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ASTRONAUT BECOMES HONORARY MEMBER OF SPACE+
Park City, Utah, February 25, 2022
Uplift Aerospace is privileged to announce our first honorary Space+ member astronaut: José M. Hernández (Twitter: @Astro_Jose). Dr. Hernández is a former NASA astronaut and engineer who flew with Space Shuttle mission STS-128 in August 2009.
As an honorary Space+ member, Astronaut. Hernández will be attending virtual and in-person Space+ events to engage with the community, share knowledge about life beyond Earth's surface aboard the International Space Station, and aid in Space+'s overall mission of increasing access and diversity in space. Space+ is releasing an NFT collection this Spring where the token itself will double as membership for real-life access to space including suborbital space flights, the International Space Station payload space, and even a community-supported mission to the Moon. Astronaut Hernández will be one of the first Space+ members to receive one of the NFTs from the collection and will be provided with an honorary astronaut designation.
Dr. Hernández will have his first engagement with the Space+ NFT community as a participant during our Astronaut panel on March 3rd at 7pm EST. The panel will be hosted by Space+ advisor Caroline Geraghty and feature questions from the growing Space+ community on Discord and Twitter. For more information about the event, follow @spaceplusnft on Twitter.
ABOUT UPLIFT AEROSPACE
Uplift Aerospace, Inc. (Subsidiary of NRP Stone. Symbol: NRPI) is an emerging leader in the rapidly transforming space industry, pioneering revolutionary systems to manufacture, trade, and deliver products for a multiplanetary economy.
For more information, visit https://www.upliftaerospace.com/investors.
MEDIA CONTACT: press@upliftaerospace.com
Symbol: NRPI
For the latest updates, visit upliftaerospace.com and follow @upliftaerospace on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Disclosures and Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Expressions of future goals and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, economic and market factors, successful integration of acquisitions, the ability to secure additional sources of financing, the ability to reduce operating expenses and other factors. The actual results that the company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company, its management, or affiliates, undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.
Space+
Constellation Vault
Luna-crete
© 2022 by Uplift Aerospace, Inc.


Discussion in 'Tech Tips and Reviews' started by Alifeoncelost, Aug 7, 2006.
Hey guys, thought i would let yo all to check this website http://pooladdict2.com it got good reviews and some important stuff about firefox. though it critizes IE, it has a point innit.


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By Ashton Yaklin, Reporter|December 17, 2021
IMAGE / Ashton Yaklin
After over a year in development, various delays, and fan pressure, the final part of the Minecraft: Caves and Cliffs update has been released.
This update overhauls the very basics of how Minecraft worlds generate both above and below ground, along with new biomes and dozens of little changes that fit into the new landscape.
Before this update, Minecraft's terrain generation was relatively lackluster.
Most of the aboveground land and underground caves were extremely similar from world to world, which made exploring boring and somewhat pointless.
Now, mountains can reach heights that are almost triple what they could achieve before, and caves extended even deeper into the world.
To saturate the new room that was left underground, there is a new block-type and biomes that form in the deepest parts of the world.
Deepslate and its ore variants will now replace stone once you achieve the right depth. This dark block is harder to mine than stone and can be crafted into many more blocks than stone without the need for special workbenches.
In addition to that, there are now biomes for caves. These biomes can form independently of each other, meaning there could be any number of biomes or variations in the same area.
Lush caves sport a new green block called Moss. This block will form on almost all of the surfaces in the caves, in addition to various growths like Glow Berries and Splore Blossoms.
This biome can also contain water and clay, which are bastions for Axolotls to spawn.
Dripstone Caves are the antithesis of Lush Caves. They have been seen generating large stalagmites and stalactites made out of a new block named Pointed Dripstone, which can extend from many different insane elevations.
These blocks also have a chance to fall if provoked, dealing serious damage to anything underneath them.
Copper, a new building material, can also be found in abundance in this biome.
If you've been on the fence on the new Minecraft: Caves and Cliffs update, now is the time to check it out in its released glory.
Call of Duty: Vanguard struggling before release

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The name Anton Drexler has been all but forgotten over the past tumultuous century on the European continent, nearly swept away by the tide of history amid a succession of wars, population transfers and genocide.
But amid a worrying rise in antisemitism across the European Union, the story of this otherwise unremarkable railway toolmaker and locksmith, who founded the German Workers Party (DAP) 100 years ago this month and mentored a young man named Adolf Hitler, provides a cautionary tale of how a small band of extremists can leave a lasting and lethal legacy on the course of human events.
After Germany's ignominious defeat in World War I, Drexler, a man obsessed by antisemitic conspiracy theories who believed that Jews, capitalists and communists were behind the Fatherland's loss on the battlefield, sought to rally the country's working class.
Together with a handful of like-minded loudmouths, Drexler formed the DAP on January 5, 1919.
Not surprisingly, Drexler's party was far from a roaring success. At its first public meeting, which was held in May 1919, just 10 people showed up, and much of its activity was confined to Munich beer-halls, where hateful tirades against Jews were accompanied by copious quantities of lager. By the autumn, the DAP consisted of barely 40 members and was virtually unknown outside its small circle of supporters.
But on September 12, 1919, a new attendee, 30-year old Adolf Hitler, caught the attention of the group. Hitler, who was serving in the propaganda department of the German Army's local district command, had been sent by his superiors to gather information about the DAP. After sitting through a largely dull discussion, the future leader of the Nazi party became enraged when a party member suggested that Bavaria should break away from Prussia and unite with Austria.
Hitler launched into a tirade which shocked all those present, including Drexler, who was impressed by Hitler's oratory and handed him a pamphlet entitled "My Political Awakening," which resonated deeply with his own twisted views.
Encouraged by his captain in the military to join the party, Hitler did just that, quickly becoming a member of its central committee and the group's chief orator. Among other things, the DAP raised funds by selling a tobacco named "Anti-Semit".
Within a few months, Hitler ruthlessly shunted aside his former patron Drexler and took control over the Nazi Party, with catastrophic results for the Jewish people and much of the globe.
AND THAT is precisely what makes the story of Drexler and his small band of hate-mongers so chilling, particularly now, because it demonstrates how a bilious bunch of beer-guzzling bigots can set fire to the world if left unchecked.
And if a recent large survey of antisemitism in Europe conducted by CNN is any indication, then there is truly reason to fear for the future of Jews on the continent.
Published last November, the poll, which included more than 7,000 interviewees, found that, "antisemitic stereotypes are alive and well in Europe, while the memory of the Holocaust is starting to fade." Over a quarter of all Europeans say Jews have too much influence in business and finance and nearly the same percentage link Jews with global conflict and wars. Incredibly, according to CNN, "a third of Europeans in the poll said they knew just a little or nothing at all about the Holocaust." In France, 20% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 said they had never even heard of it.
I am neither an alarmist nor a pessimist by nature. But anyone with even a modicum of historical memory cannot help but be frightened by what is happening in places such as Paris, London and Stockholm.
Unfortunately, in recent years, warnings of mounting European antisemitism have begun to resemble various traffic signs on the highway: little-noticed and largely unheeded. We have come to assume that, like the weather, all we can do in the face of European hatred of Jews is to shrug and move on with our lives.
Perhaps that may be true. But we must nonetheless try to stem this dangerous tide, first and foremost by calling out European leaders and holding them to account for failing to stamp out the antisemitism and Holocaust-denial that is metastasizing in their midst. By neglecting to educate the next generation about the horrors of the past and persistently bashing Israel for defending itself, Europe's leaders are fanning the flames still further.
Indeed, if a lonesome loser such as Anton Drexler was able a century ago to kindle the spark that gave rise to Nazism, who knows what calamities today's brand of open and brash European antisemitism, armed with popularity and the power of social media, may yet produce. The old cliché is that history repeats itself, but that is only partly true. In fact, it is people who enable it to happen and it is they who will bear the blame.
Michael Freund served as Deputy Communications Director in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office under Binyamin Netanyahu during his first term. He is the Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel , a Jerusalem-based group that reaches out and assists "lost Jews" seeking to return to the Jewish people.


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Fight Over Garage For Girl Using Wheelchair Continues In Old Town With A New Lawsuit — And Alleged Poo Flinging
The Deakin family has yet to move in to their home after upsetting neighbors with their plan to add a garage to the landmarked block.
Jonathan Ballew
9:42 AM CST on Dec 20, 2019
The 1800 block of North Lincoln Avenue in the historic Old Town Triangle, an area where many homes pre-date the Great Chicago Fire.
Jonathan Ballew / Block Club Chicago
OLD TOWN — More than a year ago, the Deakin family thought their bitter feud with a neighborhood group had ended when they won permission to add a garage to their historic home for their daughter, who uses a wheelchair.
But work on the property was blocked by lawsuits filed by the preservation-minded neighbors.
Now, the Deakins are fighting back. This week, the family filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court against the Old Town Triangle Association. The suit argues the neighborhood group's members violated the Fair Housing Act by engaging in an alleged pattern of discrimination, harassment and vandalism toward the family.
The Deakin family wants to build a two-car attached garage at their home, built in 1891, in the 1800 block of North Lincoln Avenue — a garage the parents say will accommodate the needs of their daughter, Ava Deakin, who uses a wheelchair. But the Old Town Triangle Association has opposed the move, saying a street-level garage could damage the historical integrity of the area and violate the district's rules.
After the dispute was heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals in December 2018, the Deakins were ultimately granted the zoning change they desired, much to the dismay of Old Town Triangle Association members.
RELATED: Family Can Add Garage To Historic Home For Daughter In Wheelchair, Board Rules In Bitter Zoning Dispute
The Old Town Triangle Association sued the zoning board and the Deakins in March, alleging the Deakins' attorney, Nick Ftikas, lobbied city officials behind the scenes without properly registering as a lobbyist. The suit also alleged the Deakins did "not act in good faith" throughout the zoning appeals process and relied on emotional appeals to sway the board.
RELATED: Old Town Group Sues Family Over Plan To Add Garage To Historic Home For Daughter In Wheelchair
Although the Old Town Triangle Association's first suit was dismissed, a judge allowed the association to draft an amended complaint and file a second suit in September.
Ava Deakin (center front), with her classmates who supported her during the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in 2018.
Bags Of Poop Left On Family's Property, Lawsuit Alleges
Now, with help from disability rights group Access Living, the Deakins filed their own lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act, arguing the Old Town Triangle Association has "motives of delaying, obstructing, or interfering with [their] ability to move into the property."
Since March, the neighborhood has felt especially unwelcoming for the Deakins family, according to the lawsuit. Locks have been damaged and bags of dog feces have been left on their driveway and front yard on multiple occasions, the suit alleges.
The Old Town Triangle Association, the group's attorney and the group's spokesperson did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Representatives from Access Living have been working with the Deakins since 2018, and they helped the Deakins file their federal lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act.
Mary Rosenberg, an attorney on Access Living's civil rights team, and Tahir Duckett, a D.C.-based civil rights attorney with Relman, Dane & Colfax, both described the Old Town Triangle Association's behavior as "egregious and shocking."
"Once we found out about the actions of the Old Town Triangle Association, it struck us as behavior that violates the very core of what the Fair Housing Act is all about," Duckett said. "Every person at my firm who has had a chance to look at the [association's] words and actions has been completely shocked by the degree to which [the association] has felt comfortable expressing discriminatory beliefs."
In 2018, Steve Weiss, then-president of the Old Town Triangle Association, wrote a letter to Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) detailing his objections to the Deakins' project.
"I understand that the people who purchased the house have a child that requires special needs," he wrote. "What I don't understand is why they chose to buy a house in a Landmark Zone when you have these needs. I don't mean to be heartless or uncaring but this is not the neighborhood for that. Here you conform to the rules, not the other way around."
The garage would ruin one of the most beautiful and historic lines of Victorian homes in Chicago, and the family knew they would be subject to the landmark district's rules, Weiss wrote.
"Now I'm feeling bad like they are shaming us because we are not willing to allow them this garage which they need for their child," Weiss wrote. "They should have put their child's needs first and moved to a neighborhood more conducive to her needs."
The Deakins' complaint also details other members of the Old Town association allegedly saying things like, "Why would a family with your needs buy a home in a neighborhood like ours?" and "The suburbs are probably better for you."
The complaint alleges that after a stop work order was issued to the Deakins by the city, Bill Deakin received a text message from a former association leader. The text message allegedly had a picture of the stop work order, adding, "Welcome to old town," the suit alleges.
The suit also alleges a member of the association came to the property when the stop work order was posted to take pictures and said, "It was my committee that had this done."
Although the Old Town Triangle Association is vehemently opposed to the family's plans to add a garage to the property, it is not a governing body. The Deakins have received approval from the city's historic preservation department, the state's historic preservation department, the city's Department of Buildings and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Old Town Triangle Association members have maintained the zoning dispute is not about discrimination; it's about their fight to preserve the historic charm of the neighborhood. Members think the Deakins shouldn't have bought a home in the Old Town Triangle if they were not ready to uphold the strict requirements that come with living in a historic district.
Amy Kurson, the attorney representing the Old Town Triangle Association, said during the 2018 zoning meetings that the Deakins' appeal should not "tug at the board's heartstrings." It's the board's job to make a decision within the scope of zoning law, she argued.
Kurson also questioned if adding a garage would "substantially increase the value of the property."
"Old Town has been a landmarked neighborhood since 1977," Karen Pfendler, Old Town Triangle Association president, previously said in a written statement. "Since then, every resident has been required to forgo additions and improvements that are out of character with the district. Neighbors have chosen to live here with the understanding that the exterior of historic properties — and empty open spaces — are to remain as is."
The rear of the 1848 N. Lincoln Ave. property, which also faces a street.
Under the family's plan, the street-level garage for the Lincoln Avenue home would face out to North Lincoln Park West, a street lined with homes and buildings. The garage would be set back 10 feet from the street and would reuse an existing 14-foot curb cut on the property.
RELATED: Historic Old Town Building Would Look 'Horrible' With Accessible Garage For Teen In Wheelchair, Neighbors Say
Ald. Smith, who previously lamented the inability for both sides to reach an agreement, declined to comment.
Move in delayed
Bill Deakin and Lisa Diehlmann said the delay has been costly for the family. The family had hoped to be moved in to the Old Town property by Christmas 2018. With the stop work order in 2018 and now a judge restricting what work can be done, the Deakins said they would be lucky to move in by summer 2020.
Bill Deakin and Lisa Diehlmann purchased the home at 1848 N. Lincoln Ave. in 2015.
Although the federal suit was filed by Ava's parents, the lawsuit is in her name and it is her decision, attorney Duckett said.
"Ava has been shocked and disheartened by the ongoing discriminatory behavior. She has felt unsafe in the community," Diehlmann said.
The Old Town Triangle Association has more than 400 voting members and more than 600 total members, according to the suit. The group regularly hires an attorney to enforce historical guidelines.
The Deakins said a few neighbors have been sympathetic and welcoming to the family, but, for the most part, they still don't feel welcome in the neighborhood.
"We assume the neighborhood is supporting the Old Town Triangle Association's actions because nearly all of the officers have been re-elected with little or no opposition," Deakin said.
Despite the cold shoulder from some in the neighborhood, Diehlmann said her family is fully committed to fighting the association and eventually moving into the house.
"We've received every governmental go-ahead," Diehlmann said. "We are fully in the right to do this, and we are continuing because it is the right thing to do."
Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.
Our goal is to reach 10,000 subscribers by the beginning of 2020. With just a few weeks left in the year, we're pretty close to that goal. Can you help us get across the finish line? Subscribe here or buy a subscription as a gift here.
jonathan@blockclubchi.org
Access LivingFair Housing ActLockedOld Town Triangle Association
4th Victim Dies After Being Shot During Solo Attacker's Violent Rampage From South Side To Evanston
Marta Torres, 61, was one of at least seven people shot by Jason Nightengale during the Jan. 9 rampage. She died Saturday.
CPS Parents Slam District's Decision To Lock Teachers Out Of Virtual Classrooms As School Reopening Battle Rages On
"I'm angry that my daughter was cut off from her teacher so suddenly and given something so far below the quality of instruction she was getting," one parent said.
Ariel Parrella-Aureli


text:
WINZOR, John(28 Dec 1842 - 31 Aug 1904)FRASER, Andrew Knox(18 Dec 1829 - 5 Jan 1905)
LOVELOCK, Mary Anne(9 May 1843 - 13 Apr 1923)McLEOD, Mary(24 Dec 1839 - 16 Feb 1923)
m. 23 May 1900, St Margaret, Woodville, SA
WINZOR, Winter Leslie
FRASER, Isobella
b. 8 Feb 1876, Burton, SA
d. 9 Apr 1951, age: 75
br. Anglican Church Cemetery, Salisbury, SA
b. 1 Aug 1872, Cape Jervis, SA
d. 14 Mar 1959, age: 86
WINZOR, Myra(10 Mar 1903 - 29 Jun 1989)
WINZOR, Alice Isobel(13 Jan 1905 - 16 May 1978)
WINZOR, Edna Mary(4 Feb 1907 - 21 Apr 1994)
> WINZOR, John Leslie(30 Apr 1909 - 28 Mar 1976)
WINZOR, Stewart(31 Aug 1910 - 9 Jan 1984)


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Home » Consistency Adds to Access Effectiveness
Consistency Adds to Access Effectiveness
Jeffrey Dingle
I had the opportunity recently to travel to Washington D.C. When we're looking for examples of almost any kind or type of security system, that's the place to see them all. I had business at several federal agencies; and, while in town, I took the opportunity to visit several museums, both public and private.
The first idea that struck me concerning the diversity of access control methods was: What are we trying to accomplish?
When it comes to access control, there were many different approaches to what constitutes "access control." Access control varies from specifically controlling WHO has access to simply trying to assure that anyone (or everyone) who enters a facility does not have anything that can cause harm -- generally weapons or explosives -- even if we don't know who they are.
The Who and What of Access
One method assumes safety because we know (and we assume trust) those of whom we allow access. The other method suggests that if we're careful about WHAT we let into our facility, then we're less likely to have an incident.
Identifying WHO the person is before allowing access requires that we have the ability to positively identify a person, and that we have previously decided who we want to have access. The U.S. Government is beginning to require positive identification with requirements such as HSPD-12.
TWIC, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a good example. TWIC was established by Congress through the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard. TWICs are tamper-resistant biometric credentials that will be issued to workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, outer continental shelf facilities and all credentialed merchant mariners.
Control Vs. Authorizing
Determining whether the person is expected or allowed access is an issue within an overall access control design. In most applications, the person controlling access is not a person that can determine whether or not access is allowed. In other words, the person at the gate (generally a security officer) only ENFORCES an access list. He or she does not determine it.
On my trip, I ventured to the National Cryptologic Museum. The museum is the National Security Agency's principal gateway to the public. It shares the nation's as well as NSA's cryptologic legacy and place in world history.
It is not possible to get onto the grounds of the NSA unless you are an employee, or you had specific business and you were expected (No "cold calls" there.). The NSA stops all vehicles on the perimeter of the facility, and positively checks "government issued" identification, and determines whether or not you get access. EVERY vehicle is checked, and it is time consuming. Oddly, there is no access requirement to enter the National Cryptologic Museum. There is no entrance fee, and there is no searching of bags or possessions.
In Your Possession
Open access facilities often determine what a person HAS in their possession before allowing access. Often, the goal is to determine that a person desiring access has no METAL in their possession, but there are many non-metal materials that are dangerous.
Many museums in the D.C. area post "bag check in progress" signs at all entrances. At one public access museum, a uniformed security officer was standing at the door and looking into purses and bags, while everyone went through a metal detector. The bag check was cursory, and I walked through the metal detector with a camera, money clip, watch and a pocket full of change without setting off an alarm.
It was clear to me that the security was superficial, and mostly being done for appearances, not actually for effect.
High Risks, Better Access Control
Higher risk brings more extensive access requirements. The FBI Building was surrounded by marked "FBI Police" vehicles, and every entrance was manned by uniformed police officers – a very physical presence. Other buildings in the area used dogs.
One federal office I visited had an extensive access control system in place. There was a single access point into the building and the entrance was supported by several armed security officers. Employees were required to wear identification badges. A visual inspection of the badge was conducted by a security officer, and that allowed access into the building. Card readers throughout the building restricted access to specific areas within. A visitor management system scanned a visitor's "government issued" identification to quickly capture identification info straight from the user's card. The collection of this information was followed by a real-time capture of an image of the visitor. Visitors are required to pass through a metal detector, and any alarm resulted in the hand "wanding."
There is a lack of consistency as to what exactly constitutes access control. In creating, designing or managing an access control system, the important question remains. What are you trying to accomplish? Pretending to create a secure environment doesn't make it real.
Recent Articles by Jeffrey Dingle
Security Training Solutions at LSI
Password Protection?
Mission Essential Vulnerability Assessments – Try Them, You Just Might Like Them
Surveying Access Control Systems
Jeff Dingle is assistant director of special projects for LSI, a U.S.-based anti-terrorism, homeland security and physical security training company. He has been a Federal Criminal Investigator, security manager at a FORTUNE 15 company and ran the security operations for a former U.S President for eleven years. He can be reached at JeffDingle@LSIeducation.com.
Turning to Access Control Turnstiles
Get Into Access: Back Doors and Magic Words


Smith and Associates Wealth Management is committed to providing a select group of wealthy clients with highly personalized one-on-one service. When you work with us, our knowledgeable and committed team of Investment Advisors will gain a deep understanding of your goals, help you develop a multigenerational wealth strategy, help you monitor its success and update your strategy as needed as you pursue what's most important to you.
Alison Smith is the founding advisor of Smith and Associates Wealth Management. Alison has over 22 years' experience in her role as an Investment Advisor and 35 years working for TD. She currently manages over $100,000,000 in assets.
"The things you look for in an Advisor are trust, safety, and performance. The majority of my clients have been with me for decades. I also work with their children. I even work with some of their grandchildren. I believe that is because I have given them those three attributes and I will continue to do so for them and for the generations that come after them."
Her passion is in Will and Estate Planning and by working in collaboration with TD specialists she excels at helping clients to prepare for and navigate the financial and emotional hurdles of passing. The benefits that come with proper planning for clients and their families is one of her greatest value ads.
Shelby joined TD Wealth Private Investment Advice at the age of nineteen as a Client Service Associate. For over seven years she provided administrative support to many of our most tenured Investment Advisors and their clients. As the third generation of her family to join the financial industry, she has always shown a dedication to clients that goes beyond excellent service. Shelby believes in intergenerational wealth advice and strives to service high net worth clients and their families for their lifetime.
"As an Investment Advisor, I act as a wealth manager that guides clients through every facet of their financial picture. Our value is built on strong relationships and an in-depth understanding of our clients and their needs. "
Shelby is a CFP professional and works as an Investment Advisor with her own client base and, in addition, provides wealth planning support to other investment teams within the Kingston and Belleville branches.
Rileigh is the newest member of our team. With a background in business and marketing and a passion for the industry we are so excited to have her!
Jamie recently graduated from Queen's University in Kingston Ontario with a bachelor's degree in Art History. Away from the office, Jamie is passionate about the arts and an avid collector of classic cars and boats.
We take a team approach to servicing our clients, working with other TD Specialists in the areas of trust and estate planning, banking and credit management, insurance, and business succession planning.
By starting with your life and planning your money around it, our team takes a comprehensive approach to developing a plan to help meet your unique needs. In charting your course for the future, we use Wealth Planning as our cornerstone process to help you enjoy your life today and pursue your goals for tomorrow.
At our initial meeting, we'll get to know about your goals and introduce our team and our approach to wealth management to determine if it makes sense for us to work together. It is important to us that you understand our value and how we can make a difference to your wealth and well-being.
We'll have a series of in-depth conversations to uncover the details of your financial situation, including strengths, issues and opportunities. As part of these conversations we discuss assets, liabilities, family dynamics, long-term and short-term goals and priorities. We will utilize the TD Discovery tool to identify your financial blinds spots and uncover your personal financial needs.
We define specific approaches to implement your comprehensive wealth strategy. We incorporate your investment plan and build coordinated strategies for investments, retirement, estate, tax, education funding, lending, insurance and gifting.
Because your investment plan may cover many different areas and multiple generations of family members, we coordinate with your other professional advisors such as your accountant and lawyer. We take a team approach to servicing our clients, working with other TD Specialists in the areas of trust and estate planning, banking and credit management, insurance, and business succession planning.
A Wealth Plan is a living document and should change as your life changes. We regularly measure your progress and adjust as needed so your plan stays in sync with your life and goals. Review meetings keep us up-to-date with any changes in your life and we encourage open and on-going communication.
Smith and Associates Wealth Management is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Smith & Associates Wealth Management is committed to providing a select group of wealthy clients with highly personalized one-on-one service. When you work with us, our knowledgeable and committed team of Investment Advisors will gain a deep understanding of your goals, help you develop a multigenerational wealth strategy, help you monitor its success and update your strategy as needed as you pursue what's most important to you. Our goal is to work alongside our clients to create a future for their wealth through a family atmosphere of respect, understanding, and commitment to managing our client's financial needs. We strive to continuously develop ourselves and our business in order to provide the experience that our clients deserve.
Smith & Associates is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of the Toronto-Dominion Bank.


Discover how AXA have built a system of AI chatbots to support Career Advisory, as well as a known/unknown skills gap analysis to facilitate a Digital Workforce Transformation.
AXA is the #1 insurer in Switzerland and one of the biggest worldwide. The Digital Transformation requires exhaustive re- and upskilling of the workforce. Time and budget restrictions require new and scalable methods for people development and individual career advisory.
– Case study of building and buying a team of Virtual Career Assistants.
3.) How do I find the right training to get there 4.) How mobile am I compared to my colleagues.


"I'm attracted to darkness; I like the mystery and masculinity that comes with the palette," he says, admiring the sexiness unrivaled with other colorways.
Sean Anderson is an interior designer in Memphis who I discovered via Instagram. My Instagram popular page knows me well enough to show me ALL the design with black walls... because, well duh. Sean's home was featured in Elle Decor, and Instagram basically exploded. His black walls and white washed floors were an instant hit. I followed him immediately and commenced stalking his design in a way that I'm sure came off as, well... stalkerish. As you guys who have followed this blog for a while know, I've had all black rooms in both my houses, and they've always been my favorite. To be honest, I'm sitting here writing this in a completely black room surrounded by family antiques, crisp white bedding, and about 15 paintings stacked against the wall that need to be photographed and shipped (just keeping it real). There are not that many people out there who have the guts to paint something completely black, so when I found Sean I knew he was my design soulmate, and I was convinced he'd someday know it as well... even if I had to leave a gushing comment on EVERY SINGLE POST - I was determined.
Eventually Sean and I became virtual friends, and I enjoyed watching his projects take shape. He truly is such a talent, and being able to witness that felt like an honor.
Around that time, I was in kind of a slump. Trying to create my own path as an artist has been hard. There's no map. Nobody else's path can be my path. I felt like I was just constantly casting nets and dragging them in empty. It was frustrating and also made me feel like a hack... like, was my art really not going to work? I remember during that period I would go to bed every night, and the last thing I would say in my head was, "I just need one well-respected person to believe in me, and I'll be ok." It was my mantra.
One day I got an Instagram message from Sean asking me if he could buy a piece of my art for one of his projects. I called Jimmy at work no less that 50 times. Jimmy has a strict "no calling me at work" policy, so I'm sure he thought I was dying - whatever. It was important. I immediately made him look up Sean's work, and I wish I had recorded Jimmy's voice. He said, "oh honey, I've never seen anyone who is a better fit for your work. This is the thing you've been waiting for." And he was right. Working with Sean gave me confidence to believe in myself. If he liked my work, and he was my idol, everything had to be ok, right?
As soon as that happened, my career fell into place. Within a week I got into Anne Irwin, my pieces sold out at the Emerging Artist show, and I got the collaboration With Shayelyn Woodbery for the Atlanta Holiday House. The collaboration with Sean was literally the first domino in a string of career milestones, and I will NEVER forget it.
This is the 48"x48" paper piece featured in @seanandersondesign 's new project! I loved working with him on this! Swipe right to see it framed and hanging in the space.
This is the piece we worked on together, and he ended up using it in a project where he designed the entire house. There was an opening party, and I flew up to Memphis to go. I met Sean in person that night, and I have to say he was the kindest, most humble and grateful man. His family and friends, as well at peers in the design world, all traveled to Memphis to support him. The house was full of people who loved Sean and his work, and it was such a phenomenal event.
I will always remember what Sean did for me, and I wish him SO MUCH continued success - he deserves it.
When it came to outfitting his own space, Anderson wanted to create an environment that would immediately convey who he was at his core to a stranger walking in.


The Ultra-High Solids and Speed system (UHSS), a unique two-coat protective paint system for onshore wind turbines produced by leading coatings manufacturer Hempel, was granted a patent from the European Patent Office.
UHSS uses two high-solids coatings to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions by up to 70 per cent compared to standard three-coat systems, depending on the system. It also dries up to six times faster than standard three-coat systems, helping wind turbine manufacturers increase productivity on their production lines. UHSS was developed for wind turbine manufacturers who want to increase production output without increasing VOC emissions.
UHSS complies with C5-M and C4 categories for corrosive environments. C5 is the toughest standard of corrosion according to the ISO standard 12944. It produces only 396.4 kg of VOCs per 10,000m² (compared to 1373.45 kg for standard three-coat systems). The new coating dries in 3.5 hours, compared to 19 hours for standard three-coat systems.
The UHSS system is available globally.


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Each year we try to figure out how we want to do Christmas. We don't have a set formula yet, and maybe won't ever, so that we can keep it fresh and exciting. Of course it is nice to have some family customs, and one is giving gifts. I don't think the kids will let us forget about that one! Here are some things we're striving for in giving gives this year.
This year we're making quite a few of our gifts. I always appreciate the time and thoughtfulness of a homemade gift. Possible ideas are crafts (the kids love making these!), homemade treats, photo books, and more.
2. Think "Do" not "Stuff"
We are constantly trying to declutter the house, and by the amount of stuff we see in thrift stores, we know we're not the only ones! Giving a gift of doing something (like going to a museum, a special experience, or a nice dinner out) means no clutter but a wonderful memory.
For the person who has everything, a donation in their name to an organization they support can be the best gift.
It is amazing how much impact a purchase from an individual or small business has compared to one at a big business. In addition, if you buy local, you are reducing the amount of gas needed (and even though prices have come down, they aren't cheap by any means!). Plus you are saving your time!
Craft fairs are common this time of year (Border Inn today, Ely Convention Center on December 7), and a great way to support local individuals, businesses, and groups, and also pick up great Christmas presents.
By the way, today is Small Business Saturday!
Where are your favorite places to shop for Christmas gifts?
Do you have other recommendations for giving? I'd love to hear!
Here are some things we've done to get in the proper spirit.
Nope, we don't shoot turkeys (although that is very tempting, especially since the non-native ones introduced here a few years ago are wreaking havoc on the ecosystem). We went to our local Turkey Shoot (a fundraiser) and shot at targets; the winners took home turkeys.
We let the kids participate, as where we live guns are important tools for getting your food. We want them to respect guns and learn how to use them properly. The turkey shoot turned out to be a very family friendly event, and we enjoyed spending time with each other outdoors. Bonus: we did some good shooting.
Well, since we won some turkeys, we had to check one out more thoroughly. The giblets were our area of focus. We looked up information on the neck (tasty for soups), gizzard (special organ at top of stomach to grind up grain since turkeys don't have teeth), liver (largest organ), and heart. Then we dissected the organs. The kids thought it was really cool.
Here's pre-dissection. I did take a post-dissection photo, but what's the fun in showing that when you can try doing it for yourself!
Looking forward to eating some turkey tomorrow! Have a super holiday and weekend!
Back in October, Desert Girl and I took Amtrak from Salt Lake City to Sacramento, a 13-hour journey. Then we spent two nights in Sacramento before returning. Here are some of the things we saw and did during our stay in Sacramento; hopefully they'll get you started on trip planning if you decide to visit this beautiful city!
We had passed these whimsical statues the day before when we got off the train, but on Thursday we really had a chance to enjoy them. Desert Girl liked that they were just her height. And where can you find them?
We passed the Amtrak Station and headed south to the California State Railroad Museum. We had been fortunate enough to see the Utah State Railroad Museum earlier in the year, and we wanted to see what California had to offer.
The museum was impressive, with lots of trains and explanations. We walked through a sleeper car, where the volunteer graciously took our photo. It was interesting seeing the old-fashioned sleeper car and comparing it to the modern Amtrak sleeper we had just been on the day before.
Then we headed over to the dining car, with a peek in the kitchen and then the elegant seating area.
A volunteer conductor let Desert Girl ring the dinner bell.
Despite all the cool exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and amazing information, Desert Girl's favorite spot was the play area, with eight train tables available.
As we were leaving, I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the celebration of the meeting of the Transcontinental Railroad. We had visited Golden Spike National Historic Site earlier in the year, and seeing references to it made me remember that fun trip! It was also interesting learning about how the railroad progressed from California to the East Coast, and the idea-men and stakeholders needed to do that.
We spent about 2.5 hours in the museum and easily could have spent more time if I had let Desert Girl play longer or if she would have let me read more exhibits! I suspect we'll be back sometime when she's older.
Right outside the museum we found Old Sacramento State Historic Park. We wandered over to the river to take a look and then started meandering through the historic district. We ate some lunch and enjoyed people watching.
We also checked out the River Walk on the other side of the river.
To get there, we crossed the big gold bridge, called the Tower Bridge. It was really neat. If I had dared to run out in the middle of the highway, I would have spotted the Capitol building framed by the bridge. But I used common sense and stayed on the sidewalk with Desert Girl.
We wanted to get an even closer view of the river. Also, I figured it might be good to take a little break from walking. So we signed up for an hour long river cruise. (In some ways traveling with a child can be a little challenging, but then there are bonuses like free admission for young children.) We didn't see any sea lions on the dock, but I did appreciate the sign.
Before long we were on the Sacramento River. It was a beautiful day, and it was so nice to learn a little more about the history of the area.
The city's water pumps are housed in this interesting-looking building. On the side are water depth markings. The Sacramento River fluctuates a couple feet a day at Sacramento due to the tides. The river has also been known to flood, at times quite severely.
Here's a view of the Tower Bridge from the water. It sure looks bright! We didn't see any big ships on the river, but Sacramento is considered a deep water port, and the bridges open or raise in various ways to permit huge ships to pass by.
After our boat ride I had one other thing I wanted to see in Old Sacramento: the Pony Express Monument. The Pony Express trail is near our area, and it was neat seeing the ending place for the mail. Someday we'll have to check out the other end!
From Old Sacramento, we wandered a bit and got some ice cream, and then we headed to the State Capitol. We had explored the grounds the night before, and today we had more time to explore.
Except that Desert Girl fell asleep, so I hung out in the little movie theatre for half an hour to let her get some sleep! Then we were up and walking again, checking out some sculptures.
One of the ugliest fountains I have ever seen.
So as we were nearing the end of our 4.5 mile walk (I didn't know it was that long till I got back and mapped it!), we stopped to get a pedicure. It was the perfect ending for a long day.
Desert Girl knows how to have a good time. She stopped and smelled the flowers all day long, and insisted that I did too.
Sacramento's a great place to visit! We found that the weather was terrific in October, and we easily made our way around by walking. I was impressed with how polite traffic was--the pedestrians always had the right of way. I feel like we just scratched the surface of things to do.
I was browsing the Internet and was delighted to find that the Kindle Edition of my book, Great Basin National Park: A Guide to the Park and Surrounding Area is now available! Also, the Nook Version is also available! Just in time for Christmas (hint, hint).
If you prefer print versions, it's available from the Western National Parks Association bookstore at Great Basin National Park, the Border Inn at Baker and Economy Drug in Ely.
To buy it online, try IndieBound, Utah State University Press, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, or Amazon.
Back in October I had some expected free time, so I decided to take a little adventure with Desert Girl. We headed to Salt Lake City and got on an Amtrak train, the California Zephyr, headed to Sacramento, California. Our goals? Enjoy the train ride and soak up some warm temperatures.
The train is supposed to arrive at 11 pm in Salt Lake City, but due to the severe flooding in Colorado earlier, the trains had been rerouted across Wyoming, and when we arrived at 10 pm the train was already there and so we got to board right away.
We had splurged on a sleeping compartment, as I wanted to see what they were like and I also thought it might work out really well for traveling with a child. I had been forewarned that the sleeping compartments were compact, but I still did a double take when the attendant showed us ours. Wow, very small. Like sleeping bag width. The top bunk was a little smaller than the bottom bunk and didn't have a window, so I decided I would sleep in the bottom bunk. Desert Girl quickly decided the same thing. So that meant the small lower bunk got a little squishier with both of us wedged into it. It's good we've done a lot of camping this year!
Desert Girl slept fine, but the roll of the train and my excitement of traveling and wanting to see the terrain kept me from a good night's sleep. I kept peeking out the window, wondering where we were. The Great Salt Lake was a dark abyss out the window, and the Great Salt Desert was nearly the same. Then came the blazing lights as we entered Nevada at Wendover, but that wasn't a stop. Our first stop was Elko, Nevada, and it didn't feel long.
I really started waking up about Winnemucca, and then we reached Reno, Nevada, for a longer stop, we got out of the train to stretch our legs.
Reno got tired of trains disrupting traffic on surface streets, especially since the train tracks run right through the middle of town, so they made a "canyon." The streets cross overhead, and now cars don't have to stop for the trains.
There wasn't much sightseeing in the concrete canyon, but the sewer covers are nice.
We had enough time to walk all the way to the front of the train to take a photo, although Desert Girl didn't like the noisy diesel engines!
Our train consisted of two diesel engines, a baggage car, a sleeping car (for Amtrak staff), three coach cars, an observation/cafe car, a dining car, and two sleeping cars.
We had followed the Humboldt River across much of Nevada, but as we headed up out of Reno, we followed the Truckee River. We went to the observation car to listen from volunteers from the California State Train Museum narrate the trip. They pointed out the flumes along part of the river, used to carry water to mining areas.
We stopped in Truckee briefly. On the rainy fall day, it looked pleasant enough.
Then we continued on. We really liked the observation car, as we could talk to people and move around and have lots of windows. We visited with some Amish, who were traveling from New York to San Diego via train. They were getting a little train weary, but like us, kept notes as we traveled upwards into the mountains.
Before long we got to Donner Lake, site of the infamous unintended camping spot of the Donner Party. The ill-prepared sojourners resorted to cannibalism to survive deep snow and cold temperatures for much of a winter. I was surprised by how big the lake is and how many homes dot the shores.
Soon after we began going through a series of tunnels and snow sheds, like above. Snow sheds used to be made of wood and had rounded roofs, but the train companies found this concrete version is stronger to withstand avalanches.
After a very pleasant lunch in the dining car, we went to our sleeping car room, where instead of two beds, we now had two seats facing each other. Desert Girl was getting a bit sleepy.
I enjoyed the views, now much sunnier once we had crossed over into California. The massive granite made me want to go out and hike. Yellow aspens dotted the conifer-covered landscape.
Desert Girl needed a break from it all and took a nap.
In mid-afternoon, the skyscrapers of Sacramento came into view.
We bid adieu to the train and our sleeping car attendant, which were headed to Emeryville before turning around and making the return trip to Chicago.
We spent the next two nights in Sacramento with various adventures to be posted at a later date.
Then, on the morning of our next-to-last day, we returned to the Sacramento train station, waited for the California Zephyr, and happily boarded. Train travel is so much easier than plane travel, and so much less stressful. Folks on board are more relaxed, there are no seat belts, and people are generally happy to share stories and just enjoy the journey.
One of our favorite places was the dining car. When you buy a sleeping compartment ticket, all your meals are included. The meals are comparable to a nice restaurant. Dinner is by far the most expensive (but our compartment fee was the same in each direction, even though one included a breakfast and a lunch and the other a lunch and dinner), with entrees between $16 and $26.
We sat with different people for all our meals and so much enjoyed hearing why they were on the train and talking about an assortment of subjects.
A bathroom (bigger than an airplane toilet). Sleeping cars also have a shower, but we didn't bother using it as the train ride was just 13 hours.
The coach car. Seats are much, much roomier than airplane seats. They have tray tables, foot rests, recline a bunch, and the best part: an outlet next to each one, so you can keep your electronics charged.
Desert Girl got a lot of attention in the observation car. This really makes it a great place for parents who want to take a little break! The tables make a great place for playing cards and games and meeting other folks. The other end has chairs, some that swivel. Downstairs is the cafe car, open from about 6 am to midnight.
I took well over a hundred photos of scenery, but they tend to blend together now when I look at them! I do have to say that the scenery was gorgeous crossing the Sierras. Crossing the Rockies is a very different experience. (For an account of our Salt Lake City to Denver train trip, see here and here.) Both are totally worth it.
One of the things that surprised me on the trip was just how many freight trains we saw. Amtrak uses rails maintained by freight companies, so I knew we would see some freight trains. However, for crossing the Sierras, there are two tracks most of the way because there is so much traffic.
It won't be long until the snow plow trains are needed!
It was really relaxing watching the scenery roll by as we continued along.
Desert Girl was so relaxed she fell asleep. I decided to just let her snooze on the floor.
The skies were much sunnier on the downriver trip as we followed the Truckee River towards Reno.
The light was fantastic as we left Reno and started heading across Nevada. The Great Basin is such a vast area, and it must have been so daunting for the first travelers across it.
Every once in awhile we saw surprises in the desert, like these colorful wetlands.
Evening fell and we went to the first dinner seating (there were four). Then we went to the observation car for a bit, which was not as entertaining in darkness, then to our compartment.
We stepped outside at the Elko, Nevada stop, then we did our best to sleep until the train reached Salt Lake City at 3 am.
It was a great trip, and I'm already looking forward to getting on a train again!


Grapes for Humanity Canada is an all-volunteer organization. We rely on volunteers to assist us in putting on our events throughout the year. If you have an interest and knowledge of wines and food or a special skill in PR or accounting and would like to volunteer to help us, please contact Deborah Benoit Aspler at .


Members of 32BJ SEIU, the nation's largest property services union, have spent the past week knocking on doors for Democrat Christine Peters, whom they endorsed last week in the Westchester County Legislature special election to replace Bernice Spreckman.
Days after 32BJ SEIU members voted to authorize a strike, the union bargaining committee and the Bronx Realty Advisory Board reached a new 4-year agreement that includes a $64.75 per week raise over the life of the contract and maintains health care and retirement benefits for over 3,500 residential workers in the Bronx. The agreement also includes an employer 401k contribution of five dollars per week starting in the second year of the contract.
New York, NY - May 3, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Security officers who work for U.S. Security Associates (USSA) at the Sony Corporation's North American headquarters on Madison Avenue will decide today whether their organizing committee should authorize a strike against the private security contractor for unfair labor practice.
New York, NY - April 25, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Shareholders of AvalonBay Communities Inc. (NYSE: AVB) were urged today to vote against the REIT's questionable executive compensation plan in an open letter sent to investors by 32BJ SEIU, one of the largest property sector unions in the country. In the dispatch sent to shareholders representing nearly 80% of the company, the union criticizes the current executive pay plan for providing an incentive to hire unscrupulous contractors, overlook federal health and safety requirements, and evade industry standards in the operation of AvalonBay buildings.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 28, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Security officers by the hundreds will rally in support of colleagues who work for private security contractor U.S. Security Associates (USSA) at the Sony Corporation's North American headquarters building on Madison Avenue. USSA has repeatedly stood in the way of workers' attempts to gain better working conditions, wages, training and benefits by violating workers' rights to organize.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 21, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The New Haven mayor will join building cleaners rallying for fair wages at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of Church and Elm streets downtown. The rally comes as the December 31st contract expiration date ticks closer for the more than 2,000 building cleaners in New Haven and Hartford represented by 32BJ. Building cleaners began their contract talks with employers in mid-November. But with the two sides still far apart, the building cleaners voted last week to authorize their bargaining committee to call a strike if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 21, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator Robert Menendez; State Senators Ray Lesniak (D-Union) and Ron Rice (D-Essex); and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) will join a rally of New Jersey building cleaners in Newark today to call for employers to agree to a fair contract for the 7,000 men and women who keep New Jersey office buildings clean, safe and sanitary. The brief rally will be held outside the Hilton at Gateway Center in Newark during a break in contract talks going on inside the building. Elected officials are taking a public stand six days after 2,000 building cleaners from around the state marched through downtown Newark and voted to authorize their union's bargaining committee to call a strike if a fair agreement is not reached before the union contract expires at 12:01 a.m. on January 1st.
New York, NY - November 9, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Tenants at Whitehouse Estates at 350 East 52nd Street in Manhattan will be joined by striking apartment building workers, elected officials and supporters today to announce the filing of a lawsuit that claims building owner William Koeppel has been illegally overcharging on rents for years.
Philadelphia, PA - October 17, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- In a concerted effort to reach a fair agreement and avoid a strike that would inconvenience the city of Philadelphia the property service workers union, 32BJ and the Building Owners Labor Relations, Inc. (BOLR), are extending contract negotiations for 3 more days.


Sometimes lessons present themselves in unexpected places.
During a recent live BBC interview with international relations expert Professor Robert Kelly, on the possible impeachment of the South Korean president, two children suddenly burst into view. Despite the interruption, Professor Kelly tries to continue with the interview, but it is clear that the news anchor has lost all interest in the subject and instead can't help but focus on the source of the interruption.
Within hours, the clip went viral.
The video raises several questions about parenting styles, working with children, and perhaps most significantly, why everyone assumed the woman who followed the kids into the room and frantically rounded them up was the nanny?
This assumption, has everyone pointing fingers at one another and some commentators going so far as to suggest that we are all guilty of stereotyping. The family themselves aren't too bothered, and when interviewed, en masse this time, they simply laughed it off. But it does serve as a stark reminder that no matter how open minded or non-judgemental we may feel, we do tend to categorize people.
In the workplace, this can lead to manager bias whereby a person is treated differently because of their age, race, ethnicity, or gender. This bias, or "blinder," can be a huge challenge for organizations around the globe.
The question therefore is what measures can an organization take to ensure that the "blinders," whether conscious or unconscious, are removed from workforce decisions?
The answer is technology. We all need to be using smart, common-sense technology to connect 'people' data to 'numbers' data and then basing decisions on this, rather than human instinct.
A simple example of this is to leverage a workforce management capability like occurrence tracking. Occurrence tracking gives managers, at their fingertips, objective data that removes subjectivity from tasks like performance reviews by including information like number of absences, how many times they helped their peers with shift trades and so forth.
Another example is scheduling. From within scheduling, managers can leverage capabilities to assign tasks by seniority, skill, and certification rather than selecting an employee because the supervisor is friends with them.
Additionally, providing employees with the self-service capability allows them to indicate their availability and therefore have a say in the schedule, rather than leaving it to a manager's assumptions. Such assumptions can lead to bias if, for example, a manager decides that a student cannot do an early morning shift because of school.
With "blinders-free" data, managers can not only make decisions that are unbiased and based on fact rather than opinion, it also provides them with tangible evidence for any decisions. As the BBC video shows, we have a long way to go before we can completely and accurately say that bias no longer exists. But in the meantime, we can continue to use technology to progress and move toward a "blinder-free" workplace.
Read about some other trends and continue the conversation with us by requesting a demo.
Is the fear of missing out (FOMO) becoming a workplace epidemic? If the newest research from the U.S. Travel Association is any indication, it just might be. According to the survey, 41% of American workers do not plan to use all their paid time off (PTO) in 2014, despite it being part of their compensation plan. Yet, the bulk of people surveyed (96%) recognize the importance of using PTO.
So, where's the rub? Why are we opting out of leisurely paid time off with families and friends?
Why do we have FOPTO?
As mentioned above, I think a lot of it comes down to our fear of missing out. Here are a few examples from the study that back my argument.
Too much work, not enough time.
According to the study, 40% of American workers say the heavy workload awaiting them upon return to the office is a top challenge in taking paid time off. I understand. The pre-and post-vacation frenzy is not something to look forward to. In the past, I have found myself scrambling to get everything done in order to take a few days off. The stress of a big workload should not prevent us from taking the time off we deserve. Don't just plan for a vacation, plan for your absence at work. Get up to speed on deliverables at activities a few weeks before you head out of town, not the day before. Constantly remind your colleagues and managers that you're taking time off so you don't have to worry about the last minute requests.
An astonishing 35% of employees will not use their time off because they believe "nobody else can do the work while I'm away." To me, this either comes down to one of two things: 1. poor planning and communication, or 2. knowledge and information hoarding. The "no one else can do it" excuse is easily avoidable. Managers and other team members should be able to step in and cover during times of need. Proactive planning, supported by good learning and training programs, will help fill the void and lift the burden off the people feeling bad about taking PTO.
More one-fifth of the respondents said they didn't want others to see them as "replaceable." One could argue that the "fear of being replaced" is what started off the vicious cycle of not being able to take vacation. Out of sight, out of mind, isn't necessarily a good thing. Good leadership and communication can help people overcome the anxiety of being replaceable.
It's time to put our fears aside, PTO is vital to our overall well-being. Time away from the office gives you the chance to reflect, relax and recharge. People who take time off have increased focus, productivity, energy and happiness. It allows you to experience new things, gain new perspectives and reconnect with friends and family.
Plus, studies have shown that people who miss one year's vacation have higher risk of heart disease.
It's time we reclaim the work-life balance.
Workforce analytics are essential business tools to measure and improve workforce performance.


Considering that I'm supposed to talk about games all the time, ostensibly at least, I haven't been doing a lot of that recently. I haven't even been playing them, much to my 360's chagrin. No…I've been knee deep in the bane of any university student, my dissertation.
Nobody likes essays, and they're odious enough when you have to write 2,000 words on something that doesn't really interest you. Quintuple that and it's simply painful. I chose a journalism subject that was closer to my heart than most, blogging and citizen journalism, but writing is a lot less fun when you can't slip an innuendo in there or joke about that time you swapped the picture on Ken Kutaragi's Wikipedia page for one of Kim Jong-Il.
It's due in 27 days and I've written a bit over 5,000 words, with the aim of getting at least another thousand down before the Easter break ends. This being the last couple of months of my last year at uni, things are complicated by assorted other projects and impending exams, which at the rate I'm going will necessarily be over-the-weekend jobbies. How I wish they'd stagger deadlines instead of encouraging us to put everything off until the week before. I could procrastinate for England.
I know what would make this better, though, and it involves Games for Windows Live. How about some achievements for Microsoft Word?


but it's just beside Siam Commercial Bank, in purple.
Tokyo hotel has 2 wings, the old (1993) and new one. It's located on Upparat road, in a very central location.
We suggest you to go with the new one, as it's much better, nice and quieter because not on the main street. The old wing is on the above picture, on the right.
This is a budget hotel and rooms are from 200 to 600 baht. All tuk tuk drivers know this hotel. You just have to say 'Tokyo Hotel' or 'Rong Rem Tokyo'.


Are you researching an expat health insurance for Russia? It is important to inform yourself on the local healthcare system first.
Whether you are moving to Russia or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide to the Russian healthcare system, your different options of medical insurance for Russia and an overview of the average cost of local healthcare.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the health of the Russian population greatly declined (the levels of tuberculosis, cancer, and heart disease are among the highest in industrialised countries). The government has therefore undertaken a succession of reforms since the mid-1990's and the health statistics have been improving.
The most important reform was the introduction of a national healthcare system, made compulsory in 1996. It offers healthcare to Russian citizens, as well permanent and temporary residents.
This system covers: primary care, preventative care, emergencies (except for specialised emergencies such as air ambulance), and specialised care in all public medical establishments. However, some services are not offered, such as dental, prosthetics, rehabilitation and convalescence, as well as prescribed medicines. In order for these to be covered you would need to sign up to a private health insurance.
In Russia, there are no private surgeries and all practitioners see their patients in either a clinic or a hospital.
The administration of the health services is divided into different levels: federal, regional, and municipal.
Health posts: run at a municipal level, they offer out-patient treatment: routine check-ups, vaccinations, and the treatment of non-serious accidents.
Health centres: with teams of nurses, gynaecologists, paediatricians, and mid-wives; these establishments are usually specialised in maternity and also basic routine surgery. They are also usually run by the local municipality.
Urban polyclinics: these are regional establishments, offering a wide-range of services: screening, treatment of chronic conditions, follow-up care. Depending on their size they may even have on-site specialists (cardiologists, oncologists, obstetricians etc).
Specialised medical hospitals: usually found in large cities, these establishments offer all medical services and are open 24 hours a day. Federal hospitals represent 4% of the number of beds available within the public sector.
The Russian healthcare system has seen some difficulties, in particular linked to a lack of funds. Today, healthcare in Russia remains below the standard of other industrialised countries: there is a lack of medical equipment, differing standards of care depending on the medical establishment, shortfalls in primary care etc. The well-reputed hospitals in Moscow or Saint Petersburg do not offer all services (e.g. contagious illness and maternity complications are not treated).
In the public sector, English speaking doctors are few and far between. In order to see an English speak doctor it is advisable to seek treatment at a private clinic, however fees in the private sector can be high.
For these reasons, expatriates are advised to have a medical insurance in order to enable them to be treated in private facilities abroad.
An international health insurance for Russia is often a better option for expats than a local health plan. It allows you to be treated in the hospital and with the doctor of your choice, not only in Russia but also abroad. If you prefer to be treated in your home country or in another country, within your zone of cover, your medical costs will be reimbursed by your insurance company (within the limits of your policy). Moreover, if you leave Russia and move elsewhere your international insurance may be able to follow you.
It is always important that your medical insurance complies with local legislation. If you are a permanent or a temporary resident in Russia, an international insurance will not replace your obligation to subscribe to the local system. The international cover will act in addition to the State provided cover.
Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Russia depending on your situation and needs. Don't hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.
If you would like wider financial protection in the event of stopping work due to an accident or disabling illness, Expat Assure can also advise you on expat life insurance for Russia and income protection. To find out more, please, read our page on income protection and life insurance for expatriates.
The cost of a consultation with a GP or a specialist is generally around £86 ($108). In the international private clinics this fee may increase to around £122 ($154).
The cost of a consultation with a dentist is around £58 ($73). A crown can cost anything between £287 and £1,006 ($362 – $1,270).
In regards to an overnight stay in a private hospital, charges are usually around £431 ($545) for an individual private room.
What is the cost of private health insurance in Russia?
Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of a medical insurance for expats in Russia varies greatly depending on the personal situation, the age, the medical history of each individual as well as other parameters.
If you would like to have an idea of the cost of private health insurance for Russia, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.
Be sure to have your immunisation schedule up-to-date (diphtheria/tetanus/polio). However it is also recommended to be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and rabies by the NHS Fit-for-Travel website.
Be aware, counterfeit medication is a big problem in much of Russia. According to the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 70% of medicines sold in Russia today are either counterfeit or of low quality.


Ferro giants- the world's biggest iron ore producers - Mining .May 28, 2014 . India produced 144Mt of iron ore in 2012 contributing about 5% of global iron ore production. The country's iron ore reserves are estimated at.global production distribution of iron ore india 2012,Mine 2016 - PwCDec 31, 2015 . and position of the global mining industry as .. zinc, gold, silver and iron ore. Source: PwC . 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 20152016 Q1 . China, India and ASEAN-5* GDP Growth ... distribution policies.204 CHAPTER-15 MINING 15.1 World scenario & India . - MoSPIProduction by International Organizing Committee for the World Mining. Congress, India . 4th in Iron ore, 6th in Bauxite and crude Steel, 5th in Manganese ore and 7th in. Aluminum and 8th in . 15.5 Statewise Distribution : Four States viz Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, MP &. Jharkhand .. Economic Survey India 2012. • Annual.
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Production and Distribution of Iron Ore in India. Article shared by : . It is the foundation of our basic industry and is used all over the world. Iron Ore in India.
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May 5, 2013 . This paper summarizes the distribution and production layout of the major mineral resources in China, including coal, iron ore, copper and.
This statistic shows the worldwide iron ore production 2012-2017, by country. The mine production of iron ore in the United States reached approximately 55.
Received 26 June 2012; Accepted 24 October 2012 . which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, . The known world resources of crude iron ores are approximately 800 billion tonnes .. Among the biggest iron ore producing nations are China, Brazil, Australia, India, Russia, and the USA.
Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. . Indeed, it has been argued that iron ore is "more integral to the global economy .. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are the principal Indian producers of iron ore. . By August 2012, in excess of one million tonnes of swaps trading per day.
Feb 20, 2017 . production from China in tabulations of world iron ore production while . countries, world iron ore production totals have been overestimated ... 2012. 1,330. 2,980. 420. 2,070. 261. 1,280. 2013. 1,450. 3,280. 417. 2,230. 259 . pdf.) Usable iron ore. Year. Australia. Brazil. China. India. Russia. United States.
Main iron projects, their geographical distribution and projected capacity in 2013 .. In 2014, top producers of world iron ore are Australia (36%), Brazil (20%), CIS .. 2012. 2013. 2014 2015*. China. South Korea. Russia. United States. India.
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When you reach the cathedral city of Chichester right at the south of the British Isles, various places of interests welcome you. The 11th century Chichester Cathedral erects itself with providence as a pride of the faith of the Cicestrian population. The Roman amphitheater holds a ground full of pride as it stands south of the park of Hornet. Located in the North Street is the Butter Market, where food and produce has been sold since the 19th century.
Chichester speaks more of what meets the eye. It has a very rich account of Roman history as the place clearly displays a Roman-styled architectures, settlements and infrastructures. The place plays a very vital role in the Roman Invasion. A Roman city was built as Romans poured in the isles to extend its governance. Roman baths, amphitheaters, and other architectures have been eyeing the history of the city. If you are looking for a great place to revisit the Roman Period, Chichester is the best place to go in the whole of the United Kingdom.
The economy of the historical cathedral city is based primarily, although not all, on tourism because of its rich historical sites and various places of recreation for families and friends. Several marinas and other related industries were also situated in the city. As a cathedral city, Chichester is also a focal point of a number of main roads. Bus services, railway stations and the city's airport make up its reputation.
The cathedral city of Chichester also showcases the beauty of diversity through a yearly arts and music festival celebrated for one whole week. Various galleries scatter around the city in order to give importance to artists who show a strong pursuit of the arts. Cicestrians display passion for classical music with the establishment of the Chichester Symphony Orchestra in the year 1881. Music festivals which were attended by various people from famous songwriters, singers and musicians to music enthusiasts were also founded.
Sports is also given value in the city of Chichester. Rugby, football, softball and other sports were played by sports team coming from the city herself. Various institutions and clubs gave a whole meaning to playing as a team the Cicestrian way.
Many notable people were raised, lived and were given inspiration. Some of these prominent stars recognized worldwide were born in the historical city of Chichester. Some of these well-known figures are William Juxon, William Cawley, William Huskisson, Edric Gifford, and Timothy Picke. History has been shaped by the mentioned figures and it is the very proof that the people of Chichester can make history.
The education of the Cicestrian population also makes Chichester a place worthy to be on the map so as the health care of the city. Many dreams were given a chance to be realized as educational institutions made a big impact on the society which is partnered by the noble duty of professional health care practitioners dispatched all around the city to promote the healthy wellbeing of the population. Among the well renowned hospitals located in the heart of Chichester is the St Richard's Hospital that has been on service ever since the Great World Wars devastated mankind.
UK healthcare has been making a grand name around the world. When one hears of the words "UK healthcare," one immediately thinks of quality in terms of services, equipments and management. The field of healthcare in the United Kingdom is most renowned therefore making it a destination of health care professionals and institutions.
With the cathedral city of Chichester an ideal place to venture and invest on, it is also a fact that competition in arising in the city. Because of various institutions devoting their trust on the famed city, many have been fighting and working their bones to make a name in the city. You can make a name without having to struggle for your needed fame. All you need is a website for your needs.
Making a website seems fun but it takes experience to make the best website that suites your services in the populace of Chichester. Your website should not only make you convenient but also your clients and other potential customers. You need Proweaver to guide you in making the best website for your healthcare needs.
Proweaver has been showcasing the finest of website designing through the years. We have been providing excellent and quality websites for various companies, individuals and institutions in the United States of America. It is our privilege to extend our services to the British Isles thus we have included making UK healthcare websites for the benefit of the British population.
We design various custom web design in Chichester that will surely target not only the populace of the historical city but will also reach even to the farthest area of the globe. The best thing about our custom web designs in Chichester is that we do not only sell you and your services to fascinated clients but also the city of Chichester itself.
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Although United Kingdom is composed of many big and busy cities, it is still one of the many tourist destinations any traveler's feet would want to land on. When people mention United Kingdom, they can always think about beautiful Paris which is synonymously called as the City of Light and City of Love. Many global wanderers (and to highlight many lovers) have dreamed of going to Paris for the reason that it can create a perfect setting for romance, daydreaming, and imagining any sorts of magic just by walking along the streets, visiting the Eiffel Tower, or love-locking on the famous Pont des Arts (before it was removed). It is not just the romantic ambiance which makes Paris more intriguing and fascinating since it also brags on their museums, cathedrals, monuments, parks, boulevards, elegant boutiques, and so much more. However, United Kingdom offers a lot of more beautiful cities other than famous Paris such as Chichester.
Chichester is but a silent stunner of United Kingdom which is nestled at the southern parts of England. It showcases its fine and sandy beaches, fishing villages, and many other historic attractions having known to its long history in Roman settlement. As a cathedral city, it is the home to some of the oldest churches and buildings in Great Britain. Chichester serves as one of the many reasons why people would want to explore United Kingdom. But a beautiful and serene city such as Chichester deserves to be protected and managed by a healthy community.
Health, being a good foundation in steadfast and growing cities, is a crucial effort in many UK health care professionals. All human beings alike, whether healthy or not, should scout for a medical help to ensure comfort and security. Yet not every citizen is interested, if not educated, in seeking for medical care. Various efforts have been proposed and are implemented to spark the interests of these individuals in hope that they will soon come at peace in getting a good health care management. Television and radio advertisements took place, big billboards placed above ground, and flyers and posters handed out to anyone. These are just few of the many methods done by UK healthcare officials as they strive to see a healthy and happy community.
Granting all these methods have actually helped their mission, a better and solid method in drawing the attention of many citizens has sprouted and is currently used for many business strategies due to its efficiency and reliability. Most of you should have gotten the idea that in the current era that we are living in, citizens are more commonly and more precisely referred to now as netizens. The internet has reached a point of global acceptance and global star trend. This is the reason why many entrepreneurs around the world have sought for greater opportunities using the internet. Online marketing through creating your own website has been fancied by many marketers as they target the growing online population who personally seeks for virtual leisure – be it in shopping or in looking for any kind of products or services.
Establishing your website is not a dead end in visualizing your goals and mission in making people take interest in the health care services you offer. The first step in making them interested is equivalent in having an interesting online page. Now Proweaver works best in this field. Our custom web designs have been a good tool to many online industries as they try to entice and multiply their clients. We have been makers of the finest web sites in the World Wide Web for many years and we have continuously and steadily gained a mass of admirers based on the masterpieces we have perfectly created. UK health care is just one of the many fields to which our company has been extending our services in coming up with the success of their mission through our leading custom web designs. Our custom web design in Chichester is not only limited to health care industries since we can also create outstanding designs designated for any other field.
Proweaver understands that the key factor in making a step forward towards your goal is to visually attract these netizens by looking at your website for them to want to know more about the services and products you are selling. We value "first impressions" among others thus we shoot for winning and lasting first impressions from the online community. We produce websites that are of high quality through a meticulous process in selecting and choosing the best designs, patterns, textures, colors, and many others just to make your website look very pleasing and presentable to all. We provide comfort to your online guests by accommodating them with ease in navigation.
Designs and contents are two sides of a coin. While other web designers failed to incorporate copywriting in their services, Proweaver values the importance in having strategically furnished web designs and contents. We value a website's content as much as we value its designs. We are working on every aspect to have your website become a holistic approach to all health beneficiaries.
All things are possible through the help of the talented and skillful team of Proweaver. Our individuals behind every great custom web designs are committed and driven in coming up with your desired designed interface as they work close with you. Custom web designs in Chichester are best taken care of with us as UK health care's mission of a healthy community will be just a powerful website away.
All of our finest and striking services are cost-effective and are realized for as fast as 3 days. Chichester will be more than just another proud beautiful city of United Kingdom for more locals will be now driven in having a good health as they will be empowered by your interesting health care web page using our very own custom web designs in Chichester. Build a healthier empire through Proweaver by transacting with us now.