I come from a land that has streets with no names. Our people did not name the streets of our village because they saw the coming of smartphones, Google, e-mail and Facebook. Well, the little path that goes from my father's village to my mother's village is called the little path. Was. The little path is no more. In the land of my ancestors, people don't venture far from the earth. There are no mortuaries; when they die they practically fall into their graves themselves. My father's father was buried by the path half-way to my mother's people. He is no longer buried there. A government thief built an ugly mansion over my grandpa's bones.
Today, I stare at the remains of winter in America; earth is frosting on chocolate cake. After all these moons, alien images and clichés stick to me, like white on rice. I have ventured far, very far from home. When I left home many decades ago, no cellphone chats charted my way out of Customs and Immigration into America's issues. My parents put me inside the capsule to somewhere and hoped that someday I would be back. I am still here in America. I am not going back soon.
Nothing stays the same. Not even in America. The changes make me dizzy and I obsess nonstop about the way things used to be. Here in my part of America, our drugstore no longer has human cashiers. The owners remodeled the store, and replaced humans with machines that talk to you. You simply walk up to the machines, scan your goods, pay and leave. It is very disconcerting; I keep looking for the humans to return, I actually miss them and their attitude. I know now that I love people and I cannot shake this cold unfeeling nothingness I get from interacting with a machine that proves its indifference with faux warmth.
Don't get me wrong, I am high on the possibilities and the opportunities riding on the strong backs of these new and emerging technologies, but I do wonder now if there are downsides to all of this. The world is becoming more and more shaped by a few powerful cognitive elite. We are struggling to deal with and adapt to the awesome force of these new technologies and the new billionaire dictators that built them.
Life is war. We were all born into a war that we did not ask for. And people write about life, sometimes it is mostly gory. Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, they belonged to a certain era when one had no choice but to concentrate all of one's creative passions on one medium of expression – the book. I read a lot of books, mostly about the condition we find ourselves as people of color in a white man's world. However, I am first and foremost a writer of creative stuff, whatever that means. Lately though, I am known more as a book reviewer than anything else, which I find interesting. I think that a critic's work in itself is creative work. We may not like it, but it is what it is. The critic clearly has a role to play and I would say we are in dire need of honest courageous tell-it-like-it-is book reviewers.
Some people should really not be writing and they should be told that. Some writers are also full of it and they should be told that. Some works are fun to read and they should be celebrated. It is a shame that we are talking about books because in my clan we are steeped in the oral tradition. Some of the world's greatest "books" have been "read" to us in song by our ancestors. My mother is one of the world's greatest living poets; she has not written a lick. She would be great on YouTube. She would at least help to preserve one of our dying languages.
On social media, walls are colorful wrappers wound tightly around the new municipalities of ME. Social media is falling leaves, hearts fluttering, forlorn, and drying on yesterday's clothes lines. People are waving hasty goodbyes out the windows of indifferent relationships. It is complicated. Life goes on. There are no nations as we remember them. We have fled lands ravaged by thieves preaching democracy. Soon a generation will come and in their history books they will learn about something called a check and the gallant art of balancing a checkbook.
Social media. The new frontier has edged into our consciousness. America. Deep in the windy beauty of this land, the majesty of Nigeria, the land of my birth goes howling. We fled our gods, mean angry bloody gods foaming blood in their blood thirsty mouths wielding blood drenched cutlasses between steely teeth. Here in Babylon, alien gods kill us with the kindness of indifference. We retaliate by turning their plates on their heads, these patronizing, condescending gods. Africa. We fled her bloody windows for Facebook Nation. Every day children reject what passes for African culture today. They are not all mad. What is going on? Let's talk about these things.
There is no dignity in poverty.
No matter how much we long and yearn for that pride that comes from belonging to something grand…that is grand all of its own without needing a herald…we do not. Sad. But fact.
Fuel shortage and random power cuts in major cities of a country that purports to be a net oil exporter is not grand. Seasonal cholera 60 years after independence is not grand. People braving the starkness of desert and deep sea to flee homes, sans war or persecution, is not grand.
So yes, we will reject it and embrace the cold, hard caress of foreign-ness…be it in form of Facebook or machines that spit words at us in binary. We will cling to these angels we don't know with every last muscle because we can see the devils we know standing just past the corner of our eye… their robes are still dripping with the blood of our brothers.
We will live with no dignity…empty, lost…but we will live.
Poverty is death…the dead do not care about dignity…neither do we.


Author: [BOURNE, WESLEY]. BEVAN, JOAN C. & MARIA A. PACELLI.
Title: Wesley Bourne: The Quintessential Canadian Anaesthetist. A Retrospective on the Foundations of Mcgill Anesthesia.
Description: Montreal: McGill University Libraries, 1996.. First edition. Hardcover. Near fine in original pictorial boards. No dust jacket as issued. 138pp. Illustrated.


WIA has developed an accreditation program with a series of professional skills development courses. As installers progress through our training modules, they earn the right to be designated as an Accredited Installer in that course. The courses are structured to enhance their skill set and give consumers peace of mind when selecting a professional wallcovering installer.
Graduates of this course are instructed how to select and apply wallcovering approved primers to common wall surfaces, measure for wallcoverings, layout/engineer the installation and balance installations in order to achieve the best possible look for the combination of the room, the specific material and the methods of installation. Details such as seam placement, HVAC vents and outlet/switch covers are addressed. Additional topics include selecting the ceiling line placement and all installation details for both pre-pasted and unpasted wallcoverings. This is considered a basic level class.
Graduates of this specialty class learn specific techniques for installation of a wide array of product offerings from this manufacturer. These techniques include working with glass beads, wood veneer, lacquered goods and precious metals. Class topics include proper wall and room preparation, moisture control of adhesives, effective layout considerations and also handling of specific products. All of the techniques designed to enhance the elegance of these high-end wallcoverings.
Graduates of this specialty class become familiar with all the installation techniques related to this hand-painted silk wallcovering. Class topics include hands-on knowledge of the necessary techniques for trimming, proper layout, wall preparation as well as the method to install the correct liner for each installation. Each graduate familiar with all of the pertinent details involved with handling and also installing this delicate, premium wallcovering material.
Graduates of this class will gain an enhanced understanding of the intricacies involved with installing fabric. Specific techniques regarding placement of seams, cutting material and adjusting adhesives for various textiles included in the class. A variety of products such as felt, linen, cotton and also flannel. In addition, a variety of backing types analyzed and used in this class.
Dramatic, hand-painted silk murals are true works of art. They are extremely sensitive to water and adhesive and require special handling. Graduates of this class instructed on room layout, panel placement, trimming techniques, proper wall preparation, adhesive selection and special handling techniques.
Each graduate of this class is trained in the correct installations of these beautiful Victorian and Craftsmen Era custom design schemes. Students instructed in a variety measuring and installation processes including how to engineer the room, proper placement of the friezes, achieving delicate placement of graphic elements (flowers, birds, etc.). This ensures it is set according to the plan, in the appropriate placement, as well as adjusted for the site.
This advanced class will provide graduates with the techniques for installing staircases in more complicated and detailed areas. Students will advance into ceiling applications and additional finishing techniques.
This advanced class will provide graduates with the techniques for installing staircases as well as more complicated and detailed areas. Students will advance into ceiling applications and additional finishing techniques.
Graduates of this class have skills in the installation of multiple self-adhesive products. They will become familiar with the different materials, adhesive systems, and also techniques involved with installing these tricky products.
This class focuses on wall mural installation techniques. Graduates will also learn the steps necessary to successfully install a multiple panel, digitally printed mural on a wall. The course encompasses measuring, field verification of the dimensions, selection of primer and adhesive, inspection of material, layout adjustments, communication with the printer and/or graphic teams as well as installation techniques. Various substrates addressed, as well as their unique concerns.


On Tuesday, October 20th, 2015, at the annual meeting of IAS, the Democritus University of Thrace SB IAS Chapter visited Oncor Microgrid. Oncor operates the largest regulated distribution and transmission system in Texas and the sixth largest in the United States. The site of the Oncor Miocrogrid is established in Lancaster, Texas, just south of Dallas. Oncor facilities also include a demonstration center to showcase the new microgrid, simulate how it works, and explain the benefits to visitors.
The tour schedule included a visit to the immersion room, the control room and an on-site visit to the facilities, so that attendees can obtain comprehensive information on the activities of the microgrid.
section where the fault occurred, and restore service from an alternate source. In addition the guide noted that the main scope of the microgrid is to ensure uninterrupted delivery of power for its customers– even during extreme weather events or other emergencies. Consequently, a microgrid operates independently or in conjunction with a main grid and avoids single points of failure.
The tour then continued in the control room of the microgrid. In this room, the attendees had the opportunity not only to see the real time energy management of the microgrid but also learn about how it is implemented.
During the demonstration the guide explained that turning diverse assets into a microgrid capable of operating independently or together requires a distribution automation architecture to leverage multiple intelligent grid solutions while enabling it to operate independently or as one microgrid. Oncor Microgrid implements a fault-tolerant approach based on energy storage devices to store energy from either the utility feed or any of the facility's generation sources. In addition to providing the voltage signal for the site, this design enables renewable integration, controls the microgrid frequency, and is the first generating source to respond during an unexpected loss of power. For instance, in the event of a power loss caused by extreme weather, the microgrid's distribution automation equipment "islands" the system and autonomously switches to alternative distributed power sources as needed. Acting independent of the main grid, the new microgrid system automatically restores power with minimal service interruption.
The two key components of Oncor Microgrid are the PowerLogic Microgrid Controller and the StruxureWare Demand-Side Operation. As regards the Microgrid Controller, it provides real-time management of distributed generation resources to ensure the right balance between the energy produced and consumed. The controller also safeguards operations and switches seamlessly from a grid-connected mode to an off-grid mode to ensure a reliable source of power for critical loads. As for the StruxureWare Demand-Side Operation, it provides a cloud-based platform for economic dispatch and forecasting. This software forecasts and optimizes where to produce, consume and store energy, based on external events such weather forecasts, demand-response events and tariff rates. This signifies that the microgrid not only looks at the technical aspect of this, but also the economic and regulatory side. Through those details, the visitors managed to grasp how microgrids and distributed energy resources can make the grid better.
Afterwards, attendees had the opportunity to see up close some of the microgrid plants, such as the solar photovoltaic arrays, the microturbine and the energy storage system.
Finally, we would like to thank all the contributors of the tour to the Oncor facilities for their excellent presentation and explanation of the structure and function of a modern microgrid.


Bump is a new app that allows users to transfer photos from phone to computer, wirelessly.
How is that anything new? Well, all you have to do is bump your phone (iPhone/Driod) to your computer and, voila, the pix on your phone are transferred.
By tapping your phone to the spacebar, the sensors and Bump's cloud activate, and it transfers the pics. So, for those of us who keep losing our connector cords, we love the wireless ways of Bump.
The spacebar is not just a spacebar anymore — now it's now pic magnet.


Optimistic about the speech? Think it will increase prices or decrease activity? Does a divided country affect your market?
By Dennis Swartz, MBA, GRI...experience counts!
Is this the year you try that wild price on a listing to see if it sells? Even the crappy listings are selling now, and fast!
Did you know that there are over 5000 active rain members? I am impressed.
I've already seen several people participate in a March contest but I'm only seeing the contests for February. Where are the new challenges?
How do you determine the highest possible price for an asset owned by seller of real property? Would you place a cap on what the seller could receive?
As a Real Estate Agent do you send a summary email to your leads after a home tour? If so do you send over key features, photos+all the info they will need to make a well informed purchasing decision?
What is the best thing about title insurance?
Did you notice that points for one of the February contests were awarded today, March 1st?!
Are attractive Real Estate Agents more successful than those who are challenged in that department?
What is your role as a title officer in choosing which type of deed is best for a client?
What are some examples of false advertising in real estate?
When is constructive notice used in real estate?


text:
Nintendo Switch Sports 'Soccer Shoot-Out Competition' promo video
Team Taylor all the way
Nintendo continues to push Nintendo Switch Sports during the holiday season, as it's a longtail seller that certainly has gameplay that can appeal to any age. In the latest promo video for the game, we get to see a bit of friendly soccer competition.
Watch two friends go head to head in a soccer shootout. This isn't your average game of soccer, though. The net changes size, and the soccer balls are huge! Join Jordan and Taylor in their friendly competition to determine who's the better soccer player… that is, until the next shootout.
Get moving with Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (Swordplay) using Joy-Con controllers! Controls are intuitive, so you can hit the court (or lanes, or field, or arena) and get started. With controlled motions you can curve your bowling ball, add spin to a tennis shot, or even use a Joy-Con with the Leg Strap accessory to kick the ball in a Soccer Shootout. Family and friends can join in on the fun on the same system or online. Plus a seventh sport is planned to be added via a free update this fall; get ready to Golf!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Commodities giant Glencore supplied thousands of tons of alumina to an Iranian firm that has provided aluminum to Iran's nuclear program, intelligence and diplomatic sources told Reuters.
The previously undisclosed barter arrangement between Glencore, the world's biggest commodities trader, and the Iranian Aluminum Company (Iralco) illustrates how difficult it is for Western powers to curb Iran's ability to trade with the rest of the world.
Even as the West imposes stringent restrictions on banks that do business with Iran, United Nations diplomats say that Tehran keeps finding new ways to do business with willing partners.
Reuters first learned about Glencore's barter deal with Iralco, and an aluminum supply contract that Iralco had with Iran Centrifuge Technology Co (TESA), from a Western diplomatic source in early November.
That was about six weeks before the European Union's December 2012 decision to levy sanctions on Iralco for supplying aluminum metal to TESA, which is a subsidiary of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
The source showed Reuters a Western intelligence report concerning Glencore's arrangement with Iralco.
It described how Baar, Switzerland-based Glencore provided Iralco with thousands of tons of alumina last year in exchange for a lesser amount of aluminum metal. The report's authenticity was confirmed by U.N. diplomats.
It is not known whether any of the aluminum produced by Iralco from Glencore's alumina raw material actually ended up with TESA. As part of AEOI, TESA has been subject to U.N. sanctions in place since 2006.
In a statement to Reuters, Glencore said it first learned about the TESA-Iralco relationship in December and immediately "ceased transactions" with Iralco. It said its last actual trade as part of the barter arrangement was in October 2012, two months before the EU move.
Glencore acknowledged that it did sign the barter deal with Iralco in August 2011, saying it was perfectly legal and denied any wrongdoing by the firm or attempts to help Iran bypass sanctions. It declined to provide details about the barter deal, the value of which is unclear.
Iralco did not respond to an emailed request for a comment. Iran's U.N. mission said it was not in a position to comment.
Aluminum can be used to make aluminum tubes for uranium enrichment gas centrifuges. Most newer gas centrifuges are made of a carbon composite material, though Iran's current centrifuge program in operation is based on aluminum.
Glencore had supplied Iralco with about five tons of alumina for every ton of aluminum that Glencore received in return, according to the intelligence report.
Given that on average it takes only about two tons of alumina to produce one ton of aluminum, the barter deal may have left Iralco with more aluminum after processing the alumina than it supplied to Glencore.
Iralco covered costs inside Iran, while all activity involving foreign currency payments was covered by Glencore, including shipping costs and insurance, according to the intelligence report.
In its statement, Glencore said: "Glencore complies with applicable laws and regulations, including applicable sanctions. We closely monitor all new legal developments to ensure that we continue to be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including applicable sanctions."
The company said that alumina and aluminum metal were not prohibited commodities under the sanctions, and that bartering is one of the oldest and most transparent forms of transaction and an accepted method in the metals business.
Swiss authorities said they saw no evidence of U.N. or Swiss sanctions violations by Glencore. Iralco is not under U.S. or U.N. sanctions.
The intelligence report described the Glencore deal as a good way for Tehran to get around global financial restrictions, though it did not say that Glencore violated sanctions.
Iran denies allegations by Western powers and their allies that it is seeking atomic weapons and has refused to stop enriching uranium.
As a result, in addition to four rounds of U.N. sanctions, Iran has faced much tougher U.S. and EU measures, specifically targeting its financial and energy sectors.


The Attorney General, yesterday requested the Colombo High Court Judge Manilal Waidyathilaka to extend for another three months the remand order imposed on two accused in the murder of former TNA parliamentarian, Ravi Raj.
Senior State Counsel Nalin Hewawasam appeared for the Attorney General.
These two accused are police officer, Gamini Seneviratne and Pradeep Chaminda.
Defence Counsel, Sunanda Deshapriya and Ruwan Dissanayake were allowed time till April 25, to file objections to the request of the Attorney General.
Raviraj and his security officer Lakshman Kiriwela were killed on September 11, 2006, allegedly by the aforesaid two persons and three other accused with the help of unknown persons at Elvitigala, Nerahenpita.
One accused person named Sampath Munasinghe has already been bailed out.
The case will be called again on April 25.


text:
Common Sense Solution to Voter Fraud
Voter ID is a common sense way that would help prevent voter fraud in Iowa something Iowa Senate Democrats must not be concerned about.
Sixteen Billion Dollar Educational Scam
Brad Zaun
Brad Zaun,
Iowa Legislature,
Iowa Senate,
voter fraud,
This past week I supported a common sense solution to voter fraud in Iowa. The amendment I supported requires a person to provide proof of identity to a precinct election official on Election Day before being allowed to vote. For example, it allows students to use their school ID as long as it bears an expiration date. The legislation lays out alternatives to the photo ID option, allowing voters to bring someone with a photo ID to attest to their identity to a precinct election official on Election Day.
Further, voters may vote provisionally on Election Day, if they do not have the proper documentation. The person casting a provisional ballot completes a statement of validity and an acceptable form of identification must be presented before the ballot is counted. The bill maintains current law allowing voter registration on Election Day, or in person, when voting early, provided they establish proof of identity and proof of residency.
Voter ID measures are meant to provide Iowans with greater confidence in casting their vote. Voter fraud in Iowa is a growing concern and has the potential to skew election results and damage the integrity of our election system. I believe any amount of voter fraud is unacceptable and should be stopped. Iowa voters recognize the value of having a fair and protected election system in place that allows citizens to cast their ballot without worry.
I am committed to strengthening our election process and providing Iowans a protected voting system in which every vote counts. The majority party must not be concerned with the integrity of Iowa's election system as evidenced by the fact this legislation was voted down along party lines. The voting process in Iowa is too important to not have a voter ID measure in place and voter ID legislation is a common sense solution to the problem.
NRSC Launches "Wrong Team Braley" Grassroots Initiatives
The National Republican Senatorial Committee launched seven billboards in Iowa, walk cards and a website on Friday targeting Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA).
Republican Party of Iowa United Around Conservative Principles
Despite what some media outlets report the Republican Party of Iowa in its officer elections showed it is united around the party's principles.
Jonas Cutler
Legislators Consider Changes to Iowa's Election Law
Legislators have filed five bills related to Iowa's election law ranging from creating a runoff primary system to electronic voter registration.
Reynolds Appoints Christopher McDonald to the Iowa Supreme Court
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds selected Iowa Court of Appeals Judge Christopher McDonald as her second appointment to the Iowa Supreme Court.
State Senator Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) represents <a…


text:
<?php

namespace UbicacionBundle\Controller;

use Symfony\Component\HttpFoundation\Request;
use Symfony\Bundle\FrameworkBundle\Controller\Controller;
use UsuariosBundle\Controller\TokenAuthenticatedController;
use UbicacionBundle\Entity\Pais;
use UbicacionBundle\Form\PaisType;

/**
 * Pais controller.s
 *
 */
class PaisController extends Controller implements TokenAuthenticatedController {

    /**
     * Lists all Pais entities.
     *
     */
    public function indexAction()
    {
        $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();

        $entities = $em->getRepository('UbicacionBundle:Pais')->findAll();

        $paginator = $this->get('knp_paginator');
        $entities = $paginator->paginate(
                $entities,
                $this->get('request')->query->get('page', 1)/* page number */,
                10/* limit per page */
        );
        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:index.html.twig', array(
            'entities' => $entities,
        ));
    }
    /**
     * Creates a new Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function createAction(Request $request)
    {
        $entity = new Pais();
        $form = $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity);
        $form->handleRequest($request);

        if ($form->isValid()) {
            $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();
            $em->persist($entity);
            $em->flush();
            $this->get('session')->getFlashBag()->add(
                    'success', 'Pais Creado correctamente.'
            );

            return $this->redirect($this->generateUrl('pais_edit', array('id' => $entity->getId())));
        }

        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:new.html.twig', array(
            'entity' => $entity,
            'form'   => $form->createView(),
        ));
    }

    /**
     * Creates a form to create a Pais entity.
     *
     * @param Pais $entity The entity
     *
     * @return \Symfony\Component\Form\Form The form
     */
    private function createCreateForm(Pais $entity)
    {
        $form = $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity, array(
            'action' => $this->generateUrl('pais_create'),
            'method' => 'POST',
        ));

        $form->add('submit', 'submit', array('label' => 'Create'));

        return $form;
    }

    /**
     * Displays a form to create a new Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function newAction()
    {
        $entity = new Pais();
        $form   = $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity);

        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:new.html.twig', array(
            'entity' => $entity,
            'form'   => $form->createView(),
        ));
    }

    /**
     * Finds and displays a Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function showAction($id)
    {
        $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();

        $entity = $em->getRepository('UbicacionBundle:Pais')->find($id);

        if (!$entity) {
            throw $this->createNotFoundException('Unable to find Pais entity.');
        }

        $deleteForm = $this->createDeleteForm($id);

        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:show.html.twig', array(
            'entity'      => $entity,
            'delete_form' => $deleteForm->createView(),
        ));
    }

    /**
     * Displays a form to edit an existing Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function editAction($id)
    {
        $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();

        $entity = $em->getRepository('UbicacionBundle:Pais')->find($id);

        if (!$entity) {
            throw $this->createNotFoundException('Unable to find Pais entity.');
        }

        $editForm = $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity);

        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:edit.html.twig', array(
            'entity'      => $entity,
            'form'   => $editForm->createView(),

        ));
    }

    /**
    * Creates a form to edit a Pais entity.
    *
    * @param Pais $entity The entity
    *
    * @return \Symfony\Component\Form\Form The form
    */
    private function createEditForm(Pais $entity)
    {
        $form = $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity, array(
            'action' => $this->generateUrl('pais_update', array('id' => $entity->getId())),
            'method' => 'PUT',
        ));

        $form->add('submit', 'submit', array('label' => 'Update'));

        return $form;
    }
    /**
     * Edits an existing Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function updateAction(Request $request, $id)
    {
        $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();

        $entity = $em->getRepository('UbicacionBundle:Pais')->find($id);

        if (!$entity) {
            throw $this->createNotFoundException('Unable to find Pais entity.');
        }

        $editForm =  $this->createForm(new PaisType(), $entity);
        $editForm->handleRequest($request);

        if ($editForm->isValid()) {
            $em->flush();
            $this->get('session')->getFlashBag()->add(
                    'success', 'Pais Actualizado correctamente.'
            );

            return $this->redirect($this->generateUrl('pais_edit', array('id' => $id)));
        }

        return $this->render('UbicacionBundle:Pais:edit.html.twig', array(
            'entity'      => $entity,
            'form'   => $editForm->createView(),

        ));
    }
    /**
     * Deletes a Pais entity.
     *
     */
    public function deleteAction(Request $request, $id)
    {
        $form = $this->createDeleteForm($id);
        $form->handleRequest($request);

        if ($form->isValid()) {
            $em = $this->getDoctrine()->getManager();
            $entity = $em->getRepository('UbicacionBundle:Pais')->find($id);

            if (!$entity) {
                throw $this->createNotFoundException('Unable to find Pais entity.');
            }

            $em->remove($entity);
            $em->flush();
        }

        return $this->redirect($this->generateUrl('pais'));
    }

    /**
     * Creates a form to delete a Pais entity by id.
     *
     * @param mixed $id The entity id
     *
     * @return \Symfony\Component\Form\Form The form
     */
    private function createDeleteForm($id)
    {
        return $this->createFormBuilder()
            ->setAction($this->generateUrl('pais_delete', array('id' => $id)))
            ->setMethod('DELETE')
            ->add('submit', 'submit', array('label' => 'Delete'))
            ->getForm()
        ;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Appliances You Should Never Buy At Lowe's
Ancel Ct/Shutterstock
By Ron Baker/Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 10:51 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
If you are shopping for large appliances in person and there isn't a reputable regional appliance retailer near you, Lowe's has a reputation for a solid large appliance selection that CreditDonkey's research says was earned. It rated Lowe's highly on selection, delivery, and installation, and giving the store the highest possible rating on cost.
However, there's a broad consensus that regional appliance sellers have some real advantages over the national "big box" stores like Lowe's. Most observe that you'll get better service and more knowledgeable assistance at local stores, including repair services, delivery, and installation (via US News & World Report). The trouble is that in-stock selection and online presence can be hit-or-miss, and you might not have a large regional appliance store nearby to begin with (via USA Today). That means you might have to hit up a major home improvement store like Lowe's for your appliance shopping out of necessity. But since it isn't a specialized appliance seller, there are some categories you might want to avoid. Here's what to skip on your next major shopping trip.
Lowe's reputation
FabrikaSimf/Shutterstock
Despite Lowe's good reputation in appliances, the company gets extremely poor ratings from the Better Business Bureau (1.13 out of 5 stars) and Trustpilot (1.5 of 5). Surprisingly, a lot of this appears to be related to appliance sales. Analyzing a sampling of the complaints shows that 28% include the word "install," so if that pattern holds, it might indicate that a very high number of complaints are related to issues with installers (typically third parties to whom installation is outsourced). This seems to be at odds with the CreditDonkey ratings, but its rating methodology and the language of its review suggest this rating might be based more on company policies and not actual direct experience.
However, Lowe's reputation for reasonable pricing is sound, which is why people might keep returning. Because of price-matching policies, Lowe's pricing on appliances tends to be on par with competitors and is rated average, as are most national and regional stores. Haggling over price is a dimension of pricing that can make a meaningful difference. Although less than a quarter of buyers asked for a lower price, 64% of those who did received a discount at Lowe's for an average savings of $120 (via Consumer Reports). But even if you're not a haggler, you can expect average pricing at Lowe's. So, is all this a reason to avoid buying appliances at Lowe's? That depends on your needs and outlook. If you can install an appliance yourself, you might be better off doing that.
The selection at Lowe's
Joni Hanebutt/Shutterstock
Selection is a major consideration when choosing where to shop for items. We evaluated selection for many appliance categories by looking at the stock in 30 stores in five major metropolitan statistical areas: Atlanta, Denver, Miami, Philadelphia, and Phoenix. We also compared this available stock against ratings on consumer sites like Wirecutter and Consumer Reports, as well as against Amazon's picks and top-rated products.
While some home improvement competitors have historically focused on DIY project resources, Lowe's has long held an advantage in certain ready-to-use home goods and typically has a good selection of large appliances, says Appliance Analysts. But this falls off sharply when you look at smaller appliances in many categories. While you might find a great selection of stoves for your kitchen remodel, you might not be able to find as many options for things like microwaves or blenders in the big box store.
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While a company's delivery and shipping policies shouldn't necessarily affect whether you buy appliances there, it is certainly a consideration given the size and weight of many major appliances. On the whole, Lowe's delivery policies are slightly inferior to Home Depot's and marginally better than Sears'. According to Lowe's site, customers get free delivery on major appliances. Hauling away the old machine is free for Lowe's Pro customers; everyone else can expect to pay a $30 fee, according to most sources (via Bob Cut Magazine). Free basic appliance connection (often referred to as a "hookup") is also included for many appliances, but for most, the purchase of a new connection kit (consisting of new hoses, electrical cord, etc.) is required. Installation is available for an additional fee for appliances that tend to be more challenging to install, including built-in air conditioners, refrigerators, cooktops, dishwashers, drop-in ranges, over-the-range microwaves, surface units, wall ovens, gas dryers, and water heaters. All free delivery and connection services are only available for customers local to the store they select.
Home Depot's policies are essentially the same, promising free delivery on most major appliances and any purchases over $45 and appliance purchases over $396, including most major appliances. The machines that cross the free/fee line for Home Depot include built-in cooktops, built-in wall ovens, drop-in appliances or range hoods, and commercial or built-in refrigeration (via Home Depot). The base haul-away fee for old appliances is $25 (via Aisle of Shame).
Sears appears to generally offer inferior delivery terms. Standard delivery (without installation) is priced at $79.99, and the haul-away fee is shown as $10 per item on its Shipping page, but it varies by market and is $30 per item in a randomly selected market. Home delivery appears to include utility hookup (via Sears).
Appliance categories to avoid at Lowe's: Air fryers
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You should steer clear of a few appliances at Lowe's because the company appears to sell sub-par brands in those particular categories. There are many potential reasons for this: retailer relationships with the brands it sells, pricing of top-rated products, and the peculiarities of a particular market. Sometimes the reason isn't apparent and might not be knowable at all. And there's every reason to believe it is sometimes just temporary, as products and stock fluctuate over time.
Looking at a single example can be instructive. Lowe's air fryer stock is slim, and many Lowe's locations simply don't sell many (or any) models, even when they happen to stock other small kitchen appliances. While Lowe's can offer an expansive online selection of products they don't stock in most stores, sometimes even the website choices can be disappointing, and that's the case here. Of the models available from Lowe's, none are among the three products recommended by Wirecutter or the five recommended by Honest Product Reviews. However, three of the air fryers available on lowes.com were explicitly not recommended by Wirecutter.
It's not possible to know precisely why this has happened to Lowe's stock, but this does happen to be a rapidly developing market. In fact, Wirecutter still generally recommends convection toaster ovens in place of air fryers. Still, after four years of steadfastly refusing to recommend any air fryer, the site has now started giving the thumbs up on a few. As products improve, leading brands emerge, and major appliance recalls become less common, Lowe's stock may naturally improve.
Clearing the air about air purifiers
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Strategic partnerships with manufacturers can obviously affect the mix of stock available in stores, and not always for the better. This might explain the state of the air purifier selection at Lowe's, which favors 3M's Filtrete products almost exclusively, despite their relatively poor reputation. 3M is a major manufacturer of many products at Lowe's, including replacement filters for HVAC systems. The two companies have a fairly close business relationship, in which Lowe's named 3M one of its 2014 Vendor Partners of the Year. Given 3M's expertise in that space and their business relationship, you might expect Lowe's to carry some Filtrete air purifiers, which it does. However, it's surprising that Lowe's carries them almost exclusively.
In the 30 stores checked, Lowe's offered none of the air purifiers recommended by Wirecutter or Consumer Reports. Twenty-eight of those stores sold only Filtrete air purifiers. Five of the six Filtrete models are Lowe's exclusives (which further supports the idea of a partnership affecting stock), and two of these were tested by CR and explicitly not recommended. Of the two remaining stores, one carried a Honeywell RUVLAMP1, which was untested by CR and had no published clear air delivery rate (CADR), one of CR's criteria. The other store also sold the Honeywell RUVLAMP1 and Honeywell HPA200, which was also untested and had middling CADR certifications.
It's worth bearing in mind that ratings and review organizations — even those with ethical practices and good intentions — can't always reflect what's important to consumers. For example, the five Filtrete air purifiers offered on Amazon have an astounding average of 4.77 stars out of 5 (on 2633 ratings/reviews). If your goal is to simply like a product you've bought, it's hard to imagine doing much better than that.
Mixers & blenders: Stirring private brands into the mix
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Many stores sell store brands very successfully without limiting consumer choice; Walmart's Great Value brand is a good example of this, according to Century Label. But private brands can have a negative impact when they're all that the retailer stocks. Since store brands are rarely at the top of anyone's ratings, this can present a serious problem for consumers.
Take, for example, mixers and blenders. These are separate categories on Lowe's website, with immersion blenders categorized under hand mixers. Highland is not listed as a private brand in Lowe's 2021 annual report, but its product manuals identify the name as a trademark of LF, LLC, which is a Lowe's subsidiary that seems to be mostly involved with trademark protection (via Securities and Exchange Commission).
In four of the five metropolitan areas examined (South Philadelphia was the only exception), Lowe's featured Highland blenders and mixers to the exclusion of more established brands with more desirable features. The one exception was a $69.99 700-watt Ninja, which could be found in a few stores alongside a $17.99 300-watt Highland blender. This presumably marks the Ninja as a premium product, which typically is addressed to a different and smaller market segment than the Highland (via Fast Company). That is to say, these are not competing blenders.
Toasters, kettles, and the small appliance problem
The private brand problem appeared in several small kitchen appliance categories, in which Highland products were often the only ones available. Even where "competing" products are available, they are usually priced several times more than the private brand. In South Philadelphia locations, for example, the kettles in stock only included the $17.99 Highland model and a $79.99 Haden model.
It would appear that Lowe's is not the place to shop for small kitchen appliances in general. Based on the stock levels in 30 stores and five metro areas examined, the stores carry almost no competing small appliances other than private brand Highland products, other than a few Black & Decker mixers and blender models in Philadelphia. In the small appliances category, those stores stocked 22 Highland, three Ninja, three LoCo, four Black+Decker, and one Haden product. The Black+Decker and Haden products were only offered in Philadelphia, meaning that the remaining regions sold only Highland products, Ninja blenders, and LoCo fryers (which have no Highland competitors). The presence of Black+Decker tools in the Philadelphia-area locations might be explained by the presence of Stanley Black & Decker's 560-employee, 364,000-square-foot Allentown Engineered Storage Manufacturing Facility, located just outside of Philadelphia (via Stanley Black & Decker).
There are a couple of important caveats here: Because of the vagaries of supply chain issues, just-in-time delivery patterns, inventory practices, etc., a region could easily be out of many products at one time completely by coincidence. These are simply the findings at the time of writing, which is also a day you might have been shopping for small appliances. Furthermore, just because a store stocks only its private brands in certain categories doesn't necessarily mean it would stock competitors otherwise. It's entirely possible Lowe's would simply get out of the slow cooker market entirely, for example, if it weren't for the Highland model.
The big exceptions: When you should shop at Lowe's anyway
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Just because Lowe's doesn't currently have any outstanding products in stock doesn't make it a bad place to shop in that category. Sometimes highly rated products are (or seem to be) temporarily underrepresented at Lowe's stores. For example, of the 30 stores we checked, only one Consumer Reports-recommended gas dryer was in stock — it was in a single store in the Philadelphia area. But this is likely an anomaly given that the chain generally stocks high-quality dryers. Similarly, Lowe's carries some of the top brands in the dishwasher category, such as Bosch and KitchenAid, but doesn't currently stock any of the products rated highly by major reviewers like Consumers Union and Wirecutter. Obviously, while Lowe's stock changes frequently and some products become unavailable in general, publications don't necessarily (and shouldn't) change previous reviews to reflect this.
As noted above, Lowe's tends to do quite well in major appliance stock, so clearly, there's no systemic policy that drives out good appliances. Spot checking categories against Consumer Reports ratings, you'll find recommended products in many categories, such as cooktops, microwaves, and wall ovens, and CR-recommended brands in other categories, such as dishwashers. Gas dryers fared less well, with recommended products in only one of the 30 stores we checked ... which is likely a temporary situation (via Lowe's).
Wine fridges: Chill with the high-minded reviews
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Another big exception you should keep in mind has to do with reviews that don't reflect your needs. Sometimes it appears that Lowe's serves the wrong market for critically acclaimed products at the top of the ratings, but that doesn't mean you can't buy a great product there. This is an old problem for some categories: A retailer's selection of stereo components is, for example, rarely will include the extremely expensive top-rated receivers and amplifiers as identified by audiophiles.
One such category at Lowe's is beverage and wine chillers. If you evaluate Lowe's offerings based solely on wine refrigerator reviews, you'll find that Lowe's doesn't sell any of the only models recommended by Wirecutter, which cost between $1,199 and $2,295. Yet the 15 top-rated wine refrigerators at Amazon are all available for less than $340, while the 15 most expensive models at Amazon have no ratings and are priced from $3,728 to $8198. Of course, this doesn't mean the cheaper products are better, but it does indicate that purchasers are satisfied with them, and there's a good chance you will be, too. Of the six Lowe's chillers available on Amazon, the ratings range from 2.8 to 4.7 stars and average just over 4 stars. And DrinkStack is generally positive about Frigidaire's line of wine chillers, reviewing two of the three models we found in stock and concluding that they're good, though not great, choices.
So what's an appliance shopper to (never) do?
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Never means never. Or almost never. When you're advised to never buy a particular type of appliance at Lowe's, situations like natural disasters or, worse, family gatherings, aren't accounted for. If you've just been through a hurricane and the only generator left in your state is at Lowe's, disregard anyone's general advice about generator purchasing habits, if there is such a thing.
Similarly, when your entire family is gathering and expecting your challah, but your stand mixer is on the fritz, and Lowe's is the only mixer source nearby, go talk to a person in a blue vest. However, in most situations, you'll be better served by shopping elsewhere for appliances in these categories. Consumer advocate Clark Howard's site recommends Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for small appliance shopping. But every situation has its own demands, and given how easy it is now to check stock and reviews online, you can make these decisions on the fly, and on a case-by-case basis.


This is Carol Taggart's Typepad Profile.
I'm a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and Creative Consultant.
Thanks for the great idea - using MDS to create the centers for the bottle caps. I would love to see a video on how you designed those in MDS, too.
Great video, Angie. I've seen those little treat holders before, even made one or two, but your video is a wonderful resource and gave some fantastic tips, too. It inspires me to make some for Halloween!
Commented Aug 23, 2012 on 12 Weeks of Halloween Week 2 2012 at Chic' n Scratch Live!
Lovely work, as usual. i do enjoy visiting your blog every day and seeing your new creations. By the way, you missed mentioning the Stampin' Up! Tulip Frame embossing folder that you used on the second sample. Could you add that to your credits?
Sandi, the watercolored backgrounds on your cards is so striking! Very artistic indeed. Hope I can make mine look like that. My favorite tool is the Big Shot, but next would be the tabletop paper cutter. It's super sharp, light to carry, easy to store and take along when I stamp with friends.
Fantastic! I received my prize in the mail on Monday, and I thank you, thank you, thank you! And I appreciate the card you sent, too. It makes it so easy to see how it goes together. Now with your videos, it should be easy to do. My friends are excited about when we try it out during one of our stamping days together. Thanks, Karen.
WOW! That Iris Folding card took my breath away, it's so gorgeous. Love the pincushions, too. I'm actually making fabric items for a group meeting this month, and I'll be trying to use one of your ideas in addition to the ones I already have.
Hi Tammy. Your work is great! My favorite would have to be the four squares with the raspberries. It just strikes a chord with me, it's so pretty and feminine.
Lovely cards, Judy. I'll be saving those in my file for inspiration!
Tammy, your tour projects are great. Each one has pushed me closer and closer to buying that stamp set, and I think the calendar may well have pushed me over the edge! Love it.
It's beautiful, Maria. And so useful, too, for card makers to give card sets as gifts. Very timely! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a fun class! I have been sewing since I was 10, which was a really really long time ago ;-) I'd love to win the class. My hand-stitching is really rusty and needs a brush-up.
I DO recognize that stamp set. I just came across a really old card front yesterday - a Christmas wreath made with that set. It's time for me to upgrade/update my checkbook cover, too. Yours is very cheery and upbeat!
Blog Tour - SNEAK PEEK PRODUCTS!!
That Bashful Blue card is very elegant! Lovely.
First Ever SUDSOL Blog Tour!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the box with the big flower and striped ribbon - and Ruby Red is one of my favorites, too.
Judy, your projects are wonderful. That wedding page is to die for, though. Yes, your children and their spouses are all beautiful, and their mama has a right to be very proud indeed. Did you use smooch spray on that page? Love the frame you created, and the use of the bridal lace.
Welcome to the LNS Royal Blog Tour!
Wonderful samples, Rachel. Thanks for sharing them.
Julie, I loved your card (clean and pretty is my favorite) and saved it in my files to CASE. I finally got around to it yesterday. I'll be posting two variations of it on my blog tomorrow. I hope you'll check them out. I didn't like the way my tissue paper flowers turned out, so I just used the split cardstock ones instead.
I've dabbled some in jewelry making, but I would like to learn your tips on incorporating paper-crafting into the jewelry-making process. Sounds perfect.
New Online Course - "Flip, Flap, Pop & Slide Cards"
Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and the fabulous projects. I bought the die just knowing that there must be a lot of creative ideas for using it -- and there are!
Thanks for the great tutorial, Susan.
Check out this great video from Susan at Scrapy Land. She shows some freat ways to use your Big Shot with various dies from different companies.


Now you can order Surviving Terrorism, a book that spans "312 oversized, information-packed pages" and is supposedly filled with everything you need to know about how to survive a terrorist attack. The book's website even includes testimonials. How can there be testimonials when this book was published =after= 9/11 and there haven't been any other terrorist attacks since that would necessitate such a book? In fact, I checked the Anywho for a number of random names in the testimonials section and most of them turned up with no results. So are they quoting people who don't exist? Perhaps, but I did manage to find one person (I won't tell you who for their sake). The name on the testimonial was the only matching name on the Anywho, so I decided to call and ask if the testimonial was real. The person I spoke to was the person listed on the testimonial and they claimed to have written it. So statistically, only one in every five or six of their testimonials is real. Don't be fooled by imitations, you can't buy this book on Amazon.com! And how can this book be better than one written by the U.S. Marine Corps? Especially when there's such an amazing price difference. The Marine Corps book is $179.05 cheaper than Surviving Terrorism. But wait, what's this I spy? It looks like a secret page that allows you to purchase the same book for $97 instead of $199! What the hell is going on here? Moreover, if you decide not to order the book today, you can get a special 90-day money back guarantee instead of the standard 30-day. Plus, you get to keep the book if you ask for your money back. Why aren't they just giving these things away? Perhaps because they claim the information they'll send you is worth $429.96. The phrase that really sticks out in my mind is "Some People Will Think I'm Nuts … Including My Wife!" I've seen this on so many scams before it's not even funny. What's that saying about if something is too good to be true?
← How to get a $5 burger for $3.


text:
'Celebrate America' inaugural concert features ties to St. Louis region
Missouri COVID update: Case-fatality rate trickling down but ICU capacity at 21%
by: Kevin S. Held
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 / 03:28 PM CST / Updated: Nov 30, 2020 / 11:42 AM CST
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – While Missouri's case-fatality rate for COVID-19 trickles downward due to more people catching the virus and recovering, about 4 in 5 ICU beds remain occupied with seriously ill patients.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state has recorded 295,933 cumulative cases of SARS-CoV-2—an increase of 3,193 positive cases—and 3,823 total deaths as of Sunday, Nov. 29. That's a case-fatality rate of 1.29 percent.
Missouri COVID cases by month
March 1,327
April 6,235
May 5,585
June 8,404
July 28,772
August 34,374
September 41,416
October 57,073
November 112,747
(Source: Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services)
Please keep in mind that not all cases and deaths recorded occurred in the last 24 hours.
For comparative purposes, Missouri's COVID case-fatality rate was 1.65 percent on Oct. 31, 1.68 percent on Sept. 30, was 1.81 percent on August 31, 2.52 percent on July 30, and 4.71 percent at the end of June. In mid-May, the case-fatality rate was 5.5 percent. When COVID-19 was beginning to spread across the state in late March, the case-fatality rate was 1.33 percent.
The 10 days with the most reported cases have all occurred since Nov. 7.
The 7-day rolling average for cases in Missouri sits at 3,487; yesterday, it was 3,633. Exactly one month ago, the rolling average was 2,139.
Approximately 47.6 percent of all reported cases are for individuals 39 years of age and younger. The state has further broken down the age groups into smaller units. The 18 to 24 age group has 40,679 recorded cases, while 25 to 29-year-olds have 25,780 cases.
Missouri has administered 3,058,509 PCR tests for COVID-19 over the entirety of the pandemic and 83.6 percent of those tests have come back negative. People who have received multiple PCR tests are not counted twice, according to the state health department.
According to the state health department's COVID-19 Dashboard, "A PCR test looks for the viral RNA in the nose, throat, or other areas in the respiratory tract to determine if there is an active infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A positive PCR test means that the person has an active COVID-19 infection."
The Missouri COVID Dashboard no longer includes the deduplicated method of testing when compiling the 7-day moving average of positive tests. The state is now only using the non-deduplicated method, which is the CDC's preferred method.
That number is calculated using the number of tests taken over the period since many people take multiple tests. FOX2Now.com had been using the deduplicated method when reporting the positivity rate (the number of people tested, not total tests) over the 7-day period.
Under this new way of tabulating things, Missouri has a 19.4 percent positivity rate as of Nov. 26. Health officials exclude the most recent three days to ensure data accuracy when calculating the moving average.
As of Nov. 26, Missouri is reporting 2,654 COVID hospitalizations and a rolling 7-day average of 2,738. The remaining inpatient hospital bed capacity sits at 25 percent statewide. The state's public healthcare metrics lag behind by three days due to reporting delays. Keep in mind that the state counts all beds available and not just beds that are staffed by medical personnel.
Since Sept. 16, the rolling average for hospitalizations has been over 1,000. It's been over 2,000 since Nov. 9.
Across the state, 657 COVID patients are in ICU beds, leaving the state's remaining intensive care capacity at 21 percent.
Approximately 49.3 percent of all recorded deaths in the state are for patients 80 years of age and older.
If you have additional questions about the coronavirus, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is available at 877-435-8411.
As of Nov. 29, the CDC identified 13,142,997 cases of COVID-19 and 265,166 deaths across all 50 states and 9 U.S.-affiliated districts, jurisdictions, and affiliated territories, for a national case-fatality rate of 2.02 percent.
How do COVID deaths compare to other illnesses, like the flu or even the H1N1 pandemics of 1918 and 2009? It's a common question.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preliminary data on the 2018-2019 influenza season in the United States shows an estimated 35,520,883 cases and 34,157 deaths; that would mean a case-fatality rate of 0.09 percent. Case-fatality rates on previous seasons are as follows: 0.136 percent (2017-2018), 0.131 percent (2016-2017), 0.096 percent (2015-2016), and 0.17 percent (2014-2015).
The 1918 H1N1 epidemic, commonly referred to as the "Spanish Flu," is estimated to have infected 29.4 million Americans and claimed 675,000 lives as a result; a case-fatality rate of 2.3 percent. The Spanish Flu claimed greater numbers of young people than typically expected from other influenzas.
Beginning in January 2009, another H1N1 virus—known as the "swine flu"—spread around the globe and was first detected in the US in April of that year. The CDC identified an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths; a 0.021 percent case-fatality rate.
by Chris Six / Jan 20, 2021
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Governor Mike Parson announced Wednesday that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri National Guard will work together to distribute vaccines across the state.
In a press conference Wednesday, Parson said there will be a mass vaccination team assigned to each of the Missouri State Highway Patrol regions.
by Kevin S. Held / Jan 20, 2021
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Nearly 200 additional deaths were added to Missouri's COVID death total on Wednesday.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state has recorded 441,789 cumulative cases of SARS-CoV-2—an increase of 1,592 positive cases—and 6,461 total deaths as of Wednesday, Jan. 20, up 198 from yesterday. That's a case-fatality rate of 1.46%.
ST. LOUIS - After months of waiting for the vaccine, the race is on to vaccinate as many people across the nation as possible. The massive undertaking is being complicated by the struggle to meet supply with demand. FOX 2 spoke to several area leaders to help the community navigate the confusing process.
Dr. Randall Williams, the director of Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services, says the state has been receiving 80,000 vaccines a week. He said Missouri has 2 percent of the nation's population so the state receives 2 percent of all the available vaccine.
More local COVID-19 maps and stats
News / 1 min ago


An opportunity has arisen to join a global company who is currently undergoing a fundamental procurement transformation across their global procurement team, with an ambition to become the best in class procurement function.
This Procurement Change Manager role can be based in several locations, Hull, Milton Keynes, Twickenham or Reading.
The initial focus of this role will be supporting the significant transformation the company is going through, with the expectation that this will not become stable until mid 2019.
Once this is stable, the role will be focussed on strategic programmes of change as directed by Global MD's. These programmes will be varied - covering organisations projects, harmonisation projects, and standarsation. You will work to role out and implement all strategies across Europe.
This role will be senior in nature and deputise to the European Director for this Business area, as well as having frequent interaction with the European CPO, and attending senior leadership meetings.
Have demonstrable success and proven experience in procurement.
You will be a natural influencer, with the ability to work with C level execs.
You will be a practitioner of procurement - but have a real forward thinking attitude, a positive attidue to change - and have the means to make that happen.
If you are interested in furthering your career, and being part of creating a best in class procurement function, then please do get in touch about the Procurement Change Manager - £80K role by calling 01483 212183.


Turning 55? Our 55th gifts are a reminder of the beginning of a new era. Think about the birth year 1960. The birth control pill went on sale for the first time. We offer a diverse group of 55th birthday gift ideas to help you fit the right gift to the person you are buying it for. Our anniversary gifts 55th bring out memories of a time just the way you remember it.
These 1960 greeting cards can accompany your 55th gifts as a nice sideline gift. You can write a message on this greeting card that has classic pictures and trivia on it.


Business requirements gathering (BRG) is a critical and often overlooked step in a software evaluation and technology selection process. Understanding what your systems currently deliver and the key objectives of a new technology acquisition—is essential to realizing a successful IT investment. Here is a best practice approach you can use to ensure proper requirements gathering for your enterprise software selection project.
Manage your entire selection project using SelectHub's technology selection management platform.
Business requirements gathering is the first step in creating "As Is" and "Future" states.
Often, BRG is combined with standard operation procedures and practices (SOP)—but all too often, BRG is not documented very well—leading to poor solution choices. For your software evaluation, BRG provides the framework for your SOP. When preparing for an enterprise software selection your organization must assess its current state and where you may want to go. BRG is the first step in creating the "As Is" and "Future" state for a functional and technical SOP document.
Let's talk about BRG best practices. When creating business requirements documents there are several approaches to gathering the information, documenting in a structured methodology, definition and prioritization of current and future needs and differentiation between needs and wants are several areas to focus on. These components encourage accuracy and ensure a complete and balanced document for organizations to present to vendors in an RFx or purchase process.
Vendors then conduct their business process mapping to match their features/functions to your organization's specific practices and configure the system to maximize your organizational processes. Take advantage of RequirementsHub to expertly create and manage your requirements project.
The following is an approach describing how to create a proper structure for gathering corporate business requirements. This structure provides a framework that can be replicated for each business process.
There are several dozen methods and frameworks to gather business requirements such as TOGAF, ZACHMAN FRAMEWORK, AGILE etc. Since most of them pertain to building products we will stick to techniques that can be used to solicit business requirements within an enterprise software selection process. The key outcome in this exercise to fully document every step of a workflow, business process and task. This attention to detail will simplify the RFX process later and also assist the vendor in proper and optimal system configuration once a software is selected.
Focus Groups within the company – a group of users that perform specific duties and tasks that can be polled to ascertain their duties, functions and system interactions within the company.
Business Requirements – This comprises the business objectives, how they are currently executed and what you want the system to accomplish in the future (creating the "As Is" and "Future" states).
User Requirements – The functional and technical requirements that employees utilize when using company systems to complete their job on a daily basis.
System Requirements – This represents the system integrations, inputs and outputs to existing systems and what requirements are needed currently, in the future and integrations between systems. Deeper investigation into this process reveals the interoperability requirements for systems all system to communicate properly.
Wants & Needs – This represents the operations and tasks and workflows in terms of features/functions that the organization requires. Wants are desired features/functions that do not currently exist but that employees would like.
As Is – This represents the current state of operations and practices used by the business and workers to support the business today.
Future – Refers to possible functionality that may be required to facilitate growth, adapt to changing business models and agility for data and portability purposes to enable different deployment models.
Prioritization – There are three dimensions as to how to prioritize an operation or feature/function. The first dimension is to rank and rate a specific feature/function with respect to another, the second dimension is its priority in supporting the business. The third dimension is the overall importance of where this fits organizationally. When prioritizing criteria, using this approach will provide perspective as to the actual want versus need debate.
Task – An individual component defined as any piece of work.
Process – A series of tasks that comprise a particular outcome.
Workflow – A series of processes that comprise a definable end.
Combining all the above components will create a solid framework to compose your BRG document. A best practice approach is to understand how each task creates a process, then where it fits into the workflow organizationally. All the while considering the priority of business function as to how important it is to support the business. Inclusion of business functions, user requirements needed to execute processes and workflows on a daily basis, how the system is used in terms of inputs, outputs and data usage are all components that need to be considered when creating the BRG spec.
A manageable approach is to dissect each business function, document it both functionally and technically starting from a high level, then working through the details of the process, then once the workflow is created, prioritize the importance of that operation. It is imperative that all processes be documented fully including the exceptions.
The BRG document includes practices carried out within the course of business that may not be executed daily but once in a while, such as closing the books at the end of period or a returns (reverse logistics) process etc. Adding the exceptions to current "As Is" processes also assists in defining the "future" state as the new system should be able to satisfy the need as it is required to support the business.
Then to complete the document try to project what features/functions may be required should your business change, grow and adapt to changing customer needs and business practices. This last step will create the "Future" state of the BRG document.
Using the BRG techniques listed above will provide an approach to gathering the information, then combining the BRG Methodology Framework provides the know-how as to a proper and complete functional and technical SOP document.
Use this free business intelligence requirements template.
Use this free ERP requirements template.
By applying the requirement gathering techniques from above creates a hierarchical structure. This must be applied to every business process and possibly flowcharted to highlight the organizational workflows and the importance of the operation to the company.
Once the needs and wants are defined, a further classification of assigning a current or future requirement, then prioritizing the importance of the requirement is required.
There are certain tips and tricks that ease the creation of the BRG document. We have three tips to assist you in the creation of an effective BRG document.
To avoid unnecessary confusion down the road, it is important to define to purpose of requirements gathering to the selection team as well as the individuals involved in the process. It is imperative for the organization to understand the importance of this process and the consequences of not getting it right. More often than not, internal resources tend to overlook this process which creates a lack of commitment for the project, culminating to inaccurate results as well as large gaps within your RFX. The gaps are often caused by a miscommunication, omission, or lack of proper two-way collaboration. This can result in an organization not being able to fully utilize the system optimally, may cause discontent and low corporate adoption when the new system is implemented.
Requirements are perceived differently by individuals within an organization. Companies have a very difficult time writing a business process and/or articulating a requirement, mainly because they were never required to do so. A good exercise is to provide a template or an example of a defined requirement. For example, is the requirement a defined business process, a necessary feature or a specific functionality as it relates to your business. This will make the process easier and avoid less back and forth activity to clarify requirements.
Organizations tend to try and solve what they think is needed before the actual definition is completed and the problem actually defined. They may not fully understand what's wrong or what is required and a potential solution is offered. Asking the correct questions and forming consensus beforehand can often cause incongruity and possibly not cover the initial business concern. Let the entire BRG process takes its course in identifying and highlighting the real issues by completing the individual components of each task, process and workflow.
There are a few caveats when creating a BRG document. Highlighted are a few areas to more closely examine when creating the documentation.
The idea of a new technology entering an organization often creates an anxiety for better processes. This results in overzealous requests and unrealistic expectations from an enterprise software solution. Companies and individuals often convey a "want" over their "need" when looking at business or enterprise software solutions. Placing a "want" over a "need" will create a very different picture of your organization from the software vendors point of view. The wants will shape the solution put forth by the vendor and may not include the original requirement thereby not satisfying the organizational criteria.
This creates a very unrealistic RFI. The problem with this approach is that a vendor is chosen based on the premise that their solution will fit your "wants" not your "needs". This creates a disconnect between stakeholders, decisions makers and vendors and wide gap between expectations.
The implementation and utilization of the software are very different from your initial expectations. Prioritization of your requirements is very important because it allows the solution provider to know what requirements are more important to your organization. BRG are often created as just the current state of affairs and the future state is rarely documented or considered which often confuses a need and a want.
Within a software evaluation the requirements gathering process is commonly susceptible to scope creep or requirement creep. More often than not, the results are inaccurate definitions, false prioritization, overlooked business processes and requirements. The result of this can distort a software vendor's understanding of your operations and needs.
There are several ways to avoid scope creep within the requirements gathering process of a software evaluation. A common approach is to use PMI methodology to manage this portion of the project as a mini project within the larger scope of the software selection. Following the initiation, planning, execution, controlling and closing of each business process will quickly establish a structure to follow. This creates entire end-to-end workflows that are incorporated and added to the other workflows to create the overall business structure.
Defining the purpose of requirements gathering is essential, this provides clear guidelines for internal resources to follow and gives them an understanding of their responsibilities within the process. This assists in illustrating the importance of how the employee fits within the process and the organization. Documenting your requirements and processes is one of the most important components within a software evaluation process. Controlling the requirements gathering process goes back to your method. If you have a systematic method to define and prioritize your requirements it can substantially avoid scope creep. Conversely, not providing full disclosure to the vendor can also lead to a lack of functionality expected when the software is implemented.
Once your business requirements document is created this provides the next step as to the creation of the RFI or RFP that will be issued to the vendor. The vendor then uses the RFI to match and business process map the required elements from your organization to its software, how it will be configured and which features/functions/modules may be required.
The techniques and approaches utilized above provides an easy foundation to create a polished and complete document to serve as the basis of the RFX and then the vendor demonstration scripts. This is the importance of getting the BRG document correct. Using the recommended approach ensures a thorough analysis of exploring current and future business requirements and provides the data to complete an RFI which is the next phase of the software evaluation project.


text:
import React from "react";
import {Actions, Component} from "jumpsuit";
import {Button, ButtonGroup} from "semantic-ui-react";
import {
  canBackwardSelector,
  canForwardSelector,
  solutionSelector
} from "../selectors";

const setStepIndex = (stepIndex) => {
  Actions.setStepIndex({
    stepIndex, stopPlaying: true,
  });
};

const Playback = Component({
  render() {
    return (
      <ButtonGroup fluid>
        <Button icon="fast backward"
                disabled={!this.props.canBackward}
                onClick={setStepIndex.bind(null, 0)}/>
        <Button icon="backward"
                disabled={!this.props.canBackward}
                onClick={setStepIndex.bind(null, this.props.stepIndex - 1)}/>
        <Button icon={this.props.isPlaying ? "pause" : "play"}
                disabled={!this.props.canForward}
                onClick={Actions.togglePlayback}/>
        <Button icon="forward"
                disabled={!this.props.canForward}
                onClick={setStepIndex.bind(null, this.props.stepIndex + 1)}/>
        <Button icon="fast forward"
                disabled={!this.props.canForward}
                onClick={setStepIndex.bind(null, this.props.lastStepIndex)}/>
      </ButtonGroup>
    );
  }
}, (state) => ({
  stepIndex: state.simulation.stepIndex,
  lastStepIndex: solutionSelector(state).length - 1,
  isPlaying: state.simulation.isPlaying,
  canForward: canForwardSelector(state),
  canBackward: canBackwardSelector(state),
}));

export default Playback;


text:
Mr. Mom
After Jack is informed that his job has been furloughed, his wife goes to work at an advertising agency. Their three young kids are left with Jack, who must get accustomed to vacuuming, soap operas, school drop-offs, grocery stores and flirty moms.
Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Fred Koehler, Taliesin Jaffe, Martin Mull, Ann Jillian, Jeffrey Tambor, Christopher Lloyd
Stan Dragoti
Comedy, Spoofs and Satire, Blockbusters
DVD • Streaming
French, Spanish (Neutral)
Parents need to know that though this comedy is rated PG, features kids, and has little to no cursing, it's fairly racy. A divorcee targets a married man and flashes her cleavage, a boss hits on his married employee, and Jack and his housewife friends see a male stripper show. There's plenty of smoking and drinking, though in a social context appropriate for the time period.
No sex or nudity, but plenty of flirtation and risqué overtures. A divorcee wears low-cut blouses and hits on Jack, and later appears in lingerie during a dream sequence. Caroline's boss aggressively hits on her wearing a robe. A brief scene of Chippendales dancing at a strip club in leather underwear; a woman rushes the stage.
Men lunge at their boss when they are laid off. Jack throws the phone in a fit of anger.
Some mild swearing, including "crap" and "jerk."
There are a few tricky situations when spouses flirt with others. But for the most part, the main characters' marriage is solid and they want to do right by their kids.
Plenty of product placement, especially cleaning products such as Tide, Clorox, and Borax. Jack is partial to Miller Lite beer. Caroline works on an ad campaign for a fake tuna fish company, Schooner Tuna. Frequent viewings of The Young and the Restless.
No drugs, but plenty of smoking in the boardroom. As he gets more bored with the situation, Jack begins to drink beer during the day, often while watching soap operas.


text:
Son Seals
"Seals' guitar style is built on soul, speed, intensity and an unflagging sense of timing and blues invention. [He'll] take a note and torture it, attacking a lick and repelling it five different ways, building power as he goes."
-- Guitar World
"Seals, always the most brooding of Chicago bluesmen, reaches down and pulls up performances of the most profound emotion...one of the genre's most soulful exorcists."
-- Musician
"Seals' sound is all Chicago barroom grit, just as much rhythm as blues, with a little rock 'n' roll and a lotta soul. He's unbeatable live. Nobody in the business plays with as much grueling intensity."
-- Option
"Seals' tough vocals and emotional guitar resonate with the power of his blues...soaring guitar runs, passionate vocals...contemporary Chicago blues by one of its premier practitioners."
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"His deep, gruff, hard-edged voice perfectly matches the acid bite of his bad ax, which sometimes moves up into Albert Collins overdrive, sometimes down for a peck of chicken scratch. His guitar work is searing and expressive...he strikes with no-holds-barred ferocity."
-- Down Beat
"Hard-driving...smoldering...boisterous...explores the boundaries of modern blues guitar ... growling, aggressive vocals...forceful, slashing guitar playing."
-- Blues Revue
"Seals is responsible for the most challenging, ambitious Chicago blues going....Ominous vocals, jazzy fluidity and dashes of the blaring rhythm-and-blues horns that are his trademark. Seals guitar playing is always expressive...he still blows away the competition."
-- Philadelphia Inquirer
"A bluesman with conviction. His vocals are rough and gritty...searing guitar work. Seals wears his emotions on his sleeve and packs a powerful punch with his playing and singing."
"Searing and expressive...Seals strikes with no-holds-barred ferocity"
"Seals carves guitar licks like a chain saw through solid oak and sings like a grainy-voiced avenging angel."
Son Seals will always be regarded as one of Chicago's--and the blues'--greatest artists. From his debut recording, when he burst on the scene as a fully formed and mature artist, up to his last recordings, his stature as a leading blues voice grew with each new album he released. His untimely death in December 2004 robbed the blues of a major voice.
When guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Frank "Son" Seals unleashed his debut Alligator recording in 1973, his feral guitar work, scorching vocals and innovative songwriting immediately marked him as one of the major blues voices of his generation. At the time, many young blues players were simply covering the popular blues standards of the day. But Son was an original, writing most of his own material and playing his guitar with a fierce, raw intensity matched only by his ferocious vocals. Born in Osceola, Arkansas in 1942, Seals grew up immersed in the blues. His childhood home was a few rooms in the back of his father Jim's juke joint, The Dipsy Doodle (famous for blues in the front and dice in the back). With musicians like Sonny Boy Williamson, Albert King and Robert Nighthawk playing within earshot of his bed nearly every night, Son knew the blues before he began walking. Even with all the great bluesmen around the house, Son's father Jim was his greatest inspiration. Jim Seals had played piano, trombone, guitar and drums, touring with the famed Rabbit Foot Minstrels, the training ground of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Because he was such a well-known musician, Jim was able to draw some of the biggest names to perform at his little club. When Son decided at an early age to become a musician like his father, Jim made sure Son would learn to do things right. "My father taught me everything from the start," Son recalls. "Tuning the guitar, fingering. Where I wanted to be riffing around all up and down the neck right away, he'd keep me on one chord for hours, until I could feel in it in my sleep. I'd get up the next morning, grab the guitar, and I'd be right on that chord."
By the time he was 13, Seals was an accomplished drummer, backing many of the artists who came through The Dipsy Doodle. At 18 he was leading his own band as a guitarist during the week and playing drums behind whomever was playing at his father's club on the weekends. Seals hit the road playing guitar with Earl Hooker in 1963, and soon after that as a drummer with Albert King (with whom he recorded the seminal Stax album Live Wire/Blues Power). He moved to Chicago in 1971 and began jamming with everyone from Junior Wells to Hound Dog Taylor to James Cotton and Buddy Guy. After Hound Dog Taylor's Alligator debut album hit and he began touring, Son took over Hound Dog's regular weekend gigs at The Expressway Lounge on Chicago's South Side.
Seals' debut album, The Son Seals Blues Band, established him as a groundbreaking new blues artist. Son's audience base grew as he began to tour, playing colleges, clubs and festivals across the country. His 1977 album, Midnight Son, was his true breakthrough. The album received widespread acclaim from every major music publication. Rolling Stone called it "one of the most significant blues albums of the decade." Robert Palmer, writing in The New York Times, called Son "the most exciting young blues guitarist and singer in years."
On the strength of Midnight Son, Seals began what would become regular tours of Europe, and he even appeared in a national television ad for Olympia beer. A strong series of six more successful Alligator releases followed through the 1980s and 1990s, growing Son's audience from a few hundred into many thousands. He became a favorite of critics everywhere. "Excellent modern blues," exclaimed Blues & Rhythm. Musician declared Seals delivered "performances of the most profound emotion...one of the genre's most soulful exorcists." But it wasn't just the critics. Fellow musicians -- from inside and outside of the blues world -- took notice of Seals' immense talents. Seals shared stages with icons like B.B. King and Johnny Winter. Even the popular rock group Phish came calling, covering Seals' "Funky Bitch" on record and inviting the bluesman to join them on stage at many of their tour stops.
Son's reputation as a charismatic live performer and a fiercely individual songwriter took him from playing in small clubs to headlining international blues festivals. Over the course of his eight Alligator albums, Seals emerged as one of Chicago's -- and the world's -- greatest bluesmen, and one of the genre's most powerful live performers. From his introduction as a hot young firebrand in 1973 to becoming a leading voice of Chicago blues, Son Seals blazed a blues trail that others will follow for years to come.
1973 The Son Seals Blues Band (Alligator)
1976 Midnight Son (Alligator)
1978 Live And Burning (Alligator)
1980 Chicago Fire (Alligator)
1984 Bad Axe (Alligator)
1991 Living In The Danger Zone (Alligator)
1994 Nothing But The Truth (Alligator)
1996 Live--Spontaneous Combustion (Alligator)
2000 Lettin' Go (Telarc)
2002 Deluxe Edition (Alligator)
Son Seals - Deluxe Edition
Son Seals Live Spontaneous Combustion
Nothing But The Truth
Living In The Danger Zone
Live And Burning
Midnight Son
The Son Seals Blues Band
Blues Deluxe Guitar Masters
Limited Edition SON SEALS Screen-Printed, 18x24 Poster
Publicity photo of Son Seals
Son Seals Chicago Blues Guitar DVD
Son Seals Tee


The design of this rocker is patented and may not be rebuilt by anyone else. Also the name "rainbow rocker" is a registered Trademark.
Sowohl der 4 Jährige und auch die 1 Jährige finden die Wippe super!
Tolles Teil. Die Verarbeitung ist super.
The right of withdrawal does not apply to contracts for the supply of goods that are made to customer specifications or clearly tailored to personal needs or that are not suitable for their return due to their nature or can spoil quickly or their expiration date would be exceeded.


It's a remarkable time in the insurance industry. Looking around at other major industries — retail, banking, manufacturing — it's easy to see the changes that disruptors and technology have brought about. Yet in many ways it hasn't hit home for insurance carriers.


text:
Akon Supports Nick Cannon Fathering Multiple Children With Different Women
"That's how life is supposed to be."
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Akon has expressed support for Nick Cannon's decision to have multiple children with multiple women during a new interview.
In a conversation on The Zeze Millz Show, the "Locked Up" singer shared his opinion on the growing Cannon family.
"I agree with him 1,000 percent. That's how life is supposed to be," remarked the 49-year-old. "Why not? He's rich. He's responsible. He takes care of every one of those children. And the baby mothers are with it. And they hurt for nothing. And they live comfortably."
After host Zeze Millz pointed out that financial support is not the only factor in fatherhood, Akon fired back, "He's there for every one of them. He's there for every single one of those kids. I got nine [kids] and I'm there for every one of mine."
Akon poses in the winners room during the MTV EMAs 2019 at FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre on November 03, 2019 in Seville, Spain. Kate Green/Getty Images for MTV
Nick Cannon Reflects On Late Son Zen Amid Recent Hospitalization
"So every single time, you're at every single recital?" Millz asked the musician.
"No, that's a white man's thing. Who gives a f**k about a recital?" Akon responded. "No, seriously. Listen, my job is to raise my kids, to be responsible, to be understanding, to protect their mother, to give a hand with their father, and to assist with family planning, and to be responsible adults … Now guess what? While I'm taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that. But my responsibility is to make sure they grow up responsible and strong."
He added, "You can't expect a man to conquer the world if he's there with his children."
Although Akon has high hopes for the Wild N Out creators' parenting, Cannon himself opened up about feeling guilty and "spread thin," during an episode of Paramount+'s The Checkup with Dr. David Agus.
"Being a father of multiple kids, it's always the biggest guilt on me is that I don't get to spend enough time with all my children," he detailed, according to Buzzfeed.
Nick Cannon attends The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective, MusiCares And Universal Hip Hop Museum Host Hip Hop & Mental Health: Facing The Stigma Together at The GRAMMY Museum on June 25, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
The Masked Singer host is the dad to 11-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan with ex-wife Mariah Carey. He shares sons Golden (5 years old) and Rise (11 weeks old) and daughter Powerful (2 years old), with Brittany Bell. With Abby De La Rosa, the comedian shares daughter Beautiful (1 month) and 18-month-old twins Zion and Zillion.
Cannon also shares a 5-month-old son Legendary with model Bre Tiesi and a daughter Onyx, 5 months, with LaNisha Cole. He and Alyssa Scott's first child, son Zen, tragically died from brain cancer at 5 months old in December 2020. He and Scott are currently expecting another child.