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Tag: role-playing
New Living Campaign for #4e #Dungeons & #Dragons #DnD #RPG #GenCon CC: @Erik_Nowak @Luddite_Vic
July 27, 2013 FrylockLeave a comment
Information has slowly been swirling through or local Washington, DC gaming community, and to a lesser extent, beyond that. The Gamers' Syndicate has put synDCon on hold and is focusing its efforts instead on something that you can enjoy all year round: A living campaign for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. Many 4e players feel that there's still more to do with 4e, just as 3rd Edition players felt there was more to do with 3e, and we're seeking to give 4e players that same opportunity that Paizo gave the 3e players with Pathfinder and, more to the point, Pathfinder Society.
Living Campaign
For those of you that don't know what a "living campaign" is, I point you to the Wikipedia entry, because Wikipedia never lies. Actually, "living campaign" is often defined differently by different people. To me, the most important aspect of a living campaign is allowing all of us to meet each other. In other words, it grows the role-playing game community; however, there are other important aspects to it. It allows the players to shape the campaign world even though their playing pre-written adventures. That is, if the majority of players accomplished a task in one adventure, that fact will be tracked by the authors and shape how future adventures are written. What the players do matters, even though they're sharing the experience with thousands of players worldwide.
The Campaign Setting
Every campaign needs a campaign setting: a world that needs protecting and sometimes saving. Some famous examples of Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings include Ed Greenwood's Forgotten Realms, Keith Baker's Eberron, and Gary Gygax's (everyone bow, right now!) Greyhawk. Our campaign setting hasn't yet been named, but it's one of our own design, spearheaded by the devious mind of Erik Nowak (who, if you recall, brought us Rotting Toes). Erik premiered the first two adventures (co-written by Dave Phillips) for this campaign setting at synDCon I and synDCon II. The setting is high fantasy, but not quite that high. Characters will use inherent bonuses so that acquiring magic items won't be critical, and when they are acquired, they'll be special.
We're also introducing a mechanic for tracking a character's reputation in the kingdom, and have a fairly ambitious plan in the works, but those are topics for later posts.
GenCon 2013
As I've mentioned before, I'll be running the two introductory adventures at GenCon this year, which serves as a sneak preview of the campaign. However, we're working on the first four adventures, so we're on track for an official start not too far in the future. Stay tuned.
Follow me @GSLLC
Follow Erik Nowak @Erik_Nowak
Follow Paizo Publishing @Paizo
Margaret Weis Drops #MarvelRPG #RPG #gaming cc:@GamingMeerkat
April 25, 2013 April 24, 2013 FrylockLeave a comment
I'll miss you, old friend … until I play you again a week from Saturday.
Despite my many hours playing Dungeons & Dragons since 2005 (after a 24-year absence from the game), I'm really not much of an RPG gamer. I love FASA Star Trek RPG, but what do you expect? I loved Enterprise! I've played Gamma World 4e, Legend of the Five Rings (3rd edition) three times, Dragon Age RPG (Green Ronin Publishing) a few times (mostly as Game Master), and Star Wars Saga Edition once (again, as Game Master). I enjoyed all of those games but played Call of Cthulhu d100 twice and hated it. If I've played any other RPGs with dice, I don't remember it off the top of my head, so apparently they didn't make much of an impact. (I've also played the diceless RPG, Fiasco, which was great.)
I'd like to broaden my horizons as far as RPGs are concerned, so when my friend, Rishi, offered me the chance to join his new Marvel RPG game, I jumped at the chance. I've heard good things about it, so I was intrigued even though I never read comic books. (Come to think of it, I'm not a good geek in general. I don't play video games, and I find Dr. Who to be retardis.) I wanted to play the mechanics everyone was talking about, so I agreed to play for a couple of sessions before gracefully bowing out.
I don't think I'll be bowing out. Our first session was a lot of fun for me. My approach to RPGs has always been to focus on a character concept, where the character has some interesting, overriding character trait, usually but not always a flaw. I then play that trait to the extreme. With my group, that wasn't only tolerated but welcomed with open arms. As comic book fans, the other players liked the fact that I played my character's traits so faithfully, even to the detriment of the team, because these are the characters the players love.
Clearly, I'm the baddest ass of the bunch!
Incidentally, I played a guy by the name of Hank Pym, a.k.a., Yellow Jacket. I'd never heard of him but am sure that means something to a lot of you. It also meant something to my cousin, Tom, who still collects comics. When Rishi gave me a list of characters from which to choose, I passed the ones in favor of the Super Human Registration Act to Tom, who told me to pick Yellow Jacket. It's worked out so far. An insecure, nerdy guy who 1) supports government registration of people, and 2) gains experience points by blaming his own major failing on a loved one? Yeah, I can do this.
And that (finally) brings me to my first point. The mechanics of the game have their flaws, but overall it's an fun system, especially for someone like me.
The Bad: The dice rolling is unnecessarily convoluted, requiring you to figure out which types of dice to roll (d4, d6, d8, d10, or d12) and in what number every single time you roll. Once I'm used to it, it'll probably become second nature, but it creates a barrier for entry. If I were the rule rather than the exception, the group probably would have moved on and never played it again. Instead, I was the odd man out. I was the only one that didn't have experience with the game and wasn't a comic book reader. Keeping this game going will be easy despite the unnecessary complexity, but I don't think that will be the case for all groups.
The Good: Rewarding me for domestic violence? Brilliant! I know that sounds bad, but stay with me. No one's perfect, not even superheroes. We all have flaws, and a role-playing game that doesn't hide from that fact, even among the heroes, is exactly what I need to make me happy. (Also, I don't actually have to beat my wife in the game. It's not necessarily that specific.) Needless to say, this doesn't always go over well in other systems. In 4e D&D, I have a stereotypical, senile old man, Luigi, who's great for comic relief, but when I play him in character during combat or role-play, he usually makes bad decisions. It's never once actually hurt the group when all was said and done — he was responsible for winning a "social skill challenge" in one adventure despite his eccentricity — but while it's occurring, it's tough to convince the other players of that. Some people get very annoyed by his erratic behavior. With Marvel RPG, no one is complaining, and I doubt this is a characteristic of my group itself. The mechanics of the game actually encourage me and them to act the fool at times. And it works.
The Good but with a Caveat: The initiative system is fantastic, but it wouldn't work in a game like D&D where building a character to go first has so many advantages. Other game systems would have to be tweaked dramatically to allow for the Marvel RPG initiative system. Still, it's something every game publisher should at least consider.
It's All About IP
My second point is, as always, that the world lives and dies based on intellectual property law, and this is the more important of the two points. IP law governs everything, and there's a lesson to be learned here. RPG publishing is a low-profit exercise. It's tough to do well in it, and whether most publishers will admit it or not, it's ability to succeed as well as it has depends a great deal on the continued success of Wizards of the Coast. WotC produces Dungeons and Dragons (among others), and does so with the mighty weight of Hasbro behind it. They're able to do things no other RPG publishers can do, and the entire industry benefits as a result. However, even WotC could hold on to the Star Wars license for only so long. With such a low profit-margin in the first place, having to give up a non-negligible chunk of that in the licensing fee reduces the profit margin even more. Also, unless you're willing to give up and even bigger chunk of the profits, you have to settle with a non-exclusive license (if it's even offered), meaning you won't even be the only game of your kind available. It's a no-win situation over the long haul.
With that in mind, be disappointed but not angry. I've never met or spoke with Margaret Weis, so I have no inside information here, but I'd put good money on the bet that she had a very good reason for letting the license go. This isn't the fault of Ms. Weis, or of Marvel. It's just the nature of the industry. The game was selling well, but the numbers just don't add up in the long run. Everyone needs the core rulebook, but sales of add-ons will always be at least a little less, and often will be much less.
Fortunately, there's a lot of material out there with even more to come, and many gamers will put together supplemental materials in the form of PDFs freely downloadable from their private sites. This game won't die anytime soon, and that's a good thing.
Despite my optimism in the two sentences immediately preceding this one, it feels like there's been a death in the family (not that bad, though; on the level of a step-cousin). 🙂 I just wanted to offer a eulogy of sorts, if for no other reason than to make myself feel good about it. It's a good game, we'll all continue to play it, but like all good things, eventually it must come to an end, and no one is to blame for that. Gaming will go on.
As always, happy gaming!
Follow Rishi @GamingMeerkat
Follow Green Ronin Publishing @GreenRoninPub
#ADnD Mod B1: In Search of the Unknown Free PDF Download #WotC #DnD #RPG #Loremaster
January 24, 2013 September 5, 2021 FrylockLeave a comment
EDIT: This post from January 24, 2013, is one of the first links provided by a Google search for downloading this module, but it's understandably a bit out of date. The PDF is no longer free to download, but the current link to purchase it is here: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17081/B1-In-Search-of-the-Unknown-Basic?term=b1+.
In case you didn't hear: You can now download PDFs of prior edition Dungeons & Dragons materials over at http://www.dndclassics.com/. My first mod, B1: In Search of the Unknown, is free to download … 100% legal. With that, I point you appropriately to my article from Loremaster.org, The Rise and Fall of Norrin the Barbarian (Loremaster.com is no longer available).
Hit Point Charts for #DnD #Encounters: 2nd Edition #RPG
November 3, 2012 FrylockLeave a comment
I've updated my hit point charts for the current season of D&D Encounters to include a "DCs by Level" table in the page footer. If you're using the charts, you might want to replace them with this one.
Hit Point Charts
The link on the original page has also been updated.
D&D Next = Dungeon Crawl System, Second Edition: Validation!
October 29, 2012 February 16, 2014 Frylock1 Comment
I said this on Twitter, and I'll say it again here. Based on what I've seen from the later D&D 4e products, the current season of D&D Encounters, and D&D Next, I feel like all the work I did on the dungeon crawl system was completely validated. (It's a shame the Living Forgotten Realms living campaign writers didn't follow suit, as it would have breathed new life into the campaign.) WotC basically took 4e in the direction I took it about a year ahead of time, and after processing the feedback from 4e players, D&D Next is looking like a "dungeon crawl system, second edition."
Please note that I'm not suggesting they plagiarized my work (though I know they were aware of it), and even if they did, it's not illegal. I'm simply pointing out that great minds think alike, and apparently I'm a great mind. 🙂
Follow my ego on Twitter @GSLLC
FASA Star Trek RPG at TerpCon, Saturday, November 17, 2012 #gaming
October 24, 2012 October 24, 2012 FrylockLeave a comment
Yesterday I sent in my registration to TerpCon for my FASA Star Trek RPG adventure, "Intruders." If you're planning to be in the Washington, DC area on November 17, consider attending. It's a free gaming convention held at my undergraduate alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park. They'll be a good array of RPG events there, but if you have any interest in an old-style, original series adventure, my event will certainly be of interest to you. The gaming schedule isn't up yet, but you can already create a registration account and check out (or contribute to) the buzz over on their Facebook page.
I ran my other original adventure, Anything but Routine, at a past event, and Intruders involves the same ship and crew. Even if you can't make TerpCon, you can find several other works published on my FASA Star Trek RPG Resources page and run your own adventures near where you live.
As always, happy gaming.
Hit Point Charts and Pregenerated Characters for War of Everlasting Darkness
October 21, 2012 November 3, 2012 Frylock1 Comment
More than a couple of you were appreciative of me sharing my hit point charts I use for running D&D Encounters (or D&D generally), so I'm sharing my next set for this season of Encounters: War of Everlasting Darkness. Please reference that past article for explanations as to read the document.
This season, for lack of a better term, is weird. This isn't a criticism, but it means that, among other things, I didn't adjust the combats for parties of four or six players. Each encounter is actually better termed a "mini-adventure." I suspect adjustments are a bad idea, even if you have seven or eight players, because you won't have the time to finish the session if you increase the number of NPCs as well (unless you're cheating and running this at home). Just run the encounters as written, adjusting on the fly as you see fit. If I see that adjustments are practical — I usually have 6 players at my table — then I'll update the document.
As before, at the time I'm first posting this, I haven't read the entire adventure. Please let me know if I need to perform edits for any reason. My schedule doesn't allow me to make any edits during the week. Any changes will have to wait until the weekend.
Because some of my players are kids without access to the character builder, and because the season takes the characters from levels 1 to 8 in eight sessions, I needed to create pregenerated characters as well, spanning those levels. I'm creating only two that are specifically designed for the players at my table. They use inherent bonuses, which is suggested by the adventure itself, and they're designed to be very simple to run. Accordingly, if you like to optimize your characters, these will be disappointing (especially because I took so long to give Darthon Superior Will — I'm not redoing the work :)). However, I'm providing the character builder XML files as well, so if you sort of like what you see here, you can make some adjustments fairly easily.
1st 2nd 3nd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Slayer PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML
Sorceror PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML PDF XML
Follow Wizards of the Coast on Twitter @Wizards_DnD
FASA Trek Digital v1.0 Is Available
September 8, 2012 September 8, 2012 FrylockLeave a comment
I've uploaded the first version of FASA Trek Digital, my Access 2007 database for the FASA Star Trek RPG. You can find it on my FASA Star Trek RPG Resources page (along with an explanation as to what exactly it is) by clicking here. I've never distributed an Access database, so if you're having any problems opening it, let me know.
It's an *.accde file (executable), so you might require the MS Access runtime application in order to run it. I haven't packaged that with the program. I can do that if someone's having trouble downloading the file, though you can also just download it yourself from the Access help database at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4438. It's a quick download and installation, and once installed, it should work. (You should not need the Access Runtime Application if you already have Access 2007 installed on your PC.)
I'm happy with the functionality it provides, but remember that "you get what you pay for." It could be a lot better, but unless I receive some support through (100% optional) PayPal donations, further development isn't strictly guaranteed. Nevertheless, I'm planning to complete the player character generation component and am willing to entertain specific requests from all of you.
If you have any problems or uncover any bugs/defects, please contact me.
New Page: FASA StarTrek RPG Resources
September 5, 2012 September 5, 2012 Frylock1 Comment
FASA Star Trek RPG Character Sheet (click to enlarge)
I've created a new page for distribution of my FASA Star Trek RPG resources. If you're interested in running or playing the game, this would be a good place to start. It will soon have a digital tool available to generate characters, starships, solar systems, and planets, as well as print character sheets and starship panels. It already has my own designs for the Command and Control Panels and Master Control Panels, a quick reference sheet summarizing the rules, and Anything but Routine, an introductory adventure I wrote. A direct link to the page now appears in the menu at the top of this page, so you can always find it without searching if you come back to my blog at a later date.
Updating My "Bloodied" List for 4th Edition D&D
Image care of http://www.elfwood.com/~vibe/Deity-09-Aberration.3340270.html
In my post, Three Thoughts From Last Week's Game, I presented a list of terms I use to substitute for "bloodied" (a term used in 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons for a creature who's been reduced to half their full hit points). It gives the game a bit more flavor. Last night's game had an addition to the list (care of Luddite Vic) for Aberrations. These are creatures from the Far Realm, which is a plane of existence that's unimaginably confusing, resulting in insanity relatively quickly for any that visit (and somehow survive that long). The list is updated below.
Oh, and the session was fun. All we got through was two combats, but they're two of the longest combats in the Hall of the Fire Giant King, and we're talking high-paragon level. Compared to most 4e D&D games, my Dungeon Crawl System moves very quickly. I wouldn't want to think about how slow it would have been if I were using the standard system for encounter design.
Follow Luddite Vic on Twitter @Luddite_Vic
Aberrations unraveling
Flame creatures steamy (as if doused with water to put out the flames)
Ice creatures watery, wet
Incorporeal creatures (e.g., ghosts) misty
Insects, demons, and devils ichory
Oozes, water creatures low viscosity


Opened in the winter of 2010, Angling & Outdoor World has become Nelspruit's very own one-stop shop.
Having undergone two expansions within the first ten months of the shop's existence, we believe we exceed most people's expectations when it comes to variety of tackle and gear, service and price.
We stock top brands in all our departments, whether we're talking about fishing, boating, archery, paintball or outdoor equipment, and we stay on top of the latest trends to ensure that our customers always have access to what's new and exciting. Being the official Suzuki dealer in the Lowveld, we stock and retail the very best in outboards and genuine Suzuki parts.


This is a placeholder page for Dvonte Nixon, which means this person is not currently on this site. We do suggest using the tools below to find Dvonte Nixon.
You are visiting the placeholder page for Dvonte Nixon. This page is here because someone used our placeholder utility to look for Dvonte Nixon. We created this page automatically in hopes Dvonte Nixon would find it. If you are not Dvonte Nixon, but are an alumni of Digital Harbor High School, register on this site for free now.


Dr. Who is the guy… suave, sophisticated and always right and why not? He is, after all a Time Lord who, when things go wrong and the girl dies, can go back in time sort it out save the girl and appear a hero to all us mortals who didn't cop that this was his fifth time trying….. For the rest of us time is a horrible linear thing that keeps going in one direction far too fast. Which, incidentally, is my way of saying "Sorry, I've been too busy to devote any time to blogging and I owe you a few recipes"
A couple of weeks ago, Sinead and Alice brought her parents away for a few days to the south of Ireland (Dungarvan in Co. Waterford – fantastic part of Ireland for any of our readers abroad). I was going to Donegal (far north of Ireland) for a few days on business so I couldn't go. This did give me two days to myself (hurrah). Long story short, we both had a miserable time as the weather was rotten and my wife had to cut the week short due to a serious family illness. But on the two days to myself, I got to have buckets of prawns ('cos Sinéad doesn't like them). And the best way to enjoy them? Thai Red Curry, of course.
This recipe has taken a lot of trial and error to get right but (imho) if followed correctly it will give top restaurant quality results.
If using chicken/beef/pork, sauté in a little hot oil for a few minutes then reserve.
Add the prawns/meat/veg, carrots, chillies, soy sauce, sugar and salt.


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By Tim Leeds
Feds fund Chippewa Cree drug court
Last updated 11/21/2016 at 7:30pm
A fledgling program started in the last year to help resolve substance abuse issues at Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation has received a shot in the arm.
Jolin Sunchild, project coordinator for the Chippewa Cree Tribal Adult Healing to Wellness Program, said this morning that a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration could help the drug court move toward its goal of curbing substance abuse issues at the reservation.
"We hope we can make a difference," she said.
SAMHSA announced last week it made a $318,725...
Wind storm wreaks havoc in Havre area
For the Record, Jan. 14, 2021
Police investigating fire in St. Jude Thaddeus Church
Gianforte rescinds most COVID-19 mandates

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Co-promotion is a marketing practice that allows two or more companies to combine their sales force in order to promote a product under the same brand name and price with a single marketing strategy. It is considered as one of the two major forms of joint marketing (Kalb 1988). Co-marketing is the other form and these terms are often confused. It is made through an agreement (the co-promotion agreement) which requires a lot of collaboration between the sales and marketing organisations of both companies. One of the partners usually has a licence to exploit the product and the other partner is the originator or licensor. It helps the less developed areas of a company to be covered by the partner company's strengths and therefore to expand the share of voice in the marketplace for a product. Through co-promotion, a collaborative strategy, the consumer attraction is increased. It is a way co-exploiting products.

Characteristics
Many collaborative marketing strategies are often confused. The elements that differentiate co-promotion from other marketing practices are the following:
 It is on a national basis and has a better impact on a short period.
 It is considered as a non-competitive strategy.
 It is built under one brand and the image is applied on both companies (1 brand, but 2 sales forces).
 It has an extensive coordination.
 Requirement of co-promotion is usually made by smaller companies.
Co-promotion is also known for offering high potential payment, it is the most attractive agreement type for both in and out-licensers compared to other agreements such as co-marketing. Co-promotion agreements also tend to be much more flexible because partners can decide what type of payments they prefer. For example, partners can choose either profit sharing without royalty payments or higher royalties on sales.

The agreement

How it works
Companies seeking a partner identify their areas of strengths and weaknesses and agree to share promotional efforts. The owner of the product usually manufactures it and uses the other company's trademark. The profit on the sales resulting from shared promotional effort is divided according to the amount of effort made by the partners.

Types of agreement
 Standalone co-promotion deal: Case where two or more parties combines sales capabilities for promotion (tend to occur when the product is already marketed). This type of deal was applied for diphenhydramine (Allergan) by MAP Pharmaceuticals and dihydroergotamine (Levadex) in January 2011.
 Multi-component deal: Case where two or more parties anticipate the possibility of co-promoting as a consequence of R&D effort. The licensor will have an option to co-promote the product in defined territories once the product is launched (occurs at any time of development). Orexigen and Takeda Pharma collaborated to promote naltrexone/bupropion ((Contrave)) under this form of deal. This type of deal often cause problems because of issues such as inability of implementation caused by the pricing or strategies that might change.

Planning the agreement
Co-promotion agreements symbolise attractive options for the less developed companies that wants to control its product's target but these types of deal structures are much more complex than a company taking full responsibility for development and commercialisation. As a consequence, these collaboration agreements require comprehensive planning, detailed agreements and must consider a number of critical factors such as:
 Financial Modeling and Forecasting:
Sharing the product revenues and the expenses by building cost models. Covering financial factors should be done such as allocation of promotional costs and expenses, number and quality of detailing, responsibility for sales force training, and monitoring and auditing of promotion expenses.
 Relationship between Partner Companies:
Everyone in the company in any status such as the senior management, the board, the project managers should understand that company capital and wealth will be focused on the partnership. It is important to confirm with your partner that there is a sharing philosophy.
 Planning for a Range of Outcomes:
As with any other important business decisions, diverse situations and strategies should be evaluated, companies need to have extensive internal debates to face several principal questions: Why is this proposed deal important for the company? Where do we want this deal to take us? How does the proposed deal fit within the company's short and long-term goals?
 Alternatives:
When considering a co-promotion deal, a company should keep in mind other possible situations, to maximise long-term flexibility such as retaining co-promotion rights as an option, rather than a firm commitment.

Cost
At the beginning stage  the average up-front co-promotion payment could be up to $18m, with a potential royalty rate of 25%. At the accomplishment stage these payments has the probability to increase to $53m with a maximum average of royalty rates up to 31%. It is considered as an expensive option for in-licensers as the payments are high in contrast to co-marketing.

However, this technique provides more long-term advantages because high payments has a better possibility to expand the target with combined sales force, thus providing advantages on a long-term basis for companies.

In the pharmaceutical industry
Co-promotion agreements are commonly used by pharmaceutical companies to improve the marketing and product penetration in particular countries. Since the 2000s co-promotion started to play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry.

Co-promotion plays a major role in the pharmaceutical industries because in today's market, pharma companies are in a situation of falling productivity. Accessing to new products through association with biotech companies allows pharma companies to expand their influence and guarantee their success over the market.  The industry itself has a complex manufacturing  and as a consequence a less competitive market. Therefore, those companies prefer to make co-promotion agreements because they can be able to have a more stable revenue stream which is strategically preferred. Co-promotion is also considered as an advantage for emerging companies in terms of capital infusions, sharing of risks for product development and for regulatory or commercialisation expertise.

While it has been usual for biotech firms to receive between 5%and 10% of the revenues incurred in mutual projects, this number has grown in some cases to around 50% (Zanetti and Steiner 2001).

A specific example
Merck and Agensys had an agreement in order to promote a cancer drug, it has cost $17.5 million in upfront payments  and up to $11.5 million over the next year in milestone payments to develop the AGS-PSCA drug for prostate cancer. In this agreement Merck will have the responsibility for commercial manufacture and worldwide clinical development while Agensys will have equal participation in these developments. In addition, Agensys will work on providing a cancer treatment drug at an earlier stage with a smaller chance of risk through milestone payments. The development sharing will help both companies to be more productive.

Other examples
 Exelixis in collaboration with GlaxoSmith-Kline (helped to be positioned ad number 2 in the U.S).
 Genta in collaboration with Aventis.
 Monsanto with Pfizer for Celebex (total upfront payment of $85 million).
 Neurocrine in collaboration with Pfizer.
 Warner-Lambert and Pfizer for Lipitor.
 Glaxo- SmithKline and Janssen for Paxil.
 Pharmacia & Upjohn (now part of Pfizer) and Janssen Pharmaceuticals to co-promote Pharmacia's antidepressant Vestra the agreement recovered 27% of the company's total first-half revenues ($6.2 billion), and 44 percent of its total pharmaceutical sales ($3.7 billion). For Pfizer case the agreement was 18% of the company's revenues ($4.4 billion) and totalled $777 million for the first half of 1999.

In other industries
Co-promotion is also used in other industries and other relevant deals were present in the market it is a trend for some companies such as:
 The deal between General Motors and Toyota for manufacturing cars.
 Siemens and Philips agreed for semiconductors.
 Canon and Kodak with photocopiers as well.
 Finally City bank and Thai airlines.

References

Marketing techniques
Promotion and marketing communications

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: NSOutlineView not showing data from datasource I've been stumped by this for the whole day, PLEASE HELP. I've searched high and low and can't figure this out.
I've created an OutlineViewController which I want to handle my outline view tasks and datasource.  I was able to have it work just fine if I used appDelegate as my datasource and connected it to the OutlineView in the interface builder.  But I can't seem to get it to work when setting the datasource programatically to its self (or programmatically to appdelegate for that matter).  Is this being overrided somehow?
Strange thing I noticed.  When debugging, with the appdelegate connected as datasource via interface builder the mainOutlineView property has its datasource listed as nothing.  When I set it programmatically it shows its linked up, but doesn't work.
Any suggestions or examples please!
OutlineViewController.h
#import <Cocoa/Cocoa.h>

@interface OutlineViewController : NSOutlineView <NSOutlineViewDataSource, NSOutlineViewDelegate>
{
    NSMutableDictionary *firstParent;
    NSMutableDictionary *secondParent;
    NSArray *list;
}

@end

OutlineViewController.m
#import "OutlineViewController.h"

static NSUserDefaults *ud1 = nil;

@implementation OutlineViewController

#pragma mark Initialization

- (id)init
{
    ud1 = [NSUserDefaults standardUserDefaults];
    if (self = [super init]) {
        // use ud if you want to initialize via init
        // ud = [NSUserDefaults standardUserDefaults];
        firstParent = [[NSMutableDictionary alloc] initWithObjectsAndKeys:@"James",@"parent",[NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"Mary",@"Charlie", nil],@"children", nil];

        secondParent = [[NSMutableDictionary alloc] initWithObjectsAndKeys:@"Elisabeth",@"parent",[NSArray arrayWithObjects:@"Jimmie",@"Kate", nil],@"children", nil];

        list = [NSArray arrayWithObjects:firstParent,secondParent, nil];
        [self setDataSource:self];
        [self setDelegate:self];

        NSLog(@"init OutlineViewController");
    }
    return self;
}

#pragma mark NSOutlineView Data Source Methods

- (BOOL)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView isItemExpandable:(id)item
{
    if ([item isKindOfClass:[NSDictionary class]] || [item isKindOfClass:[NSArray class]]) {
        return YES;
    }else {
        return NO;
    }
}

- (NSInteger)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView numberOfChildrenOfItem:(id)item
{
    if (item == nil) { //item is nil when the outline view wants to inquire for root level items
        return [list count];
    }

    if ([item isKindOfClass:[NSDictionary class]]) {
        return [[item objectForKey:@"children"] count];
    }

    return 0;
}

- (id)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView child:(NSInteger)index ofItem:(id)item
{

    if (item == nil) { //item is nil when the outline view wants to inquire for root level items
        return [list objectAtIndex:index];
    }

    if ([item isKindOfClass:[NSDictionary class]]) {
        return [[item objectForKey:@"children"] objectAtIndex:index];
    }

    return nil;
}

- (id)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView objectValueForTableColumn:(NSTableColumn *)theColumn byItem:(id)item
{

    if ([[theColumn identifier] isEqualToString:@"children"]) {
        if ([item isKindOfClass:[NSDictionary class]]) {
            return [NSString stringWithFormat:@"%li kids",[[item objectForKey:@"children"] count]];

        }
        return item;
    } else {
        if ([item isKindOfClass:[NSDictionary class]]) {
            return [item objectForKey:@"parent"];
        }
    }

    return nil;
}

- (BOOL)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView shouldExpandItem:(id)item
{
    return YES;
}

- (BOOL)outlineView:(NSOutlineView *)outlineView shouldCollapseItem:(id)item
{
    return YES;
}

- (void)dealloc
{
    NSLog(@"deallocating %@", self);
}

@end

AppDelegate.h
#import <Cocoa/Cocoa.h>
#import "OutlineViewController.h"

@interface AppDelegate : NSObject <NSApplicationDelegate>
{
    id<NSOutlineViewDataSource> oldDataSource;
    id<NSOutlineViewDelegate> oldDelegate;
}

@property (assign) IBOutlet NSWindow *window;
@property (weak) IBOutlet NSTextField *singerName;
@property (nonatomic) IBOutlet OutlineViewController *mainOutlineView;

- (IBAction)addSinger:(id)sender;

@end

AppDelegate.m
#import "AppDelegate.h"

@implementation AppDelegate

- (void)applicationDidFinishLaunching:(NSNotification *)aNotification
{
    NSLog(@"appDidFinishLaunching");
    //_mainOutlineView = self.mainOutlineView.init;
}

- (void)awakeFromNib
{
    NSLog(@"awakeFromNib");
    self.mainOutlineView = [[OutlineViewController alloc] init];

    [_mainOutlineView reloadData];
}

- (IBAction)addSinger:(id)sender
{
    NSLog(@"Add Singer Clicked %@", self.singerName.stringValue);

    //NSMutableArray *tempArray = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init];
    //tempArray = [[firstParent valueForKey:@"children"] mutableCopy];

    //[tempArray addObject:self.singerName.stringValue];
    //[firstParent setObject:tempArray forKey:@"children"];

    self.singerName.stringValue = @"";
    [self.mainOutlineView reloadData];
}
@end

A: You shouldn't be subclassing the NSOutlineView to make an OutlineViewController class.
Your delegate/datasource object could inherit from lots of things.  But it shouldn't inherit from NSView.  With MVC, you have situations where the MC parts get lumped together, but if you're making a C, it most definitely doesn't subclass a V.
If you want to instantiate the controller object in IB, you can just have your class inherit from NSObject, and drag an object cube into the Nib, and make its custom class your custom class.  But you don't necessarily need the controller object in IB.
In OSX, the delegate and datasource protocols are often implemented by whatever the File's Owner of the Nib is.  So if it's a window nib, that would be a NSWindowController.  If it's a view nib, it would be a NSViewController. You could subclass either of those, and set the file's owner to your custom controller class, and you implement the protocols in that class, you can then drag the outlineview datasource/delegate connections in IB up to file's owner, and the Nib loading process would ensure the outlineview was connected to your controller methods implementations.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Pros: Looks smart, easy to convert, good value for a double.
Mothercare is a well established parenting retailer and brand in the UK and worldwide. Opening its first store in the 1960s, with a focus on pushchairs, maternity clothes and nursery furniture, it has huge experience in the sector and offers some keenly priced products.
The new Mothercare Genie is a very good value option in the double buggy market, where the likes of the UPPAbaby Vista, Bugaboo Donkey and Silver Cross Wave can cost upwards of £1000.
There are cheaper options too, like the Kids Kargo Ouellette Combi (£499) Joie Evalite Duo (£250), or the Hauck Duett 2 (£399.99) all come with similar price tags. This means, the Genie with an RRP of just under £500 (for standard pram and additional tandem seat) is great value for money. It is also hugely adaptable, promising 10 different configurations, with the seats reversible and convertible from birth to toddlerhood.
You can buy the Mothercare Genie from Mothercare.
First impressions of the Mothercare Genie was that it was very smart. I received it in navy, which I thought looked nice with the black frame, and wouldn't show any inevitable dirty marks or spills clearly.
What age can the Mothercare Genie be used from?
The main seat can be used from newborn, as a lie-flat carrycot. It came with a very cosy liner, making it really snug for our baby to lie in. When baby is big enough, this can then be converted into a tilted seat with a harness. It can also be used parent- or world-facing.
Unfortunately, the harness cannot be removed when using it as a lie-flat pram, so i had to ensure it was pushed as far out of the way as possible so that my son wasn't lying on it. The seat is tested to 15kg, which is quite standard, and is approximately 3 years old.
How does the Genie compare to other buggies you have used?
For my previous travel system that I purchased for my first son, (Mamas & Papas Urbo 2), I had to buy a carrycot separately, so the fact that the Genie's seat can transform from lie-flat cot to toddler seat makes it very good value.
I have been using it as a single pram when I have been out and about with my 5-month-old, with the seat set up in lie-flat pram mode, but have also used it as a double pram for outings when my 2-year-old comes along.
Twin or tandem – which should I choose?
How easy is it to convert the Genie into a double?
It is very easy to convert into a double pram – simply push in a button at the front of the basket, pull it forward to extend the chassis and then click the adapter and seat into place. It does mean, however, that you lose a lot of the basket space when the toddler is in it too.
Is it travel system compatible?
Yes, with the purchase of additional adaptors you can use it with one of the following car seats: Mothercare Maine, Maxi Cosi Cabriofix, Maxi Cosi Pebble, BeSafe iZi Go and Cybex Aton.
How was the ride for your little ones?
I was worried initially that my toddler would not enjoy being in the lower seat, facing the carrycot, but he loved it. He insisted on the hood being fully up when he was in it, as he thought it was his own little secret spot as I couldn't easily see him.
I will be changing the lie flat carry cot to the more upright seat for my younger son very shortly, and this means that the lower seat for my toddler will be able to face outwards and he will be able to see around him more. It is a great feature that it can be put on in both directions.
How compact is the Mothercare Genie?
The Genie appealed to me over other double prams, which I have seen but not personally used, due to the fact that the width of the pram isn't increased but the depth. It means I wouldn't be stuck when getting it through a doorway. It has been easy to store in our garage. However, its tandem design makes it very tricky to manoeuvre around corners, as the larger child is near the front and brings all the weight forward.
How easy is it to fold the Mothercare Genie?
I found folding the Genie to be tricky. When I first received it, I couldn't figure it out, even after consulting the instruction manual and a video on the Mothercare website. I called in to my local Mothercare and asked an assistant who demonstrated to me that it requires quite a big slam to initiate the folding mechanism. It needs such a force I would never have tried without being shown, and the video did not show it being done so forcefully.
How many different configurations does the Genie offer?
The Genie offers up to 10 different modes, including pramette, tandem and travel system compatibility. I used it as a single pram with the lie-flat carry cot, a double pushchair with lie-flat carrycot and toddler seat, and with my baby's car seat using the adapters (Cybex CloudQ).
How lightweight is the Mothercare Genie?
It isn't the most lightweight of prams – at 12kg it is 3kg more than my Mamas & Papas Urbo. it can be a bit heavy to lift in and out of the car.
Is the Mothercare Genie sturdy? How does it handle on different terrain?
I still found the Genie sturdy enough to cope well on different terrains. However, I noticed that the Mothercare branding is already wearing away on the metal frame, so we will have to see how well the Genie stands the test of time.
How was the Genie on public transport?
The Genie dealt well with public transport and traveling through an airport. On the train we managed to tuck it in the area with fold-away seats, so didn't need to attempt to dismantle it.
You went on holiday with the Genie – how did it fare?
Travelling with the Genie was fine. We were required to dismantle the pram on the way home for it to go through the X-Ray scanner, and as it is very quick to take down, this was easy. We had to carry the pram quite a bit as where we were staying was not pram friendly, so the heavier weight of the pram compared to my own made this a bit tricky – luckily we had various family members to assist!
How comfortable is the handle?
The handle height can be adjusted very easily with a simple click button in the middle of the handlebar, and can be made quite high, which suited my husband and father when they took baby out for walks.
The hood feels a little flimsy – you need to use a hand on each side to move it up and down. I also wasn't a fan of the waterproof covers – they don't have zips and are a very tight fit – they can be tricky to get on, and then you aren't able to unzip and check your little one once it's on.
How big is the basket? Does it provide plenty of room?
Measuring 33x39x19 cm, the basket is quite generous, with room for changing bag and shopping. This does get compromised a bit when the second seat is attached, however, you can also be pulled out to extend storage space.
The brake us engaged by stepping on a very obvious red lever on the back axle, and it is released by stepping on the upper part – so it's a push on and off brake. It can be a little temperamental engage and release. Grandparents found it a bit tricky when they were using it. However, it is a big red button, so is very obvious compared to some pram brakes.
Overall, the Mothercare Genie is a good choice if you require a double buggy and are on a budget. The frame is still fairly bulky when folded, so would take up a lot of room in the boot of a small car, and it isn't the easiest to manoeuvre and steer. But it looks good, is very comfortable for the baby and toddler to sit in. It also has a generous basket for carrying shopping or changing bags.
Kathryn is a mum to two little boys – a 2-year-old, and 5-month-old. We used the Genie for walks around our village, trips to shopping centres and supermarkets and we also took it on holiday to Mallorca.


text:
Tackle COVID-19
Commodity Trading & Logistics
Product Mix & Customer Profitability
Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization
Supply Chain Network Optimization
Trade Promotion Optimization
What Does Supply Chain Optimization Mean Now Vs. Pre-COVID?
#SupplyChainOptimization #SupplyChainPlanning #COVID-19
In the movement to digitize the enterprise and connect all things IoT and more, a former supply chain buzzword has re-emerged with more momentum than ever… and confusion! The supply chain term "control tower" is used many ways, causing some vendors to meld its point solutions into a new layer of technology and tout a beacon of insights across the supply chain with promises to include:
Not since the Second World War has there been such global disruption as experienced in 2020. International transportation came to a standstill, major populations were confined to their homes, and factories shut down.
As the initial wave of COVID-19 receded and economies started to open, preconceived ideas about supply chain optimization were found wanting.
Supply chain factors previously considered unimportant are now receiving renewed attention. Issues such as supply chain resilience and multiple sourcing are taking precedence over single-supplier, lowest-cost sourcing.
In this article, we'll outline how COVID-19 has had a major impact on how people define true supply chain optimization today, versus how they have defined it in the past.
Classic Supply Chain Optimization Concepts
The growth of international free trade, together with the commoditization of items previously considered as luxuries, rewrote the supply chain optimization book.
Companies focused on factors such as:
Lowest-cost production in developing countries
Just-in-time manufacture
In fact, they focused on anything that could be done to reduce landed costs, ensure reliable supply and create a competitive advantage.
Vulnerabilities Exposed by COVID
There's no doubt that, for much of the time, these classic supply chain optimization concepts worked.
But when they didn't, there was chaos.
COVID-19 starkly upended the myth that lowest cost, just-in-time manufacturing is supreme. Here's why.
False assumptions about global stability
Global stability is crucial for world-wide supply chains. Without it, they simply can't function effectively. Although there were indications of what could happen, these were largely ignored.
Over-reliance on low-cost suppliers in China and the developing world
Although a lot was said about the benefits of onshoring, this was largely ignored by manufacturers used to trading with China. In the last eight years, the U.S. share of world manufacturing fell from 28% to only 18%. Consequently, manufacturers were forced to shut down, not because of COVID-19 in the U.S., but due to component shortages.
Reliable shipping and transportation
International trade is dependent on reliable and predictable shipping. As COVID-19 took hold, global shipping, especially from China, came to a standstill.
Critical Need to Develop New Supply Chain Optimization Strategies
In the face of these challenges, manufacturers must review their supply chain optimization strategies. What this means for each may be different, but here are some ideas:
Build supply chain resilience by increasing the ability of the supply chain to withstand shocks
Re-evaluate single sourcing strategies
Relocate production
Develop multiple sourcing strategies
Prepare for a third wave of COVID-19 (The U.S. and many other countries are well under way with a second wave.)
Don't Underestimate Complexity of Implementing Radically Different Supply Chain Strategies
The events of the past year mean, for many, a complete overhaul of their supply chain optimization strategies. The difficulty is identifying the right, appropriate strategies for the future. It's not simply a matter of arbitrarily choosing a different strategy. The process needs a careful study along with an evaluation of alternative supply chain planning scenarios.
Need for Appropriate Tools to Handle Change
Many will go down the conventional supply chain optimization route of manually reviewing:
Supply chain network design
But there's a better way.
This is to use advanced analytics, specifically prescriptive analytics, to guide the process. Model your existing supply chain network, including all its limitations, features and constraints. Then review different scenarios, such as another COVID-19 shutdown, a trade war, or natural disaster.
Then implement data-driven decision support systems to develop resilient supply chain strategies and ensure your survival in a difficult, complex and frankly crazy environment.
3 Steps to Master Value-Focused Supply Chain Segmentation…(Read More)
Supply Chain Digital Twin software: Time to Correct Your Definition…(Read More)
River Logic
We're on a mission to ensure companies across the globe drive maximum value with every decision they make, no matter how complex.
We offer a suite of supply chain planning, network optimization, order allocation, and general planning solutions that are purpose-built for business users rather than data scientists.
Chat with Someone?
We're ready to help! Just click the button below, and grab a time slot that works for your schedule.
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text:
Indigo White Biography, Wiki, Age, Height, Net Worth & More
Indigo White is an Instagram star as well as a YouTuber who is popularly known online as "Cocochampange." She gained popularity on Instagram by sharing her gorgeous photos. Aside from Instagram, she also has a huge fan base on other social media sites like YouTube, Twitter, etc. She also makes adult content for Phub.
Indigo White Biography
Indigo White Wiki
Indigo White's Story of Success
Indigo White Instagram
Indigo White Net Worth
Indigo White Boyfriend
Indigo White – Controversy, Rumors
Indigo White Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Facts about Indigo White
FAQs about Indigo White
Indigo White was born on September 1, 1995, in Florida, the United States. She is, therefore, an American by nationality and of white ethnicity.
Indigo is an American model. She gained fame quickly due to her attractive appearance and is known on various social media platforms, including Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube.
Her career began as a TikTok star who gained fame through her amazing videos. She is also a model who modeled for various fashion brands, and her Instagram account also features all of the pictures.
She has over 3 million likes on TikTok. She is also a gamer, according to her social media accounts. She is a well-known Ph star known for her adult content.
Among her millions of fans, she has a large number of male followers. She won the hearts of her fans with her attractive appearance. Additionally, she has written two books: "The City Girl Cook Book" and "Do You Really Want to Be a Cam Girl?"
Indigo White Wiki & Biography
Real Name Indigo White
Nickname Indigo
Profession Social media influencer, model, actress & YouTuber
Date of Birth September 1, 1995
Father Mr. White
Mother Mrs. White
School Local private school in California
College/ University N/A
Favorite Actor Dwayne Johnson
Favorite Actress Emma Stone
Favorite Rapper Snoop Dogg
Favorite Movie Inception
Hobbies Shopping
Indigo White has been obsessed with modeling, fashion, and beauty since she was a child. She chose to pursue a career in modeling.
Initially, she launched her career on Instagram, where she shared sweet and lovely photographs. She has gradually gathered thousands of followers.
Indigo White has received numerous business promotions and endorsement offers as a result of her increasing social media reputation.
Indigo White has gained a lot of fame by sharing photos and videos with inspirational captions and reels on his Instagram account.
She is very popular on Instagram (World's most popular Photo and Video sharing Social Media Platform), and Indigo White's performance on Instagram made her very famous.
As of 2022, she has more than 320K followers on her Instagram Handle (@indigowhitecosplay).
One of the most commonly asked questions is how much money does Indigo White earn? What is Indigo White's net worth?
We all know Indigo White is a famous model and social media star.
As of 2022, Indigo White's net worth is estimated to be $1 million. The primary source of her earnings is Modeling, YouTube, Brand endorsement, and Acting.
In addition, if Indigo White has any business of her own, her net worth is not included in this.
Income Sources YouTube, Modeling, Brand endorsement, Acting
Indigo White has not disclosed his dating status. Additionally, there have been no reports of Indigo White being in a relationship up to this point. There are also no records of her previous relationships. The rising celebrity appeared to be entirely focused on her career at the moment. And she is currently enjoying her single life.
Indigo White is a creative thinker who works hard to turn her dreams into reality with focus and determination.
Indigo White is a fitness freak who loves to exercise every day. Her body is awesome, and she gets a lot of attention for her physique. Many of her fans and followers often ask how tall Indigo White is?
Indigo White stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches or 173 cm tall and weighs around 65 kg or 143 lbs. Her body measurements are 34-26-39 inches.
Bodytype Voluptuous
Her favorite color is Pink.
Indigo White is an avid pet lover and has a dog.
Her favorite traveling destination is the United Kingdom.
Indigo White began her career as a TikTok star.
She loves to play video games in her spare time.
Indigo White was also diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
She currently isn't dating anyone and wants to focus on her career.
Indigo White also has a YouTube channel where she does her gaming live streams.
Her YouTube channel currently has over 66.4K subs as of writing.
What is Indigo White's real name?
Indigo White's real name is Indigo White.
When was Indigo White born?
Indigo White was born on September 1, 1995.
How old is Indigo White?
Indigo White is 26 years old.
How tall is Indigo White?
Indigo White is 5 feet 8 inches or 173 cm tall.
Is Indigo White married?
No, Indigo White is not married.
Who is Indigo White's Boyfriend?
Indigo White does not reveal any information about her partner.
What is Indigo White's net worth?
Indigo White's net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Guys, This is the latest information about Indigo White Biography, wiki, age, girlfriend, family, net worth, height, weight, and more. As soon as get more details about Indigo White we will update this information in this post. You can share your thoughts with us by commenting below.


text:
Details of controversial Pacific trade deal: What you need to know
Thursday's release of the details of the intensely negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership is likely to bring about more discussion on the trade deal. Here's a breakdown of the agreement's key takeaways.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D) of Connecticut (c.), joined at left by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) of Texas, a bloodhound named Roxy, Rep. David Cicilline (D) of Rhode Island (r.) and other members of Congress, speaks a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 29, about the details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
By Michael D. Regan Staff
Details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal were released Thursday, potentially setting off another round of debate on the controversial agreement involving one dozen nations.
Labor unions and environmentalists have criticized the 12-country agreement, citing worries it would cut protections for and add competition to already-stagnating wages and hand more power to multinational corporations.
Many in Congress have expressed concerns the pact would further hamper US job prospects just as the country is climbing out of a years-long recession.
President Obama has been a staunch supporter of the TPP, but he faces stiff opposition, even from members of his Democratic Party.
Congressional challenges may only go so far, however, as members may not suggest amendments and are limited to only a yes or no vote.
A major stipulation of the TPP agreement requires two other member countries to overhaul human rights and labor practices. The deal compels Vietnam to open up to labor unions while Malaysia must bolster its efforts to ebb the glut of human trafficking in the country.
A final deal was reached among the 12 nations on Oct. 5, the extensive details of which were released online Thursday.
Here are some key takeaways from the newly released text:
The 12 nations in the TPP are the United States, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Peru, Canada, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
The Obama administration says the pact would eliminate 18,000 taxes other countries impose on US exports.
The deal would grant multinational corporations the right to challenge laws and regulations in secret tribunals when they are considered trade barriers. Countries can ban tobacco companies from taking part in these tribunals.
The agreement's language was influenced by multinational companies including pharmaceutical firms, recording studios, agribusinesses, and others. Critics say the deal was forged in secrecy.
The pact calls for improved freedoms and more attention to the needs of indigenous people and overall public health, better access to medicine for people living in the TPP countries and increased protections for drug patents.
Malaysia, whose Prime Minister Najib Razak is accused of stealing nearly $700 million from a development fund, would be required to allow freedom of movement for victims of human trafficking and negate rules restricting labor unions.
With the threat of trade sanctions, TPP countries are required to ban child labor and employment discrimination and give workers the right to form unions.
New markets would open for Vietnamese clothing firms and Malaysian electronics companies.
This report contains material from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Test your knowledge Think you know Asia? Take our geography quiz.
The Monitor's View The value, and values, of a Pacific trade pact
TPP environmental accord: can it change bad business practices?
Has US desire for Asia trade deal trumped slavery with Malaysia's ranking?


Living the RV life in a GMC motorhome parked at the GMC Coop and you end up hearing about what is for sale.
This vintage GMC motorhome RV tour shows of a 1973 vintage GMC motorhome's RV upgrades and RV updates.
This 1977 GMC Eleganza II is in great shape with lots of interior upgrades.
Blast from the Past . Just traded for this 1977 Coachmen Royale 26 ft. Class A , These are collectors items that sell for several times this price restored.
Since I love classics and vintage cars its no stretch that I love.
Probably the last time we use the Yukon for this, now that we have a motorhome (it was out for vital repairs this weekend).
Bethune Sales, GMC Motorhomes restored, for sale and buying.


To some, premium offerings from Samsung and Apple are passe. For those looking to put a tidy sum on a stand-out piece, this list may help. All of them run on Android, as Apple doesn't let other phone makers use the iOS operating system. That apart, they also have the same specs as the other phones. Exclusive features include leather, diamonds and gold.
The glint in this phone comes from diamonds. Less expensive models of the Goldvish Eclipse are adorned in alligator skin and go for $7,000. But with the diamonds thrown in, this model's price fits squarely in the five-figure range.
Vertu phones come with special features, like a live 24-hour concierge you can call or text to get or do anything in the world for you. The Sky Blue calf leather option is quilted and costs $10,000 more than the other calf leather options without quilting. Its other features, mentioned on the company website, include `brushed and polished titanium, polished red-gold detailing, black ceramic pillow and sapphire crystal screen'.
With its focus on privacy, this phone is built on the premise of super-security for the ultra-rich and secretive. Sirin Solarin is made with white leather in a carbon texture and inlaid with black diamonds.According to company officials, this model has the best screen, the best daylight smart phone camera, the richest and loudest speakers, more 4G LTE bands and close to ten times faster WiFi speeds. These allow for quick cloud access, and syncing of photos, videos and media.
Dressed in leather and steel, Lamborghini 88 Tauri is a luxury smartphone from Tonino Lamborghini, a merchandising company founded by Tonino, son of Lamborghini (the company that makes luxury sports cars) founder Ferruccio Lamborghini.
The phone not only features premium materials and a unique design but also boasts top-end hardware specifications.Of course at this price, the smartphone is targeted at high net worth individuals.
The company calls its range "precision mobile instruments" rather than just phones. It also says that the Grand Touch Executive is "the first phone to use a SIM card mechanism and the first to be created from a stone hybrid material". A marble phone sounds like it could be extremely heavy. Other finish options of the Mobiado include Burl, Cocobolo, Ebony and Granite.


text:
29 September 2016 Yak-152 training aircraft has performed its maiden flight
The maiden flight of the Yak-152 initial training aircraft took place at the airfield of Irkutsk Aviation Plant, the affiliate of Irkut Corporation (a United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary) on September 29, 2016.
30 August 2016 Sukhoi handed over a new batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Air and Space Forces
The Sukhoi Company handed over another batch of Su-34 frontline bombers to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation according to the 2016 State Defense Order. The aircraft took off from the V.P.Chkalov Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant's airfield and headed to the place of their deployment.
28 July 2016 Rosoboronexport and UAC signed a sales promotion program for the global military aircraft market
State special exporter Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a Program to promote military aircraft on the external market for the period 2016-2019.
15 July 2016 Royal Thai Air Force Takes Delivery of Sukhoi Business Jet
JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) held a roll-out ceremony of two Sukhoi Business Jet (SBJ) aircraft built for Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
15 July 2016 Sukhoi Civil Aircraft to Open Its First Overseas Office in China
JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) announces the company's plans to open its first overseas client liaison office.
8 July 2016 UAC to participate in the Farnborough International Airshow
United Aircraft Corporation will take part in the Farnborough International Airshow 2016 to be held in Great Britain on 11 - 17 July.
25 June 2016 Russia and China to build new wide-body aircraft
On June 25, 2016 during the official visit of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, to China a number of documents on the program of new wide-body long-haul passenger aircraft were signed.
9 June 2016 Sukhoi Superjet 100 carries the Ireland team to Euro16
Sukhoi Supertjet 100, CityJet's latest recruit, performed its first regular flight taking the Ireland team to Euro 16.
8 June 2016 MC-21 rolled out
On June 8, 2016, the newest Russian passenger aircraft – MC-21 was rolled out at an official ceremony at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
7 June 2016 Live Webcast of the MC-21 Aircraft Rollout
Live webcast will begin at 6:30 am (Moscow Time) on http://www.vesti.ru/broadcasts/show/id/39749/
JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
Rubric:
Flight Test Program completed for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, aimed at the icing impact assessment over the performance of the aircraft equipped with the saberlets
At the aerodrome situated in Zhukovsky the flight test program of the SSJ100 with the horizontal wing tips was successfully completed.
SCAC and ADRIA AIRWAYS: LOI for 15 SSJ100 and MRO joint venture
Munich, November 26, 2018 – Minister of industry and trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said that JSC "Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company" and ADRIA Airways signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 15 SSJ100. «The delivery is to be started at the beginning of 2019. They will be handed over under a long-term lease arrangement. In addition, both Parties signed Memorandum of Understanding upon establishing an SSJ100 Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) at Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia)».
Aeroflot and UAC sign agreement for 100 Superjet 100 aicraft
10 September 2018, Moscow – Aeroflot and the United Aircraft Corporation have signed an agreement for delivery to Aeroflot, the national carrier, of 100 Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft. The document was signed by Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev and UAC President Yury Slyusar during the Eastern Economic Forum in the presence of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.


Did you know that cream teas have been voted Britain's 3rd favourite comfort food in a recent poll undertaken by a BBC Good Food poll?
Not only is Rodda's clotted cream great to dollop on top of your freshly baked scones, but it can be used to top any pudding, dessert, sweet treat no matter what… any old excuse eh?! Hot, cold, it doesn't matter – in fact, it's highly encouraged by the Rodda's team so it's fine if they say so!
These guys are the authority on clotted cream and their blocks of salted butter are dreamy too, I should stop trying to get to Waitrose to buy it when I head into Cambridge, it's good stuff!
As you may or may not know, I was recently asked to guest judge a couple of the #CrownYourPuds Instagram competition rounds for Rodda's and I had to help them pick a winner from reams of very talented bakers' entries.
It was genuinely tricky to pick a firm winner and even more tricky to stop dribbling every time my inbox was filled with tasty & tempting baked goods to pick from… I wanted to try them all, so it's probably a good thing we were basing it on the look and difficulty level of each bake! I've had so much fun helping to judge the competition and I hope that the lovely team at Rodda's will invite me back in the future to help them with other such shenanigans!
If you are interested in entering this monthly competition yourself, you can find more information about it all here.
Should you fancy nosing at some of the winners over the last couple of months, then check out these pictures to give you an idea of what needs to be done to win yourself some pretty awesome Rodda's goodies through Instagram!


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


At Orchard Learning Systems we have a core mission and belief system that sets us apart from any other company.
Our mission is to help and serve families so their children may achieve educational excellence.
1. Education begins at home.
2. We help parents get involved and make education a priority.
3. We provide the tools to create a nurturing educational environment in the home.
4. We empower families to motivate their children to finish High School and attend college.
5. We make education fun.
6. All it takes is 20 minutes a day 3 times a week to see dramatic improvements and build confidence.
Do you think you can make a difference … and enhance the education of your neighbors, friends, family, and community? Do you have a desire to take an active part in bridging the gap between home and school? Do you possess ambition, and aspire to develop a career and reach new heights of success.
Our sales professionals accept challenges, set goals and actively achieve them. Join the team of respected professionals at Orchard Learning Systems – where entrepreneurial spirit and hard work are rewarded! Climb the ladder of success!
Our multi-media product line (software, hardware, apps, online, live one-on-one) that helps bridge the gap between home and school, keeping children on the path toward a lifetime of learning.
Training unequalled in the industry. You don't need previous selling experience to succeed.
Opportunity for career advancement and personal growth.
Click here to receive more information about a career with Orchard Learning Systems.
Join the Orchard Learning Systems Team!
Any experienced sales professional will tell you that a great product sells itself. Are you interested in joining the team? If so, then we certainly want to hear from you!
Please click here to to Apply on line.
Thank you for your interest in Orchard Learning Systems. We look forward to hearing from you!


Shakes; before or after your workout?
Pre-workout: it helps fuel your muscles during your training session.
Post-workout: feeds your hungry muscles to help them rebuild muscle tissue.
Try one of our many flavoured shakes for a healthy option to your pre or post workout routine!


The V56 Standard Jean is a 98% cotton, 2% elastane 11.25 oz. Sturdy Stretch indigo denim pant that utilizes a unique blend of fibers built for skateboarding to provide comfort and increased durability with exceptional shape and stretch retention. Featuring a raw finish with SILVADURTM coating to protect against odor-causing bacteria, thereby extending the life of the fabric while keeping it fresh with fewer washes, the V56 Standard also includes classic 5-pocket styling, a zip fly, a genuine leather patch on the waistband, and a low-rise, standard fit that sits below the waist, runs straight through the ankle, and rests comfortably on the shoe.


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Category: Passenger Overboard
75 Year Old Woman Jumps From Balcony of Costa Pacifica
Multiple news outlets report that a 75 year old woman "voluntarily" jumped from the 8th deck balcony of her state room while she was traveling aboard the Costa Pacifica. The vessel was sailing between Funchal, off the coast of Portugal, and Malaga in Spain on October 10th when the incident...
Sun Princess Cruise Ship Passenger Overboard
Various news outlets report that a Princess Cruises passenger went overboard from the Sun Princess while the vessel was traveling on a multi-day cruise in the East China Sea. The incident occurred on August 9 around 6am in the morning. The woman, a 41 year old from Taiwan, was traveling...
Norwegian Epic Passenger Overboard, Lost at Sea?
Media reports indicate a 63 year old Korean woman traveling aboard the Norwegian Epic cruise ship went overboard on Saturday, June 8. The vessel was traveling from Cannes, France to Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Passengers were asked by the ship's crew to help look for the women onboard the...
Passenger Reported Overboard on MSC Preziosa in Caribbean
A December 11 news report on CruiseMapper.com states, "a cruise passenger has reportedly gone overboard from MSC Preziosa in the Caribbean on Saturday, December 8, according to France-Antilles newspaper, Martinique. A 69-year-old Dutch passenger was not located onboard the MSC Cruises ship when Preziosa arrived in Fort-de-France. The last port of...
Coast Guard Recovers Body of Missing Passenger From Small Cruise Ship Off Coast of Washington State
A passenger who went overboard on July 10 from the Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship has been found. Per the Associated Press, "a Coast Guard helicopter crew has recovered the body of a cruise ship passenger who went overboard off the coast of Washington state." The USCG found the man...
Chinese Woman Falls From Cruise Ship – Survives 38 Hours in Sea
According to several published reports, like this one from BBC.com, a Chinese woman who fell off a cruise ship and drifted at sea for 38 hours survived with only minor injuries. The incident occurred as the Royal Caribbean cruise ship she was traveling on made its way from Shanghai to...
Woman Goes Overboard From Norwegian Cruise Ship
It seems to be happening with increasing frequency -- passengers going overboard from cruise ships. This time, a woman on the Norwegian cruise ship Pearl, went overboard during a dance party cruise to Mexico. CNN reports (from a Friday morning, Nov. 13 article) ... "A search is underway in the...


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Home Care Takes Center Stage at Democratic Convention
By Amy Baxter | July 31, 2016
Home care issues were making waves with major coverage at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week, bringing together caregivers and legislators to discuss the Democratic Party's new policy goals.
During the week of the DNC, several legislators and home care workers and advocates spoke at an event—the Care Revolution Forum at the National Museum of American Jewish History—about key policy issues to improve the home care workforce and increase the availability and accessibility of care.
"The highlight was the unity, everyone being on the same page," Tanika Aden, a 15-year home care worker from Washington state who spoke at the event, told Home Health Care News. "We've had so much division in this country in the last few weeks; this was about getting people to see the bigger picture, to come together and make America a better place."
Higher wages was at the top of the policy wish list for home care workers, who have been fighting for a living wage. Several individual cities and states, including Washington D.C., Seattle, New York and California, have adopted a $15-an-hour wage, set to be implemented over time, in the last few years.
"All workers should make a living wage and not have to work so many hours," Aden said. "If you work full time in this country, you should be able to make it and pay for necessities without working two or three jobs."
Both major political parties have mentioned home care as part of their health care policy platform, emphasizing that shifting care options to the home is crucial to appease patient's desires to age in place and reduce costs in other more expensive care settings. Making the home caregiver position more appealing, with better wages and benefits, is a crucial part of that transition, advocates say.
"Home care work has been, and usually is, done by women and people of color," Aden said. "For a long time it hasn't been valued. Now, people are starting to see the value in home care. The silver tsunami is coming. People are going to need help in their homes. They are going to need home care workers and we should start making sure these are good positions."
The DNC also featured a home care worker from Detroit, Michigan, Henrietta Ivey, who spoke of the struggles that low wages incur for home care workers. Check out her speech below:
HHS Delays Provider Relief Fund Reporting Requirements in Response to Updated Utilization Guidelines
Certificate of Need Markets Can Mean Big Business for Home Health Buyers, But Opportunities Are Growing Scarce
Consolidation Accelerates as Home Health Operators Crash from Stimulus 'Sugar High'


It may be the funniest and most fun live show you've ever seen. Bring the whole family to witness the antics of these highly trained professional canines. They've appeared at NFL halftime shows and stolen the day! Every dog a rescue pup - they invite you to come early and meet their fellow furbies at a pre-show adoption event! Kids tickets valid for ages 12 or under.
Local animal shelters will have their residents on hand to meet prospective new parents just before this tremendous show - designed for families of all ages! Adults are just $25, seniors or groups of 10 or more are $23, children are just $13.


This remains true today. Very many New Zealanders do have Māori ancestry and once they discover this they often want to explore this aspect of their roots but are fearful of language difficulties and the implications of cultural sensitivities. Thus the objectives of the Group are to assist others in researching whakapapa, build up a store of Māori resources in the FRC and to inform about the records available and how to access and interpret them.
By 1995 Terry Hollis had been elected as the Chairperson, Secretary Julie Barlow, Treasurer Susan Haughey, Editor Lynne Richards. Sadly, on the 10th October 1995 Julie Barlow passed away. Thereafter the Group was in recess between February 1996 to March 1997.
1999 Colleen Petricevich was elected Convenor with a committee of Harete Phillips as editor of the newsletter and Brenda Joyce as Secretary and Treasurer and Margaret Hurst the research advisor. On Colleen's resignation Harete Phillips was elected Convenor. In the year 2000 the Group's website (www.rcyachts.net/maori) was created by Bruce Mathers who joined the committee as webmaster. From this date onwards the Group participated at Conference providing a display table of resources staffed by Group members who could offer research advice. Viv Birch joined the Committee 2003 as Secretary and also took on the task of assembling the Group's archives. These are now accessible at the FRC. By 2005 Peter Allen was Convenor, Brenda Joyce Treasurer and Secretary with Bruce Mathers as Editor and webmaster.
Over the years, the group's logo has gone through four stages of evolution, the second (a derivative of the first) logo was replaced in 1999 with the tiki, a symbol more instantly recognisable as Māori representative of the First Man or fertility. In 2006 the AGM agreed to change the Group's logo from the tiki to the poutama showing the staircase to learning which can also be seen to represent generations on a whakapapa. We thank Owen Ormsby for the graphics work for the new logo.
The original newsletter was a simple A4 photocopied publication. In 2001 Bruce Mathers became editor and at his own expense created Te Reo, an A5 quarterly booklet with historical articles, news and pertinent issues, members' name interests and requests for information and research advice.
Initially a subscription of $5 plus four SSAE was charged but now NZSG members do not pay a subscription to join the Group2. Koha are always gratefully received. Libraries' subscriptions of $15.00 pa for Te Reo provide a steady income. NZSG members can read Te Reo on the website but ifthey prefer hard copies they provide stamped, self addressed envelopes.
These were frequent from the inception of the Group but with the increased availability of email communication and the development of the Group's website these have steadily increased, especially from members of the public who are not necessarily NZSG members. All requests are answered and the advantages of joining the NZSG pointed out.
Many people have worked for the Group over the years. Certificates of Appreciation have been awarded to Colleen Petricevich, Eduard Cowell (Brisbane) and Ron & Patty Mathers. Bruce Mathers received a Service Award 2006 for his work as Editor and Webmaster.
This was celebrated during a Council Meeting at the FRC November2005 and engendered significant interest from the local population of Panmure and nearby Auckland suburbs.
Bruce Mathers' parents generously donated a decorated cake for the occasion.
November 2005 Māori Interest Group 10th birthday. Left to right: Viv Birch, Harete Phillips, Brenda Joyce, Graeme Constable and Colleen Petricevich. Local visitors are at the door waiting to enter.
Bruce Mathers wrote a How To… article for The New Zealand Genealogist in which he gave guidance in whakapapa research. This material was expanded and further document examples included to produce a booklet entitled An Introduction to Māori Family History Research It was launched at Conference 2006 in Hamilton. This concise booklet explained how whakapapa is different and gave examples of relevant records and how to access and interpret them. Sales have gone well, particularly to public libraries, book shops and New Zealand Universities. By October 2006 we were into our 4th print.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of Māori who have lost contact with their roots and come to us for advice. It is our privilege to be able to assist. No longer are we only helping non-Māori who wish to research their possible Māori ancestry but are gradually becoming accepted by the tangata whenua as a source of whakapapa research.
Written for 2007 NZSG Conference, Wellington.
By Brenda Joyce and Bruce Mathers.
1 From a statement by Julie Barlow and Lynne Richards when they proposed setting up a Māori Interest Group in 1993.
2As from the 1st November 2001 Membership of the New Zealand Society of Genealogist Māori Interest Group is free to all financial members of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists – Ratified 2001 MIG AGM.


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Radar vs. birds at Tokyo airport
Olympus cleans up accounts, may need to sell or merge
Official survey: Fukushima impact on general health "extremely small"
9 years ago by Tokyo Times M in Travel
An official survey among 1,500 residents of three towns near the Fukushima nuclear plant revealed that hundreds of people were exposed to radiation above levels allowed for the general public, but below the limit required in order to enforce evacuation.
Some of the residents were evacuated soon after the March 11 accident, while others were not forced to leave until late April. At the time, the government was criticized by the public for its "slow reaction".
The survey was carried out by the Fukushima Prefecture local government in the towns of Namie, Iitate and part of Kawamata and it measured the cumulative external radiation exposure on residents.
In other words, the survey measured the radiation exposure to the skin, and did not look at the so-called internal exposure, or radiation taken into human body from contaminated food, air or water.
The result shows that the accident's "impact on the health of the general public is extremely small," according to senior nuclear adviser Shunichi Yamashita, vice president of Fukushima Medical University.
Residents who worked at nuclear facilities were the ones with the highest levels of reported contamination. Five out of the 138 nuclear workers in the three towns were exposed to radiation levels of over 10 millisieverts, while the accepted level for the general public is one millisievert. The most elevated level was reported for a worker who received 37.4 millisieverts.
The residents were in general well below the 20 millisieverts limit set by the government for enforced evacuation in the event of nuclear emergencies.
Buses at Tokyo Tower Tokyo Pics Japan's disaster plan criticized Shinjuku Golden Gai


Now, at first glance, it sounds like three topics but as soon as You access The Red Tea Detox app (that you can perform immediately after purchase as it's an online program), you'll quickly see that you're confused. The three components have an list of themes within each, which I will reveal to you in a minute. Each component includes a significant variety of tools, tricks, ideas , exercises, directions and information that will help you succeed. It may look like a great deal, but it is laid out so flawlessly that you'll get lost in the webpage. Reading a weight loss program hasn't been fun. That's also not to say that you receive a 60-day money-back Guarantee when you buy this system. Considering you can lose between 5 to 20 pounds in as little as 14 times, that is more than sufficient time to see what The Red Tea Detox can perform for you.
Liz Miller is a naturopath Best-selling writer on Amazon. She is highly renowned inside the fitness and health industry for her distinctive approach to helping men and women across the world achieve their goals. She focuses on the substance that works — the remedies and methods in the past, and steers away from tasteless diet plans and physical fitness regimes that are exhausting. Liz Miller has made a new strategy helping off unneeded pounds to burn by switching from carbohydrate fat burning to burning off. It is based on more than a decade of medical research round the cleanup of toxins and also the advantages of tea that was African.
In this booklet, you understand how toxins can hold your metabolism back and also the advantages of cleansing your entire body with African green tea. It clarifies detoxifying your body is important and rewarding. You receive a very clear outline about which foods are helpful to your body during its travel to a belly.
If you choose to do the exercise, it will improve your metabolism and can potentially double the rate at which you shed pounds. Exercise goes amiss and weight is a matter of intensity, not the time spent doing this. This booklet includes exercises that anybody should be able to perform.
Willpower and motivation are equally as significant as the Path which you would like to follow. I have found that a lot of individuals have until they reach their goals, problems stay excited. That is a manual on dieting, fitness or detox should include a segment on the ideal mindset. It speaks positively of this manual that you get one!
We love it if a Great Deal of extras or bonuses are Included using a program, and this one doesn't have less than a few of them.
When you buy the Red Tea Detox app, you receive the Manual, the 3 booklets, and be eligible for each of the bonuses if you here to get your own Red Tea Detox program! Liz believes what she's doing so much that you obtain a 60 day money back guarantee, which is something we always prefer to see.
We have begun to enjoy African red tea per great deal and this Manual did a fantastic job of teaching us what we had to know. What did we enjoy about it?
Today, even ordinary foods generally contain toxins in 1 manner or another. There's a lot of research that affirms our sense: Detaching yourself from these toxins and cleansing the human body as much as possible has outcomes that are favorable. So anybody can understand the problems and alternatives, liz describes it.
The combination of exercise and healthy foods & Beverages cannot fail. Better yet, it simplifies one of the chief food related issues now: the excessive usage of soda (particularly in the USA). For a lot of people, it's the one thing they beverage (rather than water). If you're like this, switching from carbonated sodas into crimson tea makes a big difference to your physique. But you also detoxify it, therefore the effects are even greater.
The human body is meant to be active and Reside on foods, but we don't do either of these! People today drink beer, or pop, coffee, lie on our sofa or sit behind a desk. Not only is this African tea recipe amazing, in addition, it happens to be a healthy beverage to start with. No sugar or caffeine! Together with the gym booklet, the two of the basic issues are addressed and direct you to favorable outcomes.
Tea Is Fantastic, as are the and, foods Workout routines in this system. But any such effort needs to be maintained. Can you alter your behaviour to stay being healthy and keep this up? Or are you the kind of person who tries this for a week and then gives up? The truth is that many of apps work although it's the people that often do not. Any real system needs discipline to keep doing it.
Odds Are you have more, if you are really big Ailments than looks that need to be addressed and your weight. Ensure you don't find any app for a solution for all of that.


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Calling all cornhole players, get your bags ready! The Branch is hosting a Cornhole Tournament!
Registration is only $40 a team with two players on each team. Boozer Boards will be hosting the event and there will be prizes for the winning teams. With an outdoor bar, music, and so much more the Branch's Cornhole Tournament is fun for all ages!
Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards
The Loudoun Chamber celebrated its 55th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards on Friday, January 20, 2023 at The National Conference Center. We honored top community leaders as well as celebrate the success of the 2022 Board of Directors Chair, Shawn Mitchell, owner of Modern Mechanical. We will also welcomed in our 2023 Board and the new Chair Carol Barbe, owner of Backflow Technology.
The 2023 Community Leadership Award winners in each category had the opportunity to select one nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 grant, thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. Stay tuned for more information about the 2024 Annual Meeting. 2023 Event Photos
On Monday, August 15, 2022, the 40th Annual Chamber Classic was held at The Club at Creighton Farms. This event has been Loudoun County's premier business golf tournament for four decades. The Chamber Classic offers our sponsors tremendous marketing exposure, and an incomparable day of golf on this Jack Nicklaus designed course. If your company's target market includes senior level executives and business owners who have a passion for the game of golf, we invite you to consider a 2023 Sponsorship. Stay tuned for more information and pricing.
For 28 years, the Loudoun Small Business Awards have been the most prestigious honors celebrating the best small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations in our Loudoun community. We hope you will join us to congratulate finalists and winners in 9 categories, including the top prize, at the 2022 Small Business of the Year. Winners are announced in front of a live audience of Loudoun's top business and community leaders. This event will take place on Friday, November 4th at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. View Photos / View 2021 Finalists & Winners
This Spring, the Chamber will honor the Loudoun Chamber will honor first responders, our community's real-life heroes, and several truly heroic citizens, for their courageous, often lifesaving actions at the 38th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards. Stay tuned for the 2023 event date!
Click to view the 2022 Event Photos; Click to view the 2022 Valor Awards Program Book


As a Bostanian living in Los Angeles, I am uncomfortably familiar with the long flight home. Around the holiday season, the journey can seem even more daunting with hectic airports, traffic and long security lines. Here are some tips for making it through a tough travel day and maintaining a sense of calm throughout your trip!
Dreading the long day ahead of you? Plan a fun activity with friends or family in your destination so you have something to look forward to while you count down the hours of your flight. The day will seem much more manageable if you know that a delicious dinner or amazing hike awaits you in your destination.
Dehydration is very common on long flights due to the low humidity environment of the plane. Come prepared and drink lots of water throughout the day. Not sure how much you need? The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking 8 ounces of water for each hour of your flight.
3. enjoy your "me time"
While sitting on a plane for six and a half hours is not exactly pleasant, the time gives you the opportunity to do all the things you swear you'd do if you weren't so busy--reading a good book or writing in a journal or even watching an old movie. Although buying wifi is always tempting, you can also consider using your flight to disconnect!
Sitting for extended periods of time puts pressure on the spine and leads to back and neck pain. To avoid discomfort, be sure to stand up and walk through the cabin, even if you annoy the people seated next to you. Your back will thank you!
There's nothing worse than arriving at your destination and then waiting an hour for your luggage (or finding that it was lost). Pack a small suitcase or tote bag and carry it on the plane with you to make your trip a little shorter.
6. Breathe - try a meditation.
Traveling is stressful! Even if you don't typically meditate, taking slow, deep breaths is a great way to calm down before take off. We also love Headspace for quick guided meditations!


The video transcript for the Robosapien teardown is below just in case.
Watch the video, then leave a comment and tell us did you own a Robosapien? Which version? Does it still work? Any cool hacks? I'd love to hear about it!
Today I kind of want to do something a little fun. I have a special guest here, a Robosapien V2.
Now you might wonder why I have this thing taken apart or halfway taken apart. So, before we go into the anatomy of this thing, a little background about it. I received this guy as a Christmas gift in 2006, and it was a lot of fun to play with. Very fun, very hackable, interesting toy but it stopped working a little bit while later and when I investigated why it wasn't working, I noticed that the insulation on the internal wiring was very brittle and would crack right off, which most likely caused a bunch of shorts and rendered the robot paralyzed.
That is definitely a manufacturing defect and I didn't want to take the time to rewire the whole robot, so it just kind of sat around for a while. Another thing you might notice, I don't know if you could tell from the picture, is the plastic here, this plastic has turned yellow. It used to be white, just like the face and the fingers but the plastic turned yellow and it's very brittle, it will break here, I already broke some off by accident actually, when I was taking it apart, never used to be that way, this is another defect, it's just a cheap toy and I guess you get what you paid for.
But anyway, that's why I started taking this thing apart, I wanted to see how it worked and I wanted to see if there were any useful parts inside of this that I could salvage.
So, I started taking it apart and here we have the leg, we have the bumper switches here, they're here and they're also on the back, there is a motor in the back and then this little connection board and then the mechanical stuff.
One of the first things that surprised me about this Robosapien — and I should put a picture of this here so you can see what it looked like originally, for those of you who don't remember, so here it is, here's what the original Robosapien V2 looked like — but anyway now that we're done with that, I was surprised that there really was nothing in the robot's upper arm, and in fact the fingers, when they contract and release are controlled by this motor here but also, this actuator in chest has steel cables that run outside the robots arm and control the fingers — this motor actually controls the turning of the wrist — I'm sorry. And then here there's a bumper switch too on the things hand if it would smack something with the back of its hand. But I was really surprised to find that the robot's hands and fingers were mainly controlled by a system of springs, gears, motors in the chest, really interesting.
These robots also came with a camera, as we can see up here in its head and here is the camera, and the board for the camera, we have a microphone, in it's ear, this one ear, actually I think there's two microphones, so it's got two ears and then in the back we have a speaker, I don't know if you guys can see this but this is what made the sounds when a robot would talk or play music, whatever. Really, really fun, really interesting toy.
You notice that in the back of the head there was this piece of plastic similar to the one in the front, this is actually translucent, light will pass through this and I imagined they did that, one in the front and one in the back for the remote control. The remote control right here, presumably works, it's also turned from white to yellow but this is probably where the infrared signal would enter, receiver and pick up.
Now I haven't taken the thing apart completely yet but if I do so, maybe I'll produce a second video like this if you guys like it.
Here we have the on/off switch in the back, and there's more motors and more mechanical linkages to control the hips and the waist, and then over here, behind this piece of plastic, I could presume is the main computer board. Let's see if I can just — and see how brittle that piece is it snaps right off.
Well, looks like we got what looks like a bunch of transistors and then there's another board below this, which would have to probably contain one or more microcontrollers but I want to take a closer look at this, I'm going to take it apart, like I said, salvage any useful parts out of this guy and maybe use them for other projects.
So, meanwhile, go ahead, drop me a comment, let me know how many of you actually owned a Robosapien V1 or V2, I think they also made — WowWee the company that makes these — also made a dinosaur and I don't know if it was a dog or some other kind of creature but yeah, drop a comment, let us know if you owned one of these robots and if you were able to do any kind of interesting hacks or anything cool with it.
I also owned a Robosapien V2! And no, it doesn't work, probably because of the same defect you mentioned.
Thanks for the comment Geek Guy! You should take some of the plastic shell of and see if the insulation on the wires crumbles. The leg is and easy place to start and has lots of wiring in it.


Do you have plans to visit Seattle next month? Great dining is always available in Seattle 365 days of the year but come November the best deals are yours with so many choices at great prices. Starting November 6 you can order three-course prix-fixe menus for $22, $33 and $44. Dine Around Seattle runs Sundays through Thursday, November 6 through November 23. Be sure to make reservations as participating restaurants will be busier than usual. Eat your way all around the city and when you return home your friends and family will be so jealous. Seattle, the destination for great eats!