text:
The Legends Saga Collection
By: Stacey Rourke
Narrated by: Karen Krause
The Huntsman of Corvinus
By: Timothy Bryan
Narrated by: Jonathan Waters
An ancient evil descends on the Central European capital city of Budapest. A supernatural killer stalks its timeworn alleyways, provoking terror among its distraught population and leaving untraceable and shocking murders in its wake. An estranged American family finds itself at the center of the unnatural violence. Confronting a vicious predator, they find they must band together if they are to survive its ageless and malevolent curse.
Goosebumps at the end!
By BreedlineNovels on 12-21-21
A Ghosts of Grand Central Story
By: Guy Veryzer
Narrated by: Guy Veryzer
In the mode of a story like the classic Twilight Zone television series: A young woman loses herself in the rush of Grand Central Station, waking up in a mysterious place with a bizarre history....
By Ramona Payne on 01-06-22
Rae of Light
Dark Paranormal Tattoo Taboo Romance (The Chronicles of Kerrigan, Book 12)
By: W.J. May
Narrated by: Sarah Ann Masse
It's time to face the music - except there is no music, just a low warning of a war that is to come. There are no other options but to confront Cromfield. No more running, no more hiding. Rae Kerrigan will be forced into an eternal life sentence if they do not stop him. Except how do you stop a madman who cannot die? How do you risk the lives of everyone you love, your family, friends, and the lives of innocent people? Rae is running out of time and possibilities. Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?
By Nicole on 08-31-21
Last One Standing
The Chronicles of Kerrigan, Book 11
Rae Kerrigan and her friends have finally crossed the line, and this time, there's no going back. After a violent standoff with the entire Privy Council, the gang wakes up under the protection of the last people they ever expected to see: the Xavier Knights. Old bridges are burned. New alliances are formed. There's a storm brewing on the horizon, and unless they unite together - it will overtake them all. What they need is time. But an unexpected visit from an old enemy sets off a spark, and suddenly, Rae's entire world is in flames.
Can't get enough!
By Joy on 12-26-21
Question the Darkness
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel, Book 2
Learn how it all began, before Rae Kerrigan. The sins of the father are the sins of the son. What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? Simon Kerrigan is a bright kid. He likes to ask questions and push adults in their way of thinking. He's falling for a girl he's been warned to stay away from. Tempted by forbidden love, he also must face the biggest challenge of his life: receive a tattoo on his sixteenth birthday.
Darkest Nightmares, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Knox, Brynn Burke
Narrated by: Logan McAllister
Jett - For generations, I have been the being who lurks in the dark. The one that feeds on the screams of pain and fear, cold sweats and the nightmares in which I cause. I am the monster you warned your children about. No one can escape my clutches, no matter how hard they try; I show them who they truly are deep down.
🖤🔥☠🔥🖤
By C Gray on 04-26-20
By: Elizabeth Knox, and others
The Baby-Eater
The Last Rite, Book 2
By: Chad Morgan
Narrated by: Chad Robert Morgan
To Alexander, his family on his mother's side were strangers, the country they lived in just a spot on the map, and their beliefs nothing more than superstitions and folklore. While accompanying his mother on her trip home after the death of his chronically ill father, however, Alexander is shown a world larger than he could have ever guessed, one both as enriching as it could be deadly.
By French on 11-24-21
Under Fire
The Chronicles of Kerrigan, Book 5
Now that the secret is out, Rae Kerrigan is determined to find her mother. No amount of convincing from Devon, or the Privy Council, is going to make her believe her mother is not alive. Working with Devon and Luke against the PC's wishes, Rae will stop at nothing to find her.
Nonstop twists and turns
By Christie Cote on 01-21-21
Lil's Way
By: Colleen Baxter Sullivan
Narrated by: Jennifer March
The novel goes back and forth, with the past and present intertwining in order to fully bring this story to the listeners. What happened to get Lil imprisoned? There are so many stages where you think Lil will survive, only to have it quickly reversed. Just at the end when you think all is well...the most horrific event happens.
Escape to Ragnis Crystal
A Sci-Fi Romance Series (The Waljan Chronicles, Book 2)
By: JB Trepagnier
Narrated by: William Turbett
The migrations to Ragnis Crystal have started. The secrets of the bond animals and the Waljan teenager's gifts have been revealed. An ancient race of aliens have made themselves known and are trying to guide the Waljans in their journey. Painful changes to all of their DNA must be endured to strip away what was always meant to be. As their new society begins to grow and flourish and new gifts are being developed, something is not sitting right with gentle Elan.
Enticing listen
By Beckett Family on 12-06-21
Child of Fire, Child of Ice
The Waljan Chronicles, Book 1
Cendis and Avala. A planet of fire and a planet of ice. After war broke out between the planets, they seemed to be cursed by their gods. Cendis lost fire, and Avala lost ice. A truce was called, and both planets cut off contact except for secret factions. The factions have discovered a paradise planet. The night they intend to bring it to the king, a celestial event occurs. The king on both planets and all of his advisors abruptly die, and all of their wives, no matter what their age, suddenly fall pregnant.
Fight the Darkness
The sins of the father are the sins of the son. What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? It only takes a second for your entire life to change. Simon Kerrigan thought he had it all figured out. He has friends, a gorgeous girlfriend he's in love with, and even a secret society to topple what he thought was a tyrannical regime. However, in the wake of a giant storm, Simon realizes his entire world has fallen down around him.
By Chris on 06-24-20
The Tunnelers
By: Geoff Gander
Narrated by: Darlene Allen
Length: 1 hr and 1 min
When a traumatized mining foreman is placed under the psychiatric care of Dr. Vincent Armstrong, the doctor thinks he has started just another shift. But as the victim begins to remember what drove him temporarily insane, Armstrong's interest becomes personal, and he makes a series of discoveries that threaten to tear apart his carefully constructed scientific view of the world, and show in horrifying clarity that his patient is anything but delusional.
By JM on 09-28-20
Lost in Darkness: Paranormal Tattoo Bad Boy Romance
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel #6
Learn how it all began...before Rae Kerrigan. The sins of the father are the sins of the son. What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? The final book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel. After over a year of living a double life, Simon Kerrigan's lies have finally caught up with him. Framed for the death of his parents and arrested on the spot, Simon sees his world shrink down to the size of a cage. The choice is made for him, and suddenly, Simon finds himself waging war against the very people he's sworn to protect.
Into the Darkness
Learn how it all began...before Rae Kerrigan. The sins of the father are the sins of the son. What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? After a mysterious attempt is made on his life, Simon Kerrigan has more questions than ever, and this time, he's not the only one. The beginnings of a secret society are formed at Guilder. A society of other like-minded students all unsatisfied with the status quo. All searching for the truth.
It's just the begining of a great series!
The Magpie Coffin
Splatter Western, Book 1
By: Wile E. Young
Narrated by: Sean Duregger
The year is 1875 and outlaw Salem Covington has spent the last 20 years collecting stories, possessions, and lives. Nicknamed "The Black Magpie" for his exploits during the war, Salem has carved a bloody trail across the western territories. Informed that his mentor, Comanche shaman Dead Bear, has been murdered. Salem vows vengeance on the perpetrators. Enlisting the help of an army scout and preserving the body of his mentor in a specially made coffin, he sets out in pursuit. But the choices of Salem's past that earned him the moniker "Black Magpie" are riding hard behind him.
Stop Shoulding All Over Yourself
Making the Journey from Condemnation to Compassion
By: Chris Thurman PhD
Narrated by: Christopher P. Brown
Every one of us struggles with faulty ways of thinking that lead to our emotional health damage and damage our relationships with others, along with our spiritual growth and development. One of the most toxic and destructive ways we view reality is to think in terms of how things should be or shouldn't be, something that keeps us from accepting the difficult things that come our way and coping with them properly.
Very listenable
By Mathias Schulze on 09-19-21
The Harry Starke Series: Books 10 - 12
The Harry Starke series, Boxed Set 4
By: Blair Howard
Narrated by: Tom Lennon
The Harry Starke saga continues - more than 1,000 five and four-star reviews. Now you can continue the ride: almost 900 pages of murder, mystery, sex, corruption, and revenge, all the ingredients for three mind blowing thrillers. From the lightning-paced quest for revenge by an assassin hired by Harry's arch enemy in Calaway Jones, to the hunt for an ingenious serial killer in Emoji, to murder, sex, and alternative lifestyles in Hoodwinked, they will keep you listening late into the night - you won't be able to put them down!
These Never Disapoint
By Matt on 08-02-18
The Horseman is unending, his presence shan't lessen.
If you break the curse, you become the legend.
Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane seeks a way to break free from her soul crushing bond. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Dizzying time travel. Coercive witchcraft. The lines between fact and fiction blur as the works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, HG Wells, and Nathaniel Hawthorne come alive around her in this thrilling three book series.
©2012 Stacey Rourke (P)2017 Stacey Rourke
Rise of the Sea Witch
Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies
Midlife in Glimmerspell
The Scent of a Poet's Past
What listeners say about The Legends Saga Collection
Natalie @ ABookLoversLife
A fantastic take on an old story.
Crane: Book 1...
I have had this on my kindle since it first came out and have been dying to read it, so when I got the chance to listen to the audio, I jumped at it, well I'm so glad I did because I loved this!!! So freaking fantastic in audio.
Who doesn't know the Sleepy Hollow story by now, and if not, why not?? Stacey Rourke has taken that story and made it her own. She has created a seriously creepy and engaging book and one which I devoured. I listened to this over the course of 2 days and honestly didn't want to put it down.
I won't say too much about the plot because I don't want to spoil it, but what I will say is it's fast paced and creepy. It's told from 2 different centuries but flows seamlessly. We get to see the story told from Ichabods' time and from Ireland Cranes' time. I loved that it was like this and thought it added so much more to the whole book. Ichabod, Rip and Washington were fascinating to read about! I especially loved Rip in Ichabods time. He was a devilish rogue and quite lovable!
Ireland was a fiesty MC. She moves to a new town and gets a job at the school, only for the horseman to show up again after years being dormant. She goes through a lot and my heart broke for her at times! She was strong, brave and sassy, everything you could want in a female lead!
In all this was a unique take on an old story. The author has such a wicked sense of humour and it shows with the witty remarks. It's a well written and developed book and I am so looking forward to book 2!! The ending set it up nicely for the next one and I cant wait to see where Irelands' journey takes her.
Raven: Book 2....
I devoured book one of this series and couldn't wait for this to come to audio, so when I got the chance to review this, needless to say I jumped for joy!! Book 1 centers around Ireland finding out what she is, and this one centers on her trying to find answers to where and why she has the magical tattoo. Well along with Noah and Rip, Ireland encounters the enigmatic Ridley whom has his own problems in the form of him being like Ireland and having an alter ego by the name of Edgar Allen Poe. So again, like book 1, this book jumps seamlessly from era to era, regaling us with tales of Poes life and the antics of Ireland, Noah and Rip!
I must admit that I've only read a few Poe cause I find them so depressing, but if they were all like this, then I would devour them all the time! ;) The author has absolutely and utterly captured my attention, and indeed, my heart with this series as a whole, but especially the characters. Ireland is a feisty, no nonsense girl and easily relatable. Noah is..... swoon worthy ;), Rip is charming in the current era and a lovable rogue in the early era. Then we have Ridley, at first he comes across as egotistical but you soon see (two) another side to him!
Apart from Irelands quest for knowledge on how she can fix what she is, I really enjoyed Poe's story. His heartbreaking relationship with Lenore and what happened was so sad but also a little disturbing to say the least!! I loved seeing him from boyhood to what he is now, even if he has to hitch a ride through someone else.
Anyway, this is one amazing book chock full of action, adventure, love, loss, laughs and so much in between that you can't help but love it. It has a dark tone but one that will compel you to keep reading till the early hours. I have to applaud the author for the masterpieces that are this series!! She is an exceptional story teller and I urge everyone to give these books a go! Unique, engrossing and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!!!
Steam: Book 3...
After the loss of her friend and mentor Rip, Ireland has agreed to follow H.G Wells in the search of a way to break her curse. But he has his own agenda and Ireland is just a means to an end.
So book 3 sees the introduction of some more new characters, Preen, a powerful Wiccan who lived during the Salem Witch Trials. Malachi, a descendant of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Peyton, a nun. Each of them have their own story but each play a role in the legend that is, the Headless Horseman. We also can't forget the already established characters, Noah, Rip, and Ridley. All of them make this the best edition yet.
I have grown to love these characters and their journey. The author has created extremely memorable ones and ones that will stay with me forever. In this one, my heart broke. Irelands journey for answers and for a way to find a cure was heartbreaking. She is hurting bad from the death of Rip and willing to do almost anything to fix herself. She see H.G Wells as the only way, but it involves letting the Horseman take control.
Stacey Rourke has created on hell of a world!! Filled with amazing characters, twists, turns, myths and legends, it was such an amazing experience to read. Even with the extra mystery of the witches, we still get everything tied up nicely, and there's even room for more in the series!! This edition in particular, is more complex and enticing than the other 2. Everything the author did in the previous two, comes together nicely in this, plus you have the added bonus of seeing the Salem Witch trials and where it all began.
In all, this series has been magnificent. It was action packed, unique, captivating and engrossing. I highly recommend everyone checks them out!!
Karen Krause narrates this series amazingly well. With the amount of different characters, I never had trouble following who was talking at any given time. She embodied Ireland perfectly and captured Rip and the rest of the gang brilliantly. She definitely brought the books to life.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Spooky Mike
Legendary tales retold
This story is quite epic and really is worth the full listen. There is a lot going on with the story and the retelling was really done quite well. The characters are done exceptionally well and everything flows smoothly.
I really liked the author's writing. Her style really struck a chord with me and it just flowed so beautifully. There are lots of little pieces of her prose that I could pick apart and explain why it worked and why I really enjoyed it, but I would say that it would be better for you to listen to it on your own.
Coupled with the author's excellent writing ability was a fantastic narrator. Her narration voice was very easy on the ears, but her character voices, cadence, and little nuances for each character completely took to the story to a different level. It was almost hypnotic and really made this story move along.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
Amy McClung
3 books for 1 price - Fantastic Series!!!
Crane (Book 1)
I downloaded the Audiobook of the Legends saga and finished Crane today. I LOVED it. The narrator does a fabulous job but even more so the storyline is fantastic! There were several times I laughed out loud at Ireland's wit. I am a long-time fan of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and this book held true to the legend as well as added an interesting twist. I love the authors style of writing, character development was strong, and I was fully enthralled in the story from the beginning.
Raven (Book 2)
First of all the narrator is fabulous! She does a great job with distinguishing voices of the characters and delivering an entertaining story. The author had me enthralled with this whole series! Each book seems is better than the next. Fantastic storyline, great character development, and a few surprises you may not see coming. I highly recommend this Saga series.
Steam (Book 3)
What a great ending to the saga! I think this one was my favorite of the three, although it's difficult to choose because all of them are so well written, so well narrated, I can't come up with too much to complain about. The ending shocked me, but that's what makes a great book, right? Fantastic series! I am going to look for more audiobooks from this author.
Ellen Oceanside
Headless Horseman and Sleepy Hollow,stories that are not just for Halloween. It weaves the truth from the towns folks, into what is believed to be true. The narration was superb by Karen, blended the different characters for us to know with good narration. Well done. Given audio for my voluntary review
Excellent twist on old tales!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I absolutely adored these books!! The headless horseman like you've never heard before! A beautiful fresh take on a very old and beloved tale.
I just loved the modern melded with the old. There is enough of the old to make it familiar, with such a fresh spin. Keeps you guessing and on your toes.
The second and third books bring in characters from other beloved books and again spin fresh takes on them.
Loved the Stephen King references here and there through out as well.
This was so much fun to listen to and I throughly enjoyed it! It did bring me to tears at the end!
I would recommend this to any horror/mystery/ fiction lover.
Narration was well done. I enjoyed listening.
Frode
Tale as old as time...
I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Its not always i get shocked by books. This was one of them, the retelling of classic tales, the narration of Karen Krause and the fantastic writing of Stacey Rourke. 25 + hours of PURE, PURE fun. I tell you, you will fall in love with this book, like i did.
Song as old as rhyme
Get this book i say.
Deedra
The Legends Saga
I had read the first 2 books before.I did refresh for this review.A woman discoveres that she is possessed by the Headless Horseman.She has a ghost living with her,well,he wasn;t always a ghost.We meet RipVan Winkle,Ichabod,Freya,etc throughout these books.The storys move back and forth in time.There is always the sardonic quip from one or two characters to keep it current.A ver fast moving saga,although all together it is nearly 20 hours long.I loved the whole thing.Karen Krause is the perfect narrator for all the characters."I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher."
D. Sturgeon
Excellent Story!
I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review. This is a collection of classic tales expertly woven together with a modern day twist. Add to that the impeccable narration and this is a story that you don't want to miss. Enjoy!
Lots to love in these twisted classic retellings.
I was drawn to this series first through the striking cover art, and again after reading the series description. Three full-length tales are presented, with their roots in classic stories like The Headless Horseman, The Raven, and others. But here, in the hands of author Stacey Rourke, those stories become bent and twisted into something completely new. Darkness, wit, humor, and sarcasm are weaved throughout as we follow Ireland Crane, who finds herself cursed by the spirit of the Headless Horseman. She travels with her friends as they try and find clues that will break her curse and undo wrongs committed so, so long ago.
The first book, for me, took a while to get going. But once I understood Ireland Crane's place within the madness of her world, the series really took off and continued at breakneck speed all the way through to the end of book three. Applause for Rourke's written creation, coupled with Karen Krause's narrative performance, which is unwavering and masterful. Together they produced a fantastic three-part series that you will not want to miss. Well done!
I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review. Many thanks for this opportunity!
Stephen Bergquist
Review of The Legends Saga
Very clever the way Stacey Rourke has woven classic tales into current stories. Karen Krause has performed fantastically.
Loved this!!!
The Horseman is unending, his presence shan't lessen. If you break the curse, you become the legend.
a good book to listen too
meaty gritty and quirky
What disappointed you about The Legends Saga Collection?
I did not feel their was life to the story
Would you ever listen to anything by Stacey Rourke again?
I would always try again as one book does not make a narrator
What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
I felt dull
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Legends Saga Collection?
just couldnt get into this book
J Smith
What can I say, I loved this series of books! :)
I had no idea of what was coming and it turned out to be Such a good intertwining of some old Legends with a modern day twist and manipulation of backstory.
It can be somewhat difficult at times when the 2 timelines switch, but it's doesn't detract much from the overall enjoyment!
The first story is my favourite, probably as it holds the key to the overall mystery but I would still have bought the others had they not been part of this whole collection and I will be looking out to see if there are any follow-ups!
As for the narrator, I think she did a great job too; yes, some of the characters I would have wanted to sound different and some of them have similar voices and were difficult to tell apart sometimes but I can't complain too much and she's a very good storyteller!
This is an honest review given freely of a review copy.


An affordable housing project in Claymont and a neighborhood stabilization project in New Castle will share $700,000 in grant funds.
The funding comes as part of a requirement for federal home loan banks to set aside 10 percent of its income for the Affordable Housing Program. For the two communities in Delaware, support comes from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and Fulton Bank, N.A.
"Partnering together, we can provide quality, affordable housing so that families can reap the benefits of home ownership, and neighborhoods can grow and thrive," said Katie Wilkinson, senior vice president of Fulton Bank's Delaware Division.
$500,000 will help fund the Route 9 Corridor project in New Castle. New Castle County's Community Development and Housing division will use the money to acquire seven vacant and foreclosed homes in distressed neighborhoods along the corridor. The homes will be renovated with energy-efficient improvements and then sold to households making 80 percent or less of median income for the area.
The Overlook Colony Homeowner Rehabilitation effort in Claymont will get $200,000. That money will be used to provide housing rehabilitation grants to ten homeowners. Participating households must have incomes at or below 50 percent of median income, and 20 percent of households getting funding will have a mentally and/or physically disabled member.


Our whole community engages in care and compassion for one another. When particular needs arise, the caring ministries of our congregation come via our pastors as well as through our Call to Care Ministry Team of lay ministers.
God created us to live in community: to gather together to be known, to be cared for, to be challenged—and to discover how God is calling us into deeper relationship with God, each other, and the world.
Opportunities abound for the entire Storrs Congregational community to enjoy fellowship during the time of conversation and refreshments following the Sunday Festival Worship service and at periodic special events throughout the year. In addition, our various smaller groups–many of which combine elements of service work with their fellowship time–are a great way to get connected in more personally. Whatever you gifts or interests, there is something here at Storrs Congregational for you… and if you have further ideas or want to start up a different group or ministry, we'd love to hear about it!
The whole University of Connecticut community, including both undergraduate and graduate students, is a key component to the fabric of our life together here at Storrs Congregational.


text:
Disney launched a new brand extension, Disney Vacation Club, to become a network of resorts located throughout the U.S. Today, Disney Vacation Club has resorts in Hilton Head, in Vero Beach, and at Walt Disney World. These resorts represent the first time Disney has moved beyond the boundaries of its theme parks. There was a major challenge with the launch of this brand extension. Disney was known for its fabulous Disney World and animation, but people didn't know what to expect from Disney in this new venture.
Persuade consumers to consider Disney beyond the theme-park realm by leveraging Disney's brand and the distinct benefits inherent to each property or asset.
Sales continue to exceed projections.
"I worked directly with Jeff Goss in the launching of The Disney Vacation Club, which consisted of Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. It was the first time Disney had extended its brand beyond The Walt Disney World Resorts. After eight months of disappointing results in pre-occupation sales, the recommendation spearheaded by Jeff Goss to implement consumer insight programs in the north and in our Florida markets was executed. This led to targeted creative insights that leveraged the unique distinctive characteristics of the properties Disney is known for.
It is a Disney policy not to give specific results. I will say the campaign far exceeded expectations. Thanks, Jeff."
- Pat Quinn, Marketing Director, Disney Vacation Club
Asheville Advertising: Asheville's National, Southeastern premier branding, advertising, & marketing firm specializing in Cultural Tourism, Consumer Retail, and B2B Marketing. | © The Goss Agency
View our Cultural Tourism site

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Morbid Inequality: Now Just SIX Men Have as Much Wealth as Half the World's Population
"Inequality is extreme and pathological and getting worse every year," writes Paul Buchheit. (Photo: Austin Kirk/flickr/cc)
Yes, inequality is getting worse every year. In early 2016 Oxfam reported that just 62 individuals had the same wealth as the bottom half of humanity. About a year later Oxfam reported that just 8 men had the same wealth as the world's bottom half. Based on the same methodology and data sources used by Oxfam, that number is now down to 6.
How to account for the dramatic increase in the most flagrant and perverse of extreme inequalities? Two well-documented reasons: (1) The poorest half (and more) of the world has continued to lose wealth; and (2) The VERY richest individuals -- especially the top thousand or so -- continue to add billions of dollars to their massive fortunes.
Inequality deniers and apologists say the Oxfam methodology is flawed, but they're missing the big picture. Whether it's 6 individuals or 62 or 1,000 doesn't really matter. The data from the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Databook (GWD) and the Forbes Billionaire List provide the best available tools to make it clear that inequality is extreme and pathological and getting worse every year.
How It's Gone from 62 to 6 in One Year
As of 02/17/17, the world's 6 richest individuals (all men) had $412 billion. Tables 2-4 and 3-4 of the 2016 GWD reveal that the poorest five deciles of the world population own just .16% of the $256 trillion in global wealth, or $410 billion. That latter figure is based on mid-2016 data, but since then the status of the bottom 50% has not improved, and has in fact likely worsened, as both global debt and global inequality have increased.
Just a year ago, on 03/01/16, the world's 6 richest men had $343 billion. They're the same men today, although slightly rearranged as they play "king of the hill": Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Amancio Ortega, Mark Zuckerberg, Carlos Slim Helu (with Larry Ellison jockeying for position). The wealth of these six men increased by $69 billion in just one year.
Just a year ago, according to the 2015 GWD, the poorest five deciles of the world population owned much more than today, close to $1.5 trillion. What happened? It's very clear: the world's richest 10% (mostly the richest 1%) gained nearly $4 trillion while every other segment of the global population lost wealth.
That's worth a second look. The world's total wealth is about $256 trillion, and in JUST ONE YEAR the richest 10% drained nearly $4 trillion away from the rest of civilization.
It's Not Just the Bottom Half: A 500-Seat Auditorium Could Hold As Much Wealth as 70% of the World's Population
According to the Forbes Billionaire List, the world's richest 500 individuals have $4.73 trillion in wealth. Tables 2-4 and 3-4 of the GWD reveal that the poorest seven deciles of the world population own just 1.86% of the $256 trillion in global wealth, or $4.76 trillion. That's over two-thirds of all the people on earth. That means 5,000,000,000 people -- FIVE BILLION people -- have, on average, and after debt is figured in, about a thousand dollars each in home and property and savings.
In the U.S., the Forbes 400 Own as Much as 3/5 of the American People
The bottom 60% of Americans, according to Table 6-5 in the GWD, own 3 percent of the nation's $85 trillion in total wealth, or $2.55 trillion. The Forbes 400 owned $2.4 trillion in October 2016, and that's been steadily increasing.
So as apologists like the National Review refer to "a growing upper-middle class" of people earning over $100,000 a year, they're inadvertently offering an explanation for the demise of the middle class: Some are moving up, way up; many others are dropping to the lower-middle-class or below. The once sizable and stable middle of America is splitting into two.
The Deniers Are Lurking
The Boston Globe's Jeff Jacoby calls the Oxfam analysis "irrelevant." Reuters contributor Felix Salmon calls it a "silly stat."
Jacoby's column includes some stunning assertions. He says, "Just as capitalism made it possible for Gates, Zuckerberg, and the others to reach the highest rung on the economic ladder, it is making it possible for billions of men and women to climb up from the lowest rung. Oxfam's billionaires are richer than they used to be. So is almost everyone else." And he quotes writer Johan Norberg: "Poverty as we know it is disappearing from our planet."
[block:block=30]
Billions moving up? Almost everyone getting richer? Poverty disappearing?
While we keep hearing about the world "climbing out of poverty," much of the alleged improvement is due to rapid economic growth in China and creative math on the part of the UN. And yes, many Americans have negative wealth because of debt. A human being doesn't have to live in a third-world slum to be impoverished.
Yet as inequality ravages the American and world economies, denial grows right along with it. Cato's Michael Tanner suggests that "even if inequality were growing as fast as critics claim, it would not necessarily be a problem." George Will, of course, agrees. But like the other deniers, they all protest too much as they try to explain away reality.
Paul Buchheit is an advocate for social and economic justice, and the author of numerous papers on economic inequality and cognitive science. He was recently named one of 300 Living Peace and Justice Leaders and Models. He is the author of "Disposable Americans: Extreme Capitalism and the Case for a Guaranteed Income" (2017). Contact email: paul (at) youdeservefacts.org.
Dr. King's Radical Revolution Of Values
Poverty, Inequality, Oxfam, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos


Rifle Paper Co. is a boutique stationery and gift brand based in Winter Park, Florida created by husband and wife team, Anna and Nathan Bond. Our products feature Anna's whimsical designs which often include hand-painted illustrations and lettering to compose a style that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
All of our paper products are printed in the USA (most locally in Florida) and are inspected and assembled by hand in our studio. We use FSC-certified paper stocks with recycled content, environmentally responsible printers, and select high quality materials that allow for products that are both well-made and enhance our designs. Everything that we create is well thought to ensure that we end up with a collection of products that we would not only use but are incredibly proud of.


Welcome to Dazzle Doodles! Okay, let's talk Goldendoodles: are you looking for the ultimate in family pets? What about a teddy beared face ball of love that sheds far less than your average companion? famous for the cute puppies with teddy bear faces that are guaranteed to melt your heart. Our Goldendoodles are reared based on the following formula: LOVE² + OPEN RANGE = INFINITE HAPPINESS. No, seriously, we've done the math. Okay, so maybe we can't quantify exactly what makes our pups so blissful and devoted; we just know it works. And after tens of years of experience, we're pretty in tune with what makes our little ones tick…especially when it comes to puppy placement because we instantly recognize the most suitable Goldendoodle for your family. So, if ever you're stumped about which puppy to choose, just ask 'cause no one knows our Doods better than us. To be honest, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Goldendoodle that isn't compatible with you or your family since they are bred to be the ultimate in family pets. There's a reason they're quickly becoming the most sought after companion around. Once you experience the joy of a Doodle, you'll understand why it's impossible to "own" one because your pup "owns" you.
Don't take our word for it; visit our Goldendoodle "play-land" today. We're located a mere few hours from Seattle in Richland, Washington. Your puppy comes protected from hip and eye problems with our two year health guarantee, current on shots, and de-wormed. We require a $300 deposit to reserve your babe which will be applied to the $1500 total cost of our Standards. We ship all over the world and the cost usually ranges from $350 -$400 (health certificate, crate, airfare) for domestic flights. We send each of our puppies home with a little piece of home – a blankie and a toy. Check out our available puppies and complete our puppy application so we can learn a bit more about your needs. Contact me anytime for more information.


text:
Company's History
Major Bases of Operation / Worldwide Network
Business & ProductsCatalogs
Search by Business Field
Products Sites
Cellulose Derivatives
Fluorinated Products / Silica Products
Encapsulation materials for semiconductor
Key ESG Issues
Shin-Etsu Group Products
and Technologies
Shin-Etsu Group and
Home > Sustainability > Shin-Etsu Group and Climate Change
Shin-Etsu Group and Climate Change
The Group is addressing climate change by contributing to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions through its business activities.
Structure of dealing with climate change
In the Group, the ESG Promotion Committee is working together with our business divisions and the entire Group to address climate change.
The ESG Promotion Committee is positioned as one of the "committees for each material management task" in the corporate governance system. The Committee is chaired by the president and consists of about 50 members, including the directors and general managers of divisions of Shin-Etsu Chemical and ESG officers of Group companies. The mission of the committee is to promote ESG activities in an effective and appropriate manner in all aspects of the Group's corporate activities.
SustainabilityーManagementーESG Promotion Structure
The Committee held 8 meetings on climate change in FY 2019. At the general meeting of the Committee held in November 2019, we discussed addressing climate change. In addition, the Committee reports on the Group's efforts to deal with climate change at the Managing Directors' Meeting which reviews and makes decisions on the execution of business operations each year, and the contents of its activities are detemined.
Strategies for addressing climate change
The Group aims to develop society and people's daily lives while keeping down environmental impact. To this end, we will contribute to maximizing efficiency through our products and technologies. The specific strategies and implementation methods are as follows.
1) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions production intensity through thorough improvements in production efficiency
2) Through development, production, and supply of environment-contributing products, contributing to the efficiency of customers' production processes, expecting to spread throughout society
3) Promoting the utilization of renewable energy
4) Promoting logistics rationalization
1) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions production intensity through thorough production efficiency improvements
①Promotion of efficient manufacturing activity
The G Committee, one of the "committees for each material management task", promotes efficient production activities and works to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee monitors the progress and results of strategy implementation, and twice a year reports to the Managing Directors' Meeting on the results and specific initiatives.
For many years, the Group has continuously worked to improve production technologies, in order to realize reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per product unit. We are constantly striving to put new production technologies to practical use in order to further raise production efficiency and build a track record.
Examples of the G Committee Initiatives
1. reduce energy and raw material use
2. reduce greenhouse gas emissions
3. enhance productivity
②Reduction of greenhouse gases through capital investment
We are introducing a new high-efficiency gas turbine. In addition, we set greenhouse gas reduction effects as an indispensable issue in the planning of capital investment. Having greenhouse gas emissions reductions in mind at the investment proposal stage helps each to understand that this is an important management issue.
The R&D, manufacturing, and sales divisions work together to develop, produce, and supply products that contribute to the environment. The Group has a wide range of products that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Each research center is responsible for developing products that meet customer needs. The reseach centers have the ability to develop new products at an early stage, which contributes to the expansion of the Group's business.
Products that contribute to climate change mitigation
PVC resins PVC pipes that can be used for a long period of time
PVC windows frames that contribute to energy conservation
Silicones Encapsulating materials for solar cell modules
Eco-tire materials that contribute to higher fuel efficiency in vehicles
Semiconductor silicon Semiconductor devices installed in consumer products contribute to the efficient use of energy.
Inverters and other electronic devices that enable substantial power savings
Rare earth magnets Various types of motors, including drive motors for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles, that contribute to the electrification and energy conservation of vehicles as well as improvements in safety
Compressor motors for energy-saving air conditioners and high-efficiency motors for wind power generators
LED encapsulating materials Major components of the optical modules of energy-saving, long-life LEDs
Sustainabilityー The Shin-Etsu Group and SDGs
We are working to reduce purchased electricity by introducing renewable energy. This also contributes to reducing scope 2 emissions.
Examples of Renewable Energy Utilization
Example Details
Installation of solar panels Installation on the rooftop of a building in Shin-Etsu Handotai's Shirakawa plant (scheduled for completion in July 2020)
Shin-Etsu Chemical's Gunma complex plans to install on the rooftop of the building
4) Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Logistics
We are reducing greenhouse gases during product transportation. This will contribute to the reduction of scope 3 emissions of greenhouse gases.
Example of logistics rationalization
Examples Scope 3 emissions categories contributing to reductions
Modal shift 1 in methanol transport
(switching from tank truck to railcar) Category 4: "Emissions from product transport"
Modal shift in silicon wafer transport
(switching from aircraft to ocean vessel) Category 4: "Emissions from product transport"
Promoting the reuse of wafer cases Category 5 "Waste disposal-related emissions"
1 Modal shift
Shifting from trucks and other freight transport to railways and ships with less environmental impact.
Risks and opportunities posed by climate change to our businesses
In the Group, the Risk Management Committee, one of the "committees for each material management task", is responsible for the overall management of business risks, including those arising from climate change. The committee is chaired by a managing director and consists of about 20 members, including directors and general managers of divisions of Shin-Etsu Chemical.
The Committee stipulates the comprehensive risks that the Group considers when conducting its business activities in its Risk Management Regulations. It stipulates specific risks and risk management systems from a long-term perspective, as well as responses to emerging risks. The Committee reports important issues in risk management, including climate change, to the Board of Directors, the Managing Directors' Meeting, and the Audit & Supervisory Board.
SustainabilityーManagementーRisk Management
In identifying and analyzing the risks and opportunities that climate change poses to our business activities, we have adopted two climate change scenarios which are temperatures increase by 2 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius respectively from today's level at the end of the 21st century. Currently, we are conducting identification and analysis of the risks and opportunities.
Factors that may affect the Group are as follows.
1. Possibility of introduction of strict regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
2. Possibility of introduction of environmental taxes and other new taxes
3. Changes in the supply-demand balance and prices of energy and raw materials
4. Increasing corporate social responsibility for climate change mitigation
5. Greater business opportunities to provide products and technologies that contribute to climate change mitigation
The risks and opportunities identified so far are as follows.
Risks and mitigation measures that climate change will affect our operations
Factors Risks Mitigation measures
1.Introduction of carbon taxes and carbon emissions trading systems The carbon tax and carbon emissions trading systems are already in place in the EU, where our production bases are located. They may also be introduced in Japan and the U.S. Through further improvements in production efficiency by the G Committee and the implementation of new production technologies, we are promoting energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
2.Changes in precipitation and precipitation areas Floods and storms occur all over the world. On the other hand, droughts and water shortages due to the decline in precipitation have occurred in some regions, and it is essential to secure stable water supply there.
The group has production bases around the world, including in Asia, where floods and storms frequently occur. While each site implements flood countermeasures, it is possible that floods and storms will far exceed expectations. In either case, there is a possibility that recovery cost for production facilities failure and opportunity costs associated with the shutdown of production activities will occur.
In addition, there is a possibility that we may not be able to procure raw materials originating from natural sources or materials whose production areas are concentrated in specific areas. We are working to diversify production sites and raw material suppliers. In addition, based on past flood records, we have installed plant control rooms and other important facilities in locations with low risk of flooding, as well as have surrounded with waterproof walls. After implementing these measures, the Company buys property and casualty insurance coverage necessary for business continuity.
To conserve the water resources, we are actively working to reduce the amount of water intake and promote the water recycling.
3.Loss of reputation The Group's greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production have declined significantly. However, there is a possibility of concern that the absolute volume of greenhouse gas emissions will increase as the business expands.
In addition, it is possible that our stakehokders do not understand that our products are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We proactively disclose the Group's initiatives from various perspectives through publications such as sustainability reports and annual reports, as well as case studies from the Keidanren's "Challenge Zero." We also actively engage in dialogue with investors on climate change.
Opportunity that climate change will have for our operations
Factors Opportunities
1.Opportunities arising from tighter regulations
Movements to promote energy conservation, such as standards for vehicle fuel efficiency and demand for energy consumption of electrical products, will be strengthened more and more. Our products contribute to energy saving in our customers manufacturing processes and the performance improvement of energy saving can be seen at the use of the end products.
For example, rare earth magnets are used for motors in hybrid cars and electric vehicles as well as for motors in energy-saving air conditioners. Silicone resin is used as a packaging material for LED lighting.
Shin-Etsu Group Products and Technologies that Contribute to Environmental Conservation
Comparison and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions1 over the life cycle of products using competing products against products using PVC and silicones reveals that products using PVC and silicones emit less and are superior. Semiconductor silicon is also used in home appliances, automobile inverters, and information and communications equipment, contributing significantly to energy conservation.
2.Chances of changing temperature As greenhouse gas emissions increase, the average temperature rises and the fluctuation range of the temperature changes, and expectations for energy-saving products such as automobiles and home appliances increase.
For example, power consumption can be reduced by using rare earth magnets for various motors. Semiconductor silicon is indispensable for electronic devices that manage energy use.
In addition, our products, such as PVC resins and silicones, are used and sold in a variety of energy-saving products.
3.Improving the reputation As greenhouse gas emissions increase, the average temperature rises and the lowest temperatures fluctuate. Demand for energy-saving products is rising, as they are increasingly regarded for health and comfort. Our products, such as PVC resins for plastic windows, silicone resins for LED packaging materials, and rare earth magnets used in hybrid cars and electric vehicles' motors, are used in a variety of energy-saving products. As a result, we expect to increase profits by increasing sales of existing products and expanding opportunities to expand sales of new products.
In addition, by deepening investors' understanding of our contribution to energy conservation, better evaluation will be given to us and our shares.
1 GHG emissions over the entire life cycle
Emissions of greenhouse gases throughout the product lifecycle, from the procurement of raw materials for products and services through disposal and recycling
Shin-Etsu Group and SDGs
Shin-Etsu Group Products and Technologies
Notes on Using This Website
Copyright © 2001- Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.


text:
Q: Hyperref - LaTeX - MPlayer - Video issue Setting:
I have multiple video players installed on my system e.g. VLC, MPlayer etc etc.
What am I trying to do?
I am trying to make a presentation using beamer, where there would be links to various videos on my system and I would click to play them while presenting. Of course, I do not wish to embed those videos inside my presentation.
What is the problem?
I wish to use mplayer as the Video player for all the videos. One tex.stackexchange.com page suggested that I use the following command inside a LaTeX file with the hyperref package included.
\href{run:/usr/local/bin/mplayer -fs VideoFilename.mp4}{Click here}

On my computer, this command executes, when I run it from the command line i.e. mplayer -fs VideoFilename.mp4 works perfectly fine. However, from the PDF it says File not found.
In case I use the following command
\href(run:VideoFilename.mp4}{Click here}

the video runs, but in a different player.
What I want?
I want the video running fullscreen on MPlayer, when I click from the PDF.
PS:
The PDF file, the Video File etc are all in the same directory.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Above: Portrait of a Killing Zone. A 1967 aerial view of a United States Army Special Forces Camp, abandoned some two year prior, in the A Shau Valley of the former Republic of South Vietnam, taken from a light aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet.
". . . just following orders is no excuse. These were atrocities -- bombing villages from the air, just pulverizing houses, attacking people on the basis of little or no information. And there was this absurd supposition that if someone ran away from your attack, they automatically belonged to the Viet Cong. . . . The FACs were equipped with phosphorous rockets. They were used as markers for the bombers, but phosphorous rockets are particularly horrifying weapons -- worse than napalm."
Jonathan Schell, journalist, quoted in Christian G. Appy, Patriots: The Vietnam War Remembered From All Sides, The Penguin Group, 2003.
In December 1966, a US Air Force Forward Air Controller (FAC), from the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) at DaNang Main Air Base, came to "B" Detachment to inquire about an activity that he had observed on the ground. FACs of the USAF, the US Army, and the US Marine Corps flew light observation aircraft over the battlefield, directing air and artillery strikes and rescue missions. While patrolling outside of DaNang, this FAC had unexpectedly flown over a large concentration of individuals, clad in black, who began to flee at his approach. He was unsure of whether the observed activity constituted a bona fide military target. "B" Detachment had no information on enemy presence in the area, nor did it have in its library any existing imagery that might speak to the issue. To complicate matters, the monsoon season was under way, meaning that consistent rain and low cloud cover prevented MIBARS from asking the USAF to fly a photographic reconnaissance mission.
Photo Credit: David Andrew Sciacchitano, U.S. Air Force, assigned to the 20th TASS in DaNang during 1966 and 1967. His photographs may be found on the Military (dot) com Photo Center, Wikipedia (dot) org, and Wikimedia Commons.
Above: A Forward Air Controller of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, headquartered in DaNang, waits for a signal to begin taxi to the active runway for take-off by safety-conscious and ever-watchful members of his ground crew at the air field at Hue Citadel, north of DaNang in July 1967. His white helmet visible through the windshield on the right side of the cockpit, this pilot is flying a Cessna O-2 -- or Oscar Deuce -- which began flying in I Corps as a replacement for the Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog. The 0-2 utilized tricycle landing gear, two undercarriage wheels plus a nose wheel, while the 0-1 used conventional landing gear, two undercarriage wheels and a tail wheel. The annotating circle below the aircraft's wing marks one of the two mounting pylons and launch tubes that carried a total of 14 white phosphorous marker rockets -- ten more than the predecessor 0-1, one of which is visible in the background of this photograph to the left. While the "kick the tires and light the fires" saying was probably associated primarily with jet pilots, it could well apply to anyone who took to the skies in wartime Vietnam.
"B" Detachment's commanding officer decided to send a man back to the questioned area the following morning with the FAC. If the same ground activity was observed, his plan was to obtain fresh, low-level photographs of the movement using two hand-held held cameras that were in the detachment's property inventory -- a Pentax 35-mm single lens reflex (SLR) and a larger 70-mm aerial camera. The photographs would then be "read-out" -- i.e., evaluated -- by Imagery Interpretation Section specialists in an attempt to determine the validity of the possible target. The services of two volunteers were secured for the following day. The mission was scheduled for early morning, but given the uncertainty of the season, a back-up flight was also planned for the afternoon. The morning flight was aborted due to bad weather, but the afternoon flight was able to reach the target area where the scattering of people on the ground was observed taking place once again. Pictures were taken -- thus beginning what came to be known as "B" Detachment's Hand-held Camera Program. From then on, at its own initiative or when requested to do so by other intelligence organizations, "B" Detachment volunteer personnel flew photo missions to obtain timely and close-up imagery of small targets or special areas of interest.
"B" Detachment's commander became battalion commander a short time later, and similar hand-held photography programs were ultimately established in other 1st MIBARS field detachments.
"Our basic mission was to interpret Air Force imagery and convey our findings in a timely fashion to the appropriate Corps Tactical Zone. Since the vast majority of our target areas were under heavy foliage the results of our efforts were not of great value. We felt it was imperative that a way be found to improve our photo coverage. This need led to the development of "hand-held" missions. My staff [NOTE: LTC Matta moved to Saigon as battalion commander early in 1967 - Site Administrator] christened our effort as the "LATTA" program for Low Altitude Tactical [Target] Acquisition. One wise guy suggested that we deem it Medium Altitude [Tactical Target Acquisition, or "MATTA"] but was voted down.
[Forty years have elapsed, and I do not recall specifically] how we came to have the necessary camera equipment and the helicopter [Click Here For "D" Detachment and the Baby Huey] that would provide the stable platform needed to get the imagery we had to have. Fortunately, we did have a qualified chopper pilot in our unit which helped. I suspect that General McChristian had a lot to do with our success in getting what was necessary. He was a first class supporter of any effort to improve the intel [military intelligence] product."


I love the idea of Tiramisu – the lady fingers, the mascarpone – I just don't want to include the coffee or the alcohol. Then I came across this fabulous Strawberry Tiramisu recipe from Cream Puffs in Venice. Instead of using chocolate and coffee for flavoring, this recipe relies on Strawberries and jam. Included are a dash of lemon and orange flavorings as well. While this recipe calls for using Grand Marnier, I have substituted fruit juice instead. You must refrigerate this dessert for at least 24 hours before serving. If you don't want such a big batch (it is served in a 9×13 pan), try halfing the recipe and serve in a 8×8 pan.
This recipe was a bit hit at our Easter dinner! The Strawberry Tiramisu does need to be refrigerated, so keep that in mind when bringing to a gathering.
Tiramisu using Strawberries and jam. Non-alcoholic.
In a small bowl, mix together the jam, water, orange juice and ⅛ cup of the orange/tangerine juice.
In a second bowl, mix together the mascarpone and the ⅛ cup of the orange/tangerine juice.
In a third bowl, add the whipping cream, sugar and vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the orange/tangerine juice. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Add ½ cup of the whipping cream mixture to the mascarpone and stir well. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipping cream mixture into the mascarpone.
Take the jam mixture and spread ½ of the mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the lemon zest over the jam mixture. I actually zested the lemon right over the jam mixture.
Take your ladyfingers and place them flat and close together in the dish. Make sure to fill every spot by breaking them if necessary.
Spread one half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Make sure to cover the ladyfingers completely.
Layer half of the sliced strawberries over the mascarpone mixture.
Spread the remaining jam mixture over the strawberries and add the lemon zest as before.
Again, layer the ladyfingers on top of the jam and fill every space.
Spread the remaining mascarpone over the ladyfingers covering completely.
Add the remaining strawberries on top of the mascarpone layer.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours.
Cecile, who loves to create, learn and explore, blogs at The Shopping Duck.


text:
Corporate Tombstones
Sometimes it is about who you know.
With so many new contenders vying for a place in the Canadian donor recognition and awards market, supplier management becomes a prime differentiator. The distinction between industrial services, promotional materials in this specialized niche market is blurring. Contracts are being awarded to large, sometimes international, industrial engravers and PR firms to fulfill gifts and award requirements. Donor and corporate recognition don't always neatly comply with an existing system of off the shelf customizable options or a rigid, restricted art department. These organizations, often focused on mass production, are simply not equipped to manufacture outside of their product lines and operations structures. They do not work with alternate materials, sizes, shapes or techniques. A custom Pantone colour, a complex logo or that one donor or executive who needs to see 6 renditions of their layout could present an impasse. Their production model is fixed and these deviations do not comply. Suddenly, these services are not so interchangeable. In these impasses with suppliers we are seeing a consistent stream of these exceptions trickling in our direction. This is why Awards by Presidential deems supplier management one of our main concerns.
We offer a vast assortment of off-the-shelf solutions that coupled with our diverse techniques has opened the door to virtually limitless options for personalization. We've expanded to adopt new printing technologies and 3D engraving allowing for maximum diversity and exceptions. With over a couple of decades under our belt as a custom design and build firm we've been tasked with just about every challenge you can imagine. We've been able to find exquisite materials and methods not typically considered. We have embedded 14K gold flakes into crystal and developed custom minted ingots that float in a Lucite column. We have etched portraits illustrated by our talented artists into crystal, metals and have even explored incorporating precious stones into crystal. We were tasked with reproducing alumni lapel pins that looked like "owls" into an accurate depiction of the actual iconic building they were meant to capture. Fundraising jerseys, bricks, salvaged rocks from foundations and antique film reels have been transformed into timeless keepsakes.
We have developed a veritable arsenal of artisans, craftsmen and leaders in their respective areas of manufacturing or artistry. Beyond their skill sets is a willingness to undertake new challenges and partner toward developing unique solutions. With an appreciation for the arts and a continual pursuit of innovation we have invested in relationships. These collaborations foster the remarkable as we co-create with our clients and our formidable production force. Along with our subcontractors we have opened our arms to the sensibilities and inherent sentiments that enrich the diverse and distinctive characteristics of organizations and individuals. The next time you have an idea that seems impossible, try us first.
– Susanne Sukic
Customizable Catalog
Continuity Services
Cast Paper
Jewellery and Minted Metals
About Awards by Presidential
Awards by Presidential was established as the Awards & Gifts division of Presidential Environment. We have a 25 year history of unique,
collaborative design which recognizes and celebrates outstanding performance.
M4L 1C5


text:
4 Things We Learned from the New 'X-Files' Promo (VIDEO)
Aubry D'Arminio December 28, 2015, 12:45 pm
Fox put more truth out there today with a rich 21-minute preview of The X-Files. The six-part miniseries (which picks up nearly eight years after the second X-Files film) will feature four standalone installments bookended by two episodes that delve further into the series' extra-worldly mythology.
When we meet Agents Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Mulder (David Duchovny) again, they're estranged (but as flirtatious as ever) and still brooding over their son—whose mysterious conception, according to creator Chris Carter, fans may finally learn. Here are the four other things we learned from the behind-the-scenes featurette.
A woman from Mulder's past is making a comeback. Actress Annet Mahendru will appear in episode 1 as a "young alien abductee" named Sveta, whom Mulder has met before. Per the actress, "The story is going somewhere really, really fascinating and something that's very timely right now. Chris [Carter] has tapped into something very important."
Joel McHale plays a conservative conspiracy theorist. The Soup and Community star is one of many guest stars, but what's most surprising is that he plays a famous conservative who's also a serious conspiracy theorist. In fact, his character will see various forms of alien and government deception everywhere. His need to confer with Mulder is what starts the main story. Says McHale, "I start a ball rolling that turns into a boulder."
The Smoking Man (William B. Davis) survival will be explained. As previously announced, Mulder's archenemy, The Smoking Man will make an appearance as well. This time, though, fans will get an explanation as to how he survived burning to death in a missile blast at the end of Season 9.
Scully and Mulder's relationship may be different from what you know. Hints have been dropped about Scully and Mulder's life together, including their child. This time, viewers will learn what happened to that child...and get a glimpse into how the couple's life together has evolved.
Watch the promo video below to hear Carter and the main leads talk about the big twist that's coming in the mythology:
The X-Files debuts on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 10/9c on FOX.


Top rankings are a peak of online business success.
As per this study by Infront Webworks, first page of Google search result receives 95% of web traffic, with rest of pages receiving 5% traffic only.
SEO truth is it takes resourcefulness, dedication, persistence, and creativity. Because of the constantly-changing nature of Google's algorithm.
In this blog i tell you on-page SEO to help you understand the new SEO rules, learn how to optimize for both humans and search algorithm crawlers, and to master on-page and off-page SEO.
Google executives like Gary Illyes and John Mueller confirm that Google is constantly changing their algorithm, even though most of these changes aren't publicly announced or described.
Moz estimates that there are 500 to 600 changes per year!
So it makes sense that 40% of marketers cite changing search algorithms as their biggest obstacle to SEO success.
Mobile-friendly update (April 2015), favoring websites with mobile-friendly versions and setting the stage for future penalties if sites don't comply.
Pigeon (July 2014), working to integrate local search results like Google Maps.
Hummingbird (August 2013), aiming to understand the context and intent behind a user's search instead of just looking at the literal words they typed.
Penguin (April 2012), targeting spammers and sites that buy unnatural links to boost their rankings.
First you can check where you stand now. There are several tools and resources than can help you.
You can also use SERPs.com to assess your rank.
There are dozens of tools that can help you do this your website speed test.
Here's how to test your page content speed with Pingdom.
Here is the tools to check your site health check.
Try the MxToolBox Domain Health Report tool to check for major issues in 5 different categories: general site problems, blacklist, mail server, web server, and DNS.
It's important to know how many visitors find your site via Google.
One way to find these is a simple tool called SERP Scan. I've been using it to identify the keywords that convert organically for my site.
SERP Scan will show you the keywords that have sent organic traffic to your site within the last 12 months. It includes an on-page SEO keyword performance chart.
I recommend that you set up an SEO dashboard so that you can track all of the important metrics at any time.
It's estimated that up to 60% of searches take place on a mobile device, and this number continues to grow.
If your site isn't mobile, I recommend that you add this to the top of your to-do list.
You can get a quick fix through services like Mobify, Duda Mobile, or bMobilized.
If your website is built on a popular CMS platform, you'll be able to find a mobile plugin like WPtouch for WordPress, ThemeKey for Drupal, or Responsivizer for Joomla.
To be effective, you need to pinpoint the keywords that your target audience is using to find your site. Here's how that works.
Log into your Google account and visit Google Keyword Planner.
Backlinko has an excellent infographic that breaks down 16 on-page SEO factors that will earn you big points with Google and your visitors.
Use Youst SEO Plugin for your website.
Even before Google rolled out their first Google Panda update in February 2011, the best search marketers knew that quality, valuable, and useful content should target a particular group of people.
Optimize for informational keywords and improve your search ranking by writing resourceful and detailed content while supplementing it with descriptive meta description and title tags.
Here's another analysis I did for Business Insider's site.
Anchor text linking (in-text links): Anchor text links are simple links that appear within the content.
Image links: You can also use images to build links when you write articles or guest posts.
Editorial links: If you follow this SEO guide, you should be able to create useful and sharable content through social media that naturally results in valuable inbound links.
Scale link building: Link diversity is the ultimate way to generate Google-friendly links and improve Google rankings while staying off the penalty radar.
Saw you on twitter, peeped at your website, see the same problems and you've got them too and your into seo. Good idea with the Sumo.


text:
Human Nutrition & Health
Personal Care & Aroma Ingredients
Pharmaceutical Solutions
Resins & Functional Materials
Advanced Solar
Bio-based Products & Services
Policies, procedures & rules
Protecting our healthcare heroes
Lifetime performance
Support your immune system
Plant-based alternative protein products
CanolaPRO® plant protein
Calorie-free sweetness, inspired by nature
Improving patient health
Boost your heart health
Nourishing the needy
The safe alternative to antibiotics
Skin care that really cares
Advanced biomedical materials
The transportation of tomorrow today
Renewable energy for all
Minimizing methane from cattle
Resources & Circularity
Design for circularity with Niaga®
From waste to wave
Cleaning up containers in China
Painting a brighter future with Decovery®
Replacing fish with algae
Unique approach
Scientific competences
Engineering Sciences
Macromolecular Sciences
Leading scientists
Bright Science Awards
PhD Graduate Awards
Experienced Scientist Awards
Our strategy & the SDGs
Tackling malnutrition
Reducing food loss & waste
Sustainable proteins
Improving our own carbon footprint
Enabling a low-carbon economy
Improving our resource efficiency
Enabling a circular world
Brighter Living Solutions
ESG ratings & benchmarks
Why invest in DSM
Factbooks
Analysts & Vara consensus
Debt & credit
Share center
Share buy-back programs
Working at DSM
Joining DSM
MATCH! Technical Business Course
APAC Bright Development Program
Healthy diets for all within planetary boundaries
Helping vulnerable people
Getting better food to undernourished children makes them 33% more likely to escape the vicious cycle of poverty (according to our long-term partner the World Food Programme). There are many statistics on the challenge we face in feeding the world, but this one summarizes the life-changing role that better nutrition can play in giving vulnerable people everywhere a brighter future (especially in the first 1,000 days of life). It's why we're focused on using all the great nutritional science at our disposal to end 'hidden hunger', a condition of deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that afflicts two billion people worldwide.
When it comes to tackling malnutrition, we take our lead from the SDGs - particularly SDG 2, which advocates 'zero hunger' and aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
Our Nutrition Improvement Solutions
Affordable nutrition for micronutrient-deficient populations
As one of the world's leading manufacturers of vitamins, nutritional ingredients and food fortification technologies we're well placed to develop and deliver better nutrition for people deficient in these ingredients. It's why at DSM our team working on Nutritional Improvement provides a range of nutrient-rich foods ranging from micronutrient powders to fortified rice while working with humanitarian organizations, food companies and social enterprises to reach broad populations at scale.
We're putting all our nutritional science expertise to good use by helping people who are malnourished lead fuller lives. It's a big job: worldwide, more than 800 million people are still chronically undernourished, while around two billion suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However, our essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are now fortifying the diets of approximately 100 million people every year..
One great way to improve food for people in Africa is to work with Africa Improved Foods (AIF). So, we invested in a factory in Kigali, Rwanda, that produces fortified foods for 1.5 million malnourished children and young women… every day. Soon we expect that number to hit two million people – which will reduce growth stunting in Rwandan children by 6% (from 38% to 32% by 2020) – giving tens of thousands of youngsters increased hope of fulfilling their potential in life.
But that's only part of the story. Around 300 staff members work at the factory, producing porridge flours with added milk powder, vitamins, and minerals. And all this is based on the produce of around 9,000 local farmers, working towards healthier and brighter lives for all.
We work with a broad and diverse range of organizations across the world to shape and influence the nutrition agenda. We do so in different coalitions and partnerships addressing the different forms of malnutrition, as well as shifting the food system to healthy and sustainable production and consumption. This includes our long-standing partnership with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which is the world's largest humanitarian organization, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
FReSH ideas on food
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) programme, Food Reform for Sustainability and Health (FReSH), aims to drive sustainable and future-proof food systems, advocate the necessary dietary switches to improve peoples' health within planetary boundaries, and understand and influence consumer behavior. We work in close cooperation with the EAT Foundation and the WBCSD partners - such as Danone, Unilever, Nestlé, Evonik, Cargill, Buhler Group and Kellogg - all while developing and promoting business solutions. We are an active member of the Leadership Committee and of various workstreams, such as 'Proteins', 'Positive Nutrition', 'Food Loss and Waste' and 'True Cost of Food'.
Partners in Food Solutions
We're a founding member of this multi-sector partnership, which also includes General Mills, Cargill, The Hershey Company, Bühler and Ardent Mills. Partners in Food Solutions serves more than 600 small and growing food companies throughout Africa, strengthening food security, improving nutrition and increasing economic development by making the food processing sector more competitive.
Sun Business Network
The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network recruits and supports companies who pledge to contribute to the improvement of global nutrition. We help with the Network's recruitment and management of around 186 companies.
Sight and Life
Sight and Life is a humanitarian nutrition think tank aimed at eliminating all forms of malnutrition in children and women of childbearing age - thus improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. We work with the organization by exchanging, co-creating and advocating new scientific insights to help those who need it most.
TIFN
TiFN is a Netherlands-based public-private organization that pursues fundamental research in food and nutrition. Natural economic social and consumer sciences work closely together. TiFN has a strong focus on pre-competitive, long-term, strategic research. DSM collaborates with TiFN in different fields, some of which are nutrition and health, sustainable protein processing, sensory and structure.
We work with UNICEF to deliver better nutrition to at-risk children and mothers in Nigeria. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goal number two (ending hunger), our partnership focuses on nourishing mothers and children during the crucial first 1,000 days of children's lives, from conception until age two. Another goal is to spur similar action in other countries where malnutrition is rife, as well as advocating best practices in micronutrient supplementation worldwide.
Vitamin Angels
Vitamin Angels is dedicated to reducing child mortality among at-risk populations worldwide by advancing the availability, access and use of essential micronutrients, especially vitamin A. We work with Vitamin Angels to help expand their global reach and impact, especially in their efforts to work with local NGOs on locally sustainable micronutrient supply and distribution systems.
World Food Programme (WFP)
The DSM-WFP partnership, Improving Nutrition, Improving Lives, is stronger than ever since its inception in 2007, boosting the nutritional value of the food that the WFP distributes to vulnerable people. In fact, around 39.4 million people were nourished through our partnership in 2017. We also work with the WFP on training and development initiatives and employee fundraising campaigns.
DSM and World Vision work together in a nutrition partnership that creates shared value for all stakeholders, including consumers. Our work involves investing in ways to get nutritionally improved foods to the most vulnerable people – through staple food fortification and bold new delivery systems for nutritionally improved food.
wbcsd
partners-food
s&l
vit-angels
To tackle food loss and waste we're helping to create more resource-efficient food production, ingenious packaging, antioxidants that keep food nutritious and safe, and better animal nutrition.
As the leading science-based supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and nutritional lipids, DSM is addressing Hidden Hunger.
Nourishing future generations with Vitamin Angels
Vitamin Angels has reached 70 million children in 70 countries with essential vitamin A with DSM's help, and the work goes on.
This site uses cookies to optimize your user experience.


Although we do not celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Philippines, but I am reminded to also participate in this kind of celebration just to thank our Creator for all the things that He has done for me. As I am reflecting on the things I am thankful for, I couldn't count all the things that needs to thanked for. Truly God is good and no words can ever contain how much thankful I am for all the things that He has done in my life.
How about you? What are you thankful for?