text:
Blog / By Jeric
Looking for the best typography books to improve your understanding of type and how to use them for your designs?
It is important to learn about the history of type and how types are designed to create unity and balance in your design. Our best typography book list is highly recommended by many graphic designers and art directors. So pick up a typography book and start reading today!
1. Thinking With Type By Ellen Lupton
Ellen Lupton's book, Thinking with Type, is an essential guide for anyone who wants to understand and use typeface in a more thoughtful and intentional way. The book is divided into three sections: an introduction to the basic principles of typeface design, a guide to using typefaces in design, and a directory of typefaces.
Thinking with Type is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of typography. The book covers everything from the history of type to the different ways you can use typefaces to create visual hierarchies. It also includes plenty of helpful illustrations and examples to show you how to put what you've learned into practice.
Whether you're a designer, a marketer, or just someone who wants to learn more about the art of typography, Thinking with Type is a great place to start.
2. The Elements of Typographic Style
In The Elements of Typographic Style, renowned typographer and poet Robert Bringhurst brings clarity to the art of typography. Drawing from a wealth of experience, he offers thoughtful guidance on everything from the basics of typographic form to the finer points of typefaces and line spacing. His insights and observations are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the art of typography.
It covers everything from the history of typefaces to the proper use of whitespace in a design. He also provides detailed advice on how to select and pair typefaces, how to set typefaces for optimum readability, and how to use different typefaces to create a hierarchy of information.
3. The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners
If you want to learn modern calligraphy and hand lettering, this is the book for you! Written by June & Lucy, two professional calligraphers, this book will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this beautiful art form.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics of calligraphy and hand lettering to more advanced techniques. You'll also find tips on how to use your new skills to create stunning works of art. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been dabbling in calligraphy for awhile, this book will take your skills to the next level.
4. House Industries Lettering Manual
Ken Barber is a world-renowned typeface designer who has created some of the most iconic fonts used today. In his book, House Industries Lettering Manual, Ken gives readers a detailed look at his process for designing typefaces. He also includes a number of helpful tips and tricks for anyone interested in learning more about typeface design.
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to typeface design, this book is a must-read. Ken Barber's expertise and knowledge are evident on every page, and you're sure to come away with a greater understanding of this fascinating subject.
5. Designing with Type
In this classic book on typography, James Craig explores the use of type in design and how it can be used to create visually appealing and effective designs. He covers topics such as choosing the right typeface, using type for hierarchy and emphasis, and creating symmetry and balance in a design. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to improve their typographic skills and create better designs.
6. Just My Type
Simon Garfield explores the history and psychology of typefaces in this book. He looks at how different typefaces have been used over the years and how they can influence our emotions and thoughts. He also delves into the science of why some people prefer certain typefaces over others.
It's a fascinating read that will leave you with a new appreciation for the fonts you see every day.
7. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Yype Works
This book is a great resource for learning about the history of typeface design and how it all works. Erik Spiekermann is a world-renowned typeface designer, and in this book, he gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the process of typeface design. He covers everything from the anatomy of letters to the different genres of typefaces and how to choose the right one for your project.
8. The Anatomy of Type
The Anatomy of Type is a comprehensive guide to the world of typefaces. In this book, Stephen Coles gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the design, history, and use of typefaces.
Coles starts by delving into the history of typefaces, tracing their origins back to the first manually-crafted letters of the alphabet. He then takes readers on a tour of the major families of typefaces, explaining the differences between sans serif and serif fonts, as well as the many variations within each family.
With The Anatomy of Type, Stephen Coles provides readers with a deep understanding of the world of typefaces. This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject.
9. Type. A Visual History of Typefaces & Graphic Styles
Cees W. de Jong's book, 9. Type, is a visual history of typefaces and graphic styles. The book begins with a brief history of the origins of the written word and the development of the alphabet. From there, de Jong goes on to discuss the history of typefaces, from the early Days of the printing press to the modern day. He covers a wide range of typefaces and styles, from the classic serifs to the more modern sans-serifs. 9. Type is a veritable feast for the eyes, with over 700 illustrations of typefaces and graphic styles.
de Jong's book is a must-have for any graphic designer or type enthusiast. It's a beautiful and informative book that is sure to inspire anyone who picks it up.
10. Grid Systems in Graphic Design- Joseph Muller-Brockmann
Grid systems are a fundamental part of graphic design. They provide a framework for designers to create compositions that are visually appealing and easy to understand. The book "Grid Systems in Graphic Design" by Joseph Muller-Brockmann is a classic text on the subject. In it, Muller-Brockmann lays out a series of guidelines for using grid systems in graphic design.
While the book is aimed at professional designers, it is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about grid systems. If you're looking to improve your understanding of grid systems and how to use them in your own work, this book is a great place to start.
11. Essay on Typography
In this essay, Eric Gill argues that the art of typography is essential to the communication of ideas and that the appearance of a text is just as important as its content. He goes on to say that bad typography can obscure the meaning of a text and make it difficult to read, while good typography can help to convey the message of a text more effectively.
Gill's argument is elegant and convincing, and his essay is still relevant today. While the technology of typesetting has changed a lot since Gill wrote this essay, the principles he discusses are still applicable to the world of digital typography.
12. Typographie
Emil Ruder was a Swiss graphic designer who was highly influential in the field of typography. In his landmark book, Typographie, he lays out his philosophy on how type should be used in the design. Ruder believed that type should be used as a tool to create visual hierarchy and order, rather than simply as a way to convey information. His ideas were revolutionary at the time and they continue to be highly relevant today.
13. Just My Type
In his book Just My Type, Simon Garfield explores the history and meaning of different typefaces. He looks at how typefaces have been used over the years and how they can convey different messages. He also discusses how the choice of typeface can affect the way people perceive a message.
Just My Type is an interesting and informative read for anyone interested in the history and meaning of typefaces.
14. Type on Screen
Type on Screen is a book by Ellen Lupton that explores the history and impact of digital typefaces. In the book, Lupton traces the origins of digital typefaces back to the early days of personal computing. She then looks at how typefaces have evolved over time and how they've been used in both digital and print media. She also discusses the different classifications of typefaces and how they can be used to create moods and effects.
15. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works by Erik Spiekermann
Erik Spiekermann is a world-renowned typographer, graphic designer, and author. In his book, Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works, Spiekermann gives readers a crash course in the world of typography. He covers everything from the history of typefaces to the anatomy of a letter to the different classifications of type.
Whether you're a design novice or a seasoned pro, Stop Stealing Sheep is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the art and science of typography. With clear and concise explanations, and plenty of examples, this book is the perfect introduction to the world of type.
16. The New Typography Weimar and Now
In the early 1920s, a new movement in graphic design began to take hold in the German city of Weimar. This movement, known as the New Typography, advocated for a more clean and modern look for books and other printed materials. The New Typography proved to be highly influential, and its impact can still be seen in graphic design today.
In this book, Jan Tschichold provides a detailed history of the New Typography and its most important practitioners. He also discusses the legacy of the New Typography and how it has shaped the field of graphic design in the century since its inception.
17. Designing Type By Karen Cheng
In her book Designing Type, Karen Cheng explores the use of typefaces in design and how they can be used to create visual interest and communicate a message. She provides an overview of different typefaces and how they can be used in various design projects. She also offers advice on choosing the right typeface for a project and discusses the challenges of working with typefaces.
18. I Wonder by Marian Bantjes
In her poem "I Wonder," Marian Bantjes asks some big questions about life and the Universe. She wonders about the nature of reality and whether or not we are living in a dream. She also ponders the origins of the Universe and the meaning of life.
Bantjes' poem is both thought-provoking and beautiful. It makes us question the things we take for granted and see the world in a new light. If you're looking for a poem that will make you think, "I Wonder" is definitely worth a read.
19. In Progress By Jessica Hische
It's no secret that progress can be slow. Sometimes, it feels like we're taking two steps forward and one step back. But as long as we keep moving forward, even if it's just a little bit each day, we'll eventually get to where we're going.
This print by Jessica Hische is a reminder that progress is always worth celebrating, no matter how small it may be. So hang it up in your office or workspace as a reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward.
20. Typography Essentials By Ina Saltz
Designing with type is an essential skill for any graphic designer, and Typography Essentials is the perfect guide to help you get started. Ina Saltz covers all the basics of typography, from choosing the right typeface to setting type like a pro. You'll also learn about the history of type and how it has evolved over time. With clear, concise explanations and plenty of examples, this book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to learn more about typography.
21. U&lc by John Berry
John Berry's 21. Um&lc Hook is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of type design. The book chronicles the life and work of one of the most influential type designers of the 20th century, and includes some of his most famous designs.
22. On Web Typography By Jason Santa Maria
In it, Santa Maria covers everything from the history of web typography to the latest trends and technologies. He provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the field, making it the perfect resource for both beginners and experts alike.
If you're looking to improve your web typography skills, On Web Typography is the book for you. Santa Maria's clear and concise writing style makes complex concepts easy to understand, and his wealth of experience in the field shines through on every page.


text:
Microsoft's Stinger to be trialled by Telstra
Microsoft 's much-talked-about smart phone operating system will enter carrier trials this quarter with carriers including Telstra.
Douglas F. Gray (Unknown Publication)
Microsoft 's much-talked-about smart phone operating system will enter carrier trials this quarter, a Microsoft executive said Tuesday.
Mobile phone handsets running the operating system -- code-named Stinger -- will enter trials this quarter with carriers including VoiceStream Wireless in the US, T-Mobil International in Germany and Telstra in Australia, said Mary E. Starman, product manager with Microsoft's Mobile Devices Division.
Microsoft's Stinger platform will be used on smart phones manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric, Sendo, Samsung Electronics, and Taiwan's High Tech Computer (HTC). The latter deal was announced by Microsoft President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer in a speech here Tuesday at the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) Wireless 2001 conference.
Although Starman said it is still too early to say which carrier would test which handset, all four handsets have the potential of being released to the public in the fourth quarter of this year, she said.
"As the trials shake out, we'll have a better idea of which will come to market first," Starman said.
The announcement that HTC would manufacture a smart phone using Stinger topped off a flurry of announcements made by Ballmer at the conference, including a new model of Hewlett-Packard Co.'s Jornada, which runs Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system. Ballmer also announced that Mitsubishi Wireless Communications Inc. will launch two phones in the first quarter of next year featuring Microsoft's Mobile Internet Explorer, a miniature version of Microsoft's Web browser. After all that, what comes next for Microsoft?
"What we need to do now is work with developers to bring something to market that will meet expectations," Starman said. "In the next six to nine months, we'll be focusing on delivering on our promises."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Listen: Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, Ron Desantis discussed on Stephanie Miller
"Lost what you're seeing I think is folks, especially in my party or looking at Donald Trump as damaged and as something that might weigh down the party going into the midterms and into 2024, which is why I think you're starting to hear rumblings now about Mike Pence running in 2024 against Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Nicky Haley. Those were discussions that I don't think he would have had 6 or 8 weeks ago before these commission hearings started. Okay thank you for your thoughts, make Mulvaney and also you might want to shut the up Forever. Okay. Oh, bitch, please. Take your line of bull down to the corner market and sell it there because this 5 and dime isn't buying your line today. And no Sean does not know what that problem we're sorry. Do not know what to do. And someone had said that it was from Chris Colfer from ab fab the movie. I watched the movie when I was on vacation, not him. As part of Chris stupid vacation choices, he did that for you. Exactly. I did. America. It's not Chris Colfer from ab fab the movie. We still don't know. But in honor of Mick Mulvaney, please buy a now a warning T-shirt from the Stephanie Miller show, and also I'm not going to buy your stupid book T-shirt. Okay. Is he selling a book? Probably. Yeah, probably. It's not the difference in what happened in England. They're right wing as a conscience and through this, you know. Crazy blond haired pull out, right? Here, this whole entire party is a disgrace. But yeah, I mean a lot of people commenting on that that it was their Conservative Party that said enough. And apparently ours, there is no enough with Donald Trump. Guess what? Glenn kirschner is going to be right there in studio in all of our three, right? Do we have questions? Jody, do we have questions? Today. And of course, Friday's with for Angela and if you look like pharyngeal and hour two, I know. I was weird, right It's been a weird week. And John and I were one. I know and Jody here all week for Travis. So weird. I was just thinking you are a delight"
WCPT 820
Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, Ron Desantis discussed on Stephanie Miller
7 months ago | WCPT 820
Donald Trump Mike Pompeo Ron Desantis Nicky Haley Chris Colfer Tim Scott Mike Pence Mulvaney Mick Mulvaney Stephanie Miller Sean Glenn Kirschner Chris America Conservative Party England Jody Angela John Travis
Lost what you're seeing I think is folks, especially in my party or looking at Donald Trump as damaged and as something that might weigh down the party going into the midterms and into 2024, which is why I think you're starting to hear rumblings now about Mike Pence running in 2024 against Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Nicky Haley. Those were discussions that I don't think he would have had 6 or 8 weeks ago before these commission hearings started. Okay thank you for your thoughts, make Mulvaney and also you might want to shut the up Forever. Okay. Oh, bitch, please. Take your line of bull down to the corner market and sell it there because this 5 and dime isn't buying your line today. And no Sean does not know what that problem we're sorry. Do not know what to do. And someone had said that it was from Chris Colfer from ab fab the movie. I watched the movie when I was on vacation, not him. As part of Chris stupid vacation choices, he did that for you. Exactly. I did. America. It's not Chris Colfer from ab fab the movie. We still don't know. But in honor of Mick Mulvaney, please buy a now a warning T-shirt from the Stephanie Miller show, and also I'm not going to buy your stupid book T-shirt. Okay. Is he selling a book? Probably. Yeah, probably. It's not the difference in what happened in England. They're right wing as a conscience and through this, you know. Crazy blond haired pull out, right? Here, this whole entire party is a disgrace. But yeah, I mean a lot of people commenting on that that it was their Conservative Party that said enough. And apparently ours, there is no enough with Donald Trump. Guess what? Glenn kirschner is going to be right there in studio in all of our three, right? Do we have questions? Jody, do we have questions? Today. And of course, Friday's with for Angela and if you look like pharyngeal and hour two, I know. I was weird, right It's been a weird week. And John and I were one. I know and Jody here all week for Travis. So weird. I was just thinking you are a delight


DELAHAY (GB) is a 4 year old FILLY which was most recently trained by 0. This FILLY was foaled in 2014, and is by the sire DELEGATOR (GB) and dam HARRYANA TO (GB).
Whenever an item is posted to this site relating to DELAHAY (GB) it will be listed below, in reverse chronological order (the most recently listed items will be nearest the top of this page, below).


The mine has received two national Sentinels of Safety Awards for having the best safety record among the country's largest coal mines. ... Lignite Energy Council.
Coal production at largest West ia mines rises in Q1 - Read this Platts coal news article here. Plus discover more coal market news, products & services.
Watch video· The biggest coal-burning power plant in the West is fighting for survival — and despite support from ... no rain" in their support of the power plant and coal mine.
May 19, 2018· The two largest coal mines in America announced massive layoffs Thursday morning.
The 10 biggest coal mines in the world - Mining Technology. The 10 biggest coal mines in the world. By Praveen Duddu . Share. ... Raspadskaya is the largest underground mine in Russia.
Three of the world's 10 biggest coal mines by reserve are located in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming, US, while China and Australia each contain two of the biggest.
The largest hole in Europe is an open-pit coal mine in Germany, and everything inside is just enormous, including machines that are the length of two soccer fields and the height of a 30-story building.


text:
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <math.h>

/* #include <cblas.h> */
#include <lapacke_utils.h>

#include <jni.h>
#include "org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke.h"

/*
 * Class:     org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke
 * Method:    sgetrf
 * Signature: (II[FI[I)V
 */
    JNIEXPORT void JNICALL Java_org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke_sgetrf
    (JNIEnv * env, jclass class,
     jint m, jint n, jfloatArray a, jint lda, jintArray ipiv){

        float *A;
        A = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, 0);
        int *IPIV;
        IPIV = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, ipiv, 0);

        LAPACKE_sgetrf(LAPACK_ROW_MAJOR,
                       m, n, A, lda, IPIV);

        (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, A, 0);
        (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, ipiv, IPIV, 0);

    }

/*
 * Class:     org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke
 * Method:    sgetri
 * Signature: (I[FI[I)V
 */
    JNIEXPORT void JNICALL
    Java_org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke_sgetri
    (JNIEnv * env, jclass class,
     jint n, jfloatArray a, jint lda, jintArray ipiv){

        float *A;
        A = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, 0);
        int *IPIV;
        IPIV = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, ipiv, 0);

        LAPACKE_sgetri(LAPACK_ROW_MAJOR,
                       n, A, lda, IPIV);

        (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, A, 0);
        (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, ipiv, IPIV, 0);

    }

/*
 * Class:     org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke
 * Method:    sdeev
 * Signature: (CCI[FI[F[F[FI[FI)V
 */
JNIEXPORT void JNICALL Java_org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke_sdeev
(JNIEnv * env, jclass class,
 jchar jobvl,
 jchar jobvr,
 jint n,
 jfloatArray a,
 jint lda,
 jfloatArray wr,
 jfloatArray wi,
 jfloatArray vl,
 jint ldvl,
 jfloatArray vr,
 jint ldvr){
    /* jni args -> c mapping  */

    float *A;
    float *WR;
    float *WI;
    float *VL;
    float *VR;

    A = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, 0);
    WR = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wr, 0);
    WI = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wi, 0);
    VL = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, vl, 0);
    VR = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, vr, 0);

    LAPACKE_sgeev(LAPACK_ROW_MAJOR,
                  jobvl,
                  jobvr,
                  n,
                  A,
                  lda,
                  WR, // values
                  WI,
                  VL,
                  ldvl,
                  VR, // vectors
                  ldvr);

    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, A, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wr, WR, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wi, WI, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, vr, VR, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, vl, VL, 0);

}

/*
 * Class:     org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke
 * Method:    sgehrd
 * Signature: (III[FI[F)V
 */
JNIEXPORT void JNICALL Java_org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke_sgehrd
(JNIEnv * env, jclass class,
 jint n,
 jint ilo,
 jint ihi,
 jfloatArray a,
 jint lda,
 jfloatArray tau
    ){
    float *A  = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, NULL);
    float *TAU = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, tau, NULL);
    LAPACKE_sgehrd(LAPACK_ROW_MAJOR,n, ilo, ihi, A, lda, TAU);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, a, A, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, tau, TAU, 0);
}

/*
 * Class:     org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke
 * Method:    shseqr
 * Signature: (CCIII[FI[F[F[FI)V
 */
JNIEXPORT void JNICALL Java_org_bitbucket_ioplus_openblas_Lapacke_shseqr
(JNIEnv * env, jclass class,
 jchar job,
 jchar compz,
 jint n,
 jint ilo,
 jint ihi,
 jfloatArray h,
 jint ldh,
 jfloatArray wr,
 jfloatArray wi,
 jfloatArray z,
 jint ldz){

    float *H = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, h, 0);
    float *WR = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wr, 0);
    float *WI = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wi, 0);
    float *Z = (*env)->GetPrimitiveArrayCritical(env, z, 0);

    LAPACKE_shseqr(LAPACK_ROW_MAJOR,
                   job,
                   compz,
                   n,
                   ilo,
                   ihi,
                   H,
                   ldh,
                   WR,
                   WI,
                   Z,
                   ldz);

    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, h, H, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wr, WR, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, wi, WI, 0);
    (*env)->ReleasePrimitiveArrayCritical(env, z, Z, 0);

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Eva Koťátková is interested in topics of difference, empathy and sharing as well as discipline, norms and power structures that surround, shape or deform the individual. She often focuses on the situation of groups or individuals that are for various reasons excluded, discriminated, silenced. In her ongoing series Theatre of speaking objects she tries to find alternative means of expression for those who are not able to communicate and integrate in the standard way. More recently she has been active in the animal rights field and is currently developing a syllabus of a new school subject that is based on the concept of unlearning, empathy and activism. She is a co-founder of a platform Institute of Anxiety that sees anxiety as a result of social, political, economical and ecological forces. It argues that both in attempt for structural changes and system critique, but also in diverse acts of sharing, there is potential for positive change.
Dominik Lang is a sculptor who, from the very beginning of his praxis, has reflected on the ways artworks are presented, taking into account the history of the exhibited work, the social, political and economical context that surrounds it as well as the architecture to which it is situated. In 2011 Dominik Lang represented the Czech Republic at the 54th Venice Biennale, turning the Czechoslovak pavilion into his Sleeping city installation. This installation also started his ongoing series of interventions and alterations of figurative sculptures of other authors. Some of them Lang enlarged and allowed visitors to walk through their interior, others were cut into pieces in order to recompose them, changing their pose and making them move; stand up from the pedestal, move around the room etc. Dominik Lang is the head of the Sculpture studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague.


text:
Q: 1 Query to access 2 parse classes in Swift for iOS I am working on an iOS app that is running Swift 2, but will be upgraded to Swift 3.
I need to access user post information from a class called Posts which will pull data and add them to an array, but at the same time, I need to grab the user's profile picture who's post info I am pulling as well.
Here's the tricky part, the profile image is in a column called ava from another class named User.
I want to accomplish this all in 1 query or a nested query.
I have tried multiple ways and cannot get it working.
I have asked others and they insist on creating one query for posts with another query inside of the first query and then append the ava file to the ava array I created.
Below is the code I have that crashes.
Notice queryTwo is where I attempted to insert the query for the class User.
            let query = PFQuery(className: "posts")
            query.whereKey("username", containedIn: self.followArray)
            query.limit = self.page
            query.addDescendingOrder("createdAt")
            query.findObjectsInBackgroundWithBlock({ (objects:[PFObject]?, error:NSError?) -> Void in
                if error == nil {

                    let queryTwo = PFQuery(className: "_User")
                    queryTwo.whereKey("username", containedIn: self.followArray)
                    queryTwo.findObjectsInBackgroundWithBlock({ (objects:[PFObject]?, error:NSError?) -> Void in
                        if error == nil {

                            // clean up

                            self.avaArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)

                            // find related objects
                            for object in objects! {

                                self.avaArray.append(object.objectForKey("ava") as! PFFile)

                            }

                        }
                    })

                    // clean up
                    self.usernameArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)
                    self.avaArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)
                    self.dateArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)
                    self.picArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)
                    self.titleArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)
                    self.uuidArray.removeAll(keepCapacity: false)

                    // find related objects
                    for object in objects! {
                        self.usernameArray.append(object.objectForKey("username") as! String)
                        self.dateArray.append(object.createdAt)
                        self.picArray.append(object.objectForKey("pic") as! PFFile)
                        self.titleArray.append(object.objectForKey("title") as! String)
                        self.uuidArray.append(object.objectForKey("uuid") as! String)
                    }

                    self.tableView.reloadData()
                    self.refresher.endRefreshing()

                }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Lansing Collective is a group of young professionals in the Greater Lansing area. We all come from very different backgrounds, and while some of us have known each other for several years, others are new friends. We all share a love for this city and this collaborative blog will be a way for us to share and record our time in Lansing.
Khalid Ibrahim is an Epidemiologist at Michigan State University. He is the Arts Editor at Lansing Collective. His passions include photography, biking, and root beer.
Jess Knott is an instructional designer for TechSmith and a PhD candidate in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education at Michigan State University. Passions include video games, roller derby, loving Lansing, and believing in magic. She proudly resides on the east side of Lansing with her husband and three terrible guard dogs.
Shannon Nobles works in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence. She is an outspoken advocate for social justice, an excellent vegetarian cook, and lives with her pet rabbit.
Ian Walker is technology specialist and recording engineer here in Lansing. He serves as Webmaster and Co-Editor of Lansing Collective. He loves craft beer, comic books, his family, and his beard. Hi Mom!


text:
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NewsLocal NewsCoronavirus
'The tears are back': Arizona ICU nurse details what work is like inside the hospital
An Arizona ICU nurse does not mince words when detailing what work and life are like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tough shifts and a potential surge that he fears will only get worse.
By: KNXV Staff
PHOENIX — An Arizona ICU nurse does not mince words when detailing what work and life are like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tough shifts and a potential surge that he fears will only get worse.
"As soon as I park, I have very low expectations these days," said Eddy De La Torre, a nurse at a Phoenix-area hospital. "It sucks to say that but it's just bad all around."
De La Torre said staffing continues to be one of the biggest challenges given the increase in patients.
"The biggest issue is surrounding staffing," he said. "Staffing in a sense that with the amount of patients that are in the hospital, we're finding it harder and harder to find ways to provide each patient a nurse in the safest manner possible."
He also described seeing extremely sick patients, and a staff that is feeling the effects of working on the front lines for months.
"We're exhausted, man," he said. "We're exhausted."
As ICU beds become a scarce resource around the state, De La Torre told ABC15 those beds are in low supply at this hospital. As of Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Health Service's dashboard there were 9% of ICU beds available.
"It's very few," he said. "And it's smaller and smaller every day."
Also on Wednesday, ASU Biodesign Institute Executive Director Dr. Joshua LaBaer said a peak of the current surge may not come until late January or early February.
"I hope they're wrong," De La Torre said. "If that is the case, then we're going to be in for a rude awakening because that's going to be bad because right now it's horrible."
He also told KNXV-TV that fellow staff members are stretched thin and working to handle the uptick in patients.
"I wish I can tell you that I've been able to talk to a COVID patient," he said. "The last few times I've worked on that unit all my patients have been intubated and the majority of the patients in the ICU are intubated and really sick."
He also talked about the ripple effect the surge has across the hospital.
"Oftentimes we get told, especially in our staffing meetings, that we have A, B and C patients waiting for rooms," he said. "They can be waiting for a couple hours."
In the ICU, with visitor restrictions in place, De La Torre noted the mental toll this takes on front-line workers and the patients, both COVID and non-COVID, with family support left to come only via an iPad.
"The tears are back," he said. "Doesn't seem like they're going anywhere."
This article was written by Mike Pelton for KNXV.


Thai Cuisine is world famous and on the top of the lists of foodies for a good reason. We loved living in the beautiful Thai capital and we're happy to show the best places to try Thai dishes in Bangkok. Bangkok is probably most famous for its street food. In 2017 Thai government announced that they will ban all street for in favor of clean, organized streets in the city. Making millions of foodies and travelers loudly protest against it as one.
Thankfully, later on, the government said it was all a misunderstanding and they simply meant they only plan to regulate the vendors to make sure they do adhere to a certain hygienic standard. For now, It looks like Bangkok street food stays where it belongs; on the streets of Bangkok.
We had a blast living in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand as well. And although we had wonderful feasts all over the country the most memorable ones definitely happened in Bangkok. Not just the street food, though. Unique and traditional restaurants both can easily be found if you know where to look for them. Not to mention we had the luck to be introduced to this city by our friend Ray, who is a born and raised Bangkokian.
Here we collected all the great places we got to try from the well-known ones to the little local eateries. I also included many of the traditional places but also new cafe houses and restaurants. Becuase that's what Bangkok is all about. Here you can embrace and get lost in the past in vintage cafe houses and restaurants but also see the newest and quirkiest of places and discover Bangkok's creative side to see what the future holds for this fascinating city.
To truly understand Thai culture you should experience both because we believe that one of the best ways to understand and to get to know a culture is through our tummy! Let's do this!
We were blown away by the endless options for eating from street food to fine dining. As being one of the most visited destinations, Bangkok hosts restaurants with cuisine from all around the world. Khao San Road and Yaowarat Road, Bangkok's China Town is the two favorite of all travelers and locals to indulge themselves with Thai dishes. You can find all the different types of Thai cuisine here and of course, you will find dishes from other country's cuisines as well.
To some stalls, we were drawn by our noses, amazing and unknown smells spread through the street to tempt us into eating more. The cooks making dishes from scratch in front of us was just another unforgettable experience.
I couldn't stop staring while the chef cuts the veggies, soy and meats with scissors into the pan, stirs rapidly while the steam covers the sizzling mixture for a while, then it's all done! At almost every corner or small streets (soi), you are to find a small kiosk or just a counter, grill, shelf attached to a motorbike.
Culinary pleasure in just one bite or you can buy full portions like a dish instead of skewers or snacks. Another reason we love street food is the opportunity to meet locals and familiarize with Thai culture. We had a great time sitting down on the small plastic chairs to eat and exchanging a smile with others, even getting into conversations.
Locals really appreciate if you are open to their favorites and we appreciated their hospitality very much. Grab a small chair and order a delicious meal. Try Tom Kha Kai (Chicken Coconut Soup) it's mild and one of the tastiest soups in Thailand.
A great variety of nice bites welcomed us on the streets. At almost every corner or small streets (soi), we found a small kiosk or just a counter, grill, shelf attached to a motorbike. We struggled with making choices. In the end, we just walked home with dozens of boxes of yummy Thai food.
If you like Durian you should definitely try Khao Neow Toorien (Durian, Coconut Milk Soup & Sticky Rice) just follow the smell of Durian and you'll find the stalls who sell this Thai dessert in no time! Most people either HATE or LOVE Durian. Honestly, we both hate even the smell of it but we have friends who couldn't live without it. If you haven't tasted it yet give it a try and figure it out which group do you belong to.
This Market is definitely one of our favorites and is one of the most unique places to try Thai Cuisine in Bangkok. Chang Chui quickly became my favorite hang out spot after my friend Sasiwan showed me around. This market is basically an open-air museum filled with cool art, vintage clothing, unique restaurants, and – you guessed it – delicious Thai street food like Moo Ping ( Grilled Thai Curry Chicken Skewers).
You can find here amazing restaurants too and if you're brave enough you can even try some very tasty fried insects. There is also an art cinema and many galleries. Oh, and did I mention that a huge plane with a red slide is sitting in the middle of it all?
Bangkok's most famous and fun night market has basically unlimited options for you. The bad news is that it's almost always filled with tourists but the good news are that the quality of the dishes are still fantastic and the fun you will have here will become pleasant memories.
You can do more here than just trying Thai dishes, there are many amazing vintage clothes stalls and shops, and unique bars are also filling up the place. You can also find live music and cold beer in almost every bar here. Grab a Khao Lam (Sticky Rice in Bamboo), pick the bar you fancy the most and enjoy your night!
Floating markets are on every visitor's list and they should be. They're amazing, busy places where you can try fresh and traditional Thai dishes like Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) and Khao Pad (Fried Rice). It's a fantastic place to get a little insight of Bangkok's past and the way Bangkokians used to live and traded. Bangkok was called 'the Venice of the East' for the longest of times.
You can still hop on boats and float down canals and discover Bangkok on water but the best place to do this is definitely Damnoen, (biggest one) Amphawa, (second biggest one) and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Markets (the most charming and authentic).
This is especially for you if you want to try something unique. Maeklong Railway Market can be found in the outskirts of Bangkok and it's a one of kind experience for sure. This market became special because it has an active train running through the middle of it while you're having your lunch or buying a souvenir less than a meter away from the moving train.
You'll hear the train's fog horn before it arrives and can leave the rails. This market is visited by locals and tourists as well so you can find various things, including snacks, fruits, and veggies. But you can buy clothing, keychains, and flowers as well. For some snack try Poh Pia Tod (deep fried Spring rolls) you can choose from rice noodles, veggies or meat filling. For some sweet pleasures try Kluay Tod (deep fried mini-banans).
To make the most out of your visit check the Maeklong Railway Market train schedule before you visit to make sure you're there when the train passes through the market. You can also check the info about how to get there.
Jay Fai or Auntie Fai cooks her now world-famous noodles with eggs, prawns, and crab over charcoal fires. Here you can try one of not just Bangkok's or Thailand's but the world's most famous street food; Kai Jeow (Thai omelet). Auntie Fai's special browned, thick, Thai crab omelet. Her restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2017 which officially made her the queen of Thai street food.
Kai Jeow is usually the most common and one of the cheapest Thai food you can try in Bangkok here it costs a little more. $25 to be exact. However, if we consider that it's a Michelin Star dish the price suddenly doesn't seem that high. You can find Raan Jay Fai restaurant on Mahachai Road.
You can't leave Bangkok without trying out at least one of its quirky cafes and restaurants. These cafes are the favorite hang out spots of most Bangkokians and tourists alike. You can visit the Mermaid themed Cafe house Mermaid Castle Cafe, the Instagram famous Unicorn Cafe, the Alice in Wonderland themed Perhaps Rabbits' or Caturday Cafe.
You can find here traditional Thai dishes with an extra, creative twist. These Cafe houses are the perfect place to have some fun and to see where do the younger Bangkokians like to spend time. One of the most popular Thai desserts is Khao Niao Mamuang (Thai Sweet Sticky Rice With Mango) you can try it in most cafe houses, restaurants or on the streets of Bangkok. It can be served hot or cold, I prefer the cold one especially because of the always hot weather we have in Bangkok.
Nam Kang Sai which is basically mixed ice desserts and it can be found on Thanon Chan road, in South Bangkok (nearest BTS Silom line stop: Surasak). Favorite of the locals, a dessert stand, which offers so many different colors, sweetened fruits, and gummies.
Our friend Ray showed us this great shop. People with sweet tooth stop looking for fulfillment! Have it hot or cold. You will probably see a couple of similar sweet shops around Thailand. However, you should know this was the first and original. It's just a plus that this is also the best one.
When we first walked into a shopping mall, we were surprised to see Mall Food is at some places similar to street food but in a completely different environment. If not brave enough to try food from street vendors, there are shopping malls, in which you get nearly the same food for a bit higher cost. A meal for one: 40-120 Baht ($1.1-3.5) on average. On our weaker days, when preferred to walk in an air conditioned "street" we just hopped into one of the many malls and had a delicious meal.
Most of the malls feature the good old fast food chains and local food as well. Going down to the food court\patio, you get food for a relatively low price and still get to try freshly made local dishes. You can buy traditional freshly made Pad Thai Noodles, any of the Thai Curry dishes, such as Gaeng Daen (Red Curry).
Do you have a sweet tooth? Don't worry because here you will find many delicious types of desserts you can choose from like Khanom Buang (Crunchy bent Thai Crepe) or the tasty Roti Gluay (Banana Pancake) both can be found in malls, markets, and on the street. The list is really endless, you can find many and any dish of Thai cuisine at these places. Our favorite Mall is hands down the Paradise Park in Bangna.
When we first came across Hot Pot we liked it so much that did not want to leave the restaurant. After traveling for a while, we missed cooking and here this hole has been filled. We like the running sushi concept, but love the running hot pot! Couldn't stop taking the veggies and seafood off the conveyor belt and drop into our boiling soup. We were shown how to dip the ready pieces in the spicy sauce after bumbling for a few minutes. Our conclusion: everyone must try it!
This concept is often offered in all you can eat packages. At most of the restaurants offering hot pot, there is a sushi buffet as well. With soft drinks included, it is a good choice to try a little bit of everything. Price per person: 250-400 Baht ($7-11). Our favorite place is near Ekkamai station on the top floor of Major Cineplex, called Oishi Buffet. Although the area is touristy you'll only see locals at this place.
Most of the Thai restaurants have Hot Pot options you in most cases can tell just by looking at the table and check if you see the built-in hot plate in the middle of the table. One of my favorite Hot Pot experiences were in Khao Yai while I was visiting the magical Hobbiton resort when I got invited to dine with the staff. It was the tastiest dish I've tried. So give the hot pot a try!
Being about 20 km (12 m) south of central Bangkok, it is not the restaurant you are going to accidentally run into. It is definitely worth a visit for the quaint ambiance, the lovely food, and drinks. The restaurant is right at the seaside so you can enjoy a perfect sunset while having fresh and yummy seafood.
This restaurant is almost intaierly visited by locals so the staff's English is not the best but they're very helpful and kind. So you will have no problem with ordering. While the first time we went here with our Thai friend (who obviously did the ordering) the second time around we went alone and we had no issues.
This is a perfect place to Try traditional Tom Yum Soup's (On the image below) any variations (with veggies, chicken, seafood). Tom Yum is one of the most famous dishes and most people mention it when talking about Thai Cuisine. It's one of our favorites as well and this restaurant makes a really good one!
In case your budget can bare a much more expensive dinner do not miss a fancy dinner at one of the Sky bars in Bangkok. You should know, with drinks you will easily spend $50 or more. Although, we think it's money well spent. Imagine a fine meal accompanied with a breathtaking view of the city's skyline.
One of the best views offered by the Lebua State Tower. Definitely one of the best places in Bangkok to enjoy the delicious treasures of the Thai Cuisine.
The View from the Lebua State Tower bar.
Don't miss out on the tastiest tea experience of your life! I think one of the first things I tell to friends and family members who ask me about Thai cuisine is this magical drink. The original drink is made with milk and condensed milk so if you're on a lactose-free and/or sugar-free diet you should try your luck in bigger Cafe shops because the small ones only make the original.
It goes perfectly with the spicy Thai dishes and cools you down on the hot days. It may not sound special when you hear about this tea but believe me after you try it you're opinion will change quickly. The other special drink I got to try in Asia was the Egg in Beer in Hanoi which inspired my best Butterbeer recipe for adults ever.
One of the tastiest Thai Tea's I had was in Perhaps Rabbits' which is a charming 'Alice in Wonderland' themed dessert shop. You can try many of the traditional Thai desserts like black bean cake but with a stylish and creative look.
This is also a perfect spot for relaxing and reading. You can pick up one of our recommendations. Check out our lists: best fantasy books that will give you serious wanderlust, best poetry books to read when you're feeling down or funny books for weirdos.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Bangkok?
Hey, great post! I've always wanted to visit Bangkok someday.
For some reason though, none of the pictures were showing for me in your posts except for the first one (probably because it's a featured image). You might want to take a look at that, though I can't be sure if it's just me. That doesn't usually happen though.
Thanks so much! 🙂 Maybe because there is a lot of photos and would've taken a long time to load. Not sure. But I will check. I haven't had this problem before… I'll check.
Hmm…it looks like it's only a problem on WordPress reader and not on your actual website. *Shrugs* A pleasure to visit your site anyways!
Thanks again for the heads up & for the visit!
It's one of my fav places for sure. 🙂 I hope you will have fun!


Nat Rev Nephrol. 2019 Feb;15(2):73-86. doi: 10.1038/s41581-018-0081-8.
Hepatitis C virus and the kidney.
Pol S1, Parlati L2, Jadoul M3.
Université Paris Descartes; Hepatology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP; INSERM U1223, UMS-20 and Center for Translational Science, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. stanislas.pol@aphp.fr.
Université Paris Descartes; Hepatology Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP; INSERM U1223, UMS-20 and Center for Translational Science, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more prevalent and is associated with higher mortality in patients receiving dialysis and in kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. Kidney transplant recipients who are HCV-positive are also at higher risk of allograft and liver failure than are HCV-negative recipients. Moreover, HCV infection is associated with a higher incidence and faster progression of diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as a higher incidence of systemic (especially cardiovascular) complications. The finding that these complications of HCV infection are attenuated in patients who achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR) emphasizes the need to treat patients with CKD who are HCV-positive with oral antiviral therapies. Fortunately, the available evidence suggests that a SVR can be achieved in >95% of patients with late-stage CKD and in kidney transplant recipients. According to international guidelines, all patients with CKD and HCV infection should be considered for treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAAs), prioritizing those with symptomatic cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis, extensive liver fibrosis and stage 4-5 CKD. DAA treatment can be delayed until after transplantation in recipients whose waiting time is markedly reduced by accepting an HCV-positive organ. An emerging issue is the long-term renal safety of DAAs, which requires a re-appraisal. Overall, the elimination of HCV from patients with CKD now seems to be achievable, provided that DAA treatment is coupled with reinforced hygienic precautions to prevent reinfections in dialysis units.


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Chatham County Commission District 2 candidate calls for recount
By Sean Evans | June 25, 2020 at 5:09 PM EDT - Updated June 25 at 6:43 PM
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Ballots are being re-scanned at the Chatham County Board of Elections Office.
A candidate in the Chatham County Commission District 2 race requested a recount, after being edged out of a run-off race by eight votes.
A recount in an election result is basically re-casting all of the ballots that would affect the race in question.
Clinton Edminster received the most votes, nearly 2,100 total. But the second place candidate, Tony B. Riley, and third place candidate, Michael J. Hamilton, Sr. were separated by only eight votes.
Being well within a half a percent of the candidate ahead of him, a recount was requested by Hamilton, Sr.
"Any recount we've ever done in the past, the votes came out the same. This is a lot of new territory for us because in the past most of it was electronic and only part of it was the paper component. Here we're actually using the paper component of every aspect," said Chatham County Elections Supervisor Russell Bridges.
Bridges says that includes absentee, provisional and early voting ballots, in addition to pulling the paper ballots from the precincts where people voted for the County Commission 2nd District race.
Time wise, Bridges says the re-casting began Wednesday, continued Thursday, and will resume Friday.
The elections supervisor says if the result of the recount comes up different than what's been certified by the Board of Elections, the result would have to be investigated.
Sean Evans
Sean Evans joins WTOC as a multi-media journalist coming all the way from the Bluegrass State. He previously worked for the CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, and got his start in the business in the mountains of eastern Kentucky for a CBS station in Hazard.


The well-known company Twinstar with a new kit – Moon map, Space book, Glow-in-the-dark stickers and of course – The Twinstar 50mm refractor telescope. Sounds perfect.
A tripod is also included with simple Altazimut mount – the meaning of this – you won't need to deal at all with tracking. It has pros and cons. The advanteg is the ease of use of course, the disadantage is that you actually won't be able to trace after stars, very sad I know, but completly unnecessary for kids and beginners.
A finderscope is also attached – this device is very important in order to make finding stars and objest easier, but in this case of a telescope with small diameter, the smaller eyepieces can replace the finderscope.
What do we get in the bundle?
– Moon map: As the moon is the biggest object in the sky, we can investigte it's surface. The Moon is full of seas and craters, and they all named after famous people.
– The Ultimate Factivity collection space book: Includes activities and facts about the sapce and stargazing.
The Twinstar 50mm refractor telescope bundle is a great starting point for little astronomer. The included items upgrading the value of the kit, while the price in still relatively cheap for this kind of telescope.


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Access to Interprovincial Trade in Alcohol Improving
By John Siwiec & Trent McBain
In April 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision in R v Comeau, 2018 SCC 15, regarding the constitutional right of the provinces to restrict the trade of alcohol across provinces. The Supreme Court unanimously held that provinces can limit the interprovincial trade of alcohol, so long as the primary aim of any such legislation is not to impede trade. In this case, the Court concluded that the primary objective of the New Brunswick legislation at issue was to serve the interests of public health and safety within New Brunswick. A summary of the "Free the Beer" decision can be found here.
On April 9, 2019, almost a year after the Supreme Court of Canada's decision, the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade highlighted plans to eliminate the remaining federal barrier to trade in alcoholic beverages within Canada.[1] As outlined in the 2019 federal budget and Bill C-97, the Government of Canada has introduced legislation which will remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another go through a provincial liquor authority.
This federal requirement is contained in the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (the "Act"), which will now be amended to limit its application to the importation of intoxicating liquors into Canada, rather than into and throughout (i.e., inter-provincially) Canada.
Once these changes enter into force, the Government of Canada will have lifted all federal impediments to alcohol moving across borders within Canada. The only remaining barriers fall under provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As a result, it will be up to the provinces and territories to amend their own laws in order to allow the free movement of alcohol, including direct-to-consumer shipping across Canada.
For its part, the Ontario government released its 2019 budget on April 11, 2019. It included plans to loosen a number of restrictions with respect to the sale and consumption of alcohol. Some of the key proposals include:
tailgating permits for eligible sporting events;
allowing a 9:00 am start time for serving alcohol at licensed establishments;
permitting municipalities to designate public areas, such as parks, for the consumption of alcohol;
allowing licensed establishments to advertise "happy hour" promotions;
pausing a "wine tax" that was set to increase on April 1, 2019; and,
providing flexibility for alcoholic beverage producers to promote their products at manufacturing sites by removing the prescribed serving sizes for "by the glass" licences.
The Ontario budget was introduced only two days after the proposed federal legislation which eliminates the barriers to the interprovincial trade of alcohol. It remains to be seen if Ontario will follow the lead of the federal government, and its own recent trend of deregulating consumer access to alcohol, when it comes to alcoholic beverages coming in from out of province.
For more information, please feel free to contact the authors or one of our lawyers in the firm's Alcoholic Beverages Practice Group.
[1] https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/canada-acts-to-eliminate-barriers-to-interprovincial-trade-in-alcohol-861009387.html
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Traditional Database Management Losing Ground to Cloud
By Kurt Mackie
The database management system (DBMS) market's growth is increasingly being driven by cloud services, not by more traditional on-premises systems.
That's the upshot of a new report published this month by Gartner. The research firm found that the DBMS market grew by 18.4 percent from 2017 to 2018 to reach $46.1 billion. However, 68 percent of that growth came on the cloud services side.
It's a trend, according to a Gartner blog post this week that summarized the report. It signifies that DBMS systems installed on servers within organizations will become a "legacy" approach, or a thing of the past.
Large organizations may still use on-premises DBMS solutions, but if they do so, then they'll likely combine it with cloud-based DBMS services in a so-called "hybrid" approach, according to Gartner. Overall, though, Gartner thinks that organizations will be shifting to using cloud services for their DBMS workloads.
Here's how Gartner expressed it in the blog post:
The message in our research is simple -- on-premises is the new legacy. Cloud is the future. All organizations, big and small, will be using the cloud in increasing amounts [for DBMS].
Gartner estimated that 75 percent of the DBMS growth from 2017 to 2018 came from just two vendors, namely Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft. AWS notably just offers DBMS as a service, and doesn't offer a server product. Microsoft, on the other hand, sells a SQL Server product that customers can install on-premises and it also offers Azure Data Services with an Azure SQL Database cloud service. However, Gartner thinks that almost all of Microsoft's DBMS growth during the yearly interval of 2017 to 2018 came from its cloud services side.
Gartner's top DBMS market-share list for 2018 included Oracle at No. 1, followed by Microsoft, AWS, IBM, SAP, Teradata, Cloudera and InterSystems, among others.
The shift toward using cloud-based DBMS services isn't necessarily being driven by IT department choices. It may instead be associated with an organizational shift toward using Software as a Service-based applications, Gartner indicated. Another reason for the shift may be the pay-as-you-go pricing offered by cloud services providers versus the upfront capital expenses of deploying DBMS on-premises.
Innovation is mostly happening on the cloud services DBMS side, Gartner contended, and some of it won't be available for DBMS on-premises. Only organizations that need to maintain legacy application compatibility should stick with DBMS on-premises, it added.
Gartner's report, "The Future of the DBMS Market Is Cloud," was written by analysts Donald Feinberg, Merv Adrian and Adam Ronthal.
Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for the 1105 Enterprise Computing Group.
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Share this Story: Fully and Completely Canadian: The Tragically Hip
Fully and Completely Canadian: The Tragically Hip
Nothing feels more Canadian than sitting by a campfire, on a lake, beer in hand having a singsong of something from an early Hip album
Heather Magee
Aug 16, 2016 • August 16, 2016 • 3 minute read
Lead singer Gord Downie on stage for the first concert of the Tragically Hip's final tour at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria on Friday night. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann /PNG
I've always believed that anything is possible. No matter how lofty, unlikely or insane something might seem, there's always a "what if." Blame my Canadian sunny disposition. When the Tragically Hip announced they would be hitting the road across Canada for their Man Machine Poem tour simultaneous to the announcement of frontman Gord Downie's illness, I thought it all seemed kind of perfect. The fans could heal him. The love and energy permeating from each audience would surely slow the progression of the cruel disease growing inside his head.
The assumption was that this tour would be their last, while the band hasn't officially stated as such. Still, Canadians have been coming out in droves in support of their beloved band, selling out every show. A tour of epic proportions all culminating in Kingston, ON – The Hip's hometown – this Saturday.
Fully and Completely Canadian: The Tragically Hip Back to video
Nothing feels more Canadian than sitting by a campfire, on a lake, beer in hand having a singsong of something from an early Hip album like Up to Hereor Road Apples. Nothing aside from sharing a plate of poutine with Wayne Gretzky. When people make fun of our pronunciation of certain vowels or tell us how nice we are, I like to think it's the great music Canada has produced that really defines us as a culture, not the same silly stereotypes.
Its strange The Hip never really resonated with audiences south of the border. Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Leonard Cohen all won the hearts and minds of Americans, why not the Tragically Hip? While it would have been nice to see them enjoy more success in the U.S. and beyond, it does make it a little sweeter that they're all our own. Something you have to be Canadian to truly understand.
They did, however, move towards an international trajectory in the 90s. I'll never forget huddling around my parents 19 inch TV with my high school friends to see The Hip on Saturday Night Live. SNL alum and fellow Canadian Dan Aykroyd proudly introduced them, he and Downie both Kingston natives. Growing up in a small logging town, the Internet still a relatively new thing, it was such a thrill to see my favourite band on what I thought was the biggest show on TV.
There's so many ways to describe what makes The Hip a unique, otherworldly live experience. They're storytellers just as much as they are rock stars. They give everything they have to their audience save the beating hearts from their chests. But what shocks and mesmerizes me most are Downie's ever-shifting stage antics. One minute he's calm, the next he's raging. He focuses on the audience, then withdraws into another realm, making it seem like his soul has momentarily drifted from his body. His costumes have become increasingly flashy and flamboyant over the years, particularly for this tour, with custom suits designed by Toronto-based Izzy Camilleri. Simply put, he's exhilarating to watch.
I haven't seen another band live as many times as I've seen The Hip. But of all the performances and all the venues – big and intimate – the one that's forever chiselled into my memory is their headlining gig at the inaugural Pemberton Music Festival in 2008. My friends and I made sure we were as close to the stage as possible, despite flailing limbs and the inevitable crush we would feel once the band started to play. It didn't matter. We were part of this growing organism of Hip fans and it was magic. At one point Downie stopped and turned to guitarist Rob Baker, mouthing the words "holy fuck." When I turned to look behind me, it seemed like all 40,000 fans were there. I haven't seen a crowd so ignited and united by music since.
I hope this isn't it. I'm optimistic this isn't the end. But if it is, thank you for the music. Thank you for creating an incredible catalogue of songs that transcend and continue to inspire a nation. Thank you for being fully and completely tragically hip.
For Canadians living abroad, or anyone who wants to soak in the last show of the tour, the CBC will be live streaming it this Saturday beginning at 8:30pm ET.
Written by Heather Magee | Twitter | Instagram | thelasessions.com


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text:
Keta DCE shows leadership
Keta (V/R), Feb. 3, GNA - The saying, "example is better than precept", was translated into practical terms when the Keta District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Edward K. Ahiabor, physically engaged himself in a clean-up exercise that lasted about three hours to rid his hometown, Anloga in the Volta Region of swarms of mosquitoes, which had invaded the area for months now.
Human beings and animals in Anloga and its immediate environs had come under siege by the blood-sucking flies, compelling the inhabitants to take shelter in their mosquito nets as soon as the dusk fell. As a way out, the townsfolk organised a clean-up exercise under the auspices of the Environmental Health Unit of the District Assembly and invited the DCE to grace the occasion.
To the utter amazement of everybody present, the guest of honour turned out in a working gear, leaped into the mud choked gutter and spent several hours to join residents in shovelling mud, draining waterways and clearing rubbish from the refuse dumps and gutters. The news of the DCE's physical involvement in the communal labour quickly spread round, drawing many more residents from their hideouts to join in the clean up from other parts of the community, clearing fifth and draining stagnant waters at various locations.
Present at the clean up were community leaders, Assembly-members, opinion leaders, the environmental health officials, public servants both old and young.
Also among the dignitaries who participated was Mr Kafui Wonya, Anloga Urban Council Chairman and Assembly-member,.


text:
%load the file via evaluateMeasurementValues in the interface
% --> MSResults is in workbench and has the {1,1}.Plot stuff in it

[ixMAX, iyMAX] = size(MSResults);
DisplacementZeros=zeros(ixMAX,iyMAX);
Displacement=NaN(ixMAX,iyMAX);
Velocity=NaN(ixMAX,iyMAX);

for ix=1:ixMAX
    for iy=1:iyMAX
        if (isfield(MSResults{iy,ix}, 'iYDisplacementMAX'))
            Displacement(iy,ix)=MSResults{iy,ix}.iYDisplacementMAX;
            DisplacementZeros(iy,ix)=MSResults{iy,ix}.iYDisplacementMAX;
            Velocity=MSResults{iy,ix}.iYVelocityMAX;
        end
    end
end

%% Einschub Mittelpunkt systematisch finden
x=MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotX;
y=MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotY;
z=MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotZDisplacement;

WorkDir= uigetdir('Select Path to save figures at');

[zmax,imax,zmin,imin] = extrema2(z,1);

figure
surf(x,y,z);

[a, b]=sort(abs(x(imax))+abs(y(imax))); %sortiere nach dem kleinsten Abstand zur ursprünglichen Mitte
j=1;
for i=1:length(a) %übernimm die Einträge mit einem Abstand kleiner 3mm
    if a(i)<3000
        imaxInner(j)=imax(b(i));
        j=j+1;
    end
end
%sortier imax wieder nach dem größen Wert --> maximum
[~,iMaxMit]=max(z(imaxInner));
iMittelpunkt=imaxInner(iMaxMit);
[iMittelpunktX, iMittelpunktY]=ind2sub(size(z),iMittelpunkt); %convert to normal indizes
xOffset=x(1,iMittelpunktX);
yOffset=y(iMittelpunktY,1);
hold on
plot3(x(iMittelpunktX, iMittelpunktY),y(iMittelpunktX, iMittelpunktY),z(iMittelpunktX, iMittelpunktY),'r*')
hold off
%% Verschieben des Plots, damit Maximum im Mittelpunkt ist
x=x-xOffset;
y=y-yOffset;
surf(x,y,z);
MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotX=x;
MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotY=y;

% for ix=1:ixMAX
%     for iy=1:iyMAX
%         PosXi=MSResults{iy,ix}.PosX;
%         PosYi=MSResults{iy,ix}.PosY;
%         if ~(isnan(PosXi)||isnan(PosYi)) %use only measurement points
%             MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotX=MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotX-xOffset;
%             MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotY=MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotY-yOffset;
%             MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotX=MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PosXrelToCenter-xOffset;
%             MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PlotY=MSResults{iy,ix}.Plot.PosYrelToCenter-yOffset;
%         end
%     end
% end
%% save

figure
surf(x,y,MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotZPhase);
title('Phaseshift between Velocity and stimulating Amplitude');
zlabel('Phase in deg');
xlabel('X in µm');
ylabel('Y in µm');
savefig(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxPhaseShift.fig'))
matlab2tikz(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxPhaseShift.tikz'))

figure
surf(x,y,MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotZDisplacement);
title('Absolut Maximum Displacement Value. Not Phase correct');
zlabel('Displacement in m');
xlabel('X in µm');
ylabel('Y in µm');
savefig(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxDisplacement.fig'))
matlab2tikz(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxDisplacement.tikz'))

figure
surf(x,y,MSResults{1,1}.Plot.PlotZVelocity);
title('Absolut Maximum Velocity Value. Not Phase correct');
zlabel('Velocity in m/s');
xlabel('X in µm');
ylabel('Y in µm');
savefig(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxVelocity.fig'))
matlab2tikz(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxVelocity.tikz'))
%% Line Plot ALL
% specify the positions to check for --> LinePoints([ypos,xpos])
figure;
hold on;
for i=ceil(iyMAX/2-5):ceil(iyMAX/2+5)
    %create an array of the points we want to measure at
    LinePointsCol=[(1:iyMAX)',i*ones(iyMAX,1)];
    LinePointsRow=[i*ones(ixMAX,1),(1:ixMAX)'];

    LinePlotsCol=createLinePlot(MSResults,LinePointsCol);
    LinePlotsRow=createLinePlot(MSResults,LinePointsRow);
    plot(LinePlotsCol(:,5),LinePlotsCol(:,4),'color',rand(1,3))
    plot(LinePlotsRow(:,5),LinePlotsRow(:,4),'--','color',rand(1,3))
end
hold off
%--> such dir den schönsten raus!
%% Line Plot
% specify the positions to check for --> LinePoints([ypos,xpos])
rowOfInterest=12;
columnOfInterest=13;

%create an array of the points we want to measure at
if ~isnan(columnOfInterest) %so we're looking for a vertical line here
    LinePoints=[(1:iyMAX)',iMittelpunktX*ones(iyMAX,1)];
elseif ~isnan(rowOfInterest) %so we're looking for a horizontal line here
    LinePoints=[iMittelpunktY*ones(ixMAX,1),(1:ixMAX)'];
end

LinePlots=createLinePlot(MSResults,LinePoints);
figure;
plot(LinePlots(:,5),LinePlots(:,4))
%% Maximum und Minima finden
[hmax,imax,hmin,imin] =extrema(LinePlots(:,4)) %minima und maxima in der größe absteigender Reihenfolge
[hMittelpunkt posMittelpunkt]=min(abs(imax-(length(LinePlots(:,4))/2)))
deltaMitte=LinePlots(imax(posMittelpunkt),2)
LinePlots(:,2)=LinePlots(:,2)-deltaMitte; %--> jetzt ist das Maximum in der Mitte
LinePlots(:,5)=LinePlots(:,5)-deltaMitte;

%suche die Minima neben dem Maxima in der Mitte
[a posmin]=sort(abs(imin-imax(posMittelpunkt)));
iposMinLR=imin(posmin(1:2));
posLR=LinePlots(iposMinLR,2);

figure
plot(LinePlots(:,2),LinePlots(:,4),LinePlots(iposMinLR,2),LinePlots(iposMinLR,4),'or',LinePlots(imax(posMittelpunkt),2),LinePlots(imax(posMittelpunkt),4),'*b')
title('Absolut Maximum Displacement Value. Not Phase correct');
zlabel('Displacement in m');
xlabel('X in µm');
ylabel('Y in µm');
savefig(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxDisplacementLine.fig'))
matlab2tikz(strcat(WorkDir,'\MaxDisplacementLine.tikz'))

%jetzt der selbe spaß noch mit der phase
figure
plot(LinePlots(:,2),LinePlots(:,6))
title('Phaseshift between Exitation and Displacement');
xlabel('X in µm');
ylabel('Phaseshift in deg');
savefig(strcat(WorkDir,'\PhaseShiftLine.fig'))
matlab2tikz(strcat(WorkDir,'\PhaseShiftLine.tikz'))

%% Textausgabe
disp(['Maximale Auslenkung  ' num2str(LinePlots(imax(posMittelpunkt),4)) ' µm.']);
disp(['Minimale Auslenkung an Position ' num2str(LinePlots(iposMinLR(1),2)) ' µm. Mit ' num2str(LinePlots(iposMinLR(1),4)) 'µm Auslenkung']);
disp(['und an Position ' num2str(LinePlots(iposMinLR(2),2)) ' µm. Mit ' num2str(LinePlots(iposMinLR(2),4)) 'µm Auslenkung']);
disp(['die insgesamt maximale Auslenkung war ' num2str(max(max(Displacement)))]);


text:
Five Steps to a Successful Campaign
Ian T. Wells
An all-too-common refrain uttered by development professionals in the final years of a campaign is: "We've picked all the low-hanging fruit." When gift officers believe they lack enough qualified donors to reach their campaign goals, prospect researchers are often tasked with adding more prospects to the pipeline in a relatively short period of time. Some strategies for finding more prospects may include: identifying which campaign donors might be willing to make a second campaign pledge, asking trustees and other prominent advocates to help solicit their wealthiest friends, and developing proposals for every signatory of The Giving Pledge. Employing such tactics — though better than doing nothing — is typically a sign of last-ditch desperation rather than being a component of a comprehensive, long-term strategy. Indeed, with proper planning, an organization won't be reduced to begging campaign donors to make auxiliary campaign gifts. Returning to our low-hanging fruit scenario, instead of making desperate attempts to reach high-hanging fruit at the last minute, it would be wiser to simply plant more trees in advance.
The start of a capital campaign presents an opportunity for planting more of these proverbial trees. There is no other time in the life cycle of an advancement office when executive leadership is more receptive to supporting and funding initiatives that will provide a significant return on investment. There is also no other time when it is so critical to ensure that all aspects of prospect development — including proactive identification efforts, reactive research reports, portfolio management protocols, and data management and analytics — are as efficient and effective as possible. Seemingly trivial errors, such as poor data-entry standards or lax prospect management policies, will add up over the course of a capital campaign to produce disastrous results. Just as airline pilots who miscalculate their flight path by a single degree can end up many miles off course, prospect development professionals who fail to uphold best practices can inadvertently hurt their organization's efforts to reach their goal on schedule. Thankfully, implementing a set of basic principles can position your organization for success.
Step 1: Record Your Actions
Prospect researchers are quite familiar with the importance of accurate information. It is the very reason why the research industry exists. Regardless of whether they're confirming all of a prospect's charitable gifts or determining the current value of an insider's stock holdings, prospect researchers are particularly skilled at finding critical information on the prospects their organizations need. It is equally important to record critical information on your own organization's actions, particularly those made by frontline fundraisers and prospect researchers. Every visit with a potential donor, every discovery of a new major gift prospect and every assignment of a constituent needs to be recorded, along with details relevant to each action. Recording this data now will provide valuable information to help guide decisions in the future.
At most nonprofits, time is an extremely scarce resource. It is easy for genuinely well-intentioned advancement staff to shirk their duties in recording their actions, as they may believe that they have more urgent priorities. The truth is that recording your development office's actions is a priority, albeit an unglamorous one. As the rise of Facebook has proven, personal data is at the core of a multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet the only way to have such valuable information on your advancement office's processes is to record them.
For major gift officers, recording contact reports is key. Gift officers can learn more in a five-minute conversation with a prospect than the best researchers can obtain from hours of searching the most complex databases. Such invaluable information can be lost, however, if gift officers don't bother to record the details of their meetings with prospects. Similarly, it's crucial for frontline fundraisers to record their actions on prospects so that each prospect's moves through the solicitation cycle (or lack thereof) are properly tracked. "I just keep everything in my head" is an unacceptable approach for a gift officer, particularly given the rate of turnover in the development industry. If a gift officer doesn't record actions or contact reports, and then leaves your organization for another job, your organization could be deprived of valuable institutional knowledge on hundreds of high-net-worth individuals.
For research teams, there are a variety of datasets worth recording. What percentage of revenue comes from prospects that were first identified by research? What sources yield the greatest proportion of major gift donors? Is there a correlation between prospects that have received detailed research reports and prospects that have given high-end gifts? How many newly identified prospects actually advance to the solicitation stage? By documenting what sources were used for research, what types of reports were prepared for whom, and which researchers conducted which actions, you can gain insights regarding which processes produce the greatest results. With such information in hand, you can then use that information to craft strategies to increase the efficiency of your limited time and position your organization for greater success.
Ensuring that development staff abide by these principles begins with leadership. It is important for managers and directors to communicate the importance of data management to their teams, and to incorporate data-entry requirements into their teams' metrics. Some major gift directors may choose to not award credit for a visit unless a gift officer records a contact report with a week of the visit. Some research directors may set minimum requirements for the number of hours that should be devoted to proactive research each week. The precise metrics and data entry requirements will vary for each department in each organization, but it is essential for leaders to review their processes with a critical eye and identify: (1) which internal datasets have been helpful for making informed strategic decisions, and (2) the data that would be helpful to have that is not currently recorded within the organization. With an understanding of those objectives, managers and directors can establish protocols for their teams to follow. To fail to do so is to effectively throw away money twice: first from failing to record information that would otherwise be expensive to acquire, and second from missing out on potential gifts that could only be raised by an efficient, high-performance development team.
Step 2: Know How Many Prospects You Really Need
To start, it is essential for any capital campaign to have development plans and gift pyramids projecting how many donations need to be made at each rating level for the organization to reach its goal. Regardless of whether the prospect development team was involved in the creation of such plans, or whether they were established without input from researchers, it will still be the responsibility of research staff to identify enough prospects to fill each gift level outlined in the gift pyramid. A key thing to bear in mind is that the gift pyramid indicates how many gifts must be made at each giving level, and not how many prospects must be identified.
Different organizations have different prospect needs. This seems like an obvious statement on the surface; a nonprofit attempting to raise $5 billion needs more prospects than a nonprofit attempting to raise $5 million. But even organizations with similar monetary goals may vary significantly in their ability to transform prospects into active donors. Two organizations with otherwise identical goals, resources and prospects may experience wildly different fundraising results depending on their ability to bring their prospects' philanthropic potential to fruition.
It is also important to know what proportion of newly identified prospects advance far enough to actually receive a solicitation visit. No matter how good a prospect looks on paper, it is no guarantee that they will be receptive to your organization's attempts to cultivate a gift. Some prospects will only make gifts to charities they've already supported. Others might be alienated from making a gift due to something beyond the control of your advancement office, such as a university's donor becoming outraged that their child was not admitted to the school. Whatever their reasons, many seemingly decent prospects will not advance to the solicitation stage. Knowing your institution's average rate for moving prospects from the identification stage to an outright solicitation will give you a realistic assessment of how many prospects you truly need.
For example, suppose that an organization expects major gifts to account for $240 million worth of revenue in a $300 million capital campaign. In such a scenario, executive leadership may have already projected that such funds will come from almost 250 major gifts, ranging from a minimum pledge of $100,000 up to a flagship gift valued at $50,000,000. Suppose that the same organization saw only 50 percent of its newly identified prospects actually reach the solicitation stage, and that once asked, only 25 percent of solicited prospects actually gave at the requested level. Those figures — which could only be correctly determined at organizations abiding by the central tenet outlined in step 1 — could demonstrate why the charity would need to identify almost 2,000 major gift prospects to have a realistic chance at reaching its campaign goal. [See Figure 1.]
Step 3: Turn Crisis Into Opportunity
Upon determining how many MG prospects are needed to reach the campaign goal, many researchers may initially find themselves panic-stricken by the scope of the work required for the campaign. Rather than succumb to a defeatist attitude, it is best to remember that the campaign can provide justification and funding for expanded operations. If the data suggests that the requisite amount of campaign research is more than can be realistically achieved with the current number of research professionals, then the data provides rationale for getting help.
Hiring more staff is arguably the preferred option for increasing your department's productivity, presuming that a charity's leaders will authorize hiring more full-time employees. If hiring is not politically or financially viable, outsourcing work to an independent contractor may serve as a feasible alternative. Depending on the organization in question, it may also be possible to delegate work to short-term temps or allocate minor research duties to interns or students who can work seasonally. For some research shops, a combination of all of these possibilities may provide the optimal solution to fulfilling challenging obligations.
The planning phase of a campaign also presents an opportunity to improve efficiency and streamline research reports. Some organizations may find that they're producing multipage profiles that take hours to produce on prospects that may only need a biographical paragraph with a capacity rating estimate. Others may find that they've historically devoted 90-percent-plus of their available research resources to re-evaluating known prospects rather than proactively adding new prospects to the pipeline. Inefficiency is often born out of habit, and a campaign provides researchers with the opportunity to break out of the "but-we've-always-done-it-this-way" paradigm. Productivity and value — not mere tradition — should be what guide your approach to prospect development.
New research tools can be just as important as hiring new research staff or streamlining processes. Invest in opportunities in which vendors can help your organization, such as conducting an electronic screening on your entire constituent base if one wasn't conducted prior to the campaign. Consider new subscriptions that can help you to find more prospects or provide higher-quality reports on high-level donors. If executive leadership doubts the value of such expenditures, remind them of the considerable return on investment provided by research. It would be penny-wise and pound-foolish for a charity to abstain from investing an extra $50,000 in the research budget at the start of a campaign, only for that decision to cost the organization $5,000,000 in lost revenue from affluent constituents who fail to make major gifts because they were never identified, researched or effectively managed.
Step 4: Managed Prospects? More Profits!
Poor portfolio management policies account for a considerable amount of waste and inefficiency in the development industry today. Ultimately, it does not matter how robust and insightful efforts are to evaluate new prospects if those prospects are poorly managed. Prospect identification and portfolio management work best in tandem: The former ensures that quality prospects are regularly added to the pipeline, while the latter ensures that those prospects move quickly and properly through the solicitation cycle.
One obstacle to proper portfolio management is the tendency of some gift officers to hoard prospects. The motivation behind such a tendency is often rooted in fear; a gift officer is concerned about lacking enough prospects, so that gift officer keeps extra prospects in their portfolios in reserve. The problem with this course of action is that it quickly leads to unmanageable portfolios. It is impossible for a gift officer to effectively manage a portfolio consisting of 400 major gift prospects, so it's inevitable that some prospects in unwieldy portfolios will receive impersonal annual appeal letters in lieu of personalized visits and cultivation efforts. In turn, such prospects will provide the charity with as much attention as they have received.
At many organizations, it is essential for executive leadership to recognize the inherent costs of poor portfolio management, and for leaders to agree that an enforceable portfolio management policy is needed. While gift officers may be sympathetic to a prospect researcher who is troubled by prospects being neglected in unmanaged portfolios, they'll take the matter more seriously if the president of the organization establishes portfolio management standards with which the officers must comply.
Setting a maximum limit on the number of prospects that can be assigned to portfolios, for example, can mitigate prospect hoarding. By restricting the number of prospects that can be assigned to a gift officer — a limit of 150 works nicely for some major gift programs; others insist they can manage up to 200 — a charity can ensure that prospects aren't under-cultivated simply due to a gift officer's concern about being able to reach an annual or campaign goal. Every prospect that doesn't receive the attention they deserve comes at a real cost to the organization. If a frontline fundraiser lacks the time to properly cultivate a relationship with a prospect, that fundraiser should transfer assignment of the prospect to someone who can. And if researchers are continuously adding quality prospects to the pipeline, the gift officer's concern about lacking good prospects will disappear.
Executive leadership may wish to establish policies that incentivize forward movement among assigned prospects. Protocols may include a time limit for prospect managers to qualify their newly assigned constituents; perhaps no more than three or six months. Standards might be set regarding the criteria needed to reassign or disqualify a prospect from major giving. In some cases, "sunsetting" policies may be established requiring a gift officer to move a prospect through each stage of the solicitation cycle within a set period of time or risk having the prospect assigned to another gift officer. At some shops, such proposals may seem draconian, but they may be necessary to prevent good prospects from being poorly managed at some other shops. A general expectation is that a quality prospect should be able to move from the identification stage to the solicitation stage within 18 to 24 months. If a gift officer has been hoarding the same prospect for five years with no gifts to show for it, something needs to change.
Conducting regular reviews can also help to spot anomalies in portfolios and make recommendations on future moves and proposals. Prospect development professionals can help gift officers in such meetings by offering friendly reminders about prospects that appear to have stalled in their way through the solicitation cycle. The reasons for a prospect's apparent inertia may vary. Perhaps the gift officer needs supplemental research to help build a rapport with the prospect. Perhaps the prospect should be transferred to a different gift officer. Perhaps the prospect is not philanthropic, and should be disqualified from major giving. In any event, a discussion between a gift officer and prospect development professional can help determine the best way to utilize the prospect's potential.
Step 5: Making Your Data Work for You
Just as gift officers' progress with prospects should be routinely reviewed, so should the prospect development department's impact on the bottom line. If your institution's revenue has fallen below the trajectory specified in the campaign development plan, explore strategies for increasing revenue and determine what can be done differently to enhance fundraising efforts. If your organization is on track or even ahead of schedule for the campaign, an honest review of your processes can help identify techniques to enhance further, as well as target antiquated processes to possibly abandon.
It is helpful to review the dividends on your work on an annual basis. What percentage of newly identified prospects are currently under management? Was one source for finding new prospects considerably more valuable than others, and could it be leveraged more in the future? Are the needs of the campaign gift pyramid fulfilled? If not, what needs to be done to close the gap as quickly as possible? Are there any policies or protocols that don't provide measurable value to the organization or its staff? Are there processes working extremely well in one area that should be replicated elsewhere? Evaluating your work is particularly important as the campaign moves into the public phase, and can even be helpful after the campaign's conclusion to determine opportunities for improvement beyond the campaign.
If your data has been consistently managed over several years, data analytics can help you to identify your top prospects. Although prospect development professionals should not attempt to determine each prospect's outright inclination to make a major gift, it is possible to use data to build predictive models that project a prospect's statistical likelihood to make such a gift. Doing so relies on evaluating the prospect's similarities with other major donors to your organization, thus underscoring the importance of data management. Bear in mind that the quality of your data will directly impact the accuracy of a predictive model. The same axiom holds true for both prospect researchers and fundraising data scientists: "Data in = data out."
At too many nonprofit organizations, prospect development is perceived as an auxiliary support service. In truth, prospect development is a critical component of any successful capital campaign. Discovering and effectively managing prospects is not a luxury option reserved for elite organizations, but rather a best practice with universal value to nonprofit entities of all sizes. By securing both the financial and political capital to make greater investments in prospect development, researchers can help their organizations to fully achieve their campaign goals.
Ian T. Wells is the president of Ian T. Wells & Associates, a consulting firm providing research and advisory services to non-profit organizations in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. He also serves as vice president of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA), and is co-chairman of NEDRA's Sponsorship Committee. Ian was previously the director of prospect development for Boston College, and prior to that, served as associate director of development, prospect research at Massachusetts General Hospital. He began his career at Boston Children's Hospital.
Want to learn more? Download Wish I Knew Then, What I Know Now: Managing a Capital Campaign Full of Firsts from Apra University, a session about a first-time campaign manager's experience managing the first capital campaign for a small arts organization.
Released: August 17, 2017 02:25 PM | Updated: November 16, 2017 09:52 AM
Keywords: Connections | Features
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