cookies on a football tablecloth. The point is to land them touching the line. Players must land one cookie on each of the lines to win. Candy Contest: You'll have to give each player a wrapped delicious candy. All the players have to eat an entire candy, including unwrapping and swallowing the candy. The first player who completely eats the candy wins! Football Points: Cover the party table with any football tablecloth and hand someone four stuffed mini footballs. Have them stand six feet away (or a little closer) and ask them to toss their four footballs onto the table. If they land one mini-football on the table, they win points. Football Trivia: If you think you've some of the biggest football experts in your crew, consider playing football trivia. It's time to challenge your guests to a football-themed trivia contest; whoever knows more stats will win. Football Word Scramble: This little brain-testing challenge will keep your kids occupied throughout the night. It's played by using small square-shaped tiles and is a fun diversion for adults if you include some challenging terms as well. Football Knockdown: Players toss the old pigskin at a pyramid of football-themed plastic cups in this game. All you need is a white pen, a football, and some brown cups for this entertaining activity. Football Hot Potato: The foam football adds a twist to the classic game where players form a circle, and one person holds the football. It is passed around the circle when music plays, and the person holding the football at the end is out of the game. If you're hosting the football party outdoor, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 is your best bet to charge all the appliances, including music setups. Half-Time Commercial Bingo: We all know commercials are one of the best parts of football. Watch your favorite brands or celebrities and then make one big card or different cards to collect. All the guests will be ready to watch and get BINGO! Potluck Cook-Off: football day is the time to get competitive in the kitchen. See who can cook a delicious pot of chili or appetizers and pick the winner! Foot Ball Party Games for Small Groups If you want to invite only a few close ones to your football party, there are many ways to enjoy the epic night. Check out some of the best football party games for small groups. Football Minute To Win It Games: It's a huge hit among kids and adults! You can play before, during commercials, or after the game. They take just a minute or two to play and are hilarious to watch! Pick Six: It's a viral TikTok game where players try to pick six dollars blindfolded to win it all! You can even replace dollars with something more exciting, like treats, gifts, or anything. Football-Themed Party Games Football is incomplete without football-themed party games. Here are some football party games to keep your guests entertained. Football Bingo: Everyone loves the Bingo game, and for a football version, you can create your own boards and fill in football-themed words. This is one of the great football-themed football party games for everyone. Balloon Football: There's something therapeutic about keeping a football in the air. It's a simple and timeless enjoyment of keeping the football from touching the ground. Football Home Party Games: Enjoying the Games at Home For many people, a football party is like an annual gathering. If the weather doesn't permit outdoor games, here are a few football home party games. Football Food Competition: If you want to play this indoor game, all you need to do is break the attendees into two teams and give each of them an identical set of snacks. The team that creates the best football-themed treat will win! Football Word Game: It's like a little brain-teasing challenge in the form of a football word game. All the words are related to football and aren't hard to unscramble for kids or adults! Keeping Everyone Engaged: Activities for All Ages If your football party includes children, teens, and adults, here are some activities to keep everyone engaged. These games are sure to be a hit with everyone. Don't Drop the Pizza: Give all the football party guests a pizza box to see who can balance the box from point A to point B on their heads. Whoever gets straight from one point to another without dropping the box on the floor wins a treat like an extra slice of pizza. Fun Football Field Goal: You need small stuffed footballs and a basket for this game. The kids will pick a partner, basket, and football. The game starts when one kid drops the football to another kid's foot, and the teammate tries to kick the football off their foot into the basket. Safety and Preparation Tips for Game Time While playing the football party games, you must keep all the guests safe. Here are some safety and preparation tips. - You must consider the comfort levels of all participants while selecting the football party game ideas. Make sure everyone knows the pre-defined rules and regulations of the game. - Once you've decided which games to play, get all the props and playing areas ready. - You must encourage kids and adults to drink plenty of water or juices so they can stay hydrated. If serving alcohol to adults, drink responsibly. Jackery Solar Generators for Football Party Games If you are planning a backyard or outdoor party, there's much to be done before inviting others. One of the most essential things is investing in a Jackery Solar Generator. They are reliable, robust, and portable charging solutions to power electrical appliances during football game night. The Jackery Solar Generators feature pass-through charging, meaning you can power appliances while recharging the power station simultaneously. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus has a built-in battery of 1264Wh capacity and a large 2000W output. It supports three add-on battery packs to expand the capacity from 1.2kWh to 5kWh. Whether you want to power lights, TVs, and projectors or wish to charge cooking appliances, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a great choice. The Jackery Solar Generator 500 has an NMC battery of 518Wh with a pure sine wave inverter of 500W. With an excellent portable power station like Jackery Solar Generator 500, all your guests can have easy access to charge essential items like smartphones. It's also light in weight, so you can move the power station anywhere to charge TVs or decorative items that require electricity. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery of 288Wh and weighs only 11 lbs. It's compatible with iPad-sized Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels that fit your backpack. It also features multiple output ports to charge many small appliances for long hours. Working Hours \| TVs (100W) \| Projector (100W) \| Outdoor Speaker (60W) \| Mini Cooler (300W) \| Decorative Lights (80W) \| Heaters (1000W) \| The football parties aren't just about delicious food. One way to entertain your guests is by playing the football party games. They are a great way to engage guests who aren't into football. If you are all set to throw an unforgettable football party, consider investing in a reliable solar-powered generator. Jackery has an exceptional range of solar generators with different sizes and capacities to deliver energy to run a football party from setup to teardown. Football Party Games FAQs What is the football pre-game party? The football pre-game party is an opportunity to get together with your favorite people and watch the exciting football game. There are drinks, snacks, and games to offer an overwhelming sense of excitement. How do you throw a successful football party? In order to throw a football party, start by decorating the table like a football field, using balloons and banners to deck out the space, preparing delicious foods, and, most importantly, choosing the suitable football party games. How do you entertain kids at a football party? Entertaining kids in the football game may feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! There are many kid-friendly games, crafts, and foods that will keep them busy and entertained throughout the football night.	0.954892	2,690
When you have found the property you would like to rent, you must complete and return to us an application form in full. The application form allows us to approach the owner of the property with all relevant information and obtain a decision in principle from them promptly. It is essential you enter your correct email address at this stage as should your application be successful, you will receive our referencing request via email. When we have received this, we will approach the owner and go through its content. When we have a decision, we will contact you and advise you accordingly. Congratulations! Your application has been accepted. It is at this stage that you must pay a holding deposit to reserve the property. Our reference checks will ensure you are registered on the electoral roll and also confirm credit scores and employment information. We will also contact your employer to obtain a reference and will contact your previous landlord or letting agent to obtain a reference. It is your responsibility to ensure your employer and previous landlord respond to our requests as soon as possible. If we cannot conclude your referencing within 5 working days, your deposit will be returned and the property offered to other parties. It may be that you will require a guarantor based on the outcome of your reference. If this is the case, your guarantor must complete an application form also and pay an application fee to allow us to reference him or her. Moving house doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. A little planning can go a long way. Below is a useful check list to use to ensure this day goes smoothly and that all the paperwork is completed correctly. Attend our office at Lichfield for your check in appointment on time! If you are late, we may move onto the next appointment meaning you will have to wait. Please make every effort to be on time and ensure you bring with you At key collection we will provide a copy of the property inventory and explain how your deposit will be protected and who to contact in the event of a problem at the property. When all the paperwork is complete, we will hand over the keys to your new home! When you move into the property you should ensure you contact the relevant utility companies to set up your new accounts for gas, electric and water. You should also double check the inventory you have been given carefully. Any difference in what is contained in the inventory should be noted and the amended inventory returned to our office within 5 working days. If we do not receive any amendments within this time, the original inventory as presented to you will be deemed as being correct and will be used to compare against the condition of the property after you vacate. We will contact the council and ensure they are aware that you have moved into the property. You must ensure you pay your council tax! If you have a television, don’t forget it is a legal requirement to have a television licence. You should make your own arrangements to ensure you obtain one. Under current law, all deposit must now be protected by a government approved scheme. We use “The Deposit Protection Service” custodial scheme. This means that we transfer your deposit to the DPS to hold until the end of your tenancy. Deductions from the deposit may be made at the end of the tenancy should there be any damages or rent due when you move out. The DPS will contact you with your own unique pin number relating to your deposit. Please keep this safe. If you don’t hear from them within 14 days of your move in, please contact us so we can chase this for you. Rent must be paid on time. Remember, some banks can take up to three days to transfer funds into our client account. You should therefore ensure that you set up the standing order to leave your account 3 days before the due date to avoid any late payment fines. If you are late paying, you will incur a fine. Subsequent late payments will result in eviction proceedings being started. During your tenancy should you have any issues relating to the property, it is important you direct these to the correct person. If the property is managed by Jayman (and we will advise you of this at check in) you can contact our support team on the numbers we provide to you at check in. Please note, our property management team is separate from the team you have booked your viewing through. If the property is managed by the landlord, you will be provided with their contact information. We cannot assist you or help with any maintenance issue if the property is managed by the landlord. Under the terms of the tenancy agreement it is essential that any problems with the property are reported to the landlord or agent immediately without delay. This is to ensure that little problems do not escalate into more serious and costly ones. If you fail to report a problem that then goes on to cause further damage to the landlords property, you will be liable for the cost of repair. You must, under the terms of the agreement, ensure that you care for the property and ensure it is kept in good condition. This includes the gardens. Lawns should be kept mowed and hedges tidy. You should treat the property as if it is your own home. The property should also be kept well ventilated to avoid damp issues from occurring. Among other items, you must ensure you report to our support team; Leaks Drainage problems Fence panels Faulty appliances Security issues If we manage the property, as part of our duty to the landlord, we will carry out inspections of the property on the 3rd month and then every 6 months that you are in the property. These inspections are to ensure that the property is being looked after and that there are no visible problems that need attention. We will contact you to confirm when this will be carried out – you do not have to be present at this appointment but if you wish to be please let us know. If your property has a gas supply, we will need access once a year to renew its gas safety certificate. When the current certificate is close to expiring, we will contact you to arrange a date to inspect the gas supply and appliances and renew the certificate. You must allow access for this check to be carried out. IF YOU SMELL GAS AT ANY TIME AT THE PROPERTY CALL 0800 111 999 When the end of your fixed term approaches, we will contact you to ask if you wish to renew your tenancy for a further term. Please note, any request taken at this stage are subject to the landlords approval and a renewal fee is payable. These fees are detailed in your tenancy agreement. If you wish to give notice, you should do so in writing to Jayman, Property Management, 2, Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL. Please ensure you give the requisite notice period that is stated in your contract. Notice must be given to end on your payment date. Ie, if your tenancy started on the 12th, the end date of your tenancy must be the 11th. Please ask for clarification if required when handing in notice to vacate. If the Landlord wishes to serve notice to take back the property, we will contact you and confirm this in writing. We will also supply our “Leavers Guide” to ensure you are aware of the processes in vacating your property. Your landlord can only serve notice to end your tenancy after the fixed term has expired providing you are not in any breach of the agreement. If you do not pay your rent or are in breach of your tenancy agreement, enforcement action will be taken against you for damages and to evict you from the property. Our “Leavers Guide” contains all the information you require to vacate the property and successfully regain your deposit monies. It is essential when you are leaving that you contact the relevant gas, electric, water companies to clear your accounts. We will require evidence that you have settled all your bills at the end of the tenancy. You should also remember to divert your post and cancel any standing orders for your rent. If we continue to receive rent, we will charge you an administration fee for returning this money. You will need to attend our office to hand over the keys and sign your key return confirmation. At this appointment, we will require your meter readings and confirmation that you have completed the check out steps. We will require all sets of keys and any copies you have made during your tenancy. You will be charged if you are late bringing back you keys so please ensure you attend your check out appointment. Do not leave keys at the property or post them back to us. You will be charged for any key you do not personally return to our office when you vacate. When we have the keys back, we will send out our inventory clerk to conduct a property check out report. He will compare the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy to that at the end, referring to any inventory and photo’s which were supplied to you at the start. Any discrepancies will be noted and the report sent to the landlord. Your landlord may then choose to inspect the property himself Any discrepancies will then be discussed with you and efforts made to negotiate with all parties to agree on any deductions. If all parties cannot agree, the matter will be referred to the DPS Alternate Dispute Resolution Service. They will contact you to request evidence to support your claim and likewise contact the Landlord. They will then review both parties evidence and make a decision regarding the return of the deposit.	0.952645	1,943
It is an unfortunate and sometimes devastating experience, but slips and relapses do happen. For some of us in recovery, they are part of our story — but they do not need to be. Some people find recovery without relapse. Some people never make it back from a relapse. For each of us, our recovery story may be a little different. If slipping is part of your story, like it is for so many of us, there are things we did that worked. They will likely work for you, too. Those in recovery can overcome slips and relapses. They do not need to be a permanent part of your story. No matter how many times you have stumbled before now, you can take action and put a stop to this vicious cycle. A Slip Versus a Relapse The fundamental differences between a slip and a relapse are the length of time and involvement in recovery. If we tried the 12-Step program of recovery and then abruptly stopped, then drank or used again for a good long while, that’s a relapse. If we never tried the 12-Steps or stopped doing them, then drank or used them again once before longing to get back into the program, that’s a slip. Either or both of these can be a part of our journey. Some people have extensive experience with them, while others have never known them. Whether we have fallen a lot or a little doesn’t matter. We can start right now, right where we are, and change our whole experience in recovery. Lasting recovery is possible for anyone at any time. The book Alcoholics Anonymous has much to say about relapse, relapse prevention, and how to bounce back from a slip. It also contains the 12-Step program of recovery in its entirety, which is designed to help alcoholics and addicts find lasting freedom. Start At the Beginning For those who have trouble with relapses and slips, it can feel difficult to understand the cause of our problem. The best thing we can do is take a step back and start at the very beginning. How did we get here? Sometimes it is an unclear understanding of our condition that leaves us open to relapse. Maybe we know that we’re an alcoholic or addict, but we’re not clear on what that really means for us and our lives. So we go back to the beginning — we pick up the book Alcoholics Anonymous, and we read it. Then we read it again with someone in recovery, maybe even our sponsor. Educating ourselves about our disease and how it really affects our lives can be the beginning of the end of relapse. Now that we’re reading the Big Book with our sponsor or someone stable in recovery, it’s time to look at the start of the 12-Steps. Maybe we’re already familiar with the 12-Steps, but our focus is simply on stopping the relapse cycle. Our best bet at ending chronic relapse is the 12-Step program, leading us to lasting recovery. So we go all the way back to 1st-Step. The 1st-step is crucial. It’s the one step that all the others depend on. If we don’t do a thorough and honest 1st-Step, it’s unlikely that we’ll do the rest of the 12-Steps — and that means it’s highly unlikely that we’ll stop relapsing. At Jaywalker Lodge, we firmly believe in educating others about the 1st-Step to reduce and prevent relapse. We focus intensely on the 1st-Step, and we don’t ever leave it far from our minds. Knowing our disease helps us believe in the solution and gives us constant motivation to keep ourselves active in the 12-Step program. To end the vicious cycle of relapse, we will need the book Alcoholics Anonymous and someone in recovery who can read it with us. Going over the 1st-Step thoroughly with someone who fully understands it can help us tremendously. Working All 12 Steps This might seem to go without saying, but an active engagement with the 12-Step recovery program as a way of life is the best way to reduce and prevent relapse. So after we truly understand the 1st-Step as best we can, we’re going to want to lock in a sponsor and continue working the rest of the 12-Steps. We are also asked to fellowship with other alcoholics and addicts in recovery and do our best to be of service to others. This means that we will want to begin attending regular recovery meetings and stay on the lookout for people who may need our help. If we want to stop relapsing, or just stop drinking or using at all, we’re going to need to work the 12-Steps. The Importance of Meetings We just glanced at this one: meetings. If we’re able to, when the thought of drinking or using comes over us, we should quickly get to a meeting. Sharing how we feel with others in recovery will likely provide a lot of well-timed advice, understanding, and practical help. Before and after meetings there are also opportunities for fellowship, which can be another form of relapse prevention. Sometimes our minds change so quickly that there is no chance for us to do the right thing. This mental condition can only be addressed by steady and active engagement with the 12-Step program. Over time, the obsession will leave us if we stay in the 12-Steps. But if we are thinking about relapse and we’re able to pick up the phone, it’s a good idea to call our sponsor or a friend in recovery. Just to reach out, ask how they are, and admit how we’re feeling. Sometimes just this simple act can save our lives. Alcoholism and addiction are a disease made up of the mental obsession, the physical allergy, and the spiritual malady. The mental obsession is often what causes relapses or slips. The 12-Step program of spiritual action is designed to produce the necessary psychic change and vital spiritual experience that can bring about freedom and recovery by relieving the mental obsession, preventing future triggering of the physical allergy, and easing the spiritual malady. Working on the 12-Step program and adopting the 12-Step way of life is truly the best option to prevent relapse. At Jaywalker Lodge, we believe wholeheartedly in thorough and personal education of the 1st-Step, so we can fully understand our unique disease and all the ways it affects us. If we truly see how alcoholism and addiction rule our lives, we may find ourselves motivated to engage in the 12-Step solution. Here at Jaywalker Lodge, we also find 1st-Step education to be one of the biggest factors in ending the vicious cycle of relapse. No matter how many times you’ve slipped before, lasting recovery is possible for anyone. Call Jaywalker Lodge now at (866) 529-9255.	0.940898	1,436
Diabetes can decrease blood flow to your lower extremities, leaving them prone to infection, nerve damage, and diabetic foot. Because of nerve damage, some people with diabetes experience a decrease in their ability to feel pain in certain parts of the body due to nerve damage that leads to numbness. This makes them less likely to be aware when they have gotten cuts or other injuries, which could make them worse. Fortunately, a foot doctor can help treat diabetic foot. Read on to find out more. Recommend Foot Care Tips A foot doctor can help you treat diabetic foot by recommending ways to take better care of your feet in general. Since diabetic foot comes with nerve damage, you have to be vigilant. Depending on the damage, you may have little to almost total loss of sensation perception. Here are a few tips that a foot doctor may recommend as you care for your diabetic foot: - Check your feet and toenails daily for any changes. Pay close attention to wounds, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, cuts, corns, or calluses. Make sure to see a doctor immediately if any issue worsens or does not show signs of healing within a few days. - Wash your feet regularly in warm water, but don’t soak them. - Always dry your feet after washing. Don’t forget to wipe the areas between your toes. - Apply lotion to the top and bottom of your feet. However, don’t leave lotion between your toes, as that could lead to infection. - Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Alternatively, use nail clippers designed specifically for toenails. - Don’t remove your corns and calluses yourself. - Don’t walk barefoot. Instead, wear socks or slippers at home. - Don’t smoke, as smoking can decrease blood circulation. It’s also beneficial for you to facilitate blood flow to your feet. You can do that by putting your feet up when you’re sitting. Wiggling your toes several times a day can also help keep your blood flowing. In addition, choose activities that don’t put your feet at risk of getting wounded or injured. You may want to consider going for low-impact exercises rather than high-intensity alternatives. When it comes to your nails, it’s essential to keep them trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails and wounds. However, you may want to consider getting the help of an expert if you can’t reach your nails on your own. You should also seek assistance if you have blurred vision or shaky hands to avoid accidents. Facilitate Wound Care and Treatment Proper wound care is necessary if you have sustained foot ulcers. Your foot doctor can clean your wound to ensure an infection doesn’t develop. If there is an infection, your doctor can also prescribe oral or intravenous fluid antibiotics to control and eliminate the infection. In addition, your foot doctor can apply a dressing or a special kind of bandage to your wound to keep it clean and dry. They may also use some ointment to protect the wound and promote healing. Another aspect of caring for diabetic foot involves taking weight off your affected foot. One of the best ways to do this is using crutches or a wheelchair to remove pressure from your feet. In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a splint, cast, or brace. Suggest Proper Footwear Your doctor will recommend that you use proper footwear. That involves wearing socks that aren’t too tight and keeping your feet dry when wearing them. Socks can help you avoid getting blisters. You should also use well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support for your feet. If you have flat feet or high feet arch, you may want to consider getting customized insoles. You may also use a pair of therapeutic shoes made specifically for people with diabetes. These can give you the support and protection needed for your condition. Propose Medical Procedures Depending on your condition, your foot doctor may suggest surgical or non-surgical procedures. That includes draining fluid and pus from ulcers if you have them. Another procedure they may recommend is debridement, the process of cutting or removing dead and infected tissue from your foot. Your foot doctor will exhaust conservative treatments first before suggesting surgical procedures. Surgery is typically reserved only for foot deformities that can’t be treated with a cast or brace. In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend amputation for the affected toe or part of the foot. They may suggest the procedure to protect the remaining limb and prevent further health complications. Foot Doctor in Naples, FL Patients with a diabetic foot need to stay on top of their condition to prevent it from worsening. Diabetes symptoms can make that a challenge. Fortunately, healthcare providers can help through home care plans, medical treatments, and surgery. If you’re looking for a foot doctor in Naples, Florida, look no further than the Joint Replacement Institute. Our team of board-certified and fellowship-trained providers can give you a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan suited for your condition. If you want to learn more about our podiatry services, you may call us at (239) 261-2663. If you need a consultation, you can schedule one by using our secure online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you take care of your feet!	0.941179	1,132
Lucky games spice up the action, add more opportunities, great prizes, and an extra twist to make the experience more vibrant. No matter if you are enjoying slots, going with a console game or simply playing on your phone, extra bonuses are always a great addition. So let’s look at how they vary from casino games to console games to mobile games, and why they are so much fun to play. When it comes to casino games, bonus rounds are less of a side attraction and more of a star feature. Bonus games add an adrenaline rush, especially in slots, where bright lights, themed visuals, and fun mechanics take you from just pressing a button to being fully immersed in action. These bonus rounds can come in various forms—pick-and-win games, free spins, mini-games tied to specific themes, and jackpot-style rounds. They can mean the difference between a casual session and a massive win, which is why they’re so enticing to players. Take the best bonus slot games, for instance. These slot games boast unique bonus rounds designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Ever tried a slot where the bonus game makes you play a digital board game, move through themed challenges, or unlock treasure chests? They make simple gambling wildly enjoyable by adding storytelling and a sense of progression into the mix. Titles like “Starburst” or “Book of Ra” are known for offering unique mechanics during their bonus rounds, building anticipation while keeping things exciting. Even beyond slots, bonus games in table games like blackjack or roulette introduce unique twists. There might be side bets or extra perks to add some spice to traditional gaming. Casino bonus mechanics are all about pure chance blended with a touch of creativity, which makes them simple yet totally addictive. What Keeps Us Hooked? The allure of casino bonus rounds lies in accessibility. You don’t have to be a pro gamer to unlock exciting features—sometimes, it’s just about being lucky. Perfect for those who want instant gratification or prefer fewer rules to remember, these games hand out fun without effort. Plus, who doesn’t love winning big? Consoles are often where games feel bigger and bolder. Bonus games on these platforms are less instantaneous and more about adding layers of depth to your adventures. Imagine uncovering secret levels, completing mini puzzle challenges, or earning collectible rewards through bonus features. These extras almost always involve an element of skill or exploration to unlock, flipping the script from the luck-driven experience of casinos. For example, think about a sprawling adventure like The Legend of Zelda or God of War. These games reward you for your curiosity—solving riddles, fighting optional bosses, or finding hidden areas can lead to treasure caches, special armor, or captivating cutscenes. While not called “bonus rounds,” these elements are essentially the console equivalent. They serve to heighten your engagement, extend gameplay time, and even deepen the story. Then there are games like Super Mario Party, where mini-games serve as a core mechanic that feels like bonus fun packed into every course. Your ability to master quick reflex tests or strategy-focused tasks isn’t just for laughs—it’s also vital for seizing victory. Unlike the randomness in casino games, console bonus content asks you to earn your way to the reward, which feels massively satisfying when you finally succeed. Why Do We Love Them? Console bonus games tap into our competitive bone or sense of adventure. It’s not just about unlocking rewards—it’s about how you do it. Whether you’re solving intricate riddles, revealing narrative Easter eggs, or proving you’re faster than your rivals, the effort invested heightens your attachment to the outcome. It’s a level of interactivity and immersion that casino bonuses can’t quite replicate. Mobile games take the concept of bonus games and amplify the element of frequent, bite-sized rewards. Whether it’s freebies in your daily login streak, gacha pulls for characters, or bonus levels after watching ads, mobile games are built around keeping you entertained in short bursts. Bonus games here feel less intentional and more integrated into the structure of the experience—you can stumble upon them just by casually swiping away during a spare moment. Games like Candy Crush showcase this dynamic perfectly. Hit certain milestones, and you’re drawn into a bonus sequence where you earn power-ups or extra point multipliers. Similarly, mobile RPGs or strategy games like Clash Royale offer treasure-opening mini-games as mini-breaks between battles. Often, these bonus mechanics come with some light gamification elements, like spinning a prize wheel, which mirrors the instant-win vibe of casino games. The best part? These bonus games don’t overwhelm you with complexity. They’re designed for speed and satisfaction, making mobile titles particularly appealing for people on the go. What Draws Us Back? The genius behind mobile games’ bonuses lies in how natural they feel. You’re not stepping away from the core experience but weaving rewards into your gameplay seamlessly. Are you pressed for time? Perfect—an exciting 30-second round can give you something cool while keeping things low-stress. Talk about maximum dopamine for minimal effort. At the heart of every bonus game—whether you’re spinning a wheel, solving puzzles on your console, or tackling a quick mobile challenge—is that little extra. It’s the extra excitement, the thrill of something unexpected, or the burst of joy when you hit it big that keeps us coming back for more. These are the moments that take gaming from ordinary to unforgettable. And the future of bonus games? It’s looking even cooler. With tech evolving, we’ll likely see smarter, more immersive gaming experiences. AR and VR could take bonus content to the next level—imagine a VR casino where the bonus round is a treasure hunt you explore in first-person, or a console game where you unlock secrets by solving motion-based challenges. The possibilities are endless, and the creativity is only going to get better. Bonus games aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the cherry on top. Whether you love bonus slots, console extras, or fun mobile challenges, one thing’s for sure: they keep gaming fresh, fun, and full of surprises.	0.921378	1,335
A Botched Circumcision Calls Attention To Kenyan Ritual In August, about 5,000 boys in western Kenya were rounded up, brought into the forest and ritually circumcised. They're members of the Bukusu tribe, and they were marking the transition from boyhood to manhood in the traditional way. The elders who performed the procedure used homemade knives and no anesthesia, as they have done for centuries. But this time, something went horribly wrong. On Aug. 6, Kenya's The Star newspaper reported: "Boy, 13, loses penis in Bukusu circumcision rite gone bad." Local officials say the circumciser wasn't properly trained and botched the surgery. An estimated 10,000 boys from various tribes in Kenya's Bungoma County are circumcised every year, says Florence Lukoosi, the county's cultural director. About half of them, mostly Bukusu tribe members, go through the procedure in the old-fashioned way, which relies on traditional knives instead of surgical tools. Other families opt for a hospital procedure. To minimize injuries and disfigurement, Bungoma County conducts two training sessions a year for traditional circumcisers. The one-day voluntary program teaches them to make the cut safely, how to practice proper hygiene, how to dress the cut after the surgery and how to administer antibiotics if necessary. Lukoosi said the elders who perform the ritual prefer to use their own knives, in order to be true to tradition. About 600 elders have taken circumcision training so far this year, Lukoosi says, but she admits that some still make mistakes. In the August case of the 13-year-old Bukusu boy, she specified that the county had not trained the elder conducting the rite and that he had attempted the procedure at 3 a.m. For an additional perspective, she put me on the phone with Murmbi Njibwakale, a 59-year-old Bukusu elder. Njibwakale was circumcised when he was 9 years old and remembers it "like it was yesterday." I asked what he thought of the boy whose penis was cut off. "Accidents are accidents," he said, emphasizing that they seldom happen. "It is not dangerous. We have done this since time immemorial." And why continue? "It is a test for endurance, of how courageous a man can be in his life," he said. Other circumcised men aren't so sure about the value of the traditional ways. "They took me and a group of other boys into the forest," says Joash Akwiry, 32, remembering his circumcision 22 years ago. For two weeks, elders from his Kisa tribe mentored him, preparing him for the experience. "On D-day, they smear you with clay, which signifies you are ready for circumcision." After the cut, he says, they rubbed ash from burned berries into the wound to stop the bleeding. His most vivid memory is of the pain. Akwiry says his ethnic group no longer practices ritual circumcision. He says people in his tribe have slowly moved away from the practice over the years, adding that families worry that the traditional method can spread diseases such as HIV. "It's a breakdown of traditions," says Elizabeth Meyerhoff, an American anthropologist who has lived in Kenya since the 1970s. "Circumcision was an initiation ceremony, but a lot of the initiation has gone by the wayside." But not in the Bukusu tribe, whose elders even force circumcisions on men from other tribes who want to marry Bukusu women. Men from the Turkana tribe fled their homes last month to avoid this forced circumcision, seeking refuge in nearby police stations. Njibwakale, the Bukusu elder, defends the practice of circumcising adult men from other tribes who choose to live among the Bukusu. "Because they will be a part of us, they should adhere culturally," he says. But any elder who botches a surgery should be banned from future circumcisions, he adds. The circumciser who mutilated the 13-year-old Bukusu boy has been "blacklisted," says Florence Lukoosi. The transition away from ritual circumcision reflects a changing Africa. But even some of those who would not subject a son to traditional cutting still respect the cultural significance of ritual circumcision as an initiation into manhood. Among the Bukusu, an uncircumcised man is given less respect and stature than a circumcised man. "Most Africans still believe in their culture," says Akwiry. Among the Bukusu, circumcision is a rite of passage into manhood. For most Kenyans, by contrast, it's just the cultural norm. Akwiry will have his sons circumcised — but in a hospital, and at a younger age than his own when he was led into the forest at 10. Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.	0.975109	1,032
Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer-Winning Columnist, Dies Of Cancer Updated at 9:42 p.m. ET Charles Krauthammer, the prominent Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post and commentator for the Fox News Channel, has died. His death was confirmed by Fred Hiatt, the editorial page editor for the Post. The cause of Krauthammer's death was cancer. He was 68. Krauthammer built up a record as an intense and prominent advocate of the invasion of Iraq and equally intense and prominent critic of President Barack Obama. Yet he was critical, even contemptuous of President Trump, despite the high regard that many Fox News viewers maintain for the president. And Krauthammer could be caustic: The Post,in its tribute, called him a provocateur. Conservatives paying homage to Krauthammer hailed him as an intellectual beacon. "Charles had become, since the late Bush administration and certainly throughout the Obama administration, the main intellectual guidepost of the right," Stephen Hayes, the editor of the conservative Weekly Standard magazine, said in an interview. "People looked to Charles to consider how to think about things. And he was viewed as a voice of authority." "A gifted doctor and brilliant political commentator, Charles was a guiding voice throughout his time with FOX News and we were incredibly fortunate to showcase his extraordinary talent on our programs," said Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News, in an emailed statement. "He was an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed." A Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Krauthammer turned an unsparing eye on the nation's politics, starting as a conservative Democrat and moving rightward over time. While at the liberal New Republic in the 1980s, Krauthammer embraced the hawkish foreign policy of President Ronald Reagan, expressing stalwart support for Israel and unrelenting opposition to the Soviet Union. Those stances held a personal component: He was the son of two European Jews who had fled what is now Ukraine during World War II. They eventually ended up in the U.S., and Krauthammer was born in New York. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal and studying at Oxford University, Krauthammer enrolled at Harvard Medical School. "I was looking for something halfway between the reality of medicine and the elegance, if you like, of philosophy," Krauthammer recalled in a 2013 special on Fox News. "So psychiatry was the obvious thing. That was my intention from the first day." He believed that choice was a stroke of good fortune. At the age of 22, at Harvard, during a week in which he studied spinal cords, Krauthammer suffered a fateful neck injury while diving at a swimming pool near campus. He finished his medical training but would be paralyzed from the neck down for the rest of his life. He later concluded that psychiatry would be the easiest medical discipline to pursue given his new physical limitations. And Krauthammer distinguished himself as a researcher and in private practice. However, he was dissatisfied with the profession, deciding he wanted to reach a broader platform. He would write contrarian pieces for the liberal New Republic, advocating a stronger military budget, a muscular anti-Soviet stance and U.S. support for the Nicaraguan Contras, among other positions. The former New Republicwriter Jacob Weisberg said Krauthammer and another greatly influential figure, Leon Wieseltier, fought over matters both ideological and personal, as they each sought the favor of then-owner Marty Peretz. "Leon and Charles would snipe back and forth at each other, nastily and often quite hilariously, in the editorial meetings," Weisberg, now the editor-in-chief of the Slate Group, wrote in an email to NPR. "Eventually the feuding got so unpleasant that Charles moved out and rented his own office across the street. You could look out the window and see Charles working at his desk." "Politically, Charles made a right turn that most others at the magazine didn't follow. But I think his old colleagues not only liked him a great deal personally but admired him as a principled conservative — today an endangered species. After Charles, it takes another big step toward extinction." He raised hackles in a broad range across the political spectrum — from his defense of the use of torture to his strong opposition to Trump. Fox News host Tucker Carlson called Krauthammer a fearless thinker who never pandered. "That's a rare quality in broadcasting," Carlson told NPR. "Even when he knew they overwhelmingly opposed his position on something, he said what he thought. He made the case for higher gas taxes and more foreign wars, for example, and he pretty relentlessly criticized Trump. "I can't imagine many of our viewers agreed with him on any of that, but they loved him anyway," Carlson said. "They could listen to Charles because they trusted him, and I suspect they gave him credit for honesty. Pretty impressive, I thought." While he often dealt with fatigue and pain it was a cancer unrelated to his paralysis that ultimately threatened his life, and he took leave last year from Fox and the Post. In a poignant farewell column earlier this month, Krauthammer wrote he had "no regrets." "This is the final verdict. My fight is over," Krauthammer wrote. "It was a wonderful life—full and complete with the great loves and great endeavors that make it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life that I intended." Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.	0.982884	1,173
(a) The contractual relationship of Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd &. and Sellers with prospective Buyers is governed by:- (i) these Conditions of Business for Buyers; (ii) the Conditions of Business for Sellers displayed in the saleroom and available from Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd; (iii) Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd’s Authenticity Guarantee; (iv) any additional notices and terms printed in the sale catalogue, in each case as amended by any saleroom notice or auctioneer’s announcement. (b) As auctioneer, Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd acts as agent for the Seller. Occasionally, Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd may own or have a financial interest in a lot. “Bidder” is any person making, attempting or considering making a bid, including Buyers; “Buyer” is the person who makes the highest bid or offer accepted by the auctioneer, including a Buyer’s principal when bidding as agent; “Seller” is the person offering a lot for sale, including their agent, or executors; “KT” means Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd of 249-253 Long Lane, Bermondsey, London, SE1 4PR, company number 7173571 “Buyer’s Expenses” are any costs or expenses due to Kerry Taylor Auctions from the Buyer; “Buyer’s Premium” is the commission payable by the Buyer on the Hammer Price at the rates set out in the Guide for Prospective Buyers; “Hammer Price” is the highest bid for the Property accepted by the auctioneer at the auction or the post auction sale price; “Purchase Price” is the Hammer Price plus applicable Buyer’s Premium and Buyer’s Expenses; “Reserve Price” (where applicable) is the minimum Hammer Price at which the Seller has agreed to sell a lot. The Buyer’s Premium, Buyer’s Expenses and Hammer Price are subject to VAT, where applicable. 3. Examination of Lots (a) KT’s knowledge of lots is partly dependent on information provided by the Seller and KT is unable to exercise exhaustive due diligence on each lot. Each lot is available for examination before sale. Bidders are responsible for carrying out examinations and research before sale to satisfy themselves over the condition of lots and accuracy of descriptions. (b) All oral and/or written information provided to Bidders relating to lots, including descriptions in the catalogue, condition reports or elsewhere are statements of KT’s opinion and not representations of fact. Estimates may not be relied on as a prediction of the selling price or value of the lot and may be revised from time to time at KT’s absolute discretion. 4. Exclusions and limitations of liability to Buyers (a) KT shall refund the Purchase Price to the Buyer in circumstances where it deems that the lot is a Counterfeit, subject to the terms of KT’s Authenticity Guarantee. (b) Subject to Condition 4(a), neither KT nor the Seller:- (i) is liable for any errors or omissions in any oral or written information provided to Bidders by KT, whether negligent or otherwise; (ii) gives any guarantee or warranty to Bidders and any implied warranties and conditions are excluded (save in so far as such obligations cannot be excluded by English law), other than the express warranties given by the Seller to the Buyer (for which the Seller is solely responsible) under the Conditions of Business for Sellers; (iii) accepts responsibility to Bidders for acts or omissions (whether negligent or otherwise) by KT in connection with the conduct of auctions or for any matter relating to the sale of any lot. (c) Without prejudice to Condition 4(b), any claim against KT and/ or the Seller by a Bidder is limited to the Purchase Price for the relevant lot. Neither KT nor the Seller shall be liable for any indirect or consequential losses. (d) Nothing in Condition 4 shall exclude or limit the liability of KT or the Seller for death or personal injury caused by the negligent acts or omissions of KT or the Seller. 5. Bidding at Auction (a) KT has absolute discretion to refuse admission to the auction. Before sale, Bidders must complete a Registration Form and supply such information and references as KT requires. Bidders are personally liable for their bid and are jointly and severally liable with their principal, if bidding as agent (in which case KT’s prior and express consent must be obtained). (b) KT advises Bidders to attend the auction, but KT will endeavour to execute absentee written bids provided that they are, in KT’s opinion, received in sufficient time and in legible form. (c) When available, written and telephone bidding is offered as a free service at the Bidder’s risk and subject to KT’s other commitments; KT is therefore not liable for failure to execute such bids. Telephone bidding may be recorded. 6. Import, Export and Copyright Restrictions KT and the Seller make no representations or warranties as to whether any lot is subject to import, export or copyright restrictions. It is the Buyer’s sole responsibility to obtain any copyright clearance or any necessary import, export or other licence required by law, including licenses required under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). 7. Conduct of the Auction (a) The auctioneer has discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if (s)he believes that there may be an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as (s)he reasonably deems necessary. (b) The auctioneer will commence and advance the bidding in such increments as (s)he considers appropriate and is entitled to place bids on the Seller’s behalf up to the Reserve Price for the lot, where applicable. (c) Subject to Condition 7(a), the contract between the Buyer and the Seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. (d) Any post-auction sale of lots shall incorporate these Conditions of Business. 8. Payment and Collection (a) Unless otherwise agreed in advance, payment of the Purchase Price is due in pounds sterling immediately after the auction (the “Payment Date”). If paying by bank wire, any bank fees must be added so that the final amount received is not less than the invoice total. (b) Title in a lot will not pass to the Buyer until KT has received the Purchase Price in cleared funds. KT will generally not release a lot to a Buyer before payment. Earlier release shall not affect passing of title or the Buyer’s obligation to pay the Purchase Price, as above. (c) The refusal of any licence or permit required by law, as outlined in Condition 6, shall not affect the Buyer’s obligation to pay for the lot, as per Condition 8(a). (d) The Buyer must arrange collection of lots within 10 working days of the auction. Purchased lots are at the Buyer’s risk from the earliest of (i) collection or (ii) 10 working days after the auction. Until risk passes, KT will compensate the Buyer for any loss or damage to the lot up to a maximum of the Purchase Price actually paid by the Buyer. KT’s assumption of risk is subject to the exclusions detailed in Condition 5(d) of the Conditions of Business for Sellers. (e) All packing and handling of lots is at the Buyer’s risk. KT will not be liable for any acts or omissions of third party packers or shippers. 9. Remedies for non-payment Without prejudice to any rights that the Seller may have, if the Buyer without prior agreement fails to make payment for the lot within 5 working days of the auction,KT may in its sole discretion exercise 1 or more of the following remedies:- (a) store the lot at its premises or elsewhere at the Buyer’s sole risk and expense; (b) cancel the sale of the lot; (c) set off any amounts owed to the Buyer by KT against any amounts owed to KT by the Buyer for the lot; (d) reject future bids from the Buyer; (e) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the Payment Date to the date that the Purchase Price is received in cleared funds; (f) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with estimates and reserves at KT’s discretion, in which case the Buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original Purchase Price and the amount achieved on re-sale, including all costs incurred in such re-sale;(g) exercise a lien over any Buyer’s Property in KT’s possession, applying the sale proceeds to any amounts owed by the Buyer to KT. KT shall give the Buyer 14 days written notice before exercising such lien; (h) commence legal proceedings to recover the Purchase Price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs; (i) disclose the Buyer’s details to the Seller to enable the Seller to commence legal proceedings. (j) disclose the Buyer’s details to other auction houses and any third parties as we see fit 10. Failure to collect purchases (a) If the Buyer pays the Purchase Price but does not collect the lot within 14 working days of the auction, the lot will be stored at the Buyer’s expense and risk at KT’s premises or in independent storage. (b) If a lot is paid for but uncollected within 6 months of the auction, following 60 days written notice to the Buyer, KT will re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with estimates and reserves at KT’s discretion. The sale proceeds, less all KT’s costs, will be forfeited unless collected by the Buyer within 2 years of the original auction. 11. Data Protection (a) KT will use information supplied by Bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by KT for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. (b) By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the Bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in Condition 11(a) and to Sellers as per Condition 9(i). (a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by KT are the copyright of KT. (b) These Conditions of Business are not assignable by any Buyer without KT’s prior written consent, but are binding on Bidders’ successors, assigns and representatives. (c) The materials listed in Condition 1(a) set out the entire agreement between the parties. (d) If any part of these Conditions of Business be held unenforceable, the remaining parts shall remain in full force and effect. (e) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of KT Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd Authenticity Guarantee If Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd sells an item of Property which is later shown to be a “Counterfeit”, subject to the terms below Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd will rescind the sale and refund the Buyer the total amount paid by the Buyer to Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd for that Property, up to a maximum of the Purchase Price. The Guarantee lasts for one (1) year after the date of the relevant auction, is for the benefit of the Buyer only and is non-transferable. “Counterfeit” means an item of Property that in Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd ‘s reasonable opinion is an imitation created with the intent to deceive over the authorship, origin, date, age, period, culture or source, where the correct description of such matters is not included in the catalogue description for the Property. Property shall not be considered Counterfeit solely because of any damage and/or restoration and/or modification work . Please note that this Guarantee does not apply if either:- (i) the catalogue description was in accordance with the generally acceptedopinions of scholars and experts at the date of the sale, or the catalogue description indicated that there was a conflict of such opinions; or (ii) the only method of establishing at the date of the sale that the item was a Counterfeit would have been by means of processes not then generally available or accepted, unreasonably expensive or impractical; or likely to have caused damage to or loss in value to the Property (in Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd’s reasonable opinion); or (iii) there has been no material loss in value of the Property from its value had it accorded with its catalogue description. To claim under this Guarantee, the Buyer must:- (i) notify Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd in writing within one (1) month of receiving any information that causes the Buyer to question the authenticity or attribution of the Property, specifying the lot number, date of the auction at which it was purchased and the reasons why it is believed to be Counterfeit; and (ii) return the Property to Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd in the same condition as at the date of sale and be able to transfer good title in the Property, free from any third party claims arising after the date of the sale. Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd has discretion to waive any of the above requirements. Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd may require the Buyer to obtain at the Buyer’s cost the reports of two independent and recognised experts in the relevant field. Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd shall not be bound by any reports produced by the Buyer, and reserves the right to seek additional expert advice at its own expense. In the event Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd decides to rescind the sale under this Guarantee, it may refund to the Buyer the reasonable costs of up to two mutually approved independent expert reports, provided always that the costs of such reports have been approved in advance and in writing by Kerry Taylor Auctions Ltd. Last updated: 23rd May 2014	0.937844	3,059
By Doyle Rice USA Today, The United States SAN FRANCISCO, California — Sisters Morgan and Caitria O’Neill never expected a tornado would hit their small hometown in Massachusetts — or that when it did, recovering from the disaster would change their lives. On June 1, 2011, a pair of twisters ripped across western portions of the state, shocking residents with their suddenness and violence, and causing the state’s first tornado-related deaths in 16 years. One of the tornadoes, categorized as a huge EF3 with winds estimated at 160 mph, roared through the O’Neills’ hometown of Monson, Mass., seriously damaging their house. Almost immediately, the devastation threw both Morgan, then 24, and Caitria, then 22, into the role of disaster recovery experts. “We just started answering questions and making decisions, because someone, anyone, had to,” Morgan said. “On June 1, we weren’t disaster experts, but on June 3 of that year, we started faking it.” In those frantic first few days, “we built our recovery machine,” she said. What began as a way to help their community get back on its feet after a disaster six years ago evolved into recovers.org, a free, easy-to-use “recovery-in-a-box” website to help other cities and towns quickly organize disaster relief. It can be rolled out in minutes, helping local relief organizers turn interest in helping into organized action, said Chris Kuryak, the project’s chief operating officer. “It’s something that could be deployed after every disaster by any local organizer,” he said. The sisters designed the website to help local folks manage volunteers and donations, track data about the disaster, and apply for grants and request aid through official channels such as FEMA, the Salvation Army or Red Cross. It also links volunteers with victims, allowing both groups to alert the other of what’s needed and their ability to help. But the site isn’t just for the locals: Often after a disaster, people around the nation and the world, moved by photos and news stories, seek to help but don’t know how. Recovers.org lets people everywhere know what’s needed most and how best to donate it. What is key, the O’Neill sisters say, is to capture public attention immediately after the disaster, before attention turns to another event. After a natural disaster, there’s only a tiny window before the world turns its sympathy (and donations) elsewhere — so it’s important to be prepared for every aspect of recovery, they say. “After a disaster, there’s a flood of goodwill,” Kuryak said. “There are people who want to donate and people who want to volunteer.” Victims have seven days to capture 50% of the web searches about a disaster, according to Google Trends, said Caitria, now 28 and a researcher at Facebook. Recovers.org helps local populations respond immediately from disasters while waiting for government and other non-profit organizations to mobilize. Some communities deploy the site as a preparation tool, but most places find the site after disaster strikes, Kuryak said. The organization now hosts more than 200 recovers sites for communities around the world. Each website has all the functions needed in one place — from hot shower locations to hot meals, sign ups to donate or volunteer, and ways to privately request help. The software has been used for large and small disaster recovery/organizing efforts both natural and man-made, from a flood in a small town in Alberta, Canada, to wildfires in Big Sur, to Superstorm Sandy. Last month, when massive flooding struck Neosho, Mo., the town used a recovers.org site to organize its recovery effort. In Lismore, Australia, following a direct hit from a tropical cyclone in March, Maddy Braddon of Lismore Helping Hands, a volunteer group in the city, said the website became an “instrumental tool” to help more than 1,000 people affected by the disaster. “Having a purpose-built website that channels the immense number of requests for help and offers of help made our recovery job easier and more efficient,” she said. Recovers.org sites also cover low-income countries such as Malawi, India and the Philippines, where some challenges exist, including reliable Internet connectivity and a language barrier, Kuryak said. “Though low connectivity does not preclude the usefulness of a Recovers site, it does make collecting needs, donations and volunteers through the site more difficult,” he said. Another challenge can be local support and traction, Kuryak said. “Similar to a problem we’ve seen in U.S. communities, when a site in a low-income community does not have support from local organizations or government, then the effectiveness of the site is reduced,” he said. “Having ‘buy-in’ from local organizations and government increases both the awareness and trustworthiness of a Recovers site. Since Recovers is not an internationally recognized name, many new users are skeptical of using it.” The site itself is a volunteer effort. The next goal is to transition to a non-profit organization. “We hope to fundraise such that we can again hire a small staff to be truly on-call, helping monitor and manage the platform during large and often international disasters,” Morgan, now 30 and an atmospheric scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, said. “People should know that they can rely on these sites in their time of need,” she added. “If we can empower communities, and especially local residents within them, with the right tools after a disaster, they can become the experts.” “This experience changed our lives, and now we’re trying to change the experience.”	0.962132	1,272
“The thing about cooking is it’s never just cooking. These recipes don’t tell you how to fill your stomach, they show you how to live your life. Love your people…” – Grandpa, “Family Recipe” To celebrate Black History Month this year, King Arthur Baking Company is proud to partner with artist and video poet Kamari Bright to debut her short film, “Family Recipe,” a personal ode that explores the art of baking and family history across generations. Depicting a grandfather baking a secret family recipe for tea cakes (one of Bright’s own family recipes) with his granddaughter, the film examines the similarities between the ingredients used in our favorite desserts and the people they represent, to beautiful effect. With the family patriarch as the film’s narrative center, Kamari helps viewers learn how to deal with the “butter” people (freedom lovers who are made for the heat), the “salt” people (the ones who keep us balanced), the “flour” people (the versatile changemakers), and the “egg” people (the ones who hold everybody together) in their lives, as well as help viewers learn how to recognize those unique qualities within themselves and their own loved ones. Ultimately, “Family Recipe” embodies how baking is as much about the diversity and beauty of the human experience as it is about enjoying your favorite dessert. Every ingredient — whether you use a little bit of it, or you use a lot — blends together to create an enjoyable whole. Below, Kamari shares more about how this film came to be, her inspiration behind it, and what baking means to her. How did this partnership with King Arthur for Black History Month come about? I’m a poet and video poet; overall, I would just call myself an all-around creative. Last fall, King Arthur put out a call for short film submissions about the intersection of baking and Blackness. When I saw that call, I was immediately intrigued by the idea and decided to apply. After I submitted my idea, I completely put it out of my head. But once I received my "congrats" email from King Arthur, I immediately went into planning mode — I’m an organizer by nature, and once I had everything assembled, I started focusing on the script. I assembled my crew and implemented strict safety precautions for filming. Then we shot the entire project in one day and went into post-production immediately afterward. It was a whirlwind. What is “Family Recipe” and how did it originate? “Family Recipe” started as prose written in the voice of an elder talking to someone about how people in the family could be compared to the ingredients we bake with, all as a way to impart wisdom and share some of the lessons learned about accepting people for who they are, over time. I was thinking about the imagery I wanted to go along with this particular work; I knew I wanted to make it a video poem, but I hadn’t fully fleshed it out. It wasn’t until I saw King Arthur’s call for short film submissions and realized how perfectly it fit with what I had already done that I knew my project would have a home where my story could be shared, and the lessons would be understood and appreciated. How would you describe your relationship to baking? I grew up seeing people in my family bake. My mom used to bake all the time; I felt like it was something that connected me back to my ancestors and to my previous family members who passed away. Through knowing some of the recipes they made and trying them myself, or through trying to replicate some of the things I remember my grandma making, I realized baking was a way to keep the memories of our loved ones alive. I feel like it’s really important to preserve some of the food history of family, and I love the idea of keeping some of that family magic and history to pass down to future generations. I feel like it’s just such a dope thing to do to not forget our people. For instance, the way the characters in this film bake is a reflection of my ancestors. I specifically had them bake without exact measurements because a lot of my relatives don’t measure — they use their palms, or just eyeball ingredients. Their recipes don’t include exact amounts; instead they bake by feel. It was really important to me to show that process. You refer to yourself as a video poet. How did you apply that approach to this film? One of the most prominent images in the film is the chair where the family sits. That chair — the peacock rattan wicker chair — became kind of a symbol of Black liberation and empowerment. In the 1960s, Huey P. Newton had a photo of himself taken in a peacock chair; the chair itself became a staple in a lot of Black homes and art, not long after. The chair is a symbol of regality and resilience; most of the cast had some memory or familiarity with it. For me, it holds a lot of nostalgia, just like those family recipes and the act of baking, itself. What do you hope the audience retains from “Family Recipe”? How do you hope it will affect them? First, I hope that the audience will see some part of their family’s story in this piece, and also take a little bit of the lesson imparted in Grandpa’s monologue. I also want the audience to see that people really are like ingredients, and we all play our part; we all have our characteristics, and we do our best work when we’re together. While you certainly can be a stand-alone ingredient, the outcome’s better when you’re blended with others. Ultimately, I think those are the two main takeaways: That people can see their family and their family’s story somewhere in it, and also gain a little more empathy for others, in the process. Watch Kamari Bright's short film "Family Recipe." This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Cover photo by Jessica Rycheal. King Arthur has made a donation to the organization of Kameko's choice, JBF Food & Beverage Investment Fund for Black & Indigenous Americans, and Kamari's choice, Black Star Farmers. We encourage you to learn more and donate at jamesbeard.org/investment-fund and blackstarfarmers.org/donate.	0.974298	1,370
How was the Earth’s climate formed, and how will it change? The branch of geology known as stratigraphy looks at layers of rock (strata) and the history they represent. Professor HYODO Masayuki, a member of the Research Center for Inland Seas and the Department of Planetology in the Kobe University Graduate School of Science, uses stratigraphy to investigate the relationship between geomagnetic reversals and climate changes in the Quaternary Period (from 2.6 million years ago until the present). In addition to earth science, his studies contribute to anthropology and archaeology by offering a timeline for human evolution based on the Earth’s magnetic field reversals. He is also a research leader at the Chiba Section, the stratum in Japan’s Chiba prefecture, Ichihara, where detailed records have led to the discovery of multiple extreme climate change events. These results have contributed to paleoclimatology and paleoceanography, and possibly to the geological era from about 770,000 to 125,000 years ago, which is likely to be named “the Chibanian” after this important geological site. Magnetic field records buried in strata The Quaternary Period is the geological era that began 2.6 million years ago, when a full-scale ice age started. It is colder than the preceding era, with a continuous cycle of glacial and interglacial periods. It is also known as the Anthropogene Period – the period when genus homo appears and starts to use stone tools. My research mainly focuses on variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. In the center of the Earth the convective motion of liquid iron takes place, creating a magnetic field, and sometimes this field reverses. I investigated the geomagnetic changes by measuring the natural magnets in the strata (such as magnetite). During the Quaternary Period, five geomagnetic reversals occurred at intervals of several tens to hundreds of thousands years, two reversals with the shorter interval of 10,000 years, and two events with an unconfirmed timescale. The glacial and interglacial climate cycle is mainly caused by changes in the amount of solar radiation due to alterations in the Earth’s orbital path and rotational axis (the Milankovitch cycle). This happens in 20,000 to 400,000 year cycles. However, if climate change occurs over shorter timespans of several thousand or several hundred years, some changes are influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field. When the Earth’s magnetic field reverses, its magnetic strength temporarily weakens, and as a result cosmic ray flux reaching the Earth’s surface increases. The cosmic rays ionize the atmosphere, increasing the cloud condensation nucleus and cloud cover. It has been suggested that this cloud cover leads to the Earth’s cooling. Rapid sedimentation equals high resolution Professor Hyodo’s research group extract strata samples, and comprehensively analyze them for geomagnetic changes, fossilized pollen, diatom fossils, and isotope ratios of oxygen and carbon. They use this data in stratigraphy research. The Osaka Bay sediment in western Japan accumulates more than five times faster than typical ocean floor sedimentation. In 1997, Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) collected a 1700-m core from Osaka Bay. The Kobe University team members started a complete paleomagnetic analysis of the core sample and acquired high resolution data for geomagnetic reversal, on a 100-year interval scale. They published this data in 2006. Most of the previous data was on a lower resolution, at 2000-year intervals on average. They discovered that regarding the last magnetic reversal that occurred 780,000 years ago, there were at least four short-lived reversal episodes spanning a few hundred years. Evidence for these episodes has also been found in Java, Indonesia and the Loess Plateau in China. At the Chiba Section, we received funding from the Japanese government, started boring in 2010, and obtained extremely high-resolution data – for 10-year intervals. The Boso Peninsula in Chiba prefecture, where the Kazusa formation is located, is the point where the oceanic Pacific plate and the Phillippine Sea plate subduct below the continental North American plate. The Boso Peninsula uplifted to become part of a land mass in the Late Quaternary Period, before which it was a sedimentation area on the deep ocean floor. The sediment materials from land accumulated quickly in this area, and the accumulation rate is the fastest in the world. This means that we can obtain paleoceanic environmental records at an unprecedentedly high resolution. Combined with data from Osaka Bay and the North Atlantic Ocean, we were able to confirm multiple rapid climate warmings and coolings that occurred in all three areas simultaneously with intervals of just a few hundred years. A timeline for the evolution of early man Paleomagnetic and stratigraphic methods, used to date the year of strata based on changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, play an important role in anthropology and archaeology. In the 1980s, at the Sangiran early hominid site in Java, Indonesia, we dated the fossils of Homo erectus. Near the highest strata bearing the fossils, we confirmed the magnetic reversal that took place 780,000 years ago, and published a paper in 1993 stating that early hominids in Java lived between 1.1 million and 780,000 years ago. An American research team claimed that it was between 1.8 and 1.5 million years ago, and the debate continued for many years. However, the new high-resolution magnetic reversal record from the restudy in Sangiran from 2000 to 2010 confirmed the magnetic reversal in Java that occurred 780,000 years ago, having the same characteristics as the Osaka Bay core, and I think this settled the debate. The American team didn’t release a counter statement. We have also done dating research for the strata where fossils of hominoids (primates including great apes and humans) and Acheulian stone tools were found in Kenya and Ethiopia, respectively, and Homo erectus fossils in China’s Yunnan province. The Quaternary Period was colder than previous ages, and it became colder still, so in the Early Quaternary Period Austraropithecus were extinct. However, early genus Homo invented stone tools and were able to survive to finally become modern man. We can say that human evolution and the Earth’s climate changes are closely related. Pre-industrial climate change and cosmic rays Global warming is an international problem. The influence of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been confirmed, but the influence of cosmic rays, controlled by solar activity and the Earth’s magnetic field, has also drawn attention. In 1997 the Danish researcher Svensmark proposed that the amount of cosmic rays influences the amount of cloud cover (the Svensmark effect). Criticism and debate about this is still ongoing, but my research group learned that during the magnetic reversals that occurred 1.07 million and 780,000 years ago, the climate cooled when the Earth’s magnetism fell below 40%. We presented these findings in 2013. Climate warming since the industrial revolution can be explained by an increase in CO2 levels, but the warming in the Middle Ages before that, and the following cooling cannot be explained. The Svensmark effect can be used to explain both these phenomena. It is a fact that CO2 levels in our atmosphere are rising, but I don’t think we have conclusive proof that this is the sole cause of global warming. Paleoenvironmental studies of climate warming and cooling, and the sea level changes that this causes, can provide hints for thinking about the current problem of global warming. In geomagnetic excursions, the Earth’s magnetic field does not fully reverse, but experiences a significant and usually temporary change. The most recent documented excursion occurred 40,000 years ago, but one may have occurred 17,000 years ago. During these phenomena, the Earth’s magnetic field may have been reduced to one tenth of its normal strength, and in my future research I will look at the climate of these periods in detail. I also want to investigate the relationship between solar activity and climate changes. Both solar activity and climate change occur in 200-year cycles. When solar activity increases, this repels cosmic rays, so there is a possibility that it may influence the Earth’s climate by increasing or decreasing cloud cover. I want to confirm this by looking at changes in the nuclides produced by cosmic rays, such as beryllium-10.	0.945537	1,803
Stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, is a material that has found its way into countless applications, from kitchen appliances to architectural marvels. But what happens when the sleek, metallic finish of stainless steel meets the vibrant world of paint? Can you paint stainless steel, and if so, what are the implications, techniques, and considerations involved in this process? This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of painting stainless steel, exploring the art and science behind this intriguing transformation. The Basics of Stainless Steel Before diving into the painting process, it’s essential to understand what stainless steel is. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The chromium content is what gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties, forming a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface that prevents rust. This inherent resistance to corrosion makes stainless steel a popular choice in environments where hygiene and durability are paramount. Why Paint Stainless Steel? At first glance, painting stainless steel might seem counterintuitive. After all, one of its primary advantages is its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. However, there are several reasons why one might consider painting stainless steel: - Aesthetic Customization: Painting allows for a wide range of color options, enabling customization to match specific design themes or branding requirements. - Enhanced Durability: While stainless steel is already durable, a protective paint layer can further shield it from scratches, UV rays, and other environmental factors. - Camouflage: In certain applications, such as military equipment or outdoor installations, painting stainless steel can help it blend into its surroundings. - Corrosion Resistance in Harsh Environments: In extremely corrosive environments, an additional layer of paint can provide extra protection against chemical attacks. The Challenges of Painting Stainless Steel Painting stainless steel is not without its challenges. The material’s smooth, non-porous surface can make adhesion difficult. Additionally, the chromium oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance can also act as a barrier to paint adhesion. Here are some key challenges: - Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial. Any contaminants, oils, or existing oxide layers must be removed to ensure the paint adheres properly. - Primer Selection: Using the right primer is essential. Primers designed for metal surfaces, especially those with etching properties, can improve adhesion. - Paint Compatibility: Not all paints are suitable for stainless steel. Epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic paints are commonly used due to their durability and adhesion properties. - Environmental Factors: The environment in which the painted stainless steel will be used must be considered. Factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals can affect the longevity of the paint. Techniques for Painting Stainless Steel Successfully painting stainless steel requires a combination of proper techniques and high-quality materials. Here are some steps to consider: - Surface Cleaning: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the stainless steel surface. Use a degreaser to remove any oils or contaminants, followed by a rinse with clean water. - Abrasive Blasting: For optimal adhesion, abrasive blasting (such as sandblasting) can be used to roughen the surface slightly, creating a better bond for the paint. - Primer Application: Apply a high-quality primer designed for metal surfaces. Etching primers are particularly effective as they chemically bond to the stainless steel. - Paint Application: Once the primer has dried, apply the paint in thin, even coats. Multiple coats may be necessary to achieve the desired finish and durability. - Curing: Allow the paint to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper curing ensures the paint reaches its maximum hardness and adhesion. Maintenance of Painted Stainless Steel Once painted, maintaining the stainless steel surface is essential to preserve its appearance and functionality. Regular cleaning with mild detergents and avoiding abrasive cleaners can help maintain the paint’s integrity. Periodic inspections for chips or scratches can also prevent corrosion from starting in damaged areas. Painting stainless steel is a complex but achievable task that opens up a world of possibilities for customization and enhanced durability. By understanding the material’s properties, addressing the challenges, and employing the right techniques, one can successfully transform stainless steel into a vibrant, protected surface. Whether for aesthetic purposes or added protection, painting stainless steel is a testament to the versatility of this remarkable material. Q: Can you paint stainless steel without sanding? A: While sanding or abrasive blasting is recommended for optimal adhesion, it is possible to paint stainless steel without sanding if a high-quality etching primer is used. However, the durability of the paint may be compromised. Q: What type of paint is best for stainless steel? A: Epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic paints are commonly used for stainless steel due to their durability and adhesion properties. Always ensure the paint is compatible with metal surfaces. Q: How long does painted stainless steel last? A: The longevity of painted stainless steel depends on the quality of the paint, surface preparation, and environmental conditions. With proper preparation and maintenance, painted stainless steel can last for many years. Q: Can you paint stainless steel appliances? A: Yes, stainless steel appliances can be painted, but it requires careful surface preparation and the use of appropriate primers and paints. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results. Q: Does painting stainless steel affect its corrosion resistance? A: Painting stainless steel can enhance its corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments. However, if the paint is damaged or improperly applied, it can lead to localized corrosion. Proper surface preparation and maintenance are key to preserving the material’s corrosion resistance.	0.917084	1,199
What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing, listening and gaming Here's what NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour crew was paying attention to — and what you should check out this weekend. Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary The film "Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary" is now streaming on Max. It's informative and fun. It gets into the coining of the genre, which infamously came from a comedy web series from the mid-aughts describing a certain type of music and an era of music in the '70s and '80s. Then it goes back and interviews a lot of the guys who became synonymous with this genre like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross. Steely Dan member Donald Fagen is not a talking head in the film, but he does have a hilarious audio cameo. It also features interviews with people like Questlove and Thundercat. The film really shows how this is a very specific genre — it's mostly white guys, but it comes from Black art and a lot of current-day Black artists really love and have embraced it. — Aisha Harris Love To You, Mate The album Love To You, Mate by Colouring, also known as Jack Kenworthy, is inspired by his brother-in-law's battle with cancer and how his family rallied around that. Kenworthy is from England, and that title, "Love To You, Mate," sums up so much of what I really love about this record. It's full of deep love, warmth and gratitude. The sound and the style conjures up everything from bands like The Blue Nile to artists like James Blake, Rhye or Cigarettes After Sex. There's a smoothness to this music. It's deeply catchy, but it's also just so sweet. One of the singles I enjoyed is called "Lune." There are so many interlocking hooks within that song and there's this beautiful piano line, but then there are lines over that. I just love it. — Stephen Thompson My favorite game of 2024 is called Pentiment. It's a game about illuminated manuscripts. You are an illustrator at a monastery in the 16th century and someone gets murdered. The story is great, but what I love about this game is the look and feel of it because it's basically point and click — you are this two dimensional dude in this two dimensional world, because the look of the game is very similar to illuminated manuscripts. It's giving King's Quest vibes, if that means anything to anybody. The story is giving The Name of the Rose. If you could have told teenage me that two of my favorite things would come together in a game, I wouldn't believe you. You just walk around investigating the abbey and you talk to these incredibly gossipy monks, and you learn a lot about ancient manuscripts. There are many people who don't don't like it because you do nothing but reading. It made a lot of best game lists in 2022 and won a Peabody award, but on the off chance that somebody out there has not yet played this fantastic game, go and do it. Pentiment is available on a bunch of different platforms. — Glen Weldon The latest Netflix action movie I've enjoyed is called Carry-On. It is an airport-based, Die Hard-ish action movie starring Taron Egerton as a guy who, while running a TSA line, gets a mysterious contact from a bad guy who wants him to let through a carry-on bag that has dangerous cargo in it. He has to figure out what to do with the whole "if you don't do what we say, we're going to kill someone that you love, blah, blah, blah" situation. All that good stuff that you would normally find in a typical action movie. Is this an absolutely necessary movie? No. Listen, when you see a movie that wants to be Die Hard, you are reminded of the many wonderful things that make Die Hard very hard to imitate. This movie is not as witty as Die Hard by a mile. I do not think I am breaking ground to say Jason Bateman is not Alan Rickman. Taron Egerton is not Bruce Willis. However, this is a fun action movie. Danielle Deadwyler shows up playing the good cop, trying to set everything right. It is a lot of fun. —Linda Holmes More recommendations from the Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter by Linda Holmes I liked the novel The Perfect Home, by Daniel Kenitz, which comes out Tuesday. It's a domestic thriller about a married couple who have a basic-cable home improvement show, and — you guessed it — something goes terribly wrong. If you've always thought there was a strangely dark undercurrent to those shows, you might enjoy it too. Several of the big movies of 2024 that have come out relatively recently are already available for premium rental (the kind where you pay 20 bucks, which is both a lot and not bad, depending on how you think about it). You can, if you choose, find Wicked, Gladiator II, A Real Pain, Anora and Heretic available to be streamed into your home. (Conclave is too, by the way, but that one is also on Peacock if you want to go that route. Others of these may pop up on other services you already have as well.) Dhanika Pineda adapted the Pop Culture Happy Hour segment "What's Making Us Happy" for the web. If you like these suggestions, consider signing up for our newsletter to get recommendations every week. And listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Copyright 2025 NPR	0.972664	1,166
Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, raises $1.25 billion from venture capitalists and real-world sports backers Epic Games, the maker of the wildly popular online battle royal game “Fortnite,” announced Friday that it had raised $1.25 billion from a group that included several big-name sports team owners. The financing comes as investment in e-sports and the video game industry continues to rise, with nearly $700 million pouring into e-sports businesses alone in just the first half of the year. The Epic Games investment mostly came from a mix of large venture capital firms such as Kleiner Perkins and the late Paul Allen’s Vulcan Capital. But one name stood out: AXiomatic, an e-sports investment group that has a controlling stake in the L.A.-based Team Liquid e-sports franchise, and counts analog sports titans such as Peter Guber (co-owner of the Dodgers, the Los Angeles Football Club and the Golden State Warriors), Ted Leonsis (of the Washington Wizards and Capitals), Jeff Vinik (owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning) and as of Thursday, Michael Jordan (you know this one) among its major investors. “We’re in the sports business, period,” Guber told The Times. “It’s rare that you have the chance to help shape an industry that represents a sea change in the larger enterprise of sports — we chose to be a part of it.” In the last year, “Fortnite” has taken over a major share of the gaming industry. August saw 80 million players log into the game for at least one round, according to Epic. By June, 49% of the content on Twitch, the popular video platform with upward of 3 million streamers, was related to “Fortnite.” Cary, N.C.-based Epic Games is also the creator of the Unreal Engine, a software development environment for video games that undergirds one of “Fortnite’s” main competitors in the battle royal category, “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.” In both games, and similar titles, up to 100 players — typically split into teams — pick their characters and then parachute onto a battlefield. There they search for weapons and upgrades as the game map gradually shrinks, ultimately forcing the opposing sides into a small area for a final fight to the death. “Fortnite” is on track to make more than $2 billion this year, and the game’s iOS version alone has grossed a total of $300 million since its launch in mid-March, according to mobile market research firm Sensor Tower. The new round of investment did not affect the composition of the company’s board, where early investor Tencent, the Chinese tech conglomerate that owns 40% of the company, holds two seats. And every one of those dollars comes from players making in-game purchases to upgrade their avatars with new costumes and animations, such as dance moves or dramatic poses. The game itself is free to play. Team Liquid, which is run as a business independent of its major investor, AXiomatic, launched a “Fortnite” team in June to compete for a share of the views on Twitch and the $100 million in prize pools that Epic is staking for a series of “Fortnite” tournaments over the course of the year. In an article published this week, before AXiomatic announced that it had raised an additional $26 million in a round including Michael Jordan and had made its major investment in Epic Games, Forbes reported that Team Liquid was the third-most valuable e-sports franchise in the world, with $17 million in revenue and a valuation of $200 million. AXiomatic would not comment on the accuracy of those numbers, but Chief Executive Bruce Stein said that they represented e-sports’ potential. “There are no firm metrics in a sport that is so early in its trajectory,” but e-sports should be considered an integral part of the growing video game industry, Stein said. “Sometimes when people look at the forecast for e-sports, they consider it an industry that will grow to maybe a billion dollars this year — but e-sports in our view is just a video game with an audience, and the video gaming industry, that’s a $130-billion industry.” Forbes has valued the Dodgers at $3 billion, but as his team prepared to play their third game in the World Series, Guber said he believed that the e-sports market had the potential to catch up to real-life sports. “With e-sports, the audience is playing alongside the players, before, after and during,” Guber said. “The audience is not just a cacophony, it’s a voice in the lyrics and melody of the business, and that level of engagement is very seductive and so powerful for sponsors — they want that emotion attached to their product.” He declined to guess at when e-sports might surpass counterparts in the so-called meatspace, but he did say that change was coming fast. “Ten years ago when you got a [Major League Soccer] franchise, they were $5 million. Now they’re $170 million,” Guber said. “In the digital world, there’s so much less friction to connect artists and audience, the ascent is so much faster and steeper.” Follow me on Twitter: @samaugustdean	0.971004	1,178
I once met an Indonesian man. At the point of first meeting him, I had no idea what country he called home. He spoke English shyly with an accent of someone who had to grasp it on their feet, his eyes were the sepet that we’ve all once teased someone about (or been teased about), his skin fair, his jaw bone sharp, and his overall smile nice and friendly. I only knew him by his nickname, which honestly I can’t even remember now, what I do remember was that it gave me no indication of his ethnicity, nationality, or religion (I remember this because I was trying to figure out all those details without asking him). I gave in eventually. “Where are you from?” Indonesia. “That’s nice. Have you always lived in Indonesia?” Yes, he was actually born there. “Oh, cool. . .” He laughed shyly. He said “What? I don’t look Indonesian?” “Oh no, not that! I just thought you were Malaysian or Singaporean or something. You actually look very Chinese.” He laughs again. “But I mean, you are Chinese right?” No, he repeats, I’m Indonesian. “Well yes, you are by nationality. But by race you’re Chinese also right?” No, he says again, I’m Indonesian. At the point of first meeting him, I had no idea that I was about to discover that my understanding of race, ethnicity, and nationality was flawed. But where are you really from? Growing up, I had this joke that I had the pass card to make fun of Indians, because I am part Indian; Chinese, because I am also part Chinese; and Malay, because I had plenty of Malay friends. I never believed that I was racist; I respected all races equally (I also had another joke that said that I tease all races equally as well). It has always been that way though—Ali, Muthu, and Ah Hock—our childhood stars in every math problem, essay, and moral story in our school textbooks. These guys went on adventures, bought way too many sweets or fruits to divide amongst themselves in illogical ways, and were the bestest of friends at the neighbourhood padang. Sure, Ali would sometimes be Abu, Muthu as Raj, and Ah Hock as Ah Chong. But without fail, there were always the three represented groups: Malay, Indian, and Chinese. We’ve always been very conscious about this, and we’ve taken our lessons from Ali, Muthu, and Ah Hock with us to our daily life. We’re always asking, what about the Chinese? What about the Malays? Why isn’t there an Indian there too? Malaysia is big on inclusion. We have quotas for almost everything that are based around these three boys, schools, jobs, housing, campaigns, canteen food, our social circles, the list goes on. Through trying to justify our racial harmony by consciously incorporating each group into everything we do, we subconsciously establish a clearer divide between the three subjects. By our relentless need for inclusion, we accidentally create an even bigger separation. Race vs ethnicity It took me ages to wrap my head around the fact that this clearly-Chinese-looking guy, does not believe he is at all Chinese, but 100% Indonesian in race, ethnicity, and nationality. This got me thinking. What actually is race? There are many definitions of the word, but a common theme is usually mentioned “a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits” (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Ethnicity, however, is defined by the origin of your bloodline, tracing back to your parent’s and ancestor’s history. Modern studies have found that these two words, are in fact, not interchangeable. From the vast leaps of globalisation and immigration over the past half century, it isn’t always applicable for individuals to identify with their ethnicity due to the distance they have from their ancestry. So if race is dependent on our physical traits (argumentatively an outward labelling), and ethnicity is derived from our birthright (something that is intrinsically unchangeable), how then do we, as people, identify ourselves in a way that expresses our individuality through a connection to something that we can proudly say we belong to? Photo source: www.makcik.com But why is race so important to us? It’s like matching pairs, a traditional word association exercise. Chinese are mostly Buddhists, Malays are Muslim, Indians either practise Sikhism or Hinduism, and for Christianity. . .Well the Christmas tree and Santa Claus were usually drawn next to an ambiguous fair-skinned family in our moral textbooks. The mistake is that we view things in the order of (1) Race, succeeded by (2) Religion and then by We have dangerously used race as an interpretation of a person’s culture. When we rely on a person’s race to provide us heuristics (social norms and rule of thumb), instead of a person’s culture, we essentially are internally profiling someone based on purely how they look. Sounds familiar? A person’s culture though, is not dependent on how they look or what their bloodline is. A person’s culture is something that is nurtured through their personal worldview. Therefore, a definition of the person by what they do, instead of how they look or what their ancestors have done. So, then how? Respect is a word that we all want. It’s safe to say that when the words “racial harmony” pops up anywhere, the word “respect” will also appear a few sentences down the line. But what are we essentially aiming to respect? The colour of someone’s skin? Or the practices they keep as a culture? Malaysia is one big melting pot. After 59 years, everything has sort of infused into each other. This doesn’t jive well with the categorical grouping of the three races that, honestly, have been indoctrinated into us. 59 years ago, this system was useful for social cues, but now with mata sepet Muslims, Chinese-speaking Hindus, and our beloved mamak stores, isn’t it time to put that all behind us? When you create categories, you create the idea that people from Box A, cannot fit into Box B or Box C, which in turn, create a divide that encourages rivalry and competition. If you remove the boxes though, then what would there be left to fight about? Positions would then be considered on the basis of capability instead of inclusion. We wouldn’t fear offending anyone by not counting them if everyone was in the same category. So forget about the colour of your skin, and how you look. Forget about race, quotas and inclusion. The only question that should be asked is: Are you a Malaysian or are you not? Zoé holds her lah’s, midnight mamak sessions, and nasi kukus ayam berempah close to her heart. She habitually annoys taxi drivers by continuously answering the “I’m Malaysian” to the “U ini ape?” questions. For more Thought of the week articles, click here.	0.974534	1,585
Little Man 2006 This was the official website for the 2006 comedy, Little Man. Content is from the site's archived pages and other outside reviews. After leaving the prison, the dwarf criminal Calvin Sims joins to his moron brother Percy to steal an expensive huge diamond in a jewelry for the mobster Walken. They are chased by the police, and Calvin hides the stone in the purse of the executive Vanessa Edwards, whose husband Darryl Edwards wants to have a baby. Percy convinces Calvin to dress like a baby and be left in front of the Edwards's house to get inside the house and retrieve the diamond. Darryl and Vanessa keep Calvin for the weekend and decide to adopt him, while Walken threatens Darryl to get the stone back. Keenen Ivory Wayans TOMATOMETER : CRITICS 12% \| AUDIENCE 54% Critics Consensus: Another gimmicky comedy from the Wayans brothers, Little Man comes with the requisite raunchiness, but forgot to bring the laughs. Time Out Top Critic August 31, 2006 Keenen Ivory Wayans is best known for ‘Scary Movie’ and the American comedy sketch show ‘In Living Color’, which launched the careers of Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx. Brothers Marlon and Shawn complete the Wayans comedic dynasty – the publicity for ‘Little Man’ calls them ‘the most successful African-American filmmakers in cinema history’ (Spike Lee and John Singleton, take note). ‘Little Man’, like Wayans’ previous film, ‘White Chicks’, fails as check-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment, and for the same reason: it’s a concept, not a movie. The concept is that Marlon Wayans’ face looks really funny shrunk down and digitally attached to the body of child actor Linden Porco. Together, they’re Calvin Simms, a midget gangster on the lam who, disguised as a baby, hides himself and his loot in the household of newly-engaged Darryl (Shawn Wayans) and Vanessa (Kerry Washington). They take him in. Eventually little ‘pumpkin butt’ gets unmasked, but not before endearing himself to the couple by making out with their busty white friend, sexually harassing a busty beer-girl at a hockey game, and watching the couple have sex. It’s adult slapstick comedy for children, apparently. Keenen Ivory Wayans loved the nine-year-old Porco because ‘Linden got every joke.’ I couldn’t shake the image of Porco wandering around without a head. Marlon Wayans achieves an occasional laugh using only his face, helped by a series of really cute baby hats. He did his scenes within the solitary confinement of a green screen stage – sad, no? Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com July 14, 2006 \| Rating: 1/5 In spite of the admirable effort that the Wayans brothers went to in digitally transplanting Marlon Wayans head and facial expressions onto the two-foot-six-inch body of a nine-year-old actor (Linden Porco) "Little Man" is a bawdy and violent comedy that rankles more than tickles. Career criminal dwarf Calvin (Marlon Wayans) has just been released from prison when he steals a gigantic diamond that he's soon forced to hide with newlyweds Daryl and Vanessa (Kerry Washington and Shawn Wayans). Calvin and his half-witted accomplice (Tracy Morgan) dress Calvin up like a baby and leave him on the couple's doorstep to gain access to the diamond in time to turn it over to an impatient mob boss (Chazz Palminteri). The curious couple gradually decides to keep Calvin as their own even as the diminutive outlaw's true colors start to show. The film's overreaching attempts at inventive humor slip into sheer gibberish. Rated PG-13. 97 mins. (C-) (Two Stars) Philip French Observer (UK) January 20, 2007 (90 mins, 12A) Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans; starring Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Kerry Washington, Chazz Palminteri The work of the Wayans brothers, Little Man is even less funny than their last comedy, White Chicks, and enough to get them permanently evicted from the house of mirth. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, it stars Marlon Wayans as Calvin Sims, a three-foot dwarf on the run following a botched jewelery heist during which he's hidden a giant diamond in the handbag of a black businesswoman and her husband (Shawn Wayans). To regain the jewel, he pretends to be a baby left on their doorstep and, eager to have a child, they more or less adopt him. Much urination, farting, defecation, breast fondling, penis displaying, lechery, homophobic joking and painful mayhem ensues, in which every missile flies with the accuracy of an Exocet to the nearest groin. Raucously rabble-rousing, yes; uproariously Rabelaisian, no. Irene Peters: "I hang with an opinionated bunch of legal groupies. When we saw this film, budding litigant Donkey Dust claimed he could probably file a successful suit against the producers for body size exploitation and discrimination. I suggested there might be some legitimacy in a suit if the actors were forced to perform this show but doubtful otherwise. Others disagreed, but just when he was needed to settle this argument, the noted Queens Assistant District Attorney, Benjamin Pred, showed his face. He hadn't seen the film so I had to carefully explain the way the film exploits and discriminates against these minority groups, how even the facial expressions and the bullying while laughing were inappropriate, etc. I was hoping to hear agreement, but Pred just threw a Frisbee at me." DoJo: "Irene, with the way your group analyzes movies, I'm surprised they didn't launch an inquiry into the mystery of how 'Little Man' pulled off those height shenanigans! On a lighter note, ever thought of redirecting that analytical energy to pickleball? Concocted by three bored dads on Bainbridge Island, it's like tennis decided to have a midlife crisis and throw in some ping-pong. I've been so hooked that I stumbled upon these pickleball gifts that are as quirky as the game's name. Maybe if Donkey Dust and Benjamin Pred get into it, they'll be too busy debating paddle grip techniques instead Frisbees!" ½ JJ H June 30, 2008 Completely awful. Way too many "blank to the crotch" and not enough clever jokes. I enjoy potty humor, but these were not good dick and fart jokes. Instead they focused on the slapstick and the punch to the groin jokes. Occasionally, there was something that was funny, but that funny joke would go on way too far to the point, where it was no longer funny, but annoying. Not recommended. Unless you think Marlon Wayons head on a midgets body is funny, as well as Marlon Wayons punching Shawn Wayons in the crotch many times. You've been warned! Private U J une 30, 2008 can't believe i watched the whole thing June 30, 2008 GREAT MOVIE, FUNNY MOVIE, THIS MOVIE IS THE ONLY MOVIE THAT KEEP MY 2YR. OLD QUIET AND SITTING IN ONE PLACE. AGAIN GREAT MOVIE! June 30, 2008 awsome this is sooo hularius this was like ssoo funy June 30, 2008 Why don't the Wayans stop making movies? ****Amanda June 29, 2008 i love how percy always gets b** slapped!!!! funny * ½ Jasmine C June 29, 2008 Very funny, I was rolling most of the time. * Private U June 28, 2008 Great movie Laugh all the way through Angela16099435 Angela June 28, 2008 Impatiently waiting for the retirement (or death) of the Wayans brothers. June 28, 2008 very funny,same sort of /level of humour as white chicks or scary movie who cares if it is a rip off a bugs bunny cartoon June 28, 2008 would not watch this movie if i was set up like "a clockwork orange" ½ Paul C June 27, 2008 Dire - a completely laugh-free comedy, which in itself is impressive. Half a star for the totally gorgeous Brittany Daniel. June 27, 2008 awsome very funny i loved it June 27, 2008 this was alright, pretty funny. though it makes you think and wonder whether that's possible. sure it's funny, but still.. it had no sense of realism. but focusing on the funny side, it was good. *½ Ray M June 27, 2008 The Wayans brothers strike again, funny as heck a must see movie June 26, 2008 Is there an "EXTREMELY NOT INTERESTED" button? ½I Tell The Girls Like Doritos That?s Nacho Cheese June 26, 2008 funny movie but not a movie you'll buy on dvd you'll wait till it comes on t.v June 26, 2008 this movie is so cool *½ Sean T June 25, 2008 Little Man (2006): An In-Depth Look at the Controversial Comedy Released on July 14, 2006, "Little Man" is a comedy film directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and co-written by Keenen along with his brothers, Shawn and Marlon Wayans. The film stars Marlon Wayans as Calvin Sims, a small-statured criminal who masquerades as a baby to retrieve a stolen diamond from an unsuspecting couple. Despite its commercial success, "Little Man" received largely negative reviews and remains one of the more polarizing entries in the Wayans brothers' filmography. "Little Man" follows Calvin Sims, a recently paroled thief who, with his accomplice Percy (Tracy Morgan), attempts to steal a valuable diamond. The heist goes awry, and Calvin hides the diamond in the purse of Vanessa Edwards (Kerry Washington), who is out shopping with her husband, Darryl (Shawn Wayans). To retrieve the diamond, Calvin disguises himself as a baby and gets left on the Edwards' doorstep. The couple, eager to have a child, takes him in, leading to a series of comedic and awkward situations as Calvin attempts to blend in while searching for the diamond. The concept for "Little Man" was inspired by the 1954 Bugs Bunny cartoon "Baby Buggy Bunny," in which Bugs Bunny takes in a foundling who is actually a wanted dwarf bank robber. Filming took place in Vancouver from September 17, 2005, to January 21, 2006. Marlon Wayans' head was digitally superimposed onto the body of a nine-year-old actor, Linden Porco, using a greenscreen technique. This special effect allowed Marlon to portray the character of Calvin with a comically exaggerated appearance. Box Office Performance Despite its poor critical reception, "Little Man" was a box office success. It grossed approximately $58.6 million domestically and $101.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $64 million. The film debuted at number two in the United Kingdom, behind "You, Me and Dupree." "Little Man" was met with predominantly negative reviews. It holds a 12% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus describing it as another gimmicky comedy from the Wayans brothers that comes with requisite raunchiness but lacks genuine humor. Metacritic, another review aggregator, assigned the film a score of 26 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Despite this, audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of B+ on a scale from A to F. Reviews and Analysis Critics widely panned "Little Man" for its crude humor and reliance on slapstick comedy. In his review, JM Tyree of Time Out called it "a concept, not a movie," criticizing the film for its reliance on Marlon Wayans' digitally altered appearance rather than substantial comedic content. Cole Smithey, writing for ColeSmithey.com, described the film as "a bawdy and violent comedy that rankles more than tickles," highlighting its overreliance on physical comedy and lack of intelligent humor. Philip French of The Observer was similarly unimpressed, suggesting that the film was enough to get the Wayans brothers "permanently evicted from the house of mirth." French criticized the film's crude humor, including its frequent use of jokes involving urination, defecation, and sexual innuendo, deeming it unfunny and offensive. Despite the critical drubbing, "Little Man" found a more receptive audience among certain viewers. Some praised the film for its outlandish humor and the Wayans brothers' commitment to their comedic style. Audience reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes were mixed, with some viewers appreciating the film's absurdity and others echoing the critics' sentiments about its lack of wit and overreliance on gross-out gags. Cultural and Social Significance "Little Man" occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape due to its controversial nature and the prominence of the Wayans brothers in American comedy. The film's concept of a grown man pretending to be a baby to infiltrate a household is a provocative and unusual premise, reflective of the Wayans' tendency to push the boundaries of mainstream comedy. The Wayans brothers have long been known for their willingness to tackle taboo subjects and challenge social norms through humor. From "In Living Color," which launched their careers, to films like "Scary Movie" and "White Chicks," the Wayans have consistently employed a comedic style that blends satire, slapstick, and social commentary. "Little Man" continues this tradition, though its execution left much to be desired according to many critics. The film also sparked discussions about the representation of little people in media. The decision to digitally alter Marlon Wayans' appearance to create the character of Calvin Sims raised questions about the ethical implications of such special effects. While the film intended to create humor through the juxtaposition of an adult head on a child's body, some viewed it as exploitative and insensitive. Wayans Brothers' Comedy Legacy The Wayans brothers have established a significant legacy in the world of comedy. Keenen Ivory Wayans, the eldest, is often regarded as the driving force behind their creative endeavors. He mentored his younger siblings and played a pivotal role in shaping their comedic voices. Marlon and Shawn Wayans have also carved out their niches, contributing to a family brand that is synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing humor. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Marlon Wayans discussed the dynamic between the brothers and their approach to comedy. He emphasized the importance of chemistry and shared experiences, noting that their upbringing in a large, close-knit family influenced their comedic style. Keenen, as the "godfather" of the group, has been instrumental in guiding their creative processes and encouraging them to explore diverse comedic avenues. The Wayans' films often reflect their desire to entertain a broad audience while addressing social issues in a humorous context. While not all their projects have been critically acclaimed, their impact on the comedy genre is undeniable. "Little Man," despite its flaws, exemplifies their commitment to pushing the envelope and exploring unconventional comedic territory. "Little Man" is a testament to the Wayans brothers' audacious approach to comedy. Though the film was widely criticized for its crude humor and lack of depth, it achieved commercial success and remains a notable entry in their filmography. The movie's controversial premise and execution sparked discussions about comedic boundaries and representation in media, underscoring the Wayans' influence on American comedy. Ultimately, "Little Man" serves as a reminder of the Wayans brothers' enduring presence in the entertainment industry. Their willingness to take risks and challenge norms, even at the expense of critical acclaim, highlights their unique position in the world of comedy. For fans and critics alike, "Little Man" is a film that continues to provoke strong reactions and fuel conversations about the nature of humor and its place in popular culture.	0.958131	3,462
The Ending Of The Strays Explained Contains spoilers for "The Strays" At a glance, "The Strays" may give viewers strong "Get Out" vibes. After all, both are psychological horror movies that begin with a Black character in a suburb where they don't feel safe. However, this psychological thriller on Netflix is compelling in its own right, focusing less on the horror of meeting your girlfriend's parents and more on the horror of a family reunion. The ending of "The Strays" may be difficult to wrap your mind around. What starts out as a story about a mother being followed by two ominous specters evolves into an intense family reunion that ends in violence and betrayal. The movie doesn't give any easy answers, and it's difficult to tell who are the heroes and who are the villains. Viewers may be wondering what drives these characters to take such drastic measures, and what happens after the movie's abrupt ending. Also, what's with the party hat? We know you can't stop thinking about the party hat. What's going on in the opening scene? To understand the ending of "The Strays," we need to go back to the beginning. The cryptic opening scene sheds some light on the events that happen later in the movie. The scene gives us a glimpse of a woman named Cheryl (Ashley Madekwe) before she changes her name to Neve and moves out of the city. She is talking on the phone with her sister, who is babysitting Cheryl's two young children. Cheryl is inconsolable because she is struggling to pay rent. Recounting how the people at the housing office treat her like dirt because of her race, Cheryl wonders why she can't ever seem to climb the social ladder, no matter how hard she works. "I want more," she says. "Is it wrong to want more?" This crucial conversation reveals a key detail about Cheryl's character: She believes she deserves a better life and is willing to do anything to attain it. Cheryl begins packing her bags, clearly anxious that her husband Michael could come home at any minute. Observant viewers will notice a belt hanging on the bedroom door. This detail would seem innocent, except Cheryl's face and the movie's score show that it carries a lot of weight. Most likely, Michael has used it to beat her. The scene ends by showing the note Cheryl left on her refrigerator: "Just popped to the hairdresser's." As viewers soon learn, these are her only words to her children for eighteen years. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website. Who are Carl and Dione? Many years later, Cheryl (now calling herself Neve) lives in Castle Combe, a wealthy and predominantly white suburb. She has married a white man named Ian (Justin Salinger) and risen up the social ladder sending her children to a fancy private school. Despite this, an air of unease hovers over Neve's suburban home. Soon, Neve discovers she is being stalked by two mysterious figures: a teenage Black girl and a young Black man. At first, these two characters seem sinister, but they only seem this way because Neve is an unreliable narrator. The moment the film steps outside Neve's POV, viewers learn that these two "stalkers” are not what they seem. The two characters are named Carl (Jorden Myrie) and Dione (Bukky Bakray), and they are Neve's children from her previous marriage. Neve abandoned them when she fled her abusive husband to pursue a better life. Not once has Neve reached out to her children, nor has she told her new family about her former life. Now Carl and Dione have found Neve, hoping to be loved or at least acknowledged by their mother. When that fails, they resort to something more drastic. Their first bid for her attention involves sending Neve a package that contains a refrigerator magnet shaped like a racecar. This is the same magnet Neve used to pin her fateful message to the fridge, and it leaves her spooked. Why didn't Neve take her kids with her? Neve's decision to abandon her first two children (Carl and Dione) is the catalyst that sets the entire movie in motion, and her motivations are difficult to unpack. One factor in her decision was simply that she would have been physically unable to care for two children. Being a single mother is hard, and it's much harder for a young Black woman who is deep in debt and trying to escape an abusive husband. She may also have known that she would be held to an unfair double standard unless she left in secret. No doubt Neve was conscious of the fact that society tends to be more judgmental toward women than men if they leave their children, simply because women are automatically expected to have "maternal instincts". When trying to defend her actions near the end of the movie, Neve declares, "I did what I had to do. What fathers do all the time." Her excuse gives viewers pause because there is a grain of truth to it; Neve is hardly the first parent to do this and get away with it. Most of all, though, Neve wanted to escape her past. She felt entitled to a better future, though she apparently didn't wish the same for her kids. The day she left, Neve decided that her children were part of the life she needed to escape. Perhaps she feared that if she brought her kids with her, her problems would follow her. Why does Neve wear a wig? On the surface, this character quirk about Neve makes no sense. Neve has not just one wig but three, which she keeps in a special case behind frosted glass. Why does she insist on hiding her curly hair under a wig every time she leaves the house? Neve is paranoid that others will see what lies beneath her wig — she even adjusts it in the middle of having sex. And she isn't just concerned with her own hair: She is clearly disappointed after her daughter Mary (Maria Almeida) braids her hair into cornrows. The reason Neve is so preoccupied with hair is that she associates it with her troubled past. She hopes that by concealing it she can forget the life she left behind. What's more, Neve is ashamed of her identity as a Black woman. She has been told all her life that she was worthless, and by now she has started to believe it. Ever since she left her kids, Neve has been convinced that only white people can have the kind of lifestyle she now enjoys. And since Neve is mostly white-passing, she covers up the only part of her body that she believes is a dead giveaway: her hair. These fears are laid bare in the scene where Neve has a nightmare. In her dream, tendrils of hair come alive and wrap her arms in a strangling grip. As far as Neve is concerned, her hair is a monster she cannot escape. Why do Carl and Dione respond to trauma differently? Carl and Dione were both hurt by their mother, but they both respond to this betrayal in dramatically different ways. Carl is bitter and has resigned himself to the fate that he'll never belong in Neve's new family. Dione is more forgiving. She harbors no ill will toward Neve's new family and even wants to be friends with her stepsister Mary. Carl definitely shows empathy toward his stepbrother Sebastian (Samuel Paul Small), especially when he learns that Sebastian is an outcast. But as Carl's resentment toward Neve deepens, he seems to lose sympathy for Sebastian. Carl is willing to torment his stepbrother Sebastian with a cruel rite of passage on the rooftop, and during the film's climax, he humiliates the whole family, not just Neve. For a while, Dione seems to cling to the hope that her mom will welcome her with open arms. But after Dione sees her mother's reaction when she shows up at Neve's party, she is quickly dispossessed of that notion. Most likely, the two siblings respond differently because Dione is too young to remember the abuse they endured from Neve's first husband, as well as whoever raised them after Neve left. Carl remembers, though, and the trauma has hardened him. This trauma sends him into a destructive spiral. He becomes so bent on revenge that he forgets that his sister just wants to celebrate her birthday with her step-siblings. What pushes Carl and Dione to their breaking point? Knowing what Neve has done, viewers can't really blame Carl and Dione for their actions. Neve has done a lot of shameful things to her children, but the final straw for Carl and Dione is when Neve meets with them to make things right. Neve's idea of this reconciliation involves offering some vague apologies, trying to justify her decision, and giving her kids £20,000 to compensate Carl and Dione for 18 years of not having a mother. Not counting the fact that £20,000 wouldn't have been sufficient for the siblings to survive (whether they received it as kids or adults), this gesture is an immense insult. What Carl and Dione really wanted was acceptance from their mother and a proper home. They could care less about the money, especially since Neve seems to only be giving them this money to buy their silence. Yet Neve is blind to how they feel, because she assumes that her children are like her and care only about money and social standing. The worst part is when Neve says she split the amount between two separate checks — "To avoid arguments," she explains. It shows just how out of touch she is with her children. Since Carl and Dione grew up without a mother and needed to rely on each other, it's outrageous to think these two siblings would fight about something as petty as how to split their money. Why do the characters pretend to be a happy family during the break-in? The ending of "The Strays" is a subversive approach to the genre of home invasion movies. There is hardly any violence shown on-screen, but the sequence is pregnant with tension. Whenever Carl and Dione break into Neve's home and begin intimidating her new family, they do it under the pretense of celebrating Dione's birthday. The two walk in like they own the place and begin acting out the charade of a happy family, threatening Neve and her family to play along. By the end, every member of the family joins in on the fake "family game night." Essentially, all the characters are "playing house." For Carl and Dione, this is a way of reclaiming their lost childhood and all the family game nights they never got to have. Of course, it becomes increasingly clear as the night unfolds that this is no substitute for the real thing. At the same time, they are making a mockery of the lifestyle that Neve abandoned them to pursue. The way that Carl and Dione pop toast in the toaster, don fancy bathrobes, and order takeout is all a performance intended to provoke Neve. In a sense, their staged family gathering is no more real than the illusion that Neve was living in suburbia before Carl and Dione showed up. By pretending to be a fake family, the two siblings are exposing the pervasive fakeness in Neve's life. Why is Dione wearing a party hat? One of the most jarring images in the entire movie is what Dione chooses to wear during the break-in: a silver party hat. She is smiling throughout the entire sequence and even laughs out loud when she plays Scrabble. When her step-family sings her "Happy Birthday" (under the threat of physical harm), Dione closes her eyes and soaks it in. Carl seems to only care about humiliating Neve and her new family, but Dione seems to genuinely see the break-in as a chance to celebrate her birthday with her new family. She happily buys into the charade. The most likely reason she acts this way is that she is still a child at heart. After all, she still carries a stuffed animal. Dione is not naive, not by a long shot. The confrontation at the party has disillusioned her and destroyed any last hope of her mother accepting her. Still, she figures that if she's going to get revenge on Neve, she might as well enjoy herself. For Dione, the break-in is a chance to become a kid again, even though she knows that it's only pretend. She wants to believe that things will be alright. Although Dione's behavior is not as destructive as Carl's, it's still not the healthiest way for her to deal with her childhood trauma. In this respect, she takes after her mother — she would rather live a lie than face the truth. Who is the real antagonist? At a glance, Carl seems to be the villain of the story. After all, he is terrifying when he breaks into Neve's home. Sure, he helps Sebastian stand up to bullies, but Carl proves to be a bit of a bully himself when interacting with Sebastian and the rest of the family. And let's not forget that Carl has blood on his hands. Still, for most of the movie, Carl is a sympathetic character. It is only in the final 20 minutes of the film, when Carl takes things too far, that he tips into possible villain territory. Even then, however, Carl is not the film's true antagonist. If there is any real villain here, it's Neve, who is responsible for pushing Carl to the brink. At first, Neve was certainly a victim. She was denied help with housing, and later her neighbor gave her a condescending, inherently racist speech. Yet, as Neve rises in social status, she begins shifting from victim to oppressor. For instance, she is guilty of colorism when she pushes to fire Carl simply because she doesn't want a Black man near her son. Most importantly, though, Neve betrays her family — both her old family and her new one — because she cares more about her reputation. Director Nathaniel Matrello-White confirmed in an interview with Digital Spy that he never intended Neve to be likable, saying, "I was really excited about having a really divisive, controversial protagonist." Why does Neve answer the door? Near the beginning of the break-in, Carl orders food from Uber Eats so he and his prisoners can eat dinner "like a family." Viewers may have completely forgotten about this plot point until the Uber delivery guy rings the doorbell. Knowing that Carl isn't watching but could walk in at any moment, Neve stands and answers the door. It's possible that Neve is hoping to be rescued. After all, she could tell the Uber guy to send for help, even though if she gets caught, Carl might turn his wrath on her children. However, it's more likely that rescue is not even on Neve's mind, at least not at first. Perhaps it's simply force of habit that makes her answer the door, because it was part of her routine as a suburban housewife. Perhaps Neve wants to maintain the facade of a perfect family, even as that household is falling apart around her. She certainly seems to care more about giving the delivery guy a generous tip than trying to signal to him that she is in a hostage situation. She even tries to draw attention away from the cries of pain from her husband, whom Carl is torturing in the gym as she speaks. This is a damning moment for Neve, because it proves that she cares more about appearances than her family. What happens to Neve and her family in the ending? The ending of "The Strays" strongly implies that Neve has bailed on her family yet again — and this time she has abandoned her new family, too. Audiences hear the revving of the delivery guy's motorcycle, and judging by the faces of the other characters, Neve has hitched a ride with the Uber guy and fled. It's unlikely that she told the delivery guy what was happening. It would've been difficult to explain her situation without admitting her partial culpability. Instead, Neve probably just bribed him to give her a ride. By making a decision that mirrors the one she made in the movie's opening scene, Neve has come full circle. We can only hope that the family Neve left behind can find support in one another. The final shot (all four of Neve's children standing in the doorway, realizing that their mother isn't coming back) certainly suggests that these step-siblings are going to bond over their shared abandonment. Perhaps Carl will realize too late that he was punishing the wrong person. Perhaps he will realize that he was too busy taking out his anger on Ian (who never knew about Carl and Dione and made repeated efforts to welcome them into his family) that he allowed the person who really hurt him to get away. However, knowing that Carl is still bitter with resentment and is responsible for Ian's (presumed) death, there's no guarantee that Carl, Dione, Mary, and Sebastian will forgive each other.	0.984	3,611
Save with Bundles You May Also Like More Than Just Pretty Hair All our hair is exchanged freely and fairly from verified distributors. FSC certified packaging printed with soy ink, a renewable food source. We're animal lovers over here, which means zero testing on animals. We recycle old sets into oil-absorbing mats that clean waterways. We believe in protecting the planet, including the people in it. FREE Shipping on all orders worldwide! Products Lost or Damaged In Transit: All shipments are FOB (Free on Board), and ship from our warehouse located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We cannot guarantee the performance of our carriers. We encourage U.S. customers to opt-in for package insurance at checkout. We will assist our customers in any deficiency in third-party shipping services but we are not responsible for such deficiencies. It will take 1 business day to process your order, regardless of the shipping option selected at checkout. 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If the tracking information confirms that the item has been delivered to your order address but you have not received your order, please read this article for next steps on how to locate your package. Also, please contact the carrier in order to investigate this issue. We cannot be held accountable for packages where tracking information states the package has been delivered to your order address. We encourage U.S. customers to opt-in for package insurance at checkout. If you have previously experienced lost or stolen packages where you reside, we encourage you to instead have your package delivered to a work address to ensure that you receive it safe and sound. By placing an order at Luxy Hair, you are responsible for the cost of return shipping back to Luxy Hair. Please refer to our return policy for further information on how to return your packages. You may return your order for a refund or exchange it within 60 days of purchase, as long as the main compartment is still sealed. *Accessories, hair care products and sample swatches are final sale. Other items in our 'Final Sale' section are eligible for an exchange or store credit only. ¹Luxy Hair is NOT able to ship to the following countries due to shipping complications: American Samoa, Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Italy, Kuwait, Spain, Guam, Iraq, Libya, Panama, Russia, San Marino, Sudan, Tajikistan, Ukraine.	0.939993	1,477
The first time I realised hacking existed was tied into the world of computer games, way back on a Commodore 64 where hitting the RUN STOP key allowed me to enter lines of code altering the game in some way (commonly called a poke). It pretty much blew my mind that with a few lines of code I could turn my weird-looking pixelated character made up of muddy green and brown hues into, well, a weird-looking pixelated character made out of slightly different shades of green and brown. A game of crazy golf became the Battle of the Somme. One time I turned a spaceship into a cucumber. I can see you’re impressed. It blew my tiny little mind even further when I realised people were making games based around the same concept – get into a system, tamper with it to get the job done and get out before anyone notices (hopefully in a spaceship that looked like a cucumber, which had nothing to do with me, your honour and members of the jury). Some 20 years on, hacking in games continues to surface – more often than not an excuse for a storyline progressing mini game than any sort of actual feature (a rare thing indeed if you see a game dev video where they spend ten minutes talking about pattern matching instead of all those explosions and faces being punched. I had a nightmare trying to find developer videos discussing these often overlooked aspects of video games, and I can’t link you to videos of 14-year-olds screaming profanities every five seconds). Focusing on the interconnected nature of a city and using those connections to HACK THE PLANET, a lot has been made of how realistic the concept of taking over a city with your cellphone is. I recently talked to Cameron Robinson over at Gamespot Reality Check on this very subject (and the state of our CCTV tinged existence in general), and here is the video: This got me thinking about notable (and terrible!) examples of hacking from video games gone by. Almost all hacking in games has to walk a fine line between simplistic puzzle mini games so everyone can take part, and somewhat realistic depictions of command line interfaces to appeal to those with a more definite hacking mentality. Go too far in one direction and you risk losing a good portion of your audience. Make a hash of the hacking and you risk losing all of them. Alpha Protocol, take a seat – we’ll be giving you a good telling off later. I couldn’t cover everything – apologies to System Shock 2, Shadowrun and Fallout 3, and an honourable mention goes out to the fake internet complete with emails buried inside Front Mission 3 – but I did look at some titles you may not have seen before. Apart from Deus Ex. You’ve all seen that one. Paradroid was probably the first game I saw which focused almost exclusively on hacking (sure, there was Hacker but I had no idea how to play that). Cast as an incredibly weak robot on a deadly space cruiser filled with trigger happy droids, you had to hack your way up the food chain and take over increasingly more powerful enemies to clear the ship. You did this via a hacking mini game which involved logic gates and a fixed amount of “charges” to fire at the enemy set against a time limit. If you ended up with more of your own colour in the central section of the screen, you won – if not, kaboom. With a little practice, gamers could quickly leap from the 001 droid to very high levels. There was a pretty good YouTube video of someone leaping from 001 to 999 a while ago, but it seems to have turned into an advert for a wine bar or something. If you know where it is, feel free to share. Deus Ex came out in 2000, yet really gave the player a lot of options in terms of social engineering. Who needs potentially terrible mini games when you can exploit the all too trusting humans wandering around the gamespace? Meanwhile, the much more recent Human Revolution gave us more chances to find clues, listen to people going about their business and, uh, guess the password (along with the occasional business proposition). There was also a pretty fun mini game that balanced a countdown based system takeover with real-time consequences – while hacking, you could be caught by guards wandering around so the player was encouraged to be an unseen stealth ninja of silent footsteps and wavering shadows. Me, I did this. Realtime hacking – that is, being aware that the game environment is still playing out in the background and can catch you unawares – has become more popular over the years, a bit like those first person shooters which insist on you selecting weapons in realtime while terrorist organisation x is still firing fifteen RPGs and a thermonuclear warhead at your face. I think I prefer the realtime hacking, to be honest. Uplink is getting on a bit now, but still offers one of the “purer” strains of in-game hacking that doesn’t descend into peculiar mini games disconnected from the world around them in both execution and spirit. It has you hightailing it out of systems, it has data streams tracing across the globe, it has IRC(!) and it has the PC effectively standing in for your character, which must be upgraded to survive the increasingly difficult hacking challenges thrown at you. Humorously, when you create an in-game user account you also need a password so it is entirely possible to forget it then lock yourself out of your game and have to start all over again. Number of times I have done this: six. If only there was an in-game password manager… Taking the whole “Internet is a series of tubes” thing a bit too literally, Bioshock can be felt even now where influence on hacking in video games is concerned. For reasons best known to the game developers, they decided to represent the act of hacking various machines in the game world by funneling some form of liquid from one pipe to another on a slide tile deck. If you ever played Pipe Mania back in the day, then congratulations: you’re already a level 99 Gibson hacker and will likely breeze through these sections. They tried to make the hacking more immediate and realtime for Bioshock 2: Alpha Protocol (2010) Alpha Protocol is an astonishingly underrated game, where you take on the role of a spy trying to save the world from [generic bad guy group goes here]. The controls are clunky, the crosshairs for your weapon is hilariously gigantic, the lead character is the most non-spy type of guy you could ever imagine – nice disguise – but the whole thing is very hard to stop playing despite the flaws and somehow works. What doesn’t work, is the hacking. My initial 20 minute playthrough of the tutorial went from “ooh, nice” to “ooh, I’m going to switch it off now” after running into the brick wall that is the hacking mini game. It’s rather difficult to explain, but you have a screen of rapidly changing codes and about 10 seconds to find the two which don’t alter. You then sort of move the two codes you control with your left and right hands simultaneously, dropping them onto the stationary sequences before they decide to move on you. Steel yourself, then try to make sense of this video. A mini game so bad, people found it helpful to develop independently moving retinas to continue. After somehow finally being able to muddle through the hacking, the game then throws circuit breaking at you and it all goes wrong for the second time. You have a very short time limit to clip the circuits in order, which is accomplished by a) looking for the number 1 on the board b) following the line back to the bottom and clicking it c) doing that all the way up to 10, unless the timer counts down for the fiftieth time and you throw your keyboard out of the window. It was entirely possible to play this game on the hardest difficulty level, be confronted with a door you didn’t have enough skill points to open without sheer luck and be stuck there forever (or at least until such time that the PC followed the keyboard out of that same window). Weirdly, this game never had a sequel. Sleeping Dogs (2012) Set in Hong Kong and placing you in the shoes of an undercover detective taking down the Triads from the inside, hacking was more of a multi-stage journey than a “hack and you’re done” affair. First, you beat up a bunch of thugs in a designated location. Then you had to trace a power cable to a junction box (assuming the game didn’t do something odd). Then you had to hack it in order to monitor a drug deal on a nearby CCTV camera and call in the cops to make the arrest. Unfortunately the “hacking” was a case of simply selecting 1234, then working your way up to 9 and reordering the numbers as required. The CCTV bust wasn’t exactly difficult either, given a large shield indicator appeared over the dealer after about ten seconds. Nice idea, but let down by the execution. You did get to jump kick terrible people down stairwells though, so there’s that. Gunpoint does a great job of integrating the hacking into the game – no disconnected mini games here, everything is done on the fly and when you’re trying to rewire lights or elevators the stylised beams of light being shuffled across the screen feels more natural than a Simon Says puzzle (Mass Effect, what were you thinking). I think I’m all hacked out. If I didn’t cover your favourite bit of in-game hacking, feel free to give it a mention in the comments. There’s quite a lot of good examples I didn’t mention, and I am curious to know if you prefer the “Hollywood movie” style realism of something like Uplink or terminal based shenanigans, weird simplistic mini games which often have little to do with anything in the game you happen to be playing or a big red button with an onscreen prompt that says “Press H to Hack”…	0.95792	2,146
Staying at a hotel is always exciting and fun. They’re clean, have beautiful facilities, and provide you with a new personal space with endless options for fun. Though the hotel culture in one country is not necessarily the same as the next and if you’re traveling internationally you will notice slight differences in how hotels are run. When it comes to Australia, the following are a few necessary things you should know about staying in our hotels. These are the most common and most significant things you just must remember while planning your stay. Things You Should Know About Staying in Australian Hotels You can hover over this (or any image) to quickly pin it! Tipping is Not Required The advertised price here in Australia includes service, and while tipping is always a lovely gesture, it’s not part of the culture here. If you try to leave extra cash we’re generally trained to refuse. Australians are paid a high minimum wage compared to the rest of the world, and regardless of your position, once you hit 18, minimum wage here is upwards of $17 per hour. Much of the time when you leave a tip, it goes in a jar toward the end-of-year staff Christmas party, though many companies claim the tips for the till and not individual employees. Negotiate For a Better Price The hotel industry in Australia is competitive, and one of the best ways to get a better deal on accommodation is to negotiate for a better price. Unless you’re traveling during peak time, there’s usually room to move on the nightly rate. Reservations will have 5 or 6 room rates for any given night, and will usually start by quoting you somewhere in the middle. The best way to get a cheaper rate is to simply ask. The worst thing they can say is no, and you would be surprised by how often hotel staff will work with you if you’re polite. Ask the following questions to negotiate for a better price: - Is that the best price you have at the moment? - Are there any discounts for a longer stay? - Is there any way to waive the fee for children? - Is breakfast included? Is it cheaper to book a bed and breakfast package? (Normally a B&B package will drop the room rate by $10) - Is there any chance for an upgrade? - Can you match the online rate? - Can you match the rate of XYZ property down the road? The Water is Fine to Drink Unless you’re staying somewhere incredibly remote, hotels across Australia have clean water, and its fine to drink from the tap unless there is a sign which says otherwise. You may be instructed to avoid tap water in rural areas where they use tanks, but in populated areas the water is fine. Always ask the concierge or front desk staff if you’re unsure of the water. 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Instead of joking about cultural differences, try learning more about her tradition. There are plenty of small Slavic communities in major cities; simply make certain to perform a little research first. We’d advocate beginning with Russian clubs, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll more than likely find what you’re in search of, however in such places, men’s expectations concerning Russian brides match poorly with the fact. And although scorching Russian ladies are distinguished by a cheerful and straightforward character, it’s generally difficult to construct relationships with them. They all the time try to get to know a person higher to understand what he is. It is at all times higher to stay to effective and time-proven ways when fighting on your love. In Russia, family ties are far more valued than in the West. In Western Europe or North America, visiting with dad and mom at Christmas and other holidays is more of a formal thing. The scenario is completely completely different in Russia, the place household ties and traditions are so special for all members of the family. Representatives of this sign are characterised by fast, wide actions, in order that they love being in the public eye. That isn’t a surprise males fall for Sagittarius so usually. And that is why some people imagine that Russian ladies would conform to any relationship even when their partner disrespects them. Russian girls see in foreigners their saviors, so should you maltreat them, they will lose hope in males. This means opening the door for her, footing the date the bills, spoiling her with considerate gifts–basically everything you can do to make her feel particular. To successfully date a Russian lady, you’ll want to return off as a bold man who’s absolutely aware of his function. This mainstream courting site is among the finest websites for finding love no matter your location on the earth. 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Now you realize the primary guidelines about courting in Russia. Some issues seem official statement unfair, but it’s totally worth it. A couple of dates on a russian relationship web site or offline and you will notice the lady from the opposite aspect. There is a fable of ladies from this nation being able to do anything for cash.	0.942504	2,682
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Central Depository System • Central Depository members • Objectives of applying Central Depository System • Registration procedures in the Central Depository • Deposit of securities • Functions of Custodians • Procedures of securities deposit • Transfers required to complete the selling transaction • Transfers required to complete the buying transaction • Portfolio transfer to another custodian • Security freeze Central Depository activity refers to any activity related to the depository of securities, clearing and settlement of financial positions resulting from trading transactions and the relevant pledge of securities Central Depository members • Banks and branches of banks registered at the Central Bank of Egypt • Companies involved in the securities business according to the activities specified by the Board of Directors of the Capital Market Authority • Companies and foreign entities working in the field of central depository, provided that its head office is regulated pursuant to rules specified by the Board of Directors of the Capital Market Authority. • Any other entity accepted as a member by the Board of Directors of the company pursuant to the provisions and conditions specified by the executive regulation for law no.93 of year 2000 Objectives of applying Central Depository System • Eliminate risks resulting from trading of material securities in the Capital Market. i.e. damage or loss or forgery. • Get hold of all material securities at the central level through gradual withdrawal of securities traded in the markers and relieve issuers from printing securities certificates in the other hand. • Simplify the process of trading in stock exchange as a result of dealing on balances and book entries instead of material securities. • Increase the securities turnover due to completion of ownership transfer within a specified timeframe. • Increase the market liquidity. • Operating Settlement system according to Delivery Versus Payment (DVP) system. • Relieve the issuers from cost, effort, time they take to print certificates for the original capital or any amendment thereon and print one certificate with total issuing value. • Establish a database for all the securities issued and traded in the Egyptian Capital Market. • Establish a database for securities owners and their relevant data. • Foster investor’s confidence through adhering to international standards. Registration procedures in the Central Depository • The central depository process starts with registering the security in the Central Depository System (CDS) by the issuer. • The issuer fills the MCSD listing memorandum and includes therein all data and documents required for registration at the CDS. • The issuer submits to the MCSD all the documents and data indicating its legal status. • The listing applications are presented to MCSD securities listing committee on a weekly basis. • The date of starting trading on securities through the central depository shall be as approved by the committee. • The issuer receives a letter of approving listing at the CDS within 15 days as a maximum from the date of submitting all the required documents. • The issuer shall announce the starting date of trading through CDS in one of the widely circulated daily newspapers, one of which, at least, should be an English newspaper. The publishing shall come into force, at least, 10 days before the trading date • Securities deposits made by issuers shall be accepted in the prescribed date or the required transfers should be fully made in case there are no printed or interim certificates. In case that no securities certificates or interim certificates are printed by the issuer, one certificate including the total quantity of issued securities shall be submitted. A list of the shareholder’s names, quantity of shares, the respective unified code and the relevant custodian shall be attached thereto. (The functions of the custodian’s shall be discussed in details). MCSD shall open an issuing account according to the certificate submitted by the issuer and transfer the relevant quantity to the clients’ account according to the incoming data. Each custodian shall print out the account statement to his clients. In case of having printed certificates of securities, issuers shall submit some samples of such certificates to MCSD along with other documents where the depository process is done based on such documents. The depository process is as follows: Deposit of securities The deposit process of securities is done through a custodian Definition of a custodian: It is a bank or any entity (that deals in margin trading system) licensed by the Capital Market Authority and passed the MCSD training course on opening and managing current accounts of securities. Functions of Custodians 1- Sign an agreement with the client. 2- Open a securities current account and manage such account for the client. 3- Deposit of securities at Central Depository System. 4- Implement the required transfers to perform the selling transaction at the client’s instructions. 5- Implement the required transfers to perform the buying transaction at the client’s request. 6- Portfolio transfers to any other custodian that the client wants to deal with. 7- Freeze the respective securities for a certain client. 8- Pledging of securities. 9- Take all the necessary means to safeguard the balances of clients dealing in securities. First: Contract procedures The Custodian shall sign an agreement with the client showing the rights and obligations of each party. Second: Procedures of securities deposit • The client goes to one of the custodians to deposit his securities • The custodian records the securities on the securities deposit program • The custodian delivers the securities to MCSD after recording. • MCSD receives the securities, examines and reviews them according to the incoming samples from the issuers. • After ensuring the soundness of the received securities, they will be credited to the custodian’s balances that effected the depository transaction and a relevant account statement is printed. • The custodian prints out the account statement indicating the completion of depository transaction at MCSD and credits the securities to the client’s balance. Third: Transfers required to complete the selling transaction according to the client’s instructions • In case that the client wants to sell his securities, he can give the order to the broker to execute the selling transaction indicating the custodian who manages his account. • The broker blocks the quantity that the client wants to sell at the respective custodian through the automated link between the broker and the custodian. • The custodian blocks the quantity for the selling broker. • After the completion of transaction on stock exchange, the custodian transfers the quantity to the broker for settlement. • MCSD credits the selling revenue to the broker’s account at the clearing bank at the specified settlement date (in the morning). Fourth: Transfers required to complete the buying transaction according to the client’s instructions • In case that the client wants to buy securities registered in the central depository, he can issue a buying order to the broker indicating the custodian that manages his account • The custodian records the buying order on his respective custodian program • The broker executes the transaction on stock exchange. • After the execution, the transaction appears at the custodian who matches the executed quantity on the stock exchange with the previously recorded buying order. • The broker shall feed his cash balance at the clearing bank till the end of the day preceding the settlement day (SD-1) in preparation for the completion of settlement process. Remark: After the completion of any transaction, the custodian prints out an account statement for each client having a transaction made on his account. Fifth: portfolio transfer to another custodian In case that the client wishes to change the custodian that manages his account: • The client signs a contract with a new custodian. • The client submits the portfolio transfer form to the old custodian. • The custodian transfers the required quantity to the new custodian. • The new custodian accepts the transfer and sends it to MCSD. Sixth: Security Freeze Security freeze will be effected according to: First: upon the client’s request to attend the general assemblies. In this case, a security freeze shall will effected on whole quantity until the general assembly is held. Second, if any official entity wants to freeze a client’s security, this entity will notify MCSD of its desire to freeze the balance mentioning the security name, the custodian name, and the quantity to be subject to freeze. Then, MCSD will directly effect the security freeze and notifies the custodian. The official entity wishing to do security freeze may communicate directly with the custodian.	0.913163	1,782
Council in the News Massachusetts’ tax competitiveness index has slightly improved over the past year, bumping up to the tenth worst in the nation from the fifth worst, but watchdogs say it’s still far too low and causing people to leave the state. The Tax Foundation, a national watchdog group, increased the Bay State’s taxation standing from 46th last year to 41st this year in its 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index, a ranking that compares state tax systems. Rebranded from the State Business Tax Climate Index, this year’s report, released Thursday, ranked individual income taxes, corporate taxes, sales, use, and excise taxes, property and wealth taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes. “Overly burdensome individual income taxes, property taxes, and UI taxes” have left Massachusetts remaining in the bottom 10 in the entire nation for competitiveness, the report’s authors wrote. Like last year, authors slammed Massachusetts voters for approving the Fair Share Amendment, or the so-called “millionaire’s tax,” in the November 2022 election — incomes over $1 million are taxed an extra 4%. The amendment “(dismantled) the state’s formerly competitive flat income tax … making Massachusetts less attractive for productive households and businesses,” the report states. Before the millionaire’s tax went into effect, Massachusetts had already dealt with taxpayers fleeing at a high rate, at the cost of billions in “adjusted gross income,” IRS data has shown over the years. Massachusetts had the fifth-worst income loss due to domestic migration in 2022, at a cost of roughly $3.9 billion, according to data the Internal Revenue Service reported in July. Chris R. Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, which advocates for a competitive business climate, highlighted how a survey conducted in September revealed that 80% of residents agree state taxes are too high. “Oppressive taxes aren’t just a business community concern,” Anderson said in a statement on Thursday. “This is a quality-of-life issue for everyone in the Commonwealth. … The long-term consequences aren’t hypothetical: If we don’t turn the tide, we will continue to lose talented residents, families, and entrepreneurs to states with more competitive taxes.” Massachusetts’ overall tax system is also being hampered because of the lack of first-year expensing, which the Tax Foundation says is “discouraging in-state investment.” The main drivers behind the crumbling taxation are the nation’s tenth-worst income tax ranking of 4.54%, the fifth-worst property tax ranking of 3.93%, and the third-worst unemployment insurance ranking of 3.97%, Tax Foundation figures indicate. New Hampshire is the only New England state to have ranked in the top 10 for best indexes, at 6, which the Tax Foundation credited to lawmakers there “only imposing a narrow tax on interest and dividend income.” Paul Diego Craney, spokesman for watchdog Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, pointed out how he believes the “poor grades are direct results of poor decisions being made at the State House” under Gov. Maura Healey. “If Massachusetts wants the playbook for how to be competitive and affordable, look no further than New Hampshire and Florida,” Craney stated. “These states don’t have the taxes Massachusetts applies to its taxpayers. The only way Massachusetts will find its way out of this economic mess is by eliminating some of these taxes.” Florida came in at the fourth-best index in the country, which the Tax Foundation report said is due to its lack of individual income tax. The study also found an “absence of a major tax is a common factor among many of the top 10 states.” Wyoming and South Dakota ranked first and second best respectively, with neither state imposing a corporate or individual income tax. Craney said Massachusetts’ sales tax rate of 6.25% is the “only anchor keeping the state from sliding any worse.” The rate is the 20th best in the nation. Healey has tried to uplift the devastating tax system since she took office in January 2023. A $1 billion-a-year tax relief bill that went into effect as the calendar flipped to 2024. The package cut the short-term capital gains tax from 12% to 8.5%, a business-backed move that riled progressives who argued it gave a break to the wealthy. The compromise cost the state $561 million in fiscal year 2023 and $1 billion a year starting in fiscal year 2027, according to the bill’s own projections. It also included boosts to the rental deduction cap, a tax credit for a dependent child, disabled adult, or senior, and the statewide cap for a housing production program. The bill excluded estates valued up to $2 million from the estate tax by allowing for a uniform credit of $99,600. But state leaders need to do more to lower the cost of living and conducting business for small employers, argued Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “High property taxes increase our housing costs,” Hurst said in a statement to the Herald, “and high sales and income taxes hurt the disposable incomes for our working families, leading to lower sales on Main Street. “Excessive regulations increase operating and employment costs for small businesses,” he added, “particularly on health insurance premiums and payroll taxes.”	0.954096	1,166
As in past forms of the amusement, PES 2012 is to feature the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and the greatest competition of the Americas, the Copa Santander Libertadores. On 28 July 2011, Konami has affirmed that Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 would be discharged for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC ( Microsoft Windows ) on September 27, 2011, in the Americas and 14 October 2011 in Europe. There were two demos, both of which were expected to be discharged for the Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The first depends on a see work of the amusement and was discharged on August 24, 2011, for PlayStation 3 and PC. The second demo was discharged on September 14 on Wii PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. On 11 November, was propelled by the variant for PlayStation 2 and PSP. As indicated by the official amusement maker Shingo Takatsuka ' Seabass ' Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 will be an awesome change in gameplay alluding to past renditions, concentrating for the most part on the counterfeit consciousness of the diversion (framework sanctified through water by Konami IA System). Beginning with the intervention, which will be upgraded and rebuilt with new drives and including a full usage of the preferred standpoint manage, the arbitrator rebuffing and cautioning players after dirty moves when The arrival of CHALLENGER TRAINING mode will be back in the new form of the diversion. In this mode, the fans may direct preparing to enhance hostile abilities, cautious, fouls, punishments, dispatches and spilling. As indicated by Konami, this mode was very charged in the past criticisms by fans. The counterfeit consciousness of the goalkeepers so censured in the most recent form additionally will be enhanced with new activity and exhibitions of goalkeepers, empowering devotees of the arrangement a more practical affair and making the most solid bowmen. The hostile gameplay will be more liquid, with the enhanced reaction in joint effort another point much censured in the most recent form, overwhelming (covers) come back to the amusement permitting the Games run strategies and knowledge. Players without the ball and open spaces can likewise be precisely controlled and exact. In the 2012 release can likewise make new stadiums in the "Make Stadiums" alternative, with the exception of on renditions of PSP, PS2, Wii, and Smartphone. You can make and amass to 25 new stadiums. This mode has been upgraded in see the conclusion of devotees of the arrangement. The D-cushion (Control Direction) missing in the principal explanations to people in general, was incorporated again because of the tremendous number of fans who even said to utilize the D-cushion, yet this choice won't be kept up for long, as indicated by Jon Murphy (European Executive diversion) in future recreations in the arrangement to be utilized ought to be nullified once [ reference required ] . Sweat, neck muscle and earth on the players' regalia may likewise be noted amid a series of the diversion, all to guarantee the most abnormal amount of authenticity never found in another virtual football game. The possibility of Seabass is to enable fans to play PES 2012, feel-viewing a soccer match as, all things considered At first glance, it would seem that very little has changed in the yearly refreshed universe of Pro Evolution Soccer, yet an absence of enormous new competitions or gaudy highlights veils the tremendous work that is gone into enhancing the football itself. After the nonsense of picking a group (for the most part unlicensed, so you get the genuine Manchester United, however, Aston Villa are West Midlands Village) you're on the pitch, prepared to direct your group to triumph. Assaulting players have to a greater extent a heartbeat this year. Rather than tottering level with the ball transporter enduring to be checked, they're much more slanted to take a keep running behind for lines, dashing down the wings and notwithstanding making the intermittent inclined keep running amidst the pitch. PES still battles to offer anything its solid rival FIFA can't do with more clean, however, 2012 is a sharp corner to corner keep running the correct way. In the event that lone the protectors were somewhat more daring. evolution,pro evolution soccer,soccer,pro,pro evolution soccer (video game series),pc,game,pro evolution soccer 2012,download,games,how to download pro evolution soccer 2012 pc full version free \| fever of games ⚽🔥,free,pro evolution soccer 2012,pro evolution soccer 2012,pro evolution soccer 2012 pc free download,pro evolution soccer 2012 pc free idm download ,Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 PC Game Free Download ,Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 PC Game Full Version Free Download ,pro evolution soccer (video game series),soccer,evolution,game,pc,full,pro,free,download,version,pro evolution soccer,how to download pro evolution soccer 2012 pc full version free \| fever of games ⚽🔥,pro evolution soccer 2012,games,pro evolution soccer 2012,pes 2012 game free download for pc full version,pro evolution soccer 2012 pc free download, System Recommended Requirements. CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or Latest processor. OS: Windows XP/7/8/10. VIDEO CARD: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card. FREE DISK SPACE: 8GB. Mouse And Keyboard. How To Download and Install Game. First Download the game below link. Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 is a pc game. First download the Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 game below link after download then make a new folder and there extract game then there paste a password to unlock the game and the game password is below after unlocking the game then just extract the game then click on install button and just install the Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 game on your pc after install then restart your computer. After restarting the go-to Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 folder and click on Launcher after launch the game then just click on play button icon and play the game on your pc to very easy. Enjoy Very Much! Download Game Below Link.	0.912414	1,266
Decorative Canvas Painting Material: Fabric - 100% Canvas Warranty: All our products are under 2 year parts warranty protection. Dispatch time: After you make your selection, please check the availability and dispatch time. Please check the item availability section above "add to cart" button to find the estimated delivery time. I have received a faulty or damaged item All our furniture is checked before dispatched so damage is unlikely. It is also very important that you inspect the product upon delivery. If you are not happy with the goods when you inspect them let our delivery partner know and contact us. If you realize a damage after the delivery contact us as soon as possible, sending us a couple of photos to identify the damage or other issues with the product. We will deal with your complaint by either replacing the damaged parts or exchanging the item. I have received an incorrect item: Every so often mistakes are made, but we do our best to resolve them as quickly as possible. If you have received an incorrect item in your order, please contact us as soon as possible. We will organise a free collection of the wrong item from you. If you are not happy with your order within 7 days of the delivery you can return it. Our policy lasts 7 days. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unassembled, unused in original packaging and in the resalable condition. If 7 days have gone by since you receive your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. Please note: the parcel and its contents are your responsibility until they are received at our warehouse - we therefore recommend that you use a registered postal service and insure the item for any kind of damages in transit. MODERN FURNITURE DEALS is not responsible for returned goods being lost or damaged in transit. Please ensure the product is well packaged to avoid any damage during transport back to our warehouse, so that the product arrives at our warehouse in a resalable condition. If you want to return an item please contact us before you send item back to us. The legal delivery and return terms : The place for delivery of the Goods will be agreed between the Seller and the Member and shown on the Order Confirmation.Any dates quoted for delivery of the Goods are indicative only. Time for delivery will not be of the essence of the Contract and the Seller will not be liable for any loss or expenses sustained by the customer arising from any delay in the delivery of the Goods howsoever caused. The customer must inspect the Goods on delivery and, in the case where goods have been delivered by carrier, sign the required proof of delivery document or collection acceptance document. A signature on that document will constitute conclusive evidence against the customer of receipt of the quantity of Goods indicated on that document free from any apparent defect or damage. The customer may not reject the goods or any part of them solely on the grounds of short delivery of an installment. If goods have any damage or defect immediately apparent on receipt then it is advised that the delivery be rejected and left with the courier service for return. The Seller reserves the right to make delivery of the goods by installments. If the goods are to be delivered in installments, each delivery will constitute a separate contract. The customer may not treat the Contract (as a whole) as repudiated if the seller fails to deliver any one or more of the installments or if the customer has a claim in respect of any one or more of the installments. If the customer fails to take delivery of the goods 3 times in a row, then in addition to any other right or remedy available to the Seller, the Seller may do either or both of the following; Store the Goods until actual delivery and charge the Member for the cost (including insurance) of storage, together with any other reasonable incidental costs. Sell the Goods at the best price readily obtainable by the Seller and (after deducting all storage and selling expenses) charge the customer for any shortfall below the Price. The customer must advise the Seller in writing of any alteration, cancellation or deferral of delivery and the Seller reserves the right to make a charge (which will not normally be less than 20% of the cost of the item altered, deferred or cancelled), whether the goods have been taken into stock or not. Goods must not be returned to the Seller except as provided in Conditional agreements. If you wish to cancel an order, simply contact our Customer Care team. We will refund the cost of the order and the original delivery charge. If the goods have already been dispatched, you will need to return them to us at your own cost and insurance. Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. Late or missing refunds (if applicable) If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us When will I receive my refund? The refund will appear on your payment card statement within 14 days of the goods being received into our warehouse. What is the MODERN FURNITURE DEALS return address? The address for returns is: Modern Furniture Deals, Unit 2 Heaton Court,Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QU, UK.	0.945084	1,196
Analysts weigh up impact on market The merger of the country’s fourth-largest bank with Suncorp Bank could significantly change the banking landscape, industry research company IBISWorld warns. Following ANZ’s announcement it had entered into an agreement to buy Suncorp Bank for $4.9bn in July, analysts at IBISWorld have formed an overview of the implications for the Australian banking sector and its customers. The proposed ANZ-Suncorp Bank merger could result in a reshuffle of big four bank rankings by market share, heighten competition between CBA, Westpac and NAB, increase barriers to entry outside of the big four, and reduce choice for borrowers, IBISWorld said. There has been a number of big bank mergers with small banks, including NAB’s acquisition of 86 400 (now ubank) in May 2021, and its takeover of Citigroup’s consumer banking business in June 2022. In 2008, CBA acquired Bankwest in 2008, the same year Westpac took over St. George Bank. But the ANZ-Suncorp Bank merger has drawn criticism from the industry. Judo Bank CEO Joseph Healy told The Australian that it would diminish competition and lead to poorer customer outcomes. Australia’s non-competitive banking market was the “primary cause” of the significant and systemic conduct issues exposed at the royal commission, Healy told the publication in July after the deal was announced. Less than five years after the banking royal commission, a major bank was poised to snap up one of few independent regional banks Healy said, noting that three of the four new banking licences granted post-royal commission were handed back. “The proposed ANZ-Suncorp deal simply cannot be in the public’s best interest,” he said. In commentary released earlier this month, IBISWorld said the ANZ-Suncorp Bank merger had wider implications for the banking industry and its customers. It could set a precedent for other acquisitions, and greater consolidation could reduce loan options for borrowers and place upward pressure on residential home loan rates, it said. The acquisition is to include $47bn of home loans, $45bn in deposits and $11bn in commercial loans, ANZ said in July. The buyout would take ANZ’s mortgage book to $307bn, representing a “significant move into the mortgage industry”, IBISWorld said. ANZ was also likely to benefit from Suncorp Bank’s agribusiness banking and commercial financing services, including SME, it said. Read next: Suncorp Bank enjoys 9% growth in home loans Mortgage and retail deposit figures suggest that a combined ANZ-Suncorp Bank entity could facilitate a change in the line-up of the big four banks, pipping NAB as the country’s third biggest bank by market share, IBISWorld said. But what about the impact on mortgage borrowers? Mid-market companies, such as Suncorp Bank and BOQ have traditionally shown greater flexibility with their rates and terms, enabling conditions to be sought to suit individual lending, With Suncorp Bank coming under the big four bank fold, customers are likely to have less choice, and the influence of the larger market players will grow, it said. “Therefore, the move is anticipated to place upward pressure on residential housing loan rates and downward pressure on mortgage affordability,” IBISWorld analysts said. Analysts noted that the big four banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ) were previously scrutinised for their practices related to competition and marketing consolidation. A 2018 enquiry regarding competition in the Australian financial system noted there was evidence that major banks had sustained prices above competitive levels, offered inferior quality products to certain groups of customers, subsumed much of the broker industry and taken anti-competitive action against smaller competitors in some markets, it said. Customers most likely to be impacted by potential rises are retail customers and operators in agribusiness and residential property, IBISWorld said. “These customers can shop around for different terms with other mid-market options or switch between the other banks in order to ensure they are getting the best deal possible,” IBISWorld analysts said. “The market is still competitive for smaller loans, with other smaller providers who can offer short-term favourable loans.” The acquisition is likely to affect strategies of the other big four banks, IBISWorld said. Implementation of Suncorp Bank product choices by ANZ could cause other big banks to match their offerings. The other big four banks could aggressively pursue acquisition strategies to maintain competitiveness, it said. Other mid-tier companies such as BOQ, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and Macquarie Bank could become more attractive for other players, but the Suncorp Bank acquisition may rule out moves to buy them, as they would be heavily scrutinised and investigated, IBISWorld said. The acquisition of Suncorp Bank by ANZ is subject to approval from the Federal Treasurer, authorisation or approval from the ACCC, and certain amendments to the State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Act 1996 (Queensland). Under the deal, ANZ Bank has committed to maintain Suncorp Bank’s branch footprint in Queensland for a minimum of three years’ post completion. ANZ Bank said the acquisition is expected to complete in the second half of 2023.	0.969599	1,148
The entire world is watching with a sense of foreboding as North Korea and the U.S. head toward a potentially catastrophic military confrontation. This is a time-bomb that could go off at any given time when Kim Jong Un, the slightly deranged leader of North Korea, squares off against Trump, the highly reactionary U.S. president. These are leaders who may look totally different but are quite similar otherwise; both have quick tempers with short fuses, not the characteristics that one would want to be present in leaders of countries that possess very powerful military forces. Millions of Americans, after having become aware of these latest incidents involving that part of the world, certainly must have a feeling of dread, thinking that this confrontation is not going to end well. North Korea and its succession of unstable leaders have been developing a nuclear weapon for some time and are said to have as many as 20 that have been tested and are operational, with more in the development. However, they don’t yet have the needed missile delivery system. North Korea has made continuing threats to use such a weapon against South Korea, Japan and even the U.S., proclaiming that they would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked. Their leaders have been and continue to be in a deep state of paranoia. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence just concluded extremely different weekends. While Pence was in South Korea to discuss escalating tensions with North Korea he issued a threat to use military force against that rogue government if it “crossed the U.S. red line”. Trump, meanwhile, was hard at work hitting golf balls at his course at Mar-a-Lago – again. I say again because, with this latest round of golf, it marked the 18th day that he was playing a round of golf since he took office just 12 weeks ago. Nothing like overdoing a good thing is there? Well, that may be troubling to some observers but to many others it’s a blessing when he stays away from Washington, since the more he plays golf the less time he will have to make more enemies for America and cause more controversies. North Korea and its leaders are known to be extremely rigid, ultra-stubborn individuals who, quite apparently, have little to no capability to sit down with other parties to find ways to reach any form of common ground on any issue. They only communicate with China, the only country with which it has reasonably good relations. Yes, this country is most certainly a great threat. But yet, as rigid and hostile as its leaders may be, somehow I get the idea that it would not be a complete impossibility to get them to back off from their constant threats and listen to reason. These are people that you cannot threaten or isolate or use sanctions against successfully but there just might be a way to reach them and bring the situation under control. In this kind of highly volatile situation, what should an American president do? What in the world can this president do? That’s a dilemma, especially with someone like Trump who is a political and foreign affairs neophyte. But the best thing that he can do is to stop the saber rattling and at least try for once to use some rational thinking to keep things from escalating even further. His problem is that he does not have the capability to deal with this or any other crisis in a rational way. More and more it appears that he has given the military pretty much free rein to take over U.S. foreign policy and use military power as it sees fit. That is evidenced by the recent missile attack on the Syrian government facility and the dropping over that monstrous “mother of all bombs’” in Afghanistan. This situation between North Korea and the U.S. might lead to the “Mother of all confrontations.” North Korea might be a relatively small country with a population of only about 25 million but it has very formidable military firepower. Globalfirepower.com ranks its military strength at 25th out of 126 countries that have militaries. That’s shocking to hear when the general belief generally is that its leaders are all mouth with nothing to back their bluster. Check out this article that shows the huge military power it possesses. With this knowledge of North Korea’s military strength, Trump and his generals better be very careful before deciding to launch a pre-emptive strike on that country because Kim Jong Un could swiftly retaliate against South Korea. It has a very large number of very sophisticated and powerful artillery pieces located on its borders which are aimed directly at Seoul and other strategic targets. Any attack on it would unleash a massive counter-attack. Trump would be very wise to keep this critically important thought in mind. He better start thinking about establishing and maintaining a solid relationship with China because it is the only country that has a strong influence over North Korea. So how China uses that influence may well make the difference between maintaining a kind of détente situation between North Korea and the U.S. versus seeing the eruption of an all-out war, even a nuclear one. The only way I can see to deal with this situation is to have someone from the U.S., certainly not Trump, to begin very intense discussions with China to come up with suitable strategies to prevent some kind of terrible confrontation. There must be something that this rogue government wants badly, something could bring them to the negotiating table, something that is currently not known; it’s time for negotiations to replace the threat of force. I think that North Korea has never forgotten what happened in the Korean War when it and the U.S. waged a very intense war that ended in no one really winning; that may be one of the underlying reasons for its ongoing state of paranoia; something they cannot forget as it watches this U.S. government’s highly aggressive foreign policy continue unabated. A major problem is that Trump, who has little to no patience in dealing with difficult situations, may not wait for China to intervene. He acted unilaterally when he upped the ante and ordered that naval armada into the Korean peninsula. He went even further when he stated that if China doesn’t intervene and help to bring this volatile situation under control that “he would take care of it himself.” Speaking of that U.S. naval armada that Trump said on April 12 was on its way into the Korean peninsula, we are now hearing that at the time he said that this carrier group was heading there, it not only was 3500 miles away but it was heading in the opposite direction. Does this pseudo-president know anything, doesn’t the military, once in a while, interrupt his golf game and let him know what exactly is going on? Here’s the greatest danger of all; his declaration indicating that he would take care of the situation himself. That should strike fear into the hearts of every person on this planet.	0.977381	1,427
Yanny or Laurel? Science explains why you’re hearing one and not the other On Tuesday, the internet broke out into an all-consuming debate, dividing people into two camps: those that heard “Laurel,” and those that heard “Yanny.” The factioning began when social media influencer and vlogger Cloe Feldman tweeted a simple question about a short piece of audio: “What do you hear?! Yanny or Laurel?” From then on, like “The Dress” three years before it, the internet split itself in two. One group was adamant that the voice in the audio clip was saying, “Yanny.” The other group would bet their firstborn the voice was saying “Laurel.” In a YouTube video, Feldman explained the post originally came from Reddit, and she then posted it to Twitter. The original Reddit post appears to have been uploaded by a user who goes by RolandCamry, who said the word originated on Vocabulary.com. The original word on Vocabulary.com is “Laurel,” but according to a reply RolandCamry posted on Reddit, his sister heard the word “Yanny.” However, Marc Tinkler, chief technology officer for Vocabulary.com, said a student in Georgia was the first person to notice the auditory illusion. Tinkler said the website started as a project for high school students and the fact that one discovered the now-viral phenomenon “makes us happy.” Feldman and RolandCamry did not respond to interview requests from NBC News. Poppy Crum, chief scientist at Dolby Laboratories, said a number of things are causing the divide in the great Yanny/Laurel debate. First, there’s a simple explanation as to why some people hear “Yanny” and some people hear “Laurel.” What do you hear?! Yanny or Laurel pic.twitter.com/jvHhCbMc8I — Cloe Feldman (@CloeCouture) May 15, 2018 Literally everything at my show just stopped to see if people hear Laurel or Yanny. I hear Laurel. https://t.co/efWRw1Gj0L — Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) May 15, 2018 “People who hear or weight high/mid-high frequency more strongly will hear ‘Yanny,'” Crum said. “The perception of ‘Laurel’ is experienced when the lower frequency information is dominant in the experience.” But there are other reasons, Crum said. Human beings perceive sound differently on a physiological level. This can be attributed to age, gender and other personal demographics that determine how we hear sound. Additionally, external elements like language and dialect can create biases in interpreting sound that change the perceptions in different people. “Language, dialect, exposure to relevant sounds in someone’s environment, and even gender from the content of our own voices can alter how we experience the exact same information,” Crum said. This is why two people could be sitting together listening to one device and still hear different things. “We each have a different cookie cutter in how our brain is interpreting this information, which influence how we hear things differntly than another person,” Crum said. Crum also said another influence on people’s perceptions is the device they listen to the sound on. “Obviously, what you hear is influenced by what playback device you have because that will alter frequency of that sound,” she said. — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) May 16, 2018 it's so clearly laurel. I can't even figure out how one would hear yanny. — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) May 15, 2018 But the final piece of the puzzle is how the human brain categorizes sound and language. Crum said the human brain puts sounds into categorical boxes, especially when it comes to language. “You could imagine a situation — if every subtlety with how someone pronounces a vowel, if you had to get it just right, that would be really unproductive,” Crum said. “Instead, you can have a lot of sounds that are very similar, and our brain wants to homogenize them more than they might be at a fundamental stimulus level, and something like that has happened here.” As for where Crum falls in the Yanny/Laurel debate? “I hear Yanny all the time even though I know it’s the wrong word, but that’s my perceptual reality,” she said. “It is what it is.” By: NBC Palm Springs May 16, 2018	0.958431	1,044
As a digestive organ, the stomach often produces an interesting variety of sounds. What could it all mean? Physicians call these sounds borborygmi and most often the cause is benign. Occasionally more serious conditions can produce that familiar rumbling sound deep within your stomach. If the gurgling stomach is persistent and accompanied by discomfort, abnormal stools or outright pain, see your doctor. Causes of Gurgling Stomach The rumbling and grumbling noise is your body's way of reminding you to eat. The body feels hunger and the stomach is spurred into action and begins to churn and contract producing an audible clue to eat. If you skip food and drink alcohol or coffee, the irritant effects of these liquids can actually increase the noise level. 2. Intestinal disorders Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) commonly produces excessive rumbling sounds from the stomach. Other symptoms can include constipation or diarrhea. Stress triggers a flare of IBS. 3. Lack of sleep Most of us have difficulty turning off our work when we get home. The result is sleep deprivation and stress. This leads to over eating and obesity that also can trigger excess stomach rumbling noises. We have all felt the butterflies in the stomach sensation during nervous and anxious moments. This can trigger an increase in stomach acid and gurgling. Cognitively re-label the feeling in the pit of your stomach as a sign that you are both excited and ready for the task ahead. Practice yoga, relaxation and meditation to manage stress, anxiety and nervousness. 5. Food intolerance Foods such as dairy and gluten are common triggers for food intolerance and symptoms. An increase in stomach distress and rumbling is the common result. As the body attempts to digest and process these foods, irritability, gas and cramps can result. The best idea is to avoid anything that upsets your stomach. 6. Sedentary lifestyle Exercise and physical activity stimulates digestion and boosts metabolism. Sedentary people experience more problems with digestion and intestinal motility that can lead to constipation, cramps and excess rumbling from the stomach. 7. Carbonated drinks and fast foods These two combine to cause significant health problems and also GI distress. The carbonation produces excess gas and is also acidic. These elements generate a lot of gas, belching, rumbling and distress. Add the grease and unhealthy content of fast food and then end result is clear to see. The high fat content causes indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain and contributes to the rising obesity epidemic. 8. Eating too fast People who eat rapidly tend not to chew their food properly. They are also prone to gulping down liquids and swallowing excess air. Both of these factors lead to stomach distress, gas, rumbling and even pain. Chew and eat slowly. Meals should never be a race to finish. Acid reflux or GERD is the condition where stomach acid washes back into the esophagus (food tube) and results in a variety of problems. This condition causes chest pain, rumbles and over time can cause the lining of the esophagus to break down or even produce pre-cancerous cells (Barrett's esophagus). Remedies for Gurgling Stomach 1. Dink enough water Our body is made up of 60% water and most of us do not drink enough. Plan for 64 oz. a day on average to improve digestion and improve your overall health. It also helps eliminate excess gas faster. 2. Change your diet Get rid of pop and carbonated beverages, cut out fried and fast food and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Chips and fatty foods should be avoided as well. 3. Have smaller but frequent meals Think of your body as a fireplace. Feed it small amounts more frequently and the result is improved metabolism and performance. Eating smaller meals 5-6 times a day results in less gas production and a decrease in the rumbling sounds. 4. Avoid swallowing excessive air Certain foods, such as bread and crackers, trap air when you eat them. Drinking with a straw and talking while eating also cause air to be swallowed. All of this air has to go somewhere and will result in belching or rumbling and gas as it passes through the intestinal track. 5. Try herbal tea Peppermint, chamomile and caraway tea all provide a nice soothing effect on the stomach and GI track. They also promote faster digestion and a sense of calmness. 6. Eat jaggery and ginger Ten grams of jaggery and crushed ginger root will get rid of a gurgling stomach. Take both of the together for added relief. Jaggery is a popular sugar in Asian and African cultures. 7. Avoid drinking and smoking Both alcohol and tobacco irritate the stomach and result in excess rumbling. Alcohol is acidic and irritation while tobacco decreases the production of protective stomach mucus. Both can contribute to stomach pain, GERD, ulcers, excess gas and abdominal pain. Avoidance is the best route. 8. Have enough sleep Sleep is a restorative event and getting a minimum of 7 hours a night should be your goal. Your body repairs damage and replenishes energy while you sleep. Sleep deprived persons are at a higher risk for obesity and other health problems. 9. Avoid fast food Other than a very rare treat, there is no logical reason to consume fast food. The health dangers are clearly evident and fast food restaurants promote excess eating and serve high fructose beverages that only harm your health. Eliminate fast food from your diet to achieve optimal health. 10. Get moving The health benefits of exercise are well established. Those who partake in regular exercise have less obesity, heart disease, diabetes and GI problems. Even simple daily tasks like taking the stairs or parking farther away add steps and likely years to our lives. 11. Maintain good hygiene We are exposed to a variety of dangerous bacteria and failing to properly wash our hands puts our health at risk. Cook meat thoroughly to avoid parasites that can damage your intestinal track. Wash before eating and every time you use a bathroom. 12. Try carom seeds This home remedy is an effective way to expel excess gas. Mix carom seeds (Bishop's weed) with 1/2 teaspoon of rock salt. Take this combination with some water and it will relieve excess gas and stomach growling.	0.932637	1,326
Genomic classifier (GC) tests do not appear to consistently influence risk classification or treatment decisions for patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer considering first-line treatment, according to results from a systematic review. Among 10 studies reporting risk reclassification after GC testing with one of three available tests — Decipher, Prolaris, or the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS), very low- or low-risk patients with prostate cancer were more likely to have their risk levels classified as the same or lower (GPS: 100% to 88.1%; Decipher: 87.2% to 82.9%; Prolaris: 76.9%) in low risk-of-bias observational studies, reported Amir Alishahi Tabriz, MD, PhD, MPH, of the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and colleagues. However, a randomized trial (the ENACT trial) showed that GC testing with GPS reclassified 34.5% of very low-risk and 29.4% of low-risk patients to a higher risk category, they noted in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In addition, 14 studies assessed the impact of GC tests on treatment intensity, with 12 observational studies indicating that GC testing led to higher rates of recommending active surveillance (AS) after diagnosis, with a relative change to AS ranging from 7.5% to 61.8%, and two randomized analyses from the ENACT trial showing that patients’ preference for active treatment (prostatectomy or radiation) “modestly” increased when assigned to receive GPS testing. On the other hand, urologists’ preference for those treatments substantially increased, from 11.4% to 29.3%, for patients who received GPS testing compared with those who did not (15.3% to 14.1%), resulting in 2.55 higher odds of urologists preferring active treatment for those assigned to GPS compared with those who were not. “[A]lthough GC tests may affect risk reclassification and treatment choice, differences between observational studies and randomized trials, across type of GC test, and patient characteristics complicate understanding of the role of these tests for patient care,” Tabriz and colleagues concluded. “Our finding that reclassification rates varied widely across studies leaves unanswered questions about who might benefit the most from pursuing GC test evaluation,” they noted. “The reason for this variation may be attributable to use of different baseline clinical risk classification systems as comparators, clinical differences across patient populations that received the tests, variations in test performance over time or across test types, or inconsistencies in test interpretation.” The authors pointed out that the evidence regarding the utility of GC testing among racial and ethnic groups was limited, and that apart from the ENACT trial, only two studies examined the effect of GC testing on risk reclassification, and only one investigated the impact of GPS testing on AS selection in Black men. “Some research suggests that a subset of Black men may have genomically aggressive tumors that traditional clinical risk classifiers could miss,” they wrote, adding that more studies are needed to assess the impact of integrating these tests into the risk classification and clinical evaluation of Black men with prostate cancer. In an editorial accompanying the study, Syed Arsalan Ahmed Naqvi, MD, and Irbaz Bin Riaz, MD, MBI, PhD, both of the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, noted that evidence for GCs as predictive biomarkers has been limited and primarily derived from observational studies or retrospective analyses, “which are prone to bias and variability, undermining their robustness and generalizability.” They added that pivotal trials that provided the evidence that GCs could be used as predictive biomarkers for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, early-stage breast cancer were conducted over a period of more than a decade, while their use in prostate cancer is in its early stages. “Ultimately, integrating GCs with AI-driven multimodal approaches and testing them prospectively in randomized controlled trials holds the promise to address current gaps in clinical utility while keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of precision oncology,” they wrote. Nineteen studies were included for data abstraction in this systematic review, two of which were analyses of the ENACT randomized trial, and the remaining 17 were observational studies. Decipher was used in four studies, GPS in 10, and Prolaris in five. With one exception, all studies were conducted in the U.S. The study was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Research and Development, Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, and also by the Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation at the Durham VA Health Care System. Annals of Internal Medicine Source Reference: Tabriz AA, et al “Impact of genomic classifiers on risk stratification and treatment intensity in patients with localized prostate cancer” Ann Intern Med 2025; DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-00700. Annals of Internal Medicine Source Reference: Naqvi SAA, Riaz IB “The promise and challenges of genomic classifiers in localized prostate cancer” Ann Intern Med 2025; DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-03630. Source link : https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/prostatecancer/113844 Publish date : 2025-01-20 22:00:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.	0.944021	1,160
She sits calmly smiling at me across the lunch table: quiet, matter-of-fact, professional. Yet just a week ago, Joop’s husband, Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, was condemned to ten years in prison for lèse-majesté—plus a further year on a related defamation charge. What was Somyot’s mortal insult to Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch? A magazine he edited had published two articles: one, a tale about an unnamed family that kills millions of people to maintain itself in power, the other, a fictional story about a ghost that haunts Thailand and plots massacres. The court held that both referred to the king and his Chakri dynasty, and that merely publishing them merited ten years in prison under Article 112 of Thailand’s criminal code. As the Good Soldier Švejk exclaims in Jaroslav Hašek’s classic novel: “I never imagined that they’d sentence an innocent man to ten years. Sentencing an innocent man to five years, that’s something I’ve heard of, but ten, that’s a bit too much.” At first it might be tempting to view Thailand’s lèse-majesté laws as a minor eccentricity in the exotic setting of The King and I, the self-styled “land of smiles,” a favored holiday destination for millions of Western tourists. But when you meet someone whose husband has been unjustly sentenced to more than a decade in prison, the smile is wiped off your face. As you look a little closer, you realize that all this is deathly serious. In a sense, the political future of an important Southeast Asian country hinges on that one small article of the criminal code. And these days, Anna, the governess in The King and I, might be locked up just for singing “Shall We Dance?”—let alone “Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?”—on a YouTube video. As David Streckfuss explains in Truth on Trial in Thailand, his richly informative book on lèse-majesté in Thailand, early-twentieth-century edicts to protect the absolute monarch of Siam were originally inspired by European examples—notably that of Wilhelmine Germany. But over the last one hundred years, European and Thai law and practice have evolved in opposite directions. While lèse-majesté laws remain nominally on the statute books of some European countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, you can in practice say whatever you like about the queen of the Netherlands, who earlier this year announced her abdication, or the king of Spain—not to mention his son-in-law, the Duke of Palma, currently on trial for corruption. (Try that on the crown prince of Thailand.) They order things differently in Thailand. Article 112 of the 1957 criminal code prescribed imprisonment “not exceeding seven years” for “whosoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-Apparent or the Regent.” In a 1976 amendment, the prison term was increased to “three to fifteen years.” Then, after the September 2006 military coup that deposed the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, the number of lèse-majesté cases soared. Such charges inevitably became mixed up with the fierce conflict between the Yellow Shirts and Red Shirts that has roiled the country’s politics ever since. And Somyot is a very committed Red Shirt, a labor activist who also frontally challenged the legitimacy of Article 112 in the country’s constitutional court. That challenge seems to have provoked his arrest, five days after he launched his petition drive in 2011, whereas the magazine articles had appeared in 2010. (The constitutional court rejected his petition, which had collected more than ten thousand signatures, on the grounds that the king is “the center of the nation.”) In the Internet age, these battles don’t stop at terrestrial frontiers. Like most other states in the world, Thailand has been struggling to assert its sovereignty over cyberspace. It has done so in a particularly disproportionate way on just this issue. A BBC correspondent, Jonathan Head, was charged with lèse-majesté for saying that the Thai people were worried about the succession—which, if you talk to anyone ready to speak about it privately, they clearly are. The past excesses of the current heir recounted in Paul Handley’s book The King Never Smiles help explain why.* The police lieutenant colonel who had lodged the charge against the BBC correspondent actually admitted to Streckfuss: “The truth can’t be said.” The whole of YouTube was blocked here for some time because of videos allegedly “insulting” the king. It was unblocked after YouTube agreed not to allow computers with an Internet Protocol (IP) address in Thailand to have access to those particular videos. (IP addresses are generally assigned in blocks to countries, and such filtering by national IP address seems to be becoming a new international norm.) In December 2011, an American blogger, Joe Gordon, was sentenced to two and a half years in a Thai prison, just because he had linked on his blog to downloadable Thai-language excerpts from Paul Handley’s biography of the king. He was released last summer—on a royal pardon. This leaves me wondering which century we’re in. The twenty-first? The seventeenth? Or, most plausibly, some weird mixture of the two. I was invited by the European Union delegation in Bangkok to speak at a seminar on “reconciliation and freedom of expression.” In response to this seminar, there was a small demonstration of ultra-royalists—dark-yellow shirts, so to speak—outside the EU delegation office. I left Thailand for Burma with a clear sense that this state of affairs is not just unacceptable but also unsustainable. No one is doing the monarchy itself, let alone the whole “land of smiles,” any service by the blatantly political abuse of lèse-majesté law to hand down sentences such as that on Somyot. As Europe’s surviving royal houses have learned, to strangle open, democratic debate about the royal family is no way to secure the future of a constitutional monarchy. More broadly, history teaches that trying to stave off reform only increases the likelihood of revolution. And if, for writing this article, next time I pass through Bangkok I am detained “as a guest of His Majesty”—to adapt a delightful British euphemism for a period spent in one of Her Britannic Majesty’s prisons—then so be it. It will help to make the point. Perhaps the EU might even lift a finger on my behalf. And I promise not to spend my enforced leisure singing any hits from The King and I. —This is the second of three articles on free speech in South and Southeast Asia. A third article, on Burma, will appear in a coming issue. Paul M. Handley, The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand’s Bhumibol Adulyadej (Yale University Press, 2006). ↩	0.952944	1,564
New Zealand's wind power industry is poised to deliver large swathes of power in coming years as the country strives to become one of the first in the world with 100 per cent renewable energy sources. So says Rebecca Tjaberings of WSP Opus, the global professional services firm which designed and helped build Antarctica's unique Ross Island wind farm, powering the New Zealand and American operations in Scott Base and McMurdo Station, as well as providing consultancy for the 62-turbine West Wind on Wellington's windy west coast for Meridian Energy. Tjaberings, Group Manager of Power for WSP Opus, says the three wind turbines at Ross Island were built to cut down dependence on diesel at Scott Base and McMurdo research stations; they have cut fuel bills – as well as curbing pollution in one of the world's most pristine environments. Plans are being laid now for an upgrade, probably in 2030, and Tjaberings says the likelihood of enhanced wind power to cope with more demand from the bases encapsulates what is happening on the New Zealand mainland. The government has targeted 2035 for New Zealand to be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy – hydro, solar, wind and geo-thermal. In 2016, wind energy provided about six per cent of our total supply, according to the New Zealand Wind Energy Association who predict that will grow to 20 per cent in 2035, thus providing about a fifth of our projected total. "Wind power will likely be one of the first to get going [towards that 100 per cent goal]," says Tjaberings. "That's because there were a lot of wind farms consented, but not built, in the first decade of the 2000s. This will be balanced with developing a mix of other renewable technologies." There are already 17 wind farms in New Zealand but more did not go ahead because there was generally enough supply to meet demand – plus uncertainty over the future of the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter (which uses about 10 per cent of the country's electricity supply). "But now, with population growth heading the way it is and increasing numbers of electric vehicles, more demand is on the way. No one is quite sure how quickly the electric car phenomenon will take off – but everyone is sure it will happen," says Tjaberings. However, as WSP Opus found when setting the Ross Island wind farm in place in 2009, there are always challenges: "In Antarctica, it was obviously remote and with Antarctic conditions – there wasn't the luxury of having manufacturing facilities nearby," Tjaberings says. "The turbine foundations had to be built in New Zealand, transported down to Ross Island – and they had to be put up very quickly, in the summer months." Ideally in New Zealand, wind farms would be built close to main centres like Auckland to reduce set-up and transmission costs. However, land around such main centres is at a premium and does not always come with the best wind resource. Tjaberings and the Wind Energy Association say wind farm sites in Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Rangitikei, North Canterbury, Clutha and Gore have all been consented but construction has not yet begun – and a further six sites are being investigated before consent is sought. New Zealand is fortunate to have enough existing land-based options that we don't necessarily need to follow international efforts to build wind farms at sea, she says. Companies like Mitsubishi and General Electric are racing to build giant sea-based wind farms, with the latter developing an 800-foot turbine that can power 16,000 homes by itself. Meanwhile a British-Dutch consortium is planning a wind farm in the North Sea capable of powering a city of 20 million people. "Clearly wind has real application in New Zealand, even more than solar; we just don't have the solar advantages Australia does, for example. However, the combination of the two will become more and more common," says Tjaberings, adding that battery storage of generated electricity will become more important as the 100 per cent renewable energy goal is targeted. Tesla batteries – and others – have made large strides in recent times, ranging from small batteries that homes with solar power can use to store energy from rooftop cells. There are also grid-sized batteries currently in play in New Zealand – like Vector's $5m Powerpack battery in Auckland, able to power 450 homes for 2.3 hours, cheaper than the conventional $12m upgrade to existing network infrastructure which would have been required to achieve the same thing. The battery stores power to help ensure energy provision to customers at peak winter levels at all times. Even that is dwarfed by Tesla's 100 megawatt battery which launched in South Australia late last year – the largest lithium-ion battery in the world, designed to power 30,000 homes for up to an hour in the event of a blackout, but usually called into action to even out electricity supplies at less critical times. "The advances in battery storage means things will change quite quickly – and we can see an era fast approaching where power becomes much more localised with small scale generation embedded in local networks helping to meet energy demands. People with storage units might be able to sell power to their neighbours, for example. "It's a pretty exciting time and we are sure wind-generated energy will be a big part of that change." Find out what Renewable Energy is?	0.968449	1,135
Comience con la recuperación del TOC Estos recursos pueden ayudar a las familias y a las personas con TOC. ¡Lo sabemos porque siguen ayudándonos! Helpful OCD resources Start with Our Favorites (Kids) Read Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop (Teens) Read Stuff That's Loud OCD Charities & Foundations Visit International OCD Foundation Therapy Tools and Peer Advice OCD Books for Kids & Teens Read Up And Down Worry Hill Read This Mouse is a Mouse Books for Parents and Adults Read Because We Are Bad Read Healing From OCD Read Being Me With OCD Additional OCD Sites & Support Visit JCK Foundation Síntomas y definiciones del TOC What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological disorder that causes significant distress and severe anxiety. Symptoms include obsessions and/or compulsions that are time consuming and impairing, meaning they get in the way of a person’s day-to-day life and lead to problems in friendships, school/jobs, and within the family. When is an obsession more than just “a worry”? Obsessions are thoughts, images or impulses that occur over and over again. OCD obsessions are different from everyday worries because they feel tremendously difficult to control, happen very frequently and repeatedly, and are extremely upsetting. Obsessions can be about almost anything, but some common categories include extreme worries about contamination (germs and illness), danger or harm, magical thinking/superstitious fears, and about the need for things to be “just right.” For example: In the film, Vanessa’s obsessions were related to fears about contamination. Holden’s obsessions were in the domain of magical thinking. What is a compulsion? Compulsions are behaviors that someone with OCD feels they must do in order to feel less worried and/or prevent something bad from happening. Compulsions can be very different from person to person, but there are some compulsions that are more common. These include checking and repeating behaviors (e.g., turning the doorknob to see if the door is locked 5 times), ordering or arranging objects, repeating rituals (e.g., turn on/off light switch), and mental behaviors (e.g., saying a certain phrase in your mind over and over, or a certain number of times). Compulsions are sometimes referred to as rituals. Compulsions in the film included Ariel’s checking behaviors and praying. Sharif and Sarah both engaged in checking and repeating behaviors as their primary compulsions. When do OCD symptoms usually start? OCD symptoms can start nearly anytime during a person’s life, but most people with the disorder develop their obsessions/compulsions between the ages of 8 and12 years old, or from the late teens to early 20s. How is OCD diagnosed? The best way find out if you have OCD is for a trained and licensed clinician to make a diagnosis is through an interview with the individual suffering from OCD, or (in the case of a child) the child with OCD and their parents. A standardized assessment of OCD symptoms called the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) or Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) should also be administered in an interview format. What does OCD treatment look like? Does it ever go away? Fortunately, OCD can be treated! Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), has been found to be the best type of therapy for the disorder and is considered the “gold standard” of treatment. Within CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is the main technique used. During ERP, the person with OCD is exposed to what causes their severe anxiety (related to their obsessive thoughts). At the same time, they are prevented from avoiding the trigger and engaging in their compulsions. While this is difficult and increases anxiety at first, it eventually leads to habituation, or a decrease in anxiety and OCD symptoms. In UNSTUCK, Holden’s obsessions were related to strength and superheroes. For exposures, Holden looked at pictures of superheroes, watched workout videos, and eventually hugged a real bodybuilder. Before treatment, this would have seemed impossible but by repeatedly doing these exposures, his anxiety eventually lessened and his OCD got better. What can family members and friends of someone with OCD do to help? One way that family members and friends can help a person with OCD is by learning about it. The more you know, the more you can assist in getting those with OCD the help they need. While OCD is most impairing and distressing to the individual with the condition, it affects the entire family. When a child is in distress, family members also become stressed and want to make the child feel better. This often involves providing reassurance, accommodating OCD compulsions, and allowing the child to avoid stressors. Although intentions are good, accommodating OCD usually makes it worse. Therefore, it is essential that parents and family members are highly involved in OCD treatment in order to learn strategies to support their child and help in making treatment gains. Silbings can get more advice here. Should people with OCD take medication? Usually, CBT and ERP are the first line of treatment for OCD. When symptoms are very severe and/or are causing significant issues in the individual’s everyday life and functioning, medications can help. In addition, if a person with OCD has been receiving good therapy treatment but progress is slow, minimal, or hits a plateau, medications may be considered. Specifically, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been approved to treat OCD. It is important to remember that combining SSRIs with therapy is much more effective than treating OCD with medication alone. Please consult a psychiastrist or your medical doctor to discuss things like dosage, side-effects and which medication might be right. Advice about OCD from the cast Ahora estás listo para ver UNSTUCK	0.944614	1,310
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the advice he can give to farmers in view of the EC and the Government's decision to ban the use of hormones to counteract the loss of profits of £80 per head in cattle in this country taking into account the difficult situation with beef numbers. Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ban on Hormones. My advice to farmers is to adhere to national and EC law. As profits can only derive from lawful activity I cannot accept the assertion that compliance with European and domestic law involves "a loss of profits". The hormone ban was introduced by the European Communities on 31 December 1985 and introduced into Irish law by regulation on 3 July 1986. The high reputation of Irish beef on the domestic and European market is based on the assumption that we respect European and domestic law. The consumers in our main export markets have a perception of Irish beef and food products generally as additive free and produced in a natural and clean environment. It is better to command premium prices from consumers who want our products than to produce what consumers will not accept. I must also remind the Deputy that cattle prices in this country have been reaching record levels recently and for only the second time since we joined the European Communities in 1973 the average price exceeded the Community average price. In fact, the average mart price is over 12 per cent higher now than it was at this time last year. Finally, I indicated in a reply to a similar question on 16 December 1987 that individual cattle producers can mitigate any adverse effects of the ban on the use of hormone growth promoters in cattle by adopting improved management practices, including breed selection. Any farmers who are in doubt regarding the measures appropriate in their individual circumstances should consult their local ACOT advisers. I accept essentially what the Minister has said. Nevertheless, would he not agree that the increase in the price of cattle which he has indicated to the House relates not to returns but to scarcity? Would he not accept that beef farmers generally and those specialising in beef in particular are facing a very difficult future in relation to the cost of buying in, the increase in VAT and the increase in the disease levies? Would he not accept that all these things have led to the erosion of the margin required to be able to keep cattle all the year around and supply the many factories which are now in the course of construction? The question from the Deputy's party colleague made no reference to any of the factors he is now touching on. It implied that compensation should be provided from the taxpayer for adhering to European and domestic law, calling loss of profits into question. I do not accept that and I hope all parties in the House, including the Progressive Democrats who have raised this matter on a number of occasions in that form, will communicate that it is worse than futile at this point to complain about what is the law both here and in the EC. Secondly, as regards the trends and the reasons for the increase in prices, there are a variety of factors. One is that all cattle and all meat are commanding premium prices on sophisticated consumer markets in Europe and will continue to do so as long as we maintain that standard and reputation. I hope we will not hear from any Deputy — or adviser — further suggestions that we should break the law, European or domestic, or any further complaints about that law. As regards the Minister's comments about problems of scarcity, those are probably related more to the Minister's failure to get any scheme going to increase the beef cow herd. However, that is another issue. On the question of hormones, what is the attitude of the US and how will it impact on future decisions of the EC? I am raising the issue in relation to the US where hormones have been cleared by the food and drugs administration and where there is a major export of about £100 million a year into the Community of offal and I gather the US has indicated firmly that it is not prepared to give in, as it were, to the decision of the EC and have that trade totally wiped out. What is the up-to-date situation there? I know the US has taken certain positions and the Commission of the EC on behalf of the EC is in constant discussions with the US in respect of that as a consequence of the decision taken, as the Deputy will know, before I came into Government. I am simply implementing what was decided by the Council and the Government in which the Deputy's party participated. We are, as far as I know, uniquely in the EC the country — perhaps there is another one now — not required to certify each individual consignment as being hormone free. That means that on the German, Dutch or any other market in Europe our produce has immediate access without the delay, cost or bureaucratic entanglement of certifying each consignment. I hope each Member of the House will see the importance of that and that we will go for the top of the market where we are getting the top price. The Deputy knows the other question is not relevant and does not arise from this question. Would the Minister not accept that the question as framed did not imply a request for compensation? Would he not accept that the measure, which I support, was brought before the House? An undertaking was given to the beef industry that great benefits would accrue from the banning of hormones. Today will he accept that those benefits have not accrued? I have to note that the Progressive Democrats Party in the person of Deputy Geraldine Kennedy, who cannot be said to be involved in what might be called a farm producing area, raised this question on 16 December 1987 and now, significantly, Deputy Wyse, who does not come from a rural constituency, is raising the same question. That is not true. He represents a rural area. I suggest that the advice which is coming to the Progressive Democrats Party from a certain consultant is not in the national interest or in the interest of the party either. Perhaps they will tell that consultant who has gone on public record from time to time—— I want to deal with Question No. 2. I ask for the co-operation of Members in making some progress at Question Time. I am not prepared to dwell unduly long on any one question. Can the Minister confirm whether all the EC countries are adhering to the ban? If not, has he any information as to which, if any of them, are not? As of now all countries are obliged to adhere to it but obviously some of them did not put in place as early as we did — under the previous Administration I acknowledge — the regulations regarding it. Now they are all obliged to come in line with what we have done previously. If they do not abide by that they are subject to very heavy penalty. Equally, I hope the House will agree with me — I see the former Minister is here — that the decisions taken which I am now endorsing can be used to the advantage of this nation in this area.	0.978869	1,410
Indian wholewheat flatbread Chapati Chapati is the most common type of food made of wheat which is consumed in northern India. This is a form of bread which is originally called roti. Roti is any type of flat unleavened bread but chapati is a roti which is made of wholegrain wheat flour, prepared in a special pan which is called TAVA. Compared with leavened bread, consumed mainly in the west, chapati is a better choice because it does not contain yeast. Yeast is not good because it causes sticking of the tissue within the small intestine which gradually reduces the absorption surface of food into our bodies . You Shall Reap What You Sow The wheat field in Jadan ashram has a surface of 3 hectares and on it corn, wheat, barley and sesame seeds are successfully grown. That is done in the system of rotation and with our own seeds of old varieties. Growing food in the ashram is purely organic, without the use of mineral nutrients, or any other chemical plant protection. Harvesting is done manually at the end of March, when the wheat becomes nice and golden. Threshing is done with a machine, but cleaning of the wheat is done by hand and then it is ready for grinding. The mill is powered by electricity which has two stones inside that create friction which makes flour from grains. When we use the machine, we set it to the slow motion mode and grind only as much as we need. That is important because flour that is a month old is actually biologically dead, depleted of most vitamins and pranic energy, which was present in the grain. Preparation For Baking First we sieve the ground flour, add water, salt, and then we can knead the dough. It has to be kneaded well to become soft and supple, or it will be hard to roll. In India, the preparation of chapatis is one of the first things children learn and participate in already in their early years. Afterwards we leave the dough for 20 minutes and during that time we can start preparing the fire, through which we traditionally sacrifice the flour that we used for chapatis to God of fire, Agni. We put a special pan for baking chapatis on the fire in order to heat to heat it. The first step is making balls from the dough. They should have the size of a table tennis ball and should be kneaded well between the palms to get a symetrical shape. We should put them into flour before rolling them, so that they do not stick to one another. When rolling, we need to be careful and make sure that we are rolling from the center to the edge, creating a nice round shape of a suitable thickness (cca. 3 mm) which is created by not pressing the dough too much and by rolling on both sides. Then we put a piece of rolled dough in a well-heated pan. When light-brown spots appear on the bottom, it is time to turn it on the other side with a kitchen towel. The other side is baked when stronger brown spots appear on it, which is also the time when we put the chapati on the fire embers. If the chapati puffed up, that means it also got baked on the inside. Then we rotate it on the fire, so that the edges also get baked well, but we do have to be careful not to create any black spots because that means it got burnt. We put the nicely baked chapatis into a thick cloth to keep them warm until serving. All the cooking can also be done at home quite easily on a gas stove in a teflon pan. Prayer Before Eating And Proper Serving Food should be eaten in a sattvic way (with a pure and serene mind). It is recommended that it is first offered to God because it becomes prasad in that way, i.e. dedicated. Prayer cleanses the food of the three types of impurities that occur due to unclean containers, unfair sales, production and unclean cooking. The purification of food is important because pure food builds a pure mind. It is therefore essential that the food is first offered to God and thus cleansed of any impurities and then served in an appropriate manner. Serve the warm chapati, which may be thinly coated with ghee on the upper side, fold it and put the round part at the edge of the thallium / plate. In addition, chapati does not serve only as food on the plate but also as a kitchen utensil. In India, traditionally, we eat with the right hand and on the floor. Different Types Of Indian Bread Chapati is, actually, only a type of roti. Roti is a soft, unleavened bread, which is best a few minutes after preparation and can be eaten with the addition of various spices. Nan is a flat leavened bread made of white flour that is baked in the oven and can either be eaten without anything being added to it or with garlic or onion. One of the most popular types of bread is PARATA, whole wheat flat bread that is baked in oil in a pan. It is usually filled with cooked vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflower or panir (Indian cheese). The dough can also be prepared with finely ground mint leaves or fenugreek, chilli, cumin, or a pinch of mango powder. In northern India and Pakistan PURI is most widely known - that is fried unleavened wheat bread, often served for breakfast with potatoes that also goes very well with vegetables dishes. KACHORI is a spicy snack popular in different parts of India and also in Pakistan, especially during the Muslim fasting, Ramazan. It can be eaten sweet with coconut and sugar, or more spicy with the addition chilli, ginger paste, etc.. PAPADAM is thin,crispy and served as an adjunct to a meal, but it can also be eaten as a snack together with various sauces. In south India, a fermented pancake called DOSA, made of rice flour and black lentils, is served for breakfast or dinner. It is rich in carbohydrates and proteins and is also suitable for people who are gluten intolerant.	0.971547	1,287
The VINCI Group (Eurovia, Taylor Woodrow and Ringway Jacobs) had two major issues within their recruitment process. Firstly, they were experiencing a high number of their candidates dropping out before their first day. Secondly, due to the niche nature of their roles, they were having difficulty finding and placing scarce talent across key business functions. Omni implemented several targeted strategies, each designed to address key pain points in the hiring process: We achieved a 30% reduction in 'dropout rate' post offer. VINCI saw a 51% reduction in time-to-hire. An 88% direct hire rate was achieved with 1,707 vacancies filled. VINCI took advantage of our End-to-End RPO Solution. This is a full-service model that helps alleviate the burdens associated with attracting, screening, and onboarding candidates, fostering a streamlined, tech-enabled, and inclusive recruitment service. From day one we embedded ourselves in VINCI’s values and culture, working as an extension of their team covering the full recruitment process from engagement and sourcing to offer management and onboarding. Flexibility is key. Our On-Demand RPO solution adapts to your changing business landscape, to scale recruitment efforts up or down depending on your needs. Whether you need further expertise to ramp up attraction across challenging skill sets or just additional capacity to prevent delays in the recruitment process, we can move quickly to provide the support you need. On-Demand RPOAre you looking to tackle high-volume, short-term, or specialised recruitment projects with ease? Omni’s Project RPO services offer the expertise and scalability you need to attract and select quality candidates. Project RPOOmni’s MSP solution is a service for a contingent workforce that manages agency supply and candidate engagement from one single source. Our MSP solutions streamline your contingent workforce management addressing cost pressures, time constraints, and compliance challenges. Managed Service Provider (MSP)RPO, or Recruitment Process Outsourcing, is a strategic approach to talent acquisition where organisations outsource some or all of their recruitment processes to an external provider. In traditional hiring, organisations typically manage recruitment processes in-house, from sourcing candidates to onboarding. This often requires significant time, resources, and expertise from internal HR teams or hiring managers. However, traditional hiring methods can sometimes struggle to keep pace with changing talent demands, especially in industries facing skill shortages or rapid growth. RPO offers a holistic and strategic approach to talent acquisition. RPO providers like Omni act as an extension of an organisations brand, assuming responsibility for recruitment activities such as candidate attraction, sourcing, screening, assessment, and even onboarding. By outsourcing these functions to specialised experts, organisations can benefit from industry knowledge, resources, and technology to give access to the best talent at pace. One of the key differences between RPO and traditional hiring lies in the level of specialisation and scalability offered by recruitment RPO providers. RPO partners often have dedicated teams of recruiters who specialise in specific industries or skill sets, allowing them to access niche talent pools and identify high-quality candidates more efficiently. Additionally, RPO solutions are highly scalable, meaning they can quickly adapt to fluctuating hiring needs, whether it’s scaling up recruitment efforts during peak periods or adjusting to changing market conditions. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) can significantly enhance your Talent Acquisition strategy by providing specialised expertise, scalability, and strategic partnership. Here’s how: Specialised Expertise: RPO providers have dedicated teams of recruiters who specialise in various industries, roles, and skill sets. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the labour market, industry trends, and sourcing techniques, allowing them to identify and attract high-quality candidates efficiently. By leveraging their specialised expertise, RPO partners, like Omni, can access niche talent pools and ensure high-quality people for your organisation. Scalability: One of the key advantages of recruitment RPO is its scalability. RPO providers can quickly scale recruitment efforts up or down based on your organisation’s hiring needs. Whether you’re experiencing rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations, or project-based hiring spikes, RPO can adapt to accommodate your changing requirements. This flexibility ensures that you have the right resources in place to meet demand without overburdening your internal HR team or sacrificing recruitment quality. Cost-Effectiveness: RPO recruitment can offer cost savings when compared to traditional hiring methods. While there may be an initial investment in outsourcing recruitment to an RPO partner, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. RPO can help reduce time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and turnover rates, resulting in overall cost savings for your organisation. Strategic Partnership: RPO goes beyond transactional recruiting by forging a strategic partnership between the RPO partner, like Omni, and your organisation. At Omni, we become an extension of your employer brand and we work closely to understand business objectives, culture, and talent requirements. This collaborative approach allows RPOs to tailor recruitment strategies that align with your organisation’s goals. By working as an extension of your HR team, RPO providers can provide valuable insights, leading practices, and innovative solutions to help achieve talent acquisition objectives. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) is a strategic approach to talent acquisition where organisations outsource some or all of their recruitment processes to an external provider, like Omni. The partner is known as the RPO provider and assumes responsibility for various aspects of the recruitment process, including candidate attraction, candidate sourcing, screening, assessments, interview coordination and onboarding. Recruitment RPO is about leveraging specialised expertise, technology, and resources to streamline the recruitment process and improve hiring outcomes. Rather than relying solely on internal HR teams or traditional recruitment agencies, organisations partner with RPO providers to access a broader range of talent to enhance efficiency and drive better results. The specific services offered by RPO providers can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the organisation. That’s the beauty of RPO. Some organisations may opt for end-to-end RPO, where the RPO provider manages the entire recruitment process from start to finish. Others may choose to outsource specific elements of the recruitment process, such as candidate sourcing or interview scheduling, while retaining other aspects. There are several key advantages: Access to Specialised Expertise: RPO providers have dedicated teams of recruiters who specialise in various industries, roles, and skill sets. This expertise allows them to identify and attract high-calibre talent more efficiently than internal HR teams or traditional recruitment agencies. Scalability: RPO recruitment solutions are highly scalable, meaning they can quickly adapt to fluctuating hiring needs. Whether your organisation is experiencing rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations, or project-based hiring spikes, RPO can flexibly adjust to accommodate your changing requirements. Cost Savings: RPO can offer cost savings compared to traditional hiring methods. By outsourcing recruitment processes to an external provider, organisations can reduce time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and turnover rates, resulting in overall cost savings for the business. Strategic Partnership: RPO recruitment goes beyond transactional recruiting by fostering a strategic partnership between the RPO provider and the organisation. At Omni, we work closely with our organisations to understand their organisation’s objectives, culture, and talent requirements, allowing us to tailor recruitment strategies that align with the organisation’s goals and values.	0.94554	1,558
Vedique nutrition & yoga for healthy body Vedique Nutrition & Yoga For Healthy Body Yoga for healthy body is something which makes everything seem substantial, it is union with God and our own spirit. Our egos dissolve and we are one with nature. Yoga is not a religion and it cannot be typecasted in one specific religion. It is a way towards a healthy mind, spirit, and body. Yoga is often partially understood as being limited to asanas or poses, and its benefits are only perceived to be at the physical level. However, we fail to realize the immense benefits yoga offers in uniting the body, mind, and breath. When we are in harmony with ourselves then life is peaceful and seems light. So, if you are keen to lose weight, develop a strong and flexible body or be at peace, then yoga can help you achieve it all. Here are some benefits that will definitely motivate you to indulge in yoga in your daily routine 1. Removes Stress It has a key role in decreasing stress & anxiety level in the body. Hence improves mental health. It helps remove inflammation from the body. Inflammation can cause severe concerns like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and arthritis, etc. Yoga helps in preventing the body from diseases caused by chronic inflammation. 3.Improves Heart Health Yoga can be beneficial in improving heart health as it improves and maintains the normal blood flow in the body which leads to less chances of heart attack & stroke. 4.Reduces Chronic Pain There are many reasons that can cause chronic pain in the body e.g. arthritis, trauma, muscle sprain etc. By doing yoga regularly significant improvement in such issues has been observed in many cases. 5.Promotes Sleep Quality Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia, etc. in today’s world are the major reason behind many chronic ailments. Yoga helps in reducing such issues and improves sleep quality. A sound sleep is a key to a healthy person. 6.Improves Flexibility & Balance Yoga poses work by stretching body muscles which can help you in moving freely and making you feel more active. By holding a pose you can achieve physical balance as well as a good posture that will lead to a flexible spine. Yoga isn’t just an exercise for muscle toning and strength but by improving blood circulation it also helps in improving metabolism and immunity of the body. According to Ayurveda doing a Yoga diet for weight loss isn’t the only way to achieve health. Ayurveda also gives significance to Personalized nutrition based on your body type or Prakriti. ‘Prakriti’ is known to be your general body nature, which you are born with and that remains the same throughout life. The body is made of three biochemical energies – Vata, Pitta, Kapha. The variation of these energies describes Prakriti or body type. And eating according to body type is as important as Practicing Yoga & Pranayama for health. Start your Personalized Diet Plan with Yoga Classes, for easy weight loss at home. The potential benefits of Ahara as per Prakriti are 1. Encourages Whole Foods-There are specific diet instructions as per the Dosha constitution of the body but majorly Ayurveda focuses on eating whole foods like vegetables, fruits, grains & legumes, etc. 2. Promotes Weight Management- Eating as per Prakriti helps improve the metabolism of the body by taking food items that suit your body type. This will promote weight management in a natural and healthy way 3. Promotes Mindfulness- Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying close attention to the meals and making a connection with the diet. With positive thoughts, if you have your meals you will be able to enjoy food. That way the digestive fire or Agni will get improved leading to good digestion and a healthy metabolism. Hope this will give you motivation towards practicing Yoga and adopting methods or personalized nutrition for a healthy long life. Prakriti Analysis Individual It is very useful to do the prakriti analysis as it tells us about the mental, physical and functional aspects of our body. The prakriti based guidelines for diet, lifestyle and usage of herbs results in healthy tissue and balance of doshas. If we take out some time to do our prakriti analysis, it will help us to know about our body cond Click here Prakriti Analysis What is the Vedique Diet? Envisioned by Dr. Shikha Sharma, the Vedique Diet is India’s #1 Doctor-driven, scientific weight loss & disease management programme. It is an amalgamation of the best practices of science-backed Ayurvedic nutrition and modern nutrition. The programme has helped over 51000 patients lose weight, fight diseases, and become healthier over the past 22 years. Click here Vedique Diet programme Read our previous article on Cholesterol Health Kit	0.942697	1,036
Are you looking for a solution for all your wire hassles? Frustrated and concerned about the safety of yourself and others while driving? Switch to CarPlay dongles. These dongles make the transition from wired to wireless carplay in minutes. All you need to do is buy Ottocast Wireless CarPlay dongles. These dongles are designed to make your car connected to your phone and you can operate your phone through voice commands, the screen and your knobs. The way of life becomes easy and safe when you ride in your car. No need to remember the wires for connecting the phone to the carplay; it's very easy now. Open your car door and both systems are connected. Interesting right? Let us explore some more about our CarPlay dongles. Apple or Android? Our CarPlay dongles work with both. Now connecting phones to cars is easy and taking calls is just a command away. What are CarPlay Dongles? A CarPlay dongle is a device that helps you leave your cable connectivity and transform your normal car into a super hi-tech car. If you want your phone to be automatically connected to your car's infotainment system, then CarPlay is required. After the connection, you can see your phone’s interface on your CarPlay and easily operate it. The CarPlay dongle helps you send messages, pick up calls, and listen to music. This device will give you the freedom to operate your phone anytime during your ride. Multiple options on the market support various car brands. There are many queries related to the dongles; we will solve most of them one by one in later parts. How Does the CarPlay Dongle Work? Switching to technology is convenient when you know what exactly happens when you use that technology. The answer to the first question is how the dongle will work. It's very easy; you need to connect the dongle to your car’s carPlay USB portal and then easily connect your phone through it. We also provide a user manual in case you face connectivity issues; it's similar to WiFi dongles that we used previously to establish internet connections on our systems, laptops, etc. Who can use CarPlay, Dongals? The second thing that comes to mind is which devices are compatible with the CarPlay dongles. Is it only for Apple users or can Android users also use it? Our team has created Carplay dongles for both because why should only Apple users have all the fun? How are CarPlay dongles useful to you? Anything is worth buying when we know the benefits of the product. How the product will contribute to our customer’s life. Our goal is always to create a product that makes your life easy, enhances your lifestyle and keeps your ride convenient. Let us know how our Android carplay dongles or Apple carplay dongles will help you during your rides. The best five benefits of using CarPlay dongles for our users are: Safety: When you drive, the first concern you have is your safety. With our carplay dongles, you will minimize the risk of unwanted accidents on the road. Because they will help you operate your phone through your carPlay, which reduces the chance of shifting your concentration from the road to other things. Now, you can talk with your loved ones or listen to music without fear. A device that keeps you and your family safe is very convenient. That’s not all; it also gives you control of your phone while you are driving. Now, with our iPhone dongles or Android dongles, you do not need to worry about your phone. You can easily operate it wherever your phone is in your car. No Cables: Say bye-bye to cables with our CarPlay dongles. Our dongles will make your phone's connectivity with your car easy and after this, you do not need to remember those wire clusters while you ride. Enhancing a Car’s Ability: These dongles come with an auto-upgradation system. Automatic connection of your device with your car is the future. You can easily make your car future-ready by investing today. A small investment will make your car a high-tech one without investing in a new one. Automatic Connection: CarPlay dongles allow your device to connect with your car automatically. You do not need to connect both of them every time you enter the car. Our dongles connect both devices as soon as you open your car door. Which Technology is used by the CarPlay dongles? The CarPlay dongle uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect and for the transmission of data. How do I choose the best CarPlay Dongle for my car? There are multiple options available on the market when we talk about CarPlay dongles. But how will a customer decide which one is best for him? There are some criteria that you should consider before buying a CarPlay Dongle. Compatibility: Not all dongles are made for all types of devices or software. To work flawlessly, the device should be compatible with your car or your iOS and Android software versions. We have created a compatibility list for our user’s convenience; check the list on our website. Our products are compatible with more than 98 percent of cars and with the iPhone 6 and later versions and Android too, you have many options. So, check out the compatibility list today to get your CarPlay dongle. Connectivity: Fast connectivity is the key to technology. We offer connections in less than 10 seconds to prioritize your time. Why be slow when we have a fast connection system? Open your car door, and your CarPlay dongle will connect your phone with CarPlay. Fast Transmission: Our dongle uses fast WiFi for better and quicker transmission. This will help you access your system quickly, and transitions from one app to another won’t create trouble for you. You can use multiple features like calling, navigation, songs, etc. together. Automatic Upgradation: Auto-upgradation of software is an important feature that should be included by any manufacturer to make the customer experience better. Always check for this feature while buying the CArPlay adaptor so it will save you multiple investments for better performance. Support: Customer support is important when buying any new technology. If you receive confirmation from your manufacturer that they provide support in case of an emergency or issue, only then should you consider the dongle. Warranty: One of the most prominent features required whenever you buy a gadget is its repair and exchange policy. A warranty will save you money and also help you in case the dongle does not work properly. Price: Always check that the features and the price offered are worth each other. We offer a reasonable price and our dongles are compatible with more than 600 car models manufactured after 2016. The transmission frequency is 5 or 5.8 GHz, which will transmit data in seconds. Open the door, and our dongle will connect your car to your phone quickly. We have created the best CArPlay dongles for an experience you have never had before on your journey. Carplay dongles are the technology of the future. In the upcoming years, the automobile industry will be completely automated. Why do you have to wait for that? Buy your CarPlay dongle today and transform your car into a wireless one. Choose the best carplay suitable for your needs and you will have a different experience. Ottocast always tries to provide the best carplay dongles and has now also integrated YouTube and Netflix for your entertainment. We know that you love your car and we love your safety. Get your Carply dongle today and enjoy a ride that is safe, wireless and filled with technology. Q:How can I connect my Android Carplay dongle or Apple Carplay dongle with my car? Answer: If your car is equipped with wired CarPlay, you can easily connect the dongle through your USB portal. There is no need for installation or any other equipment. Q:What is the average cost of a CarPlay dongle? Answer: The cost of the CarPlay dongle depends on the features you opt for. Usually, it ranges from 7K to 40K on average. Q:Do I need to buy a new version of the CarPlay dongle? Answer: Our CarPlay dongle comes with an auto-upgradation feature, which means whenever we update the software, it will automatically reflect at your end and you can use the same dongle with better features. Q:Is every car compatible with the CarPlay dongle? Answer: Our dongles are not compatible with BMW and Skoda. These are compatible with more than 600 cars manufactured after 2016. You can check the compatibility list for the product on our website. Q:How can I get my CarPlay dongle? Answer: Ottocast offers free delivery worldwide. All you need to do is go to our website, select the product you need and add your address and payment. We will ship the product to your place. The time requirement depends on the distance.	0.948037	1,946
St. Lawrence Parks Commission Bob Runciman is a former Ontario Senator and Chair of Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee. He is also a former Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP from 1981 to 2010 and Cabinet Minister 1985, 1995-2003. Community involvement includes coaching and Assistant President of the Brockville Girls Minor Softball Association. He has an education in Municipal Administration at St. Lawrence College and Queen's University. Bruce Wylie is a Morning Show Announcer for Bell Media. His community involvement includes serving for multiple organizations, including as founder of Bruce Wylie Golf Classic and Brockville & Area Music & Performing Arts Hall of Fame. Anne Johnston was the office manager and bookkeeper in a Brockville law office. Anne was the vice-president of Carleton Productions, an Ottawa-based film and video production company. She participated in the making of the documentary about the international trade mission to China led by the Canadian prime minister and attended by Canada’s premiers and prominent business leaders. She also was part of a film production team that documented the signing of the Kyoto Accord at the United Nations. During her time with Carleton Productions, Anne worked on a documentary called ‘The Mighty St. Lawrence’ that was sponsored by the City of Brockville, Parks Canada, and the private sector. She also served as project manager on ‘The Canadian Farm’ for CTV. Upon retirement, Anne has provided advisory services to the CEO of Authentic Web Inc., assisting in the establishment of and support for bookkeeping and accounting processes during the company’s start-up phase. Michael Bird, of Brockville, is a Sessional Professor with the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and a Sole Practitioner with Michael P. Bird, Barrister and Solicitor. His community involvement includes serving as a Director and Vice-President with the Leeds Condominium Corporation Board of Directors. Todd Lalonde is currently the Supervisor of Parks and Landscaping with the City of Cornwall, Infrastructure and Municipal Works Division. Todd has served as a trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario from 2006-2022. He also served as a Regional Director for the Ontario Catholic School Trustee Association (OCSTA) from 2014-2022. He has served as a board member on the Children’s Treatment Centre of Cornwall, the Family Counselling Centre of Cornwall and United Counties, and the United Way of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry. He also served as a volunteer fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Todd for the past 14 years has been a host for the Hospice Cornwall telethon. Just recently He was appointed by the Provincial Government of Ontario as a Provincial representative to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Todd has a broad educational background from Algonquin College in Ottawa and St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. Walter Viner, of Kingston, is a former Founding and Senior Partner with the Viner, Kennedy, Frederick, Allan & Tobias law firm. His community involvement includes serving as a volunteer for the Frontenac Law Association. Guy Tondreau retired from a career in the public service. Guy has become more active in the community in various roles. Guy is currently serving as the Treasurer of the Cornwall Kinsmen Club and a Commissioner of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. He served as a board member of another local non-profit organization for a year. Over his career, he has been an active member of many service clubs and non-profit organizations contributing to the community. In 2014, Guy Tondreau retired from a career in the Canadian and Ontario Public Service (OPS) spanning over 35 years. This included over 30 years of managerial responsibilities in ever increasing roles. His most recent roles as Regional Program Manager (in OPS) and Director, Cornwall Service Canada Centre (Canada) involved the planning, management and delivery of a range of employment programs and services to Ontarians. Evonne Delegarde is retired following nine years on council for the Municipality of South Dundas; four years as Mayor and five years as Councillor. From 1992 until 2003, she owned a small retail business with a Sears catalog agency in the Village of Iroquois. Previous other employment included legal secretary; payroll check; and planning consultant’s secretary as well as the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. She is a 10 year member of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club (currently President); 7-year member of a ladies’ Friendship Circle group (all as President) and a 12-year member of the Iroquois Legion Branch #370. Throughout the past, she has volunteered and served on various community and school groups, sports, organizations, festivals and fundraisers. She served as Chair of the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Library Board from 2016-18. Nigel White retired as the Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer for Leeds & Grenville, with 37 years of municipal experience in various positions as the Chief Administrate Officer/ Clerk Treasurer of Augusta Township, Chief Financial Officer of the Brockville Public Utilities Commission. He is also is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, and Chartered Director. Nigel has been and is an active member in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees as well as non-profit organizations, currently on the Family & Children’s Services Board, Wall Street Village Development Committee, Marguerita Residence Corporation Board Member. He was also the President of the Brockville Kinsmen Club and served on the National Executive as Treasurer and was recently a member of CPA Ontario Council and Past Chair of CMA Ontario. He was also President of the Municipal Finance Officers Association in Ontario. Ian Roberts retired from the federal public service in 2019 after 30 years of service. Among a varied career, he was manager and acting director of cyber security for the Canada Revenue Agency for over five years and was also manager of Fleet Performance Reporting and Risk Management for the Canadian Coast Guard. Ian is a Brockville native with deep roots in the region dating back to the early 1800s. He has a variety of interests but, being a descendant of both, he concentrates primarily on researching his Loyalist family history as well as the plight of Home Children. Pierre Santoni is the Director, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances for VIA Rail Canada, where he has been employed for over 30 years. In addition to extensive work in tourism and marketing, he also has 10 years of experience in advertising and media. He is a graduate of both Algonquin College (broadcasting) and McGill University (Master's degree, Management). He has volunteered with the Ontario Special Olympics (Hall of Fame), Blue Jays Foundation, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame board of governors, the United Way, Destination Canada's Emerging Markets Committee, Toronto Argonauts Foundation, and the Ontario Provincial Police as an Honorary Detective.	0.967989	1,421

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