The Column Element goes hand in hand with the Container Element and is another essential component when building your site. Once you've inserted a container element into your page, you can then insert a column or set of columns inside it, and then insert elements inside the columns. Continue reading below for a list of column sizes available, a guide on how to use them in the Fusion Builder, and a list of customization options.
View the Column Demo Page!
IMPORTANT NOTE You must first create a Container element before you can add a Column element.
Step 2 - Activate the Fusion Builder by clicking the 'Use Fusion Builder' button on top of the page editor.
Step 3 - Insert a Container element into the page by clicking the '+ Container' button. Once you insert a Container, you'll be asked to choose the column or column layout you'd like to use.
Step 4 - To add new columns, hover over the Container you'd like to add a new column to and you'll see a '+ Column' button. Click this button to add a new column.
Step 5 - To change the size of an existing column, click on the 'Resize Column' icon on the upper left corner of the column. It will appear as the size your column currently is. For example, if it's a 1/4 column, then the Resize Column option will appear as '1/4'.
Step 6 - To re-arrange columns, simply drag and drop the column into place. You can also drag and drop columns into different Containers elements.
A column can only be used inside a Container element and will always base it's divisions on it's width. Most of the time, this will be the Site Width you've set for the site. For example, if you've set the Site Width to be 1200px, then a 1/2 column will be 600px wide, minus any column spacing you've set.
1/1 - A one whole column is 100% of it's container.
1/2 - A one half column is 50% of it's container.
1/3 - A one third column is 33.33% of it's container.
2/3 - A two third column is 66.66% of it's container.
1/4 - A one fourth column is 25% of it's container.
3/4 - A three fourth column is 75% of it's container.
1/5 - A one fifth column is 20% of it's container.
2/5 - A two fifth column is 40% of it's container.
3/5 - A three fifth column is 60% of it's container.
4/5 - A four fifth column is 80% of it's container.
1/6 - A one sixth column is 16.66% of it's container.
5/6 - A five sixth column is 83.33% of it's container.
Note: The Default setting will use the global settings assigned for this element in your Theme Options > Fusion Builder Elements > Column Element section. Also, please note that the displayed options screens below show ALL the available options for the element. If you have Avada's Option Network Dependencies turned on, you will only see options relevant to your selections, and so the options screen may look somewhat different.
Column Spacing - Controls the column spacing between one column to the next.
Center Content - Allows you to center content vertically. This option only works if the 'Equal Heights' option is enabled in the Container it's in. Choose between Yes or No.
Link URL - Allows you to add the URL the column will link to when clicked. Note: This will disable links on elements inside the column.
Link Target - Allows you to choose to open the link in same browser tab or in new browser tab. Choose between _self or _blank. _self = open in same browser tab, _blank = open in new browser tab.
Ignore Equal Heights - Allows you to ignore equal heights on this column if equal heights is enabled on the surrounding container. Choose between Yes or No.
Column Visibility - Allows you to control the Element's visibility. Choose one or more between Small Screen, Medium Screen, or Large Screen.
Background Image - Allows you to upload an image as the column's background.
Background Position - Controls the position of the background image. Choose between Left Top, Left Center, Left Bottom, Right Top, Right Center, Right Bottom, Center Top, Center Center, or Center Bottom.
Background Repeat - Controls how the background image repeats. Choose between No Repeat, Repeat Vertically and Horizontally, Repeat Horizontally, or Repeat Vertically.
Hover Type - Controls the hover effect type. Choose between None, Zoom In, Zoom Out, or Lift Up. Note:For the effect to be noticeable, you'll need a background color/image, and/or a border enabled. This will disable links and hover effects on elements inside the column.
Border Size - Accepts a pixel value that sets the size of the column's border.
Border Color - Allows you to set the color of the column's border.
Border Style - Allows you to set the style of the column's border. Choose between Solid, Dashed, or Dotted.
Border Position - Allows you to set the position of the column's border. Choose between All, Top, Right, Bottom, or Left.
Border Radius - Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 10px. IMPORTANT: In order to make border radius work in browsers, the overflow CSS rule of the column needs to be set to hidden. Thus, depending on the setup, some contents might get clipped.
Box Shadow - Set to "Yes" to enable box shadows.
Box Shadow Position - Set the vertical and horizontal position of the box shadow. Positive values put the shadow below and right of the box, negative values put it above and left of the box. In pixels.
Box Shadow Blur Radius - Set the blur radius of the box shadow. In pixels. From 0 - 100.
Box Shadow Spread Radius - Set the spread radius of the box shadow. A positive value increases the size of the shadow, a negative value decreases the size of the shadow. In pixels, from 0- 100.
Box Shadow Color - Controls the color of the box shadow.
Box Shadow Style - Set the style of the box shadow to either be an Outer or Inner shadow.
Padding - Accepts a pixel value that sets the column's top, right, bottom, and left padding. For example, 25px.
Margin - Accepts a pixel value that sets the column's top and bottom margin. For example, 25px.
Column Margins - Specify the default top/bottom margins for all column sizes. Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 0px, 20px.
type - Choose from 1_6, 1_5, 1_4, 1_3, 2_5, 1_2, 3_5, 2_3, 3_4, 4_5, 5_6, or 4_4. Sets the size of the column.
spacing - Accepts a percentage or numerical value. For example, 20 or 14%. Sets the margin added to the column.
center_content - Choose from yes, or no. This will enable or disable center alignment for column content. The container the column is in must have equal heights enabled.
link - The URL path you want the column to direct to when clicked. For example, http://www.example.com/.
target - Choose from _self or _blank. _self = open in same browser tab, _blank = open in new browser. Tab. Sets how you want the link to open.
min_height - Choose from yes, or no. Disable or enable equal heights on the column if it's inside a container that has equal heights enabled.
background_color - Accepts a hexcode ( #000000 ). Sets the background color of the column.
background_image - The URL path of your background image. For example, http://www.sample.com/image.jpg.
background_image_id - The id of your background image.
background_position - Choose from left top, left center, left bottom, right top, right center, right bottom, center top, center center, or center bottom.
hover_type - Choose from none, zoomin, zoomout, or liftup. Sets the hover type.
border_color - Accepts a hexcode ( #000000 ). Sets the column border's color.
border_style - Choose from solid, dashed, or dotted. Sets the border style.
border_position - Choose from all, top, right, bottom or left. Sets which side of the column will have a border.
box_shadow - Enables a box shadow. Values are yes, or no.
box_shadow_blur_radius - Set the blur radius of the box shadow. In pixels.
box_shadow_spread_radius - Set the spread radius of the box shadow. A positive value increases the size of the shadow, a negative value decreases the size of the shadow. In pixels.
box_shadow_color - Controls the color of the box shadow.
box_shadow_style - Set the style of the box shadow. Values are outer or inner.
padding_top - Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 4%.
padding_right - Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 4%.
padding_bottom - Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 4%.
padding_left - Enter values including any valid CSS unit, ex: 4%.
margin_top - Accepts a pixel value. For example, 5px. Sets the bottom margin.


The Anthropology Cultural Studies curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree concentrating in one of the four sub fields: socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology and biological-physical anthropology.
The General Studies curriculum is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution. It is a flexible curriculum that the student can design for themselves.
The History curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree in history choosing to specialize in a specific field of study. Some options for fields of study can include European, American, state/local and ancient history.
The Liberal Studies curriculum is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution. A student can earn an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science. A student pursuing an Associate of Arts degree has more emphasis in humanities, fine/performing arts and the social sciences. A student pursuing an Associate of Science degree has more emphasis in mathematics, natural/life sciences and physical sciences.
The Philosophy/Religion curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields which can include law, business management, public health and pastoral care.
The Political Science curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields which can include law, government service, leadership and education.
The Psychology curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a variety of fields which can include counseling, organizational psychology, testing and education.
The Sociology curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields which can include law, social work, education and management.


text:
Q: Convert a nested json (mixpanel api raw data export) into CSV? (Ideally in Python) I have received raw data from the Mixpanel API.  I am hoping to convert it to a CSV file so I can manipulate the data in Excel. I have tried this online tool (http://jsfiddle.net/sturtevant/vUnF9/), but it does not appear to deal with the nested json results.  What is the best way to do this?
Here is example output:
{"event":"Event.Name","properties":{"time":1376784014,"distinct_id":"distinctID","$app_version":"1.XX","$city":"cityName","$ios_ifa":"iosIfa","$lib_version":"X.Y.Z","$manufacturer":"Apple","$model":"model","$os":"iPhone OS","$os_version":"X.Y.Z","$region":"Region","$screen_height":999,"$screen_width":999,"$wifi":true,"App Version":"1.XX","BattleDuration":"99","BattleNum":"2","Episode Num":"2","PlayerVictory":"1","mp_country_code":"CODE","mp_device_model":"Model","mp_lib":"iphone"}}

A: I am guessing this is just one of many records you might be dealing with. Basically, you need to convert your JSON object to a flatter object without nesting while not losing the keys and their relationships.
This...
{
    "event":"Event.Name",
    "properties":{
        "time":1376784014,
        "distinct_id":"distinctID",
    ....
    ....
}

could be converted to... (You can replace _ with any other separator)
{
    "mixpanel_event":"Event.Name",
    "mixpanel_properties_time":"1376784014",
    "mixpanel_properties_distinct_id":"distinctID",
    ....
    ....
}

Then, you could use the csv.DictWriter to write this structure to a csv file.
You can use a recursive function like this...
def reduce_item(key, value):
    global reduced_item

    #Reduction Condition 1
    if type(value) is list:
        i=0
        for sub_item in value:
            reduce_item(key+'_'+str(i), sub_item)
            i=i+1

    #Reduction Condition 2
    elif type(value) is dict:
        sub_keys = value.keys()
        for sub_key in sub_keys:
            reduce_item(key+'_'+str(sub_key), value[sub_key])

    #Base Condition
    else:
        reduced_item[str(key)] = str(value)

Then you could call this function like...
raw_data = json.loads("your_json_string")
reduced_item = {}
reduce_item("mixpanel", raw_data)

I've written a script to do this. You can look at the complete code on Github. A detailed explanation can be found here.

A: You can try something like the sample code give below. You can use recursive functions to get keys and values (you have to somehow ensure that the order is maintained)
import sys
import json

def getKeys(newDict):
    retv = []
    for key in newDict.keys():
        try:
            keyForEmbeddedDict = newDict[key].keys()
            retv.extend(getKeys(newDict[key]))
        except AttributeError:
            retv.append(key)
    return retv

def getValues(newDict):
    retv = []
    for key in newDict.keys():
        try:
            keyForEmbeddedDict = newDict[key].keys()
            retv.extend(getValues(newDict[key]))
        except AttributeError:
            retv.append(newDict[key])
    return retv

def main():
    t = {}
    filename = '' # Add your filename
    with open(filename) as f:
        t = json.load(f)
    keys = getKeys(t)
    result = getValues(t)

    print keys
    print result
    return

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()
    sys.exit(0)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Lootera movie review – it's a classic piece of art – must watch!
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@criminal Shoutbox is a place where one can write anything! So go ahead and share anything - for eg : share any news related to bollywood, this wll help creating a discussion! And it will help know other users well!
I am already very excited..Ranveer is one of my favrte actor...he decepoint me in his last film (Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl),bt i m sure Lootera will be a gr8 film...chemistry of Ranveer-Sona looking awesome..i'm going for 1st day 1st show!!
Kabir Khan & Mini Mathur get the best gift ever. A piece of Salman's passionate art that immortalises their journey together!
Just finished watching TZP, what are your views about this stellar piece of art from Aamir?


The essence of learning Buddhism lies with carrying out what we learn in our cultivation. We use good and bad causes and conditions as objects of cognition. Therefore, we must first understand what cultivation is. Cultivation is cultivating the increase of good karma and cultivating the avoidance of bad karma. It is increasing good karmic conditions, planting good causes, and reaping good effects. It is avoiding the increase of bad karmic conditions, not planting bad causes, and avoiding the reaping of bad effects. But the term cultivation has a rather broad meaning. We must first understand what cultivation is.
There must be that upon which the cultivator can rely. Without that which can be relied upon, your cultivation can easily become erroneous, non-Buddhist cultivation. For example, the cultivation of demonism entails cultivating the behavior of demons. The cultivation of Buddhism entails cultivating the behavior of Buddhas. Therefore, there must be that upon which the cultivator can rely. There must be models that the cultivator can reflect and rely upon.
All other religions espouse eliminating evil, promoting good, restraining selfishness, and benefiting others. The cultivator cannot rely upon this alone, for this is cultivation without understanding the purpose of Buddhism. This alone is not the practice of true Buddhism. Thus, in our cultivation, that which we rely upon is the Buddha. The perfect enlightenment of the Buddha is the model for our cultivation. We use our three karmas of bodily actions, speech, and thoughts to emulate everything about the Buddha. We thereby keep ourselves far away from all impure karma based on delusion and all evil conduct. We thereby constantly stay far away from that which is evil or bad. By not being involved with that which is evil or bad, our three karmas do not increase bad causes. Rather, we must carry out all good karma. Even one kind thought is something we should increase and never decrease. We should increase our good karmic affinity, good causes, and good karma every day. Simply put, we must always avoid that which is evil or bad and accumulate that which is good.
Why can it be said that we must stay far away from evil or bad karma but it cannot be said that we must eliminate evil or bad karma? Within the truth of Buddhism, there is the doctrine that the law of cause and effect can never be denied. Cause and effect cannot be eliminated. To say that it can is to take a nihilistic point of view. Hence, we can only build a wall of good karma, which is like building a retaining wall. This wall of good karma has the effect of blocking us from our evil karma.
Thus, only through learning from the Buddha, cultivating the conduct of the Buddha, and ultimately becoming a Buddha can we thoroughly liberate ourselves from the karma (cause and effect) that binds us to the cycle of reincarnation. Cause and effect still exists when one becomes a Buddha. However, cause and effect can not affect a Buddha. For example, the Buddha saw mountains of swords and seas of fire in the hell realm. The mountains of swords and seas of fire continued to exist as extremely painful means by which living beings undergo karmic retribution. When the Buddha suddenly jumped into the mountains of swords and seas of fire in order to undergo suffering on behalf of other living beings, the mountains and seas immediately transformed into a lotus pond of nectar. They transformed into a wonderful state. With respect to a Buddha, all bad or evil karmic conditions turn into the manifestation of good karma. Not only is there no suffering, there is instead a manifestation of great happiness.
Cultivation is to leave the cycle of reincarnation, liberate yourself from all suffering, become a holy being, and persevere until you become a Buddha. To leave the cycle of reincarnation, we must establish a mind of renunciation (a mind determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation), a mind of firm belief, a mind with immovable vows, a mind of diligence, and mahayana bodhicitta. All real states emanating from these minds rely upon and are based upon right view. Without right view, all states of mind will be inverted and confused. In other words, you will not experience any beneficial effects from cultivation that lacks right view.
For example, if you want to practice bodhicitta first, you will not be successful. It will result in an empty and illusory bodhicitta, a deluded and false state of mind. That is because bodhicitta must be based upon a mind of renunciation. That is, you must have a mind that is truly determined to attain liberation, to attain accomplishment in the dharma, and leave all of the sufferings of reincarnation. You must deeply understand that the cycle of reincarnation is indescribably painful. Not only are you yourself suffering, but all living beings in the six realms of reincarnation, each of whom we regard as our father or mother, are likewise suffering in the painful state of impermanence. Only if you want to extricate yourself from suffering do you truly cultivate yourself. Only then do you engage in Bodhisattva conduct that benefits yourself and others. Only then can bodhicitta arise.
However, it would be a mistake if you begin by cultivating a mind of renunciation. That would not accord with the proper order of cultivation. That would result in a non-substantive, theoretical type of desire to leave reincarnation and a self-deluded and self-confused state of mind. In such case, you would not be able to establish the true state of mind that is determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation.
Thus, if you want to have this true state of mind that is determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation, you must first understand impermanence. The second step is to have a mind of firm belief. You must firmly believe in the sufferings of reincarnation, which has as its source impermanence. Only with such a mind of firm belief will you fear the sufferings caused by impermanence and successfully attain a state of mind that truly fears impermanence. Having attained a state of mind that truly fears impermanence, your state of mind that is determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation will grow stronger day by day. Naturally, your state of mind that is determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation will enter a real state that truly fears impermanence. If living beings do not understand that all conditional dharmas in the universe are impermanent, if they do not understand the sufferings connected with reincarnation and impermanence, then they cannot establish a firm mind that gives rise to thoughts of leaving the cycle of reincarnation. If you have never thought about leaving the cycle of reincarnation, you will not cultivate at all, and you will not want to learn Buddhism. Those who do not learn Buddhism have no desire to leave the cycle of reincarnation. How could one who does not learn Buddhism have a mind determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation? Thus, you cannot first cultivate a mind determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation. As for the first step, you will not enter Buddhism without having a mind of impermanence. (Truly giving rise to feelings of fear of impermanence and truly giving rise to a state that fears impermanence.) Even if you become Buddhist, you will not be able to attain a deep level of correct cultivation.
To understand what cultivation is, you must understand the eight fundamental right views relating to learning Buddhism and cultivation.
The first one is a mind of impermanence. The second is a mind with firm belief. The third is a mind of renunciation (a mind determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation). The fourth is a mind with true vows. The fifth is a mind of diligence. The sixth is the precepts. The seventh is dhyana and samadhi. The eighth is bodhicitta. Recognizing these eight dharmas and carrying them out with right views is correct practice of Buddha-dharma. These eight fundamental right views, which are indispensable for cultivators, must not be taken out of order. All the fruits resulting from a mind of impermanence are causes of cultivation. All of the fruits resulting from a mind with firm belief are causes of steadfastness that does not change. All of the fruits resulting from a mind of renunciation are causes of liberation. All of the fruits resulting from a mind with true vows are causes of action. All of the fruits resulting from a mind of diligence are causes of persistent advancement. All of the fruits resulting from the precepts are causes of correct direction of cultivation. All of the fruits resulting from dhyana and samadhi are causes of wisdom. All of the fruits resulting from bodhicitta are causes leading to becoming a Bodhisattva.
These eight fundamental right views are the foundation of cultivation, liberation, and accomplishment in the dharma. If the root is not right, cultivation will not be established. Therefore, cultivation cannot be disorderly. Thus, practicing the eight fundamentals of cultivation must be guided by right views. That is, guided by right understanding and right view, you correctly develop your cultivation by going through these eight fundamentals in their proper order. That is cultivation. In your cultivation, you must constantly put into practice bodhicitta. That is because bodhicitta is the foundation for becoming a Bodhisattva.
According to the Buddha's exposition of the dharma, the true meaning of bodhicitta is that it is the cause that will inevitably lead to becoming a Bodhisattva. Whoever walks the path of bodhi will ultimately reap the fruit of bodhi. The broad meaning of bodhicitta includes all of the mahayana dharma having to do with saving living beings out of great compassion and the causes leading to attaining the stages of enlightenment of a Bodhisattva.
However, because of the insufficient good fortune of living beings, some of the originally complete meaning of the Buddha-dharma has been lost as it was handed down from generation to generation. Especially in this current Dharma-Ending Age in which the karma of living beings in the three spheres (worlds) of the universe is like a sea of surging waves, it is as difficult for living beings to encounter the true Buddha-dharma as it is for a blind turtle swimming in the ocean to stick its neck through a tiny knothole in a floating and bobbing board. Thus, it is now extremely difficult to obtain the perfect Buddha-dharma. As a result, the meaning of bodhi has shrunk. It has gradually shrunk from its broad meaning to the narrow meaning of bodhicitta dharma.
There are two types of bodhicitta. There is bodhicitta in the holy sense and bodhicitta in the worldly sense. Bodhicitta in the worldly sense can be roughly divided into "vow bodhicitta" and "action bodhicitta." The practice of vow and action bodhicitta includes a myriad of dharma methods, such as those relating to sentient beings, non-sentient things, the four great elements, one's own six elements, as well as breathing, the ear base, the eye base and other bases, inner and outer mandalas, and ritualistic chanting. Whether it is bodhicitta in the worldly sense or the holy sense, if you are guided by the two sets of seven branches of bodhicitta, that is the highest, most excellent, and most complete form of bodhicitta.
Each living being in the six realms of reincarnation within the three spheres of existence has the right to cultivate bodhicitta. However, most living beings do not have the karmic affinity. Thus, they practice a fragmented and shrunken version of bodhicitta dharma. As a result, they frequently harbor the misconceptions that only those with an enlightened mind can practice bodhicitta or bodhicitta is the dharmakaya state of enlightenment. Of course, we do not deny these are existing parts of bodhicitta. However, these conceptions omit the practice of bodhicitta dharma by those living beings who do not have an enlightened mind. More importantly, bodhicitta is not dependant upon an enlightened mind or an unenlightened mind. Bodhicitta is the power of vows made out of great compassion by those living beings who learn Buddhism in any of the six realms of reincarnation within the three spheres of the universe as well as the power of vows made out of great compassion by all holy beings in the dharma realm. Bodhicitta is actual conduct based upon great compassion that aids living beings in becoming Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. It is the mind of love in the holy sense that the enlightened and the unenlightened or the holy and the ordinary both have.
With respect to bodhicitta, those who are enlightened use their enlightened state of virtue and realization, correct practices, and propagation of the true dharma to teach and enlighten living beings so that those living beings will become Buddhas. With respect to bodhicitta, those who are not yet enlightened vow out of great compassion that living beings and themselves shall together attain accomplishment in the dharma and liberation. They help other people enter the path of the true dharma of the Buddha, vowing that they will become Bodhisattvas and Buddhas. To such persons, bodhicitta dharma is the virtue of aiding others to become accomplished in the dharma. Because they benefit others, they receive merit. They thereby increase the causes leading to their becoming Bodhisattvas.
The manifestation of bodhicitta is expressed through actual practice involving the three karmas, which practice reflects great compassion. Any true cultivator, no matter whether he or she is ordinary or holy, has the right to arouse bodhicitta and should arouse bodhicitta. That is because bodhicitta is not an enlightened mind possessed only by holy people. Rather, it is conduct based upon great compassion. It is the planting of causes based upon a vow that oneself and others become enlightened. Bodhicitta does not only include the ten good characteristics, the four limitless states of mind (the four immeasurables), the six paramitas (perfections), and the four all-embracing Bodhisattva virtues (four methods that Bodhisattvas employ to approach and save living beings). Rather, it includes the entireTripitaka, the esoteric scriptures, and all dharma transmitted orally, through the ears, or telepathically that engenders conduct that is greatly compassionate, is in accord with the dharma, and benefits and saves living beings.
Thus, the bodhicitta is ultimate truth in a broad sense. With respect to the Buddha, bodhicitta is the three bodies, the perfect wisdom of Buddha that is summarized in four truths, and the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. With respect to a Bodhisattva, bodhicitta is propagating the dharma and benefiting and saving living beings out of great compassion. With respect to an enlightened being, bodhicitta is not being attached to the characteristics or distinctive features of things and not engaging in intellectual frivolity or conceptual elaborations. This is his or her original nature. The true emptiness of original nature is wonderful existence. It is the ultimate truth of all conditional dharmas. This truth neither arises nor ceases. With respect to an ordinary person, bodhicitta is compassionately helping other people and vowing that they learn Buddhism and attain liberation.
You must first have the perspective of impermanence before you can arouse bodhicitta. You must understand the impermanence and suffering relating to yourself and other living beings revolving in the cycle of reincarnation and thereby generate a perspective of awareness, a mind of impermanence. You will then vow to leave the cycle of reincarnation. As a result, you will then establish a mind that is determined to leave the cycle of reincarnation. You will say, "I resolve to leave." You also want all living beings in the six realms, who are like your father or mother, to leave. You understand that the cycle of reincarnation is like a bitter sea, is difficult to endure, and is extremely painful. Because of this resolute perspective, you will generate a strong and pressing fear. You will constantly seek to be liberated at this very moment. But you understand that only by having the conduct of a Bodhisattva can you quickly attain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. You thus vow to become a Bodhisattva. You seek to quickly enlighten yourself and others. Naturally, you then generate a mind of great compassion. As a result, the seeds of enlightenment are disseminated. The arousal of bodhicitta is based upon a mind of great compassion. Thus the Buddha said, "The water of great compassion irrigates the seeds of bodhi. As a result, the bodhi trees will have lush foliage and the fruits will be plentiful." Hence, bodhicitta will naturally be established. Bodhicitta is the cause leading to becoming a mahayana Bodhisattva. You will attain pure and correct views and understanding of cultivation. Based upon these right views, you should deeply enter the emptiness bhuta-tathata (true suchness) and the practice of the state of emptiness. At this time, you transform worldy bodhicitta into a state in which you realize that "the three entities are inherently empty." That is you transform everything in existence into bodhicitta in a holy sense. With bodhicitta, you cultivate the conduct of bodhi and enter the stage of a Bodhisattva.
Understanding who my mother is: I deeply understand that all living beings in the six realms of reincarnation within the three spheres of the universe have been since beginning-less time my fathers and mothers in the revolving cycle of reincarnation.
Bearing in mind kindness: I should deeply bear in mind that all of my parents (i.e. all living beings) that now exist in the cycle of reincarnation have since beginning-less time given birth to me, reared me, loved me, and became tired and ill for me. Their kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. I should bear in mind their kindness. I will then regard the sufferings of my parents (i.e. all living beings) as my own suffering.
Repaying kindness: I understand that my parents (i.e. all living beings) have offered me everything. They are now revolving and wandering in the six realms of reincarnation experiencing endless suffering. I resolve to take action to enlighten myself and others, to save and liberate my parents (i.e. all living beings) in order to repay their kindness to me.
Loving-kindness: At all times, through the actions of my three karmas, I am loving and kind toward all living beings, who have been my parents. I wish them a long life without illness, good fortune, good luck, and a happy life.
Compassion: Day and night, I constantly beseech all of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to empower all of my parents (i.e. all living beings) so that they may extricate themselves from all forms of suffering, encounter and practice the Buddha-dharma, and liberate themselves from the sufferings of cyclic existence.
Renouncing greed: I hold no attachment in my mind to anything that I do to benefit any living beings, who have been my parents. I cultivate non-attachment to all of my good actions of body, speech, and mind. Thus, my good actions become natural and spontaneous, as my original nature is good. I do not do good purposefully. I do good and then forget about it.
Eliminating attachment: In my practice, as I cultivate all forms of goodness and benefit my parents (i.e. all living beings), I should not become attached to any dharma. I should eliminate all attachment to self. Realizing a state of emptiness, I am aware and I experience wonderful happiness that comes from samadhi. While practicing the dharma, I am not attached to the dharma. I do not intentionally get rid of deluded thoughts. I do not intentionally seek the truth. Not coming and not going, blissful, clear, and without thought, I am as calm as tranquil water. Everything, including myself, is inherently empty.
Self and others are equal bodhicitta: When there is a conflict of interest between myself and others, I will rid myself of hatred, antipathy, greed, and arrogant, disparaging mentality. I must not emphasize benefiting myself. I should treat myself and others equally.
Exchange between self and others bodhicitta: I want to bear the sufferings of all living beings. I give to others all of my happiness and good luck so that they may leave suffering and obtain happiness.
Benefit others before self bodhicitta: When other living beings and I are suffering, I want others to extricate themselves from suffering before I do. When other living beings and I are happy, I want others to be happier than I am.
Dedicating merit bodhicitta: I dedicate to all living beings all of the merit and accomplishments from my cultivation in the hope that they will leave suffering and attain liberation.
Fearlessly protect the dharma bodhicitta: When any evil spirits or demons harm the Buddha-dharma, lead living beings to break the precepts, and harm living beings resulting in the suffering of living beings, I will maintain right view, will not fear the evil powers of those demons, and will step forward to protect the Buddha-dharma and the wisdom whereby living beings will become liberated.
Effectively lead others to correct practice bodhicitta: Because living beings are burdened with the power of karma that has accumulated since beginning-less time, because they are ignorant and have created all kinds of negative karma, there will be times when they will not repent or change their ways despite my constructive exhortations. In such case, I will use powerful rectifying dharma methods to lead such people onto the path of true dharma and beneficial and good conduct.
Renouncing myself to help others build good karma bodhicitta: When the realization of other people is higher than mine or their ability to save living beings is better than mine, I will yield to other people so that living beings will be benefited more. At such time, without any hesitation, I yield to them. This furthers the great undertaking of goodness.
Bodhicitta, as part of cultivation, is the source of accomplishment in the dharma and is very important. I will now give an example involving a rinpoche and a dharma master. This rinpoche cultivated himself for more than thirty years. He received more than one thousand esoteric dharma initiations. He mainly practiced the Great Perfection Dharma (Dzogchen) of the Nyingma sect. He was able to expound the Buddha-dharma of the Tripitaka very well. However, he did not have any real dharma powers. The other person, a dharma master, had been a monk for more than twenty years. He strictly abided by the precepts and rules of discipline. He was well versed in the sutras, the vinaya (precepts and rules of discipline), and the commentaries. He practiced important and great dharmas of the Tibetan esoteric school of Buddhism and was the abbot of a famous temple. Like the rinpoche, he was famous in expounding the dharma. However, he also was unable to manifest any actual realization.
I told them that no matter what great dharma of the esoteric school they may practice, it is all like building a tower on quicksand. Such a tower could not be built. I told them that even if they temporarily had some success in their practice, it would quickly vanish. I had them practice letting go of their own knowledge or habituated way of knowing because these are hindrances. I had them practice "What Is Cultivation?" After they practiced such dharma for about eight months, I had them add to their practice the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) and other dharmas. A miracle then happened. During a test of his progress, the rinpoche applied the Vajra Fist Powerful Thunder True Dharma Palm and manifested great powers. Actual realization was shown. However, the dharma master did not manifest any powers. He continued to practice this cultivation dharma. Under my careful pointing out of his shortcomings, he finally understood the importance of true cultivation and how true cultivation requires devoting time and energy on the actual carrying out of the three karmas. He finally understood that there is no room whatsoever for any slippage or compromise in this regard. He continued his practice for three months. In a test to measure his ability to manifest realization, his powers were thoroughly exhibited.
Thus, whoever can cultivate in such manner and carry out his practice according to the dharma will be able to obtain the true Buddha-dharma. Naturally, he will develop wisdom. He will not become involved with empty theories regarding the Five Vidyas. Rather, he will manifest actual states of accomplishment in the true Five Vidyas. Such a person will realize "manifestation of wonderful existence (supernatural power)," attain the fruit of bodhi, and enter the stage of a Bodhisattva.
The practitioners of all Buddhist sects should comply with these rules of cultivation and should practice bodhicitta. If you do not follow such dharma of cultivation in its proper order, then you will easily become confused and lose your way. Such dharma is the key to the methods of practicing cultivation.
Learning the methods of practicing dharma is another matter. All beneficial effects derived from learning the dharma are based upon cultivation. When your practice is in strict conformity with the dharma, you will naturally realize virtue and will successfully reach the true state. If you do not have the correct rules concerning cultivation, the dharma that you learn will become dharma based on erroneous view or even the evil dharma of demons. If you are complying with the dharma of cultivation as stated in this discourse, the dharma that you have learned is good dharma, and you are engaged in practicing Buddha-dharma. Cultivation also involves the ten good characteristics, the four limitless states of mind (the four immeasurables), the six paramitas (perfections), the four all-embracing Bodhisattva virtues (the four methods that Bodhisattvas employ to approach and save living beings), etc.
Some disciples will think that they know all of the important dharma I expounded today on cultivation. They will therefore not carefully ponder and fully incorporate into their thinking the cultivation of which I spoke. Rather, the wish they harbor in their hearts is to learn a great dharma whereby they will become a Buddha in this very lifetime.
Anyone with such a mentality has only superficial knowledge, has fallen into confusion, and has lost his way. Such a person will not learn the true Buddha-dharma. Even if he is practicing great dharma, such as the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) of the Nyingma sect, the Mind Within Mind of the Kagyu sect, the Great Perfection of Wonderful Wisdom of the Sakya sect, the Kalachakra Vajra of the Geluk sect, Zen meditation of the Zen sect of exoteric Buddhism, reciting a Buddha's name of the Pure Land sect, the dharma of the Consciousness-Only sect, or samatha and vipasyana of the hinayana school, he will not obtain any fruits from his practice and will not be able to transform his consciousness into wisdom. Thus, he will continue to go round and round in the state of an ordinary person. He will not be able to manifest any realization, the source of which is the wisdom of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism. He will not be able to exhibit any actual accomplishments in the Five Vidyas. He will only be able to manifest that which an ordinary person manifests. He may even be quite stupid such that he is only able to memorize theories in books and speak of empty theories, totally incapable of putting those theories into actual practice. Such a person cannot actually do anything. Even if he can do a few things, he cannot exceed those people in the world who are experts in those few things.
Think about it. Does such a person embody the Buddha-dharma? Is the wisdom derived from the Buddha-dharma so inferior? How can one who has not yet developed holy wisdom and still has the consciousness of an ordinary person possess the true dharma to enlighten himself and others? However, if you enter the practice of the dharma according to these rules of cultivation, then you can receive the true Buddha-dharma, can become truly proficient in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, and can manifest accomplishments in the Five Vidyas. We should therefore understand that cultivation is the foundation for learning dharma, the cause of liberation, and the source of realizing the state of holiness.
Today I spoke briefly on the subject of what cultivation is. I expounded the subject of the correct practice of bodhicitta, which is part of cultivation. I did not speak of other dharma. There is so much more to teach. However, if I casually discussed those other teachings in this book, it would not be in accord with the rules of discipline and could easily create the negative karma of disrespect. Thus, I hope that all of you who learn Buddhism will deeply immerse yourselves in the Tripitaka and esoteric scriptures or will listen to my recorded discourses on the dharma. If you attentively listen to those discourses on the dharma with all your heart, within ten days you can attain a certain degree of joy or the wonderful joy of great enlightenment. If the causes and conditions mature, you will experience beneficial effects for your entire life or even attain great accomplishment, liberation, and Buddhahood.
Thoroughly understanding the rules of cultivation, not forcefully implementing them, and naturally carrying out the eight fundamentals of cultivation and two sets of seven branches according to the dharma is true cultivation that is without attachment to self and that has overcome the hindrances. This is the path of bodhi. Thus, every day practitioners should introspect upon Great Compassion for All Living Beings as My Mother Bodhicitta and Bodhisattva Correspondence Bodhicitta. They should reflect upon those two sets of seven branches, asking themselves whether they have practiced them according to the dharma. If you were unable to practice these rules according to the dharma contained in this discourse, it shows that you have entered the state of "coarse cultivation." If you did not fully implement these rules, then your cultivation is incomplete cultivation. You will not become accomplished in the dharma and liberated from the cycle of reincarnation through such incomplete cultivation. Even if you have some minor accomplishments, it will be impossible for you to attain great fortune and wisdom, supernatural powers, and realization in the Five Vidyas.
If you introspect every day upon these two sets of seven branches, are not forceful in implementing them, are greatly compassionate, follow goodness in a natural way, and carry out the two sets of seven branches naturally and according to the dharma, that would be true cultivation and complete practice. You will thereby easily be able to attain liberation, become a holy being, and obtain good fortune and wisdom. You will accordingly have realization in the Five Vidyas. You will certainly reach the stage of a Bodhisattva. Thus, you should understand that "reading words relating to practice," "understanding the theories of practice," "entering the process of cultivation," and "incomplete cultivation" is easy. To practice the two sets of seven branches perfectly and without attachment is difficult. Actually, when you let go of attachment to self, you immediately enter correct and true cultivation. How could this be difficult? Everyone can do that!
When you do your daily introspection, besides using thoughts to contemplate and visualize, it is more important that you must use as objects of introspection fellow disciples with whom you are familiar, people with whom you get along, people who are not good to you, negative karmic conditions, any conditions or people that make you unhappy, or people you find hard to get along with, to whom who do not speak, or who do not speak to you. You must use them as objects of your practice, asking yourself, "Today did I act in accordance with the two sets of seven branches and on my own initiative show goodwill to these people? When I approached that person on my own initiative and he attacked me with abusive words, did I forbear those insults with patience and continue to approach him in order to show goodwill?" You must not bear any grudge due to abusive words, abusive conduct, and insults. If, every day, you practice your bodhicitta without relenting, carry out the two sets of seven branches through your three karmas of physical action, speech, and thoughts, actually cultivate yourself according to the dharma in a real and concrete way, and realize "the thing itself is empty," then it will be very easy for you to learn the supreme Buddha-dharma. In such case, bodhicitta and the stage of a Bodhisattva will naturally be yours. That is cultivation.
I have finished expounding the dharma of cultivation that benefits living beings. However, there is a certain type of matter harmful to living beings that occurs all the time. I am referring to the matter of using my name to harm the interests of living beings. I would now like to call attention again to a problem that is especially important and that everyone should take seriously.
In this world, there currently are some dharma kings, venerable ones, rinpoches, dharma teachers, and even laypersons who claim that they are my trusted followers. They may claim to represent me in handling a certain matter. They may claim to convey a certain message from me. Or, they may claim that what they say are my own words. Actually, I have disciples in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and in each of the main sects. No matter what the status of any greatly virtuous person making such a claim may be, nobody can represent me. This applies to even very small matters!
Only when a person has a special-purpose document that I gave him or her clearly indicating he or she represents me in handling a certain matter, that document contains my signature and fingerprint, and that document is accompanied by a corresponding videotape can he or she represent me in handling the matter specified in that document. Otherwise, no matter how high the status of a dharma king, venerable one, rinpoche, or dharma teacher may be, his or her views, discourses, and explanations of dharma do not represent my views and do not serve as the standard of correct understanding and correct views. I know that my own oral discourses and writings are the true dharma without any bias. That is because my oral discourses and writings truly benefit and liberate living beings. Furthermore, nobody may use any method to make additions, deletions, or revisions to my writings or discourses on the dharma given orally. Anyone who violates what is stated above is certainly one with wrong views or one who has fallen into demonic ways, no matter how high the status of that person is.
Thus, the only time someone can represent me is when everyone personally sees a document containing my fingerprint and there is accompanying proof in the form of an integral sound recording or videotape that corresponds to the document and in which I personally speak. Otherwise, no matter who the Buddhist disciple may be, including those disciples of holy virtue who have been at my side for a long period of time, everything that they think, do, say, or write is their own conduct and absolutely does not represent me!


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TD Bank's Annual Consumer Spending Index Reveals Missed Opportunities to Claim Credit Card
The average survey respondent earned a household income of approximately $62,000 a year while spending more than $25,000 annually on bills and purchases, including more than $2,000 on travel and $1,700 on dining.
TD Bank's newly-enhanced TD Cash credit card was redesigned with the spending…
TD Bank's newly-enhanced TD Cash credit card was redesigned with the spending patterns of today's customers in mind. After incorporating customer feedback in the design of the card, TD increased the rewards program from 2% to 3% cash back for every dollar spent on dining, and added a new accelerated category with 2% cash back at grocery stores. The card also offers 1% cash back for all other purchases. With valuable cash back options available from credit cards today, Americans shouldn't be afraid to swipe, yet some are still relying on cash.
Forty-six percent use debit or check card as their primary method for making purchases and 21 percent use cash, leaving unearned rewards on the table
Millennials spent nearly $300 more than the average respondent on dining, a total of approximately $2,000 annually
Men picked up the restaurant tab more often than women ($2,000 annually versus $1,400), so perhaps chivalry isn't dead after all
By mapping their spending across categories, consumers can determine the credit card that best fits their spending habits and maximizes their rewards earning potential.
"If I could offer advice to consumers who use a credit card, it's to be sensible in spending and mindful about cashing in rewards," says Julie Pukas, Head of US Bankcard and Merchant Solutions at TD Bank. "It takes smart spending to use your credit card for daily purchases – like groceries and dining – and discipline to ensure you pay off that balance at the end of each month, but for those who can make it work, it's a very savvy credit strategy that makes your credit card work for you."
Cardholders are Reaping Rewards with Purpose
Despite reliance on spending with cash and debit, consumers understand the value of being rewarded for the purchases they're making the most often.
More than half of consumers polled (53 percent) would alter purchasing decisions based on rewards offers
Most (84 percent) have access to credit card rewards, primarily using them for cash back (47 percent), paying their monthly balance (11 percent) and on merchandise or travel (26 percent)
However, those who earn rewards don't always handle them with care. In fact, one-in-five consumers (18 percent) have let credit card rewards expire.
More Millennials have a rewards credit card (87 percent) than other generations, yet they're the most likely to let rewards go to waste
Almost one-third (30 percent) of Millennials have let rewards expire, more than Gen-X (19 percent) and Baby Boomers (8 percent)
With simple reward applications that take only a few clicks, like putting cash back rewards towards your monthly bill or depositing it into your savings, consumers can stop leaving cash on the table.
The study was conducted among a nationally representative group of consumers from March 22 – March 28, 2017. The sample size of 1,002 has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent. Data has been weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the populations. The survey was hosted by global research company MARU / Matchbox.
About MARU / Matchbox
MARU/Matchbox is a professional services firm dedicated to improving its clients' business outcomes. It delivers its services through teams of sector-specific research consultants specializing in the use of Insight Community and Voice of Market technology.
Other Point of Sale News:
Verifone Collaborates with Third-Party App Developers to Help Merchants Grow
TableSafe Launches EMV on its Award-Winning RAIL Pay-at-the-Table Platform
First Data Unveils Series of New Initiatives with Apple Pay
Mastercard Eyes Future of Retail with AR Shopping Experience
Alipay Taps Marqeta to Expedite Payment Acceptance At Retail Locations Across the U.S.
Ingenico Group Expands mPOS Offer with new Tablet POS Solution for the US Market
LogiMAT Expands Sales Activities in Turkey
Mastercard Opens-Up Access to Blockchain API
Retail Community Joins Together to Launch U.S. Global Value Chain Coalition

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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SVU, Chicago P.D. Originals Won't Air Versus Tonight's World Series Game 7
By Matt Webb Mitovich / November 1 2017, 11:35 AM PDT
Courtesy of NBC
NBC has benched tonight's new episodes of Law & Order: SVU and Chicago P.D., lest they go up against Fox's sure to be well-watched coverage of the World Series Game 7.
The Blacklist however will air a fresh episode as planned.
The decision comes hours after CBS made a similar call, holding back new episodes of SEAL Team and Criminal Minds.
RELATED What to Watch Wednesday: World Series Game 7, Modern FamilyAnniversary and More
Both Games 5 and 6 of the Astros/Dodgers' Fall Classic flirted with 19 million total viewers. As such, Wednesday's final showdown is scientifically projected to deliver "a whole lotta viewers. Like, tons."
In place of brand-new SVU and Intelligence Unit adventures, which will now air next week, NBC tonight is running repeats of the two crime dramas ("Gone Fishin'" and "Reform").
Want scoop on any of the above shows? Email InsideLine@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matt's Inside Line.
GET MORE: Scheduling News


Canandaigua Carpets can re finish your hardwood flooring and make it new. We can also re coat your existing hardwood floor to put life back into the finish. Please call the store for an in house estimate.


text:
That burdensome two-word label
It was only by some careful legal maneuvering that Sargent, born and raised in Hancock County, ended up in Windham to serve a four-year sentence for aggravated assault. A misdemeanor charge of sexual abuse of a minor was what worried Sargent more than the threat of a lengthy jail sentence.
There is no murder registry. No arson registry. No drug dealer registry. No drunken driver registry, although Rep. Richard Cebra, R-Naples, has introduced a bill this legislative session to change that.
So, why are sex offenders subjected to such scrutiny? The real concern among most appears to be "How can we make sure our children are safe?" rather than "I need to know where these people are."
Maine's sex offender registry has been one of the most visited websites in the state for years.
Over the last three months, the number of offender records retrieved averaged about 14,600 per day, or 102,200 per week, according to Todd Tolhurst, director of development for Maine.gov.
"It's one conviction fits all," Toothaker said. "We really should be grading them and deciding who poses the biggest threat."
The hurdle is that the discussion about what to do with sex offenders and how to distribute information about them continues to be dominated by emotion rather than common sense or credible statistics. Raw emotion is a valid response to sex offenders, Diamond said, but it shouldn't skew public policy discussions.
Category: 1st US District | Tags: arson registry, Maine, ME, murder registry
director 12/26/2015 @ 00:07
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Anti-tank dogs were used by the Soviet Union during World War II to fight German tanks. Dogs with explosives harnessed to their backs were trained to seek food under tanks — when the dog was underneath the vehicle a detonator would go off, triggering an explosion. While some Soviet sources claim that about 300 German tanks were damaged by the dogs, many say this is simply propaganda trying to justify the program.
In fact, the Soviet anti-tank dog had several problems. Many dogs refused to dive under moving tanks during battle because they had been trained with stationary tanks, a fuel-saving measure. Gunfire also scared many of the dogs away, and they would run back to the soldiers' trenches, often detonating the charge upon jumping in. To prevent this, the returning dogs were shot — often by the people who had sent them — which made trainers unwilling to work with new dogs.


Each of the 20 or so in attendance had previously completed a survey that was asking, how could the AMA be of more value to the attendees, their departments and it's membership in general? There was compelling conversation, ranging from "How do we know our marketing is working?" (Data), to "How do we get an outside perspective on our strategies and tactics"? (Each other) When the question was asked, how does St. Louis re-establish its self-esteem and get this region moving forward again? There was enthusiastic conversation.
Local companies that are growing, are having trouble recruiting out of town talent. National news and social media skew the perception of St. Louis for those outside of our region. The fact that St. Louis is rich with culture, activities, food, sports and neighborhoods,where you can safely raise a family is lost.
There was a remarkably spirited conversation that oozed cooperation and camaraderie. I had walked in optimistic and hopeful, but I was pleasantly surprised (shocked really) how far beyond that this group traveled . . . and quickly. There was a universal spirit that we had hit on a common theme that could unite the group. There would be all sorts of learning opportunities for every level of marketer as an effort to improve the "St. Louis brand" moved forward across multiple channels. Similarly, it would benefit everyone, residents and our corporations.
I'm hoping that this meeting is actually the beginning of a diverse, yet inclusive movement, which will end up benefiting everyone in St. Louis. Wouldn't it be great to celebrate a unified St. Louis? The results of self-esteem, pride and an attractive employment environment would trigger exciting growth, benefiting all!
ready + willing Honored as Innovative and Valuable to Our Region!
Over ten years ago, in the aftermath of REBUS' freBUS (REBUS' pro-bono arm) efforts to provide marketing resources to St. Louis Non-Profits, Sarah Waters and Kendra Gilligan came to me with passion and an idea. They wanted to take what they learned co-Chairing freBUS and create an marketing organization that was sustainable and scalable. They wanted to build on the idea of experienced marketers (mentors) working with young professionals for the benefit of Charitable organizations in the St. Louis region. They wanted to give back to the St. Louis Community.
ready + willing, the name they came up with for the effort, would provide solutions to issues plaguing our region for years. There were Non-Profits who did not qualify for United Way or other funding mechanisms. ready + willing would provide marketing services for them. Those Non-Profits had been unable to share their story, their value or increase membership and "organic" financial development. They were stuck . . . few knew of their existence. At the same time, young marketers, copywriters, art directors, account service or production pros were unable to gain the experience necessary, to help them land that first job in the business. ready + willing could help that issue also.
I was pleased to be able to help Sarah and Kendra put together their first Board of Directors and to recruit some of the more experienced marketers as mentors. I would frequently have conversations with new college grads who wanted to get into advertising or marketing, so they were natural prospective participants. Sarah, Kendra and the Board were able to identify the first Non-Profits to meet their criteria and benefit from the program. It was exciting, time consuming and anxiety provoking, all at the same time . . . always worried we couldn't keep it going.
Sarah deserves the credit for getting ready + willing to where it is now. To this day, r+w provides a valuable service. It's an excellent place for experienced pros to meet younger professionals, who have different areas of expertise. It's an unusual and valuable learning experience for both parties. It's an excellent way for both older and younger marketers to learn from each other, while providing those otherwise unattainable marketing communications for Non-Profits.
FOCUS St. Louis® has announced the 2017 What's Right With the Region Honorees. ready + willing has been honored as having "demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit." FOCUS St. Louis is the region's premier leadership organization. So far, ready + willing has helped over 14 Non-Profits. You can see some of the work here.
I thought a good way to follow up my post about how to find a recruiter, would be what to do once you find one! As it happens, I ran across an article on a website called Blue Steps. Blue Steps is a "career service for executives" and has some very relevant content for executives (especially) seeking their next career opportunity. The article by Gulnar Mewawala. I thought I'd share it with my readers.
"Remember, you need to create reciprocal relationships with recruiters. Approach a search consultant with the same attitude of building a mutually beneficial connection as you would when introducing yourself to any other executive for the first time.
If you meet an executive search consultant face-to-face at a conference or networking event, inquire about his or her business. Ask if he or she has a specialized area of focus. Even if the search consultant is not currently working on any opportunities for which you might be qualified or interested in, make sure to indicate your willingness to be a source of potential candidates or industry knowledge.
The same advice applies if are sending an introductory email to an executive search consultant. After mentioning any common connections and demonstrating your value proposition via a brief list of key achievements, convey an attitude of cooperation and willingness to help put the consultant in touch with other executives when appropriate.
In person or via email, be able to succinctly describe your professional history, what you do now and what you are looking for in your next role. Speak (or write) clearly and to the point. Do not squander this chance to make a good first impression by asking for help in deciding your next career move, assistance with your resume or request general interviewing tips. Search consultants are not career coaches or executive resume writers. Keep this part of the conversation focused on your prior achievements and future goals. Say what you have to say, and then wait and allow the search consultant to let you know if he or she can help market your experience effectively.
I had several calls last week asking "what do you do"? I explained that I'm a consultant and retained recruiter with an expertise in marketing, advertising and communications. When the caller realized that my area of expertise did not match up with theirs, invariably the caller will ask if I know how to find other recruiters. Well, yes I do!
I thought I'd write a post compiling some of the regional and national websites that can help you find a recruiter by geography AND specialty. There are dozens of sites that can help do this, but I have the names of several, so I thought I'd share them with you.
Regionally, the Missouri Association of Personnel and Staffing Services (MAPSS) has a website at www.MKSSA.com. At the top of the landing page, you can search member specialties, or just click here.
The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), Premier National association of recruiters and staffing professionals. You can match specialty and geography here.
Nobody ever wants to receive it . . . for anything! I don't like writing them. I really dislike receiving them. I don't like calling candidates that I've established a relationship with and telling them that our client has decided to go with another candidate. It's one of the worst parts of my job.
Since having to say no to people is part of what I have to do, I try to do it with respect and understanding. I try to give reasons why our client has picked one candidate over another. While it's especially difficult in the later stages of a search, when my candidate knows that they're a finalist, it can be equally difficult in my response to a first inquiry. I feel like I have to be delicate enough to be sensitive, but thoughtful enough to let the candidate know that I've considered their candidacy. I always re-confirm in my own mind that there are good reasons why a particular candidate is not right for my client.
Because I've been in the St. Louis market for so long, I know a lot of people. When someone gets terminated, or "downsized" or laid off (call it what you will) I'm often one of the first people contacted, especially if I happen to be working on a St. Louis marketing or advertising position that the candidate feels like they're "the perfect fit" for. It's not easy telling a friend "no". Especially when they believe themselves to be qualified for the position.
Rejection is part of the business. It doesn't have to be fun.
I originally wrote that post on November 17, 2008! I think my attitude about telling someone "no" or "rejecting"them has changed a bit. I think it comes with more experience. To be sure, I still don't enjoy the activity, especially the phone call.
I'm excited to have been asked by Indeed.com to be one of the first presenters in a new series of webinars they're going to be producing. They identified me through my online presence and called. They've asked me to present the advantages of having a recruiting specialty to Employers.
As I start to jot down notes for an outline of what I would say, I've rather surprised myself how immediately clear it is that there are a myriad of benefits, mostly for my clients and candidates. The negative for me, is that obviously if I only recruit in a specialty marketing niche, there are scores of other employment categories/opportunities that I do not address or participate in.
It takes dedicated time to stay abreast of what's happening in any field, especially one radically changing as rapidly as marketing is today. The numbers of digital growth are astounding and will continue to surge for years to come. It's hard keeping up with it all, even if you're trying to do it full time . . . which I am! It would be simply impossible to maintain that depth of knowledge and understanding across multiple disciplines.
"Specialization leads to referrals". One of the biggest benefits of specializing is that candidates find me and introduce themselves. We have a strong online presence with testimonials and reputation, which results in being found in natural web searches. (BTW, please follow me @HeadhunterBob!). Here's perhaps an even bigger, similar benefit. We also get daily referrals of candidates from friends, colleagues and even clients. Some of these are absolutely A+ talent. We're proud to work with them.
REBUS held its inaugural Breakfast Club event last week at Rooster downtown. The attendees were treated to a free breakfast and the special treat that is Strange Donuts. Corey Smale brought the donuts and told us the story of how his passion project, Strange Donuts became the phenomenon it is, in less than a year.
The presentation was informal and felt intimate, in that Corey walked around the attendees and told his story in a casual yet passionate way. You could see and feel how and why Corey has built an almost cult following in a short period of time. The donuts were a sensational "dessert" to Rooster's superb breakfasts.
As I was talking with Sarah Waters sitting next to me, I realized that March is REBUS' birthday . . . it's seventh! I was stunned by that number and how fast time has flown. I like the evolution REBUS has experienced to become what it is now.
Sarah was one of the original Co-chairs of REBUS and very helpful in getting it growing. Sarah and Kendra Gilligan helped create fREBUS, the pro bono arm of REBUS. In the first year, fREBUS was responsible for over $80,000.00 in deliverables to St. Louis non-profits. As a result of issues identified with fREBUS, Sarah and Kendra went on to found ready+willing.
I'm proud of the fact that REBUS has succeeded in influencing hundreds of young advertising professionals (and many veterans as well) and resulted innumerable "first job" offers. REBUS has visited scores of agencies and photographers' studios and production companies, helping introduce the regions' most influential players to the new young professionals.
A REBUS (generally without all caps) is a puzzle combining words and pictures to create another word or phrase. The original concept for REBUS was to get newly graduated writers and art directors together so that they could collaborate, with the goal of helping each other build better portfolios. I'm sure you figured out that this rebus says "Free beer for a year". Perfect!
REBUS has provided the opportunity for the ambitious to get involved and improve their skills, while working on real projects. There have been networking opportunities and new relationships developed. I've been told more than once that without REBUS, someone would not have met someone or found out about something that ended up influencing their careers and/or personal lives! That's rewarding to hear!
The hard work and god knows how many hours have all been worth it. I'm proud that REBUS has had and continues to have, the relevance and value that it does. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to that effort.
The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum (IPHF) in St. Louis, is the only organization world-wide, whose purpose is to celebrate the achievements of the inventors, pioneers and pivotal artists throughout the history of photography. After 48 years of existence, the IPHF (IPHF.org) has recently opened to the public in the Grand Center area of St. Louis. There are over 75 volunteers and a part-time paid staff.
• Fundraising campaign management: The development director will manage annual fundraising campaigns from planning through fulfillment, with a goal of growing and strengthening the IPHF's individual giving and sustainer programs.
• Donor cultivation: The director will research and target appropriate donors for specific messaging, with an eye toward moving regular donors to sustainers and sustainers to major donors. He or she will develop "giving circles" and other incentives, events, and messaging to encourage major gifts.
• Donor data management: The director will assist in the selection and lead in the integration of the existing "Past Perfect" database and CRM. With this tool in place, the director will analyze and segment donor records for more effective communication, keep records updated, and manage gift processing.
• Grant prospecting/grant writing: The director will seek out new grants and work to develop relationships with program officers at local foundations. In coordination with the Executive Director and volunteer grant writers, he or she will write grant applications and renewals and develop effective materials that can be reused from application to application.
I considered myself lucky to have been invited to this TEDx St. Louis event on Thursday, September 19.. I was happily surprised to have been invited to the inaugural TEDx in St. Louis about two years ago. That first TEDx event in St. Louis seems in retrospect to have coincided with the success and visibility of the St. Louis tech "start-ups", now seemingly firmly entrenched. Here's what I wrote about the inaugural St. Louis TEDx.
I had never been to the MX Theatre downtown and had no idea what to expect. The place is absolutely gorgeous, it's about a 200 seat spectacular theatre (called the "best in St. Louis"), with the most comfortable overstuffed leather theatre seats I've ever sat in (really!). There's a bar, a restaurant and a swivel "table" on each seat so that you can eat and drink while watching the movie. There's parking in the building on the same floor as the theatre. It's very convenient and secure.
The TEDx event was like any TED event, packed with thoughtful, articulate, motivating speakers who take you to places you've never thought about before. The speakers are so strong and have such powerful backgrounds that you can't help but pay attention. To not pay attention would be a wonderful opportunity lost. These are compelling presentations! Most are inspirational.
The International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF) and Museum is relocating to St. Louis's Grand Center in the first half of next year. We are thrilled to be able to bring our historic collection, exciting exhibitions, educational programming, speakers and workshops to St. Louis' arts community (read more details here). But we need your help. I wanted to get in touch and ask for your support of our organization.
On November 10 (please save the date, you will be invited), a Photographic Print Sale to benefit the IPHF capital campaign will take place at Katzman Studio (2745 Locust St.) at 7:00 PM.
Please join us! We have over 60 prints of various sizes and a huge range of subjects and prices.
We're providing some snacks and beverages, we'd value your attendance and support! Please invite friends and colleagues.
We're going to have some fun and raise some money!
You're Invited to Party with Bill Vann!
I'm very pleased to be able to share this invitation with everyone in St. Louis. If you know Bill, you know that he died way too early this past Spring.
You'll then also know that few have contributed more to the commercial art scene in St. Louis in the past 40 years. Bill Vann was one of the most talented, giving people I've ever met. He was a inspiration, helping young artists at absolutely every opportunity.
It's wonderful that this FUNdraiser is being orchestrated in his honor. He'll be honored, and smiling that we haven't forgotten him. If you're a FOB, or a friend of the St. Louis commercial art industry (photographers, illustrators, videographers, etc.) please join us.
International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum Moving to St. Louis!
The Board of Directors (many of whom live in St. Louis) need volunteer support in many ways, to help organize the move, and related activities. We need volunteers/interns who are proficient with a range of different skills.
We need a writer, who can write press releases, letters to prospective sponsors and members, and help generate social media content for the IPHF's various online identities . . . from a blog to Twitter. You will help contribute mightily to the St. Louis move, as well as help support the total brand refresh that has begun. If you appreciate fine photography, here's your chance to immerse yourself with others who share that passion.
Qualified candidates for the writer internship should be fluent in the techniques of writing for social media. You should understand how a blog works and the importance of key word usage. We expect you to have an existing online presence; premier candidates will have their own blog and/or Twitter account and write every day, if not professionally.
We're also looking for a researcher, with email blast and database segmentation and targeting experience. The IPHF is developing a comprehensive list of prospective sponsors, members and other supporters. There is an aggressive campaign being created to reach out to each of these groups to let them know of the re-emergence of the IPHF.
Qualified candidates for this position will have experience working with databases, excel spreadsheets, and delivering targeted email communications.
We expect to work hard and have significant fun as we celebrate the history, accomplishments and affect of photography on our everyday lives. You'll be able to work from home a great deal of the time with hours of your own choosing. Each position will only take a few hours per week.
Both of these internships are volunteer positions at the moment and not paid. We'd appreciate your forwarding these positions to any friend or colleague who you think might be interested!
Please apply online by uploading your resume to www.Bishop-Partners.com. Please send an email to Bob detailing your interest and specific qualifications for these positions.
The 50 Best Recruiting Blogs!
I received an email this morning from Alissa Alvarez, telling me that my blog had been selected as one of the 50 best recruiting blogs in the country! I'm very pleased, and humbly flattered! I'm re-publishing Alissa's blog in the hopes that many of you will find some valuable tips in the blogs of other recruiters!
With many qualified people out of work and looking for jobs, you might think it's one of the easiest times to be a recruiter. Yet finding potential employees with the right talent, skills, and drive is never easy, regardless of the size of the pool of applicants or the type of businesses with which you work. Knowing what to look for and how to match the right person to the right job is something that can take a long time to learn and a lifetime to perfect, something most recruiters know all too well.
Whether you're new to recruiting or an old pro, there's always something new to learn about the profession and ways to make yourself better at what you do. One of the best ways to do that in today's world is through the help of recruiters and HR experts who share their skills on blogs, both independently and through their agencies. Here, we've compiled a list some of the best recruiting blogs out there, in no particular order. Take a look — you may just learn a few new tricks that can help make you a standout at your job, helping not only you, but also your company and the people you hire, get ahead.
I think Alissa Alvarez missed an excellent site. My friend Jim Durbin at The Social Media Headhunter is an excellent blogger and recruiter. I thank Jim for his advice and help in getting this blog started!
Here's the rest of the article and the listing of 50 Best Recruiting Blogs.
A Box You Want to Uncheck on LinkedIn!
I've been a fan of LInkedIn as a professional networking site and as a source for research and new business development. I know many of you have too. I hope what I'm about to share is more of an anomoly than a trend. Even as a single incident, it's annoying (at the very least).
I came across this information today from another LinkedIn user, and thought you might like to know about it as well.
Devious. And I expect that you, like me, don't want to participate.
I suggest that you share this with your LinkedIn friends and colleagues!
We're Ready + Willing . . . Are You?
I'm very proud to be a collaborator in the founding of a new organization in St. Louis called ready+willing. I invite you to visit our website to learn a bit more about us.
ready+willing was founded to give back to the St. Louis community. Participants in ready+willing will be marketing professionals at every level (both agency and client side) who want to help St. Louis charities. We will work with non-profits and charities who are unable to get marketing support through any "normal" channels. These are the charities who are "left behind", despite the value the deliver to their stakeholders. ready+willing can and will help!
We're currently looking for the "willingness" from the marketing community, with the "readiness" to follow! We need volunteer "mentors". Mentors have experience and likely start at the Account Supervisor, or Associate Creative Director levels and above. We're asking for a couple of hours a month in supervising younger professionals who are executing the tactics of the marketing communications, while they build their books with "real" work. It's the mentors' job to do just that . . . mentor! r+w wants the mentors to make sure that the quality of the work produced is as good as r+w's aspirations!
ready+willing is being composed of a mix of experienced, multifaceted individuals that come from a diverse range of backgrounds including nonprofit management, marketing, advertising, strategic development, management, graphic design, public relations, communications, and business development to name a few. More importantly, the talents and skills of these individuals can be represented in the quality work they have become known for and their dedication to the St. Louis Community.
We've finalized our first "client" and are ready to ask for your help. r+w is appealing to those of you who want to contribute to our community, and help younger professional advance in their career. You'll have the chance to work with this organization, for the benefit of the client organization and in so doing sustain and enhance its impact on the St. Louis Community.
Organization Mission/Values/Purpose: The St. Louis Track Club encourages running, walking, and fitness for persons of all ages and abilities. The club organizes events, disseminates information related to the benefits of running and physical fitness and encourages membership.
Goal/Purpose of Project: Need assistance promoting annual half marathon and 5k that is organized with the Clayton Police Department and benefits the St. Louis Special Olympics.
Materials of Interest: Print and Online - newspaper, magazine, and online ads (media placement not included); direct mail and poster/point of sale.
For you mentor candidates that can't decide whether or not to get involved . . . Mentoring with ready + willing is a remarkably low impact way to have significant impact. Mentors have the experience + expertise to collaborate with younger, less experienced pros and make their work better. In so doing you also help make their books better, which makes the client effort (non-profit or charity) better. All of this also contributes to the skill/experience of the St. Louis advertising and marketing community. Seems like it's a win-win all around!
If you have questions, feel free to give me a call at my office. If you're interested, download and complete the application, then email it to Info@ReadyandWilling.org. We look forward to working with you for the benefit of the St. Louis community!
Last week Rodgers Townsend (Thanks to Jen Oertli!) was kind enough to once again let us use their big conference room and facilities as REBUS plans for 2011 and '12. We were excited to have at least 30 attendees, many of whom were new faces . . . all of whom were enthusiastic about doing what they can to help REBUS grow and deliver even more value in the future.
We went into the meeting looking for volunteers for various positions, and got them. This does not mean we're "covered"! There is still room for more help in every category including writers (social media communicators) to help with the blog and the other REBUS online presence. There is room for writers of every level to contribute to the blog and Twitter. We're always looking for additional designers, especially those with html and online skills. We're creating a "video team" to cover our events, and any other videos we (they) decide to produce. We also need Special Event Managers. If you're interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Danny (Danny.Elchert@yahoo.com) or Rachel (Rachel.Barbieri@gmail.com), they'll hook you up.
The one other position that we are currently seeking candidates for is REBUS leadership in one of the co-Chair positions. It's time to start to rotate a new motivated young professional into the existing mix. If you're interested in applying for the position, just let Danny or Rachel know. The position is fun, rewarding and certainly one of the best advertising networking opportunity in town!
In addition to the normal monthly events at agencies, we're planning to start adding client visits to the schedule. St. Louis is home to a number of category leading companies who understand the value of marketing and advertising. We think we can get their support, and getting their perspective will be invaluable. There's no other association opportunity to have that unusual kind of dialog!
I'm personally very excited about several other events that were discussed. These might be beyond the normal monthly meetings, and could be "stand alone" events . . . some maybe taking a half or even full day. We're talking about "How Do Agencies Get Started?" (working title), which might also include, how do I get more freelance business . . . or how do I get my own (creative or marketing) business started (at any level)!?
We also discussed the possibility of a day long seminar on issues related to "Personal Branding for Career Success", which might include topics like how do I create an online brand for myself, and then market that brand. How do I get started understanding the value of and taking advantage of social media? It might include a portfolio track . . . We plan to make it what people want.
We also discussed REBUS supporting some sort of "Outreach to area High Schools". The advertising industry as a whole nationally is not doing a good job of recruiting the best and the brighest, like it once did. There was a time when (for example) graduates from Ivy League Universities enthusiastically sought, and would be proud to win an assistant AE position on Madison Avenue. There was an excitement about advertising as a career and amazingly enough, it was harder to get that first job then, than it is now! This outreach could also help address some of the diversity in recruitment issues that advertising is confronting on a national level. Some in attendance thought that explaining to high school students the value, excitement and fun of advertising or marketing as a career was something REBUS could do very well . . . I agree.
What do you think about some of these events? We'd love to hear suggestions from you about other events or speakers you'd like to see in St. Louis! As I said to those in attendance . . . there's no excuse. We can do whatever anyone wants. All we need is the volunteer power to pull it off!
It's once again time for any of you who are interested in contributing to REBUS and helping your own career at the same time to join us in concepting and planning for next year. Rodgers Townsend has once again generously agreed to let us use their facilities and cosmic conference room to plan what's up next for REBUS. We want your input and then, we hope you'll help.
We're having trouble deciding which promotional copy to go with for this event. I thought I'd just see which you prefer! Hope to see you at RT on Wednesday evening, the 13th. We need you and we want you! Please RSVP on Facebook.
• We've taken desperate measures. Without volunteers, REBUS is without hope, without air, without a chance in this dark world. In our desperation, we've turned to a life of crime, and have taken Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers hostage. But believe it or not (and we would suggest not), you can do something about it! You can stop this madness! You can free us from our despair and save Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers from a ghastly end! Join us at our annual volunteer planning meeting at Rodgers Townsend at 6pm on July 13th, to learn a little bit about how volunteering with REBUS could help you with your career, and save us from our despair. It may just be enough to save Mr. Snuggle-Whiskers.
• You want to volunteer? How self-centered, vain, and inconsiderate of you. Clearly, you know that volunteering with REBUS can give you tons of contacts in the world of advertising, great insights into the trade, and put you ahead in your career. Oh, you would want to volunteer you narcissistic, conceited, brown-noser. We'll see you at 6pm on Wednesday, July 13th at Rodgers Townsend for our annual volunteer meeting, please bring your enthusiasm…and your ego.
Thanks to Tipper O'Brien for the copywriting . . .
Last week, I attended a seminar presented by Amy Bingham of Bingham Consulting Professionals and sponsored by the local Missouri Association of Personnel and Staffing Services (MAPSS) Chapter. Amy is an expert in the staffing an contract placement side of the recruiting business. I thought her overview of the current employment situation, and the projection of employment in the next two years was pretty interesting . . . the environment is indeed changing. While the outlook is improving for employees, employers are going to have a very bumpy road, on many fronts.
America's Gross Domestic Product is growing and unemployment is declining as a result of more jobs being added, now on a monthly basis. Yet, there remains a talent shortage for skilled positions requiring college degrees, where the unemployment rate remains close to 3.5% (which some consider "full" employment).
Successful companies will be investing in re-training for current skill set needs. Rather than trying to find "new" employees with a more appropriate skill set for doing business now, employers will have to invest in training current employees. They'll do that because they have to. It's less expensive to train an existing employee, than to try to find a new one.
Older workers postponing retirement will temporarily postpone the retirement exodus. That hiring exodus will be more pronounced when it starts. This is going to dramatically reduce overall workforce experience as well as leadership and mentoring roles, as boomers retire.
Prior to the "boomer retirement exodus" younger workers will continue to find the job market challenging with the glut of older workers willing to be underemployed. Generational trends in the workforce will create disruption, driving a greater need for organizational effectiveness (through consulting?). The older hiring authority likely does not understand what the younger "new" employee truly values, and will not be able recruit that candidate effectively, or integrate them into an "older" culture, for those who are hired.
Labor costs are increasing. Unemployment insurance (FUTA) will have to be re-funded by employers as a result of the recession and previous long term, sky-high unemployment. Healthcare costs are rising as is the cost and complexity of compliance. Federal regulations regarding immigration compliance are increasing and becoming more expensive as well. There will soon be upward pressure on wages. Most employees have had wages frozen for at least two years. The cost of everything from gasoline to food is increasing to the point wages will have to increase soon.
REBUS 5th Birthday . . . Thanks Switch!
Thanks Switch . . . for the welcoming hospitality and hosting one of the best REBUS events to date. More than 115 attendees fit easily into the space you carved out of your new 95,000 square foot facility! It's a spectacular new space and you supported a sensational evening.
Last Thursday was an exciting milestone for REBUS. When Tim Sandifort and I started talking about REBUS more than four years ago, we never could have imagined the response and growth that's occured. Four years have just flown by . . .
I want to thank Switch, Mike O'Neil for saying yes, and Andrew Mullins and Josh Kocurek for their helpful input and managing the details. Jen Simler and Jessica Hutson from Switch also sit on the REBUS leadership Committee and are invaluable with suggestions and their enthusiastic follow up. Danny Elchert and Rachael Barbieri, the current REBUS co-Chairs are just rock solid in following through with all the detail and people management involved in an event like this one.
What a night! From the cake shaped like a bus, to DJ Andro1d, the "Twitterfitti wall" where we could watch live, the tweets containing the party hashtag #REBUS5th, tours of the new Switch offices and facilities and a presentation on new media marketing by Switch CD Scott Burns. It was wonderful.
Scott's presentation started with an announcement that a graphic designer was hired by Paradowski Creative, as a result of our visit there last month, and a portfolio review. It's a reminder of one of the other REBUS benefits, networking with those colleagues and friends who can help support, and enhance your career. See some other REBUS facts at "REBUS By The Numbers".
If you haven't done so already, visit REBUS on Facebook, and help us educate, entertain and support each other and the regional advertising and marketing community.
REBUS By The Numbers . . . Birthdays: Five!
Five years ago today, REBUS didn't exist. A couple of us were thinking about it, and trying to decide what it would or could be. It's grown far beyond our original intent of getting young art directors and writers together to cooperatively improve their portfolios and get that first agency job. REBUS now includes professionals from the advertising and marketing industry, from the unemployed to Executive Creative Directors and Agency Sr. Executives. I'm very proud to be a founder and still enjoy (virtually) every moment of my involvement.
Now, with our fifth birthday next month (being celebrated at Switch on March 10th), it's rather remarkable to think about some of the REBUS impact.
Hundreds of portfolio reviews with agency principals and industry leaders.
Hundreds of opportunities to improve a portfolio and contribute to local non-profits by contributing to REBUS and fREBUS.
At least four direct hires (that we know of) of REBUS attendees by agencies.


text:
Millad Ghane
will defend his dissertation
Abstraction of Computation and Data Motion in High-performance Computing Systems
As scientific frameworks become sophisticated, so do their data structures. A data structure typically includes pointers and arrays to other structures in order to preserve the application's state. The complexity increases as one must go through a chain of pointers to extract the effective address that we are targeting in our source code. We have proposed to reduce the need for excessive data transfer by introducing pointerchain, a directive that replaces a chain of pointers with their corresponding effective address inside the parallel region of code. Excessive use of pointers in scientific applications, in some cases, prevents parallelizing them. With the help of pointerchain on top of the OpenACC programming model, we were able to parallelize a molecular dynamics proxy application for a heterogeneous system. The abstraction provided by pointerchain prevents the source code of the proxy application to undergo significant changes. Based on our analysis, pointerchain leads to a 39% and 38% reduction in the amount of generated codes and the total executed instructions, respectively. Moreover, as hardware gets complicated to improve performance and to battle "memory wall" phenomenon, the applications (basically their source codes) become complex as well. The Top500 reports that eighty-six systems in the list are heterogeneous systems configured with a form of an accelerator and a coprocessor. From a software standpoint, managing data locality on such systems is as important as exploiting parallelism in order to achieve the best performance. With the advent of novel memory technologies, such as non-volatile memory (NVM) and 3D-stacked memory, there is an urgent need for novelties within programming models to create an easy-to-use interface that abstracts the complexity of memory hierarchies in order to utilize data locality. The proposed novel programming model proposed in this dissertation, Gecko, abstracts the underlying memory hierarchy for current and future platforms in a hierarchical manner. Gecko's directives distribute data and computation among devices of different types in a system, resulting in an adaptive application. The evaluations of Gecko reveal that on a single node consisting of four NVIDIA Volta V100 GPUs, we observe 3.3 times speedup with multiple GPUs.
Date: Thursday, August 29, 2019
Advisor: Dr. Margaret S. Cheung