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Firms Slow to Adopt Fintech; Tax Reform Boosts CFO Optimism
For more information contact our media relations team at media-relations@fuqua.duke.edu or call (919) 660-7801.
Note to editors: Names of CFOs who took part in the survey and agreed to speak with the media are available by request.
DURHAM, N.C. — Despite expected growth in the use of financial technologies such as blockchain, many American firms say they don't expect it to disrupt their business models while those who do are slow to respond.
Also, more than 40 percent of U.S. companies say they plan to boost wages and 38 percent will increase hiring in 2018 because of recent tax reform, according to results of the Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook.
The survey's CFO Optimism Index – now at an all-time high — is an accurate predictor of hiring plans and overall GDP growth.
The survey has been conducted for 88 consecutive quarters and spans the globe, making it the world's longest-running and most comprehensive research on senior finance executives. The survey ended March 2. Results are for the U.S. unless stated otherwise.
CORPORATE AMERICA SLOW TO RESPOND TO FINTECH
Many CFOs say innovations such as cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology that underpins them will not affect their businesses. Among those who do see disruption ahead, few are responding quickly.
Blockchain is widely expected to modify many business models over the next decade as a means of verifying ownership and allowing secure and nearly instant transactions with low fees. But 78 percent of U.S. CFOs say they don't expect to be affected — or aren't sure how they'll be affected — by blockchain. Seventeen percent say their firms will be affected but haven't yet adapted their business model in response. Another 4 percent say they are working to adopt blockchain, and just 1 percent say they have already adopted the technology.
Only 3 percent of CFOs say they understand blockchain.
"The U.S. needs to wake up in the fintech space," said Cam Harvey, a founding director of the survey, who teaches a blockchain innovation course at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. "China is doing nearly $10 trillion in mobile payments, while the U.S. is barely over $100 billion. Most of the big innovations over the past 25 years have originated in the U.S., but this time is different. There is a lot at stake and, right now, it looks like China will be eating our lunch."
More CFOs say they have at least a good understanding of big data (53 percent), advanced analytics (52 percent) and artificial intelligence (48 percent).
Twenty-seven percent of firms say they have already reduced their finance workforce or will within five years because of fintech advances. However, more than 70 percent of firms say they do not expect to cut finance employees because of finance technology, or "fintech."
"Finance back-office jobs are low-hanging fruit for the fintech disruption," Harvey said. "It's logical to expect that 70 percent of firms will cut finance employees, not the other way around."
Nearly 20 percent European CFOs say they understand blockchain technology well, up from only 8 percent who said they did two years ago. Thirty-seven percent say they are working on or already conducting big data analysis, about the same as two years ago.
LARGE EFFECTS FROM TAX REFORM
Sixty-six percent of U.S. CFOs say corporate tax reform is helping their companies, with 36 percent saying the overall benefit is medium or large.
"Some benefits of tax reform are already being felt, while others will unfold over the next several years," said John Graham, a finance professor at Fuqua and director of the survey. "Among other things, U.S. companies say tax reform will lead to greater profitability, investment, hiring and wages."
Forty-four percent of U.S. companies plan to increase wages more than they would have without tax reform. Thirty-eight percent plan to increase employment and 36 percent will increase domestic investment. Thirty-one percent will increase cash holdings. Among companies with defined benefit pensions, 28 percent will increase pension contributions.
Among companies that plan to increase investment, 53 percent say the reduced corporate income tax rate is the reason why. Another 44 percent indicate immediate expensing of investment will fuel investment. The immediate expensing of investment only lasts for five years, however, and 37 percent of companies indicate they will shift investment so it will occur within the next five years, hence a portion of the increased investment is "borrowing from the future."
Due to tax reform, the effective (or average) tax rate for U.S. companies is expected to fall by about 5 percent, from 24 percent to 18.8 percent.
The lower U.S. tax rate increases the after-tax return to investment, making the U.S. a more attractive place for foreign companies to invest. About half of Canadian, Latin American and Asian CFOs say that the reduced U.S. corporate income tax rate makes the U.S. a more attractive place to do business.
OPTIMISM REMAINS AT RECORD LEVELS
The Optimism Index in the U.S. increased to 71 on a 100-point scale this quarter, an all-time high.
"The extremely high level of business optimism is tied to the recently passed corporate tax reform," Graham said. "Our analysis of past results shows the CFO Optimism Index is an accurate predictor of future economic growth and hiring, therefore 2018 looks to be a very promising year."
Optimism is up around the world, anticipating strong global economic conditions.
TIGHT LABOR MARKET, TOP CONCERNS
The proportion of firms indicating they are having difficulty hiring and retaining qualified employees remains at a two-decade high, with 45 percent of CFOs calling it a top concern, up from 43 percent last quarter. The median U.S. firm says it plans to increase employment by a median 3 percent in 2018.
"The tight labor market continues to put upward pressure on wages," said Chris Schmidt, senior editor at CFO Research. "Wage inflation is now listed near the top half dozen concerns of U.S. CFOs."
U.S. companies expect to pay higher wages, with median wage growth of about 3 percent over the next 12 months. Wage growth should be strongest in the tech, energy and service/consulting industries.
After difficulty finding the right employees, the next largest concern among U.S. CFOs is the cost of benefits, with health care costs expected to rise by more than 7 percent next year. Concern about government policies, regulations and data security are the next biggest concerns.
BUSINESS CORRUPTION
Corruption continues to dampen economic growth in emerging economics. Eighty-two percent of Latin American CFOs say that business corruption is a significant or very significant problem, as do 75 percent of CFOs in Africa and 49 percent in Asia. CFOs believe that business corruption limits competition, hinders expansion, increases prices and reduces quality.
MORE GLOBAL RESULTS
Canadian optimism dropped from 64 to 59, on a scale of 0 to 100. Capital spending is expected to shrink and hiring will be flat in 2018.
Optimism in Europe remains high at 67 this quarter. UK CFOs have lower optimism at 60. Capital spending is expected to grow at about 5 percent in 2018, and employment should remain flat. For the third consecutive quarter, and only the third time ever, the top concern among European CFOs is attracting and retaining qualified employees, followed by regulatory requirements, government policies and economic uncertainty. More than one-fourth of European CFOs say the lower U.S. tax rate makes the U.S. a more attractive place to invest.
Optimism in Asia fell from 66 last quarter to 61 this quarter. Economic uncertainty, access to capital, difficulty attracting qualified employees, low employee morale and currency risk are top concerns in the region. Capital spending is expected to grow about 10 percent, and employment 3 percent, in 2018. Thirteen percent of Asian CFOs say they understand blockchain technology well, and 36 percent say they are working on or already conduct big data analysis. Half say the lower U.S. tax rate makes it a more attractive place to invest.
Latin American optimism continues to rebound in most countries, up to 70 in Mexico, 69 in Chile and 62 in Brazil. Optimism fell to 54 in Peru. Economic uncertainty is the top concern among Latin American CFOs, with 54 percent of firms listing it as a top four concern. Other concerns include weak demand, government policies and productivity. Capital spending is expected to grow 6 percent and employment 3 percent in 2018. One-in-five Latin American CFOs say they understand blockchain technology well, and 30 percent say they are working on or already conduct big data analysis.
Business optimism in South Africa jumped to 59 this quarter, up from 42 last quarter. Nigerian optimism remained relatively flat at 62. Median capital spending and median employment should each increase by about 5 percent in 2018. The biggest concerns for African CFOs are economic uncertainty, governmental policies, currency risk, volatility of the political situation and access to capital. Only 5 percent of African CFOs say they understand blockchain technology well, while 35 percent say they are working on or already conduct big data analysis. One-third say the lower U.S. tax rate makes it a more attractive place to invest.
Detailed results, including tabular summaries of the numbers in this release and results from previous surveys, are available from gregory.phillips@duke.edu.
About the survey: This is the 88th consecutive quarter the Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook survey has been conducted. The survey concluded Mar. 2, and generated responses from more than 600 CFOs, including nearly 300 from North America, 63 from Asia, 106 from Europe, 86 from Latin America and 47 from Africa. The survey of European CFOs was conducted jointly with TiasNimbas in the Netherlands (C.Koedijk@uvt.nl), the France CFO society, and Philippe.DUPUY@grenoble-em.com at GEM. The survey of Latin America was conducted jointly with Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) in Brazil (William.Eid@fgv.br) and with Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar in Ecuador. The Japanese survey was conducted jointly with Kobe University (cfosurveyjp@people.kobe-u.ac.j) and Tokyo Institute of Technology, among others. The African survey was conducted jointly with SAICA (TsabuM@saica.co.za).
The Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook survey polls a wide range of companies (public and private, small and large, many industries, etc.), with the distribution of responding firm characteristics presented in online tables. The responses are representative of the population of CFOs are surveyed. Among the industries represented in the survey are retail/wholesale, mining/construction, manufacturing, transportation/energy, communications/media, technology, service/consulting and banking/finance/insurance. The average growth rates are weighted by revenues or number of employees. For example, one $5 billion company affects an average as much as 10 $500-million firms would. Revenue-weighted mean growth rates are provided for earnings, revenues, capital spending, technology spending and prices of products. Employee-weighted mean growth rates are used for health care costs, productivity, number of employees and outsourced employment. The earnings, dividends, share repurchases and cash on balance sheet are for public companies only. Unless noted, all other numbers are for all companies, including private companies.
An online version of this release is at http://dukefuqua.com/2tkVIeD.
Pending Tax Reform Prompts Spike in Business Optimism
Few Companies Making Special Effort to Attract Millenials or Achieve Board Diversity Targets


One of the gun industry's big January announcements was Glock's additions to their line-up of single stack pistols. This year's introductions include the Model 48, a single stack version of their venerable Model 19, and the 43X, which is basically the slide of the Model 43 mated to the 10 round grip frame of the (G19 sized) model 48. One of the most obvious features of both new offerings is the matte stainless PVD coated slide. PVD is a very tough coating used on everything from watch parts to heavy machinery. I'm not sure why they used the PVD coating rather than using a stainless steel slide, but I'm sure Glock has its reasons.
The SIG P365 is clearly smaller in all but one dimension and boasted a 10 round capacity that made it the concealed carry darling of 2018. However, for some shooters, it (as well as the standard 43) was just too small. The grip height could be improved by the use of SIG's 12 round, extended magazine but the width and overall length was still too small for some customers. The 43X solves this issue.
The height of the 43X is taller than the standard 43 largely due to the longer grip that angles diagonally backward. The grip is also just a tad bit wider than the standard 43 and I tend to prefer the feel of the 43X's grip over that of the 43 or the SIG P365. The extra length is probably the reason that I shoot the 43X better than the other two pistols and the increased grip height is not going to make it decidedly more difficult to conceal. The taller, angled grip frame is also the reason that 43X magazines will not fit into the original Glock 43.
The 43X also includes the wider cocking serrations (both front and rear) of Glock's Generation 5 models and I like this feature over the slimmer serrations of the standard 43.
Glock is currently producing the 43X (and the 48) with three different options in terms of sights. The first option is the original Glock painted-on white dot front sight with the rear outlined sight that you will want to replace as soon as you can. The second option is Glock's own night sight combination and the third option is the Ameriglo night sight with the blaze orange dot on the front. Obviously there is an incremental price increase if you select one of the night sight options instead of the original Glock sights.
The biggest surprise is the trigger pull. The trigger on our rental pistol is much better than any other non-modified Glock trigger I have ever experienced. I will be extremely displeased if the next ones we receive have stronger, grittier pulls.
The 43X shoots better for me than most other Glock at the abbreviated range for which the 43X is most likely to be used. The brain was shot at 5 yards, the head was shot at 7 yards and the torso was set out to 10 yards. 20 rounds was fired at each of these distances.
At 20 yards I fired 40 rounds with 3 missing the target, 19 rounds penetrating center mass and the remainder hitting the other areas of the target.
I have a hot and cold relationship concerning Glock pistols and currently, just like our January weather, it has been pretty chilly. However, I really like this pistol. This gets a huge thumbs up from me. If you want to shoot one, come see me at Stock and Barrel in Chanhassen. We have one in the rental case!
I have great respect for Glocks but it is difficult for me to get excited about them. I have been of the opinion that everyone should own a Glock 19 due to their ruggedness, reliability and ease of parts replacement. However, now I will Include the 19X to my list of components for a standard battery. If you are unaware, the 19X (or 19X Crossover as Glock sometimes refers to it) the the slide and barrel of a Glock 19 mated to a Glock 17 frame. Let's take a quick look at the specifications.
I must confess that, when these came out, I thought that Glock's manufacturing group must have read the work order incorrectly and reversed the concept of the pistol. I thought it made much more sense to put the longer barrel and slide of the model 17 on the more compact grip frame of the model 19 thereby producing a compact grip for easier concealment along with the longer line of sight and inherent increase in accuracy with the longer barrel. Apparently though, input from tactical operators (Geez, I hate that phrase) professed a desire for increased capacity and shorter barrel when maneuvering in tighter spaces. Thus, the 19X Crossover was born.
Although the 19X is a Gen 5 model there are two differences between the 19X and the Gen 5s that Glock is making for the FBI. There is no orange colored magazine follower and no flared magazine well. Although I kind of like the slightly flared magazine well, neither of these omissions are deal breakers for me.
In addition to the specifications in the table above, the 19X includes the standard Gen 5 "Marksman" barrel with enhanced polygonal rifling and a reverse crown to increase accuracy. Also, a slide stop is present on both the left and right side of the frame making this an ambidextrous handgun.
The finish on the 19X's slide is nPVD. Standby while I attempt to explain what this is (I'm sure Doc Wesson will correct me if I get this wrong). PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. Basically this process vaporizes specific materials, such as titanium, chromium or zirconium. The vaporized materials are then deposited into nitrogen gas to form a thin, but extremely durable, nitride coating. The PVD coating increases wear resistance, reduces friction and improves the appearance. I will say this, the slide has a metallic glint to it that definitely gives it a more lively look then the dull finish of most Cerakoted firearms.
One great addition to the 19X is that Glock does not equip it with their usual plastic, disposable sights. These come with Glock's own night sights with are made from steel. They are definitely easier to work with than Glock's normal and nominal sighting set-up.
This Glock also comes with a lanyard loop as requested by most militaries of the world, several foreign police departments and should be a standard feature for dancing FBI agents (it you don't know what that refers to, Google is your friend).
For some reason all Glocks tend to shoot low and to the left for me.
I was fairly exasperated when the 19X rewarded me with this 10 shot group at 15 feet. 7 rounds low and to the left on the 3 inch bullseye and 3 rounds flying into the outer stratosphere.
I was a little surprised when I rolled the target down to 21 feet and shot a much better 10 round group. How could I possible shoot a better group at a further distance? Maybe the pistol was sighted-in further out than 15 feet...that would make sense.
So then I pushed the target out to 30 feet and still shot a better group than what I shot at half the distance! Perhaps I am getting more familiar with the pistol.
Here's the 60 foot target with 30 rounds. These would all be very good torso hits.
So...just to satisfy my curiosity I rolled it back to 15 feet.
Yeah, I think after the first 10 rounds fired on target #1, the Glock 19X and I became better friends.
All in all, I think this is the best pistol Glock has produced in quite a while. Better sights, great color and better than average metal coating, and a good trigger. All this and one 17 round magazine and two 19 rounders! This could cause me to upgrade from my Gen 3 pistol.


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Stocks' wild ride: 8 days to remember
Oct. 13 - Biggest gain ever stops 2,400-point slide
Dow closed at: 9,387.61
Gain in points: 936.42
Percentage gain: 11.1%
The Dow rallied by as much as 976 points on Monday, Oct. 13, increasing market value by $1.2 trillion - the largest single-day paper gain ever. That cut in half the $2.4 trillion in market value lost in the 8-session slide from Oct. 1-10.
Stocks rallied after a series of global initiatives aimed at stymieing the credit crisis were announced over the preceding weekend. The market also soared after the Treasury Department's bailout point-man, Neel Kashkari, finally revealed some specifics about its $700 billion financial rescue plan.
In addition to buying up equity stakes in banks, and, eventually, mortgage-backed securities, Treasury said it would purchase whole mortgage loans, insure home loans against default and help keep delinquent borrowers in their homes. (The Treasury would eventually cancel its plan to buy up toxic assets on Nov. 12, sending the Dow down 411 points and leading to the 13th-biggest decline of the year.)
Investors cheered an emergency meeting held Sunday, Oct. 12, in which 15 European nations agreed to help their troubled banks by injecting capital and guaranteeing inter-bank lending. Additionally, the British government said it would pump $63 billion into three of the country's banks.
The U.S. Federal Reserve responded to the global effort by saying it would offer an unlimited supply of dollars to three other central banks in an effort to keep money flowing. The list eventually grew to 13 foreign central banks.
Dec.1
Last updated December 29 2008: 2:39 PM ET
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America's Money Crisis
• The crisis: A timeline
• Economy rescue: Adding up the dollars
• Three days that shook the world
• Best stocks for 2009

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Age is just a number. Short documentary portrait of 62 years old Milos Kmetko from Slovakia. He is not a typical retiree, he does things which to his peers seems crazy and spends most of his time with young people. His greatest passion is snowboarding.


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BROTHA WOLF
Howling For Justice!
Welcome To My Den
Black Teen Murdered By a White Man Allegedly Because He Listened To Rap Music
White people fear black people, and it's especially true if they are victims of crime or violence where the perpetrators are black. To them, the incident is so traumatizing that it makes them fear black people in general. And instead of getting help for it, most would use it to fuel racist biases even if […]
Read More Black Teen Murdered By a White Man Allegedly Because He Listened To Rap Music
Response: The News About Jeffery Epstein Being Accused of Sex Trafficking
Jeffery Epstein is a financier and multimillionaire whose friends include former president Bill Clinton and current "president" Donald Trump. Recently, he's accused of orchestrating a network of trafficking underage girls to his mansion in Palm Beach, Florida and his other homes in Manhattan, New York. It is reported that he trafficked girls from overseas from […]
Read More Response: The News About Jeffery Epstein Being Accused of Sex Trafficking
"Ariel" is a live-action Disney film starring Halle Bailey as the main character, and white folks are PISSED
We've seen this before. Whenever Hollywood casts a person of color as a character normally portrayed as white, white people will blow a gasket. This is despite Hollywood's long history of whitewashing nonwhite characters and white people didn't raise a stink about that fact. So, it's not surprising that they're up in arms over news […]
Read More "Ariel" is a live-action Disney film starring Halle Bailey as the main character, and white folks are PISSED
This ONE tweet says it all concerning Trump and the Central Park Five
America is where we live with the irony of a white man who wanted to execute 5 Black children for the rape of a white woman they didn't commit going on to rape 22 women & still becoming president. This nation is truly the land of opportunity… …for white men. Rapists & all. — Bishop […]
Read More This ONE tweet says it all concerning Trump and the Central Park Five
Roosh V: Pick-up Artist, Violent Misogynist & Rape Advocate
Who's Roosh V? Daryush Valizadeh, a.k.a. 'Roosh V', is a self-proclaimed "pick-up artist", only he's the kind that gives advice on how to have sex with women with or without their consent. He moderates a website called Return of Kings which is, in short, anti-woman. He's known for believing that women are inferior to men, […]
Read More Roosh V: Pick-up Artist, Violent Misogynist & Rape Advocate
How YouTuber Etika's Suicide Is a Testament To How Serious Mental Illness Can Get, Especially To Celebs
Last Tuesday, YouTube personality Desmond "Etika" Amofah committed suicide. The news of his death sent shockwaves throughout social media with people pouring in expressing disbelief and sadness, at least from the more sympathetic crowd. Many have cited that it was his dealing with his mental illness while being an online personality is what drove him […]
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Remembering Michael Jackson Ten Years Later
It's been a decade since his passing. Yet, his music, his talent and his legacy still remains, even through the tabloid media's unrelenting maelstrom of convicting a possibly innocent man of a heinous crime for which there is no definite proof of his guilty. But this icon's fans and supporters of real journalism and justice, […]
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Bloggers – this post is for you. Here are some paid blogging opportunities that you may have not heard of.
Kids at Play Mommy Blogger Recruitment Screener Survey. This opp pays $200 if you qualify for it.
Linqia is a sponsored post platform where you will write a blog post, promote it and then get paid per links clicked. Our experience has been that each click pays .80 cents. Making money with Linqia and can be quite profitable for not a whole lot of work. You'll be working on campaigns for quality brands like Levi's, Ghirardelli, Kotex, Pillsbury and more. You can check out one recent opportunity we've recently done for Poise, as an example as what to expect. Here's another: Innovative Smartphone Beta Program Wants YOU!
We recently signed up for this site, and cannot tell you first hand how good it is. That said, we know of other bloggers who really like the site and hope that we experience the same.
Are you a Tweeter? If so, you can make some money with TwtMob. The platform is very similar to Sponsor Tweets.
Looking for other opportunities? Check out Blogger Resources where you'll find other companies to work with as well.
Have you gotten your PurpleTicket?
Izea has been talking about the PurpleTicket launching for quite some time now. Well, now is the time to update your IZEA profile if you already have one and if you don't, you can sign up here (or click the banner).
Tipsy Tuesday – Bloggers – Are You in Violation of Google's G+ Buttons Policy?
Goodbye to GFC (Google Friend Connect) for many, and hello G+ – GFC's replacement. Good enough except – are you in violation of Google's G+ Button Policy in trying to get your site followed?
I interpret this to mean – you better not host a giveaway asking entrants to follow your site via G+ or click the G+ button pertaining to that post. If you do, you risk suffering consequences by Google.
Quite frankly – it really bums me out that Google is being this way. I want Google to write to all companies that ask bloggers for their follower stats. I'm sure there are a lot of companies who have no clue what has transpired, although – they should have to deal with what we have to work with…it's out of our hands. Ask our page ranks, FB followers, Twitter followers, and if they must – Alexa. They need to know it's not fair game anymore. We can't give stats for something we can't work on actively. We're just a handful of people trying to get our content read. We're certainly not Google!
And this linky thing going around – I'm not impressed with that either. I see that as being similar to Picket Fences – doesn't mean crap to companies. Alexa ratings – that's not all it's cracked up to be either. Aside from bloggers – who installs the Alexa tool bar? Heck, I never even heard of the site before I started blogging and I was always online doing something (no exaggeration) for several years before blogging came along.


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Professor Constantinos Leonidou
Position: Professor of Marketing
Areas of expertise: sustainability; marketing; international marketing; communication; business ethics; corporate responsibility; CSR; tourism marketing
Email: C.Leonidou@leeds.ac.uk
Location: GM.06 Maurice Keyworth Building
Website: Twitter | LinkedIn | Googlescholar | ORCID
Constantinos Leonidou is Professor of Marketing and the Head of Marketing Division at Leeds University Business School. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Middlesex University (2004), an MBA from Cardiff University (2006) and a Ph.D. in Marketing and Strategy from the University of Leeds (2009). His Ph.D. thesis focuses on environmental sustainability and marketing strategy and was supported by a scholarship from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
His main research and teaching interests focus on sustainability marketing, corporate responsibility, international marketing, and tourism/hospitality marketing. His research has appeared in many journals of international repute, such as the European Journal of Marketing, Industrial Marketing Management, International Business Review, International Marketing Review, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Business Research, Journal of International Marketing, Journal of World Business, and Tourism Management among others.
Constantinos is a member of the Editorial Review Board of Journal of Business Research and Journal of International Marketing and acts as ad hoc reviewer for many other academic journals, including British Journal of Management, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Journal of World Business, and Tourism Management.
He regularly presents his work in leading international academic conferences across the globe, while he is an active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA), Academy of Marketing Science (AMS), British Academy of Management (BAM), and European Marketing Academy. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the AMA Global Marketing SIG.
Head of Marketing Division
Professor Leonidou's research interests lie chiefly around these general areas, in which he is willing to undertake PhD supervision:
Sustainability marketing and management
Corporate responsibility and business ethics
Tourism/hospitality marketing
PhD in Marketing and Strategy, University of Leeds, UK
MBA Master of Business Administration, Cardiff University, UK
BA (Hons) Business Administration, Middlesex University, UK
In session 2018-2019 I am module leader for and presently teach on LUBS5427M Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Global and Strategic Marketing Research Centre
Oluwaseun Olabode
Eleni Zantidou
Marina Christofide
Katerina Karamoutsou


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Questions and More Questions on the Impact of Social Media in 2018
The article hit home like a virtual thunderclap. Well, for me and perhaps the many others who communicate professionally and ethically.
In question is a piece, "2018's Biggest Social Media Trends for Business," published January 2 of this year by Forbes. (Yes, I'm a little behind in my reading.)
For a commentary on the growth of digital, there sure are a lot of "old-school" implements in this graphic. Image courtesy of Forbes.
Here's why: Author Ryan Holmes (also the CEO and founder of Hootsuite) maintains that there's "a growing realization among businesses that social media is the single most effective way to reach audiences." He cites factors like the development of paid platforms (so long free reach via Facebook), a continued growth of video (certainly not surprising) and the integration of prominent social media platforms with leading business software (perhaps Microsoft will own everything digital some day).
And, the article cites compelling statistics like the escalating number of Facebook users (lots and lots and lots), time each day teens spend online (around 540 minutes) and the growing dominance of sponsored video (more bucks spent than on that once dominate medium — television).
All this led me to ponder these questions about the future of social media:
1. All these developments are happening at lightening-fast speed. So how do communicators measure results and effectively keep up?
2. And, given the preponderance of new digital platforms, how do communicators determine if what they recommend to clients is the most relevant one?
3. Not too many years ago, I recall reading that the public relations field "owned" social media. Is that still the case?
4. How do you effectively integrate rapid-fire digital with more traditional strategies and tactics?
5. Will those of us not raised on digital (this writer included) continue to have a voice in modern communications?
In the conclusion to the article, Holmes offers this rationale: "For companies already fatigued by the onslaught of new technology and strategies, relief, unfortunately, is nowhere in sight. But for those that can keep up, social media may promise bigger audiences and more return on investment than ever."
Not sure where I stand in that equation.
Now it's your turn. Given the virtual communications whirlwind ahead, what questions do you have about the impact of social media on communicators?
Standard | Posted in public relations	| Tagged communications, Facebook, Microsoft, public relations, social media, social media trends, social media trends in 2018	| 0 comments
Coming Soon From Dick Wolf: Chicago PR?
Fans of the Chicago-centric evening television dramas aired on NBC have had to opt for other entertainment sources the past few days; that's because the network gained the rights to broadcast the many kinds of athletic endeavors taking place on snow and ice halfway around the world during the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Who knows? Perhaps Mr. Wolf was using this downtime to conceive a new program set in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
So those of us (me included) who enjoy hour-long programs like Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med — all developed by the indefatigable executive producer Dick Wolf — now must focus on ice dancing, curling and the luge competition during the 9 to 10 p.m. hour or switch to one of the hundreds of other viewing options available to cable subscribers these days.
This entertainment quandary prompted these questions: What's Mr. Wolf and his team doing during this hiatus of his very popular and successful Chicago dramas? Perhaps plotting a new "Chicago" program, one with an ensemble cast and plot lines that are "torn from the pages" of real news happenings, with our fine city as a backdrop? If so, what would be the focus, the industry, the profession?
I have a suggestion: Chicago PR!
Yes, an hour-long perspective into the lives of the men and women who craft strategies and manage communications for companies, businesses, governmental agencies and associations across our great metropolitan area.
Think about this for a moment. The name, Chicago PR is succinct, memorable and easily recognizable, like the names of the other dramas produced by the team at Wolf Films.
In terms of worthy characters, I've known plenty of public relations professionals who would serve as models for a fictional Chicago PR agency: The stalwart and decisive founder and leader, the old-school senior VP who's grappling with the ever-changing digital arena, the progressive young account supervisor who just earned in integrated marketing communications degree from a leading university.
Granted, Chicago PR plots won't involve catching bad guys, rescuing people from burning buildings or saving the life of an accident victim; but anyone who's worked in the high-pressure public relations business knows there's always the potential for drama to be found inside the office and outside of it.
Anyone who's been part of a new business RFP could certainly relate to the drama that usually unfolds.
And, in the full disclosure department, this blog has addressed public relations as depicted in Chicago Fire. As I noted in my final post of 2017, the profession was grossly misrepresented in an episode involving a lead character from Firehouse 51.
So, should Mr. Wolf read this commentary, please consider the program suggestion just noted; but if you do, please confer with real public relations professionals from the onset. Get it right this time.
As for me, I'm switching on the Olympics coverage. Linsey Vonn is going for gold. The balance of the evening, I trust, will be all downhill.
Standard | Posted in Chicago, public relations	| Tagged 2018 Olympics, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Dick Wolf, Olympics, public relations, Winter Olympics, Wolf Films	| 0 comments
Hey Virginia Heffernan: What You Apparently Don't Know About Public Relations
Sometimes, I have to gaze up at the ceiling, so to say, to find the subject for a PRDude post. And, other times, the topic surfaces in an expected place and figuratively bashes me across the forehead.
The subject of today's post lies squarely on the latter.
Photo of Ms. Heffernan courtesy of Wikipedia. Not sure of the name of the four-legged friend.
While reading my print edition of the Chicago Tribune during lunch today, I found an opinion piece that focused on Hope Hicks — the current White House communications director — and offered a commentary on public relations. You can read the digital version of the article, "Who Exactly is Hope Hicks?, posted on the Tribune's website and dated February 5.
The commentary, written by Virginia Heffernan, opens with an account of President Donald Trump's reported affinity for women models — from his current wife Melania and daughter Ivanka to other women who are currently part of his administration and staff. Then the focus moves to Ms. Hicks, specifically her experience as a fashion model and position managing communications for The Trump Organization.
What follows the introductory paragraphs provided the fuel for this post. Frankly, the piece is an example of myopic, uninformed and outright erroneous interpretations of the public relations practice and an assault on the professionals who adhere to established standards of ethical and strategic communications.
Rather than dissect the editorial paragraph-by-paragraph to unveil all I believe is wrong, fictitious and plain idiotic, here are a few "gems" of sorts that demonstrate Ms. Heffernan's preconceived perceptions of public relations and the people who work in the industry:
"Modeling is not, however, Hicks' chief qualification for her job with Trump. She's a publicist to the bone." Just what the heck does being "a publicist to the bone" mean in this case? That Ms. Hicks is serious about generating or managing publicity, a component of public relations? And, so what if she modeled before switching careers.
"Hicks didn't just drift into her first PR job as some in the sheath set are known to do. Instead, she's to the manner born, third generation in a family of special-forces flacks." First, what comprises the "sheath set?" And, this is a new one to me: "Special-forces flacks." Are they given commando attire, too, when engaging in a strategic communications exercise? Fiunally, so what if her grandfather and father worked in public relations. I trust this never happens in journalism.
"PR at that level takes moral flexibility, callousness and charm." This nugget was in reference to previous paragraphs stating that Ms. Hicks' father "ran publicity" for the National Football League and now works for a communications firm that "specializes in — among other things — crisis management and 'Complex Situations.'" And, Ms. Hicks "was trained by the best: Matthew Hilztzik," the so-called chief publicist for Harvey Weinstein and Miramax. The take away here, according to Ms. Heffernan: Public relations professionals shouldn't develop crisis communications programs or represent professional sports franchises or media companies.
"But as Hope Hicks knows — and as her father and her father's father knew — lying to the media is traditionally called PR." This, the final sentence in this garbage of slanted commentary bashes an entire profession and the people who work in it. My response to Ms. Heffernan: So, I trust that the work published in the New York Times — where Ms. Heffernan worked as a staff writer — by Jayson Blair was credible journalism?
This outright pillaging of all things public relations and equating the profession as detrimental to society and our democracy needs to stop. Yes, there are "flacks" in the public relations profession. But as a former reporter, I know there are "hacks" in the news business and perhaps every profession.
Left unchecked, this type of uninformed commentary propagates total misconceptions about the work of serious, honest public relations professionals.
In an effort to provide some guidance to Ms. Heffernan, perhaps she should visit the Press Contacts page published by the New York Times. There are eight communications professionals listed.
Perhaps one of these colleagues could share some accurate insight on public relations. Otherwise, Ms. Heffernan could visit this page hosted by the Public Relations Society of America.
Standard | Posted in Commentary, politics, public relations	| Tagged ethical public relations, Hope Hicks, journalism, President Trump, PRSA, public relations, Public Relations Society of America, Virginia Heffernan	| 0 comments


please upload the entire Akiras.py, also, have you changed the file at all?
That is all the text in the ".py" file named "Akiras.PY" No I have not changed it in anyway.
Ardon9978;4768308That is all the text in the ".py" file named "Akiras.PY" No I have not changed it in anyway.


text:
A+E Network UK, Netflix partner on "I Am a Killer"
An in-depth look at death row prisoners across the U.S. will have its global premiere on A+E Networks UK's Crime + Investigation (CI) channel in the spring, before its debut ...
An in-depth look at death row prisoners across the U.S. will have its global premiere on A+E Networks UK's Crime + Investigation (CI) channel in the spring, before its debut on Netflx.
As part of a partnership with Netflix, I Am a Killer is a 10 x 60-minute Sky Vision Productions series that profiles 10 convicted murderers as they describe what happened before their crime and the murder itself. The series will feature their motivations, expectations and how they see the crime now after their time on death row.
The series will also air on CI Poland and Italy later this year.
"I'm immensely proud of this series, created by our team over the past 18 months, involving painstaking research and detailed negotiations to secure the most incredible access," said Danny Tipping, executive producer for Sky Vision Productions. "The series is beautifully made and challenges the viewer at every turn."
CI also recently ordered a documentary series from Endemol Shine North, Murdertown. Fronted by Happy Valley actress Katherine Kelly, the 10 x 60-minute true crime series focuses on the location of the murder, in the context of it's locations cultural and criminal landscape. It will premiere on CI in the UK later this year.
A+E Networks UK, CI, Crime & Investigation, Danny Tipping, I Am a Killer, Netflix, Sky Vision Productions
Crime + Investigation orders "Britain's Forgotten Serial Killer"
Netflix explores murder of Baltimore nun in "The Keepers"
Coming Soon: "Much Too Young," "Islands and the Whales"
A+E Networks UK commissions true crime series from Avalon


Giving all who come to this sacred place, now and in the future, the grace and resources to fully become what they are called to be – for themselves, their families, their communities, and this world.
What Will It Be? Whether you're just beginning to plan your legacy, or considering changes to your legacy decisions, legacy writing is the perfect way to start thinking about what you want your legacy to be.
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So often we are touched by stories of how the Casa has stirred souls, restored faith, healed families, and changed lives. In what moments has the Casa been there for you? In what ways have you seen God's love in action at the Casa? How has your life been enriched?
Your Legacy Can Transform Lives. By leaving a part of your legacy with the Casa, you can help ensure that the Casa's life-giving programs and ministries will be sustainable for the generations who follow. We have many options for legacy gifts available to you, designed to meet your personal needs and help create your legacy at the Casa. Contact us now to learn more.
For hundreds of years, endowments have sustained good works that feed body, mind and soul in every corner of the world and across generations. Through sound investing and prudent spending, endowments have the power to keep giving and growing in perpetuity. They provide a consistent source of operating revenue that can be relied upon year after year.
At the Casa, endowment holds the key to future financial sustainability. As our community and our facilities grow, no one should ever have to be turned away for lack of resources. We are responding to the call of the future by working to increase the Franciscan Renewal Center Endowment to $50 million. The revenue it generates will sustain our programs and ministries long into the future, so the needs of all who come to this sacred place will always be served.
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Photographs throughout this site have been generously provided by Peter Jordan, Frank Baselice, Peter Gruber, Tara La Bouff, Kim Leach, Donna Portelli, Mark Spomer, Adam Stein and others.


You're analog players in a digital world.
My check engine light had been on for a couple of months.
Usually it's something small and trivial, so I try and ignore it.
always eventually gets to me.
This time, it seems, the problems were a bit larger.
I picked up my car yesterday and paid a little over 2000 bucks.
Yes, that money had been saved to buy a scooter and a new mattress.
Yes, it really bothered me, but it was cheaper than getting a new car.
I say to myself as I'm driving home.
Then my window pops and slides down into the door.
these are some clips from the show Britain's got talent.
i almost cried while watching the first video and i definitely got goosebumps.
i did cry while watching the second video.
both of these people made it to the finals.
paul potts ended up winning the competition.
So the combination is one, two, three, four, five?
That's the stupidest combination I've ever heard in my life!
The kind of thing an idiot would have on his luggage!


text:
Hastings wins New South Wales land titles office
12 April 2017 - 12:00 am UTC
Hastings Funds Management and a group of investors will pay AUD 2.6bn (USD 1.95bn) for the Land and Property Information (LPI) service in NSW, despite a fierce community backlash.
First State Super and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group's pension fund (RBS) joined the winning bid alongside Hastings with the Australian-based investors stumping up 80% of the equity while RBS put in the balance, State Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday (11 April).
The winning Australian Registry Investments (ARI) consortium edged out rival offers from Canadian pension funds PSP Investments and Borealis Infrastructure, working with registry giant Computershare.
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets and Carlyle were also reported as having lodged final bids ahead of the 30 March deadline.
The controversial sell-off will enable NSW to inject AUD 1bn into upgrading Parramatta and ANZ Stadiums and use the other AUD 1.6bn for other infrastructure through the Restart NSW fund.
West Australian state registry outfit Advara advised the Hastings bid group to help LPI transform into a digital service provider, according to the government. The state-owned group is not thought to have contributed equity to the consortium.
"This is an industry on the cusp of huge technological advances, and today we have partnered with some of Australia's most reputable investors who will make sure the people of NSW get the benefit of those advances," state Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said in a statement.
The transaction has been cleared by the Foreign Investment Review Board, which scrutinizes any deal where overseas shareholders control more than 15% of the bid. It also has sign-off from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Tax Office.
The government came under a sustained attack from real estate and media moguls concerned that the cost to access information about property ownership may rise or be restricted if a private operator took over. The groups also feared an increased risk of security breaches.
To assuage fears of a price hike and privacy violations the government has installed the Registrar General to regulate ARI. Price rises will be capped at the consumer price index, a measure of inflation for the full 35 years of the concession.
The regulator will have powers to step in and control the LPI operation if it fears the new owner neglects the security of property rights and data. Security of title will remain unchanged and the LPI will continue to operate the Torrens Assurance Fund, used to compensate landowners if there are frauds or errors on the register.
LPI staff will have their jobs guaranteed under the new owner for four years.
The office processed 1m documents in the past 12 months and had 885 employees as at the end of the 2016 financial year


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Podcast | How Do Americans Feel About Loyalty Programs?
In the latest episode of "Behind the Numbers," eMarketer principal analyst Andrew Lipsman talks about US consumers' attitudes toward loyalty programs. What do consumers want from a loyalty program? Who subscribes and who doesn't? And what impact does it have on those who are part of a loyalty program?
In today's "eMarketer Daily Forecast" video, forecasting analyst Eric Haggstrom dives into our numbers for virtual reality audiences. Watch now.
According to a spring 2019 report from investment bank and asset management firm Piper Jaffray, 73% of Gen Zers (those ages 7 to 22, per the report) said they prefer brands to contact them about new products through Instagram, with Snapchat following as the preferred method at roughly 50%.


text:
Q: Why is a vehicle's empty weight called its "curb weight"? Merriam Webster defines curb weight as:

the weight of an automobile with standard equipment and fuel, oil, and coolant

Why is this weight called a vehicle's curb weight?

A: Definition and etymology
Curb weight (US) or kerb weight (UK) is the weight of a car parked at the kerb with standard equipment, oil, water, coolant, petrol but without passengers or goods. Some definitions say a full tank of petrol, but some just say some petrol. It comes from the idea of a car parked by the kerb and ready to go, but waiting for passengers and extra luggage.
The earliest example in the OED is of the UK spelling in 1958, but Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2004) dates the US spelling to 1949 but I found examples in the early 1930s (and possibly in the late 1920s).
1920s
This is a snippet of Society of Automotive Engineers Transactions (1929), so the date could be wrong (but it looks ok). It contrasts "Curb weight, sedan" with a heavier "Weight, with driver and observer":

1930s
Ignoring snippets, the first verifiable examples are from almost identical adverts in the April 1933 editions of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics:

A: It's the weight of the vehicle, parked at the side of the road (at the curb), ready to go, but without any passengers or cargo.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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← Lisa Tharp is our most recent winner of Shedd Aquarium from the September 4th, 2015 drawing!


text:
Previous Chapter: Chapter 7
Next Chapter: Chapter 9
The Summers house was still and quiet. Either the key had been left alone and sleeping in without any protectors, or no one was there at all. Riley could work with either option. He got out of his SUV and used the hidden spare key to get into the house. A few minutes later, and he was up in Dawn's empty room with a compact magnifying glass, searching her pillow for hairs. There were several, but none were quite… ah, wait, there. A long brown hair with an intact root. Perfect.
He carefully put the hair into a small baggie and glanced around the room. The empty cup on the nightstand probably had a saliva sample, but someone would probably notice if he took that. The small trash can had a wad of gum in it, though, which he carefully collected in another baggie. Unfortunately, there were no tissues stained with blood from a convenient nosebleed or anything. Damn. Well, he hadn't exactly been counting on that or anything, so it wasn't a loss.
It just meant he had to go through with the plan he'd already worked out. He wasn't sure if Dawn had gone to school or was just with the others somewhere, or what, but they'd most likely have it at the Magic Box this afternoon. He'd show up, act all contrite, and if it was there…. Well, if he could get them to think he supported the key, it'd be as easy as giving candy to a baby. Or hot chocolate to a teenage girl.
Riley let himself out of the house as quietly as he'd let himself in. If everything went the way he hoped it would, he'd have things taken care of before they got Buffy back. And maybe then she'd appreciate everything he did for her.
A running jump brought Spike up close enough to grab the lowest set of bars and gave him the momentum to swing his legs up and over so he could plant his feet on the bar. From there, he pushed off, sailing through the air for a moment before grabbing onto the next bar. Flip, spin, next bar up, hang upside down from his knees for half a tick, swing, flip, grab, twist, and stick the bloody landing. Then turn with a smirk and an exaggerated bow at the sudden applause.
"Very nice," Senka said, unashamedly ogling Spike. "I knew you were pretty damn flexible, but that…. Mmmm."
His eyes took on a faraway look as his tongue peeked out, slowly sliding along his lower lip, and Spike had no doubt the other man was thinking up all kinds of wickedly delightful ways to take advantage of said flexibility. Where Buffy had been shy and hesitant when it came to trying new things, Senka dove right in. Shame and embarrassment and the constant worry about what others would think had been tucked away into the creamy center where Buffy hid, untouched by the shell she'd created to protect herself.
Senka wasn't just some construct cobbled out of the ether, though. No more than Spike was something weepy little William pulled out his arse, Spike thought in an uncomfortable moment of self-reflection. The soul may have buggered off, but he'd still remembered being William bloody Pratt. It had still formed the core of who and what he was. And when that core had taken one blow too many, he'd drawn out select bits of demon and man to knit the jumper that was "Spike."
Dru had understood that, and it had been why she'd still called him William at times without denying who he had become. She'd known that even when the tough, reckless persona had melded to become his very flesh, the core had still been there. And Spike understood that about Buffy.
He'd discovered in the past two months that Senka was the part of her that was a performer, that had blossomed as a figure skater and cheerleader and had taken joy in the raw physicality of being the Slayer. He was also the parts of her that most of society liked to term masculine. It had all been drawn out from within to protect her core. Buffy wasn't Senka, but Senka was part of Buffy, and that was enough for Spike to love him.
"Well, you know," Spike drawled, sauntering over. "Ate a gymnast or two back in the day. Can't beat the Olympics for dinner and a show."
Not that he'd ever actually knowingly eaten an Olympian, mind. He'd usually tended to leave skilled craftsmen and performers off the menu, seeing as how having them about generally kept things enjoyable and entertaining. He'd been to a few of the games, cheering himself hoarse along with the humans and having a gay old time of bashing in the heads of lesser demons thinking of mucking about with the proceedings.
Senka snorted and rolled his eyes, arm slipping around Spike's waist once he was close enough. "I keep telling you, I don't think it works that way."
Spike raised a brow at that. "And just who is it is the vampire here, love?"
She… he – was harder to keep straight being cuddled against a very obviously female body and all – was right, of course. When you ate someone, you took in their life and essence, but it didn't pass on any skillsets or career knowledge. Be quite a lark if it did, though. Could have bypassed all those cooking, fashion, interior design, and whatall lessons he'd faffed about with over the decades.
Course, actually going to the things and learning had been part of what staved off boredom, which had been the entire point. Not that he thought he'd ever really get bored with violence, but there was something deeply satisfying about a good, vicious kill on the way to learning the best ways to pair pastels with bold colors or somesuch.
"Maybe I'm the vampire," Senka replied cheekily to the rhetorical question. "And you're my yummy treat."
He grinned and snapped his teeth at Spike, then bounded off for his own go at the training equipment before the trainer could start getting impatient. Damn, but it was something to see, wasn't it? From the first moment he'd laid eyes on Buffy, Spike had enjoyed watching her move. Dancing at the Bronze like she hadn't a care in the world and nothing mattered but the music and her own body. She'd lost some of that confidence in her physicality after the whole Angel debacle.
Odd that having someone else in complete control of her body – to the point where the bloody bitch what owned them had cut parts out – would have given that back to her. Well, maybe not so odd, really. Senka had been created in part from the buried and castoff bits of Buffy. Made sense that it was something he would have reclaimed.
Spike's musings were interrupted by Sasszan coming out of the observation room just as Senka finished up. She'd been watching a lot this past week, both out in the main training yard and the specialized areas like this one. Probably due to the gladiator events in the city starting up again in a few months.
Festival season wouldn't be for a while yet, but from what Spike had heard, there would be plenty of competitions in the city, starting with a week of showcase fights. Those that performed well would be asked to various arenas, the owners getting paid whether their gladiators won or lost. A win paid better, of course, but meant squat if no one actually wanted to watch the gladiators in question.
Agility and flexibility tended to be bigger crowd pleasers than brute strength. The fact that he and Senka had all of the above along with the nature of their relationship – vampire and vampire slayer, lovers and fighting partners against all odds. Human, demon, different dimensions, or what have you, no one could resist a good unlikely romance – meant they were a shoo-in for the showcase fights next year. He'd have put them in this year if he'd been calling the shots, but apparently most owners let new gladiators season for a year beforehand.
"Senka and Rehva will be in the showcase this year," Sasszan declared to the trainer, inclining her head first towards Spike, then Senka.
Huh. Well, that was unexpected. But then, Sasszan wasn't exactly stupid. They were bloody fantastic at this gladiator gig, and anything with eyes could see it. And the lizard's eyes were bloody huge.
"Excuse me, Mistress," Senka said quietly, palms pressed together and head down respectfully, "but I'm Senka. She's Rehva."
Sasszan blinked those big eyes of hers and glanced at Spike as if for confirmation. "What he said," he responded with a shrug. Then, at the warning twinge of the slug in his head, he pressed his palms together, looked down, and threw in a "Mistress."
"Hn. Either name is fitting." Then she turned away from them to talk to the trainer, clearly dismissing them.
Spike hadn't internalized the female persona Buffy had projected onto him, but he'd at least outwardly be whatever she needed him to be. Hell, before they'd gone through the sodding portal, he'd been working his way to being at least a sodding gray hat for her. He loved Buffy as she had been, and he loved Buffy as she, or he or whatever, was now. And really, that was the only thing that mattered, wasn't it?
Dawn focused on the vaguely lightning bolt shaped imperfection in the center of the clear crystal in her hands, just sort of existing at it. Giles had given it to her as soon as she'd come to the Magic Box after school and had told her to sit down and meditate on the crystal. It was supposed to be mapping out her energy levels or something. Mapping out her energy…. She shuddered, trying not to think too much about it.
Tara had helped a lot, after Willow's calming spell had been lifted. She'd sat Dawn down and talked to her about how she was special and important, and that it didn't matter what she'd started out as. She was Dawn Summers now, a human girl with a few extra perks.
And apparently one of those perks was being the perfect "empowered object" for bringing Buffy and Spike back. She wrinkled her nose at that description. Empowered object. Like she wasn't a person. But she was. She was a person and a key, and once they got the book they needed, her connection to Buffy could be used to bring her and Spike home.
She frowned a bit as she thought about it. Everyone had been a little vague about things when they'd explained. They knew what book the spell was in and what it would do, but didn't actually have the book. Had Giles seen it once and knew it well enough to know it would work, but just didn't remember all of the details? It was all kind of —
"Excellent, Dawn, you're doing quite well," Giles murmured supportively, breaking into her thoughts. "It seems to be attuning to your energy field."
Dawn blinked, just now realizing that the crystal had gone from clear to vibrant green. That was… that was kind of cool, actually. She felt a smile starting to tug at her lips, but then the bell over the door chimed and one of the last people she wanted to see came in.
Riley stood there with that big, stupid "oops, sorry" grin on his big, stupid face. He was holding one of those drink carriers with four cups from the Espresso Pump.
"Look," he started before anyone had a chance to tell him to go away, "I know I messed up, big time. I just… I don't do well with surprises, and finding out about Dawn was a big surprise." He walked over to the research table and carefully set the drink holder down. He looked straight at her and held one of the cups out. "I'm sorry, Dawn. I know it doesn't make up for how you found out or for what I said, but I brought you a peace offering. Hot chocolate."
She narrowed her eyes at him. She wanted to take the drink and throw it in his face, but…. She wasn't happy with the guy, but he was her sister's boyfriend. Also like, totally the king of the doofus people, but mostly her sister's boyfriend. She'd try to get along with him. For now, anyway.
"Fine," she said grudgingly, reaching out to take the offering.
It had gone for it. At first, Riley had thought it was going to throw the hot chocolate in his face, but the key had gone for the bait. And with that acceptance, the others had calmed down as well, though they still threw him dark looks from time to time. It didn't matter, though. Once he had the proof he needed, he'd be able to free them from whatever mind control they were under. And that proof would come within a few days, if he could get the samples to Graham and convince him to seriously fast track the results.
Once the crushed up sleeping pills did their job, he casually walked over to Dawn and put his jacket over its slumped form. He got a narrow-eyed look from Tara, but he just smiled and continued on, pretending to make the key more comfortable. What he was actually doing though…. Once it was spread across the key the way he wanted, he pulled a finger stick and small vial out of his jacket pocket. The fall of it hid things from view as he pricked her finger and collected a few drops of blood.
Just a few more days. Don't worry, Buffy, he vowed silently, I'll keep them all safe.
From: kasumi
Spike is def strong enough to not internalize what Buffy is pressing upon him. And I like your reasoning that he gives for what she is going through. It makes sense, and goes back to my comment on the last chapter.
Riley is a bad bad person. Stupid Walsh. Stupid Initiative.


I Have Allergies…Can I Get Orthodontic Braces?
There are certain questions we all think about when we are told we need to wear orthodontic braces…..Will it hurt?….How will I be able to brush and floss?….Can I still eat my favorite foods?….How long will I have to wear them?
For millions of adults and children they might have a far different reaction……I have allergies to metals….Will I be able to have the orthodontic treatment without an allergic reaction?
What If I am allergic to certain metals? What choices will I have?
-Ceramic Braces – These are an excellent choice, not only for people with a nickel or metal allergy, but for people who are looking for a more esthetic orthodontic option. Ceramic braces are clear and are able to blend in with the teeth much more easily than traditional metal orthodontic braces. Ceramic braces allow for tooth movement without causing a reaction. Ceramic braces are not quite as strong as the traditional metal orthodontic braces so additional care is required as well as additional trips to the orthodontist for broken parts.
-Gold Plated Braces - These are especially comforting to many with a nickel allergy as they add extra security against an allergic reaction. The gold is able to form a stable bond between the teeth and the brackets and will also blend very nicely against ones teeth to soften the esthetics. These have become more popular for many simply becuase they feel they look better than traditional options but they do come with added cost.
-Titanium Braces - These appear very similar to the traditional stainless steel orthodontic braces. Titanium has an added advantage (besides being nickel free) that they are often considered to be more flexible than traditional stainless steel braces. This will allow them to be more flexible upon chewing and placing forces on them. This makes them a more durable option for many.
-Plastic (Polycarbonate) Braces - The main advantages to these are that they are completely metal free and can be made to be practically invisible on the teeth. This is a great option for allergy sufferers but also for many adults who do not want a mouth full of metal. The main disadvantage of these is they tend to not be as strong as traditional braces so added care is needed as well as allowance for extra visits when things break.
-Invisalign- This is a clear plastic removable appliance. It is changed periodically to slowly move teeth into position. It is nice because it is very cosmetic, and can be removed for photos. The main negatives are, they are easy to lose, and movement is limited. Therefore, it takes more time to receive less results overall.
Other potential risks for allergies exist in the use of elastic ligatures (also called rubber bands) during orthodontic treatment. These rubber bands contain latex which might pose an issue for those with latex allergies. Luckily, in modern dentistry companies have developed latex free rubber bands using the same colors as the traditional ones.
Also, the metal used for a particular patient should be the same metal used throughout orthodontic treatment with no deviation. This ensures that there is no cross contamination as it would become quite difficult to pinpoint the exact issue when and if it arises further into treatment.
Communication is the key in dealing with any dental issue but especially for those with a history of allergies. If you suspect you have any type of allergy let the dentist know. It might be a good idea to get allergy tested prior to beginning orthodontic treatment if there is any doubt. Any allergy should not be taken lightly if there is any chance it could impact treatment. This will ensure a smooth transition and trouble free orthodontic treatment.


Trixie is a 2 year old Schnoodle. I needed a companion for my dog, Yogi. I got Trixie when she was 6 months old.
She likes to run and jump. Trixie is a great little runner and leaper. She would be fantastic at an agility course. She loves everyone, literally. She also has the most expressive ears I've ever seen on a dog. They're like little antennae.
I love Schnoodles! We were lucky enough to be blessed with ours. Boogie, for 9 years. He passed away 2 years ago and we still miss his little soft body in our arms. Hope you win the contest!


GIS – 25 June, 2018: An interactive session on the theme "Moving from Awareness to Action through a Human Rights based approach" was organised this morning at the Royal College of Curepipe by the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Environment and Sustainable Development (Social Security and National Solidarity Division) in the context of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018.
Elderly people from several Senior Citizens associations, students from Royal College of Curepipe, Forest Side State Secondary School (Girls), Mauricia College, Renaissance College and the University of Mauritius, and officers of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Environment and Sustainable Development participated in the interactive session. The aim is to promote dialogue and programmes between senior citizens and students so as to raise awareness on elder abuse.
Addressing the audience on behalf of the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Environment and Sustainable Development, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr D. Kawol, pointed out that elder abuse is a global social concern which affects millions of elder persons around the world, and hence is an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. He outlined that the chosen theme underscores the importance of engaging into actions against elder abuse which takes physical, psychological, emotional, and financial forms.
Dr Kawol underlined that Government aims at ensuring maximum protection and facilities to the elderly through various services, including income security, psycho-social support, health facilities and protection, so as to enable them to lead an active and healthy life in full enjoyment of their rights. The elderly population is constantly increasing in Mauritius as well as in other countries and the impact of ageing will be felt on several fronts. The ageing population requires all countries and stakeholders to renew and sustain their political and financial commitments to initiate actions that support the elderly, he stated.
There are 20 Elderly Watch Committees spread around the island, composed of volunteers, which operate at grassroots level to promote the welfare of the elderly in their respective regions. These Committees also identify and report cases of elder abuse. Dr Kawol informed that there are hotlines, namely 199 and 172, which are available to report cases of elder abuse. Furthermore, in a bid to support the elderly living alone, provision has been made in Budget 2018-2019 for the construction of two elderly day care centres at Bambous and Chemin Grenier.


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4-Day Los Angeles to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon South/West Rim Skywalk and Las Vegas Tour (Free Airport Pickup)
Buy2 get 3rd discounted
Select Departure Location Free Airport Pickup from International Airport (LAX) between 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM (After this time there will be additional(+$0.00)... Meet the tour guide at the baggage claim area for Domestic arrivals and For international arrivals meet the guide outside(+$0.00)... Without flight: Meet the Tour Guide at UA Baggage Claim #1 area of Terminal 7.(+$0.00)
Departure City Los Angeles CA US
Return City Los Angeles CA US
Available Days Tue,Sat(2019-01-01 To 2019-03-30)
Tour code GOL-LA-386A
Explore the beauty of Grand Canyon, walk on the Las Vegas Strip, visit lavish casinos, view dazzling light show and performances, Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Majestic Hualapai Indian Reservation, walk on the Skywalk, take the Helicopter ride get a bird's eye view, visit Los Angeles, Hollywood Blvd, the Kodak Theater complex and the Chinese Theater.
Hometown – Los Angeles
Free airport pickup is available from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Our tour guide will receive the guests from Los Angeles Airport. Then he will transfer guests to the hotel where they can relax and spend the night.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Select La Mirada or Knott's Berry Farm Hotel or Similar.
Los Angeles – Las Vegas
On Day 2, guests will head to Las Vegas. Here the tourists will enjoy walking at the Las Vegas Strip, enjoy the warm desert evening and visit the lavish casinos like Bellagio, Venetian, MGM Grand, The Mirage, and lots more. Or consider taking a stroll downtown to view the dazzling light show (Optional night tour). Stay overnight in the Las Vegas hotel.
Hotel: Excalibur Hotel and Casino or Similar.
Bellagio MGM Grand, NV
The Bellagio MGM Grand is a fascinating collection of resort casinos which translates to plenty of fun and excitement to its visitors. It is set in the exciting city of Nevada.
Las Vegas Night Tour, NV
Refers to a night tour of Las Vegas, the tour starts at night and offers spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip and down town where one can enjoy the Fremont street experience.
Las Vegas Show, NV
Las Vegas is perhaps one of the most popular cities in the world. It is popular for many different reasons, one of which being the shows and events that are hosted there. One popular show there is known as the Las Vegas Show.
Refers to a resort town in Nevada's Mojave Desert Known as Las Vegas which is popular for its buzzing energy, casinos and infinite options related to entertainment. Main areas to visit is the Las Vegas Strip.
Mirage Hotel & Casino, NV
Mirage Hotel is a very popular hotel is Las Vegas. The hotel is located adjacent to the famous Caesar's palace. A volcano can also be seen from the Hotel. The hotel can also be reached through the root from Madame Tussauds.
Venetian Mega Centre, NV
A famous casino resort and 5-diamond luxury hotel is Venetian Mega Centre. It has been established in the year 1999 by adding an Italian theme. The Grand Canal Shoppes are signature attractions nearby this place.
Las Vegas – Hoover Dam – Optional Grand Canyon (South Rim or West Rim Skywalk) – Las Vegas
South Rim of Grand Canyon
On Day 3, start in the morning to visit the Grand Canyon, well known for its erosions. Visit the Canyon National Park and stay overnight in Las Vegas.
West Rim of Grand Canyon
Guests may stop first at Hoover Dam and visit the Majestic Hualapai Indian Reservation located at the Grand Canyon West Rim. You may walk on the Skywalk (Optional tour) or choose to take the Helicopter ride to view the majestic Grand Canyon offering a bird's eye view (optional tour). Eventually, stay overnight in the Las Vegas hotel.
Grand Canyon Helicopter & Cruise Combo, AZ
Experience the Grand Canyon Helicopter and cruise combo. It is the best of all worlds' experience. By helicopter, you can see the beautiful environment and Grand Canyon and while you cruise by seeing the unspoiled and wild side of the environment.
Grand Canyon IMAX, AZ
The Grand Canyon IMAX is a movie theatre near the Grand Canyon, it is a really popular place, many people visit this sight yearly. The IMAX is one of the best place to be during the visit of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The Grand Canyon National Park is the 15th oldest national park in the United States, it was also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park covers an area of 1,217,262 acres.
Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tour, AZ
Soar above for a 45-minute scenic helicopter ride on Grand Canyon South rim and get fascinating views of Kaibab National Forest, Painted Desert, and Dragon Corridor. This helicopter flight offers the most memorable and amazing views of the canyon entirely.
Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ
If you talk about the Grand Canyon South Rim then you will come to know that is the most visited part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is a really nice place for a short walk or go for hiking.
Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour, AZ
Get out of your boring routine by hopping into a helicopter and enjoy the luxury tour of sightseeing to the Grand Canyon. View the majestic grandeur of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon and listen to the commentary. This is a scenic helicopter tour flying over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and Colorado River.
Grand Canyon West Rim, AZ
The Grand Canyon National Park is spread on a very large area, one part of the park is known as the West Rim. It is a famous attraction and features think like the Skywalk.
Hoover Dam, AZ
A famous itinerary that is best to visit in summer is Hoover Dam. This destination is popular due to their breathtaking waterfalls. It is located in Arizona.
Indian Reservation, AZ
Arizona houses a great diversity. There are many Indian cultures, and each tribe is distinct and so are their cultures. The prominent tribes include the Navajo (Dine), Apache (Indé), Pima (Akimel O'odham), Maricopa (Pee-Posh), Hopi (Hopituh), Papago (Tohono O'odham), Yavapai, and Yuma (Quechan).
Las Vegas – Los Angeles – Transfer out / Or Bus transfer to San Francisco
On Day 4, guests will visit Los Angeles and all the important Hollywood landmarks of the city such as Hollywood Blvd., the Kodak Theater complex, and the Chinese Theater. Finally, guests will be dropped at the LAX airport.
Guests, please arrange your departure air-ticket from LAX scheduled after 11:00 pm
You can also leave tour in Las Vegas
Transfer to San Francisco for an additional $55/passenger
Hollywood Boulevard, CA
It is a Hollywood street located in California which runs towards Vermont Avenue in the north east, laurel Canyon Boulevard in the west and Sunset Boulevard in the east.
Kodak Theatre, CA
Kodak Theater is world-famous, and now the changed name is Dolby Theatre from June 2012. It was opened in 2001 and was built to be the annual Academy awards shows permanent home. It has three balconies, twenty opera boxes and was built for $94 million covering a 136,000 square foot area accommodating 3400 seats.
Refers to the city located in the south of California, well known for its television and film industry. The area of the city is 1,302 km² with a population of 3.884 million according to the census of 2013.
Most of the Tours are conducted in 55 seats Air conditioned bus. Some time Tour is conducted in Mini Van based on number of customers.
Hotel Accommodation is included in tour.
This is a guided tour.
All Taxes are included.
Free Airport Pickup is available on this tour.
Airport pickup service charges $4/person.
Minimum service charges for the driver and the guide will be $8 per person per day.
Grand Canyon Helicopter & Cruise Combo, AZ $230.00 $230.00 $230.00
Grand Canyon IMAX, AZ $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Grand Canyon Skywalk, AZ $30.00 $30.00 $30.00
Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tour, AZ $230.00 $230.00 $230.00
Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ $80.00 $80.00 $80.00
Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour, AZ $188.00 $188.00 $188.00
Grand Canyon West Rim, AZ $80.00 $80.00 $80.00
Las Vegas Night Tour, NV $35.00 $25.00 $35.00
Free Airport Pickup from International Airport (LAX) between 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM (After this time there will be additional charges of $75 for 1-2 person and $10 for each additional person)
Meet the tour guide at the baggage claim area for Domestic arrivals and For international arrivals meet the guide outside at customs exit.
Without flight: Meet the Tour Guide at UA Baggage Claim #1 area of Terminal 7.
Kindly book your flights after 11:00 PM from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
⇒ $85 Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 8 days or more before the departure date.
⇒ 50% Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 4 to 7 days before the departure date.
⇒ No request to make any change will be entertained if request is sent 3 days before the departure date
Cancellation or Reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.
6% handling and Processing Fee in the case of any refund for all transactions.
⇒ $80/person or 15% of transaction amount (whichever is higher) cancellation fee will be incurred if the cancellation occurs 8 days or more before the departure date.
⇒ 60% of transaction amount (whichever is higher) cancellation fee will be incurred if the cancellation occurs 4 - 7 days before the departure date.
6% handling and Processing Fee in case of any refund for all transactions.
Cancellation or Reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection. If you reschedule tour and later decides to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.
For any refund case, we do include the discount offered already. This is where GoldenBusTours is playing its role to make sure its customers get the best available deal at an affordable price.
No refund request or complaint will be entertained after 30 days of tour departure. You have to send a formal complaint through email.
Chiang
I love giving surprises and one such attempt was the helicopter ride to my fiancé to the Grand Canyon that she cried of joy. The experience was overwhelming that it was worth all the money spent on this tour. It was exceptionally beautiful. The coach driver was superb and he made the tour more interesting by sharing his knowledge about all the places. it was nothing short of first hand information and so had no unwanted additions. As we opted for this tour, we stopped at Hoover Dam and on the helicopter we were given a lunch pack to eat. Great, simply amazing!
Dimpy
An incredible trip and no second thoughts! The tour guide was informative and the bus was super clean and comfortable. They also ran a audio tape informing about Grand Canyon and it was a nice experience to know about something and to see the place. The only downside was we did not get enough time to spend at the canyon. It was hardly a stay of 2 hours. For such a magnificent place, more time is required to feel, see and enjoy. However, the experience of this tour was overall great. The food and the accommodations were absolutely more than perfect.
Wen Mai
Great Job Golden Bus Tours! i really want to thank golden Bus Tours for putting together such an amazing tour, every thing was perfect! the tour guide was a real nice guy and very helpful, the hotels we went to were not 5 stars but they were very clean and comfortable, so it really felt like 5 stars. Also the tour program was amazing, we saw really great and beautiful places, especially the Grand Canyon
It was my first time to see the Grand canyon! and OMG it is beyond words! so beautiful and so amazing! we also went to Las Vegas and Hollywood! this was really great, i had such an amazing time. the only thing i did not like was that attractions and food were not included in the tour price, that would have been really great.
4-Day Los Angeles to Mojave Desert, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Zion Park Tour
4-Day San Francisco/Los Angeles/Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Slot Canyon and Las Vegas Tour
4-Day Los Angeles to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park Tour
4-Day Los Angeles to Grand Canyon West Rim Skywalk, Las Vegas and Outlets Shopping Tour (Free Airport Pickup)


text:
Best Novel of 2011, Association for Mormon Letters
Montaigne Medal Finalist
A dark comedy of murder, affairs, and cowboy mysteries in the shadow of the La Sal Mountains.
ISBN: 978-1-937226-02-2 / $15.95 / 302 pages / Trade Paperback / December 2011
The Scholar of Moab Press Kit
Steven L. Peck's website
Buy The Scholar of Moab:
|Barnes and Noble|Amazon
Also available from your favorite eBook vendor.
Fiction For a New Age
The Deseret News
By Common Consent
Shelah Books It
Pale Horse Blog
An evolutionary ecologist at Brigham Young University, Steven L. Peck teaches the philosophy of biology. His scientific work has appeared in American Naturalist, Newsweek, Evolution, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Biological Theory, Agriculture and Human Values, Biology & Philosophy. Steven also co-edited a volume on environmental stewardship. His creative works include a novel, The Gift of the King's Jeweler (2003 Covenant Communications). His poetry has appeared in Dialogue, Bellowing Ark, Irreantum, Red Rock Review and other magazines. Peck was nominated for the 2011 Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling Award. Other awards include the Meyhew Short Story Contest, First Place at Warp and Weave, Honorable Mention in the 2011 Brookie and D.K. Brown Fiction Contest, and Second Place in the Eugene England Memorial Essay Contest. Peck is a graduate of Moab's Grand County High. He lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah. ScholarofMoab.com
Praise for The Scholar of Moab
"The tongue-in-cheek shenanigans of the main characters are irresistibly funny and poignant at the same time…"
—Phyllis Barber, author of And the Desert Shall Blossom
"It's satire of the best sort: biting what it loves, snuggling up to what it hates."
—Scott Abbott, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Director of Integrated Studies, Utah Valley University
"Steven Peck has imagined a world ever-so-slightly tweaked from this real one, but—well, why wouldn't conjoined twins have an independent consciousness, bumblebees be more dependent on faith than wings, and Einstein sing German nursery rhymes? The Scholar of Moab explores the otherworld of nature, imagination, and mind."
—Brooke Williams, author of Halflives: Reconciling Work and Wildness
"Steven Peck is a gift to the literary world, and The Scholar of Moab is a delight to all the senses and to the imagination."
—Margaret Blair Young, author of Standing on the Promises
We welcome your thoughts and reviews below.
For more information, please email anne@torreyhouse.com.