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Category Archives: Implicit Web
Who owns implicit data?
June 26, 2008 By Pete Warden in Implicit Web	Leave a comment
Photo by Kurtz
Barney Moran recently posted a comment expressing his concerns on Lijit's use of the statistical data it could gather from blogs that installed its widget. I checked out Lijit's privacy policy and it's pretty much what I expected; they'll guard any personal information carefully, but reserve the right to do what they want with anonymous information on usage patterns. They've also pledged to stick to the Attention Trust's standards for that usage data.
Barney is organizing a publishers union of bloggers, and he seems not so much concerned about privacy as he is about who's profiting from the data. I'm biased since I'm a developer building tools to do interesting things with implicit data, but I assumed the trade I'm making when I install a widget is that the developers will get some value from the statistics, and I'll get some extra functionality for my blog. Since they're not putting ads in their content, the only other revenue stream I can see is aggregating my data with lots of other peoples, generating useful information and selling it on. This doesn't hurt me, I'm not losing anything, so it feels like a win-win situation.
Josh Kopelman captured this idea in Converting data exhaust into data value. There's a lot of 'wasted' data flying around the web that nobody's doing anything with, it seems like progress to capture some of it and turn it into insights. The trouble is I would say that. I'm a wide-eyed optimist who's excited about the positive possibilities. Barney represents a strand of thinking that we're not really running into yet, because no implicit data gathering service has a high enough profile to register with the public at large. I'd expect there will be more people asking questions as we get more successful and better known.
So far most of the bad publicity in this area has come when people feel their privacy has been violated, as with Facebook's Beacon program, but the ownership question hasn't really come up. After all we expect big companies like Google and Amazon to make use of their usage statistics to do things like offer recommendations, why should an external service be more controversial? I'm not sure it will turn out to be an issue, but the Beacon controversy shows we need to have an answer ready on who we think owns that information, and explain the bargain that people are making when they use our services.
Animate your social graph with SoNIA
I was lucky enough to get some time with Professor Peter Mucha of UNC this week. He's a goldmine of information on the academic side of network visualization and analysis, and one of the projects he clued me into was SoNIA.
One of the most exciting areas for visualization is animating over time. It's an incredibly powerful way to demonstrate changes in an easy to understand way, but it's also very hard to do. Building the tools is tough because dealing with time massively multiplies the amount of computation you need to do, and is a very tricky user-interface challenge too. SoNIA is an ambitious attempt to provide an open-source professional tool for animating network data.
It's sponsored by Stanford, and developed by Skye Bender-deMoll and Dan McFarland. It's designed to take data files that describe graphs at different states in time, and give you the control to lay out and animate those networks. It's already been used for an impressive series of studies, you should check out the included movies there if you want to get an idea of what it's capable of. One of the best known is the study illustrated above used the software to demonstrate how your social network and obesity were correlated.
It's freely downloadable if you want to give it a try yourself, and I'd recommend starting with Dan's quick start guide to understand how to use it. It offers a lot of control over the underlying algorithms, but don't be daunted by the space shuttle control-panel style of the UI, it's possible to create some interesting results using many of the default settings. I'm looking forward to applying this to some of the communication data I'm generating from email, animation is a great way to present the time data inherent in that information.
How to find new ways to visualize information
It's hard to imagine a more codified visualization than a calendar. You have a grid of cells, with each row representing a week, and that's pretty much it. That's what my good friend Kent Oberheu set out to change. Over the past 5 years he's produced 60 monthly calendars that show time contorting in strange paths, all embedded in his art. The regularity of a traditional calendar is lost, instead you really see the flow of time. It helps me remember that every day is unique, just like his visualizations.
I don't think these are going to replace standard calendars, but it's a demonstration that looking at even the most mundane information in unusual ways can start you thinking in new directions. Kent's better known as Semafore in the design world, and after years as a designer with Apple he's just moved to a new position at Industrial Light and Magic. All the time I've known him he's been pushing into new visual territory, finding magic combinations that tickle your aesthetic nerve and manage to get something across at the same time. He's the first person I turn to when I need to talk about designing visualizations, and the combination of my engineering skills and his design direction has worked very well.
As I've gone deeper into the subterranean world of information that's held on companies' Exchange servers, it's obvious that part of the toolkit for navigating has to be new ways of looking at that data. Some of that can be borrowed from the recent explosion of web visualizations, such as animated tag clouds for your email content, but some of the challenges are unique. How can you do a decent view of different versions of your attachments over time for example?
That's where the Information Aesthetics blog comes in. It was the first place Kent sent me when I started to ask him for inspiration, and it's full of the latest and most beautiful visualizations. Some of my recent finds from there include wordle, a Java applet that lets you create very good-looking word clouds, the Information Design Patterns Cookbook and the Mount Fear physical sculptures representing London crime statistics. I don't know if I'm going to cut up cardboard to build an art piece from the Enron emails, but all of this starts trains of thought on how to adapt these innovations to my problem space. If you're looking for inspiration too, I'd highly recommend subscribing.
Why can't you create a calendar from your email?
May 23, 2008 By Pete Warden in Implicit Web	Leave a comment
Photo by Churl
I'm very excited about the potential for email as a data source. I'm so passionate about it, it's hard to remember that for most people it's a new idea, and its not obvious how it could be useful. To explain, I usually point out existing companies like Spoke or Contact Networks that pull out basic contact information, or Microsoft's Knowledge Network experiment that automatically locates experts. But what truly gets my heart racing are all the applications that haven't been possible without easy access to email data.
One very promising area is extracting events from messages. Dates are one of the easier entities to spot in unstructured language. PHP has a built-in function, strtotime(), that can convert most English time strings into an absolute value, even fuzzy ones like "next Thursday" or "now". Getting the rest of the information like the name of an event is tougher, but imagine a calendar view that just shows the subject line of each email at any time that's mentioned in the body of the message. You could restrict the view to only genuine contacts (people you'd replied to at a minimum) and then with a single click transfer any true events to your appointments calendar.
So why isn't this already implemented? Gmail has got something similar for its Gcal integration, but it's very limited in the formats it will recognize. There's articles out there like Learned Automatic Recognition of Appointments from Email by Lauren Paone at CMU, but as a quote from the paper puts it "Although email is ubiquitous, large and realistic email corpora are rarely available for research purposes." Lauren faced serious obstacles even running realistic tests because he didn't have enough email to work with.
What's stopping progress is the mind-numbing pain of first getting data to prototype with (though the Enron corpus makes that somewhat easier), but even worse, trying to integrate with any email service like Outlook/Exchange or through IMAP. Innovation is rapid in the web world because anybody can spider the public internet and offer the results through a website. A few large companies like Google and Yahoo have access to their user's emails and so can create email-based tools, and if you can persuade users to install a desktop plugin you can do the same, but the only way to move things forward is to open up access to a lot more developers. I'll be posting on some of my efforts in that direction soon.
How social networks control your company
May 15, 2008 By Pete Warden in Implicit Web	4 Comments
Photo by Belinketeneghe
Brokerage and Closure by Ronald Burt is a must-read for anyone interested in innovation and social networks. He's a sociologist with the Chicago Graduate School of Business who's spent years mapping and analyzing the patterns of relationships in large companies like Raytheon. This book describes how new ideas, trust and power flow directly from these networks.
The title refers to the two forces that shape who you talk to. Closure is the technical term for how insular a group of peope are, measured by the strength of relationships between all the insiders, and the weakness of ties with outsiders. If you draw a graph of the communications within a group with high closure, you see a lot of lines between the members, and few contacts with others:
In everyday language, a cluster of people with high closure would be called a clique. They form because they have some big advantages. It's a lot easier to trust someone you've no experience with if you share mutual friends, because the risk to their reputation will be severe if they let you down. The dense pattern of communications also makes sure that practices and beliefs get spread and standardized quickly throughout the group.
Large organizations are made up of many of these self-contained teams, each with their own shared experiences, ideas and ways of doing things. Brokerage is the act of bridging the gaps, or structural holes, between these groups in the network. People who have connections with multiple groups that would be otherwise unconnected are known as brokers or bridges.
They play an important role in innovation because they have the chance to introduce good ideas from one team into another, or combine partial insights from multiple groups into a new approach to a problem. They also have political advantages because they have more information about the motivations and goals of other teams, and can use that knowledge to help steer decision-making to avoid conflicts and gain support for initiatives.
Where Burt really shines is the application of this general model to the wealth of data from sociological studies within companies, together with his own personal experiences of working with large businesses. He sets out to prove 4 'stylized facts' about how brokerage and closure works in practice:
Brokers do better. He uses network analysis together with personnel records to show that people who have strong connections outside their immediate team get paid more, and promoted faster.
Brokers have better ideas. Analyzing the ranking of improvements for a supply-chain management department together with the connectedness of the people suggesting them, he builds a case that the reason brokers do better is because of the quality of the ideas they come up with.
Brokerage is useless without closure. This is less of a slam-dunk, but he gathers evidence that brokers don't help when the teams themselves are fragmented and poorly coordinated. Intuitively this makes sense, groups who can't communicate internally won't be able to execute even given the best ideas.
The echo chamber amplifies closure. Treating networks as information circuits ignores the primate biases that actually guide our social behavior. In particular, etiquette demands that we avoid contradicting a conversation partner when possible. This and similar habits mean that reputations are exaggerated in a feedback loop through gossip, since people you talk to will tend to agree with your assessment of someone, even if they don't hold the same opinion. This gives the illusion of corroborating evidence for your views, and tends to tighten the bonds that bind a group together and more strongly exclude outsiders. This is a tough one to tease out from the data, but he shows that the more mutual contacts you share with someone, the stronger your opinion of them, even if that opinion disagrees with the assessments of your shared contacts.
This is vital reading for anyone dealing with social networks because of the applications of these theories to the design of our tools. At the start he talks about the delusion that having lots of contacts in a network adds value, when instead the really valuable connections are those outside your immediate group, and how this is where businesses like LinkedIn and Tacit should be focusing their efforts.
I'm particularly interested because most of my work has been aimed at making brokerage easier and faster. Defrag Connector was about establishing initial trust between conference attendees by revealing mutual friends. I'm analyzing email to reveal the existing communication networks, and identify good candidates for brokerage contacts because they're experts in a helpful area, or have external contacts that would be useful. Most of his data comes from self-reported surveys of who people talk to, I'd love to run some of his work against my large company email data sets. He mentions Valdis Krebs in the foreword, but I was disappointed I didn't see any references to his work deriving networks from implicit communication data.
Burt is writing for an academic audience, so he presents a lot of the primary data backing up his arguments, which can make it a tough read for generalists like me. He's got a readable style though, and I love some of the anecdotes that pop up throughout, such as the quote from a manager explaining that when analyzing improvement ideas "that were either too local in nature, incomprehensible, vague or too whiny, I didn't rate them."
Death of a startup
May 9, 2008 By Pete Warden in Implicit Web	Leave a comment
Photo by Auchinoon
My old roommate Dave taught me snowboarding, and one thing he said stuck with me: "If you don't fall down at least once every day, you're not pushing yourself hard enough". (He also comforted me with the claim that "chicks dig scars" after I impaled my leg on a fencepost on my first day out.) One of the things I've found liberating here in the US compared to England is that it's possible to fail without being labeled as a failure. On that topic Bob Sutton has a post on why "Am I a success or a failure?" is the wrong question to ask.
I've never been through the death-throes of a startup, but Visual Sciences, a games startup I worked at for four years, collapsed in a painful bankruptcy throwing a lot of good friends out of work. Andrew Hyde laments the sense of shame that still comes when you're involved in a failed business, and like me wishes there were more post-mortems out there to help us all learn. Nick Napp, founder of the promising Disruptor Monkey, has taken that up that challenge with a post explaining what happened to the company. It's tough because it's an emotionally charged topic, and there's always details that have to remain private, but he's done a great job covering what he's learnt. Now I guess it's up to me to pick one of my own professional failures and return the favor.
Easily create gorgeous graphs with the Google Charts API
May 7, 2008 By Pete Warden in Implicit Web	1 Comment
I've looked at a lot of ways to create graphs dynamically on the web. PHP/SWF charts are fantastic if you want a beautiful results, a lot of options, and interactivity, but they require flash, which both limits the platforms that can use them, and can result in slower loading. For better compatibility, you need something that generates images on the fly.
I'd investigated using jpgraph, but the results looked really ugly and it takes up precious cycles on your own server. Then I discovered a free Google web service that generates images on the fly for you, the Charts API. The pictures above are examples of the high-quality results it produces, with clean fonts, nice 3D and most importantly antialiasing. The API is incredibly simple to use, you just pass in the data and options as parameters to the URL. You don't even need to register or get a key. Here's the URLs for the two images:
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=p3&chs=480×200&chd=s:Hellob&chl=May|June|July|August|September|October http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=lc&chd=s:pqokeYONOMEBAKPOQVTXZdecaZcglprqxuux393ztpoonkeggjp&chco=676767&chls=4.0,3.0,0.0&chs=480×200&chxt=x,y&chxl=0:|1|2|3|4|5|1:|0|50|100&chf=c,lg,90,76A4FB,0.5,ffffff,0|bg,s,EFEFEF
While it's easy to get started with this style, it does have some downsides. Since the data is encoded as part of the URL, there's a hard limit on how many points you can have since some systems choke on URLs over 2000 characters long. The API also doesn't support as many styles or options as PHP/SWF, and no animations is possible.
Despite those disclaimers, this is an amazing tool, and I'll be having a lot of fun with it. One of my favorite features is the map graph type, which lets you easily specify just colors and states or countries, and it generates an image showing that on a simple map. It would be insanely easy to create some geographic data visualizations using it if you've got interesting data. Here's an example of the results:
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chco=f5f5f5,edf0d4,6c9642,365e24,13390a&chd=s:fSGBDQBQBBAGABCBDAKLCDGFCLBBEBBEPASDKJBDD9BHHEAACAC&chf=bg,s,eaf7fe&chtm=usa&chld=NYPATNWVNVNJNHVAHIVTNMNCNDNELASDDCDEFLWAKSWIORKYMEOHIAIDCTWYUTINILAKTXCOMDMAALMOMNCAOKMIGAAZMTMSSCRIAR&chs=440×220&cht=t
Do you need a privacy policy?
Photo by kkelly2007
I'm a fan of plain English all the time, everywhere. I had to rewrite my undergraduate thesis to use the passive voice ("the experiment was performed") after I submitted a first person narrative ("I performed the experiment"). When I needed a privacy policy, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't have to be in legalese. In fact, it's hard to find any hard instructions on exactly what you do need in there. California law requires that you have one if you collect any personal information, but only gives a general idea of what you need to explain.
Most privacy policies are organised as a series of questions, with the answers spelling out what you collect, how you use it and who else sees it. SafeSelling has a comprehensive article on privacy with a section halfway down the page titled "What should my privacy policy include?" that covers the sections you'll need. I love starting with a template, and ended up basing my policy on this example from the Better Business Bureau.
As I mentioned, I was impressed by how readable most policies are, even for big companies like Google. They don't have much legal force yet in the US. I wonder if they'll be drowned in latinate obscurity if they end up in court more often?
Do you want to know a secret?
Photo by Dr John 2005
There's a strong bias in the web community towards openness. We all know information wants to be free, and we apply that to our daily lives through wikis, blogs, twittering. We're very comfortable publishing content that's available to the whole world.
Most people don't behave like this. My parents worry about people knowing they're away on vacation in case the house gets burgled, they go out of their way to make sure someone takes the mail in. Some engineers I've worked with hoard information like gold, afraid that if they give too much away they've lost their own value. Most parties require an invitation from the host, and to avoid giving offense you probably won't tell anyone about it if they're not on the list.
Email has a fine-grained, laborious but very powerful mechanism for controlling who sees any information. You specify exactly who it goes to. Others can forward it, but at least that requires an explicit action and leaves a trail.
Things start to get really interesting once you add circles of trust. JP Rangaswami opens up his mailbox to all his direct reports, but not to the rest of BT. Only my friends on Facebook can see that I've just turned 20 in hexadecimal.
Email is the biggest private silo of information by far. I'd be happy to share 75% of my mailbox with everybody I know, but there's no way to do that, yet. But I'd only be willing to open up any of it if there was some way to be certain that the items I needed to be private really were sacrosanct. The key to opening up email will be making sure there's a simple and understandable way to keep secrets. Once we do that, we can take the next leap forward in email by liberating all of the information that's currently gathering dust in everyone's inboxes.
Have you seen PicLens?
I've been a fan of CoolIris's work since they started over two years ago. I ran across them because their first product was the eponymous browser extension that let you view live, in-context previews of web pages by hovering over the links on certain pages. This was in the same area as my GoogleHotKeys and SearchMash projects, where I was trying to find a better interface to search results than the standard text listing.
Since then they've kept innovating and experimenting with new approaches to interacting with web content, and PicLens has been a break-out success. It's also a browser extension, but gives you a full-screen interface to a lot of popular image-based sites like Flickr, YouTube. The images or movies are shown in an infinite 3D wall that you use a gesture-like interface to fly up and down, and zoom into. Initially what draws you in is the gorgeous rendering, with subtle but classy effects like the reflections, and smooth animation and transitions. What keeps you using it is the interface, it's like the next generation of channel surfing. After using it for a while, going back to the traditional model of a static page with embedded 2D images or movies feels very awkward and slow.
This week I was fortunate enough to spend a few hours with the CoolIris team, who I'd never met before. They were a lovely bunch of people, and had an inspiring story. The initial team spent two years self-funding all of their work, running up big credit card bills and working without a salary. Recently they closed a Series A together with Kleiner Perkins and now they're running full steam ahead on some very interesting developments that I could tell you about, but then I'd have to kill you.
They're on the lookout for good engineers, particularly people with experience of writing 3D engines for games or similar graphics applications, and anyone who's been thinking about really innovative interfaces. Contact kathy at cooliris dot com if you're interested in talking to them about this.


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Strategic developments in industrial policy by 2030
Carlos TRIAS PINTÓ (/Spain), Carlos TRIAS PINTÓ (/Spain) (Spain)
Gerald KREUZER (Austria)
The opinion pleads for an holistic approach to reconcile growth, climate, environmental challenges and societal problems in a fair transition design.
It underlines that Europe's renaissance ( rEUnaissance) means a fully fledged master plan for European industry, mainstreaming industrial policy across all EU policies, enabling industry to transform and generating industrial added value through creativity and smart design, social innovation and fostering new sustainable and inclusive industrial models.
stanovisko EHSV: Strategic developments in industrial policy by 2030
Future challenges and industrial change facing the EU Aerospace Sector (own-initiative opinion)
Thomas KROPP (Employers - GR I/Germany), Thomas KROPP (Employers - GR I/Germany) (Employers - GR I / Germany)
Enrico GIBELLIERI (Italy)
The aeronautical industry is one of the EU's key high-tech sectors in the global market. The industry directly employs 500 000 people in high quality jobs (1 million adding indirect jobs) and consists of an ecosystem of large and small companies covering the entire spectrum of aeronautics. (Source: ASD Facts and Figures)
The EU aeronautical industry is a technological leader in its field and currently has a market share of about one third of the global market. The industry provides a positive contribution to the EU trade balance (EUR 46 billion in EU exports). (Source: ASD Facts and Figures)
This leadership should not be taken for granted since the industry faces many challenges.
stanovisko EHSV: Future challenges and industrial change facing the EU Aerospace Sector (own-initiative opinion)
The LeaderSHIP 2020 strategy as a vision for the maritime technology industry: towards an innovative, sustainable and competitive maritime industry in 2020 (own-initiative opinion)
Marian KRZAKLEWSKI (Poland)
Patrizio PESCI (Italy)
The European maritime technology industry is an important sector in terms of employment, directly providing more than 500 000 jobs. Shipyards and firms manufacturing marine equipment make a significant contribution to the economic development of the regions where they are located, and across the entire supply chain, which is particularly important to SMEs. Each direct job in a European shipyard means, on average, seven jobs created in the region.
stanovisko EHSV: The LeaderSHIP 2020 strategy as a vision for the maritime technology industry: towards an innovative, sustainable and competitive maritime industry in 2020 (own-initiative opinion)
Investing in a smart, innovative and sustainable industry – A renewed EU industrial policy strategy (Communication)
Bojidar DANEV (Bulgaria)
As a key driver of productivity and innovation, industry has always been a cornerstone of economic prosperity in Europe. We can rely on a strong industrial base, but important efforts are needed by Member States, EU institutions and most importantly industry itself to maintain and reinforce Europe's industrial leadership in the age of globalisation, sustainability challenges and rapid technological change.
stanovisko EHSV: Investing in a smart, innovative and sustainable industry – A renewed EU industrial policy strategy (Communication)
Industrial changes in the health sector (own-initiative opinion)
CCMI/153-EESC-2017-02848-00-01-AC-TRA
Joost VAN IERSEL (Netherlands)
The medical technological industry – focus of the opinion – plays a major role in the current transformation of the health sector to the benefit of patients and a value-based health care in Europe.
A major issue is highly personalised health care that ensures equal and better access and quality. Technology and large sources of anonymous data will greatly facilitate new treatments and operations as well benefit all phases of prevention and recovery. Recovery increasingly takes place outside hospitals, using eHealth technology.
stanovisko EHSV: Industrial changes in the health sector (own-initiative opinion)
European defence industrial development programme
Eric BRUNE (France)
The European defence policy was identified as a key political priority in President Juncker's political guidelines of July 2014. This should be also viewed in connection with the fact that after decades of peace and stability, the Union is facing increased instability and new emerging security threats. This changing security environment demonstrated in a clear way that only through joint efforts in investing in security development and cooperation at all levels can we deliver on the expectations of Union citizens and our partners. For Europe to take over more responsibility for its defence, it is crucial to improve competitiveness and enhance innovation across the Union defence industry.
stanovisko EHSV: European defence industrial development programme
European Defence Fund (Communication)
Mihai IVAŞCU (Romania)
Fabien COUDERC (France)
Despite several initiatives over the past years, the landscape of the European defence industry is characterised by insufficient levels and quality of investment in the development and procurement of future capabilities. Member States are not cooperating enough, with more than 80% of procurement and more than 90% of Research and Technology run on a national basis. A high degree of fragmentation remains, with 178 different weapon systems in Europe compared to 30 in the US. Too little coordination in defence planning leads to an inefficient use of taxpayers' money, unnecessary duplication and suboptimal deployability of defence forces. There are wide differences in the level of defence spending between Member States. Enhanced solidarity, including through the involvement of the EU budget, is needed to deliver common defence capabilities.
stanovisko EHSV: European Defence Fund (Communication)
The counterfeit and pirated products industry (own-initiative opinion)
Hannes LEO (Austria)
The global counterfeit and pirated products industry accounts for up to 2.5 % of global trade, or the equivalent of US $461 billion.
This is equivalent to the GDP of Austria, or that of Ireland and the Czech Republic combined. Right holders, governments and the economy as a whole may suffer significant economic and social losses. A targeted analysis of the European Union shows that, in 2013, imports of counterfeit and pirated products accounted for up to 5 % of imports, or the equivalent of EUR 85 billion.
stanovisko EHSV: The counterfeit and pirated products industry (own-initiative opinion)
Industrial change in the EU beet sugar industry (own-initiative opinion)
José Manuel ROCHE RAMO (Spain)
Estelle BRENTNALL (Belgium)
The European Union is the world's biggest producer of beet sugar and the principal importer of raw cane sugar for refining. EU sugar policy today is supported by three pillars: production quotas, a sugar reference threshold and trade measures (border protection). Production quotas will cease to exist as of 1 October 2017, which means that one of these pillars will fall. Another pillar – border protection – is looking increasingly shaky.
stanovisko EHSV: Industrial change in the EU beet sugar industry (own-initiative opinion)
The counterfeit and pirated products industry
Mr Antonello Pezzini (Employers - GR I / Italy)
Mr Hannes Leo (Diversity Europe - GR III/Austria)
The European economy is increasingly based on creativity and innovation. Intellectual property rights (IPR) intensive industries in Europe account for 39% of the EU's GDP and 26% of its employment. The EESC considers that businesses must enjoy a series of conditions that facilitate innovation, investment and employment.
According to estimates from the UN and OECD, counterfeit products represent 5-7% (UN) or up to 2.5% (OECD) of world trade. The majority of counterfeit products in Europe are produced outside the EU, but production is also on the rise in Member States. The internet has considerably simplified and massively increased the scope for selling counterfeit products online while the risk of being prosecuted remains very low.
stanovisko EHSV: The counterfeit and pirated products industry

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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iHaveNet.com: Investing
UBS Advisor Ron Vinder on ETF Investment
Financial Advisor Ron Vinder of UBS doesn't try to beat the market. But he believes his clients outperform 90% of investors with their tax-efficient, low-cost, exchange traded fund portfolios.
Pros & Cons of Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Investing
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity among investors over the past decades.
Dan Draper, managing director and global head of ETFs at Invesco, Arnaud Llinas, head of ETFs and indexing at Lyxor Asset Management, Michael O'Sullivan, managing director and chief investment officer for International Wealth Management at Credit Suisse, and Rory Tobin, executive vice president and global head of SPDR ETFs at State Street Global Advisors, sit down with Bloomberg's Dani Burger at the Bloomberg Invest ETF Summit in London to debate the pros and cons of the ETF phenomenon as a smart investment for the long term.
More Investing News & Investment Analysis ...
How to Keep Calm in a Volatile Market
Investing In Commodities
Negative Rates: An Investor's Perspective
The Case for Alternative Investments
Use Volatility to Your Advantage With 'Black Belt' Investing
How to Prepare for the Next Bear Market
Socially Responsible Investing: Risks and Traps
What Is Contrarian Investing?
How to Invest Defensively with ETFs
Sector ETFs As Single Stock Replacements
UBS Advisor Ron Vinder on Investing in ETFs - ETF Investments


According to an early source, Nicholas Lanier claimed to have sat for seven full days for his portrait. In this preparatory drawing, Van Dyck swiftly laid out the fall of fabric in Lanier's cloak, the play of his curls, his elegant hands, and his almost supercilious expression. Nonetheless, the artist made a number of changes in the final composition. For example, instead of displaying a glove in his right hand, Lanier holds his arm akimbo with the hand tucked invisibly at his side. Less obviously, Van Dyck removed a curling lock of hair to leave Lanier's temple exposed.


Enjoy a team analysis of the cat fight between the Cedar Cove Cougars and Home & Family Felines during Kitten Bowl I.
The fur is gonna fly between these two cat-tastic contenders during the Kitten Bowl!
Need more kittens? Watch them now in the Kitten Bowl locker room.
The cutest cats on the field hang out behind the scenes in the locker room.
Check out more footage from locker room now and watch the kitties in action!
The kittens get crazy in the locker room as they prep for the big game.
Polariffic is the most popular cartoon in Northpole. Take a look and see why!
Home and Family helps celebrate executive producer Woody Fraser's 80th birthday with a cake and a special present from the entire family.
Check out the action in the Kitten Bowl II Locker Room!
Watch James Denton discuss what he most enjoys about his character in "Good Witch," plus get a sneak peek of the show with a scene featuring Sam, Cassie and George!
Catherine Bell talks about what excites her about the new series, and enjoy a preview of a scene from the premiere featuring Cassie and her new neighbor, Dr. Sam Radford.
Actress Catherine Disher chats about playing Middleton Mayor Martha Tinsdale. And check out the bonus sneak peek of the show with a scene featuring Martha and George!
Shane Harte gives us a look at his character and Grace's best friend, Anthony.
Actress Hannah Endicott-Douglas talks about playing Cassie Nightingale's independent step-daughter, Lori Russell.
Actor Rhys Matthew Bond chats about the complex nature of his character, Nick Radford.
Actor Dan Jeannotte chats about his character Brandon Russell and Brandon's decision to follow in his fathers footsteps.


Therefore, it would be safer if you know what is safe for you. Nishoth — works in the same way by clearing fats from the stomach.
As for the usage, ensure that you follow the instructions given at all times. Belly fat heightens your risk for many health conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, high blood pressure and gallbladder problems.
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gina neely weight loss diet Orlistat, also known as Alli or Xenical, can reduce weight loss in 6 months amount of fat you absorb from the diet and help you lose weight.
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Chitosan which helps to get rid of the abdominal fats. This is because the components have varying approaches towards weight loss therefore once you consume them, their contribution will result in a positive outcome sooner than you would expect.
There are also some studies showing that caffeine can cause modest weight loss in humans 11 There are several different types, but the most common one is simply called "Hydroxycut. Glucomannan is a fiber that can feed stomach fat loss pill friendly bacteria in the intestine.
Interestingly, a low carb diet without drugs has been shown to be as effective as both orlistat and a low-fat diet combined There really is no need to take a supplement or a pill with caffeine in it. Adiphene stomach fat loss pill thermogenic boosters which contain two ingredients; cinnamon extract, and cayenne capsicum. The skin of the fruit contains hydroxycitric acid HCA.
Diet pills do not replace exercise and healthy diet as the most effective way to lose belly fat, and they will not compensate for a calorie-rich, sedentary lifestyle. Other functions include promoting the health fat loss weights circuit the digestive system, curbing constipation, cutting down intake of calories, speeding up the burning fat and reducing the risks of diseases.
Prescription weight-loss pills usually tamp down your appetite so you eat fewer calories, leading to weight loss. The ingredients contained in NoFat are: Three human frag weight loss showed that glucomannan, combined with a healthy diet, can help people gina neely weight loss diet pounds 3.
Too much cholesterol, Triglycerides and free radicals in the body. Vitamin b6, ginger root, and Weight loss in 6 months HCl, which speeds up the digestion of the ingested foods.
Ability to live up to its reputation?
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For every five pounds lost through exercise and diet, orlistat adds an average of a pound to two, according to CBS News. Weight- and fat-loss pills are not required to go through a rigorous evaluation process before they are put on the market.
The chlorogenic acid in it may also cause diarrhea, and some people may be allergic to green coffee beans Once its production is regulated, you will see a significant change in your weight.


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Q: Python Extension Returned Object Etiquette I am writing a python extension to provide access to Solaris kstat data ( in the same spirit as the shipping perl library Sun::Solaris::Kstat ) and I have a question about conditionally returning a list or a single object.  The python use case would look something like:

    cpu_stats = cKstats.lookup(module='cpu_stat')
    cpu_stat0 = cKstats.lookup('cpu_stat',0,'cpu_stat0')

As it's currently implemented, lookup() returns a list of all kstat objects which match.  The first case would result in a list of objects ( as many as there are CPUs ) and the second call specifies a single kstat completely and would return a list containing one kstat.
My question is it poor form to return a single object when there is only one match, and a list when there are many?
Thank you for the thoughtful answer! My python-fu is weak but growing stronger due to folks like you.

A: "My question is it poor form to return a single object when there is only one match, and a list when there are many?"
It's poor form to return inconsistent types.
Return a consistent type:  List of kstat.
Most Pythonistas don't like using type(result) to determine if it's a kstat or a list of kstats.
We'd rather check the length of the list in a simple, consistent way.
Also, if the length depends on a piece of system information, perhaps an API method could provide this metadata.
Look at DB-API PEP for advice and ideas on how to handle query-like things.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Young Explorers Relive History in Astoria and Warrenton
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March 4, 2016 By The Oregon Coast
Bustling Astoria and its picturesque oceanfront neighbor Warrenton abound with kid-approved attractions that take advantage of the region's breathtaking setting at the confluence two iconic Oregon geographical features: the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the mighty Columbia River. Here at the mouth of the Columbia, intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark completed their journey west from the nation's interior. Astoria later grew into an important center of salmon canning and timber harvesting, a legacy that's preserved today by several well-designed museums packed with interactive, youngster-friendly exhibits. It's no surprise that these cities on Oregon's North Coast have become a top draw for families.
You can explore the very stomping grounds staked out by the Corps of Discovery at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which comprises several units on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia. At Fort Clatsop, nestled between Astoria and Warrenton, you can watch films, check out the selection of children's books in the visitor center store, and sign up for the national park service's Junior Ranger program — participants receive 16-page activity books packed with entertaining games and exercises, from a plant-identification bingo to interactive bird-watching quizzes.
One of the best ways to appreciate the heroic efforts of Lewis and Clark's dedicated team is to climb inside the replica of primitive Fort Clatsop. Here during peak season, rangers clad in period buckskin present demonstrations on loading and shooting muzzles, candle-making, and other endeavors that the state's early explorers practiced in order to thrive here.
A short drive west in the coastal community of Warrenton, spend some time strolling along the sweeping beach at Fort Stevens State Park, where you'll discover the eerie rusted-steel remains of the Peter Iredale, a wrecked 1906 sailing vessel that you can walk right up to at low tide (it's a terrific family photo op). The surrounding 542-acre park makes a wonderful destination for hiking, biking, swimming and fishing at two small lakes, and family camping — children especially enjoy overnighting in the 15 yurts.
At downtown Astoria's outstanding Columbia River Maritime Museum, kids enjoy touring the decks of the Columbia lightship, which served an invaluable role as a floating beacon at the mouth of the river during its three-decade run from 1951 to 1979. It's docked behind this light-filled, contemporary museum with a theater that screens exhilarating 3-D nature films and exhibits that include an actual 44-foot Coast Guard rescue boat and a massive wall map pinpointing the many shipwrecks that have occurred at the mouth of the Columbia.
Make getting around downtown Astoria into an enjoyable adventure by riding the vintage Astoria Riverfront Trolley, a 1913 vehicle that operates seasonally along a 3-mile line along the Columbia waterfront. You can also walk or bike along the adjacent asphalt trail — an excellent spot for watching bird life and gazing at the huge freighters plying the river. A good place to catch the trolley is the depot just across from the maritime museum.
Other absorbing draws for younger visitors include the Oregon Film Museum, set inside the old county jail that appeared prominently in the famed jail break scene in the '80s classic "The Goonies." Near Youngs Bay on the west side of downtown, Tapiola Park comprises ball fields, picnic areas, a skate park, and a huge 15,000-square-foot playground containing models of many local attractions, including the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Fort Clatsop.
However many family-popular sites and activities you're able to enjoy on your trip, end your visit at the soaring Astoria Column, which dates to 1926 and rises some 125 feet above the grassy 30-acre park surrounding it. Active kids love scampering up the spiral staircase to the observation deck at the top — you add to the adventure by having each person in your group guess how many steps there are. The big pay off? From this impressive tower you're treated to a bird's-eye view of all the attractions in Astoria, Warrenton, and beyond that you've had the chance to visit in person.
Photo by Paul Quesnell
in Arts & Culture, Attractions, How-to, Landmarks, Outdoor Activities
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Drawing is sometimes seen as a mere "study medium", but this course aims to explore drawing as an artform in its own right.
We will begin each day with a themed presentation, exploring a broad scope of exciting possibilities and approaches to drawing, providing examples of historical to contemporary movements, artists' work, their techniques and materials.
This will be followed by a walk. Going out into the fresh air and openness of the landscape after the morning's talk, will allow for space, thought, conversation and for ideas to distill, as well as provide an opportunity to collect materials that can be used as subject matter or tools on return to the studio. The remainder of the day will be spent in the studio developing new drawings.
As the course progresses you will be introduced to techniques that are of a representational and descriptive nature, including some "tricks of the trade", right up to exploring approaches that are more personal and expressive.
Rather than relying solely on a traditional teacher-pupil dynamic, this course invites fellow group members to interact and discuss ideas and methods and, most importantly, to have fun!
Beginners to advanced welcome. On enrollment, advice will be given in advance as to what materials and equipment to bring.
Miriam de Búrca is a practising artist with a BA in Drawing & Painting, MA in Fine Art, and practice-based PhD in Fine Art. Her work has been shown internationally, in cities such as London, New York, Prague, Warsaw, Montreal, Tel Aviv and Berlin, and nationally including Dublin, Derry, Enniskillen and Belfast. She has worked extensively with film, video, and installation, but drawing has always been her passion. She believes drawing is an artform that deserves its own stage and enjoys pushing its boundaries and exploring its possibilities in the studio as well as in an educational setting.


• Is the Promo Code SANTA valid on all items? The Promo Code SANTA is valid on all items except HECS products.
• When will my order ship? All orders ship within 1-2 business days, and most orders ship within 1 business day or less!
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• When will my order arrive? Your order will arrive within 1-7 business days after it ships if you choose Standard Ground Shipping, or within 1-3 business days after it ships if you choose Expedited Shipping.
• Will I get a tracking number so I can track my shipment? Yes, a tracking number will be posted and emailed to you as soon as your order ships.
• How are your shipping rates calculated? We keep our shipping rules short and sweet. Orders over $49 ship FREE, all others ship for $5.95 per order.
• Do you charge sales tax? We do not charge sales tax unless you are in California. California residents are charged sales tax because GeorgeSports.com is based in California.
• Do you offer Expedited Shipping? Yes we do offer Expedited Shipping. If you choose this method, your order will arrive within 1-3 days after it ships. Your expedited order will ship by an expedited method from UPS, Fedex or USPS. Please note that choosing Expedited Shipping will not speed up the lead time (time required to process your order before it ships).
• Do you offer International Shipping? Unfortunately at this time, we do not offer shipping outside of the US.
• How do I return my item? We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. If you are unhappy for any reason, please email returns@georgesports.com or call 866-933-4217 for return instructions and a full merchandise refund. Returns are accepted for 60 days after you receive your product.
• What hours are you open? We are open from 8am – 6pm Pacific (11am - 9pm Eastern) 7 days a week. Occasionally we may not answer during these hours because we are helping other customers. If you get our voicemail, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.


Corporation China is part of YINGKE Global and is the Largest Company Formation and China incorporation Consulting firm in China with over 14 years of experience.
Today, we have 52 domestic branches in China and another 30 offices globally – located in key financial, business and regulatory centers in Asia, Europe, South America and North America.
Being the largest law firm in Asia Pacific and second largest law firm in the World, we have 7,200 lawyers and legal professionals forming a global service platform to serve the business and legal needs of our clients worldwide.
Corporation China has been assisting many clients from over 30 nations with their China incorporation (Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises, or WFOE), as well as their go-to-market strategy & marketing needs. In short, Corporation China is your best China incorporation solution.
Yingke Law Firm main growth drivers include large-scale projects, government tenders, venture capital transactions, and advising high-tech companies on a wide range of matters related to commercial law..
Our attorneys across the globe practising in all areas of law from corporate to M&A and business law, from intellectual property, complex litigation, tax, FDI to regulatory and government affairs make Yingke to be one of the leading law firms of China and the world. Yet we are especially strong in the key industry sectors: banking and finance, energy, technology and innovation, healthcare and life sciences. We assist a wide variety of Chinese clients with their international needs and foreign clients with issues and complexities arising from conducting business in China.
We strive to act as strategic partners to our clients, know and treat their business as if it was ours and provide innovative, proactive and cost-effective legal solutions. This commitment applies to all our multidisciplinary teams that bring together the firm's cross practice and industry talents. We commence every matter already well informed of the given industry trends that influence strategy and planning, resulting in comprehensive solutions. To create a true partnership with each client we also provide complementary services ranging from corporate finance to investment banking advisory, networking events and B2B summits that bring together clients, countries or regions that share common strategic interests.
We are committed to providing consistently the highest quality legal services. Our attorneys are recognized by clients for their deep understanding of the local and international law as well as the complexities of their businesses and industries. We deliver practical business solutions and our mixed teams of Chinese and international lawyers and advisors in each of our offices enable us to deliver the right combination of practical business solutions, locaI experience and glob a I mindset regardless of geography.
We pride ourselves to be strategic advisors, counselors and advocates for most of our clients. We are there with them doing deals, protecting and enhancing their market position and representing them in disputes all around the world. We facilitate significant international and Chinese investments and partnership opportunities. We understand that in the 21st century a law firm must be more than just a legal advisor. It must be a partner to its clients. It must understand their business expectations, know their aims and needs to maximise the potential of every opportunity to avoid the problems.
We work in a team culture, co-operating and sharing information across lawyers, industry experts, practice groups, jurisdictions and continents. Whilst our network spans most geographic regions, our philosophy is to ensure that all the offices work as Of\\JE to make available to you the unique Yingke integrated service, no matter where in the world your business takes you.
Lawyers of the global Yingke network advise clients coming from all of the most dynamic international industries. Our dedicated practice groups often consisting of international teams a re always ready to walk the extra mile to gain a thorough insider understanding of the industry they are involved in. Yingke lawyers are often cooperating with external experts coming from various disciplines to strengthen their clients' case. Yingke Law Firm maintains strong relationship with professional associations, chambers, universities and authorities in each country encompassed by its international presence in order to remain up-to-date in the developments of the key industries.


Recent data released by one of the biggest insurance providers in the UK has revealed the rather alarming statistic that half the life insurance claims received were made for those under 55 years old.
It noted that the average age of claimant was 56 and that it paid out almost £42m in benefits to bereaved families.
First step towards a rate rise ?
Hundreds of thousands of customers could see their mortgage payments rise after Britain's biggest mortgage lender said that it is raising the cap on its Standard Variable Rate (SVR) – the first step towards a rate rise.
Competitions in your line of business - have you tried?
I am a Wedding Photographer based in Purley, Surrey. I was advised at a seminar I attended to try my luck at entering my favourite photos into wedding photo competitions. The reasons given for this is that it can raise your game, and help maintain the highest standards. Of course doing well in such competitions can do no harm to your reputation either!
We are all familiar by now with the pension time bomb; it has been rearing its ugly head in the news for years.
However, we are less familiar with another time bomb that has also been ticking away over the past 20 years or so and which is now going off in people's faces up and down the land.
NiS Networker plus! launching next week!
A company I've worked with for a few years now, have gone from strength to strength. So much so, that the 2 owners are currently taking an 8 week sabbatical in foreign climes, and whilst they're away, I'm minding the business for 2 days a week.
The digital train is leaving – are you on it?
We have all read articles about the 'Digital Revolution/Explosion'. We know ourselves how easy it is to be connected virtually everywhere. But have you really considered the effect this rapid smartphone/smarttv/tablet adoption is having on how your customers buy from your business?
These were the predicted online trends a good few years ago that are now a reality.
Higher 'loan to value' mortgages better than a stamp duty 'holiday'?
The end of the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers on 24 March will have little impact on the housing market compared to the availability of 95% loan to value deals.
The increased availability of 95% deals, which hit a four-year high, is likely to have a far more positive effect on the housing market.
Alcohol - how many units can your business take?
It's not always easy to draw the line between what people do in their own time, which is arguably not the employer's concern, and what happens in the workplace. Surely, it is not the employer's place to dictate what their employees do in the evenings or at weekends?
Saving Money and Reclaiming Money!
Dragon's Den is searching for new entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for investment.
Parents are risking the financial security of their families should they become seriously ill by not thinking about critical illness (CI) protection.
Of the small percentage of those who have purchased insurance, a significant number did not know if it included cover for their children.
The end of interest only borrowing ?
Interest-only mortgages are set to disappear as a major high street bank restricts access to home owners.
Santander has become the first major high street bank to insist that home owners need a 50pc deposit – or 50pc equity in their home – if they want an interest-only mortgage.
Bank of England to determine shape of mortgage market ?
Tough new rules to ban unsustainable mortgages and prevent another housing bubble are to be handed to the Bank of England, the Chancellor signalled last night.
George Osborne told MPs the Bank of England was set to win powers to vary what mortgages customers can buy to prevent overheating in the housing market.
Britain is a nation of animal lovers...and insurers?
People living in the UK would still rather insure their pets than themselves or their loved ones.
Although parents are more likely to buy protection, almost two-thirds (60%) do not have any cover in place.
They say only change is constent & when it comes to marketing even what you thought was the right blend of channels & propositions last year will be very different in 2012.
What a week for bank bosses! First Stephen Hester was pressured into foregoing his bonus of 3.6m shares as head of RBS. Now his predecessor, Fred Goodwin, has been stripped of his knighthood. And there's not much sympathy around for either of them, tainted as they are by the unforgivable sin of being "fat cat bankers".
Lenders are urging the government to pay out Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) to reflect borrower's mortgage rates and save around £26m a year or almost £40m with a cap of 1.5%.


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Hockey History
50 Years Ago in Hockey – Duff Haunts Leafs, Hull Nets 37th
By Rick Cole January 21st, 2015
Dick Duff, traded away by the Toronto Maple Leafs 11 months ago, came back to haunt his former team last night. Duff scored the winning goal as his newest team, the Montreal Canadiens, slipped by the Toronto Maple Leafs by a 2-1 score at Maple Leaf Gardens. The game was one of two scheduled in the National Hockey League. In the other match, Bobby Hull scored his 37th goal in Chicago's 7-1 lambasting of the Boston Bruins in Chicago.
Dick isn't gloating
Duff and Claude Larose scored for Montreal during a four-minute span during the second period. Larose opened the scoring at 4:26 with a scrambly goal that even the players were unsure of how it went into the net.
Claude Larose scored the 1st Montreal goal.
Larose said he pushed a rebound under Leaf goalie Johnny Bower, while Bower said the puck went just over him while he was prone on the ice.
Planned play
About four minutes later, Duff was credited with his game-winner, a goal that deflected off his skate. Duff said the play was planned:
"I told Bobby Rousseau to try and shoot the puck towards the net on that corner faceoff. I told him I was going to make a rush towards the goal. Then I asked Talbot to cover my man in case the puck went back to my side. It worked out all right, didn't it?"
Bobby Rousseau won a faceoff to set up winning goal.
Duff said he has waited far too long to score against his former employers. He was traded to the Rangers along with Bob Nevin, Arnie Brown, Rod Seiling and Bill Collins for Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney last February.
First against Leafs
"That's my first against the Leafs since they traded me to New York last February 22. It was too long in coming but it was a winner and I have to be glad about that.
"I'm not going to pull a Ted Lindsay and say I'd play against Leafs just for kicks. I like to get paid. But that red light sure threw a warm glow in my direction because I'm still trying to convince Punch Imlach that I'm a goal-scorer."
Jim Pappin was the lone Toronto scorer, with his tally also coming in the middle frame. Leaf coach Punch Imlach expressed his frustration with the loss and felt his team deserved at least a tie based on their play.
"That's the fourth time they've beaten us in five starts on our own ice. Those eight points are the reason they're leading the National Hockey League and we're back in third place."
Bower: Habs got the bounces
Bower felt the Habs got the bounces:
"Larose slapped the puck and it rolled up my glove and arm and down the other side into the net. And Duff shook his check and was all alone when the puck got over to him. Then the darn thing hit his skate and skidded in off his stick. Two lucky bounces and we were behind the eight ball."
The win for Montreal was its third straight, all coming after Gump Worsley was recalled from the American Hockey League and installed in goal. Worsley made 30 saves, and was especially strong in the first two periods, when the Leafs held the edge in play.
Stemmer will stay
It looks as though rookie Pete Stemkowski will stay with the Leafs. Stemkowski was called up when the Leafs need to bridge an injury gap, and in eight games he has accumulated two goals while adding six assists.
Pete Stemkowski will remain with Toronto.
King Clancy, Leafs' assistant general manager, said, "The way Stemkowski has been playing, it's highly unlikely he'll see Rochester again this year."
Hawks score early, often
The Chicago Black Hawks scored three times in the first eight and a half minutes and cruised the rest of the way in their lop-sided win over the Bruins at Chicago Stadium. The Black Hawks peppered Bruins' goalie Eddie Johnston with 15 first-period drives, three of which found the back of the net. Pierre Pilote, Stan Mikita and Red Hay were those opening stanza marksmen.
Stan Mikita scored two for Chicago against the hapless Bruins.
The Bruins briefly showed some life when John Bucyk scored his 15th of the year two minutes into the second period to cut the Chicago lead to two. However, a minute and a half after that, Freddie Stanfield scored for the Hawks and the rout was on.
Bobby Hull, with number 37 on the season, and Al MacNeil, with his second, followed up with second-period goals before Stan Mikita added his second of the game in the final frame to round out the scoring.
Denis DeJordy had an easy time of it in goal for Chicago, facing only 17 Boston shots. The Black Hawks fired 40 at Johnston on another night where he could justifiably sue his mates for non-support.
Bruins fan gets 'tryout'
The Boston Bruins, by far the worst team in the National Hockey League this year with only 10 wins in 41 games, at least have a fan base that is both brash and enthusiastic, as well as extremely loyal. This was overtly obvious this week when one such fan talked coach Milt Schmidt into working out with the club.
Bruins' coach Milt Schmidt has a sense of humour.
The fan, we'll call him Sandy, is a 30-year-old Bostonian. He is 5 foot-8 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. He turned up at Schmidt's office on Monday morning, proclaiming "I want a tryout with the Bruins. I've seen your team play and I think I can make it.'
Schmidt asked the guy the standard questions. "How old are you? Who have you played for? What makes you think you can play in the NHL?"
Among his answers was the statement "I can skate faster than anyone on the Bruins and I'll bet $10 I can."
Schmidt shocked Sandy by telling him, "Go home and get your skates and we'll see."
Sandy showed up for practice Tuesday morning with skates that hadn't been sharpened in two years. Trainer Dan Cunney took care of that.
Once on the ice, Sandy told Schmidt he was a winger, so Milt put him on a line with Murray Oliver and Johnny Bucyk. They did a line rush and fed the puck to Sandy right in front of goalie Ed Johnston. E.J. obligingly stepped aside to allow Sandy a goal, but somehow the fan missed the puck and he fell, sliding past the goal and into the boards.
Sandy told Schmidt "Maybe I'm a defenceman", so he was paired with Leo Boivin to take on a three-man rush by Oliver's line.
As the three forwards bore down on the pair, Boivin shouted to Sandy to "Back up, back up!"
Sandy's reply: "For what?" as the three whizzed by to score a goal.
Schmidt had seen enough and called a halt to the proceedings to remind Sandy about the $10 bet (might as well make a little something off this). "Now's your chance, pick a player and he'll race you."
Sandy replied, "No, I'll race you instead, coach."
Schmidt, one of the all-time great NHL skaters, accepted the challenge, much to Sandy's chagrin.
"Aw, never mind, I don't want to embarrass anyone."
Anyone but himself.
Claude Larose
Dick Duff
Milt Schmidt


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Episode #1: John Beckett, CEO & Co-Founder of ChannelSight
From kickstarting Ryanair's multi-billion-euro online business in 2000 as a teenager, to running a high-growth e-commerce SaaS platform that recently raised $10m in external funding, the first episode of the One Zero One podcast by Version 1 features John Beckett, the CEO & Co-Founder of ChannelSight. ChannelSight is an innovative company on a mission to craft the future of shopping, partnering with brands, publishers and broadcasters to generate incremental revenue by making all digital content 'shoppable'. In this honest and informative discussion, John shares his stories and insights with Róisín Healy from Version 1, including his thoughts on running a high growth venture-backed business, the lessons he has learned about understanding and communicating great business propositions, and the importance of innovation for a SaaS e-commerce platform.
My advice for anyone trying to succeed with an innovative idea or a new venture is to get out there and talk to people. A lot of people protect their ideas, not talking about them or they try to get people to sign NDAs. If your idea is really genuinely good, it's highly unlikely that it's going to be so important for you to protect that idea that you can't even talk about it. You've got to get out there and talk to customers, prospective customers, and investors early.
- John Beckett, CEO & Co-Founder of ChannelSight


With busy schedules these days, most people who are aiming to further their education prefer to take education online. Fortunately, more and more higher learning institutions are offering online degrees – not just nationwide, but also internationally. Among the degree programs sought by most professional and busy working people are the Bachelor and Master of Business Administration or BBA and MBA. In the world of business, there is a need to track the flow of money – the incoming and outgoing expenses. In this case, knowledge of accounting will come in handy. Accounting principles are offered within the BBA and MBA. People wanting to further their education and to position themselves for promotions, taking an online BBA and MBA course is recommended. There are many online accounting schools as well as colleges/universities offering online BBA and MBA course. The lessons and curriculum offered within an Internet setting is similar to campus-based education. Taking an MBA with an accounting degree can propel your career in the business world.
The New England College of Business and Finance or simply NECBF confers an online degree program in accounting and the institution is accredited to confer degree programs by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The online degree program here costs about $975 per course. The NECBF offers Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and you will complete the course online entirely.
The accounting program conferred at Virginia College is within the undergraduate level. The education and curriculum offered over the Internet in this institution has the quality of that in the on-campus education. The cost of online education in this College was around $73,000 last academic year. The schedule of the online study here is very flexible and the working individual taking the degree will still have time to study even after their regular work during the day.
The curriculum offered by Herzing University is career based and hence, working professionals can take advantage of the online education offered by this university. The university is accredited regionally. The online accounting program in this university can prepare the working professionals in their career advancement in their field. The cost of online education here is $300 per credit hour. The program is entirely offered over the Internet with flexible schedules.
The Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to award degree programs to their students. CTU is also part of the North Central Association of College and Universities. The accounting program in CTU is offered in both the undergraduate and graduate level as BBA and MBA respectively. Their MBA program was ranked as one of the best online programs in the country by the CEO Magazine last 2012. Students taking the online program can take advantage of the interactive and live classes and access to the archived lessons and sessions.
The Southern New Hampshire University or SNHU offers online MBA program for working professionals aiming to further their education and in return, advance their career. Of course, the SNHU offers undergraduate in business administration in which accounting is also part of the curriculum. Students wanting to fully focus on accounting, they can take the associate and bachelor's degree in accounting in the undergraduate and MS in the graduate level.
The Upper Iowa University or UIU has online campus for working people wanting to finish college or those wanting to further their education in the area of accounting in both undergraduate and graduate level. The online campus of UIU is open to all students worldwide. Application for the online degree programs can be done online.
The Grand Canyon University is offering bachelor's degree in accounting online in both undergraduate and graduate level. Students can earn their degree through the Internet entirely. GCU offers curriculum suitable for working professionals and the schedules are flexible. GCU has seamless online learning technology in which online discussion with classmates and the instructors will help the students. The curriculum will help the students to achieve educational advancement and they are expected to meet 10 to 25 credit hours of learning every week.
Having been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) since 1961, the Grantham University provides one of the best distant and online learning programs in the country. The accounting program can be found at the Mark Skousen School of Business and offered in both undergraduate and graduate level. These programs are offered online 100%. Financial aid is also possible. The programs conferred start from associate to MBA. The flexible schedules and curriculum in the online campus of the University make it possible for students to complete the program while busy working in their career.
The Kaplan University offers undergraduate and graduate degree program in accounting through the Internet 100%. The programs conferred range from certificate, associate, bachelor and master's degree. The accounting is offered as Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science as well as Graduate Certificate in Accounting. The flexible curriculum program at the Kaplan University Online is suitable for working professionals wanting to complete college and in furthering their education for career advancement.
The Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer programs to students. The accounting program is offered under the online School of Business and it is offered as an Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science. Students majoring in accounting and studying online are prepared to becoming CPA through rigorous yet flexible curriculum for busy and working professionals and as well for students wanting to study and experience distant learning. The College provides online learning demo in their website for those interested to enroll to their online degree programs.


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Human-Made Materials Now Weigh More Than All Life on Earth Combined
People produce 30 billion tons of material annually, making our built environment heavier than the planet's biomass
Concrete, a building block of our cities and towns, accounted for the most mass, followed by steel, gravel, brick and asphalt. (Anthony Quintano via Flickr under CC BY 2.0)
By Rasha Aridi
Collectively, humans have a gargantuan ecological footprint—and the evidence is all around us. Forests are razed down to build highways, cities keep growing taller and wider, roads are paved to accommodate millions of cars and plastic pollution has permeated every ecosystem on Earth.
All those human-made materials—like steel, concrete and plastic—may now outweigh all life on Earth, reports Sandra Laville for the Guardian. In a report published yesterday in Nature, a team of scientists calculated that in 2020, human-made materials reached 1.1 trillion tons, exceeding the mass of all living things on the planet, which includes people, bacteria, plants and animals combined.
Concrete, a building block of our cities and towns, accounted for the most mass, followed by steel, gravel, brick and asphalt, reports Maddie Stone for National Geographic. Plastic is also a key player in tipping the scale, reports the Guardian. The study found that plastic alone is double the weight of all animals combined. Given the type of materials, the study suggests that urban development and increased consumption are driving this trend.
"If you weren't convinced before that humans are dominating the planet, then you should be convinced now," Timon McPhearson, an urban ecologist at the New School in New York who was not involved with the research, tells Erik Stokstad for Science.
To reach this number, a team of scientists pulled together previous estimates of biomass and supplemented it with satellite data to track how global vegetation has changed. Then, they used numbers from a study published in 2018 that estimated how much human-made material is produced in a year, reports Science.
Their calculations reveal that in the early 1900s, human-made materials weighed around 35 billion tons—about 3 percent of the Earth's biomass. But at this point, humans are producing 30 billion tons of materials each year, reports National Geographic.
That's equivalent to each person on Earth accumulating their own weight in stuff each week. At this rate, it's possible that human-made materials will triple the mass of all living things by 2040, reports Drew Kann for CNN.
"Given the empirical evidence on the accumulated mass of human artifacts, we can no longer deny our central role in the natural world," authors Emily Elhacham and Ron Milo, both researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, tell CNN. "We are already a major player and with that comes a shared responsibility."
This study bolsters the argument that we're already living in the Anthropocene, a proposed geologic period defined by humans reshaping the planet. Scientists have long debated over when the Anthropocene will officially start or if it started decades ago, reports Science.
The world is experiencing such a dramatic transition that "happens not just once in a lifetime, but once in an era," Milo tells National Geographic.
About Rasha Aridi
Rasha Aridi is a science journalist based in Richmond, Virginia. She has written for Science magazine and Science News for Students. You can find her portfolio at rashaaridi.com.
Read more from this author | Follow @RashaAridi
Anthropocene Cities Environment New Research Sustainability


As the sun sets in Bangkok at around 6 pm year round, it is advisable to start your journey to a rooftop early as, in rush hour, around 5-8 pm, the city's roads are jammed with traffic and move very slowly. There are sky trains and metro routes which go quite close to the rooftop bars. I suggest going by train and then taking a taxi, motorcycle taxi or walking the final leg. All of the rooftop bars have strict dress codes, no flip-flops or trekking sandals and no beach- or sportswear, like sleeveless shirts or shorts for men. Think urban fashionable chic and you will feel at home among the other global travellers.
Sitting on top of Banyan Tree Hotel's clock cabinet-shaped skyscraper, this is Asia's first open-air rooftop bar and it is still going strong. Compared to other bars, it can feel a bit cramped and small, as sitting at the bar and in the restaurant area means practically rubbing elbows with the other patrons. However, this makes it easy to start conversations and get into friendly chats with the other people there.
For people afraid of heights, the stairs up to and down from the rooftop might feel scary; also the hotel air con makes a considerable noise. However, the fantastic panoramic view of the sunset and the bustling city below, combined with an easy-going atmosphere, makes this experience worthwhile and certainly memorable.
The Hollywood movie sequel, The Hangover II, made the already hugely popular and frequently internationally awarded Sky Bar globally famous. Since opening in 2004, this round, colour-changing corner bar on the 63rd floor has had a steady flow of customers enjoying the panoramic view of both sides of Bangkok, divided by the majestic, silvery, snake-like River of Kings, Chao Praya. We swear there is an energy column that starts underneath this tower and flows through the circular rooftop bar! People suddenly feel happy for no apparent reason, the lives, loves and aspirations of all the people in Bangkok channel up like a whirlpool and touch you without explanation. You feel empowered while at this bar.
Unfortunately, since The Hangover II, the bar has been hit by a never-ending pilgrimage of tourists and it can feel like you're trapped in a very expensive train at rush hour. The global travellers here are friendly to each other but people tend to chat with the people they came with and do not necessarily make new friends.
Sirocco Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine. The setting, with white flowing tablecloths, is as romantic as it is luxurious.
Distil Bar, one floor up, also has a balcony where one can lie on the sofa and enjoy looking up at the stars.
The first rooftop bar in the Sukhumvit district, on top of the Fraser Suites Hotel, is the most popular viewpoint for Bangkok locals as well as tourists and is always busy. Advance booking for the viewing tables at the bar is strongly recommended! Unlike Moon Bar and Sky Bar, the Sukhumvit area is full of other entertainment venues one can walk to after drinks. There are numerous bars, bistros, restaurants and nightclubs at Sukhumvit Soi 11 alone.
Above Eleven offers a soothing sunset view of Bangkok's Silom and Sathorn centres. The seating is comfortably spaced so the atmosphere is very suitable for romantic dates, or friendly get-togethers. The ambience on the rooftop is light-hearted and happy, with mood setting beats from top DJs. Every Wednesday is salsa night and special price mojitos are offered to ladies. The restaurant serves Peruvian food, which has a strong Japanese influence. The sushi bar on the main level which produces strong smells of frying is our only complaint about Above Eleven.
Overall, the prices at Above Eleven are more affordable than at other rooftops. It also has a mezzanine level with a bar and restaurant tables, and the actual rooftop which is a popular gathering point for youthful travellers.
On the top levels of the Marriott Hotel at Sukhumvit Soi 57, Octave's rooftop bar recreates Sky Bar's colour-changing cylindrical shape, and offers a panoramic view of Bangkok's east side and Sukhumvit road's constant stream of car lights.
There are a few balcony levels at Octave Bar which offer bar and table seating.
This bar has ample space, which makes it suitable for friends to get together before catching "One Night in Bangkok" fever. The DJs play funky music, and the nearby entertainment area of Thonglor offers bars, discos, clubs and restaurants within walking distance. Customers are the local hi-so youth, expats, as well as global travellers.
This satay and grill restaurant is the third venture for Singapore's culinary ambassador Violet Oon, her daughter Tay Su-Lyn and son Tay Yi-Ming. It offers excellent local cooking in beautiful setting at Clarke Quay.
Barcelona is an incredibly beautiful city by the sea with rich culture and stunning architecture. It's a great warm and sunny escape from the European winter.
During our last visit to London, we were invited to a very special and traditional afternoon tea. The event took place in one of the best districts in London – the award-winning English Tea Room in Brown's Hotel in Mayfair. This setting is, without any doubt, the perfect place to feel the real London spirit and energy.
I am originally from Estonia, but have been living in Bangkok for 19 years. I first moved here with my now ex-boyfriend. I have published three books on Thailand, in Estonian and English, and have written numerous articles on Thailand, as well as other SE Asian countries. Currently, I write stories for the travel column in Eesti Ekspress weekly newspaper and I design dresses for the fashion label, Donna Nordica.


"Today is a special day in southeastern Connecticut as we mark the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Navy installation that would become Naval Submarine Base New London," said Courtney. "On this date in 1868, the state of Connecticut and the city of New London conveyed a deed of gift to the U.S. Navy that was only 5,200 feet long and 700 feet wide. Over time, that small tract of land along the Thames River has grown in size and stature as it became the home to the 'first and finest' submarine base."
"For months, we have been hearing from military leaders about the critical need for budget certainty to move forward on a wide range of programs and priorities. Now, with this bill, Congress has finally provided them with that certainty," said Courtney. "As ranking member of the Seapower subcommittee, I am pleased that this measure reflects many of the priorities I have worked on including robust investment in our undersea forces. I am proud to have fought for key investments in programs important to Connecticut that will contribute to our state's growing manufacturing resurgence.
Our subcommittee responded to this clear demand signal by giving the Navy the authority to procure up to 13 Virginia class submarines in the next block contract – three more than was planned. This plan, which passed on a bipartisan basis starting with this panel and is now law, was crafted to take advantage of capacity in the industrial base between years that we are building the Columbia class SSBN.
The 2019 budget request for these programs reflects the challenging balancing act facing the Air Force and the Congress. For instance, the budget continues significant investment in major replacement programs like the B-21 bomber and the KC-46 tanker. At the same time, a large portion of the request also covers a range of modernization efforts aimed at keeping older legacy bombers and tankers operational and relevant for years to come.
"I am very pleased that the military was able to provide a resolution for our service members, who clearly deserve Imminent Danger Pay when operating in hostile environments in the Sahel region of Africa," said Courtney.
As the 30 year shipbuilding plan clearly shows, this budget does not achieve the minimum Navy force size the Navy says it needs until the 2050s. Looking closely at the budget and the shipbuilding plan, it is clear that there is still substantial "meat on the bone" where industrial base capacity may exist to add further ships and capabilities to the fleet.
"Today's announcement from Electric Boat that strong hiring is planned in 2018 and beyond is a continuation of great economic news for our region and the entire state," said Courtney. "As the ranking member of the House Seapower subcommittee for the last three years during the period when Congress expanded submarine construction authority, I will continue to work closely with the Navy and Electric Boat leadership to build upon this success."
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you Secretary Spencer and Admiral Richardson for your presence here today to update our subcommittees, and the American people, on the results of your reviews of last year's Navy ship collisions. This is the fourth engagement we have held on topic which is of the highest urgency, given the unacceptable level of fatalities in a non-combat setting which occurred in 2017. For many members, even those who hail from districts far from the Western Pacific, these collisions strike close to home. In Connecticut, two outstanding Sailors – Electronics Technician 2nd Class Dustin Doyon of Suffield and Sonar Technician 2nd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh (pronounced "Nop - Troong - When") of Watertown lost their lives. It is the duty of all of us to ensure that bold, systemic change happens to protect our sailors and ships from similar tragedies in the future.
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, co-chairs of the Congressional Submarine Caucus, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Rep. Jim Langevin (RI-02), released a bipartisan letter that was sent to the Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations requesting increased funding for submarines in the final appropriations bill for FY 2018. Specifically, the letter asks for increased construction funding to match the funding levels in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
"I want to thank Secretary Spencer for conducting this Strategic Review to complement the work of Admiral Richardson's Comprehensive Review of Recent Surface Force Incidents that was released last month," said Courtney. "The Secretary's review is critical to examining the high-level, structural issues that have contributed to a degradation of our surface force readiness, and the tragedies that have occurred in the Pacific over the past 18 months.