Blume at her Key West home.
For celebrated novelist Judy Blume, postwar America offers few nostalgic joys. "I grew up in the 1950s, and I didn't like any part of it," she says. "We were expected to be happy girls from happy families—to fit in, to be normal. We pretended everything was okay even when we knew it wasn't." Life's far-from-perfect realities were what Blume famously explored in her candid coming-of-age novels that shook up the '70s and '80s, such as Forever. . . and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. And so it amuses her that these days she wakes up in an Eisenhower-era house in Key West, Florida, that seems like the perfect place to bake a tuna casserole.
A garden rich with palms and orchids borders the Florida living room of writer Judy Blume and her husband, George Cooper. Kuba-cloth pillows ornament the B&B Italia sectional sofa; the wall sculpture is by Susan Rodgers, and the circular table is by artist Cindy Wynn. The house was renovated by architect Thomas E. Pope and interior designer Malcolm James Kutner.
In the case of Blume and Cooper's white box, nestled in the shade of a sprawling banyan tree and wrapped around a swimming pool, this meant transforming it into an indoor-outdoor paradise where the thresholds can scarcely be felt. Architect Thomas E. Pope installed glass walls and sliding doors so the rooms could meld with the terraces and verdant landscape. Inside and out, Kutner arranged gently gleaming wood furniture—a mix of Asian-style pieces and Indonesian and African antiques—accented with strategically placed primitive sculptures. A nod to the home's streamlined personality is the living room's minimalist B&B Italia sectional sofa, which Kutner scattered with Kuba-cloth pillows.
A little nakedness has never vexed Blume, who recently recovered from breast cancer and blogged about her illness with characteristic frankness. Many days the author can be found in the guest cottage, where she has her office. "There are gardenias blooming outside, the smell of which takes me back to prom. It's my favorite space in the world to work in," she says. There she penned the screenplay for her film-director son Lawrence Blume's adaptation of her 1981 young-adult novel Tiger Eyes; the movie is expected to open in theaters this spring.


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McLaughlin expects Sydney to be 'a bit different'
> News > Supercars
Wednesday 24th June, 2020 - 12:00pm
Scott McLaughlin
Two-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin is expecting the BP Ultimate Sydney SuperSprint to be 'a bit different' as the sport gets back underway this weekend.
The 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Series returns to racing this weekend following an extended break as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
WATCH: McLaughlin recounts how he met his wife
Aside from competing in the BP Supercars All Stars Series, most drivers have had little to no time in a race car since the aborted Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend in March.
Despite the extended break, McLaughlin expects the field will be back up to speed quickly once running commences on Saturday.
"I think, driving wise, when everyone gets in the car, maybe the first lap or two, it might be a little bit rusty here and there, but I think we're all pretty good enough to just get on with it," McLaughlin told Speedcafe.com.
"In regards to racing, that's going to be a little bit different," he added.
"I guess, we haven't done too much racing this year, and then you sort of throw us in the deep end and so we get straight into it on the day that you've just first driven the car after six or seven weeks.
"So it's a bit different, but everyone I'm sure will drive within themselves and it'll be a good thing."
The return to racing brings with it a host of additional restrictions including social distancing and cost cutting measures.
A limit on the number of staff a team can take to the closed doors event has been implemented, with just 11 crew plus two drivers per two-car team allowed at the circuit.
Across the weekend teams will also have no access to live data acquisition in session, while the Supercars data logger will be off limits until the conclusion of the event.
"We've put in some protocols and stuff how we're going to follow social distancing and a few other things, including face masks and all that sort of stuff," McLaughlin explained.
"With our data stand they've worked it out so that they're all proper sort of social distancing away from everyone.
"I'll do a lot of my engineering probably via bits and pieces, whether it's a Zoom call or just talking on the phone.
"It won't change too much, it will just be little bits and pieces that we'll just have to be aware of, whether we wear face masks around each other and all that sort of stuff.
"We're just going to have to take it as it comes and see how it goes on, a bit like how the drivers briefings and stuff will go on; I've never done a Zoom call driver's brief before, so that's going to be very different."
This weekend's BP Ultimate Sydney SuperSprint kicks off on Saturday with rookie practice ahead of all-in practice, qualifying, a top 15 shootout, and the first of three 32-lap races across the balance of the weekend.
McLaughlin currently heads the championship by 27 points over Jamie Whincup after the opening round of the season in Adelaide.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


3M™ Marine Grade Silicone Sealant is a high quality silicone designed for the harsh marine environment. It forms a mildew-resistant, non-yellowing seal that remains flexible even after years of exposure. Silicone rubber sealant that is mildew resistant, non-sagging and moisture-curing. Remains flexible with excellent resistance to marine environment. Adheres to bare and painted metal, fiberglass, glass, non-oily woods and many plastics and abraded rubbers.


January 23, 2013 - Royal Wootton Bassett, U.K.
Cherwell Software today announces that three modules within its Cherwell Service Management™ solution now enjoy endorsement from the Official ITIL® Accreditor (part of The APM Group Limited) that administers the Official ITIL Software Scheme on behalf of the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office owns the Intellectual Property relating to ITIL. The three Cherwell modules are: Service Catalogue Management, Change Management and Request Fulfilment.
Cherwell Service Management™ provides a holistic approach to service management, allowing IT and support departments to align themselves with the businesses they support. Designed from the ground up using Microsoft's .NET technology and out-of-the-box ITIL best practice, the tool offers 11 fully-integrated management modules, including Incident, Problem, Change, Release and Deployment, Configuration, Service Level Management, and Service Catalogue to name just a few.
Companies, including First Rate Exchange, Otto Group, Komatsu, SciSys, Munich Airport and Ipsos MORI already experience measurable business benefits from using Cherwell Service Management™.
ITIL® is a registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office. ITIL is the de facto, most comprehensive set of best practice for IT Service Management (ITSM).


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Posts Tagged criminal justice system
By Jess Fournier • 3 years ago
Incarcerated People are Going on a Nationwide Strike
Today, people in America's prisons, jails, and detention centers will be going on strike.
By Reina Gattuso • 3 years ago
Is There A "Gray Zone" in Consent?
If you've ever made a formal complaint of gendered violence, you might have felt that translating raw experience into the language of law is like describing a walk through the forest using only the formal scientific names of the trees.
If you've ever made a formal complaint of gendered violence, you might have felt that translating raw experience into the language of law is like describing a walk through the forest using only the formal ...
By leighgoodmark • 5 years ago
Jailing Rape and Domestic Violence Victims is an Abuse of Prosecutors' Power
When prosecutors ask judges to jail people, we assume that it's because the person has committed some crime and is so dangerous that the person should not be out among the public. We hope that prosecutors will balance their pursuit of justice against the costs of prosecution to the victim and witnesses involved. We trust that prosecutors understand the tremendous power that they wield and use it wisely.
When prosecutors ask judges to jail people, we assume that it's because the person has committed some crime and is so dangerous that the person should not be out among the public. We hope that prosecutors will ...
By Dana Bolger • 5 years ago
Feminist Fuck Yeah: Frustrated, Underfunded Public Defender Assigns Case to Governor
On Tuesday, Michael Barrett, who oversees Missouri's grossly underfunded public defender system, sent a blunt, brilliant, and quite public little missive to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.
By Alyssa Peterson • 5 years ago
There's Another Way the Stanford Survivor Could Find Justice
Ed. note: This post was originally published on the Community site. Posts published on the Community site do not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.
Brock Turner, otherwise known as the Stanford swimmer, was convicted in March of sexually assaulting a woman while she was unconscious behind a dumpster. Although he faced fourteen years in prison, he was sentenced earlier this month to six months in a county jail and probation.
Brock Turner, otherwise known as the Stanford swimmer, ...
By Maya Dusenbery • 6 years ago
New report shows how women of color bear the costs of mass incarceration
There are a number of ways to put a price tag on the United States's shameful mass incarceration system. On the most superficial level, $80 billion is how much it costs to keep more than 2.4 million people in our jails and prisons.
There are a number of ways to put a price tag on the United States's shameful mass incarceration system. On the most superficial level, $80 billion is how much it costs to keep more than ...
How the justice system hurts survivors through the "sexual abuse to prison pipeline"
Today in depressing facts we need to do something about: This new report on the "sexual abuse to prison pipeline," which cites sexual abuse as one of the greatest predictors of girls' entrance into the juvenile justice system.
Today in depressing facts we need to do something about: This new report on the "sexual abuse to prison pipeline," which cites sexual abuse as one of the greatest predictors of girls' entrance into the juvenile ...
By Mahroh Jahangiri • 6 years ago
Infographic: The US's elected prosecutors are literally a bunch of white dudes
A new study offers a (rare!) but damning indictment of a criminal justice system managed and directed overwhelmingly by white men, revealing yet another gap between those with enormous power in the system and the people they are elected to represent.


Dear Vodafone, I've just fallen out of like with you | Melbourne, as in the city.
I'm disappointed that I had to write this letter, but due to my recent experience I would like to break up with you. You have failed me in my time of need and have thereby lost my faith and affection.
My iPhone 4 screen shattered last week. I dropped it when putting it in my pocket and it landed at the wrong angle on concrete. Everything else still works, it's just the screen that shattered.
No I don't use a case. I'm morally against covering up a beautiful physical product with an ugly case. A well-designed product shouldn't need one. I often wonder what Jonathan Ive thinks about people covering up his beautiful industrial design work with a crappy piece of rubber…but that's another conversation.
Vodafone, why I blaming you for the iPhone's flaws is because I've been paying $10/mo on phone insurance for the last couple of years which is supposed to take care of me in these situations. This is the first time I've needed to use the insurance and I've found that it is a completely disappointing product.
I broke the phone on a weekend. That Monday I went in the Vodafone store in the Queen st Mall to figure out what I needed to do to get it fixed. My assumption was that you'd be able to help me fix it there on the spot somehow. It would probably involve sending it off somewhere to be fixed, but it would only take a day or two to get done. In the mean time you'd supply me with a loaner so that I wouldn't be left without my crucial communication tool (read 'extension of my personality').
It was a busy time for me, I had a crazy busy work week and was going away for the upcoming weekend. I didn't have the time to follow up and certainly couldn't afford to be without a phone for long.
When I showed my poor phone to the friendly girl in store she told me that to get it fixed I had to go on the Vodafone website and submit an insurance claim. Once the claim had been processed I'd be given a claim number that I could then bring back in to the store and then they would help me. I asked if I could sit down and do it now on the computer she was showing me on. Unfortunately, there was no point as the claim would take approximately 5 working days to be processed….5 working days.
What was I supposed to do in the mean time?
Now my phone was still just functional. It ran fine and I could just make out what it said through cracks in the shattered glass. But what would have happened if it didn't work at all? I'd just have to wait patiently for 5 days while someone processed the paperwork?
She told me the alternative was to go to an Apple store and get them to do it. It would be more expensive (about $225 compared than $125 for the insurance excess) but it would be doe while I wait.
But then why have I being paying for insurance on my phone all this time?
Flabbergasted, I went back to my office to submit the claim online as a matter of principle.
5 days later, I received an email from the insurance company checking my phone number. Due to the poor usability of their web form I accidentally left out a digit of my phone number. That was on a Thursday, I then had to wait another 4 days to Monday before they replied with my claim number.
Today I went back in the store with my claim number, the lovely girl told me that I'd have to then send off my phone to the company to be fixed. She said it would probably take about 5 days, but wasn't sure because they don't usually see the phones again in store as they get sent straight to your address.
There was no automatic offer of a temporary replacement phone to keep me going in the mean time.
I felt sorry for this poor girl, she seemed genuinely pained when I told her that I would prefer to go away as a disgruntled and unhappy Vodafone customer to sort it out myself at an Apple store. She was perfectly friendly and as helpful as she could be. I almost wish that Vodafone would apologise to their staff for putting them in to this position.
I spent a day in a Vodafone store once as part of some customer research. Usually the staff are always hugely helpful and friendly, they are highly affective (and creative) at fixing the problems that they have systems access to sort out. But they are often handcuffed in key areas and end up copping abuse from customers for things they have no control over. They are often left with no choice but to tell customers to call the call-centre to get some things done. From a customers perspective that makes no sense. They are Vodafone staff, working in a Vodafone store, wearing Vodafone branded clothing, why can't they help me with everything?
This all stems from a bad product decision. Whoever is the product manager of the phone insurance product deserves the blame for this. They chose and use a poor 3rd party vendor who offers an extremely disappointing customer experience.
Either way, as a customer I don't care. I pay Vodafone for my insurance and am extremely disappointed with how you are (not) helping me in my time of need.
The insurance is provided by a 3rd party company, but it is still your responsibility. I am a Vodafone customer, not a Marsh customer. I pay you $93 per month for your service, part of which is for insurance in case something happens my phone.
I've been a content Vodafone customer for a few years now. Your network issues that everyone always calls you 'Vodafail' for don't bother me too much. I'm a city dweller where I get good enough coverage. Whenever I leave the city I'm generally quite happy to escape phone coverage. I'm happy paying less for the inferior network.
I've also always had a soft spot for Vodafone after having worked there for a few months in the Online User Experience Team. They used to be a clear step above their competitors on the online customer experience front, which is more important to me (as a side note this has changed somewhat nowadays as Telstra has managed to catch up quite a lot).
I used to be a net promoter of yours. I would happily give you an 8 on the NPS. Despite all the other complaints I had heard, I was always quietly happy with my service.
Now I have become a detractor. Now I'm left bitching about my experience and how bad Vodafone is to anyone who will listen. I would be lucky to give you a NPS rating of 4 at the moment. In my time of need you were not there for me.
Now I can't wait for my contract to finish so that I can play the market a little and see what other providers out there are like.
Vodafone, I was hoping that this day wouldn't come but unfortunately now it has. Unfortunately, it's not me, it's you.
I would like to break my ties with. I hope you can understand and do something to change your insurance product in the future, even if it's just for the benefit other customers other than me.
Very true my friend, I remember how back in the days I used to remain loyal to may carrier because of how happy I was with the service (despite being more expensive than competition). That was with formerly Spanish carrier Airtel which, oddly enough, was later on bought by Vodafone. Today there's no premium, no customer experience any more. This service has been completely commoditised and price is the only thing that matters. How sad.
Sad story Ben. It is a shame that were so happy for almost all of the time. Just one 'small' thing became bigger than all that loyalty that had built up. Good point about the impact on staff.


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Our First Lady
Television Ministry
Dr. Henry E. Smith, & Minister Rosa V. Smith / Founder
Mount Gideon Unified Free Will Baptist Church Inc., was founded by Reverend Henry E. Smith. The first service was held on the fifth Sunday in January of 1972.
Mount Gideon had its first service in the Rockview Administration Building at 295 Wilmot Road, New Haven, Connecticut. We continued worship service in the Rockview Administration Building for two years. Rev. Smith investigated renting a small church building at 234 Shelton Avenue in New Haven. The congregation leased the church in October 1974 and remained there for almost 1-1/2 years. In April 1976, the congregation purchased a building at 165 Sheffield Avenue, New Haven, CT. and converted this building into a church. The Lord continued to bless us and provided all of our needs. We were not content with the small building we were in, because it was not conducive to a church on the move. Dr. Smith heard that a church on the junction of Dixwell and Shelton Avenues was for sale. After investigating it, Dr. Smith called the congregation together to discuss the possible purchase of the church. In August of 1984, we moved into our new church home, at 363 Dixwell Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut.
In November of 1985, a church meeting was held to discuss the transition from the Unified Free Will Baptist Denomination. It was at this meeting that the church transitioned to Mount Gideon Faith Fellowship Church Inc.
In the year of 2004, through prayer and much thought, Dr. Henry E. Smith began implementing steps towards the future of Mount Gideon Faith Fellowship Church. On December 2, 2004, Minister Gary A Hyman Sr. was ordained by Dr. Henry Smith as Pastor of Mount Gideon Faith Fellowship Church. Pastor Gary and Lady Joyce Hyman worked under Dr. Henry E. Smith fervently promoting the spirit of fellowship and excellence.


I originally envisioned Unearthed Arcana as an additional Act for the game, however given my organic work style and what I discovered unused in the game files the project eventually morphed into what I released. This mod is what remains of the original early development.
A small mod I originally intended to include in my Unearthed Arcana project but ultimately decided didn't quite 'fit' so I have released as a standalone.
This one adds two new Shrines to the game that function exactly lke the others and appear exactly as the others do.


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Content as Commodity; where are the new ideas, anyway?
Strategic Sourceror on Monday, January 26, 2009 1
As of end 2007, the blogosphere featured over 72 million bloggers; as reported by Technorati. That was more than double the almost 35 million bloggers in 2006, and nine times the 8 million tracked in 2005. Technorati reported that as of 2007 120,000 new blogs are being created every day, worldwide. Those are significant numbers. Even though recent trends point to slow or no growth in blogging, it's reasonable to consider that there's a great deal of content out there. Ten years in, much of this content is the product or derivative of other content. If you're reading a lot of blogs these days, you may have to ask yourself, haven't I heard about this before?
Perhaps the most important question is, how many times have I heard this before? It's at that instant when one seriously considers closing their browser, or turning to another antiquated medium altogether. Perhaps those magazines they used to print back in the 80's?
It's a serious question noodled by serious writers, contemplated very seriously. It's no secret that the light speed access to websites has geometrically increased reader's choice. But it's also no secret that the absence of an internet gatekeeper has led to some qualitative shifts in content that may not be for the better. In this bloggers opinion, quantitative trends equal a tremendous, practically inverse qualitative decline.
I'm not going "Buzz Bissinger" on the masses, though. My focus is on the seemingly repetitive and stagnant nature of subject matter expertise and currents events missives. After all, there's only so much to sourcin', right? They sell, we buy. In the end, that's the headline and the rest is just stuffin' and gravy.
So where's the value in "value" anyway? Who cares if you're upstream or downstream? Supply chain needs smoothing out; so what? Have we gotten so bored with our work that we have to invent new jargon just to say "buyin' stuff right"? Are we so short of things to say that we just recycle each other's ideas, and reshape and reform each others' paragraphs?
It's both a question and a challenge; the answers to which might change our approach to content, and evoke a qualitative shift all its own. Think about it. Will your next contribution to the blogosphere merely be commodity? Or are you putting something "out there" out there?
Humor Rants Observations IT
ISDN? I Still Don't Know
Strategic Sourceror on Thursday, January 15, 2009 2
It's getting a little ridiculous. Telecommunication service providers are coining new acronyms so fast, I'm sure they're already labeling themselves TCSP's. If not, I'll be due a royalty.
I first noticed that telecom was becoming the acronym business when "ISDN" started being bantered about. I think it was the mid-nineties. Which sounds like yesterday, and was almost 15 years ago. Back then, my significant other was in the business, and even she joked that "ISDN (Integrated services digital network) stood for "I still don't know".
The telecommies had a sense of humor back then. That was back before management concluded that a mish-mash of endless acronyms equalled a layer of mysticism. A mystique that protects profits like the Popemobile helps Catholics sleep at night.
I've been following the telecommies for years now, watching them smugly recite acronyms ranging from "POTS" (plain old telephone service) to ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) and every imaginable, and undecipherable acronym in between. Who'll ever forget "kbps" (kilo bits per second) or PBX (Private branch exchange? What I remember is the mind numbing sensation that occurred when the telecommies started spewing their acronese (I'm sure there's a royalty coming for that one) until I said, "man, this is way too irritating, give it to another project manager".
That's telecom, and that's the way they like it. Confuse the user, and the profits roll in.
Two very diverse personalities eventually provided me the perspectives that helped crack the telecode for me though. One, a co-worker who thought he was funny always joked about telecom being sold in "units". Ultimately, offerings like MPLS (a system that manages packets of data) make him accidentally smarter than he actually was. Another, a brilliant woman I once married, explained to me that whenever the answer to a question seems mystical, remember the real world problem that the question answers.
In the final analysis, it's all just sending and receiving little bits of data. Sure, there are lots of ways to transport 'em. But there are lots of ways to send bananas, too. You don't see producer farmers marketing their SBBT (send bananas by truck) service, or the PBAM (Put in Boxes And Mail) product. But they could. Only UPS, FedEx and other parcel carriers have adopted even a fraction of acronese as a method to obfuscate their way to profits. Still, it works.
So the next time you're dragged into the data dungeon and help hostage by a bunch of rogue letters whose meaning you can't decipher, remember this. "Bits of data, sent and received." It's really just that simple.
Taking Occam's Razor to Costs
When I was a freshman in college, my Girlfriend's grandfather had a 17 year old-car with less than 35,000 miles on it. We were riding along with him one day when I noticed the mileage and asked; How have you kept the mileage so low for 17 years?"
"By not driving it": he replied.
Psychologists would have predicted Grandpa's response using "Occam's Razor" theory. Without going into a wordy, abstruse explanation; Occam said that in most cases the simplest answer is the best answer.
In a year when all of us will be challenged to maximize and optimize each and every function, procurement will be pressed to squeeze yet more cost out of every buy. So before we rush to enlist all the exquisite, evolved theory and "best practices" that the think tanks have to offer, let's try to peel the grape using the most basic approach.
A wise man once said that you fight the price battle forever, but never win. Prices eventually rise. But once you've pared out cost, cost is gone forever. Using that metaphor and one of the most basic items we can buy, the corrugated box; let's examine some methods to remove cost, rather than enter negotiations.
Q: When does a blank have a value > 0?
A: When it's a corrugated "blank"
In the manufacture of boxes, the corrugated "blank" is the sheet that is sliced, folded, printed and sometimes glued and painted to make a finished box. Few corrugated salesman will tell you this, but shaving a mere few inches off the "blank" used to make a box can generate tangible savings. Often times, the change in blank size can be achieved with modest reshaping of the finished box as well.
The short verse is, less board = less cost.
Q: How can we minimize our corrugated expenses?
A: Use fewer boxes
My visit to one clothing distribution center revealed one of the most advanced distribution models I have ever witnessed. This retailer managed to fulfill clothing shipments with almost 98% automation. One piece of the automated system dropped cartons onto stands, automatically folded and closed the bottom of the carton and then filled the cartons with men's shirts. It was quite an impressive sight. Here's what wasn't so impressive, the cartons were 80% full.
After much research, we concluded that the reason the cartons were 80% full was because the filler was set to a default value. A mere adjustment of the fill setting would have reduced carton usage by 20% for shirts.
Sometimes the cost of the boxes has as much to do with how you pack the boxes as it does how many boxes you buy.
Q: But our boxes are "custom" made, they must cost more, right?
A: Let me answer your question with a question . . . .
Why are your boxes "custom"?
I hate to pick on a retailer. But that same company that was packing its boxes 80% full also had a special, 4" extended flap on the top of the package, for which they purchased special tape and special taping accessories, in order to prevent "shrinkage" (the fancy word for "theft". The special flap worked. Theft was nominal at best.
But here's what we know about boxes, the less box board you use, the lower the cost. The less the manufacturer touches them, the less they cost. The less expensive machinery you use to cut them, the lower the cost. In short, plain boxes cost less.
So the question that came to my mind was; "how much "shrinkage" would there be if retailer used a standard box?" We'll never know the answer, at least not for that client.
Here's why. Someone was deeply invested in the decision to spend a lot of extra money, for a special box. Someone would have been mighty embarrassed to admit that all the extra expense for special boxes and special tape and accessories was wasted money.
So the real answer is; find out if you can use a non-custom box. The industry standard, RSC (regular slotted container) often works just fine. That's why it's the industry standard. The mind-set behind using "custom" packaging is often driven by the corrugated sales rep, your marketing team, or sometimes even loss prevention. What matters is that we at least examine the justification for the expense. In some cases, the custom product is an operational must-do. But in some cases, the fluff is unnecessary and the savings can be significant.
Those are just a few examples within an example of simple cost saving strategies that often get buried in the software, the VMI, the best practices and other tactics that also produce positive results when firms properly implement them. Keep them in mind and more importantly, retain that mindset.
Occam, and your management would be proud of you.
Communications IT
Long-Term Evolution: The other 4G (and why the US might skip WiMax)
David Pastore on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 0
While everyone remains excited about WiMax, despite its consistent rollout delays in the US, a new technology may be adopted instead, leaving WiMax behind to be put to sleep. This other 4G technology is called Long-Term Evolution (LTE) - a GSM-based standard that has (and is expected to evolve) a greater bandwidth capacity than the TD-CDMA-based WiMax. Both technologies are based on the same 802.16 standard but LTE boasts speeds in the hundreds of mbps while WiMax only facilitates data transfer in the tens of mbps. Additional advancements to both technologies are expected to yield even greater capacities.
Performance aside; what does competition in the mobile data market mean to the industry? Well, with WiMax ever-so-slowly rolling out and LTE still on the way, WiMax does have the upper hand, albeit in a limited way. To LTE's advantage, the standard is being adopted by equipment vendors (See: Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson) and can be easily piggybacked off of the upgrades previously necessitated by WiMax. Also, GSM more widely used than CDMA and Verizon, a CDMA network, is already making changes to accommodate LTE. Odds are being stacked against WiMax. The economy may be the final nail in the coffin for WiMax which is really Sprint's 4G baby. Sprint's financial turmoil, despite support from Google, Comcast, and Time Warner et al., could delay rollouts long enough to let LTE gain even more footing. It is undoubtedly possible for these similar technologies to coexist, but if Sprint can't push hard and fast enough, there would be no cause for surprise when LTE swiftly moves in and dominates the market.
For now it will be interesting to observe business, consumer, equipment manufacturer, and carrier adoption of both technologies. As things progress, we will have consider more carefully what impact widespread high-bandwidth wireless data networks will have on broadband in the US.
Potentially Cheap Real Estate Near Chicago
William Dorn on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported last month that the government is looking to seize some expensive property just outside of Chicago (in Deerfield, Ill.). No, this property does not belong to the infamous Rod Blagojevich, it belongs to a pair of newly accused criminals, Abby and Russell Cole.
Abby Cole is the president of "Chip Factory", which is now accused of defrauding Best Buy out of millions of dollars. The former Best Buy vendor-relations manager, Robert Bossany, has also been charged with multiple crimes including money laundering for allegedly taking kickbacks from Chip Factory before being fired.
How was it pulled off? Evidentially, Chip Factory submitted lowest bid prices through online reverse auctions run by a company identified as National Parts, Inc. Once the job was secure, Chip Factory basically charged Best Buy whatever the hell they wanted, or as the court's called it "a price significantly higher than its bid price".
So, it sounds like there is a great opportunity for some improved supply chain systems, services and/or contract managers over at Best Buy. I wonder just how many sales calls their procurement and finance teams have received over the last two weeks?
Happy Birthday and Happy New Year
William Dorn on Monday, January 05, 2009 0
Happy New Year from the Strategic Sourceror.
January also marks the anniversary of this blog. So happy 1st birthday to the Strategic Sourceror, and thank you to all of our readers and authors on this site.
In our first year, www.StrategicSourceror.com had a total 172 posts including everything from spend management humor to best practices in strategic sourcing for specific commodities.
Our most read article in 2008, dealt with some warnings about outsourcing web content development and how to defend and react to website plagiarism.
Coming in at a close second was an article synopsyis of the Heineken Fit 2 Fight cost-reduction program.
Also hot last year were a couple of informative articles on Lubricant Price Increases: Lubricant Price Increases Part One, Lubricant Price Increase Part Two
The most popular series last year were Fleet Management Best Practices and Wireless Management Best Practices:
Fleet Management Best Practices:
Fleet Managers; Friend or Foe?
The Three Itch:
Open End Leases:
Is Open-End Leasing Right for Me?
Closed-End Leases
Is Closed-End Leasing Right for Me?
The Main Event; Factory Orders vs. Stock Purchases:
RFP (Really Friggin' Perplexing) Process
Wireless Management Best Practices
Don't Hang Yourself with a Wireless Rope
Find the Boss
Know What You Own
Minute Mayhem
Usage Sewage
Wireless Plan-tastic
Own the Lines
So, please drop a comment. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? Is there anything specific you would like to see more coverage on?
Thanks again for stopping by the Strategic Sourceror! Wish us luck for another great year.
Content as Commodity; where are the new ideas, any...
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17.5Which method should I use?
The default answer is pretty simple: if you don't know anything about web servers, use FileLibrary.
If you want to have your static resources versioned inside your Smalltalk image and don't have too many (or too large) resources, use FileLibrary.
If you prefer to keep your static resources on your file system where you can edit and version them with your favorite file-based tools but you don't want to run a separate web server, go read about how to serve static content from your image in Chapter 17.
Otherwise read Section 23.3 about Apache file serving and configuration.


text:
John Fillmore Hayford (* 19. Mai 1868 in Rouses Point, New York; † 10. März 1925 in Evanston, Illinois) war ein US-amerikanischer Ingenieur und Geodät, der vor allem durch sein "Hayford-Ellipsoid" von 1909 bekannt ist.

Hayford war der erste, der bei der Bestimmung der genauen Erdfigur auch die Massenverteilung im Erdinneren berücksichtigte – nämlich die Hypothese der Isostasie bis zu einer Tiefe von etwa 100 Kilometer. Die Kontinente erfüllen dieses Schwimm-Gleichgewicht allerdings nur zu etwa 90 Prozent, sodass Hayfords Daten der Erdachsen trotz der guten Methodik um etwa 250 Meter von den modernen Werten abweichen. Dies entspricht 0,04 Promille des Erdradius, was bis dahin noch nie erreicht wurde und 3× genauer als das damals vorherrschende Bessel-Ellipsoid war.

Die Internationale Union für Geodäsie und Geophysik (IUGG) übernahm auf ihrem Kongress von 1924 Hayfords Ergebnisse als Internationales Ellipsoid 1924. Da jedoch 1967 und 1981 etwas bessere Internationale Ellipsoide festgesetzt wurden, spricht man seither meist vom "Hayford-Ellipsoid".

1911 wurde Hayford in die National Academy of Sciences gewählt. Seit 1915 war er Mitglied der American Philosophical Society. Nach Hayford wurde ein Mondkrater benannt.

Weblinks
 Biographical Memoir (englisch, PDF; 2,1 MB)

Einzelnachweise

US-Amerikaner
Geodät
Mitglied der National Academy of Sciences
Mitglied der American Philosophical Society
Person als Namensgeber für einen Mondkrater
Geboren 1868
Gestorben 1925
Mann

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday she doesn't trust Attorney General William Barr and suggested his statements alleging President Donald Trump's campaign was spied on undermine Barr's independence as the nation's top law enforcement officer. Barr said on Wednesday he intends to send the Mueller report to Congress next week.
"Although the President would have the right to assert privilege over certain parts of the report", Barr wrote in that letter, "he has stated publicly that he intends to defer to me and, accordingly, there are no plans to submit the report to the White House for a privilege review".
"Congress is usually concerned about intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies staying in their proper lane and I want to make sure that happened", he said. "The post-Watergate reforms are being dismantled, one by one".
Appearing before the Senate appropriations committee, Barr was asked about his order for the FBI to examine the origins of the Russian Federation investigation, something Trump himself has asked for. Barr has circulated the legislation to the Department of Justice for review and comment.
According to a brief summary released by Trump's attorney general, Bill Barr, Mueller found no evidence of deliberate collusion between Trump and Russian Federation. The president did not name them but has previously blamed Justice Department officials and former FBI Director James Comey. And I'm not suggesting that it wasn't adequately predicated. Then FBI agent Peter Strzok, who worked on the Hillary Clinton email investigation, responded by saying, "No, no".


Latest in "DUP Dark Money"
The Scottish Tory vice chair Richard Cook, who helped channel £435,000 to the Democratic Unionist Party, was branded a "fraudster" and "cowboy" who deliberately masked "cancerous dark money" pumped into British politics ahead of the Brexit referendum.
We can prevent a rerun of the abuses that dogged the 2016 vote. Here's how.
As Tory MPs resign in protest at the malign influence of hardline Brexiters, documents show the "unfettered" access to ministers and senior politicians enjoyed by secretive think tanks such as the IEA that are "marching the country" to a no-deal Brexit.
Facebook has new transparency rules on political ads. But in the last week pro-Brexit groups have spent tens of thousands pushing 'no deal' – without having to explain who pays for them.
This is not bungling, or delusion. It's part of the Great British Asset striptease. And we need to know who's bankrolling it.
Previously unknown recording reveals extraordinary 'black ops' on three continents – exploiting weaknesses in democracies left wide open by governments and Silicon Valley.
The media loves to blame far right movements and moments on the working class. Our Brexit research tells a very different story.
Forget the political melodrama. What matters most are the deep weaknesses in our democracy that Brexit has exposed – and which extend across Europe.
MPs call on Richard Cook to "emerge from the shadows" after we uncover his trail of illegal waste, unpaid bills and court documents stretching from India to California.
Leaked emails show Leave.EU misled parliament and UK regulator about meetings with controversial Trump-linked firm – where they discussed targeting British voters. Steve Bannon was included in correspondence.
For the past two years openDemocracy has been tracking down the secretive, wealthy donors trying to influence British politics unseen.
Home Office refuses openDemocracy's request for information about investigation into Banks – saying this "would impede the future formulation of government policy".
Whistleblower says Banks's staff were told to 'urgently' process personal information on millions of voters after the referendum – and still had it months later. Why?
Brexit funder said staff working for his controversial Leave campaign were put on different contracts, and declared to elections watchdog. But evidence seen by openDemocracy tells a very different story.


text:
Governor Scott may refer to:

Abram M. Scott (1785–1833), 7th Governor of Mississippi
Alan James Scott (born 1934), Governor of the Cayman Islands from 1987 to 1992
Charles Scott (governor) (1739–1813), 4th Governor of Kentucky
Christina Scott (born 1974), 12th Governor of Anguilla
David Aubrey Scott (1919–2010), Governor of the Pitcairn Islands from 1973 to 1975
George Scott (British Army officer) (died 1767), Governor of Grenada from 1764 to 1767
John Scott (colonial administrator) (1878–1946), Acting Governor of Tanganyika Territory from 1924 to 1925 and Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements from 1929 to 1930
Phil Scott (born 1958), 82nd Governor of Vermont
Rick Scott (born 1952), 45th Governor of Florida
Robert Scott (colonial administrator) (1903–1968), Governor of Mauritius from 1954 to 1959
Robert Kingston Scott (1826–1900), 74th Governor of South Carolina
Robert W. Scott (1929–2009), 67th Governor of North Carolina, son of W. Kerr Scott.
W. Kerr Scott (1896–1958), 62nd Governor of North Carolina


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text:
Warner Bros. Television Announces Comic-Con 2012 Schedule
— June 7th, 2012
The world's leading pop culture convention is set to begin in just over a month, and Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) will be back with a Bang at Comic-Con International: San Diego in 2012. With a star-studded lineup of performers and producers from Warner Bros. Television and Warner Bros. Animation series and the Studio's massive, must-visit booth on the convention floor, WBTVG will once again deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, with a packed schedule of screenings, panel sessions, autograph signings and media appearances.
For the first time ever, The Big Bang Theory and Fringe panels will take place in Hall H!
- Note to fans: For the first time, the Fringe panel will be held on Sunday at Comic-Con 2012
- Hotly anticipated new series like Arrow, Revolution, 666 Park Avenue, Cult and The Following will all host panels, signings and screenings
- And more surprises to come...
For continuing info on the Studio's plans at Comic-Con, please follow us on Twitter @TheWBdotcom, hashtag #WBSDCC, and visit TheWB.com/ComicCon.
Related: Dragon Ball Will Attempt to Set Guinness World Record at Comic-Con
For a complete social media contact list, including official Facebook pages and Twitter feeds for WBTVG series, talent and producers, download the social media contacts page here: ComicCon.TheWB.com
Click here for series photography.
SPECIAL SNEAK PEEK PILOT SCREENINGS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 - BALLROOM 20
For the fifth straight year, WBTVG gets Comic-Con off to a dramatic start by hosting a special sneak peek, world premiere screening event on Preview Night.
This year, the Studio is offering fans the opportunity to see five of the most anticipated new drama series of the year, for the first time ever in public.
666 Park Avenue (Sundays 10/9c ABC)
Lost's Terry O'Quinn and Desperate Housewives' Vanessa Williams headline this seductive drama from Alloy Entertainment as the owners of a Manhattan apartment building who recruit an idealistic young couple to manage the historic site where anything you desire can be yours ... for a price.
Arrow (Wednesdays 8/7c The CW)
From Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13, Fringe) and David Nutter (Smallville, Supernatural, Game of Thrones), this hard-hitting action series reinvents the DC hero. After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and very lethal new set of skills that he uses in a war on crime.
Cult (Midseason The CW)
In this visceral thriller from the creator of Farscape and the producers of Chuck, a bright and driven reporter teams up with an inquisitive television researcher to investigate a series of disturbing disappearances all tied to a wildly popular new television show called... Cult.
The Following (Midseason Mondays FOX)
Golden Globe winner/Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon and Rome's James Purefoy star in this cat-and-mouse thriller from Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) about a diabolical serial killer (Purefoy) and the psychologically scarred ex-FBI agent (Bacon) called in to stop him and the cult of serial killers he has created.
Revolution (Mondays 10/9c NBC)
In this epic adventure thriller from Supernatural's Eric Kripke, J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions and Iron Man's Jon Favreau, a family struggles to reunite in a post-apocalyptic landscape of empty cities, local militias and heroic freedom fighters where every single piece of technology - phones, computers, cars, even lights - has mysteriously blacked out ... forever.
TV SERIES SCHEDULE
PLEASE NOTE: Series stars and creative teams scheduled to attend are subject to change. Additional information on panel sessions, signings and other events will be provided as news breaks. Panel times will be announced in the coming weeks.
MAD (Mondays 8:45/7:45c Cartoon Network)
Get a glimpse behind the MADness with MAD television show producers Kevin Shinick and Mark Marek. Room 6DE
Nikita (Fridays 9/8c The CW)
Series stars Maggie Q, Shane West and Lyndsy Fonseca join executive producer Craig Silverstein. Room 6BCF6BCF
The Big Bang Theory (Thursdays 8/7c CBS)
The Big Bang Theory gets even bigger -for the first time ever in Hall H! Series stars and executive producers will be on hand to answer burning questions (liftoff! handholding! was that really Mrs. Wolowitz?) and tease what's to come in season six. Hall H
Things get scary on Friday the 13th with stars Matthew Davis, Jessica Lucas, Alona Tal and Robert Knepper joining executive producer Rockne S. O'Bannon. Room 6BCF
Familiarize yourself with the luxurious, yet mysterious, New York City high-rise known as The Drake with series stars Terry O'Quinn, Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable joining executive producers David Wilcox (Fringe) and Matthew Miller (Chuck). Room 6BCF
Chills turn to thrills in this session when Arrow cast members, including Stephen Amell, join producers for a special pilot screening and discussion. Ballroom 20
Childrens' Hospital (returning in August, Adult Swim)
Star/executive producer Rob Corddry and executive producer Jonathan Stern join stars Lake Bell, Erinn Hayes, Rob Huebel, Megan Mullally, Henry Winkler and Ken Marino. Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Indigo Ballroom
The Vampire Diaries (Thursdays 8/7c The CW)
Seductive stars Nina Dobrev, Paul WesleyPaul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder and more join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. Ballroom 20
Series stars Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy join executive producers Kevin Williamson and Marcos Siega. Room 6BCF
Person of Interest (Thursdays 9/8c CBS)
The stars and creators of this smash hit drama series discuss season one and give a sneak preview at what's to come. Room 6BCF
Series stars Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito and Tracy Spiridakos join creator/executive producer Eric Kripke and director/co-executive producer Jon Favreau. Room 6BCF
Supernatural (Wednesdays 9/8c The CW)
Returning to Hall H are series stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, joined by recurring guest stars Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark Sheppard, as well as new executive producer Jeremy Carver and consulting producer Ben Edlund. Hall H
Fringe (Fridays 9/8c FOX)
Celebrating its upcoming fifth and final season, Fringe has its first-ever Sunday panel at Comic-Con... in Hall H for the first time. Series stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole and John Noble join the show's executive producers for the panel. Hall H
DC Nation (Saturdays 10:00-11:00 a.m. ET/PT Cartoon Network)
Come get an exclusive sneak peek at what's in store for this action-comedy packed programming block. Producers to be announced. Room 6BCF
Topics: Comic-Con
Marvel Comic-Con 2019 Booth & Signing Schedules: Everything You Need to Know
Jay & Silent Bob Reboot Poster Gives Bluntman & Chronic a Gritty Gender Twist
Mondo Is Bringing Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Blade Runner 2049 Vinyl Exclusives to Comic-Con
Child's Play Good Guys Cereal Is Finally Real and You Can Eat Some Right Now
Endgame Directors Share Mysterious Comic-Con Teaser, Is the Community Movie Coming?


Unlock code for Galaxy Note 4 on Vodafone Ireland worked first time.
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Global Digital Thermometer Industry 2019 Market Analysis by Size, Share, Trend, Outlook and Forecast to 2023.
The Digital Thermometer report provides an independent information about the Digital Thermometer industry supported by extensive research on factors such as industry segments, size & trends, inhibitors, dynamics, drivers, opportunities & challenges, environment & policy, cost overview, porter's five force analysis, and key companies' profiles including business overview and recent development.
Global Digital Thermometer Market spreads across 82 pages profiling 14 companies and supported with tables and figures.
The analysis of Digital Thermometer market, their Growth, Demand, position, size and share from different regions are mentioned in detailed.
The Digital Thermometer market report provides some important points related to growth factors, challenges, opportunities, end-user analysis and achievement and so on.


text:
Network Norwich and Norfolk > People > Norwich Canon retires after decades of faithful service
Norwich Canon retires after decades of faithful service
On April 24 Rev Canon John Minns retired after 27 years of faithful service with the Norwich city centre church of St George, Tombland; a ministry that saw the congregation grow and secured the church's future as a place of worship.
On Sunday, April 22 a congregation of over 150 joined with Rev Canon John Minns and his family in a celebration Eucharist presided over by the Bishop of Norwich. The gathering celebrated the ministry and retirement of Canon John Minns who has served St George's Church in Tombland for 27 years.
John's original profession was as an architect and whilst continuing to practice he was made a deacon in 1985 and ordained as a priest in 1986. Initially he served as the Honorary Assistant Priest at St Barnabas, Norwich but left there in 1991 to take up his duties as Priest in Charge of St George, Tombland.
John Brydon, Churchwarden at St George, Tombland said: "At that time this city centre church was experiencing a decline in its congregation and its future as a place of worship was in question. John's faith and welcoming personality soon made an impact and slowly the congregation grew and the future of the church as a place of worship was secured.
"Although it was always envisaged John would work a set number of hours in his ministry, he devoted much of his time to the church. There are not many parish churches where you could wander in to find the priest waiting to welcome you, except perhaps on the TV!"
John is well known in many circles in the city and during his time at the church he oversaw a number of major improvements and renovation projects. His ministry and ambassadorial skills were recognised some years ago when he was made a canon in the church.
After the celebration service on Sunday church members and friends enjoyed a party held in the United Reformed Church in Princes Street, who kindly provided their building in recognition of the long association between the two churches.
John Brydon said: "Over the past 12 months John, who is well into his 70s, has not enjoyed the best of health but he has never complained and despite some setbacks, he has always been determined and positive about the future. We wish him and his wife Jane a long and happy retirement."
Date set for life-changing operation in Norwich
Wife's death was biggest test of faith for Simon Thomas
Bishop of Norwich announces his retirement
Priest Fr Philip in Carrow Road return for Norwich City
Brazilian couple come to Norwich on long-term mission
Paul recognised for his commitment to Christian Aid
Charity skydive boosts faith of retiring Sprowston Christian
Indian church pastor back to minister in Norwich


Custom-Made Metal Artwork & Sculptures for Art Galleries & Individuals.
Laser FX designs it's own sculptures and water features for small run production quantities.
Laser and Waterjet cutting together basically can cut any material available on the market place.
See photos of our LFX Team Racing.


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The environment of our floor room is one that the consumer will have the opportunity to learn how to search the internet for properties while having information on hand regarding lenders, title companies, movers, inspectors and even home building and remodeling information.
All of this is available for the public through the Real Estate Store at no cost. Our professional agents are there to empower you with all the latest and up to date information regarding all aspects of Real Estate.
Agents are available for consultation in the following.
Our Agents are experts in many fields. We feel continuing education in our field makes us more informed and keeps you the consumer on the cutting edge of Real Estate.
Our agents have designation and expertise that create confidence that you the consumer will need in your real estate transactions. The designations of many include GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute), SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource), SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) while all being REALTORS and abiding by the ethics of the National Board of Realtors.
Our expertise makes us the buyers and sellers choice for listing your property as well as finding property for all types of buyers.
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text:
Kim Davis, Who Refused to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses Is in Romania to Help Fight Same-Sex Marriage
12 Oct 2017 Posted by Derek Welch
Via video screenshot
Romanians face a referendum on gay marriage
Kim Davis, the county clerk in Kentucky who became infamous for a brief period of time for her persistent refusal to issue needed legal marriage licenses when same-sex couples asked for them (her excuse being doing such an action violates her Christian faith), is visiting Romania. She is presently urging the population of the European country not to follow the United States in its alleged downward slippery slope towards equality. A referendum on this subject is slated to happen in the near future.
Davis' last public appearance was when Mike Huckabee, the then-presidential candidate, took her on his campaign stage after she was released from jail. She also met Pope Francis when the latter came on his North American sojourn.
Davis has come to Romania on a nine-day invite sent by Harry Mihet of Liberty Counsel, an Orlando, Florida headquartered legal organization known for its rabid anti-LGBT legal stance. The same organization represented her at the time she cited her religious obligations towards gay marriage. Southern Poverty Law Center has designated the Liberty Counsel as a hate group. The organization has been found to push anti-LGBT discrimination. The latter was done under the cloak of religious liberty.
Remember Kim Davis? She's in Romania right now, advocating for a ban on same-sex marriage there.https://t.co/LO7aKt0WzW
— Sam Baker (@sam_baker) October 10, 2017
Romania at present does not recognize marriage between the same sexes. This is where Mihet and Davis come in. The two have come to Romania to support a specific petition for the national referendum. The referendum is to make the constitutional definition of marriage as a contract between one woman and one man.
Mihet and Davis are presenting conferences in major Romanian cities to push the idea that the concepts of 'freedom of conscience' and 'same-sex marriage' can be mutually exclusive. They allege that those who push marriage between same sexes have zero tolerance for freedom of conscience. Mihet is promoting this propaganda with his own added to it. He asked Romanians to remember the bad, old days under Communism when they were persecuted and also imprisoned solely due to their conscience.
Secularists contest such claims made by Davis and Mihet. They want to ask what kind of loss of freedoms U.S. Christians have suffered from the time of legalization of same-sex marriage in America. The standard response, in this case, is that devout Christians are forced to do torturous activities like baking cakes for same-sex couples.
The Friendly Atheist
Follow the Conversation on Twitter
Tags: Anti-LGBT, Harry Mihet, kentucky, Kim Davis, Liberty Counsel, marriage license, Pope Francis, Romania, same-sex, Southern Poverty Law Center
12 Oct 2017 12 Oct 2017 Posted by Derek Welch
Job Search Has Ended for Kim Davis…She Wants to Be a Preacher
Attorneys Asking Mississippi to Block Law that Discriminates Against LGBTQ
Examining Trump's Executive Order on Religious Exemptions


text:
José Clemente Weber (* 24. September 1937 in Venâncio Aires) ist ein brasilianischer Geistlicher und römisch-katholischer Altbischof von Santo Ângelo.

Leben
José Clemente Weber empfing am 22. Dezember 1962  die Priesterweihe.

Papst Johannes Paul II. ernannte ihn am 23. März 1994 zum Weihbischof in Porto Alegre und Titularbischof von Gummi in Byzacena. Der Erzbischof von Porto Alegre, Altamiro Rossato CSsR, spendete ihm am 5. Juni desselben Jahres die Bischofsweihe; Mitkonsekratoren waren die Weihbischöfe in Porto Alegre, Thadeu Gomes Canellas und Antônio do Carmo Cheuiche OCD. Als Wahlspruch wählte er ALIAS OVES HABEO.

Am 15. Juni 2004 wurde er zum Bischof von Santo Ângelo ernannt. Am 24. April 2013 nahm Papst Franziskus seinen altersbedingten Rücktritt an.

Weblinks

Römisch-katholischer Bischof (20. Jahrhundert)
Römisch-katholischer Bischof (21. Jahrhundert)
Titularbischof
Weihbischof in Porto Alegre
Brasilianer
Geboren 1937
Mann


text:
A Junior VC
🎉 Startup Concepts
📚Term Sheet Concepts
🌟 Web 3 Concepts
McMarkets
Startup Stats
Will boAt Ride the D2C Wave to Unicorndom?
B2C, Brand, Electronics, Entertainment, Profile, Retail, Series B-D
Last fortnight, D2C wearables company boAt announced a ₹50cr (~$7MM) fundraise from the venture arm of a global technology company, on the heels of a ₹750cr ($100MM) fundraise.
Dropping the Anchor
Aman Gupta had been looking over his family electronics business for 3 years starting from 2007.
After completing his MBA, he quit his job at a globally reputed auditing firm in just 6 months to pursue his fascination for gadgets and electronics.
He contacted JBL expressing his wish to work for them, and looked after the offline distribution of JBL products at retail stores like Croma and Reliance Digital for a few years.
Using his experience at JBL to identify trends in the audio space, he hypothesized that even though audio was crowded with legacy players, people were willing to take a chance on new entrants in the market.
Consumers were ready to embrace new brands who challenged the gatekeepers with products like tangle free earphones and damage free charging cable.
He joined forces with another audiophile, Sameer Mehta, with the goal of redefining Indians' relationship with music.
But Aman and Sameer were aware that India did not need another consumer electronic brand. They knew that they had to play at an intersection of the diverse product spread that already existed.
After two years of research and product exploration, they launched a headphone brand that would go to market as a lifestyle accessory brand. It would touch the unique aspects of both a consumer electronic brand and new age digital experience.
The thesis was clear – create high quality products at an affordable price, and build a community around the user base.
boAt was ready to sail.
Watch the AJVC team discuss the piece Behind the Scenes
Leaving the Harbour
The audio hardware industry was going through an interesting time around 2016.
A number of players – JBL, Bose, Bragi, SkullCandy, Jabra, Sennheiser, Sony, Audio Technica – had all seen an evolution in their offerings, over the years.
These companies had done all that was possible to stand the test of time.
From chunky over-the-ear headsets to colorful in-ear designs to comfort-adding silicon buds.
Since the last decade, they migrated to fully wireless earphones.
boAt used these prior developments from industry stalwarts and put their own spin on the product experience.
Customer obsession sounds like a cliche but it is so for a reason. boAt seems to have adopted this mantra from their very first product.
Unbeknownst to many, boAT's first product were sturdy cables for iPhone charger.
These sturdy cables made with Kevlar fiber were meant to solve the evergreen problem of wires breaking and getting damaged easily.
boAt's portfolio of products evolved rapidly, but using cables as a hook to get into the market was clever
They considered Millennials and GenZ at the core of their target market.
According to the founders, Millennials like buying good looking accessories that are low priced but also tend to upgrade in every few months.
Following a two pronged approach for customer acquisition, the first step is to create a new category of hearables by making a potential consumer aware of better ways of experiencing an audio device.
The second step is to then grow this category by exposing the user to a boAt way of life.
According to the startup, the strength of the product and user experience is the key to a happy boathead.
What's a boathead, you might ask.
All the millennials buying boAt products are called boAtheads. boAtheads is a growing community with around 80k active members, continuously growing with a new boAt product being bought every 3 minutes.
boAt was making waves.
Picking Up Speed
boAt's timing of entry into the market could have played out in favor or against them.
In 2016, many Chinese companies were entering the Indian headphone market after seeing the boom in smartphone sales.
But rough skies make good pilots.
boAt stayed laser focused on their consumers, sometimes spending days on end working with manufacturers to get the product right.
Their first audio product was bass heavy, for the simple consumer insight that indian consumers like that punchy, groovy sound. The bass heavy sound is part of our culture – dhols and tablas come to mind.
The second strategy to compete was to say no to price wars. They lie somewhere between mid-range and premium. The brand likes to refer to themselves as the 'Zara of Electronics'.
Another competitive advantage early on was that they decided to go fully D2C in their first year.
This direct line with their customers emphasised their focus on quality and held the product to a high standard in the face of consumer reviews.
Upon receiving positive early traction, the company hit the accelerator.
By analyzing purchasing pattern trends, they realised that consumers are increasingly looking for headphones and devices that they could use while running or playing sports.
Shortly, they launched fall proof earphones in different pleasing color ranges. They even entered the wearables market with the launch of a smartwatch.
The company recorded a revenue of INR 25 Cr in its first year of operations, and 4x'd to INR 100 Cr in its second year.
This was a solid base to verify the thesis that Aman and Sameer had – India's gap in this market. A gap of a 'desi' everyday fashionable brand that people could associate with, at affordable prices.
The product market fit had been achieved, and it was time to rev the engines.
Come for the Tech, Stay for the Party
Creating an affordable successful consumer brand isn't possible without spending heavily on brand awareness, advertising and a wide-spread retail footprint.
But today, this well-trodden path of establishing a brand can be bypassed if one knows how to harness the immense power that lies within a tech-savvy 'community'.
India is the 2nd largest when it comes to its 700MM+ internet users and 142nd when it comes to GDP. boAt saw this crossroad with a unique community-based approach.
Calling every user a "boAthead" made users belong to a community where they can share their lifestyle aspirations at not so premium price point but a premium feel.
The want to become a boAthead was aggravated among the potential customers when the much-coveted cricket stars and young Bollywood celebs jeweled themselves with boAt products.
Hardik Pandya, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant from cricket and Kartik Aryan, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, Neha Kakkar from Bollywood are some of the boAtheads who have been key in promoting the brand.
boAt, unlike traditional consumer electronic brands, also makes its potential consumers inclusive through its content blog.
The pieces are written not just to promote but also in a way to educate the readers on which products are best for them.
This way of advertising proved to be successful, and this is substantiated by an impressive 150% growth in the #IAmABoathead community base in the last two years.
Everyone's Got a Spot on Board!
boAt has a presence across a wide and diverse set of categories.
The company has been able to get into multiple categories with a commendable speed.
This was made possible as boAt's supply chain, manufacturing and R&D efforts were well integrated in China.
But when the pandemic hit, rising international tensions started affecting boAt's manufacturing.
And given the core value prop inherent in all of its products – affordability, it couldn't shift the manufacturing to any other country quickly.
Despite this biggest hindrance, boAt has come up with an extended product launch plan including gaming peripherals such as joysticks, headsets, gaming mice and keyboards.
This became possible as the founders navigated a way to expand R&D in India and promote local manufacturing.
The market conditions and regulations also started being conducive for the 'Make in India' approach and boAt was well placed to take advantage of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) promoted by the Indian government.
Not every company is suitably placed to benefit from the scenario, but because boAt has been built profitably with sustainable principles in its war chest, it was ready to create a kingdom.
You Jump, I Jump
boAt adopted a unique approach to marketing.
Scaling via partnerships with not only the homegrown talents but also homegrown events proved to be successful in expanding the Boatheads community.
Customizing their products according to latest trending jazz for the likes of Lakme Fashion week, IPL, and Sunburn made the brand always relevant and creates a high recall in the consumers' mind.
boAt has showcased immense agility in terms of quickly planning for, creating, marketing and distributing new designs to the existing products suitable to different tastes and also occasions.
There is a lifestyle feel associated with walking into Wankhede, flashing on the Mumbai Indians earphones.
boAt has also come up with an exclusive line of products with Masaba.
Operating like a co-brand, and products customized with a boAt * Masaba logo mixed with the cutting-edge audio, the brand is definitely creating excitement.
In addition to the 'pull' they receive from customers, boAt's growth has been multiplied by distribution partnerships with the likes of e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart.
To engage further with the community, they built relationships with offline avenues like Croma, and even tested shop-in-shop concepts to give potential buyers an 'immersive experience' of its products.
People wanted to party, and boAt was making that possible.
Avoiding Icebergs
boAt's rise in India has not been without competition.
Asia-Pacific was expected to witness the highest growth in the earbuds market, owing to the growing electronics industry coupled with a rapid rise in the disposable income in the region.
Global players like Apple, Sony, Skullcandy, JBL and Bose have all made efforts to expand into the Asia-Pac market, with mixed levels of success.
Companies were starting to realise that while software was eating the world, hardware was helping down the meal.
But multinational brands' products were priced higher here due to the custom and excise duties, and this was the opportunity for local brands to get in on the action.
The older players were rushing to introduce advanced features, while the newer ones were finding gaps in the system based on demand and user feedback to expand their footing.
One would have to be willing to shell out 15-20K INR to buy one of Sony or Bose's ANC devices in India.
In a price-conservative market that sees enormous spikes in purchasing activity on sale days, this number was out of range for many consumers.
There was a need to introduce an alternative with an Indian consumer friendly price point.
The battle was intense, and it was safe to say that the Indian consumer was spoilt for choice.
Manufacturers like Xiaomi (16% of TWS market share in India), RealMe (12%) and JBL (8%) expanded their range of affordable earphones, giving boAt stiff competition.
But boAt rode the wave.
The myriad of options that boAt offered stood out as ways to flaunt one's personality, and they were an instant hit in the Indian market. And between them beginning out as accessory manufacturers to them nailing the Indian millennial consumer's persona and tailoring their offerings accordingly, they left no stone unturned.
boAt, despite being late to the party, had conquered 18% of the market share in the TWS segment in India by the end of 2020.
Staying Afloat
By FY18, boAt was already selling 6,000 units per day, thereby budding more Boatheads in the second year of their full operations.
The company witnessed a fantastic growth for the next two years hitting INR 500 cr of revenue in FY 20, up 5x from INR 100 Cr in FY18.
There was a visible setback in the growth rate trajectory during the pandemic but boAt still outnumbered the founders' estimates of a 30-35% growth in FY21.
What was more interesting was the jump in Average Order Value (AOV).
Boat claimed it was at a run rate of 6,000 units per day with INR 100 Cr of annual revenue in FY18, giving it an AOV of INR 457.
Fast forward three years to FY 21, it was already doing 15,000 units per day with an annual revenue of INR 700 Cr, bringing its AOV to INR ~1,300.
An increase of 2.5x+ in the AOV proves two things.
First, the strategy of incrementing the price points in small steps works.
Second, once consumers start trusting and valuing a brand that resonates, it helps the brand to make customers stick and buy other products without shelling discounts.
Diving into unit economics, research shows consumer electronics operate at 50%+ gross margins.
With a 50% GM, an AOV of INR 1,300 and conservatively assuming 50% retention in 2nd Year i.e. 1.5 products per 2 years lifetime of a consumer, we get to an LTV of INR 975.
Now since the EBITDA margin for boAt is at 7% and gross margins are at 50%, it is safe to assume that the Sales and Marketing spends could be to the tune of 25-30%.
Leaving the rest for G&A, indirect R&D and distribution. Recalling that boAt sells 15,000 units per day, it translates to total sales of 5.45M units
With a 50% retention and a customer acquisition cost of INR 640 (S&M of 25% * 700Cr / (5.45mn units * 50% new customers)), it easily breaks even on LTV / CAC.
Their income crossed 700 Cr in FY20, seeing a whopping 460% growth in profits. They bagged a $100MM investment in early 2021, pegging their valuation at roughly a quarter of a billion dollars.
This, within 5 years of launching a consumer brand, a tale to tell.
Sailing Into the Distance
Looking at the stupendous growth witnessed since its inception, there's no doubt that boAt is going to have some incredible years ahead.
They have largely beaten their own expectations when it comes to predicted FY revenues, a trend we expect will continue.
Becoming the 5th largest wearable brand in the world in 4 short years of operation is a feat that speaks for itself. They're just getting started.
Boat is truly paying in an exciting segment where players are creating large outcomes.
Apple, for instance, is playing in the similar market of consumer electronics but with only one few key products till now – Apple watch, Airpods. Just talking for Airpods, it is expected to have a sale of 100mn products annually at a $200 price-point.
That's a $20Bn business for you right there.
Assuming a profit margin of 30%. Apple has 20% profits but Airpods make 15% higher Gross Margins, Airpods make $6bn in profits annually. With Apple's P/E ratio of 20x, Airpods is a $120bn+ company!
To put in perspective, India's top 10 most valued startups total around $70bn.
Though Boat plays at different prices but targeting more volumes, It is a humble beginning for Boat with a bright future ahead. BoAt's secret sauce was delivering exactly and only what was required, in an aesthetically appealing manner.
As you just read, boAt's growth story has been extremely captivating, and is among the first few Indian hardware startups that have been able to raise $100MM.
Much like BoAt's management, we believe that the boat is just beginning to sail.
Even with Chinese retailers posing a threat by sharing the stage at boAt's target price point and retail giants like Croma and Amazon launching their in-house private labels, boAt has maintained a steady footing in each of the categories that they have chosen to enter.
The community will be the moat, and continues to be.
While the founders believe that shifting 100% of their manufacturing capacity to India will take some time, they are eager to bring their offerings to the rest of the world as well.
boAt democratised audio technology in India, and the world awaits.
By Bhoomika, Saniya, Shelley, Abhinav, Shiraz and Aviral
Audio Version: Behind the Scenes with AJVC
We bring to you, AJVC behind the scenes podcast with your host Chetan.
Tune in below:
Govind Varshney
Harshit Saini
AJVC articles always gives me insights from a founder's perspective. Love it!
Saurabh Sharma
and 142nd when it comes to GDP.
This is per capita GDP, right? Please correct it.
Siddharth Agarwal
Loved it, Insightful and pleasing too
Vipin
Great Aviral & Team. This shows how much in-depth research is carried out in each article.
Ujjawal Kumar
Your deep analysis of the subjects is the only reason, why I come here weekly.
Bharat Kumar Araveti
Superb things to be known and learn. Thank you.
Soubhik Hazra
Hi, Aviral. I do like reading the articles that you & your team post periodically as they tend to be very informative & help me better my understanding a little more about industries & companies in general. The only critical input that I have in relation to these articles is the positive spin that is given by focusing on very specific parameters & sharing the data in percentages. These leads to bias, in my opinion. Taking the current article into consideration, I am trying to understand how a company with an EBIDTA of 7% show a 460% growth in profit.… Read more »
Great article! 🙂 Can you explain the LTV calculation?
Pranav
Insightful as always, do you all think that there heavy reliance on Amazon/Flipkart and the D2C model could also be a deterrent to their eventual growth as Amazon and Flipkart monopolize and push their own brands in the long run?
Very Insightful
Shanu Vivek
Insightful Max!
Airpods make $6bn in profits annually. With Apple's P/E ratio of 20x, Airpods is a $120bn+ company!
Such highlights improvise our understanding of how gigantic are organizations when it comes to comparison.
Krishna Agarwal
Is there any way I can contribute to ajunior vc?
I am a CA student, will be glad to be a part of this community!
Avishi Gupta
Such a great piece!!
Learnt some insights about boAt.
Now, when I am seeing my boat Headphones, I can proudly say #IAmAboAthead.
Chandraday Bhowmik
The way you are writing, in one word it's amazing.
Kunwar vivek singh ishu
So bad service. Bad quality. Third class quality. Waste of money. Don't buy boat product.
Valiantly Predicting 2022 - A Junior VC
[…] will be acquired from the roll ups, larger FMCG giants as well as mature D2C brands (like Licious, Boat, Mamaearth) who look to expand their portfolio and turbocharge for their next phase of […]
Product is average and customer service is pathetic after Sales
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Views expressed in "content" (including newsletters, posts, podcasts, videos,concepts) linked on this website or posted in social media and other platforms (collectively, "content distribution outlets") are by Aviral Bhatnagar. The posts and newsletters about the startup ecosystem in India are not directed to any investors or potential investors, and do not constitute an offer to sell — or a solicitation of an offer to buy — any securities, and may not be used or relied upon in evaluating the merits of any investment.The content should not be construed as or relied upon in any manner as investment, legal, tax, or other advice. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
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For a small country—roughly half the size of France— Ecuador packs a lot of natural and cultural attractions, from the Andes Mountains to lush rainforests, from Incan relics to quaint colonial cities. This exceptionally biodiverse country is home to 1,600 bird species and 25,000 species of plants—more than in all of North America. Straddling the equator, it offers a seemingly endless array of sights and adventures including, hiking the Inca Trail, surfing on the Pacific Coast, white water rafting in the Andes, and exploring the Amazon jungle, while also being an incredibly affordable destination.
With its spectacular setting in the Andes surrounded by mountain peaks, Quito has an elevation of 2,850 metres. Ecuador's capital is a bit like 2 separate cities. The Old Town is the central district filled with colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional markets, while the New Town is lined with glass towers, vibrant nightlife, and modern shopping malls laid out in an easy-to-get-around grid network. Mariscal is the area favoured by travellers, with a range of accommodations, tour operators, eateries, and nightlife. La Compañía de Jesús is the city's most notable church, built in the early 1600s, the interior is filled with ornate and intricate decorations with gold used on the walls, ceiling, and altars.
Ecuador's largest city, commercial centre, and main port is a modern hub with first-class hotels, innovative eateries, museums, historic neighborhoods and the urban renewal waterfront project known as Malecón 2000, where gardens, playgrounds, shopping, and food courts create a contemporary public space. Parque Historico Guayaquil is a large park with 3 zones including: Wildlife, Traditions, and Urban Architectural.
27 kilometres south of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park is a huge nature reserve which extends into 3 provinces. It has 4 volcanoes, including Cotopaxi Volcano with an altitude of 5,897 metres rising out of flat terrain for an unobstructed view in all directions. It's a good area for bird watching and home to wildlife including, pumas, llamas, wolves, bears, condors, wild horses, and foxes.
Located in the south and nestled in a mountain valley, Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city and possibly the most beautiful. Although it dates back to the 16th century, it wasn't accessible to the rest of the country until the early 1960s—one reason its architecture and culture have remained so unspoiled. Parque Calderon is the stunning central square and heart of the city where you'll find Catedral Nueva with its large blue domes and stained glass windows. Many artisans ply traditional fine crafts including, leather goods, metalwork, custom made guitars, ceramics, and world-famous Panama hats. 85 kilometres to the north, Ingapirca is the site of the best preserved ruins from Incan and pre-Incan eras; an easy day trip from Cuenca.
Set in the Andes verdant lowlands, this thriving town is the site of Ecuador's most popular hot springs geochemically heated by the active Tungurahua volcano which last erupted in 1999. Virgin Hair Waterfall is the 80 metre waterfall which cascades right into town. Baños is also an adventurer's paradise with hiking, biking, kayaking, canyoning, zip-lining, rock climbing, and river rafting all prevalent.
Lying some 1,000 kilometres off Ecuador's coast, this archipelago of volcanic islands is the site that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution and is the world's most famous wildlife reserve with some species that are found nowhere else on earth. Sea tortoises, penguins, albatrosses, iguanas, and the blue-footed booby are just a few of the native species which are approachable thanks to the fact that they live in a remote spot without predators. In order to protect the islands and their inhabitants—many of which are endangered—the number of visitors is limited at any given time, so be sure to book ahead.


This focus on the car's critical mass delivers its headline power-to-weight ratio of 326 hp / tonne and the top speed to 190 mph (305 km/h). Despite the car's low mass, a range of lightweight options can be specified for the Evora GT410 Sport. This includes a titanium exhaust, cutting 10 kg from beyond the car's rear axle. Making the most of the traction on tap, the Evora GT410 Sport uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (235/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear) with a sports suspension package of Eibach ultra-light, low-sideload springs and Bilstein fixed-valve sports dampers – all fitted as standard. A touring suspension package is available as a no cost option, featuringBilstein® non-adjustable dampers, with touring valve specification, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. For full damper adjustability, a race suspension package using Lotus-tuned lightweight Öhlins TTX aluminium two-way adjustable dampers (twenty click adjustment compression and rebound) which save 13 kg, can be specified to tune the Evora GT410 Sport to precisely suit particular road or track conditions. Reducing un-sprung mass, ultra-lightweight, fully machined, forged aluminium wheels (19" 8J front and 20" 9.5J rear 10 spoke alloy wheels) are available in either silver or matt black. Stopping power comes courtesy of AP Racing four-piston calipers front and rear with lightweight 2-piece cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs (front 370mm x 32mm, rear 350mm x 32mm).


Missing several extended deadlines for state ratification, the ERA eventually died in 1982.
Along with equal rights, equal pay and equal opportunity, my mother was passionate about a woman's right to choose, her fundamental right to decide what is best for herself and her body. In 1972, the Supreme Court made the landmark decision known as Roe v. Wade.
"The Court ruled 7–2 that a right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment extended to a woman's decision to have an abortion, but that this right must be balanced against the state's two legitimate interests in regulating abortions: protecting women's health and protecting the potentiality of human life," as stated in Wikipedia.
The TV show Mad Men is one of my favorites. But, it took watching it from the very first episode to appreciate the portrayal of blatant sexism as a sarcastic testimony to the reality of the time. "You've come a long way, Baby," the slogan made famous by Virginia Slims cigarettes, capitalized on the feminist movement to sell, sadly, cigarettes to women.
Watching the events of the past week in Philadelphia, I was struck by the enormity of nominating the first woman candidate to lead a major political party in the race for President of the United States. I cried tears of hope and elation that we just might be able to see a strong, deserving woman in the White House. I don't think women in younger generations grasp the struggle and fight it's taken to get to this place. Nor do they understand how long Hillary has fought for the rights we have, the battle wounds she's endured to get to where she is, and the extra scrutiny placed on her because of her gender.
As a woman in a leadership position with my company, I've experienced first hand the discrimination and double standard that comes with my gender. The expectations for women in leadership are different from those of men. We are expected to be nurturing, understanding and forgiving. If we assert our position with strength – as men often do – we are labeled, written up and investigated. But, it makes us stronger. It makes us resilient. It makes us smarter and more capable. If we don't let it ruin us, we become better communicators and more powerful leaders.
Hillary Clinton pushed hard for health care reform and lost. She learned that she has to involve others more. Hillary Clinton was in office during 911. She learned how to fight for the people of New York and what was right. Hillary Clinton chose to follow the precedent of a private email server. She learned the hard way this was a mistake, but the law of the land deemed this was not criminal. Hillary Clinton sat with the President and his advisors in the decision to take down Bin Laden. She learned how to make the tough decisions faced by the leader of the free world.
Watching Chelsea talk about her mother, I felt the same pride and admiration I have for my own mom. My mother became a minister in mid life, was ordained, and worked to help victims of sexual violence, led congregations during times of transition and continued her fight for women's rights and equality. As recently as 2005, my mother felt the pain of being ostracized and belittled because she was a woman in a traditional male role.
Young women, my sisters, WAKE UP! Our mothers and grandmothers fought hard to create the opportunities we have today. But, we're not done. We still don't have equal pay for equal work. We still bump up against the glass ceiling. We still are measured at a different standard. Hillary Clinton is our anchor in this relay race for women's rights. Join us and let's cross the finish line together.
I so appreciated this. I too teared up when I saw Hillary standing there accepting the nomination for president. And YES! We must constantly fight to send sexual exploitation and oppression. We can't for granted what we have and how much it cost to get here. If we do we are risk of losing it. Onward.
Well said! Our work is not done.


text:
Blockchain News Worldwide news
India: Axis Bank Completes 'Industry-First' Transaction On Govt Blockchain Platform
One of India's largest banking giants has completed the first transaction on a blockchain platform backed by the country's government in a bid to further India's effort at digitizing its banking sector.
One of the first
Axis Bank revealed the completion of an industry-first blockchain-enabled domestic trade transaction between Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India and Lalit Pipes & Pipes Ltd on the Government of India-backed Secured Logistics Document Exchange (SLDE).
This involved providing a Letter of Credit and digital presentation of underlying trade documents, including invoice and transport documents, that all parties could view on the platform, the private lender added.
The SLDE was released by India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry in July last year and uses blockchain-based security protocols for data security and authentication. Moreover, it also provides a "complete audit trail of document transfer, faster execution of the transaction, lower cost of shipping, and overall carbon footprint, easy verification of the authenticity of documents, and lower risk of fraud", according to a statement by the ministry given at the time.
It's eco-friendly too!
Along with this, the government-backed platform also features a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission calculator that provides users with a "commodity-wise comparison of GHG emissions and total cost of transportation, including their environmental cost, between movement by road and rail."
In a statement issued by the bank, its president of wholesale banking products, Vivek Gupta, noted,
"This transaction reinforces Axis' commitment to lead the digitization in transaction banking space. Axis continues to lead the industry in adoption of blockchain technology by working along with various partners & developing the ecosystem,"
Most major players in the country's banking sector have cemented their goal to nurture the growth of blockchain technology in the country. For instance, 15 Indian banks, including Axis, incorporated a blockchain trade finance consortium in June last year, known as the Indian Banks' Blockchain Infrastructure Co (IBBIC), initially targeting domestic Letters of Credit by investing around $670,000 each for the same.
The Reserve Bank of India also recently created a fintech department, which includes forming cryptocurrency regulations and creating a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which many are seeing as being in link with the central bank's desire to deepen digital payments.
El Salvador to Add More Geothermal Energy Sources to Power Bitcoin City
Unstoppable Domains Launches Single Sign-On Service for Ethereum and Polygon


This symbol usually appears around the caster while casting a Wind Prayers spell.
Wind Prayers is one of the secondary attributes of the Dervish profession.
No inherent effect. Many Dervish Spells, especially those dealing with movement or cold damage, become more effective with higher Wind Prayers.
The damage and effectiveness of linked skills increases with attribute rank in Wind Prayers.
See Wind Prayers skills for a reference table.